So, one afternoon around the water cooler (and by ‘water cooler’, I mean WhatsApp) my six blogger buddies in The Over 40 Collective and I decided it would be fun to do a style challenge. We’d each choose a white shirt from a brand we all had access to and put our own spin on it. Easy, I thought. I’ll pair mine with a sequin skirt of some variety, load on the accessories, and wear some sparkly shoes… job done. Then they decided we should all wear denim with the white shirt. Fine, not a problem, I thought. Accessories can save anything, even a white top and jeans, so I’ll just go more-is-more with shoes and jewellery.
We decided that Marks and Spencer would be the best place for a good basic white shirt. I went online and ordered this one (not my usual thing, since I tend to avoid basics or anything that smells remotely like a ‘capsule wardrobe’). As luck would have it, the week we all agreed to publish our white shirt challenge post, I happened to be in the rustic Austrian Alps with my family. There went my plan for lots of accessories and heels! I was REALLY going to have to go basic and wear the white shirt with jeans and sneakers or flats (insert silent scream). I added just a bit of my trademark sparkle via a favourite necklace which looks like Edelweiss. It seemed apropos for the Alps!
So here I am, wearing the most basic outfit I will ever feature on this blog. Luckily, the scenery is so gob-smackingly beautiful that you’ll be distracted by the beauty of Austrian nature and will completely ignore the lack of creative styling.
As for the Marks and Spencer shirt, it is nice quality and does the job well. I don’t find this top to be particularly flattering on me, but that is only because my shape works better with fitted tops that loose ones. Some of the other ladies in the Collective probably chose better than I did (you’ll see their choices below). I had 40 white shirts to choose from at Marks and Spencer, and if I were to do it again, I’d probably choose this one or the one that Annette chose instead; the sleeve length and neckline are a little more accessories-friendly on both.
In my experience of shopping with M&S, I always find the fashion-forward hero pieces are gone if you aren’t super fast. From Nikki’s preview of the Autumn Winter collection on Midlife Chic, it looks like they will be focusing more on their fashion-forward lines after poaching a Zara executive. I look forward to that! Setting to one side our White Shirt ‘Challenge’, for me the usual challenge at Marks and Spencer is finding good pieces with a real fashion edge instead of the basics they are well known for.
Without further ado, here is the result of my White Shirt Challenge. I hope you enjoy the photos of the magnificent Steiermark region of Austria as much as I enjoyed being here.
Now have a look at my other stylish friends and see what they came up with from Marks and Spencer.
a white blazer on Michelle of Retro Chic Mama
sheer and sleeveless on Michelle of The Barefaced Chic
broderie anglaise on Liz of What Lizzy Loves
modern poplin top on Nikki of Midlife Chic
off-shoulder knit on Annette of Lady Of Style
bell sleeves on Catherine of Not Dressed As Lamb
Linking up to: honest mum, fashion should be fun, birdie shoots, notdeadyetstyle,
30 Comments
Michelle
July 19, 2016 at 6:54 PMHold the phone & back up a mo… I spy heels there lady!
You’d make a bin bag look glam Lisa let’s be honest! I think you’re right about M&S upping the ante next season – it has been a long time coming & I too am champing at the bit to see how well they do with it.
I’m seeing another challenge in our future 😉
Beautiful location by the way, do you ski there in Winter?
xxx
Lisa
July 20, 2016 at 3:13 PMWelllllll, sort of a low block heel, I suppose! Thank you, Michelle. You can ski here in Winter, but it is more set up for children’s skiing. There isn’t much exciting for grownups… for that we have to go to Kitzbuhel. xx
Liz
July 19, 2016 at 6:54 PMOh wow wow wow!!!!!! The scenery is utterly breathtaking. Stunning photos Lisa. And your necklace and shoes elevate your simple outfit into being a little more “Lisa” xxxxxxx
Lisa
July 20, 2016 at 3:11 PMThanks so much, Liz! xx
Michelle
July 19, 2016 at 7:27 PMI don’t know whether to be stunned by the scenery or stunned by the lack of sequins ????
In all seriousness, you are one of those women who would turn heads if she were wearing a sack. Maybe that should be our next Over 40 Collective challenge?
Michelle xx
Lisa
July 20, 2016 at 3:10 PMHahaha, the lack of sequins and shine is indeed a shock to the system! Thank you, Michelle xx
No Fear of Fashion
July 20, 2016 at 1:03 PMWhere is annette? You mention her, but I don’t see a photo. Although I know even from getting to know you briefly, you are not a basic girl haha. Nevertheless, you did good with the basic shirt. Even heels in Austria. Indeed Austria is providing you with a very pretty background. Great photos. All the others are doing really well too, I must say. Of course Michelle is stretching the briefing rather a lot: from shirt to jacket… But you’ll forgice her as she looks so good. Nice bunch you are.
Greetje
Lisa
July 20, 2016 at 3:09 PMThanks so much, sweet Greetje! Annette is on now, fear not! xx
Jan
July 20, 2016 at 2:24 PMBeautiful spot! Loved this post featuring your typical analysis of the important things in life and your blogging friends and their choices. Do more challenges. What fun!
You did not wear those shoes in photo 4 for your stroll in the Alps. They’re not flats. Are those flowers lupine? I have a low botanical literacy so please excuse the guess if I’m wrong.
Lisa
July 20, 2016 at 3:08 PMThank you, Jan!
I wore a pair of Adidas superstars for my stroll in the fields; they are in the washing machine right this minute! I sank about two inches in some marshy substance that I’d rather not think about. And yes ma’am, those flowers are indeed lupines. I adore them. xx
Abby
July 20, 2016 at 9:24 PMI really like the outfit, I do 😉 But the Alps, OMG! But seriously, Lisa , it’s a difficult task to go beyond white basics in the Alps, unless you wear one of those embroidered aprons:) Yet, as usual, you managed to make it look hot (especially in the picture out of that cabin window) ! Happy to see you enjoying the scenery! xx Abby
Lisa
July 20, 2016 at 10:40 PMThank you so much, darling Abby! It was sooooo gorgeous there. xx
Mithra Ballesteros
July 21, 2016 at 12:44 PMHilarious fun, as per usual! Fantastic photos — loved all of them but in particular you peeking out of that shuttered gable made me swoon. Hope it was a heavenly trip and the wilderness didn’t insert herself too boldly for a city girl like you!
Lisa
July 21, 2016 at 6:04 PMThank you, Mithra. My husband took all of the photos, so I’ll pass along your praise (and not my criticism!). This city girl enjoys getting wild now and then 😉 xx
Midlifechic
July 22, 2016 at 2:17 PMIt’s no surprise the shot of you with the antlers went crazy on Instagram – we definitely need a caption competition. You look great in your shirt and as ever, I envy you your fab location. Looking good my lovely. xxx
Lisa
July 22, 2016 at 2:27 PMThank you so much, Nikki! xx
Mary Murnane
July 22, 2016 at 2:23 PMThese photos are genuinely unbelievable! I’m awestruck, so beautiful!
Mary
http://www.marymurnane.com
Lisa
July 22, 2016 at 2:27 PMThank you so much, Mary! xx
Patti
July 24, 2016 at 10:16 PMWhat a great challenge, Lisa! Love your jewelry and your setting is breathtaking. xo
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Lisa
July 24, 2016 at 10:18 PMThank you, Patti! xx
Amanda
July 27, 2016 at 9:11 PMLisa you rock this with or without bling! And the scenery is breathtaking, especially the Lupin (?) field!! You all look fabulous and of course Michelle’s legendary legs!!!!
Loving your work sparkly! xxx
Lisa
July 28, 2016 at 1:04 AMThanks so much, sweet Amanda! xx
Kandja Sylla
August 17, 2016 at 12:27 AMThe scenery is perfect for a photo shoot. I love how you ladies made a basic look more chic and stylish. You really know how to elevate a simple outfit! xx
http://www.prettyweirdbombshell.com/6-tips-for-healthy-dining-out/
Lisa
August 17, 2016 at 8:52 PMThank you, Kandja! I’m so pleased you liked this post. xx
Julia
August 25, 2016 at 10:22 AMEnjoyed the scenery and your quick whitted post! I’m all about the basic white tee and the button down. You wear it well! Great challenge!
Lisa
August 25, 2016 at 1:43 PMThank you so much, Julia! xx
LA CONTESSA
November 2, 2016 at 3:54 PMLOVELY AMOUNGEST the LUPINE!
Lisa
November 2, 2016 at 6:02 PMLupine is just so magical, isn’t it? xx
WHITE BLAZER WITH DENIM SHORTS - RetroChicMama
February 26, 2017 at 7:38 PM[…] The Sequinist – Lisa’s Instagram Midlife Chic – Nikki’s Instagram What Lizzy Loves – Liz’s InstagramLady of Style – Annette’s InstagramThe Barefaced Chic – Michelle’s Instagram […]
The Marks & Spencer Challenge | Styling the Basics: A White Top and Denim - Not Dressed As Lamb
March 23, 2020 at 4:13 PM[…] Lisa – The Sequinist […]