Attendee...
Attendees -
~ Please give an overview of the day
I agree with the other attendees and would also add that the M&S team were not only welcoming, but were also forthcoming about information on anything we asked and very open to our suggestions. I was very honest about my views, and the M&S people were receptive and not at all defensive. They would explain why things were the way they were, but appeared to really take on board what we had to say.
~ What items you picked and what you thought about them (would you buy them?)
I picked up some Autograph bags, shoes, coats, a shirt and trousers (workwear)
The bags are fabulous - beautiful leather, classic designs and top value for money. Maybe tone down the blingy gold hardware, though.
The shoes are also great, especially due to the Insolia weight distribution. However, they need a wider range of classic shoes (it's a bit light on this season ie where are the black leather court shoes, why no leopard skin, why no snakeskin? Re flats why aren't you doing some embellished ones like Russell&bromley and Boden?).
Re the coats, they are like Joseph and Jaeger, except for the fabric composition. Most of them are half acrylic. So, they look amazing, but won't perform well. If Zara can do 100% wool coats for sub £100, Autograph should be able to do them for £140 (one was £250 and was acrylic!).
The shirt was polyester and the trousers were half polyester. I should be able to buy a nice shirt or top from Autograph in natural fibres. I should be able to buy wool rich trousers (ie 80% or more wool).
As it is, I don't and won't buy my clothes from M&S until they change their fabrics.
~ Please share with MNers about the discussions on the day - what did you ask and what was the consensus?
I shared my views as per the above points. Also suggested that they had too much stock, so that the stores can be impossible to shop in. There was a suggestion of a classics range that they repeat every season. Boden, J Crew and Banana Republic do this, with great success. That way you know you know you can always get your favourite items, and they have names so you know exactly what to ask for.
~ What was your take on the question of "if MN ran the Womenswear business what 3 things would they do"?
I would remove a lot of the stock. Frankly, so much of it looks cheap and I wonder who it appeals to. Surely the "trendy" ranges are a bad idea - aren't the your all shopping at H&M, TopShop and ASOS, rather than Limited Collection? I want the clothes to be as good as the food, so make it a great quality, timeless product as that's what I expect from M&S. I feel they are there with the shoes and bags, but the womenswear needs much work. My red pen and I are ready 
.
~ What was your overall impression of the day? Are you glad you went?
I really heart M&S as a brand, and the staff have always been so kind to me (esp when I am with my young children). So, I went wanting to help the brand be better. I was able to say exactly what I thought and why, which if taken on board can only help, since my views align with many other Mumsnetters (ie not just my big ego). So, yes, I am really glad I went. plus, it was fun.
Also M&S would love to know from attendees:
~ How important is the way something is made to you e.g. does it matter if it was made ethically or sustainably and do you check this?
Not a big concern of mine.
~ Where do you get ideas and inspiration from for what clothing you want to buy?
Blogs, Instagram, surfing the Net.
~ How often do you update your wardrobe with new items?
Far too often. At least fortnightly [cringe].
~ How would you describe your personal style?
Fairly smart and classic, but a little bit modern. Does anyone answer this without feeling ridiculous?