As part of my regular collaboration with M&S, I paid a visit to the Sprucefield store yesterday because let's face it, it's lovely to order online but nothing beats getting into the shop and trying before you buy....and I'd spotted some great dresses when I was in getting food last week and didn't have time to try on.
As I'm friends with Michaela who is one of the Fit & Style team at Sprucefield, if she's working when I visit and the Fit & Style room is free, she lets me use it, which is amazing because I always have so much to try on and it means I'm not holding up a regular changing room for too long. I've mentioned the service before - it's a free service that give you the use of a dedicated private changing room and a store expert to help you shop. They can pull outfits for a special occasion or simply update your day to day wardrobe with key trends for the season. There's no obligation to buy and a big sofa to rest on while your clothes are being pulled...what's not to love? And Michaela is fabulous - great at knowing what will work for you but she'll also help you get outside your comfort zone too if you're willing.
I digress...back to what's been coming into M&S this month and it was a dress and skirt heavy try on session, because they're all I want to wear during this lovely weather. Starting with this skirt which is a must have if you're going on a hot holiday this summer. It's light and floaty in 100% cotton - a little transparent but that makes it so cool to wear. And it's got pockets! It's from the new and improved Per Una range - again, rocking the hush vibes...check out the website picture on this one. I'm wearing the 8 here so the fit is generous...
This next skirt is from Autograph and I adore the colour but the fit for me wasn't as flattering as the green one. I think it would work better if you have a more straight up and down figure. I'm wearing the 10 here.
Skirt number 3 and if anyone tells me that midi skirts don't suit them, I show them this one. It's so flattering over the hips and bum and then opens gently at the front to show just enough leg to keep cool but not too much that you couldn't wear it to work. I have two of these in different colours and they're worn constantly. I'm wearing the 10L here - I think they're more flattering just a little longer.
Next up, some denim shorts that I couldn't wait to share on here...except I can't find them online! But they're a linen mix denim if you're in-store and are the perfect flattering length and shape. Always size up with denim shorts, they look much cooler on when they're looser. I'm wearing the 12 here but would buy the 14 if I needed a pair.
Also wanted to show you the shirt in this picture as I think it's a great alternative to a military jacket. It's a heavier shirt style in a gorgeous fabric and colour with the bonus being you can wear it as a shirt too. I think you call it a shacket??!
Next up and it's a dressier option here with this rust/tan coloured loose top which has a racer style neckline. This cut looks great if you've a smaller bust - I'm a huge fan of it and this colour is right up my street too. I'm wearing it with some great fitting black skinny jeans that are only £15! The fit was great in them - they're not super stretchy but the 10 fitted perfectly and they have a nice slight washed effect - but not distressed. Just a bit lighter than a flat black, which can look a bit wintery this time of year. I've added a close-up picture below to show this better.
This next blazer is sold out online in smaller sizes and having tried it on, I know why. It's a great fit and a brilliant throw it on option for summertime, over jeans, trousers, skirts and it can be worn to work and casually. I'm wearing the 6 here as it's oversized but I needed the 8 - go down one size in this one.
Moving to the dresses now, starting with this short khaki linen one. Makes a nice change from the midi length that I'm always wearing. The length is good and it's has the all important pockets.
A denim dress now and I'm asked all the time about where to get a good one of these. I have a few that I wear year after year. This is a generous loose fit and it's particularly good if you're bigger on top. I'm wearing the 10 here and it's generous.....and has pockets!
Finishing with the dress I ultimately decided to bring home with me...this linen shirt dress in Tan.
I just adore the shape and the colour but it also comes in a print too...
In the end, I went for the plain and accessorised it with a bag and shoes - both of which I've had my eye on for a while.
The bag to me is the perfect summer handbag for work and play. It's so practical with a removable inner pocket, a cross body strap as well as handles and a useful front pocket. The colour is great too with black, tan and linen. There aren't many outfits it won't work with.
Once I'd picked the bag, the shoes were a no brainer. I tried these on a few weeks back when I did a Per Una post and they're like this year's version of the yellow sandals. They're high but wearable because they're so supportive on the foot. Only £25 with 15% off on some sparks cards at the moment - win/win
And there you go - prancing about in the back garden again with no-where to go in order to show you it all worn together. It's a great work look but prepare to see me wear this dress with trainers, take these sandals on a night out and to carry that bag with jeans and a blazer on a day out with the kids. Three hardworking pieces.
Thanks to M&S for inviting me to select some pieces from the current collections. The dress, shoes and bag were gifted to me. I've used affiliate links in this blog post which means that M&S know you came to their site from here and they may pay me a small commission if you buy and keep an item after clicking through but it doesn't change the price of the items for you. This income helps to cover the costs of keeping the blog going...it takes more time and cash than you'd think, and more than I ever earn from links. It's pretty much like a 4th child really :)
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The linen dress looks great on you. I clicked on the links and also browsed some other items and I think M&S are doing a great job this season! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much and I agree! It's been a slow process but it does feel like M&S are starting to get their act together as each season goes by x
DeleteI love the pieces you chose-very classy and elegant. I'm loving M&S at the moment! And thank you for all the hard work you put into your blog-it's much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteThank YOU so much for the encouragement - I really appreciate you taking the time to comment...it's hard work but I love it. The very best kind of work! Thanks again x
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