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?

A pair of Capri length stretch cotton jeans in black, not shiney or yellow or Jeggings and no brass buttons on the bottom please.
They would be worn until the seams started to fall apart like my last pair from five years ago.

Another vote for the Italian wool suiting range in the mid 1990s, it was fantastic. Mix & match - Hugo Boss has recently brought out a fundamentals range of suits which looks just like this old range, sadly at silly prices though.
Early Autograph had silk prints which were straight Prada lifts, I could lend them two tops if they wanted to reissue them, still in great nick.

I often wear a black longer length wool suit jacket from the 90's as it covers my bum. The quality is amazing.

What I'd love to see is plain scoop neck slightly fitted t-shirts, which were my staple workwear under jackets (shirts are too fussy and bulky). The fabric was a mix cotton-polyester-elastane maybe? And they came in black, white, cream and seasonal colours like red and mint.

Chippyminton I remember that those t-shirts, they were fantastic. I had a black one and a red one....they were so flattering on, almost draped on the body.

I had a linen lilac bias cut long skirt in the 90s. It pulled on and wa so comfy. Got loads of compliments and it washed beautifully.

The only things from m&s I wear all the time are the cotton rich underwired unpadded bras I bought circa 2006-8. Simple, no frills, embroidery etc. There might have been bows in the middle, which I removed. I have 4 on rotation constantly. I have been looking at the website recently to get some new ones as the white ones are starting to look grey (my fault). There is precisely one bra available with the aforementioned (clearly outrageously ridiculous and unreasonable ) criteria and that comes in a C-cup, and it looks very old ladyish (see below).

www.marksandspencer.com/2-pack-cotton-rich-embroidered-non-padded-full-cup-bras-a-dd/p/p22372583?prevPage=plp

I guess I will look elsewhere.

Autograph Betty Jackson paisley print bikini and matching sarong. I loved them so, wore them until they fell apart.

And Orla Keily beautiful red leather bag. Mine has a huge water stain on from not putting the lid on a bottle properly. I was devastated when it happened!

Old Autograph was just amazing. I have a denim jacket that I still wear from about 14 years ago.

Bring back nighties that don't scream tweenager (stupid bears / cartoons / words on the front) or granny (frills, flowers, lacy bits).

They used to do soft cotton 'nightshirt-style' nighties - no silly frills or logos. I've got one that is easily 20 years old, has been worn every year right through the winter, and is only now coming apart at the seams.

Or even just plain, LONG, thick cotton t-shirt nighties like the ones they do at Lands End would be nice.

Yes m and s have managed to ruin most things that people liked.
Cashmere is now not up to previous standards
Brazialian pants are wrongly cut
Naff nightwear appeals to no-one, well only those who are 10 or 100!
Also to add their sizng is all over the place.

Cherry blossom body spray.
Lambswool cardigans with matching non weird buttons and patch pockets

Oh and not mint green or neon pink

I bought a dark brown short mac from M&S about ten years ago that was a wonderful size and fit. I then put on some weight so charity shopped it but after having DS a stone just dropped off me and I'm sure it would fit me now. Wish I'd hung onto it!!

Style and fit, not size and fit!

Ditto padded bloody T shirt bras-just give us nice unpadded bras in neutral colour.

Better quality tights just paid £9 for 'velvet' opaques they were shit- a £3 pair from the supermarket gave me the quality look and finish I was after.

Had a great silky shift dress from Autograph from few years ago never seen the like since.

Vest tops with the secret support shelf in a great range of colours.

Per una when it was first launched did really nice boots and I had a raspberry cut on the bias skirt and top which looked much more expensive than it was.

Also fondly remember a lovely raincoat from possibly mid 90s cream trench with a wide belt.

Salmon and pasta dish is also fondly remembered......

A lovely grey merino v-neck from a few years ago. 10, maybe? Great quality wool, deep v, lovely wide placket, cuffs and hem, beautiful fit. I would have bought loads except that.... I bought one, realised how perfect it was, went back and they'd disappeared never to be seen again.

Tights - they go in the toes now after a few wears.

Chippy I've still got two of those t-shirts, but they are on their absolutely last legs. I will be bereft without them though - have worn each at least once a fortnight for at least 6 years.

And bring back natural fabrics. Please.

Oh, I remember the Italian wool suiting! It was excellent. Mix and match, different styles of jacket, skirt, and trouser. You could create your own suit. Brilliant.

chippy those t shirts were amazing, my last one is paint covered and has a hole in the back but it still fits well.

Never found anything close to it.
Or the work wear

Is there another shop all of you posters now recommend which ticks some of these boxes? Natural fabrics, quality made basics in classic wearable designs? I don't think I'd mind paying over the odds just to avoid looking through more rails full of polyester crap.

I remember when they sold t shirts that had a simple round neck (not scoop, not v) with a short sleeve (not capped, not elbow length) that sat at the belt on your jeans (not halfway over your bum so your belt and all the other lumps show through). They were a fiver.

I also remember when they sold things that were red, not tomato/orange, and navy, not indigo. But that was before they mislaid their Pantene colour wheel.

Autograph when it launched and Limited leggings and pointe tunics.

Also when they sold crisp, white cotton shirts that didn't come with those preposterous loops halfway up the arm.

And finally, how much money have they lost by not stocking a simple black roll neck jumper this year post-October????

Also remember the Italian wool suits. I was lucky enough to live near a factory which made M&S suits in the 90s which had a brilliant outlet shop. I had some fantastic suits from there. In the days when I wore suits for work.

I still like some Autograph stuff. I have a couple of round neck tops for work which have a T shirt back and a silky front from last year. Which they don't seem to be doing this year.

Cover ups for the pool with long ish sleeves and in a long length for ladies who have had or at risk from sun damage. My mum has has skin cancer and she needs a cover up, they are all short in length and although she sits in the shade it would be nice if someone made these in nice colours I am sure she is not the only one aware of sun damage these days. For me, some kitten heels please in nice shoes and when I say kitten heels I dont mean 3 inch heels like some shops have. I got some lovely black dressy ones once in M and S and have worn them so much.

I started this thread and forgot an item that still lives in my wardrobe, although I can't quite get into it, but cannot bear to let it go. It is a Chanel inspired black velvet suit, with straight skirt, edged jacket and absolutely beautiful and a classic. It has to be nearly 30 year's old, made in England and was not cheap at the time, but boy is it a beauty and yes, you could wear it today.