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Today, 18th July, sees the launch of the latest Holly Must Have collection online and in selected stores across the UK and Ireland and in advance of the launch, I was invited into my local M&S in Sprucefield, Lisburn for a sneak peek and a try on in the Fit & Style* room ahead of the items hitting the shop floor.
There are 15 items in the collection altogether (quantity includes different colour ways in the same items) and I got to see 13 in my time in Sprucefield - all but the heeled sandals and the boots. I started with the early release item, the jumpsuit/boiler suit - this was launched on Instagram yesterday to mixed reviews but I actually do like it! Thanks to some nice details like the elastic at the waist and the turn-ups, it's definitely more feminine and wearable that the previous collection's navy one. I tried on the 10 and the 12 and there wasn't much between them except for more length in the torso and a bit more hip width. Overall, I'd say it's a generous fit - I'm wearing the 10 here.
(trainers are my own)
Next, I tried the print midi dress - it's a gorgeous monochrome floral print and fits beautifully. This is the 10.
(trainers are my own)
It's fully lined and has a beautifully cut top half - it actually would work really well as workwear with a cropped black jacket. Again, I tried on the 12 and the 10 and the smaller size was better so I'd say it comes up big.
Next up, a pair of shorts which come in this caramel colour and a black (further down). They're a lovely fit and come up big so the 12 was perfect on me (I usually size up to a 14 in shorts).
T-Shirt - previous Holly collection
Now for the trainers from the collection. They're a cream colour with a rubber gum sole and a burgundy and warm peachy pink trim. Leather and super comfortable, I'd say go for your usual M&S shoe size in these - I'm always a 5.5 in M&S footwear.
Wearing the trainers now with the black shorts and one of the two colours in the linen shirt.
The linen shirt is a real hero piece....the fabric is a lovely quality and it's so cool to wear.
Also comes in a bright white colour too
and here's the first of 3 handbags in the collection, a faux leather cross body with a cute stripe strap.
The final shirt in the collection is in the same print as the dress.
This was styled with the shorts in the PR shots though to me it's not casual wear - it feels more appropriate for work wear and I think it would look great with a black suit.
Holly's collection always includes a mini skirt and this time round, it's a cream denim button down mini. It's styled on Holly as I'm wearing it here - you can check back to the picture on the header of this blog post to see who wore it better :)
Cross Body Bag (sold out - bigger version on link)
It's a great basic summer skirt but it comes up small - I'm wearing the 12 and it feels neat. If it's the kind of thing you like to wear, it's a great wardrobe staple. I personally don't like mini skirts in the summer, I'd definitely be going for the shorts instead. The t-shirt is one of the amazing M&S basic jersey ones - I've got a few of these on rotation constantly. They're lovely cotton and come in a range of colours.
You had a sneak peek at the second of the bags in that picture and here's a close up. It's sold out online but I saw some in-store the other day. I've linked to a bigger version below.
Leather Crossbody Camera Bag (similar bigger one on link)
This one is leather and it comes in a gorgeous shade of brown. Right up my street and well priced too.
And this is the third handbag - a large tote in cream faux leather with the option to carry over your shoulder on a wide strap or on your wrist with the cute perspex circle handle. A great neutral bag and perfect for travel.
Then there are two items that I didn't get to see ahead of the launch, these double strap sandals:
and these classic tan ankle boots:
And there you go - a short and sweet mid-season drop! What's the verdict? Well there are a couple of great basics like the shorts and the linen shirts that you'll wear year after year, there's a high fashion item in the form of the jumpsuit and there's a wearable classic shirt dress that can be dressed up or down. I also like that everything is very mix and matchable...in fact, you'll see in the photos above how I wore the shorts with my Holly t-shirt from an earlier collection and I could see all the items working with the star trainers from that same denim collection too.
I do think it's a missing a casual jacket and some flat sandals but overall, I think there's something for everyone and the colours are particularly good for warmer skin tones. The jumpsuit will divide opinion as always but believe it or not, it's what I chose to bring home with me...cue rolling eyes from the husband but I care not! I have a dressier khaki green jumpsuit that I find doesn't work with trainers but this one will and I'm excited to wear it. And sure if all else fails, I can use it for a bit of home DIY #workthatwardrobe
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Disclaimer - I wasn't paid to do this try on in Sprucefield but the jumpsuit was gifted to me. My links are affiliate links 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 something. This doesn't change the price for you and the income I make from these links helps to keep this blog going.
*The Fit & Style service is a free of charge personal shopping experience offered in main M&S stores. You get the use of a private changing room and a dedicated trained team member to find you an outfit for a special occasion or to refresh your wardrobe each season. You can find out more and book an appointment on this link. The room I use for these try on's is the Fit & Style room in Sprucefield - isn't it lovely! Massive thanks to the team there for allowing me to use it.
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