I had a very busy day down in London yesterday meeting up with some of my favourite brands and gently putting our midlife views across to them. We’re beginning to gain traction ladies – they’re noticing the number of discussions that take place on this blog and slowly, we’re starting to be taken more seriously. I’ll share some of the things I learned with you over the next few weeks but first I just want to show you some pictures of new season looks that I took at an Autumn Winter press show yesterday. The collection is from one of our favourite retailers and I think their secret weapon is the new design director Queralt Ferrer who came from from Zara and Massimo Dutti. I’m not going to say any more yet, I’m just going to show you – this isn’t a sponsored post by the way, I was just very impressed.
This will be £99.99
Over the knee khaki suede boots – will be £125
This Gucci style mule will be £35
Fundamentally what you’re getting is Zara style but with… (wait for it)… Marks and Spencer quality! Yes it’s good old M&S, I think they’ve cracked it. Can you believe the first shot is Per Una – not a ruffle in sight! Apparently they will also be taking a new approach to store adjacencies. As you know only too well, because they’ve worked with brands as islands historically, it’s been very difficult to shop. So if you wanted to buy a peacoat for example you would have to trail around the whole store. Next season, clothes will be ranged together so peacoats will all be in the same place. It’s the kind of retail detail that makes the difference.
So, I’m sure you’ll be wondering which was my favourite piece. Actually it was this:
I know I’m being very midlife but this wrap is made of fleece – so it’s effectively a granny dressing gown but how chic does it look! I have to say it puts M&S firmly back on my radar. The press show was also a very nice experience. Usually as a blogger (and an over 40 blogger at that) you are tolerated at these events. It’s generally pretty unpleasant, you feel a bit like an unwelcome but necessary evil. However one of the M&S press team spent an hour talking me through the collection and seemed genuinely interested in what I anticipated your reaction would be. So for once it felt as though it was worth the trip down to London.
The frustrating thing about seeing new season looks is the wait to buy them. This year though as I’m sure you will already have read, M&S have released a bridge collection called ‘next season now’ or The Big Easy which is an early selection of some of the new styles. Some of the pieces like this dress took me straight back to the 90s but in a good way
Tailored fit column maxi dress; ankle strap sandals
I really like the cut of this top for summer and the wide leg denim sawn off jeans that it’s shown with – they’re selling fast so you’ll have to be quick if you like them
I love this new silhouette and in fact I’m wearing it today. I refused to jump onto the M&S/Alexa Chung bandwagon when it was first released but I read so many good things about the Ada trousers that I had to try them and I am now a convert. I had an important meeting this morning that was followed by a lunch.
The reason everybody loves these is because of the turn up. It gives them weight and swing so they move really well as you walk. The fitted top / wider bottom silhouette works really well for me – it feels elegant and grown up. It’s one that we women can carry off better than the girls.
Ada trousers; Winston Lace top; Zara Shoes (past season similar here, here and here)
I did buy the blazer that goes with them too but it didn’t work for me. The sleeves were too short yet despite the fact that I sized down, there was too much volume around the waist. The quality didn’t feel good and I thought the buttons were a bit cheap. I did, however, see lots (and lots) of stylish women wearing it in London yesterday.
Other great new season looks that I’ve spotted at M&S include this season’s key jacket, the bomber, they’ve added ‘stormwear’ so it won’t look like a wet tissue if it rains. Again this is new in but it’s sold out in many sizes already.
And this Self Portrait style lace A-line midi skirt, also available in white – as you can see it has a matching lace top if you wanted the option of a dress effect too.
The white Bardot blouse is back in stock
and finally a lovely asymmetric satin skirt that reminds me so much of my ballet teacher
15% off at Tulip jewellery
I’m wearing new earrings from Tulip Jewellery – don’t forget there is 15% off exclusively for readers of Midlifechic until the end of May, use code TULIPCHIC at checkout. My top pick would be these bang on trend hoops available in rose gold, gold or silver
This weekend’s best discounts
Boden 20% off plus an extra 20% off clearance with code J5N5
Baukjen 20% off with code CHIC20
Warehouse 25% off with code GRAZIA25
Woolovers 10% off summer cardigans with code CARDIGAN
Fit flops – 10% off with code SUNNY10
Links of London £25 off when you spend £125 with code SAVELL25
So – I have a busy week ahead – I’m in London again until Monday night and then at last on Friday we’re going to Paris for our first long weekend sans enfants for 5 years. I’m hoping to write one quick post before we go telling you more about it. I have not one but two very special dresses to wear in the evenings so if you don’t already, follow me on Instagram and keep up with me whilst I’m there.
Let me know what you think about the new M&S collections – remember they really are reading what you say so now’s your chance! Have a lovely weekend everyone and keep in touch.
Disclaimer: this is not a sponsored post, I was simply reinspired by the press show
