Today I was working from my home office and had a daunting to do list. The kind where the carried over items date back weeks rather than days and you feel slightly overwhelmed.
So what did I do? I cleared out a kitchen cupboard that wasn't even on my list but had been bugging me for a while, as it was full off toddler Tupperware, picnic plastic and chipped crockery. A ruthless clear out and a strong coffee was all it took to motivate me to attack my original work. It's a great feeling when you manage to tick off all the boxes and more besides!  

Today I'm wearing a Cloth & Stone chambray shirt layered over a Kenar dark grey linen vest with my white Lee skinny jeans all from TK Maxx. I've accessorised with old Next leopard print flats and Accessorize tan leather belt with my Next linen khaki jacket for outerwear. See my outfit builder below for similar products and click on the descriptive text to shop.  

If your wardrobe needs a good clear out read my articles at Talented Ladies Club on 'How to organise your wardrobe' or see whether you may have a toxic wardrobe! 

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Just as I was getting excited about getting more of my spring wardrobe out and about the weather turns and I find myself going back to basics. Sometimes it's nice not to over think an outfit and forego the accessories that so often make a look. 

I shun the urge to put my cashmere jumper on and default to a sweatshirt; my Uniqlo white one is fresher than my grey marl one and as I'm not breaking it up with a layer underneath brightens up the face too.

Zara soft ripped skinny jeans, Reiss black leather jacket and Massimo Dutti black ballet flats make up the rest of my outfit. My everyday silver bangles compliment the zip hardware on my jacket and my Lulu Guiness 'lip' brolly is on standby.

Whilst you'll have seen all these elements before in various posts I am wearing something new! I did my nails last night in Mavala soft matt effect 'Trench Beige' and I might add not in the dark....even though this picture begs to differ! 

It's a great neutral and the matt finish gives it an update for this season. Basic grooming, a polished nail, a tamed eyebrow and a pressed shirt doesn't take very long but really helps achieve a more polished look. 

See below for my outfit builder and click on the descriptive text to shop any of the items shown. Don't forget to check out my latest post on Wardrobe Wands facebook page where I pick my top five bar necklaces. 

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I’ve decided to do a few blogs about what the high street has to offer for SS15 saving you some legwork when it comes to freshening up your look.

Today I've been to M&S and as they have so much choice I've decided to review one of their many sub brands, Limited Edition.

On my copious visits to the M&S ladies fashion department it’s this particular range that never fails to leave me perplexed. Who is their customer? Is it a limited production run? Is the offer meant to be substantially more trend aware than the other sub brands?  The only thing right about the collection is the apt name ‘Limited Edition’ as in my opinion its appeal is definitely limited!

So I start with a clean slate, throw my previous opinions to one side and decide to look at the range through fresh eyes at the Shoreham-by –Sea branch.

I make my way to the department and on first thoughts think that they must have relocated it. All I see is a bank of denim jeans, more ‘Indigo’ I think, but then I see the Limited Edition branding.    

According to the website this range ‘translates catwalk trends into wearable, fashion forward pieces’. Well its embraced trends alright but not in a ‘Gucci’ way. I see fringing, flares and seventies print ago-go. So I pick a selection of the good, the bad and the ugly and trot off to the changing rooms.

The good:

Textured pleated A-line white skirt
I loved the shape and length which is very current and liked the pockets which gave it a relaxed Riviera feel, think Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday. I also liked the texture but the fabrication let it down as it felt cheap to the touch and I imagined it would be highly flammable! Not the best for a summer BBQ outfit.

I didn't buy but gave it 3 out of 5 for styling.  

Floral wide leg trousers
I was dubious about them on the hanger but as the large print is on trend decided to try them on. The result was surprising as I loved the flattering fit. The material was silky to the touch giving the trousers a nice relaxed movement, perfect for smart/casual occasions. Think holiday dining al fresco.

However for me the mid brown colour in the print makes it tricky when outfit building. As my Wardrobe Wand rule of thumb is imagine 3 outfits before buying I didn't purchase them. However I would have bought them in a block colour or brighter print so hope they continue this style.

I gave them 4 out of 5 for fit.

Cotton rich sheer striped jumper
This was my absolute favourite item of the entire range. I would however buy now as in store there were only 2 size 12’s left. It’s a rework of the classic cotton jumper with a nautical vibe. The sheer stripe is a considered design feature; on trend but wearable and the bow back made it more unique and feminine. This is exactly what I expect from a ‘Limited Edition’ range.

I would have bought it if they had a size 10 available.

I gave it 5 out of 5

The bad:

Embellished maxi dress
Before I tried it on I thought it was expensive for what it was at £59 and the beading design was juvenile. When I tried it on it didn’t fare much better. The high neckline and empire bust together made me look matronly and as I am not particularly busty can’t imagine how squashed and misshaped a more curvaceous figure would look in it. The material felt like fine net curtains too. Unimpressed.

I didn't buy and gave it 1 out of 5 (The 1 for being an on trend maxi dress!)

The ugly:

Long sleeve fit and flare pleated dress
I tried it, dull as dishwater, both in colour and design. It looked more like an AW dress rescued from the dribs and drabs of the sale rail! This item would be hard pushed in a basics range let alone in this sub brand which surely is meant to be a step above!

I obviously didn't buy it and give it 0 out of 5.

And that was just the selection I tried on. In my opinion, and of course it is just my personal opinion, there were a lot of misses. Take the long beige shaggy cardigan for instance. When I came across a packed rail of said garment they looked like rugs from a discount home store.  It may be a trend item from the 70’s but I doubt even Rosie Huntington-Whiteley could carry this look off with aplomb let alone any of the M&S core customer I saw in the café!

To be fair a few customers milled around the rails with lilac garments on and made some positive comments, with one customer loving the PU biker jacket. This pretty pastel does make a change from baby pink and would update your spring summer wardrobe.  

However I’m sorry M&S but this range just doesn't cut the mustard no matter how much you daub the collection in it. As I left I caught sight of a slogan t-shirt which stated ‘Love, Laugh, Live’….well at least I did laugh!

If you enjoyed this post look out for my high street review next week. Thanks for stopping by.