It's Offer Season

That's what us mere mortals have to look forward to as opposed to Awards Season for those higher beings who live in Hollywood. 

Well, I say that, M&S have broken the season's cherry by being the first to bring forth a 20% off weekend.  Let the floodgates open, that's what I say (I'm looking at you Mango.....) 

But in the meantime, we should all make merry at M&S. 

As they are having a truly auspicious start to the year.  Yes, they've obviously teamed up with Vogue, who do a great job of making everything seem amazing - you sort of would think that the team at M&S might take note when thinking about next season's clothes shots?  Apparently not.  Although I'm sure there is method in, what to most of us appears to be, madness.  I remember working there as a Saturday girl (and Thursday nights - you had to do Thursday nights too...) 28 years ago (DEAR GOD) and being gobsmacked that their most popular line was a pair of crinoline old lady trousers.  Seriously, they looked like they were fit for a WWII fancy dress outfit.  But they were their best seller... 

Anyway I digress, it's not all bad.  In fact some of it is downright marvellous.  I had planned on doing another blog trying to get you to guess the retailer but I'll fling it in here, seeing as they've got 20% off till Monday.  Use the code FEB15EM.

So starting with this gem of a pic.

No, it's not Matches, it's not Net a Porter, it's not Whistles, it is indeed M&S. 

The jacket is amazing - really really amazing.  It's the same shape as a Massimo Dutti one I have from a couple of years ago (mine's cream) and it works on so many different levels.  Great over a little dress, amazing over jeans, be them skinny, kick flare or boyfriend (double denim is so 70s it's practically The Law to indulge) or any other sort of trousers (or shorts) that take your fancy. 

Open Front Quilted Jacket £55 pre discount - all prices are pre discount.  I always size up in M&S jackets as I think they are quite snugly cut BUT I do have swimmer's shoulders...



Jackets wise, there are loads of amazing ones to choose from.  And for me, these are the perfect buy for this time of year.  Yes, we still need to wear a coat most days but you must all, like me, be SICK of your winter ones.  They're just so heavy and a reminder of those cold, dank months.  Even if it is chilly, I'd rather layer up, throw on a big scarf and wear something lighter.  At least on those odd days (like yesterday and the day before) when it is slightly more Springlike, you can throw something different on.  Plus, like I always say, anything that makes those old winter clothes look like a new outfit, does make the hugest of differences.  I've got some more ideas coming up in the next couple of days for wardrobe enhancers but in the meantime, these will work a treat. 

This is perhaps slightly too summer for right right now but M&S are turning into Zara with their gazillion different collections a year.  Which means that if you don't buy it when you see it, it will sell out and not be replaced.  As irritating as this is, it does mean that the risk of someone else having the same item as you is greatly reduced.  The dress I bought there recently - DVF a-like is a prime example.  This only came into store a matter of weeks ago and was already in the sale and is now gone.  If you like it, you must buy it - is the new M&S mantra we should all be reciting. 

Pure Cotton Floral Bomber Jacket from Indigo Collection £59 (this is not, I repeat NOT a bomber jacket.  There isn't a hint of elastic round the bottom of it.  Pah.  It is, however a very lovely little jacket which is the same shape as above.)









This isn't your classic trench coated material so it's eminently wearable for all weathers (ok so admittedly it's not going to the hugest amount of use if it's pouring with rain - oh the irony) - it's more of a duster coat fabric.  A twist on a classic.  Really really gorgeous and yet again, looks much better in the flesh than it does on the pic. 

Collared Neck Belted Mac from Limited Edition £79 pre discount 





Staying in Spring jacket mode and whilst we're on the subject of duster coats, as I've mentioned once or a million times, I adore this shape.  It also happens to be the sort of coat I get asked most about.  This reminds me of my checked one from Hobbs that most people love.  Although mine is collarless and this one does have a lapel. (so not really that similar at all.... I'm thinking colours...)  Which some people would prefer.  A great stripe - grey/blue combo, perfect for now and into the warmer months. 

Striped Duster Coat from Autograph £99






Alternatively there's this one which is collarless - definitely my favourite sort of neckline.

Crew neck Ikat Jacket £79  And credit where credit is due - I LOVE the styling of this whole outfit.  Stunning.







This one they did have in store, but I didn't see it yesterday.  However, I can confirm it is amazing.  This is a pic of mine from a couple of weeks ago when I was doing my "all things fab in M&S" trip.

Buttonsafe Italian Fabric Textured Coat £89