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?

[MissBattleaxe]

I think there must have been a memo going round M and S HQ that said Alexa Chung is inaccessible to the typical M and S customer. There was a typo and someone missed the "in" off.

That can be the only explanation why these chose a twentysomething too cool for school IT girl who lives in New York.

I miss a lovely perfume called Perfection from around 2000-2002.

[RaisingSteam]

Actually I've still got a black fine wool M&S jacket from the proper tailoring days. I think I'll have it all my life. Somehow even though it is a 12 it still fits me.

[BestIsWest]

Empress, I had those longline collarless suit jackets too, in both the grey and navy. Loved them.

[IjonTichy]

The lovely Lyn Harris perfume range from a few years back. Especially the La Fleur perfume. Is she creating the Rosie perfumes for you? I bet she is, as they actually smell nice. But there's room for both. I've got my box set of the female perfumes and am ekeing them out, but my La Fleur is running out .

[Titsywoo]

When I was 16 (so around 1994) I did my work experience at the fashion house that designed the M&S clothing. Can't remember the name but they were based on Portman St behind Oxford St - I remember them being pretty good but I guess it was after them that they went downhill.

[member]

Agree with so many of these: Italian wool suiting where you could buy the pieces independently to account for different sizes top and bottom and you could get different skirt lengths in about 1996

The thick jersey tube skirts; I had navy, black and charcoal.

Lambs wool plain knitwear; I did have the men's cardi but did also buy from the women's selection when less slouch was needed (my late mil and my mum did too even though we were different generations and different styles).

Also a crepe de chine cream shirt which looked like silk with revere lapels and covered buttons but this time round without the over breast patch pockets

[70isaLimitNotaTarget]

Many years ago I bought a V neck long sleeved chocolate brown cotton top.
Nothing lie this now sadly.

Today I bought a Uniqlo Supima cotton top (94% cotton 6% spandex) for under £10.
Range of colours not what I was looking for so I bought one top (I wanted a few but not black/navy). I know from past purchases it'll wash/wear well.

[Behooven]

I wish this thread could be combined with the current 600+ M&S thread and sent to them!

[70isaLimitNotaTarget]

YY Behooven it should be sent.
This is what we want but not those lairey flared trousers thank you.

I get (or ) at having to trail round all the different sections looking for something (I usually give up).

I bought a grey/pink Argyle jumper years ago (lambswool) wore it to death, now I'm leafing through the Woolovers site for similar.

I think a trip to their Outlet stores are an eye opener too. Some things are Made For Outlet (I can get bargain plain TShirts provided they are round neck not scooped - too low) in every colour going.
But there are racks of "Hmm, wonder why you didn't sell" clothes too.

[ChippyMinton]

I was in desperate need of a plain black cardigan last week. My local M&S had this pitiful offering: viscose, hideous buttons and gathers at the top of the sleeves. £18.

For an extra few quid I could've got merino in Uniqlo.

[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.

[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.

[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?

[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.

[SchnitzelVonKrumm]

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

[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.

[Bunbaker]

What even is bracelet length?

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

Yes to bracelet length - my preferred sleeve length.

[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.

[MissBattleaxe]

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

[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.

[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?

[BestIsWest]

Good suggestions there Leanne.

[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?

[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.