Back to the scene of the crime
My entire youth that is.
Topshop Oxford Circus. I have not been back for years. Well I have but I've walked in and it's been like the scene of a disaster movie - just too busy. Or I've only had five minutes, gone down those famous escalators, got to the bottom and stood there, surveying the masses and thought - five minutes is not going to cut it.
But yesterday, one of my closest friends and I decided to have a complete treat of a day (post trying to persuade yr 4 boys that they should finish their holiday project on Food Chains and Food Webs. Next holiday, we've decided we're tackling the crisis in the Middle East. Cannot possibly be more difficult) and went to London for the day.
On Tuesday, I did a huge clothes cull that I am sending to a local wardrobe exchange place to sell and I had a plan. I knew (ok I vaguely had an idea...also known as winging it) what I needed and I was ready to shop. I wasn't going top end - I was looking for some fillers to make me fall in love again with the basics in my wardrobe.
First stop - early doors at Topshop. Now if you get there when it opens, it honestly is like a wasteland. We were virtually the only people in there. Headed to the changing rooms with armfuls of clothes.
So what were the success stories?
Midi skirt result. I had sort of cheated and have been putting together a blog on these (which I will still bring you as this isn't going to work for everyone) so had seen this online the evening before.
Absolutely adore it. PROPERLY midi length on me. Which is a novelty and a half Will be amazing with heels and a little tee (which I think I may well wear on Friday or Saturday night) - or dress down during the day with ankles boots, loafers or sneakers. I am so chuffed I can wear a skirt like a normal height person. This is the size 12 skirt and it is very fitted on the waist (a waist which I don't have).
Here I am in the size 10 tall.
And the top I have on in both of the above pictures and am seriously in love with. I have the size 10 on in both of the above pics.
Fine knit pointelle jumper £25 in navy.
And at the time I specifically asked if they had any other colours.. and she said no. Well SHE LIED. Sob. They also have it in a pale pink which I would have bought in a heartbeat as I think it would be so amazing with the khaki above. And of course sold out in my size online....
But I did hit paydirt with some black trousers. Which I wasn't planning on buying as they didn't have my size. They only had the 14.
Well. Ok so they don't fit me as they should but the 12 (which I tried on in the grey at home - yuk - and the khaki instore - much much better fabric) was very fitted on my waist. I guess, from looking at the pic, this is how they're supposed to be worn but I'm not comfortable with them. It also made them really short - I much much prefer slightly lower on my hips and not Simon Cowell style, hoiked up under my boobs.
Being tall, it's really hard to get a pair that are long enough so ironically, trying on the 14 was a complete gift. I couldn't give a hoot about what size they are - I think they look great.
Mensy trousers £42
Mensy trousers £42
And there they are on me - yes they're loose, but this is exactly the sort of look I was going for. I think, being tall, the oversized dimensions are absolutely fine.
And for comparison this is probably what they're supposed to look like if you wear the right size - the khaki ones in the 12. There is NO way the 10 would do up round my post 3 baby waist or lack of it. For me, at 5ft10 these are too short and for me at 43, they're too restrictive round my waist. On order - one zimmer frame.
I also headed to & Other Stories and bought... tees. Now I can't find them online so I'll bring you these another day as I have some other gems to report.
Oh - and some not so gems.
So there has been a lot of positive press about the Alexa Chung range for M&S. I won't lie - I completely forgot that it had launched yesterday but that meant it was a lovely surprise when I went to M&S today and there it was in all its glory at the front of the store. Now I do believe it's sold out in lots of sizes at other stores and online. Head to Bluey. Tons left.
I'm also going to throw it out there that I was slightly sceptical. Actually that's not fair. I am a massive MASSIVE M&S fan. I genuinely feel it's one of those brands I have grown up with and with which I a huge affiliation. Plus I've always championed them on the blog as I think most people are often confused by their offering and they have some amazing products. Seriously over the last couple of years, I have unearthed some complete gems.
And I love the idea that they're trying something new with Alexa. I'm not going to lie - at 43 I admire her style, but there are other people that personally I think, would have been more appropriate to collate a collection from the archives. Loads of fabulous women with a greater style heritage than she has and basically more fashion mileage. But I appreciate they're trying to win over a demographic of which I am necessarily a part.
I genuinely hope it is a massive success for them and to throw my support behind the new label, I went and tried some goodies on.
As you can see from the pics - this was of my own volition and not in way, affiliated with any M&S PR. I'm not going to apologise though as it's not all bad.
But I will say, their sizing is all over the place. I will also say that it's not just M&S that is guilty of this (looking at you Topshop and my bag of clothes that I bought yesterday which ranged from a 10 to a 14..). However you would be forgiven for thinking that within one collection the sizing could be uniform?
Well no it isn't, but fear not - I have done some of the trying on for you. Not a huge amount as Instagram is flooded with pictures and frankly most of it is just not me. Lots has a very eclectic vibe to it and if there's one word that you could never describe me as, I would think it would be eclectic. Basically, to be completely fair to her and M&S, it's definitely all very Alexa. It's archive, it's vintage, it's 70's and 80's. And some of it is fabulous.
Just not all of it on me.
But I had success to start with and more trousers. These are THE most amazing fabric. They look super smart but they are loose and flowy and lightweight. Perfect for Spring/Summer and Autumn. For work and for play. Now I sized up again - going back to the Topshop trousers. These are supposed to sit high at the waist which I find incredibly uncomfortable and restricting. There are however, two sets of buttons on the waistband so it does give you the option to tighten them if you did want them to sit higher. For me, the lower they sit, the longer they are and when you are a Daddy Long Legs, that is a bonus.
Here I am in a 12.
And I have just ordered the jacket which looks amazing here and I completely overlooked in store. I think as a suit this would be fabulous for lunches and just dressing down. It may well look car crash on me - fear not, I will let you know.
And the jumper that I have on above. The perfect fitted but flattering cable knit navy jumper. The only reason I didn't buy this was because I had bought the Topshop one the day before and it is on the slightly thicker side. I'm sure I'll regret this in the Autumn mind you.
And then finally.. the one thing I didn't expect to buy but couldn't leave there - the Trench.
God knows I need a coat like a hole in the head but this is amazing. It has the most fabulous navy and red lining, it is in my beloved khaki and it is the most unusual shape. None of the pictures I've seen remotely do it justice. It's totally sold out online but they had it in every size today in Bluewater.
This is me in the 12 - it's massive. I bought the 10 but could possibly have got away with the 8. However being tall, the extra fabric is always appreciated.
Finishing with not my finest moment. I don't even know why I tried this on as (I believe I have already blogged about) I am not a frilly girl. Forget the frills though, I don't wear stiff cotton shirts. I am too casual Ok so actually I'm too lazy (and too inept) to get the iron out. And these would need a LOT of ironing.
I couldn't even get the damn thing on.
My mistake for trying a 10 to begin with. That sort of put me off. I couldn't face even attempting the 12 as it had purely strait jacket connotations after I managed to get the size 10 off.
Don't let me put you off - it's The Harry Blouse at £35 and should look like this.
Has anyone else seen the collection? Have you purchased? Would love to know your thoughts on it.
So finishing with outfit from today - another of the three hush pieces that they're donating 30% of the sale to, during the Fashion Targets Breast Cancer campaign.
Faux leather joggers - ASOS
Blazer - hush
Red Soho Disco bag - Gucci
Superstar sneakers - Golden Goose
Tomorrow, I shall be back with my other adventure from my day out yesterday... it involves shoes... Can't wait to write it. And do the extra research in the morning. Who doesn't love a bit of shoe porn?
Love the faux leather joggers on you. Great outfit. Tempted by the Alexa blouse!
ReplyDeleteGo for it - I'm sure you'll have MUCH more success than me! (size up)
DeleteI've ordered the slip dress from the alexa collection, will pick it up and try it on Monday - ordered a 12 as not sure about sizing. The harry blouse is obv the hot piece but on a wee young slip of a thing it would look ironic and hipster. On me with significant boobage and being in my late 50's it would look beyond dreadful! Love all of that on you.....
ReplyDeleteWell... apart from the blouse that is?!! Just too much bloody effort getting the damn thing on (not to mention trying to get it off!!!)
Delete*Whispers* am I the only one not loving the M&S collection? I have given it serious consideration but the frilly blouse just is too 80s Princess Di for me to live with. I think I was hoping for more there must be some fantastic items buried in their archives ,maybe they are saving them for a second collection.
ReplyDeleteThere was very very little that I loved. In fact - only four things I'd say. There are some random boiled wool cardigans that feel like they're actually from the 70s and have been washed on a hot wash 100 times.... Shoes were ugh too. BUT the trousers, jumper and trench are amazing and I'm holding out for the Princess DI jacket. Which will probably go straight back but I'm definitely keeping the other bits! (and am going to hawk the jumper in the sale...!)
DeleteI ordered the blouse but probably won't bother trying it on. I ordered 2 dresses (navy & paisley) in 2 sizes so I'm hoping one or other fits. I really wanted the trainers but they sold out :0/
ReplyDeleteI reckon none will be flattering and I'll get a refund :0)
If you have ANY sort of boobage I would say they're probably not going to work... The Paisley dress is SUPER SUPER pretty but the fabric is really really thick and it's super short (which is perfect if you're not tall to be honest. Or 14). I just struggle to see when you'd wear it as it would have to be warm but then you'd boil in the dress. With tights though I guess... The print is absolutely GORGEOUS
DeleteI've ordered the trews in an 8 & 10 as I remember the sizing being huge when I was young - whoops! Picking up today fingers crossed ....
ReplyDeleteNow... I seriously DO NOT have a waist so I'm sure you'll be fine if they're around your normal size. M&S have changed their sizing in the past couple of years and are more inline with the rest of the high street (generally - they're all slightly bonkers with not a lot of consistency...) and so a 10 is a 10 and not a 12 anymore!
DeleteI loathe that blouse! I hate it on Alexa and every other picture I've seen of it. Just No. I love the Top Shop pieces you bought, especially the size 14 trousers, they look amazing.
ReplyDeleteOh I LOVE it on other people. It's not my style AT ALL but I think it looks epic in the press picks and on some of the instagram photos. I'm too masculine to wear anything that frilly near my face! (if that makes sense...)
DeleteI am bloody over the moon with my Topshop smash and grab. Those trousers are perfect!
omg ive ordered the blouse in a 10 - I am away this week with work so by the time I pick it up I will probably be over it as absolutely hate clothes that dislocate your shoulder when you put them on and off. I was sat in an office in Berlin seeing all the pictures on Instagram so went crazy and ordered an 8 and a 10. I AM excited about the yes/no trainers though...they'd better be nice. Gutted I didn't get the trench now as I thought it looked blurgh on the website but it looks lovely on you. Hey ho, sure we will all have moved on by next week.... x
ReplyDeleteOh gosh but of course. The trainers are lovely, just not my bag. And the shirt looks AMAZING on other people, it really does. I am just way too lazy for the upkeep (it will crease like shit), not to mention all the little buttons down the back which look amazing but oh my god I lost the will trying to undo them. COuldn't even get to do them up though as I couldn't get the damn thing on!!
DeleteI went into M&S yesterday for food and stumbled upon the Alexa collection. I took the trousers and blouse to try on. Loved the trousers but have a similar pair already, so didn't buy. The blouse though! I took a 12 in and it sort of started to 'trap' me inside it, as I worked my way into it. I feared having to call for help at one point. You know that moment when you literally cannot get out of a garment, one way or the other?! All of a sudden, it popped on but was too tight across the chest for me and squashed me flat. I think a size up would have been too big in other places though. Also, it made me look like a member of the clergy. I cannot pull of too many ruffles around the neck. So your blog photos really made me laugh this morning. I'm glad I wasn't alone yesterday in my changing room tussle! X
ReplyDeleteYES YES YES. I honestly thought I was going to have to ask for help to get the bloody thing off. Surgically attached to my arms (seriously, my arms aren't that big at all!) And like bandages across my boobs which are non existent. But loads of fabric round the body which is where, ironically, I'm biggest!!
DeleteJust bought the olive trench (with 10% off and free delivery to Australia + local returns) so returned another that was 3 times the cost but not 3 times as nice. I'm a sucker for cute lining.
ReplyDeleteThe lining completely completely makes the coat. And means the combination of outfits and colours you can wear with it is amazing. Hope you love it!! (AMAZING deal too!)
DeleteJust managed to get the trench in a 10 put aside for me. Now have to justify going out in a hurry in the rain to my husband! "But I don't like a coat like thiiiiiis one!". But I fear it will be too long - I am 5'5". How did you find the length Kat?
ReplyDeleteYAY!! I think the length will be fine. I didn't find it especially short on me but I don't think it would harm if it were a couple of inches longer
DeleteAnd the trousers look great on you BTW. No surprise there then.
ReplyDeleteWell thank you xxxx
Deletewhats the sizing on the Hush t-shirt like? Love the trench reminds me so much of my mum!
ReplyDeleteThe Hush tee comes up on the normal to big size. I have the Small on and am usually a large 10 on my top. Hope that helps!
DeleteI think I would look like that in the frilly blouse! I have wide shoulders and any frilliness or puff sleeves just look ridiculous on me. The trousers and jacket look good, though. And the trench.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if it's even a question of having wide shoulders (which I do...) I think it's a question of style - in that, on me - I simply prefer more fluidity and less raised detail! But I do say I love the look on others - it's like admiring art. There's lots you wouldn't want hanging on your wall, but you can admire hanging in a gallery!
DeleteI bought a frilled shirt from Asos (own brand) recently which I far prefer to the Alexa one - less fancy dress (i.e. not needing to be worn 'ironically', which is hard to do when you're 40-something). I have ordered the Myrtle jumper from the Alexa collection as I do love a fluffy sweater but as I didn't want it too fitted, which is unforgiving on boobs and general middle-age spread, I have sized up to a 12 from my usual 8. Due to collect on Monday and hoping I like it. I have a couple of pieces from a collab she previously did with Madewell and they're really nice, but I have to say I was left a bit underwhelmed by this M&S collection.
ReplyDeleteIs the Myrtle one the pink one? Hmmm jury was out for me on that... I can't WAIT to trawl through Madewell when I go to the US!
DeleteYes - Myrtle is pink. The pics online were hit and miss for me (didn't like it in the studio pics, loved it on the girl with the gingham capris/headscarf), hence my ordering 2 sizes up to see if it suits with a bit of slouch. I have ordered the pinky cashmere sweater from H&M too as a back up - seemingly feeling the need for pink fluff! I'll be back in the US is a few months too, so will be stocking up on J Crew & Madewell then (hopefully a bit of AW - I can't believe I'm already looking forward to next year's winter clothes before I've even got out of this year's).
DeleteI ordered the blouse. We shall see if it works.
ReplyDeleteI like the trousers and the jacket but already have similar. High-waisted, wide legged trousers are my "thing". They have good ones in Uniqlo ATM.
I love the fact these are a fluid fabric whilst looking smart. And picking the jacket up today.... (I fear it may be a tad too Princess Di for me... !)
DeleteUmmmm....I'm guessing you've noticed that you've gained 600 followers in about 10 days. We'll deserved !
ReplyDeleteGosh, no! THank you x
DeleteKat that Topshop skirt is gorgeous... is it the Tall or did you buy the regular size?
ReplyDeleteSo... it's all a bit confusing. I bought the regular ankle grazer length, as opposed to the Tall Midi... Clear as mud?!
DeleteHa, they don't make it easy for us do they?! That helps, thank you.
DeleteI don't have a waist and so everything is just slightly uncomfortable.. But the tee - isn't it gorgeous?!
ReplyDeleteI have just found your blog & love it - great clothes & nicely written. I'm the same age as you & also live fairly close (I grew up in Sevenoaks.) Anyway, I read this re the alexa chung range at M&S after I had ordered a couple of things - the trench & the navy blue wide leg trousers. The trench is huge!!! I could have downsized by 2 sizes. The trousers I really want to like but where the pockets are it sits all funny. I'm so disappointed - Ive been trying the trousers on this morning and keep pulling them around but I think they are going to have to be returned. Such a shame.
ReplyDeleteHi!! Thank you for your lovely comments but bummer about the trousers. I did size up so they don't sit super high on my waist like they're supposed to. as that's just not flattering on me!
DeletePicked up the S10 Trench. It's very big. Not sure I can get away with it. But really want to!
ReplyDeleteI do think it's supposed to be oversized... does that help at all??!
DeleteThis really made me laugh, I am the one in the next changing cubicle standing on tip toes (or the chair - I have done this!!) and bemoaning the fact that everything is still dragging on the floor! I love the pictures of you wrestling that Harry shirt - so funny! I am sure it would look fine if you actually liked it and sized up as you have the height to carry it off - it would make me look like a Victorian scullery maid! Most of this range is hopeless for me, but I do like the look of the Lydia skirt and I might order this as I am looking for a black and white skirt. The Elsie dress would look lovely on my teenage daughter but she would not contemplate anything from M&S, which is a shame.
ReplyDeleteThe satin pleat skirt and the Ada trousers look amazing on you and that trench was made for you so you couldn't just leave it in the shop could you!? Anyway, you can never have enough trench coats, especially in the UK - that is the law! Have a lovely weekend! :-D
You have hit the nail on the head with regards to the weather and this country. I am SO keeping the coat!! Thank you for lovely comments xxx
DeleteI love that you included yourself in the straight jacket/frilly blouse. Hilarious!! Unlike you I am short (5ft 3) so find trousers really difficult - cannot work out which fashion trend I will be going for this summer 😬
ReplyDeleteIf I were you, I would only look at places with Petite ranges. Topshop is on FIRE at the moment. And to be fair, M&S do a lot in their shorter leg lengths.. I've got more ideas coming up with regards to Summer looks as EVERYWHERE seems to be bohotastic at the moment and I'm slightly overwhelmed!
DeleteWhile in M&S I tried on some blush pink jeggings in a size 14 (wahey!). Walls Sausages came to mind... My general opinion of M&S is that its just too dear for what it is. Looks like my Gift Voucher will be splurged in the Wine department 😊
ReplyDeleteWell now you simply CANNOT go wrong in there!
DeleteWhile in M&S I tried on some blush pink jeggings in a size 14 (wahey!). Walls Sausages came to mind... My general opinion of M&S is that its just too dear for what it is. Looks like my Gift Voucher will be splurged in the Wine department 😊
ReplyDelete