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M&S still haven't found the plot they lost....

(172 Posts)
Icyalittle Sat 07-Oct-17 09:26:38

I'm trying to find a plain satin blouse for evening wear. Here's the ensemble that searching M&S brought up: a blouse with sleeves that would dip in the canapés or catch on the door handles. Plus a skirt that seems to have been made from left over bits of the fabric, with a back view that makes even their own model look as wide as a house. My prediction is that each bit will be 29p at the end of the C* season. I keep forlornly checking in at M&S because I so want them to get it right. Am I just not fashionable enough for their buyers' tastes or what?

Icyalittle Sat 07-Oct-17 09:28:45

Sorry, meant to post link blouse
skirt

fiorentina51 Sat 07-Oct-17 10:19:51

Ye Gods! What a mess.
I've had the same problem with M&S. Thought it was just me. I was searching for something smart for a formal event coming up soon and couldn't find anything that grabbed me apart from one dress that looked fine at the top but the skirt had an asymmetrical hem.
I've spent years trying to have a nice, neat, straight hemline. I just can't cope with wonky ones at my time of life!

annsixty Sat 07-Oct-17 10:23:13

OMG.
Apart from the style, what style? , polyester and viscose !!
Every woman's dream fabrics

merlotgran Sat 07-Oct-17 10:26:47

Some designer is 'avin' a larff surely? grin

Luckygirl Sat 07-Oct-17 10:28:01

Good lord - looks like a pile of spring greens!

Greyduster Sat 07-Oct-17 10:30:17

I'm afraid I would run a mile from any of those! I think that 'buyers' and 'tastes' are contradictions in terms when it comes to M&S these days. They don't listen to what people want, and it is not as if they aren't told!

hildajenniJ Sat 07-Oct-17 11:13:37

Oh my, they are horrendous. Back in the 1980's I bought a beautiful skirt and jacket in M&S. I wore them at my cousin's wedding, and had lots of compliments. I wouldn't look for wedding outfits there nowadays, if those are a sample of their fashion range.

GillT57 Sat 07-Oct-17 11:15:29

I went in to M & S last week, first time in ages and other than the food hall, it will be my last visit. Their buyers need to be fired. In an effort to suit all tastes and ages they suit none. I will not buy polyester or viscose in any form, makes me hot, it creases and is generally cheap and nasty. Their clothes are truly horrid.
www.marksandspencer.com/printed-hanky-hem-shift-midi-dress/p/p60121142?image=SD_01_T42_4041C_Y4_X_EC_90&color=BLACKMIX&prevPage=plp I rest my case

GillT57 Sat 07-Oct-17 11:16:39

and this gem
www.marksandspencer.com/flared-sleeve-bodycon-midi-dress/p/p60119904?image=SD_01_T42_8000T_KF_X_EC_90&color=EMERALD&prevPage=plp

MissAdventure Sat 07-Oct-17 11:19:59

Oh they're horrible!! All of them.

Luckygirl Sat 07-Oct-17 11:25:57

I've got one of those!

It's OK, only joshing! grin

Eglantine21 Sat 07-Oct-17 11:34:02

I only wanted a long sleeve cotton tee shirt. You know, those Autumn days when it's not quite cold enough for a jumper. Grey or white, or a horrid white and mustard stripe.

Everything is harsh. Harsh colours, harsh fabrics, hard to wear styles. Ok for the catwalk but not for real life. Think that's the problem actually.

GillT57 Sat 07-Oct-17 11:47:24

Their style is atrocious and the fabric quality cheap. Even the tall, slim 5 ' 10" models look awful wearing those frocks, can you imagine what they would look like on 5'5", size 16 me? On second thoughts, don't imagine it......grin

wildswan16 Sat 07-Oct-17 12:16:06

I have to confess I have found a few things to buy in M&S recently (I don't think they're too hideous !).

I absolutely hate this seasons obsession with fancy sleeves. Have they ever tried to wear them under a coat? They are either too bulky or ride up your arms and get all creased.

I agree there is too much grey/black/beige/navy especially in their dresses or skirts. I need a bit of colour in my life.

Liz46 Sat 07-Oct-17 12:17:59

I went to M&S in Liverpool city centre the other day. It was like a jumble sale and everything I looked at was on the wrong size hanger. I wanted quite a few new clothes but M&S were awful. To be fair, Debenhams wasn't much better. They both had rails of reduced rubbish that they were trying to get rid of.

MawBroon Sat 07-Oct-17 12:46:13

I have bought a winter white chenille turtle neck and a navy, red and white striped cotton ribbed jumper which I wear with a white polo neck.
Both have elicited compliments.
Clearly I live in a world of sad old bits with no taste.
All I would say is
1) last week they had a 50% off sale - sales always make a shop look like a jumble sale
and 2) look harder! There are some pearls among the dross but the quality of the fabrics is the price shoppers pay for insisting on cheap clothing.
Compare prices with Joules, Boden, White Company , Mnt Velvet or White Stuff and you might see what I mean.

MawBroon Sat 07-Oct-17 12:46:51

“Sad old GITS” !!

Liz46 Sat 07-Oct-17 12:58:26

I can't be bothered MawBroon. If the clothes were in some sort of order with the correct size showing on the hanger, it would be easier.

SueDonim Sat 07-Oct-17 13:02:27

It isn't confined to M&S! So many shops seem to be stocking hideous outfits at the moment. Apparently, the current fashion trend for women is a push-back against the sexual allure look of skimpy, tight outfits and to appear unappealing, hence the saggy, baggy cuts and drab colours. If that's what they're aiming for, they're certainly succeeding! grin

As for the weird and wonderful sleeve shapes that abound - does no one who wears them ever do any cooking?

Eglantine21 Sat 07-Oct-17 13:33:14

Wish I looked good in white, Mawbroon. It just makes my hair and teeth look even more yellow sad I agree with Liz. I'm defeated by the muddle.
A good range of basics is all I'm asking for.
The jeans came in Skinny, Superskinny, Narrow cut.. I'm a 14 and 5'7" so not exactly enormous. I couldn't even get the narrow lower leg up to my knees.

harrigran Sat 07-Oct-17 14:12:11

M&S do not listen to their customers, for years I have been reviewing their goods online and they do not take on board what we are saying. I am brutally honest with comments like ' wouldn't be seen dead in ' and ' hideous colour and would be better without the frills '

Iam64 Sat 07-Oct-17 14:12:27

It's a real shame, I did a walk round last week to look for a sweat shirt, light weight sweater, pair of decent jeans. I came out with some free range chicken. Maybe they should get the people who make decisions for the food hall involved in their women's clothes. It couldn't get much worse could it. I'm mystified as to how they can spend so much money and get it so wrong.
They're never going to entice younger shoppers with their dreadful clothes. If they want cheap and cheerful, throw away fashion they go to H&M or Primarni.
M&S used to be good for staples didn't it, well priced skirts, trousers, suits etc for work wear, jeans and sweaters etc that wash well and the odd bit of glitz for festive occasions. Homewear and food remain good quality and reasonably priced. Women's wear seems to get worse. by the year.

Moocow Sat 07-Oct-17 14:50:30

But OP don't you think it's a shame that it's only the top that's available in the yellowy colour, what they call 'Chartreuse'. Only joking!

I often think but someone out there must love it and wonder how they felt if they then came across such a thread. BUT mainly I think someone got paid to choose that and all the workers involved and paid to get it to the stores/online. See, I have a tendency to overthink!

Cold Sat 07-Oct-17 15:20:45

Having been watching the autumn adverts for quite a few clothing shops there seems to be some sort of horrible retro trend taking the worst of the 70s with ruffles, bell sleeves and gold lamé!