New Into Store + WIWT

Morning ladies today I thought I'd share with you some of the reasons why I love Marks & Spencer.  From their amazing food hall - yes I could quite happily do my weekly food shop there - have you found their bake in the oven cookies in the freezer section?  Oh my goodness you just have to try them! 

To their lingerie, which must be a British institution - I bet most of us have at least one set if not all our underwear from good old Marks.  To their homeware & of course their clothing - there's always something that makes me want to 'click the button'.

I've always been a long term devotee in terms of their underwear & yes I may dabble in the occasional new brand but I always return, as you know what you're going to get - well made, reasonable priced lingerie that will wash & wear well.  As you probably know by now I love my neutrals - grey, black, navy with a splash of white are definitely the 'go to' colours in my wardrobe but what might surprise you is that where my underwear is concerned I love to go bright & bold & Marks offer lingerie in a whole host of gorgeous colours.  

My favourite set & style has to be their Eyelash Lace, of which I own a fair few different colours.  So when I was asked my Marks to choose some new wardrobe essentials naturally I picked the navy version, which as you can see from the above image is a lovely soft light navy blue.  

One of the reasons I love this design, apart from the pretty lace detailing is that I find it gives the most flattering shape.  Underwired with padded cups it has a plunge neckline & is just perfect for wearing under 'V' neck tops, even quite low ones without having to worry about any lace or bra showing.

Eyelash Padded High Apex Plunge Bra

Eyelash Lace Brazilian Pants

Now I'm often asked about strapless bras & I have for years worn this design but this year I fancied something a little bit prettier as generally when we go on holiday I end up just wearing my strapless bras in nude & black & miss the femininity of my lace ones.  

So I thought the below ones looked perfect.  Now I won't share a picture of me wearing this new underwear but I've been road testing it for a few days & can confirm that they're just as good as my old ones.  Providing a great shape & support with no movement or slippage & they even come with removable straps.  And of course they feel a lot more femine to wear so a definite thumbs up from me, so much so they're firmly on my packing list.

All Over Lace Bandeau Strapless Bra

Lace Brazilian Pants - currently on offer on 3 for 2!

Naturally, as a lover of interiors I also love Mark's homeware & can happily spend a couple of hours drooling over their latest interior catalogue getting inspiration & drawing up wish lists.  If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook you'll have seen how I've recently purchased quite a few vintage blue & white vases from local vinatge flea markets & have gradually been changing over the pink accent in our kitchen to blue.  So when I spotted the below mugs I just knew they'd be perfect for continuing the theme.  Plus & this is a big plus they're made from china.  Now I will admit to in the past just rolling my eyes when my mum used to say how she didn't like drinking tea out of a mug or cup if it wasn't china as it didn't taste right but guess what she's totally right!  It does taste different & sooooo much better.  Plus of course these mugs are very pretty & something a little bit different to your normal style & of course they make me very happy just to look at (yes I am that shallow!).

Saloon Footed Blue Mug

Seeing as I love all things interior as well as fashion I thought I'd also share a few of my favourite picks from Marks & Spencer's homeware section - some of which I've already purchased & some of which are on my 'to get' list.

Glass & Metal Hurricane Candleholder, smaller version available here

12 Piece Blackberry Floral Dinner Set
Bloomsbury Champagne Trug
Trapunto Cushion
Sorbet Dish
Trapunto Bedspread
Daria Photo Frame
Square Urn Table Lamp

Classic Bouquet Mercury Vase

Of course I couldn't do a Marks & Spencer post without highlighting my favourite 'new into store' pieces, showcased below.  As with each month there's some great pieces if you take a peek & their full 'new in' collection can be seen here.

Pure Cashmere Ballet Wrap Cardigan
Pure Cotton Striped Long Sleeve Blouse - very similar to an old H&M one I own & always get complimented on!
Pleated Round Neck Vest Top - available in several different colours
Textured One Button Jacket
Pure Cotton Broderie Pinafore Shell Top
Long Ruffle A Line Skirt - now in the sale
V-Neck Vest Top
Navy PU Biker Jacket
Pure Cotton Cutwork Bell Sleeve Blouse

None of the above probably need much explanation as to why they've made it into this month's top picks - from a navy biker jacket - so useful & such a fab price.  To an ever useful pretty white top - well we can never have enough can we?! ;-)  To simple & timeless 'V' neck tops for dressing up or down.  To the stunning broderie cami, which will look perfect teamed with denim.  Not to mention an elegant cashmere ballet wrap for wearing on it's own with jeans or layering with a lace trim cami to a striped long sleeve blouse, which is very similar to an old H&M one hanging in my wardrobe that I've found so useful.  And finally of course a maxi navy skirt that will be perfect teamed with trainers & a biker come the cooler weather.

Now I've been luckily enough to be able to choose several pieces to style - so what did I pick?  Well there was never any doubt in my mind that I'd pick this casual jacket. This for me is the perfect 'dress down' jacket for teaming with jeans & trainers & will seriously come into it's own in early Autumn layered with a scarf & is the equivalent to Spring's shacket.  Definitely one of those items you wondered how you managed without once it's hanging in your wardrobe & being textured but plain you can easily customise it with a brooch as I've done below or perhaps if you want a smarter look even change the buttons for brass ones.  I've gone for a size 8 & would say it's fairly true to size but if you want more of a fitted feel consider sizing down a size.

Textured One Button Jacket

Jacket - Marks & Spencer
Shirt - J Crew, similar here
Brooch - Vintage Chanel from Vestiaire
Bag - Iris & Ink, similar here
Jeans - Baukjen, similar here
Shoes - J Crew, similar here

My second choice is this timeless cashmere ballet wrap, which I was a little worried would be too short in the body as I hate to feel as if there's the slightest chance of exposing my tummy but I needn't have worried.  Dress up with leather trousers or cigarette pants & heels or down with a lace cami, boyfriend jeans & trainers.  I don't know why but I've always fancied a ballet wrap style cardigan so when I saw they were available in cashmere, which will also be ideal come the cooler weather it was a definite must for me.  Although saying that I don't know why I've always fancied one I think it might have something to do with the fact when my sister & I were little & having ballet lessons my mum started knitted us ballet wraps - my sister's got finished buy mine never did & I don't think I've ever got over the missed opportunity to style one :-0  So mum if you're reading this you've scarred me for life ;-) lol!  Size wise I'm wearing the small & it's fitted but not in a clingy kind of way.

Pure Cashmere Ballet Wrap Cardigan

Cashmere Ballet Wrap - Marks & Spencer

Silk Trim Camisole - Modern Rarity, similar here

Belt - The White Company, similar here

Jeans - Zara, similar here

Sandals - Marks & Spencer, similar here

In the past year I've fallen back in love with skirts & in particular during Autumn & Winter.  I think it probably has something to do with my love of trainers.  So when I spotted this navy (also available in black) maxi ruffle skirt I thought it would be perfect for teaming with a biker & trainers for a smarter casual everyday look.  Just to give you an indication of the length, I'm 5'7" & I'm wearing a size 8 & 36" length.

Biker Jacket - Massimo Dutti, similar here - such a fab price, it's bound to sell out fast!
Tank Top - J Crew, similar here
Skirt - Marks & Spencer - available in the sale
Trainers - Golden Goose, similar here

This next item is something I've been contemplating for the last year or so & I've finally taken the plunge as I think this is going to be so useful on holiday.  Now I love wearing a straw panama but one serious drawback is when you're on your sunlounger & want to read.  It can't just be me who ends up tilting their head forward so that they don't crush the rear of the brim?!  So I reckon this visor is going to be the answer to my prayers but could have the one downside of me falling asleep even more in the sun as I'll be so much more relaxed & comfy :-0

Braid Visor Summer Hat

The final piece of clothing is something I'm wearing today & that's this lovely broderie tie camisole.  I seem to be having a bit of a pink love in at the moment & it reminded me of the white Monsoon one I've recently purchased & love.  Perfect for those warmer summer days, whether you team it with denim shorts, white trousers or jeans.  I'm wearing a size 8 & again would say it's pretty  true to size.

Panama - Marks & Spencer
Top - Marks & Spencer
Jeans - Zara
Sandals - NW8 Closet

- SHOP MY STYLE -

Top - Marks & Spencer

Jeans - Marks & Spencer

Trainers - Marks & Spencer

So ladies do you see anything that appeals in this month's picks?  Perhaps like me you can always find a few gems in Marks & Spencer & have your eye on a few items I've not featured.  How about their underwear & homeware are you a fan?  As always I'd love to hear your thoughts & views.

Just before I leave you a quick tip - you know how Mark's Insolia shoes are just so much more comfy due to their padded soles & reduced pressure on your feet?  Well check out these Foot Cushions.  I've popped a pair in a couple of my shoes & they seriously make a difference.  So much so I'm going to be purchasing a few more.

After a busy day yesterday it's a quiet one for us & I'm thinking the sofa definitely has my name on it for a cheeky snooze mid afternoon :-)

As always enjoy your Sunday ladies & I'll be back in the morning.