We've been shopping! Not something we do all that often, but during trips to Manchester and Leeds recently we were rather taken with some of the new Spring/Summer offerings and even succumbed and purchased some items that we thought we would share with you.
Starting first with Anne H and her purchase from Zara of this light duster coat, something they call a flowing trench coat, made from lyocell (never heard of that before) and linen, it is reasonably priced at £59.99 and is shown here in the colour Ash, although it is also available in Beige.
Anne has teamed this with a simple black T from COS, skinny jeans from ACNE and a necklace from Simply Devine Hats. The silver cuff is from the White Company and watch is from Cluse.
Anne really likes the soft flowing lines of the coat and thinks it will perfect for both evening and day wear adding just a touch of drama to an otherwise simple outfit.
We both ventured into Marks and Spencer and for once were pleased to see that they had some things that we wanted to buy. I don't know about you, but we are desperate for them to get their merchandising back on track and be clear about who they are appealing to. We've both been loyal M & S shoppers all our grown-up lives and have struggled recently to find even the staples we relied on them for. So, come on M & S we are all rooting for you but won't be forever, our daughters and ourselves shop in Zara, H & M and COS so a multi-generational appeal is achievable but Per Una does not wash it! If you agree with us, do add a comment and let's see if they pick up on it. People power, grey power, shopper power - use whichever power is needed.
And now for the positive, this fabulous drape coat with side pleats that Anne C is wearing is from M & S. It costs £59 and is from the M & S Collection. Made in polyester with elastane it comes in two colour ways - black and neutral. A fabulous addition to the Spring wardrobe we think. Anne has teamed it with black tailored trousers, also from M&S and a long tunic top from TK Maxx, accessorised by a long bead necklace from Phase Eight. As always the sleeves are much too long for Anne, so she needs to get the needle and thread out to shorten them!
Next is a bright linen summer top from Sahara, bought at Hoopers in Harrogate (from our recent visit), and worn with the same M&S tailored trousers. In the pictures it looks yellow, but is in fact a lime-green shade. The button detail on the left adds interest, while the watch is Gucci which she has had for years.
We are planning a trip shortly with our respective daughters, so expect to see us wearing our new purchases!
Anne H's next purchase was from her favourite store, COS, and is this silver grey short sleeve knit blazer made in viscose/polyamide mix and costing £89. It has an open front style with flap over pockets and subtle lapels. A perfect transitional piece for Spring into Summer and a change from a structured blazer.
Anne has teamed this with the same T shirt and necklace as before with a tailored pair of Joseph trousers and a MaxMara cuff purchased in a vintage shop.
I'm an Indigo gal in m&s. Agree with you re generations. My daughter in her twenties and I share a style and shops and she's often said she wished m&s would cater for her because of the quality to price.
ReplyDeleteYes, I have mixed feelings about Per Una. There's items I've got from them, that I've had for years. They are hit and miss though. I have liked and bought some of Twiggy's collection there.
ReplyDeleteCos seems a little pricey. Welcome home.
Thank you Anna and Heather for your comments. I used to buy just about everything from M&S and loved perinatal 15 years ago but I think it can be really frumpy now. You really have to hunt for nice pieces. They do great swimwear but so does everyone else now - and cheaper. Swimwear doesn't last long when you use it so I tend to buy before the holiday then throw away because it goes baggy and pool chemicals change the colour so not worth spending a lot. Quality has improved - and my 35 year old daughter bought the same jacket in black as I did in the stone which we both wore in New York recently. I always bought underwear there too but if you're fuller figured the pretty stuff stops at 36 bust then the straps double in size and the lace is replaced with elastic!
ReplyDeleteSome great buys! I especially love the duster coat from Zara, and I totally agree with your thoughts on M&S. :)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.thevelvetrunway.com
Looks like M & S might be listening to someone. Lets see how that plays out. Just been in to the Leeds branch today - came out with underwear but not tempted by any of the clothes.
DeleteInteresting how M&S have just been talking about their loyal customers, code name 'Mrs M&S' (slightly patronising?) and how they need to get back in her/our good books. Personally I buy regularly from the Limited range as I find it very responsive to trends but also well priced. But the shop floor itself is a mess and there's too much of the same thing or the good stuff gets hidden. But I always have a quick look and often end up buying something so they must be doing something right.
ReplyDeleteHi Lesley. Glad they have at least acknowledged something needs doing. I am more of an Autograph buyer if anything - but still struggle to find anything that appeals. It is a mess and I think there is really no clear delineation between the ranges. They have a lot to do in my book but everyone is rooting for them.
DeleteThis is absolutely gorgeous…such beautiful photos! Tuxedo suit
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