It is everyone’s favourite time of year – wedding season. And graduation season. And it is the summer of sport. And all your friends are hosting fancy garden parties now we have a bit of sunshine. Basically, it’s the season of suiting.
If you’re super popular (like I am) you may find yourself at a wedding or event every other weekend this summer and it can be a lot. How do you stand out from the crowd? Will your ex be there? How will I afford it? Well, this is where M&S comes in.
The wonderful team at M&S invited me in to try out their 1-to-1 suit fitting service at their Trafford Centre store.
With another six weddings to go this year, I jumped at the chance to find the perfect suit for me, and something more summery than my usual kegs.
And in case you’ve not been yet, the new M&S is well worth the trip – it’s absolutely massive.
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I was welcomed by the fantastic Sagvan, who took me through the different styles they had to offer, with a refreshing array of colours and pastel hues to choose from, the choice was fantastic.
The suit section at the stunning new M&S Trafford Centre store. Credit: The Manc GroupThe suit section at the stunning new M&S Trafford Centre store. Credit: The Manc Group
Feeling slightly overwhelmed by the amount of choice, Sagvan recommended we look at the cut of the suit first. He recommended either tailored or slim fit, and we settled on a flashy sky blue tailored fit, and a dusky pink suit I’d had my eye on since walking in.
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Sagvan went through all of the sizing and recommended different accessories, shoes and the whole process was both relaxed and helpful.
I ended up with the pink number, which I wore to a wedding last weekend. Let me tell you dear reader, I was the talk of the wedding.
Everyone couldn’t stop complimenting me (I am also very handsome but they were in awe of the suit).
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Told you I looked devilishly handsome in my M&S suit… Credit: The Manc GroupPeople at the wedding couldn’t believe this suit was M&S. Credit: THe Manc Group
Nobody believed it was from M&S either, with many guests planning their trip to get something similar.
M&S might not classically be your first choice for a suit, but it absolutely should be. The 1-to-1 suit service is available to everyone too, just let the team know when you arrive that you’d like some 1-to-1 advice and they would be happy to help.
This season’s occasion wear at M&S has something for everyone.
So whether it is a garden party with friends, you umpteenth wedding of the year or a day at the races, be sure to check out their vast collection of stylish summer suiting.
The charming pottery shop near Manchester selling absolute bargains
Daisy Jackson
You know you’re growing up when you’re more interested in spending your money on plates than partying – and we’ve found just the spot for you.
There’s a charming little pottery shop not far from Manchester that sells some sought-after crockery and homeware at bargain prices.
On the shelves at Jules you’ll find a mixture of end-of-line and run-of-the-kiln pottery (this is where designers make more than needed to account for any mistakes or breaks).
Jules has been trading for more than 30 years in Hebden Bridge, selling everything from cookware and tableware to home decor.
If it’s made of clay, you’ll find it here, and at drastically lower prices than you’d pay in most shops.
They promise to offer ‘unbelievable prices’ on plates, bowls, jugs, casserole dishes and loads more.
And you’ll come across some names you might know, like bowls from Oliver Bonas and vases from Anthropologie, all for just a few pounds apiece.
The shops spans across two floors with crockery stacked up in wobbly piles everywhere you look.
This is not a place for toddlers, backpacks or butter fingers.
Jules is a lovely pottery shop in Hebden Bridge selling bargains. Credit: The Manc Group
It’s tucked right in the heart of the beautiful Hebden Bridge, so you can plan a whole day trip around your shopping trip.
This lovely market town is known for its artistic community, vibrant culture, and stunning natural scenery, all centred around the pretty cobbled-street centre.
Having a mooch round the local market, browsing the shops and of course strolling down the tranquil riverside, this is what an ideal Saturday looks like.
When it’s time for a pint you won’t need to look hard to find a quaint pub garden to plonk yourself into, plenty more spots to grab something to eat and stunning natural wine bars for a final tipple.
We could keep talking about what a gem this Yorkshire market town is forever, just over half an hour in-between Leeds and Manchester it’s worth blocking off a Saturday to have a mooch.
And make sure you pop in to Jules to buy some pottery while you’re at it.
IKEA is hosting a massive pyjama day with free breakfasts and £15 discounts this weekend
Emily Sergeant
IKEA is hosting a massive pyjama day at stores across the UK this weekend, and it sounds like the perfect excuse for a lazy day.
Don’t you just wish it was socially acceptable to wear your pyjamas in public sometimes?
Well now you can actually get away with it for once, as Swedish furniture retailer IKEA is hosting one of the most unique shopping experiences there is this weekend, and is inviting customers to ditch their daywear and don their favourite PJs instead.
Promising to be “a fun day out for all the family”, IKEA’s Pyjama Day is the perfect opportunity to shop for all your home needs in the most comfortable attire imaginable.
IKEA is hosting a massive pyjama day this weekend / Credit: IKEA
In a move that’s sure to be a bit of a dream come true for lazy Mancs, all late risers and loungewear lovers can get themselves down to either the Ashton or Warrington IKEA stores to make the most of all the cosy action.
Anyone signed up to be an ‘IKEA Family’ member who visits their local store wearing pyjamas this weekend can help themselves to a free breakfast of either a small cooked Full English or a breakfast roll, with veggie and vegan options available, or any children’s breakfast for those under 16.
That’s not all either, as pyjama-clad shoppers will also be able to snag an exclusive £15 discount when they spend £50 or more in-store on the same day.
If all of that wasn’t enough to get you down there as it is, there’s also set to be a special visit from BJÖRN bear in the restaurant for little ones, as well as loads of other free events in stores nationwide to get yourselves stuck into.
To bag your free breakfast and £15 discount, you just need to become an ‘IKEA Family’ member first by signing up for free on the IKEA website to unlock access to a range of exclusive deals and benefits, as well as up to 20% off on IKEA ‘Sleep Essentials’ until Monday 30 September.
To turn up in your PJs though? That’s open to all.
Kristen MacGregor-Houlston -
24th July 2024 
