Sponsored by Marks & Spencer via Shopping Links
OK, this is very exciting news, guys. Being a Pom, I have long been a fan of Marks & Spencer or good old M&S as it’s commonly known. I’ve grown up with this iconic British brand and when they started shipping here last year, it made my day. Most of Seb’s favourite baby outfits are from there! But what I didn’t realise was that you could also shop their homewares from here too. I assumed it was clothes only. This is both excellent and dangerous (for my bank balance) news.
So, being the martyr that I am, I have road tested the shopping experience for you. Marks & Spencer now have a dedicated Australian site so make sure that’s the one you’re browsing. I imagined the edit for us Aussies would be small and only things which were light to ship by air but I was wrong, there’s heaps to choose from! From bedding, towels, ready made curtains, throws and cushions, to kitchenware, bakeware, accessories and candles, to crockery, bathroom accessories, clocks and door knobs, you really can pretty much decorate your entire home. And shipping is free over $100.
My parcel arrived in just three days. I was so impressed. It was extremely well packaged and only one item, a candle lid, was sadly broken (I contacted customer service via the website about this and received an email apology and PayPal refund within hours. Too easy!). In fact, on opening the package my first thought was what a great place this is to buy gifts as everything comes so nicely packaged (but also with decent robust outer packaging for transit).
I was reassured to see that M&S is still providing exactly what I’ve always known it for: quality and value. Although it’s high street store in the UK, it’s very much known for selling a higher quality product and its prices are very fair. While I’m all for supporting local businesses, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with doing some of your shopping overseas. It open you up to so much choice and having something a little different to everyone else. And when the prices are great too (and the shipping free), even better!
I was thrilled with my purchases. My favourites would have to be the M&S Collection Pom-Pom Throw (this is large and beautiful quality for $124), the Conran Medallion (a ridiculously good marble buy for $45 and fab decor piece) and the 2 Aperture Metal Frame in polished brass for $32 (it looks like it cost so much more).
For the kitchen, where I love adding touches of gold (okay, everywhere in my home!), I picked up this fab Metal Ornate Fruit Bowl for $35, Small Sand Timer for $27 and Marble Platter for $35.
It’s always fun to update your home with new decor pieces and those finishing touches really can make all the difference. If you love creating vignettes in your home and you don’t want the same old same old items all your friends have, check out the M&S offering. You’ll probably find things which look a lot more expensive than they are too. I love this antique-look Magnifying Glass, a snip at $17, and these Alphabet Scented Candles would make wonderful little gifts for just $11 and come in a great box.
While I definitely do not need anymore cushions in my house, I was sorely tempted by the gorgeous mix ‘n match nature of their alphabet cushions which would again make fab gifts.
Although there are many on trend items to pick from, I think what M&S really excels at is quality classic items.
What I also love about Marks & Spencer is the department store effect: you can buy so many things under the same roof and this makes for a great shopping experience. Even better online when you don’t have to go up and down the escalators. So if you happen to want some baby clothes, lingerie or socks for your husband while you’re stocking up on linen, go for it!
Another fear with shopping heavier homewares items online from overseas can be a hefty postage bill if you need to return something. Thankfully M&S have made this process streamlined too with returns to a local address rather then back to the UK. You may return or exchange unused products within 35 days of purchase with a valid parcel summary document. Your items don’t even need to be in the original box or bag as long as they’re securely packaged. You even have the option to post them or have a courier collect from your home from $5.95. Any refund will automatically be issued to the original payment method used when placing your order (i.e. card or PayPal account).
So, what are you waiting for? Time to try M&S homewares for yourself?
Disclosure: Links in this post are affiliate links.
