'I wouldn't be seen dead at a pig fair in that.'
Somerville and Ross, recording an over-heard Irishwoman's opinion of another's clothing, or it may have been hat.
May not be quoting it perfectly as it's from memory, but I think of it a lot when looking at clothes in general and especially M&S these days! God spare me poor old minces.
I'm such a moany, sentimental old 'fings ain't wot they useter be' bag but oh, what a treasure Marks and Sparks of blessed memory was. And how unnecessary that that has to be in the past tense. I know it's ridiculous but I feel a bit Pa Larkin-ish when I see what they've done. It's like losing another little bit of something that was part of us. I know ... daft. But still - oh for the days of the lovely green bags with something sensible, wonderful, economical, and practically everlasting in them!
Thank heaven I've still got lots of my old things from them. Many still look like new even after thirty or forty years. Completely timeless. There's a lot to be said for hoarding sensibly holding onto beloved and useful objects!
If I need something and charity shops don't turn anything up I look on e-bay or Etsy under 'vintage Marks and Spencer!' Have found some splendid things quite cheap.
If cringing were a sport I'd have medals, honestly. The fabrics, the designs, the colours, the horror! It's not just M&S - it's mainly what passes for clothing today - but it's somehow just ~worse~ that they're taking the biscuit. From their own food halls, no doubt!
I'm dreadful about remembering who posted what but yes, it did begin with the cheap imports. And whoever said they seem to be on a mission to self-destruct was spot on!
Brilliant, brilliant Coolgran - thank you! I love the idea of all of us GN'ers giving them pieces of our highly redoubtable minds. 