M&S Autumn/Winter 2013

Good old Marks & Spencers, eh? While I will put my hands up and admit that I would happily live on Marks & Spencers ready meals and yummy lunches for the rest of my existence, this is supposed to be a fashion blog (in theory...) so I shall write about my other favourite F word here instead. 

I always get rather excited going to the M&S press days, especially since the last one was so gorgeous (see my post here) and their collection for AW13 certainly did not disappoint. 

With new Style Director, Belinda Earl, at the helm of the ultimate heritage Brit brand, M&S have really gone that one step further on the fashion front with a select few trend stories and some wonderfully crafted pieces which champion great British manufacturing, a focus for which M&S was once celebrated. 

The press day took place at the glorious One Marylebone, a spacious and stylish location which just exudes exclusivity. From the monochromatic banners outside the building through to the devilishly handsome waiters stood by the door a selection of suitably tempting tipples (don't mind if I do...), this felt like a thoroughly stylish affair from the offing. 

While M&S may not be an obvious choice for high fashion piece, sometimes it is good to look beyond the Zara/Topshop comfort zone and try something a little different. As far as quality, style and cut go, M&S is always a good bet...  

With a tailored edit of trends, this collection covers all bases from forties frivolity through to punchy punk and languid luxury. With killer coats, embellished dresses and grungy knitwear, there is a little something for every taste.

The accessories on display in the first room of the press day really were top drawer. Between you and I, if you were to tell me that the above earrings were actually by Shourouk, i'm almost certain I would believe you you.

All ready and raring for the party season, these dazzling earrings, bracelets and necklaces are sure to liven up an ailing jewellery drawer.

With jewellery covering all bases from punky bracelet stacks (or Arm Parties) through to statement emerald green collars, it really is all about the sparkle for M&S for AW13. They certainly know to appeal to my internal magpie...

If there is one standout fixture of the collection, though, it has to be leather. From stretch-back leather leggings in black and Oxblood, through to leather trimmed tuxes and cuffs, M&S have certainly got their leathers on for AW13.

With a slightly more "fashiony" (technical term) aesthetic, the punk inspired collection offered up an eclectic and so-wrong-it's-right clash of studs, leopard, tartan and lace.

Finding a gorgeous handbag on the high street that A) isn't from Zara and B) hasn't already been snapped up by all your friends is no mean feat, unless you know where to look.

I have long been a fan of M&S handbags, and I love this monochrome splatter clutch in on-trend ponyskin. It looks particularly chic with the marine boxy tote with golden detailing.

Suddenly that Céline isn't looking so appealing... Oh, who am I kidding. 

Androgyny is one of those trends that never seems to go away. It lies dormant for a few seasons with little resurgences here and there, before taking centre shade every now and again with some form of natty update.

M&S have launched a new initiative which goes back to the core values of the brand. The Best of British campaign offers some stylish and well-made tailored pieces which are all inspired by British heritage and, of course, are all made on these fine shores. 

This grey tweedy suit with pink pocket square perfect toes the line between dapper and darling. 

Sheer leopard print? Trust me on this one: it's so much better than it sounds. This strokeable tee blouse was in the punk section but I would be inclined to wear with white skinny jeans and lots of golden jewellery. It is sexy but still elegant with velvety leopard spots and a boxy tee style.  

The most "me" thing at the press day = this update on the classic creamy shirt. I adore the folksy, Babushka aesthetic that is kicking around for Winter, and i'll be more than a little bit tempted to snap up this number when it hits stores later this year. Paired with my favourite black skinny jeans and some towering wedges, this is a look that means business. This is potentially my favourite piece from the collection. 

Yes. I am predictable. What of it?

Very Christian Dior, this woolen fit and flare coat is so fabulously 1940s that it could almost pass for vintage. It is ladylike but foxy with a nipped in waist and full feminine skirt. 

Much more to my tastes on the coat front, though, is this cream cocoon style in wool. Cosy but still simple enough to remain versatile, this coat transcends trends for a worthwhile investment that is worth every last penny.

Keep your eyes peeled on the M&S site and in store, as the collection is in stores from July.

Stay tuned for a little lingerie-themed post from the press day and please do let me know what you think of the collection- it's always so nice to hear from you!

Oh Hi, Summer!

This week I have been insanely busy, sorry that I have hardly posted, but my university deadline is just around the corner so I can promise i'll be blogging more over the next few weeks!

Following the ever so slightly hectic fashion week season, all the summer press days are now upon us and, I must say, we are in for a treat!

This week I headed along to Marks and Spencer's Marble Arch store for their high summer press day where I was greeted with all things bright and beautiful!

Aaah summer, how I have missed you. 

M&S have come a long way in the past few years and this season they have really outdone themselves, particularly in their Limited Collection range and the lingerie department, of course. 

The treats on show at the press day were pretty eclectic. From metallic blue leather pencil skirts as featured in glossy magazines through to boxy clutches reminiscent of those by Alexander McQueen, there is not a trend that has been untouched and there are some real hit pieces that are sure to enliven an ailing winter wardrobe.   

I personally loved the neon pieces and the rails of crisp white pieces in tempting textures. Though shoe-wise I was not taken aback, the handbags at M&S are one of the high street's best kept secrets and this season this is more true than ever before with glossy clutches and roomy beach bags. 

The press day itself had an adorable British summer vibe. After all, what brand is more synonymous with Britain than M&S? 

The food was predictably indulgent and delicious. I ignored the burgeoning bikini-based doom and feasted on scones with clotted cream and rhubarb jam, salted caramel profiteroles and crisp dainty macaroons. I then munched on the tangy rhubarb M&S rock on the way home.

The bikinis themselves were, of course, pretty lovely. I actually fell for a number of one-pieces, one in a graphic monochrome print with fluoro beading was a favourite. You can shop the swimwear here, just to get in the summer mood as we brace ourselves for another flurry of snow (WHY?!)

The lingerie was splendid, as ever. The silken Limited Collection balconette sets in sweet shades of mint, pistachio and lemon were particular favourites and I really can't wait to get my hands on them. I'm a little obsessed, actually!

If you're a lingerie lover like myself, then have a browse here... I can't promise you'll be able to resist a purchase though. Ah well, we've earned it.

The Rosie for Autograph collection is looking rather tip-top as well. With the classic rose bra interpreted in rich raspberry satin and softer shades of peach and cream, there is something for everyone: from sexy to subtle.

My favourite fact of the day? Rosie's lunch of choice at M&S meetings is an egg sandwich with a packet of crisps- no mad raw-food cleanses here, ladies!

I have a list as long as my arm of all the things I fancied adding to my summer wardrobe... And it mostly consists of lingerie!

Thank you to the lovely team at M&S for having me along- here's to summer!

Pin It!

This week, as my deadlines are ALMOST out the way, I decided to turn my hand to Pinterest (bare with- i'm not exactly accomplished just yet!)

I'm not sure what direction to take my Pinterest in just yet, so at the moment it is a bit of a muddle, but i've done a lovely little moodboard using pieces from the new M&S Limited Collection (follow M&S on Pinterest HERE)

I decided i'd cherry pick a selection from their own board and put together a gorgeous summer look. I chose a dress and styled it to look elegant but still a little edgy. The pretty apricot dress is versatile- a chiffon shift with asymmetric detail- which I decided to play down with nude and gold accessories, with a splash of aqua for a cheerful summer touch.  I feel the look is perfect for a summer wedding, an event that is always tricky to dress for.

Pair with a golden tan, loose sunkissed waves and a pretty printed clutch bag to add another dimension to the look. 

A little Olivia Palermo, a little Kate Middleton and all from your local M&S!

Mother's Day Gift Guides: Pamper and Preen

by Shona Wallace, @SWfashion_

Every lady loves a good old fashioned pampering. I love nothing more than going home, running a bath with some Laura Mercier Almond Coconut bath honey, slapping on a face mask, applying a Bumble & Bumble hair treatment and lighting a few scented candles. It is just bliss- and most women appreciate this luxury, particularly busy mums!

Pampering can stretch from little touches like flowers or a bottle of champagne, to some lovely cocktails or a personalised nail polish.

I love to put together a little "Pamper Hamper" as a present, and it really is a nice touch. Just get a few of mum's favourite things, put them in a hamper and you're done quicker than you can say "Fortnum and Mason"! A great mix is some bubble bath, some chocolates, bubbly, a candle, face mask and a magazine. That'll be her evening sorted and you can make it as special as you want!

If your mum appreciates the finer things in life, she will be more than a little bit pleased with a lovely fragrance like the new Jo Malone ones, or even a beautiful Laduree (buy them here) or Diptique candle.

If you want to pamper her, but do something a little bit quirky, why not head to Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge and create a bespoke Nails Inc nail polish (£16 for basic lids, £20 for glitzy lids). The couture service lets you you choose the lid, the colour, the box decorations and- the best part- the name label! Nails Inc Couture is also available online, so get your orders in now! Another lovely gift to treat her is by making her some glamourous cocktails- Nigella's salted caramel martini (recipe here) sounds just dreamy and i'm sure the  butterscotch schnapps concoction complete with a salt frosted rim will not disappoint!