I have a scoop today because last night I was invited into M&S at Sprucefield - Northern Ireland's only M&S to stock the range - to get a first look at the newest Holly Willoughby Must Haves range - before it even hits the shop floor! Her first drop was back in September and it went down a storm so there has been lots of excitement ahead of today's launch....with this picture in particular getting us all in a frenzy:
There are 25 pieces in this latest drop to include footwear and handbags. It's got a very different colour palette which sets it aside from the pink focussed first collection - teal, black and camel feature strongly with lovely pops of ochre, blue and purple.
Size-wise in all the pictures, I'm wearing the size 10 unless I say otherwise. Links have been added where I can find the item online. Some items are not showing on the website and may only be available in store.
First up, I tried the faux leather mini skirt - though it's more of a pvc/patent finish than leather. I honestly wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did. It's neat in the size 10 so size up if you're in-between:
And here's the skirt again, this time with my favourite print from the collection - check out this blouse. Such beautiful detail including a stretchy gather at the neckline and concealed zips at the cuffs
Still in the blouse, I tried on the 7/8's trousers next, made from a lovely wool blend.
Black Velvet Mules
There's a matching jacket too though I feel like it's too much together. I'd be happier wearing them individually:
Still in the shoes and trousers but I've added the 100% cashmere roll neck - an absolute wardrobe classic:
Then this is the first of 2 colours in this chunky jumper:
Next to the skirt that Holly wore so well in the PR shots. I wasn't so keen on this in real life at first because I didn't like the belt but it definitely grew on me. Wearing it with the black cashmere knit first:
Once again though, the coats in the collection won me over - this camel one is an ABSOLUTE classic. Such a gorgeous shade of camel and a beautiful shape - especially if you're tall. It's a warmer shade of camel in real life:
When I put on this next knit (ala Holly above), I finally fell for the skirt! It works better than the black I think:
But the checked skirt got put aside in favour of this beauty - it's a pleather pleated midi skirt. STUNNING and a lovely flattering cut - it doesn't add bulk to the hips:
Next up, the yellow version of the teal chunky knit above, this time worn with the pleated skirt again:
Moving onto the dresses now and this first one was not impressive on the hanger but it's beautiful on - such a gorgeous fit. It's a navy blue base but still links in with the rest of the collection because it would work with the yellow or the teal chunky jumpers. And check out the grey patent boots - stunning:
This next dress was released early online along with a picture of Holly wearing it - it's genuinely beautiful. The material, the cut, the colour. If it wasn't so similar to my & Other Stories dress, I'd have bought it immediately. It's much more affordable too!!
Leather Ring Clutch Bag
Next, I'm wearing the high waist skinny jeans that were in the last collection. A great wardrobe staple, they are neat fitting but not too clingy. Only £19.50 too! Wearing here with the cream satin blouse from the latest collection - another great wardrobe classic:
Super Skinny High Waist Jeans
And then I added the purple coat....this is a 10 and its generous. This is not showing online as it's going to be in the M&S Christmas ad so I think it's being held back until then? I've been told it will be on the shop floor in Sprucefield this morning though.
Purple Coat
Cream Tie Blouse
Super Skinny High Waist Jeans
Finishing with the handbags and close ups of the shoes. Circle handles feature on all of the bags - this is a yellow cross body faux leather bag:
Next up is a large tote. Also faux leather:
Here's a close up of the black boots I wore for most of the try on - so comfortable and made from gorgeous leather:
And these are the grey patent boots - again, so comfortable and a lovely change from black:
Finishing with these going out shoes - they're a mix of velvet and satin and are a mule style. Surprisingly comfortable and just £35:
And that's it! I can confirm it was a pretty exhausting 80 minutes of trying on and creating Instagram Stories but it was made easier by being allowed to use the Fit & Style private dressing room in Sprucefield. It's bookable for anyone on this link and is a lovely relaxing way to try on for a special occasion or just if you need a wardrobe refresh. Jenny and Michaela will look after you really well.
Massive thanks to Julie, the manager in Sprucefield M&S and to Fit & Style queen, Jenny for organising my sneaky peek try-on. I wasn't paid to do this post but I was offered one of the items as a gift in return for my time and efforts. Can you guess what I chose?
Ax
Disclaimer - I was not paid to write this blog post. My links are affiliate links which means that M&S know you came to their website from my blog and they may pay me a tiny commission if you buy and keep an item. This doesn't change the price for you and the modest income I make from these links helps to keep this blog going so THANK YOU massively for the support so many of you give me in this way
Thanks to Julie and Jenny and the rest of the team at Sprucefield for organising this very special try on session and I hope you enjoyed seeing the range good and early in the day so that you can go forth and shop before the popular pieces sell out!
Ax
Disclosure - I was not paid to write this post but was gifted some pieces from the collection. My links are affiliate links which means M&S know you came to their website from mine and I may receive a tiny commission if you buy and keep an item. This doesn't change the price of the product for you and the small income I make from these links goes towards the running costs of this blog.
There's so much I like! The Camel trousers are now on my wish list!
ReplyDeleteI think it's a much stronger edit - a bit more edgy but way cooler! x
DeleteLove your try ons Avril! What a good drop. I think you came away with the pleather midi skirt. It's beautiful x
ReplyDeleteJuanita x
DeleteLove the coats
DeleteThanks Juanita - it was the purple coat! The pleather midi is so me though - if I didn't already have one, I'd have snapped it up. Hope you're well xx
DeleteSuch a helpful post and what a gorgeous collection! I think you came home with the pleather midi. I've ordered the patent mini which looks fab on you!
ReplyDeleteThe mini was a surprise hit as was the midi - though I have one already. It comes in green too....which I've tried on in-store since!! Hope you enjoy wearing your skirt. I ended up with the purple coat which as it turns out, isn't officially part of this collection....but it will be online and in stores on the 13th November x
DeleteI think you came away with the camel coat.....
ReplyDeleteIf I didn't already have one - DEFINITELY! To me, it's the real hero piece of this collection. I ended up with the purple coat which turns out, isn't officially part of this collection....but it will be online and in stores on the 13th November...so I'm ahead of myself!
DeleteI love the animal blouse! Is it very short? Mixed reviews online...
ReplyDeleteNo - I bought it actually and it's perfect in the length. I did change the elastic at the neckline though as I found it a bit tight. Sorry so slow replying Ingrid...one of those weeks! x
DeleteSorry if you gave me a million pounds I wouldn't wear anything. Marks lost its way many years ago and has not recovered.
ReplyDeleteYou're reading the wrong blog then - I LOVE M&S and it's great to see it getting its mojo back. It's a difficult market with very demanding customers - all retailers are struggling.
DeleteI think it all looks amazing and I definitely would have gone with the purple coat - it made my heart skip a beat!!
ReplyDelete