Bring back what we want from the M & S Archive!

[TollgateDebs]

Alexa Chung is not my cup of tea and I am not sure how successful her picks from their fashion archives will be for us mere mortals with lumps and bumps, other than to get them coverage in the fashion press. However, I was thinking why don't they ask us, the general public, what we would like to have available on the shop floor. Airfix, a bit different I know, but popped up on a retro hobby discussion elsewhere, has asked model makers to vote on which kit they would like revived and, when they have sufficient pre-orders, then produce the item, which is already pre-sold, so a win-win.

So, would it not be in M&S's interest to ask us what we would like to see again. Me, flat fronted trousers from an Italian ladies range, about 18-20 years ago, wonderfully flattering, stylish straights, with a wool mix slight stretch fabric. They came in black and navy, front slip pockets, so no gapping at sides, washed brilliantly and would fit in my wardrobe now.

What would you like them to re-issue?

[SchnitzelVonKrumm]

Agree about the shrinkage. Also, tall ranges for people who are actually tall. A 33" trouser is not long enough for me and I am only 5'9" - I know plenty of women who are taller.

[Bunbaker]

Just clothes that don't shrink would be a start.

Mind you this is a universal problem, not just at M & S - I'm looking at you Next. I'm sure there must be a gap in the market for clothes made out of pre-washed material that is guaranteed not to shrink.

[Marcipex]

Cotton jersey strappy nightdresses. I'm cherishing one that's about eight years old...For years now, frumpy ones are cotton and strappy ones are viscose or tercel or something sweaty. They look slinky and nice on the hangers, but I don't want synthetic nightwear.

Much longer t shirts. At least 4" longer. I'm average height and they are too short on me, and then shrink in the first wash too

[maggiso]

I did buy an Autograph shift dress after seeing it worn in an avert by a model a foot taller than me - on whom it was very (sixty's style) mini -but it was the dress I liked! I thought it would not be too long on me. It was rather more expensive than I would usually consider - and took some tracking down one in my size. This was only a year or two back. I almost did not bother because it was so pricy for an unlined dress - but it had the magic qualities I needed for work. (pockets, washable, breathable, comfortable, smart).
That is the theme for the clothes I have loved from there - well cut, practical and rather expensive - but looking more expensive than it was.

[rubybleu]

Brazilian knickers made from mostly cotton, not mostly synthetic lace.

[Bunbaker]

"Bracelet length if halfway between elbow and wrist, It covers upper arms but displays your slimmest point i.e your wrists."

In other words three quarter length, and neither use nor ornament then. In cold weather I would feel cold because my wrists aren't covered, and in warm weather I would want to be in short sleeves. And as I have skinny arms and wrists I don't need to accentuate them.

[DialMforMildred]

I'm not a huge fan of all the 'smouldering' David Gandy promotional posters in my local M&S. It feels like he's glaring at me while I'm trying to browse the tights, and not in a good way.

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

Agree re celebs - paying any celeb at all to pout in M&S clothes is not going to miraculously make me think that I will look like them if only I pay my £18.99 for a 100% acrylic cardigan. And dp doesn't buy new pants based on how enormous David Gandy or whatever his name his looks in his white boxer shorts.

It's ridiculous to think that shoving somebody's face'groin on posters all over the store is going to miraculously make people want to buy a lemon polyester pussy bow blouse or whatever crap it is they're trying to push this season.

I'd far rather they wasted less on advertising/sucking up to Vogue or whatever, and more on sourcing decent fabrics and paying their workers enough to ensure consistency across sizing etc.

[DinosaursRoar]

I also had a lovely grey silk and wool mix jumper with a cowl neck from before I had DC1 (so probably about 7/8 years ago now) that until a few weeks ago was still going strong, then it got caught on a stupid broken fence I lent against and ripped a hole in it. It was thin enough to wear under a jacket for work when it was cold, looked great with jeans, flattering neckline and washed well.

[DinosaursRoar]

Oh the Italian wool mix and match suits! Bring those back, in decent quality, with decent seams. Skirt, trousers, suit dress with matching jacket (possibly with a couple of jacket shapes), would be very popular and launch them back as the place to go for work wear. That would be a good market to go for.

[thecatfromjapan]

The thing is, any clothing they "brought back from the archive" would, almost certainly, be in cheaper fabric, with skimpier seams.

I bought a beautiful cashmere cardigan in one of the earlier Limited Edition collections. I can't imagine the latest LC offerings having that level of quality.

The cashmere selection at M and S has shrunk - and it doesn't have basics, such as camel, round-neck cardigans.

I'm still heartbroken about the disappearance of the Lynn Harris for M and S fragrance line.

[SchnitzelVonKrumm]

Why do we need a sleb at all? Does anyone aged over 12 think, oh if XXX is paid to pretend she shops there, I'd better fill my trolley?

[BestIsWest]

Good suggestions there Leanne.

[LeanneBattersby]

God, Alexa Chung? Ridiculous.

How about, off the top of my head, Holly Willoughby (and her mum? Let's face it, M&S is somewhere people in their 30s should want to shop, as well as those in their 60s) Davina? Ruth Jones? Olivia Colman? Suranne Jones? Katherine Kelly? Susanna Reid?

[OverScentedFanjo]

The fake Clarins skin care range was amazing. formula it was called.
I worked for Clarins at the time and it was hard to tell the difference.

There was a thread on M&S in the past week. The op had been emailed by the new ceo. It was being sent to the ceo to read. It got taken down when I went back to comment on it. Does any one know why or was it troll.

[MissBattleaxe]

Bracelet length if halfway between elbow and wrist, It covers upper arms but displays your slimmest point i.e your wrists.

[Bunbaker]

Is bracelet length just above the wrists? If so all my jumpers are bracelet length because they shrink even at a low temperature wash and I have long arms. If they make jumper sleeves any shorter they will end up as three quarter length sleeves, which I hate.

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

Yes to bracelet length - my preferred sleeve length.

[Bunbaker]

What even is bracelet length?

[SchnitzelVonKrumm]

Also: a smoothing, comfortable bra for bigger cup sizes that isn't padded, doesn't have two inch thick straps (if it fits properly the straps won't be hauling everything up) and isn't made of that spooky prosthetic foam.

[SchnitzelVonKrumm]

YY to bracelet length. But let's have A CHOICE of good basics.

[MissBattleaxe]

cap sleeves are the work of the devil. They make even skinny arms look bigger.

For me, my favourite sleeve length is bracelet length. And YY to longer tops.

[Bunbaker]

I dislike T-shirts with sleeves to the elbow. Sleeves halfway between the top of the arm and the elbow would suffice.

I agree about too large necklines. Why?

[GnomeWare]

Oh yes, t-shirt sleeves to the elbow please. And necklines which don't display bra straps. Because, you know, most women do actually wear bras of some description

Nobody over about a size 10 (with perfectly toned arms) looks good in cap sleeves or even short sleeves.

[IguanaTail]

chippy totally agree re: tee shirts. They used to be quite long as well.

Why do they keep making tops for slightly larger ladies that cut off exactly where their third spare tyre is? Longer tops. Please. We want to cover bits up in a flattering way, not draw attention to them.
Those tee shirts were also good because the sleeve went to the elbow.