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.
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.
It doesn’t start well as the first item I try is actually an 8 but is on the wrong size hanger…..another of my M&S bug bears…so I have to ask the assistant to change it to a 10. Now usually I’m a M&S size 10 but realise straightaway that the sizing is different to the other sub brands being slightly too snug for comfort. This leaves me dangling between sizes, so I have to try both. Frustrating!
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
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!
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.
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.
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