M&S… the nation’s favourite

“Fashion changes, but style endures.” – Coco Chanel

M&S – the nation’s favourite retailer does, on occasion, come under fire for not being… enough. In this day and age when we have so much choice, albeit predominantly online right now, of course no one place or store can please everyone – if their clothes are too modern, that’s not right, if clothes are too basic and ‘useful’, that’s not right either.

I grew up knowing that M&S was where one bought underwear, (that was until my first job where I started designing for Victoria’s Secret – the then far off American lingerie retailer that had super models strutting their stuff in their legendary catwalk shows… that was an education for sure…).

Over the years M&S has continued to serve us well for quality fashion that didn’t really break any rules, but could provide essential building blocks to our wardrobe that we could then decorate upon as we so desired. Times are tough right now for all retailers, (with exception possibly of the supermarkets) and there are numerous incentives going about to help us part with our precious cash; this weekend M&S are offering 30% off various departments – which is quite tasty**.

So, I’ve had a look at building block items that I would go for, given half a chance from M&S, you might find some tasty treats in here too… (All prices below are with the 30% discount already taken off – prices may change if/when you might click/buy.)

With 30% off – it could be the time to indulge in some cashmere… perfect for heading into spring, and then carefully packing away for next autumn.
M&S Pure Cashmere round neck jumper £53.30 (there are sixteen colours listed…crikey.)

This cardigan could be inordinately useful – available in seven colours
M&S Ribbed Crew Neck Button Front Cardigan £15.75

Yes, this is probably a forward thinking jumper, and one might not get as much wear out of it now as we head into spring… but the sleeves… oh the sleeve & cuff situation… this would be worth waiting for, for autumn.
M&S Ribbed Crew Neck Jumper £31.50

A breton top, but fresh for this spring.
M&S Pure Cotton Striped Crew Neck Top £13.65

M&S Autograph does have some more modern shaped pieces, often quite architectural… I love the colour and the shape of this jumper; it could also be great for layering a contrast colour or printed close fitting top underneath.
M&S Autograph Funnel Neck Jumper £38.50

A tweed-ish style jacket, such as this below could be a super useful addition – the dress up and down-ness possibilities are there… in truth, I’d wear it with jeans like this. (I wasn’t 100% on the buttons on this jacket… remember buttons can be one of the easiest ways to oomph an item… totallybuttons.com)
M&S Tweed Straight Longline Jacket £47

Another super useful jacket, I love this.
M&S Checked Single Breasted Blazer £41.30

This coat has been in and out of my basket all season. Love.
M&S Checked Notch Neck Coat £41.30

In an ideal world I’d have a wardrobe of coats… and places to wear them to. I could make room for this one as well.
M&S Soft Touch Double Breasted City Overcoat £41.30

Or this… effortlessly chic.
M&S Wool with Cashmere Longline wrap coat £104.30

A trench coat – the perfect trans-seasonal piece maybe? There are five colours available.
M&S Double Breasted Trench Coat £38.50

And finally, I mentioned in last week’s blogpost about coloured denim… this could be another exception to the rule about coloured denim… it’s subtle enough and washed enough. Nice.
M&S Button Detailed Denim Jacket £24.50

Finally, finally…

** also tasty from M&S are the Chilli and Cheddar hot cross buns #perfectwithafriedegg #justsaying #allpartoftheservice

xx