Uh, no, actually.

I'm not going to get into the ethics of buying clothing from 3rd world countries.  I don't know enough about H&M's distribution to criticize them on that level.  For all I know, they're wonderful to the people who make their clothing.  But what I will say is that shopping for tops at chain stores and having them constantly wear out within a few months and never having a good fit on them made me wary of spending $50+ on one from any retailer.  When I say I was spoiled from shopping at the mall, I don't just mean it's because the cost is cheap.  The cheap quality is what really spoils it.  But after reading so many positive reviews about PUG's tops, I thought that it was worth a shot.  My mom loves separates, and since I wasn't sure how I felt about spending the money on a top for myself, for a gift for her it was fine.  The Joanie seemed like just the right item.  I have the discontinued dress version of this top, and I love the rolled collar on it and the fit of the bodice.  After reading about how comfortable it is and getting some great info from the fans on Facebook, I went with the navy for her.  Since we're about the same size (XS), I tried it on to make sure that the fit would be fine and that she'd have no difficulties with it (she has a lot of issues with her hands and movement in general so ease of use is essential).  Aaaaand then I immediately bought one for myself.  It is that good!  The back zip going from the bottom to the middle of the shoulder blades ensures a smooth fit and it is super easy to get on and off.  And the fabric is warm and really does mould to the wearer's shape.  It reminds me a bit of the grey sweater that Audrey Hepburn wears at the very end of Breakfast at Tiffany's, which she has paired with some pants.  It can be dressed up with a skirt, or worn a la Audrey with some fitted jeans/pants for a relaxed but classy look.  I eventually got it in red as well, and as I'm writing this I'm wondering why I don't have it in grey, too!  The size charts are spot on, and the bust can accommodate a wide range of sizes thanks to the magical fabric used.  This is the perfect fall weather top, and works great in the winter, too (you can throw a cardigan over it if you get chilly and it doesn't take away from the look).  Oh, and yes, my mom was very happy with hers as well :)

Going along with the cooler weather tops is the Jeanie.  It finally came back in stock a few months ago and won't be coming back so snatch one up now while you still can!  I personally find this top to be even warmer than the Joanie.  It's lined so that the lurex fabric won't rub against your skin, but the lurex is actually quite smooth.  The collar was what sold me on this style.  Paired with a full skirt, it's a true vintage look with modern comfort.  One thing that surprised me was that the color (I have the baby pink) isn't a solid color, but rather a range of different pinks, giving it even more interest and really making the silver threads running through blend in seamlessly.  I've had cheap lurex before, and I hate it when it looks like you just have bits of Christmas tinsel stuck in your top.  The Jeanie doesn't have that problem.  It runs a bit larger than the Joanie, esp. in the bust, so keep that in mind.  I wear an undershirt with mine, so that the looser neckline on my small bust won't reveal all to the world.  The pink is also more of a deep baby pink rather than the berry-rose on PUG's website.  All in all, I'm happy that I was able to get my hands on one of these before it's gone forever!

I know we're all headed into fall here on this side of the world, but that's no excuse for not considering the must-have Vamp top.  I've already written about my love for all things Vamp, but I'll say it again.  The amount of work put into this top far exceeds the price, and if you want a top that will give you killer cleavage, this is it.  I have the tiger and peach ones, and I noticed that the peach does have a tighter fit to it, but unless you're already past what it says on the size chart, I wouldn't size up unless you do want a looser fit.  The padded bust means that a bra isn't necessary unless you're like me and you won't leave the house without one.  And the adjustable straps get raved about every time for good reason.  With a flick of the wrist, you can customize the fit to your liking and go out the door knowing that you look fabulous.  And these tops also run longer than most other tops so you can wear it tucked in or out of your skirt or pants. GET ONE!

And of course, if you want to show off the girls but you also want to cover up your arms, there is the Doris.  Now, I really held off on getting this one because so many fellow small-busted ladies said that they didn't fit the fit flattering.  I disagree.  If you buy the top with the expectation that you're going to look like Gia with her out of this world curves, you're not.  Because only Gia looks like Gia.  You're going to look like you... a really gorgeous and head-turning you.  This is not a top for modesty, though with a camisole or undershirt in a contrasting color (if you wear the same color it will take away from the beautiful neckline), you can make it work-friendly.  I have it in the XS and even with my small bust, I have no problem filling this top out.  I have the black which is very fitted, so pay close attention to the size chart.  At the Ladies Night Out Event in Burbank last Friday I spoke a bit with Laura, Supreme Overlord, who told me a bit about how certain patterns/colors run smaller.  Black is generally going to be the most fitted since it requires the most dye to get the color right.  Dark colors in general are going to run smaller, since they require more saturation.  So keep that in mind when deciding on color.  The Doris top also had the famous zip up from the bottom zipper, which makes getting it on and off a breeze.  My one criticism is that I wish it was a bit longer to wear untucked with a pair of jeans.  This top is best tucked into a high-waisted skirt or pants, but fortunately, PUG has plenty of those!  And yes, it does look wonderful with the Doris skirt, as you can see from the website's photos.  So don't be afraid of this top if you are smaller-busted.  Just remember that it will emphasis what you do have, and be proud of that :)

One of my favorite tops construction-wise is the Sean top (and apologies for the wrinkled nature of mine in this photo).  I haven't heard much talk about this in a while, but don't overlook this style.  The small details on this are what make it stand out.  The collar is unique, and the seaming and darts throughout the entire piece are extensive and thoughtful.  This top gives definition to the bust without being obvious about it, something that I fully support since I hate shapeless work wear but I know that I can't exactly go around with the attitude of "LOOK, BOOBS!!!!!".  That's what the Vamp top is for.  The Sean again features the same zipper as the Doris and Joanie, so the fit is excellent.  It can be worn tucked or untucked, and the burgundy color on mine is flattering and rich.  I do have a confession to make.  I DO wash all of my PUG either in the washing machine on delicate or by hand.  I usually wear them a few times before laundering unless I know that they need it after one, since in general, clothes don't need to be washed after each wearing.  That's just what Tide wants us to believe.  The Sean I wash by hand on its own because the color will bleed.  It still looks the same as when I got it, but when it's in water, it's pretty horrifying to see the water turn burgundy.  So if you do wash your PUG instead of dry clean, be warned.  

And last but not least, my newest top from the Boutique sale this last Friday, the Red Gingham Ridley.  I've been eyeing this one since seeing it on the stunning Elaina on PUG's website.  But I held off since 1.  I'm below the size of the XS, 2.  I couldn't see myself tying up the ends as shown on the site (I don't get out much so as much as I like the look, I had no idea where I would wear a top like that), and 3. I had the usual 'The model looks amazing but I don't have her curves so it probably won't look good on me'.  Which goes against my own advice regarding the Doris.  But thanks to the Boutique being a mere 10 minutes away from me, I figured what the heck I'll try it on.  And since my days of buying tops that I don't like the fit on are over, you guessed it, I loved it!  To address my reservations above, 1.  The top is a bit loose on me, but it's got shape to it and it's now the summer version of my Joanie... casual but smart. 2.  I really like the look of the ties untied, as you can see from my photo.  I wore it with the red belt from my Birdie dress and the red DD cigarette pants and felt great.  And 3., no, I do not look like the model, but I still love the way I look.  Like a non-redhead somewhat less flamboyant Lucille Ball.  The whole outfit is enormously comfortable, and I also dig this top tucked in with the Audrey and LB Black Label skirts.  I love the unusual high neck in the back.  I'm not a fan of my scrawny long neck and this hides it without covering it.  It also had lots of shoulder room which made it perfect for being on a ladder rearranging top shelves at work the other day.  And the gingham doesn't look costume-y or juvenile as it sometimes can. 

I think that's about covered it.  I still buy some basic tops from H&M to wear underneath my PUG or to add some variation to the look, but it's no longer my go-to place for tops.  Like the rest of PUG's garments, they won't go out of style, and the quality will keep them looking new and you looking fabulous for years to come.  It's not just another top, it's an investment for something that's a staple in everyone's lives (since we're not allowed generally to run around topless), so it's worth spending twice as much for something that you'll wear at least 5 times more than something you find at the mall.  Buy less, wear more!