18 Sep, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
M&S has created the versatile designer-looking LBD for every winter occasion
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Marks and Spencer is back in action after the cyber attack, and we couldn’t be happier as we can finally shop the hero fashion pieces from the high street label once again – and with the Click and Collect option too.
M&S regularly drop new launches, and while many are shopping for Marks & Spencer’s seasonal jackets, I have my eyes on the Scoop Neck Mini Waisted Dress, which looks far more premium than its high street price tag.
In fact, we’d go as far as to say the M&S design is a close ringer for Saint Laurent’s Décolleté Knit Mini Dress, which fetches £2,890. Though we prefer the structure of the M&S design more.
Scoop Neck Mini Waisted Dress
Crafted from a mixed blend of polyester, viscose and wool, this dress offers insulation and structure. It boasts a scoop neck, ¾ length balloon sleeves, as well as a structured bodice that fits at the bust and waist but flares out into an A-line skirt. Available in UK dress sizes 6 to 20.
M&S’ Scoop Neck Mini Waisted Dress has been crafted from a blend of polyester, viscose and wool, which suits the colder autumn/winter seasons better. Not only does the material lend itself for extra insulation, but it also achieves a structured finish that holds its shape, hence why it’s ideal for more formal dos or when you want to look polished.
This design oozes elegance as it features a three-quarter length balloon sleeve, a scoop neckline and a structured bodice, which creates a fitted bust, cinched in waist but offers a flared silhouette around the skirting to add volume.
The attention to detail proves that this tailored design has been crafted with women in mind as it flatters the wearer in all the right places. The flared mini skirt is simply genius, as it gives the illusion of a slimmer waist, it also conceals the stomach that many women are conscious of (us included), and it also gives the illusion of tall and slender legs too.
It features a zip fastening, which makes it easy to slip into, and out of, after a long day.
The dress is available in black, and ranges from UK dress sizes 6 to 20.
While we would pair with heels and glitzy accessories to attend an autumn/winter wedding reception, we would also slip on a pair of tights, even diamante versions, for the Christmas party season or New Year celebrations – yes, we are thinking that far ahead.
Having said that, this dress is also perfectly paired with court shoes for the office, or an afternoon tea with pals. Though you could slip into ballet pumps for a day spent shopping.
The dress is part of M&S’ Autograph collection, and fetches £100. Yes, it may be a higher sum than some dresses we have purchased from M&S, but it’s so worth it considering the quality. Plus, we can justify the price tag when we remember the £2,790 we’d be saving.
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17 Sep, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
The Princess of Wales sparkles in one-of-a-kind tiara after innovative transformation
Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, attended the state banquet with Donald Trump for the president’s UK state visit, and Prince William’s wife wowed in a stunning tiara.
17 Sep, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
7 pests you'll see more of in autumn – and how to get rid of them
These unwelcome visitors are looking to get cosy in your autumnal home as temperatures begin to drop – here’s how to keep them at bay
Cat Deeley wore French Connection’s Brandy Snakeskin skirt to host This Morning on Wednesday and it’s the perfect piece for autumn 2025 if you’re not a fan of leopard. Shop the look for £89.
17 Sep, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
Shoppers say this ‘divine’ £12 fragrance from M&S is a dead ringer for a £170 version
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Beauty dupes used to have a bit of a bad reputation. They were often cheap knock-offs that didn’t quite hit the mark, but over the years, things have changed big time.
Now, you can find budget-friendly products that are dead ringers for their high-end alternatives – at a fraction of the cost.
One of those impressive dupes is the M&S Apothecary Warmth Eau de Parfum that comes in at just £12.
It’s causing a serious buzz on TikTok and Instagram because it smells almost identical to the iconic Le Labo Santal 33, a cult fragrance that costs a whopping £170.
M&S Apothecary Warmth Eau de Parfum 50ml
Featuring notes of cedar wood, sandalwood, cardamom and cinnamon leaf, this warm, cosy fragrance is perfect for autumn. Expertly blended with real essential oils, it smells just like the high end Le Labo Santal 33 but costs significantly less.
Don’t get us wrong, Le Labo’s fragrances are gorgeous and among some of our all-time favourites, but there’s nothing wrong with wanting to save your money.
And with that being said, Warmth might just be one of the best affordable fragrance finds on the high street right now.
With notes of cardamom, sandalwood, cedar, and cinnamon leaf, it mirrors Santal 33’s creamy, woody scent that fragrance fans can’t get enough of.
Spritzed onto pulse points, it smells warm, grounding and cosy, making it a perfect choice for the cooler days of autumn and winter when you’ve switched out your fresh florals from summer.
Part of M&S’s Apothecary collection of wellbeing scents and available as a range of home, bath and body products, it’s designed to evoke feelings of comfort and calmness – and we can attest to this. It smells cosy and reassuring, somehow.
Now, you might think that a £12 fragrance couldn’t possibly stand up to a luxury £170 one in terms of scent and longevity but, the high street store’s use of high-quality essential oils and expertly blended notes makes the two pretty much indistinguishable.
Don’t believe us? Just take a look at some of the glowing reviews from happy customers. One review from a shopper named Suzie1992 says: ‘Obsessed with this scent, the body wash is also great. Smells just like Santal 33.’
And a review from user Sunnysue28 reads: ‘Love this stuff! So warm and comforting, it just smells amazing! A colleague wore it at work and she smelled fabulous so I couldn’t resist treating myself. Use it day to day as it’s such a great price. Go on and spoil yourself, you’ll not regret it!’
And a review left by a shopper called Kew1010 says: ‘A wonderfully warm scent for winter time. Musky and woody but so natural. No nasty chemical or manufactured smell here, a must for the over 40’s woman looking for something special and different without the usual designer price tag. Well done M&S.’
If you love warm, woody scents and you’re looking to try something new or you’re a Santal 33 superfan but want to save some cash, at £12, this fragrance really is a no-brainer.
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Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith’s son Jaden Smith was named the men’s creative director of Christian Louboutin — and his fans are more than a bit divided…
17 Sep, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
Cult UK brand announces closure and launches huge ‘everything must go’ sale
After more than 25 years in business, UK footwear brand Irregular Choice is closing down.
Since its inception in 1999, the company has built up a cult following for its quirky embellished heels, colourful fabrics and eye-catching designs.
At the peak of its popularity, Irregular Choice sold to over 50 countries worldwide, with a flagship store on London’s Carnaby street alongside locations from Manhattan to Hong Kong.
As of September 28 however, the firm’s last remaining shop in Brighton will shut and its website ‘will be deactivated indefinitely shortly afterwards’,
In a social media announcement, founder Dan Sullivan explained: ‘We have faced significant challenges in recent years, from pandemic struggles, rising costs, economic uncertainty, and last year, the liquidation of our main distributor who owed us and our factory a huge amount of money.
‘All of these variables created a perfect storm of difficulties, and despite quietly fighting hard behind the scenes, we now face the closure of our beloved factor partner of 25 years – a small family business and dear friends. Without them, Irregular Choice must take a step back and re-evaluate what the future may hold.’
Fans were devastated at the news, with the Facebook post garnering over 3,000 comments.
‘I can’t believe what I’m reading, I’m utterly shocked and distraught at the same time!’ said Claire Jane Law, who has collected over 70 pairs of Irregular Choice shoes since 2005. ‘Today is a dark day and I never thought in a million years this would happen.’
‘Absolutely gutted! Each and everyone of your shoes is a piece of art!’ wrote another, Natalie Norman, while Jodi Baker added: ‘Another blow for the industry. Keeping everything crossed it won’t be goodbye forever from such a creative and inspiring brand that pushed against the norms. Thank you for making me smile with every design.’
Others shared pictures and stories of their favourite Irregular Choice pieces, from bow-adorned wedding heels to My Little Pony boots that are always ‘noticed and commented on.’
A ‘big clear out sale’ has since been launched to sell remaining stock, with every item on the company’s website discounted by between 20% and 70%.
Many products have already sold out, but some cut-price footwear is still available, including sliders reduced from £109 to £45, heels reduced from £105 to £63, and brogues reduced from £115 to £69.
Customers can also still get their hands on printed tights (featuring Tweety Bird, no less) for under £20 and handbags – which usually retail for upwards of £149 – priced at £99 or less.
Irregular Choice is the latest in a string of UK businesses to collapse in recent years – and fashion retailers seem to be among those hardest hit.
Claire’s, Select and Quiz have all gone into administration in 2025, while River Island is undergoing a major restructuring plan of store closures and substantial job cuts in an effort to avoid insolvency.
Some have bucked trends though; most notably Topshop, which is making a dramatic return to the high street after four years away. The comeback hasn’t quite stretched to a standalone store, but its clothes are now stocked in Liberty, and its upcoming spring 2026 collection will be available at John Lewis shops throughout the country.
And in an economic landscape where we’re losing beloved brands every day, every win counts.
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Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
17 Sep, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
5 ways to dry your clothes without a tumble dryer – even when it rains
Get inspired this autumn/winter as we explain ways to dry your clothes when it is raining outside and you don’t want to put the tumble dryer on.
17 Sep, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
Princess Kate honours 'magnitude' of Trump state visit with bold autumnal look
The Princess of Wales made a statement in a deep red in an Emilia Wickstead coat dress as she and Prince William welcomed President Donald Trump and his wife, Melania, to Windsor for a UK state visit.
17 Sep, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
Steal Melania’s style with the best high street trench coats for autumn
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American President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump landed into London’s Stansted airport yesterday evening, kicking off their second-ever official UK state visit.
But state visit or not, we all know what people were really watching for – Melania’s outfit reveal at the top of those stairs.
And sure enough, FLOTUS stepped out onto the cold tarmac dressed for the occasion in a Burberry Kensington Heritage trench coat.
Wearing the coat tightly cinched at the waist, she paired it with a black crew neck jumper and Dior riding boots – the ideal outfit for unpredictable British weather.
Loved the First Lady’s look? You’ll need deep pockets as the luxury British fashion house’s iconic design doesn’t come cheap with some coats costing upwards of £1,895.
Thankfully, the high street has some brilliant and far more affordable options that look just as stylish.
From John Lewis to Abercrombie & Fitch, we’ve found the best autumn trench coats to shop now at a far more reasonable price.
After all, the humble trench coat is THE ultimate transitional piece. Lightweight enough to wear over your favourite knitwear, but practical enough for a sudden downpour, it’s the perfect go-to for days the weather can’t make up its mind.
So if you’re looking to recreate Melania’s look, you’re in luck as we’ve rounded up some of the best versions from the high street that are both chic and sophisticated.
Best high street trench coats:
Mango Long Double Breasted Trench Coat
Made from cotton and polyester, Mango’s Long Double Breasted Trench Coat is oversized for a more modern style, features a wide lapel collar, double-breasted fastening, buttoned sleeves, and a detachable belt. Available in khaki and beige, it’s perfect for layering on chilly, in-between days.
H&M Trench Coat
Classic and versatile, this trench coat from H&M is a knee-length staple made for transitional dressing. It’s available in beige, khaki and navy, and features a structured collar, buttoned storm flap, tie belt, and welt pockets, with raglan sleeves and cuff tabs for added shape.
M&S Collection Cotton Rich Belted Longline Trench Coat
This cotton-rich trench comes with a belted waist for a flattering shape and finishes just below the knee. Traditional details like notched lapels, buttoned cuff straps, epaulettes, and side pockets give it that classic trench feel and makes it perfect for dressing up or down.
John Lewis Shower Resistant Cotton Mac Trench Coat, Natural
The John Lewis Shower Resistant Cotton Mac Trench Coat is designed to handle unpredictable weather. Made from 100% cotton with a water-repellent finish, it features a classic button-through front, crisp collar, adjustable cuffs, and handy side pockets.
Abercrombie & Fitch Classic Trench Coat
This Classic Trench Coat from Abercrombie & Fitch is made from wind- and water-resistant fabric and features a checked interior lining, double-breasted collar, side pockets, and an adjustable tie waist for a flattering shape.
GAP Beige Icon Trench Coat
GAP’s Beige Icon Trench Coat has a classic notch collar, double-breasted front, and long sleeves with button cuffs. It also features slant pockets and a tie belt for cinching in the waist. Ideal for layering during transitional weather, this trench is totally timeless.
George at Asda Taupe Belted Hooded Trench Coat
Step into autumn in this Taupe Belted Hooded Trench Coat From Asda. Featuring a collared neck, double-breasted front, and matching waist belt, this coat is finished with buckled tab sleeves, side slip pockets, back storm flap and a button-fastened hood for when the heaven’s open.
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