Taking A Look At Marks & Spencer & WIWT - Day 4 Summer Holiday Outfit Inspiration

I don't know if you've taken a look at Marks & Spencer recently but they really seem to have upped their game in the past few weeks.  You may recall I posted about some stunning pieces that had caught my eye a few weeks ago (see here).  

Well to mark the launch of their Inspire Me project, which offers outfit inspiration & styling advice on dressing for different milestones I was approached by Marks & Spencer to see if I'd like to share my style evolution.

Having always shopped at Marks & being really impressed by what I've recently seen I didn't hesitate in saying yes.  

The challenge was to pick a dress from their collection to style & also to share my 'style evolution' story.

So what did I pick?  Well I chose this Limited Edition Pure Cotton Tie Drop Waist Dress, which unfortunately has now sold out.  Its a lovely drop waist dress with finishes just above the knee & has a tie fastening at the back.

As well as the dress I also picked this fantastic faux leather navy biker jacket, which is just as stunning in the flesh as I had imagined it would be.  Having found my black biker jacket so useful last Autumn/Winter I just know this lovely navy number is going to get a lot of use.  Not to thick or heavy with stretch panelling down the sides & arms means it fits perfectly but at the same time doesn't feel to restrictive.  Plus a Brucie bonus is that it can be machine washed too!  And of course we all know how versatile a biker jacket can be.  Team with a simple patterned boho style dress & ankle boots for the day, a classic white shirt, distressed boyfriend jeans & statement scarf for cooler days or dress up with cigarette pants & court shoes for an evening.

Marks & Spencer Faux Leather Quilted Biker Jacket £59

Together with this faux leather mock crocodile across body bag, which is also available in white & is a great size for holding all the essentials & looks far more expensive than the £29.50 it costs.  I find this style of bag so incredibly useful & of course extremely convenient when out shopping allowing me to go 'hands free' & enable me to focus on the task in hand ;-)  Plus of course as with leopard print  mock crocodile skin is perfect for adding interest to the plainest of outfits or pattern clashing with stripes.

Marks & Spencer Faux Leather Mock Crocodile Skin Across Body Bag £29.50

And finally I picked these trainers (also available in black or silver but be warned sizes are selling out fast!) as I wanted to style the dress with a casual vibe - the sort of outfit that would be perfect for running errands whilst still looking & feeling stylish.  I have to say the trainers are incredibly comfy which probably has something to do with the fact they've been endorsed by the UK College of Podiatrists because of their Insolia Flex soles which ensures your foot is positioned correctly.  Style, comfort & practicality means these babies are going to be worn a lot over the coming months.  If you're tempted by the trainer trend but have yet to dip your toe you should really give these a try as I can't imagine you'll find a pair that are more comfortable.  I'm generally a size 40 but the trainers came up slightly large on me & the size 6 fit me perfectly.

Marks & Spencer Lace Up Trainers With Insolia Flex £25

So how did I style my look?  Well seeing as my blog is all about my style journey as I hit the big four-0 & beyond I wanted to style the look in a way that incorporates not only my style & love of fashion but is something you could wear for a day out as much as you could for the school run or running errands.  

Since starting my blog & sharing my love of fashion my own personal style has evolved as I've embraced & tried new trends including trainers.  Until recently I only wore trainers for my early morning runs & work outs but having picked up a pair from Mango in the sale last winter I can now say they're one of my go to pieces of footwear.  Before trying them I had thought they weren't for me & wouldn't fit with my style of dressing when in fact they've been brilliant for adding an updated edge to some of my outfits & don't even get me started on their comfort factor!  

The more women I meet the more I believe that there are no longer age boundaries as to what is deemed age appropriate in terms of dressing & providing your clothes make you feel good & fit with your lifestyle who is anyone to say that certain items of clothing shouldn't be worn from a certain age! After all fashion is all about having fun & expressing yourself & I can't think of a better way of embracing life & keeping young at heart than by incorporating the latest trends into your wardrobe can you?  

I think us ladies should be more concerned about how the clothes we wear make us feel than what other people will think & it's definitely a rule I try to stick by, which again I think comes with getting that little bit older & having the confidence to say this is who I am & as a result my style has evolved with me.

Jacket - Marks & Spencer £59
Necklace - ASOS

Bag - Marks & Spencer £29.50
Bracelets - Ashiana Jewellery & ASOS

Trainers - Marks & Spencer £25

Marks & Spencer Faux Leather Quilted Biker Jacket £59

Marks & Spencer Faux Leather Mock Crocodile Skin Across Body Bag £29.50

Marks & Spencer Lace Up Trainers With Insolia Flex £25

Back to today now & it's another sunny day here in Majorca, so here's what I'm planning on wearing.

Hat - Marks & Spencer £19.50

Sunglasses - Ralph Lauren £108

Dress - New Look £24.99

Sandals - Dune £115

Hat - Marks & Spencer £19.50

Sunglasses - Ralph Lauren £108

Swimsuit - Coco Bay £55.64 with discount code MIDLIFE20

Kaftan - New Look £17.99

Flip Flops - La Redoute £25

Dress - Mint Velvet £119

Bag - Moyna £70

Sandals - Kurt Geiger £79

So have you taken a look at Marks & Spencer recently?  If so I'd love to hear your thoughts & if you've made the odd cheeky purchase or two.  I seem to have bought a few things from there these past few months & shall definitely be keeping a close eye as they release more pieces for the coming season.

I'd also love to hear about your style evolution & how clothes make you feel.

Have a great Sunday & remember to check out my Instagram pics from holiday by clicking here.