After living in this country for the last 15 years, I have come to appreciate Marks & Spencer for the national institution that it is. I can’t think readily of a comparison in the US. Perhaps I can compare it to Target or other department stores which sell food, clothing and homewares but M&S is still different. It has a bit of old-fashioned stuffiness about it – an air of quality, of history, of nostalgia, of middleclassness that’s not matched by Target’s fast fashion and trendy finds. It’s simply quintessentially British.
Now, the food has always been very nice at M&S. Pick up a ready meal and you know it’s going to be nicer than the one you bought as ASDA. I mean, they have Prosecco flavoured crisps, for goodness sake. The clothing they sold in years past, however, seemed to be aimed at a woman in her 50’s from 1985 (hello Per Una). Then, as their hold on the British public faltered, they breathed new life into it. The Alexa Chung collection toes the line between being overtly trendy and feeling like you are on the right side of this century. The Twiggy line is equally impressive, giving women of a more mature age the ability to dress fabulously without feeling like they need to slump around Top Shop, covertly pretending to shop for their daughters when in reality, they just want something that’s stylish and fits well. They’re turning it around.
And now it seems that they are finally turning attention to their homewares and I couldn’t be more impressed. My jaw dropped when I picked up the throw for my bedroom that has clearly been inspired by Moroccan wedding blankets but at a mere £69 for something that’s huge, made well and super soft, a trip to M&S rather than Morocco is a little more convenient.
I recently came across their Mila Chandelier as well (although sadly, it’s currently out of stock and little wonder why). This gorgeous beaded boho extravaganza is simply stunning and so bang up to date, I had to double check I was on the right website.
I also am considering this beautiful ornament – the Coran Medallian. The combination of white marble and gold is a little irresistible to me, I admit but it’d be perfect for adding height to any vignette or something unique to fill an empty spot on a shelf.
Their bar ware is rather delicious with shining metallics, glass and finishes that wouldn’t look out of place at the swankiest of Christmas parties.
For Christmas and beyond, you can warm up winter nights with a stunning selection of candle holders and votives.
The future looks bright as well. Melanie Lyssik recently attended their SS17 press show (I am gutted now I couldn’t make it!) and shared some of their finds in a blog post recently which she graciously has allowed me to plunder for this post. My jaw dropped seeing this bar cart which has been firmly marked as a definite contender to replace my current one. I’m utterly in love as well with that beautiful brass trim and velvet chair.
via Melanie Lissack
She also shared a few of their ‘Safari’ inspired accessories. I’m constantly being asked where I purchased the little gold elephants on my mantle and I always have to reply they are sadly vintage. However, it seems I can now point people in the direction of M&S instead. Also, that candle holder! I mean.
via Melanie Lissack
And can we just have a moment of silence to admire that Art Deco sideboard?
via Melanie Lissack
You can check out the rest of her finds here.
So it seems that M&S are knocking it out of the park lately with ranges that are fashion-forward with a stylish edge. I can’t wait to see what the new year brings this chain that I’d all but dismissed in previous years. Are you as surprised as I am by their latest ranges?
Yes! How weird, I went into M&S at the weekend and drooled over all of the gorgeous stuff, including this amazing big brass peacock/bird jug – and immediately thought of you! Just checked and said jug is sold out….rats!
Given their recent announcements, they will be chuffed with this!
Oh, I didn’t see the peacock jug! How disappointing that it’s sold out – boo! But nice that you thought of me ;) And ya know, I’d had the post planned before that announcement – ack! Sad really, I think their stuff is pretty great xx
Wow, how stylish indeed! I must check out what else they’ve got online right now! Great collection of items Kimberley and so beautiful for the season x
Thanks Katie, pretty surprising right? Well impressed right now ;) Off to add a few things to my Christmas list! xxx
I think high street stores have been consistently upping their homeware game over the past five years or so, and this collection from M&S is further proof of that shift. I mean, that Coran Medallian is so chic you wouldn’t think it was from M&S – fab! x
So true, isn’t it? Even supermarkets are finally getting some really nice things in ;) Oh and that Medallion is so going on my Christmas list! xx
I always like visiting the M&S in Meadow hall, it always has some nice pieces, and I do like Per Una, a lot of people were surprised when they first brought it out, it was a big change for them, but it’s still doing really well. xxx
It’s nice to pop in and have a little look around – I was surprised at just how nice a few of their things really are! Looking forward to the SS collection but my bank balance isn’t ;) xxx
Hi Kimberley! May I ask your advice? I have a teeeeeeeeeeeny bedroom and I currently have a bedspread on my bed but it’s quite voluminous and it seems like my bedroom looks bigger without it. Do the throws from M&S cover much of the bed? Would they be suitable as an extra layer instead of a bedspread do you think? There’s one bedspread I adore on the site but I’m fearful it’ll have the same effect as the one I have and am wondering if I should go for a throw instead. Thank you!
The throw I got for the bedroom probably covers 3/4 of our king sized bed if that helps! It’s not very heavy though but over the duvet it adds a nice extra cosy layer :) Not sure if that helps or not! ;) xx
Thanks Kimberley! I have a double bed so it sounds like it might work.
Like the M&S homeware – some of it is rather pricey though :)
Yep, some of it is! I think they cater to a pretty broad range of budgets though so it’s worth checking out, especially during sale times ;) xx
I used to work at West elm and I agree, the glassware is stunning! However, give the store a call and you might find they have some in store even if they are sold out online (web and store is different stock). Good luck X
Oh that’s great insider knowledge, Paul! Thanks, I might give that a try ;) xx