This article was written for Annabel & Grace, which is now part of Rest Less.
Annabel and I went to check out the new Autumn/Winter collection at Marks and Spencer. M&S has a (well deserved) reputation as the place to buy fashion-forward, expensive looking but well priced clothes. Our eyes were swivelling frantically as we walked through the various fashion departments – there is so much exciting stuff that’s just gone on the rails. So we’re wearing some of those stylish, good quality wardrobe staples in these photographs. But that’s not all. It’s a one-stop shop for so much more than that on-trend blazer that all your friends will admire.
A prime example is the homeware department – whether you’re looking to perk up your sitting room with some fab new cushions, a bunch of faux flowers, replace your china or treat your senses with some home fragrance. And did you know about Loft? It’s their range of modern, space saving furniture for smaller spaces at affordable prices.
- TWEED SHACKET £69 and PURE MERINO WOOL V NECK JUMPER £29.50 + SIENNA STRAIGHT LEG JEANS £22.50
- CHECKED TASSEL SCARF £12.50 + CASHMERE COLLARED RELAXED JUMPER £89 + BOYFRIEND ANKLE GRAZER JEANS £39.50 + SUEDE STAIN RESISTANT BAR TRIM LOAFERS £65 + GREEN FLORAL TIE NECK POPOVER BLOUSE £29.50 + EVIE ARMCHAIR IN HOT PINK £299
- FAUX LEATHER GREEN SINGLE BREASTED BLAZER £59 + TEDDY TEXTURED COLLARED JACKET £59
Don’t know about anyone else but I’m about to turn the heating on again and keep extra warm while watching the latest TV with a supersoft herringbone throw £19.50 which comes in four fabulously elegant colours. Also worth checking out is the M&S Snuggle™ Teddy Fleece Hooded Blanket for £25.
Seems early but you can already buy tree decorations – mind you, spreading the cost of Christmas over the following months is probably a good idea. And if you’re lucky enough to be jetting off somewhere warm before then, remember there’s usually a bureau de change instore as well as plenty of tough but lightweight luggage. Another thing I always do when visiting M&S is check out their greetings card section – they have some really witty and beautiful looking cards on offer.
Leopard print is hot again this year – so this animal print crew neck cardigan £17.50 is just the ticket. Another perennial fashionista fave is the Breton stripe – Annabel’s is a pure cotton slash neck top £9.50. Look out for the excellent range of fashion-led Breton inspired knitwear too.
I’m already a huge fan of M&S’s Apothecary brand – tip top fragrances, stylish packaging that won’t shame your bathroom or loo, vegan and very reasonably priced. See the whole Apothecary range here. And were you aware of the number of beauty brands that are on sale? From Ren, Prai and Eve Lom to Murad, Neom and Nuxe. Click here to see current beauty bargains and special offers.
- RECYCLED THERMOWARMTH FUNNEL NECK PUFFA JACKET £39.50 + TAN LEATHER LOAFERS £45 (really comfortable btw)
- JERSEY SIDE STRIPE TROUSERS £35 + MULTICOLOURED LEATHER TRAINERS (available in half sizes) £45
- SOFT TOUCH STRIPED HOODIE £29.50 + WIDE LEG SIDE SIDE STRIPE JEANS £35
If you’re looking for a winter coat in Marks & Spencer’s new Autumn/Winter Collection there are plenty of practical ones (puffas, rainwear) such as this navy recycled Thermowarmth funnel neck coat (£49.50) number I’m wearing. You’ll probably need to go up a size, especially if you want to wear an extra layer underneath while out on a walk or whatever. I’m in a 16.
We got a little over excited in the shoe department too – gosh they have a good selection. Everything from soft suede bowed loafers, comfortable ballerinas, a whole range of sneakers and on-trend cowboy heeled boots. Not sure if it’s just me, but the sizes seem a little more generous too.
BTW the teal single breasted blazer I’m wearing is a great fit, costs £79 and matching trousers are available.
It was our last stop before treating ourselves to a frothy cappuccino in the M&S cafe… delish.
Well, that’s it for now. Remember there are masses of excellent products for children and men too. Hope you approve of our Marks and Spencer choices and they have inspired you to check out this wonderful store online or in person…
More Lifestyle Essential recommendations can be discovered here