Opinions please on these two items in my M&S basket

[eshermummy]

been dithering over these two items for a while now - would appreciate some thoughts

this blouse

this dress

Anyone seen them instore and can give me a heads up on the fabric and feel of the blouse?

Not sure about the dress shape - anyone tried it on? I was thinking it would look nice with olivegreen/brown ribbed/woolly tights and brown knee boots.

[almondfinger]

No and no, if you have been dithering then they are not worth buying. They are also dull, dull, dull.

[HeadFairy]

Neither works for me either I'm afraid.

[tattycoram]

I quite like them. I like the sleeves on the dress,and the pattern but am not sure about the buttons.

[dogonpoints]

not my taste. Too darkly flowery in a large-looking way.

[bigpantywoman]

I like the blouse, but not really the dress, I think it's the shape also, a bit shapeless perhaps. I think a lot depends on the rest of your look, if your jeans/shoes/hair etc are nice and funky they could look really good, if you're a chubby frumpster they may not flatter - I think your best bet if you like them is to try them on!

[LetThemEatCake]

Not my cup of tea, I'm sorry. I like the shape of the dress but not the sofa fabric material ... they're both a bit middle-aged, fabric-wise, and that's not how I see you at all! I'd rather a plain brown dress in this shape with turquoise tights and brown boots, if you get me.

Stick with the animal print, I reckon

[eshermummy]

Just nipped off for a quick shower, back now.

Hmmm, thanks for all your comments.
I know what you all mean about the possibly dodgy fabrics - I think a lot depends on how they feel/drape in rl.

Bigpantywoman you hit the nail on the head - I think I was hoping I could lift them out of their slightly middle-aged tendencies by judicious use of tights/boots etc. but then again maybe I could simply buy something less middle-aged to start with.

[bigstripeytiger]

I dont like them. The model doesnt even look good in them.