One of my favorite things is when friends ask me to help them shop. Similarly, when someone asks for my opinion about whether or not they should buy something, I'm honest. After all, they didn't take the time to text me links for me to lie to them. When taking a peek at someone's shopping cart, I often find too many flash-in-the-pan, trendy items and too many similar items. So when a friend recently asked me for help narrowing down their H&M, Zara, and J.Crew carts, I knew exactly how to lend my services.
These three retailers make so many great things, but when brands have such a large inventory like these do, being picky is necessary. And luckily, I am. So, if you're wondering what I put in my friend's cart from each site, keep scrolling to find out and shop with us.
H&M
H&M
Linen-Blend Pants
These sell out every summer, so you should probably get them now.
H&M
Straw Flats
They look so expensive.
H&M
Ramie Strappy Top With Pintucks
Something this pretty for under $50 is a small miracle.
H&M
Fringe-Trimmed Midi Skirt
Such a cool and easy way to wear the fringe trend.
H&M
Crochet-Look Strappy Top
You'll wear this so much—trust me.
H&M
Straw Cowboy Hat
This is *the* accessory trend everyone is wearing with swimsuits.
H&M
Cotton Shorts With Drawstring
Ordering these in every color is seriously tempting.
H&M
Peplum Strappy Top
This would look so chic with a slim black skirt or black cigarette pants.
H&M
Flip-Flops
I can't get over how elevated these look.
H&M
Cotton Skirt With Eyelet Embroidery
I like this so much better than my plain white midi skirts.
H&M
Knit Shorts
If you zoom in, you'll see that these are actually crocheted, so that $18 price point sounds even better.
Zara
Zara
Rib T-Shirt
The most essential of the summer wardrobe essentials.
Zara
ZW Collection Draped Midi Dress
Just add a pair of kitten-heel flip-flops.
Zara
Knit Mini Skirt
It also comes in yellow and baby blue.
Zara
Satin-Effect Flower Sandals
These pretty sandals will actually go with so many things.
Zara
ZW Collection 100% Linen Midi Skirt
This look so chic with flat sandals.
Zara
ZW Collection Limited Edition 100% Suede Jacket
Four words: butter yellow suede jacket.
Zara
Perforated Embroidery Shorts
Most of the shorts like this that I've come across are four times the price.
Zara
Pleated Pants ZW Collection
Just a really good pair of summer pants.
Zara
Linen Vest
For wearing with the aforementioned pants or denim.
Zara
ZW Collection Denim Shorts
As polished and elegant as denim shorts get.
ZARA
Peep-Toe Heels
This is the best pair of affordable peep-toe shoes I've seen.
J.Crew
J.Crew
Lace-Trim Squareneck Tank Top in Linen
The only reason I haven't ordered this myself yet is because I can't decide on a color.
Allyson is a senior editor forBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing
. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories forBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing
. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater arts. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.