 H&M 640 Fifth Ave., at 51st St. 212-489-0390 |
vs. |
 Forever 21 4 Union Sq. S., nr. 14th St. 212-228-0598 |
| The Shopping Experience | |
| Long, disorganized lines for the fitting rooms and the checkout. Jamming dance music helps lower the frustration level. | A calmer environment. But scarcity of smaller sizes can necessitate stripping a mannequin. |
| The Prizes | |
| H&M’s prices can reach into the hundreds. New items usually go on sale after about a month. | Prices stay comfortably low. Markdowns are less common than at H&M, but when a coat costs $60, who needs sales? |
| The Style | |
| The current collection favors graphic colors and moddish cuts. H&M can't be beat for its reliable black cocktail dresses. In March, a collaboration with Madonna will draw swarms. | Forever 21 also favors cute and colorful designs. Clothes are especially youthful and trendy (H&M has more for cautious dressers). But bags and jewelry don’t conceal their cheapness and should be avoided. |
| the find | |
| This seventies floral-print cap-sleeve dress, $49.90, has a flattering easy-breezy cut. | The lined wool pinafore, a mere $27.80, can be worn casually or dressed up. |
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