I never really saw myself as a typical Marks and Spencer shopper. Or any kind of Marks and Spencer shopper really. My visits to Marks have been limited to a cheeky Dine for Two deal and the occasion rummage in home. I never expected it to be my favourite high street collection for AW. In short, I’m smitten.
Each story for AW15 has something that had me going all heart eyed and high pitched. From Modern Muses playful retro aesthetic to the low key luxury of Entwined, I’ve never been more excited for Autumn/Winter to roll round. Marks and Spencer have been going from strength to strength under Style Director Belinda Earl’s guidance but this season it truly has blossomed. Contemporary shapes and luxurious fabrics are at the forefront of this design led collection. Their are hints of Pringle and Louis Vuitton and even Burberry in what is a pared back and elegant collection.
It’s Marks and Spencer, but polished. Everything they’ve stood for before – quality, craftsmanship and British design are all here, with style icon Twiggy collaborating on a few pieces including THAT massive grey furry coat, but more refined. It’s effortless and has swayed me from a naysayer to a full blown fan. I mean, come on, who expected to see a double breasted orange leopard print coat and googly eye handbag at a Marks and Spencer press day?
My favorite collection though which I pretty much will be buying all of, is Entwined. It’s all tactile knitwear – elegant and simple and just the makings of forever wardrobe pieces. I expected to loo through the lookbook and sob at the prices but we’re talking £25 – £60 for some really beautiful no brainer pieces. Hardly a bank breaker. I expected all my top picks to be from the Limited collection but was pleasantly surprised to see most of them within the mainline.
The Best of British collection is gorgeous and while we’re looking at more premium high street, it really is worth it. There is a pair of navy and silver brogues that already have my name all over them. Now off and away with you Summer, I’m ready for my knits and heavy coats already!