Marks and Spencer and coats.  Yes it’s true, and my Husband will never understand why I miss either of them.

For those of you unfamiliar with the great British institution – it’s quite hard to explain the affection I hold for Marks and Spencer.  They have been around forever.  Starting as a market stall in Leeds in 1884, M&S became the familiar cornerstone of every UK high street – even venturing into Paris at one point (I was once asked to do an M&S sandwich run for lunch on a business trip there – as you can tell I was very important).  Growing up almost 90% of my wardrobe was probably M&S.  As a student I loved their men’s department for their oversize cardigans and even pyjamas.  When I started work all my suits were M&S, and it was always my first port of call for a new outfit when I lived there.  Every Christmas you could guarantee there would be gifts from M&S under the tree – they always had something for everyone.  Back then they were always known for quality – whether it be their clothes or their food hall.  So I consider myself lucky that I have missed their recent demise. My affection has not been tarnished.  M&S is still the store I head for first when I am back home, though recently it has been more for their wine, pork pies and meal deals, than for clothes.

M&S now ship free to the US, so I occasionally take a look at their new items, but I haven’t taken the plunge till now.  Having read all the stories on their personnel changes and the lackluster performance I was amazed to see the press touting their pink duster coat as ‘the coat of the season’. It has already sold out online (though new stock is expected soon).  I have to say it’s not really my style but I do see the appeal for others.

Apologies for the small photos – I was having real problems with their website!

Anyway it got me looking at the other coats in their Fall collection.  I do love a good coat or jacket and at this time of year I start to pine for the colder weather so I can snuggle in wool and cashmere – again my Husband will never understand.  Here are my picks – and the prices are so good I may have placed a sneaky order.  All to be revealed!

Yes, yes – I know it’s Twiggy – but I love the simplicity of this black biker jacket.

I had to do a double take at the price of this mac.  £45 – a real deal for a gorgeous looking mac.  My favorite color – the charcoal – is sold out in smaller sizes – but I also love this pebble color.  The black trim is striking.

Another biker jacket – the tweed contrast with the black is gorgeous.  I really want this jacket.

This time a longer biker coat – they have quite a few this style with the asymmetrical zip.  It reminds me of the Zara coat last year – though I would like to bet this M&S one is far better quality.  It is also available in petite and plus sizes too.

Finally my two absolute favorites – not sure I can justify both.  I adore this Autograph checked biker coat – so on trend and great neutral colors.

This military coat is a great price – especially considering the cashmere content too.  I’m having a tough time choosing between the khaki and the grey.  Again it comes in plus sizes too.

So there we are – for me a Marks and Spencer coat is like bacon and HP sauce, or chips and mushy peas – the perfect combination:)  Have any of you found yourself tempted back in through the doors of M&S recently?

Finally today’s outfit – I would never have bought these harem style shorts had I not seen them on Eve at AllWornOutBlog.com – on the Zara site they looked pants (no pun intended).  The top is Primark bought over the summer, and the shoes are Marks & Spencer (see!) Autograph peep toes, again from the summer.

 

Related articles

• De-cluttering
• Fall arrivals.
• After the boys of summer have gone.
• Black and grey.