Alexa Chung collaboration with M&S.
If you live in the UK do you shop at M&S? If so what clothes do you expect to find there?
M&S used to be a store where you stocked up on classic sweaters and trousers. Over the last few years they have been offering more fashion forward looks.
Their recent collaboration with the style icon Alexa Chung is aimed at capturing a younger audience.
Just before my trip to France I was invited to the launch of Alexa’s Archive range at the M&S Marble Arch flagship store.
At the event I was introduced to Alexa, who was charming. She told me how she had enjoyed delving into the rich M&S company archives to create the 31-piece collection. She described how she had chosen pieces from the 60’s and 70’s and brought them up to date with the clever use of fabric and colour. She laughed when I told her that I had once worn the original versions!
I was invited to choose a few key pieces from the range. I picked the navy Ada trousers (modelled on a pair of wide leg canary yellow trousers from 1972), the Bertha cardi and the Hattie Camie. I have teamed them with white keds available here and here for a casual look.
I have worn the trousers on several occasion whilst in France. They are the right weight for in-between seasons and can be dressed up or down. They also travel well as they do not crease. The Cardi I have teamed with an A line dress for a casual evening out.
I am not into vintage styles; however I can live happily with re-imagined wardrobe classics. I found that many of the dresses in the range were very short, (Alexa has legs like a giraffe). Probably best suited to our daughters rather than us. The classic styles do cover a wide age range. Catherine of Notdressedaslamb chose the same trousers as me. I will be interested to see how she wears them.
All items from the Alexa Chung Archive Collection
British fashion re-interpreted for 2016.
I would love to know what my UK readers think of the direction M&S is taking? Does it work for you? What would you like to see more of in the M&S stores?
PS. Thank you for all you kind support. It is due to you that I continue to have the energy and desire to develop the blog.
I wrote a post on “How I wear the new trouser shape” due to “stuff happening” it did not reach all my readers. It is a controversial subject so if you have not seen it you might like to click here and join the conversation.
Disclaimer: I was given a voucher to choose an outfit from the Alexachungarchive collection. All opinions are my own.
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I read your latest post with interest. I think the shorter trousers are fine for ladies with thin legs, as for me, no way!
I had a good look at the Alexa Chung outfits for M&S when it was launched. I am not sure which I would wear or would even suit me. I think its important for M&S to remember who their core customers are, i.e. ladies over the age of 40/50 and not try to compete with all the other stores who sell to the younger generation.
The trouble with M&S fashion is that they do have some nice pieces - but you have to search to find them. The website and the larger city centre stores are the only places worth looking, because the small town ones are full of frumpy stuff.
For going out or smarter stuff, I always prefer Phase Eight.
I think you've showcased this length of pants perfectly. Especially with the bare top!
I think it's extremely important for us women to try some of the newer styles even though most of us don't like change!
The necklace is a great piece also!! jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
I wrote earlier about the potential benefit of a side zipper for those of us no longer flat in the belly. YES, it is wonderful that my t-shirt no longer shows the bulge of a front zipper. I recommend you try it is in the same questionable shape as I. Googling I ended up with Nordstrom Rack so at $39.00 worth a trial although I happen to be in California at this time. Surely available in the UK, too.
I do not like the trousers, don't think they are at all flattering. I rarely find anything I like in marks and Spencer.
Heading for Marble Arch next week to have a look for myself, love the blue cardi but not sure about the trousers, I think I prefer that length much narrower, but keeping an open mind !
I love the look on you. Still not convinced about the trouser length though. Out of the question for me due to my thick ankles. I also have hideous knees, currently worse as swollen with arthritis; definitely time to cover them up. I wonder if you can do a feature on midi-length dresses (with some kind of sleeve) for the summer?
Still working on the footwear which is a bit tricky. I am wearing the trousers to travel back to London today so will probably wear the trainers.
I don't have great ankles but as long as I cover my calves not too bad.
I agree with the different M&S stores. Our Hammersmith branch is not much good. If you can get to the Marble Arch branch it is much better. I often buy on line then it is really easy to return to my local store.
I've grown to like this style of trousers but the footwear is tricky - sandals will be my summer option . I'm not wild about standard length cardies & will be wearing mine with tunic blouses , not long ones , or TShirts & longer cardies .
Only food for me from M&S these days , I'm afraid