Memorable Moments – The Rugby World Cup

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Sport

The 2015 Rugby World Cup is upon us, and to celebrate we’re looking back at our favourite World Cup moments. We’re also running a competition on our Facebook for you to tell us your favourite moment and be in with the chance of winning a £50 voucher to spend with us! Check out our selections below

1. Jonny Wilkinson

Probably one of the most iconic moments for England in World cup history. If you haven’t already guessed, it’s Jonny Wilkinson scoring one of if not the most important drop kicks of the competition against Australia. This nail biting game gave no rest to either team with both giving 100% throughout. Every tackle, every pass, every kick was given everything by every single player. The game had come to its last 30 seconds, both teams tied on 17, both teams hoping for a miracle. For England, that miracle came in the form of Jonny Wilkinson. With seconds to spare, Wilkinson drop kicked England into history. He scored the most important 3 points for England giving them the win over Australia and the World Cup trophy.

2. Francois Pienaar

This has to be one of the most memorable and life changing moments for a lot of rugby fans, especially the South African fans. This pictured captured the moment Nelson Mandela gave Francois Pienaar the cup after winning in the final against New Zealand after a period away from the sporting family. This moment expressed everything both men stood for – racial  democracy. It was such an iconic moment that the film Invictus was created based on the story.

3. France vs. New Zealand 1999

This picture captures one of rugby’s best ever come backs in a semi-final. France was struggling to make an impact on what seemed an invisible New Zealand team. New Zealand led 24-10 and it appeared to be all over for France. The French fans had their heads in their hands in despair, praying for a miracle. They did not have to wait long. Something happened that day that changed the French side. It was as if they were all just given an energy boost from the gods. They hit back scoring 33 points to just 7 in reply from New Zealand. The tables had turned. The end result was 43-31 to France; this will most definitely go down in the history books as one of the greatest games.

4. Australia v. Ireland 1991 

1991 Ireland suffered one of the biggest upsets in their history of quarter finals. Ireland was losing 15-10, but then a burst of energy soon changed that result. Ralph Keyes then put Ireland up by 3 with great kicking display. However to Ireland’s despair this moment did not last long. Australia’s Michael Lyngah opted for a shocking kick penalty minutes before the end of the match and somehow they scored this try giving them a one point lead which they were able to hold onto till the end of the match. A heart-breaking end for all the Irish fans and players.

5. England v. France 1991

This picture captured the moment just before the game changing tackle Mick Skinner made on Marc Cecillon. Up till this point the game was very much in France’s favour. They looked the stronger team by far; however this tackle seemed to change the whole match around. Marc Cecillon pictured above totally oblivious to what he was about to receive. The tackle looked as if it not just took Cecillon off his feet, but his soul out of his body. Skinner sent Cecillon several yards back with this monstrous tackle. Most would argue this was the tackle that took the wind out of the whole French team as England then went onto dominate the match and win 19-10.

2015 Best Sneaker Drops

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Trainers

2015 has been a huge year for the trainer industry. We have saw 100’s of massive drops that have had sneakerheads all around the world going wild! We here at MandMDirect are definitely part of that crazy fan base. 2015 is not over yet but as it draws ever closer to the end we looking back at our Top 5 trainers so far this year. Some of these may have even had a few of you camping for days or even breaking that refresh button on your keyboard trying to grab a pair on release day! Check out our selections below…

1. adidas Yeezy Boost

We start with one of the biggest collaborations of 2015, the adidas Originals Yeezy Boost 350’s. To most this was not just any trainer, but imprint on sneaker history. The build up to the Yeezy 350’s was full of tension, controversy and uncertainty. With Kanye West cutting his ties with Nike and joining team adidas it sparked many heated discussions amongst sneakerheads. Most were sceptical about his change of allegiance, however after the first drop of the Yeezy 750 Boosts in February these uncertainties were near enough demolished.

adidas Yeezy 350 – picture credit @sneakerheaduk

Edging closer to the release of the Yeezy Boost 350’s, we all became more and more desperate to get our hands on these beauties, some more than others. Fans all around the UK camped outside the very limited stores that were actually going to stock them for days, some even booked days off work just so they could prepare themselves to get refreshing on the adidas website. Sadly controversy struck for many fans camping outside stores as apparently store managers only let a select few in to buy the trainers, however it was later discovered these so called fans could have possibly been friends of the manager, this caused outrage as you can imagine. Regardless of the drama, the Yeezy Craze still continues.

2. adidas Superstar 2

It’s been a great year for team adidas, coming out with no doubt some of the biggest drops. They are constantly giving us big name collaborations that have the sneaker world sobbing at their bank balances afterwards.  Even though they have come with some major collaborations this year they have still been able to keep it original.

adidas Superstar 2

One of the biggest drops of 2015 has to go to the re-release of the adidas Superstar 2’s. These trainers have been around long enough to claim their place in the all-time OG trainer bible.  The Superstars date all the way back to 1969. They first made it big time when NBA star basketballers like Kareem Jabbar started wearing them. Shortly after Kareem the rest of the NBA followed. Even though these trainers had near enough took over the NBA they had yet to break into many other markets, until Run DMC decided they were their favourite brand. Even before Run DMC had any kind of affiliation with adidas they had already dropped a hit record called “My adidas“ all about the iconic 3 striped trainers. The buzz for these trainers has always remained, but with constant big collaborations and new drops they slowly became a rare sight. This soon changed after many celebrities such as Kanye West, Jay Z and even David Beckham started wearing them -the power of social media seemed to have woken the old school beasts from a deep slumber. They were back, storming the footwear market with no remorse, crushing competitor’s sales all the way down to extinction. These old school bad boys have literally given life back to the simple shell toe trainers around the world. As you can probably tell we are fans of the Superstar 2’s!

3. Ronnie Fieg X Diamond Supply Co. X Asics Gel Saga & Gel Lyte V

Asics have really pushed the boundaries this year with some of the biggest and best new styles. They’ve carefully toed the line between a running trainer and seriously clean casual trainer. Asics seem to have no boundaries with their colourways – we have seen the use of every colour in the rainbow in different trainers. At this rate Asics will most definitely be contenders for the top 3 trainer retailers across the world.

Ronnie Fieg X Diamond Supply Co. X Asics Gel Saga & Gel Lyte V – picture @sneakerheaduk

One of their biggest drops of the year has to go to the huge collaboration with Ronnie Fieg and Diamond Supply Co.. This collaboration was like having Messi, Ronaldo & Aguero all on the same football team. As you can imagine, they dominated the trainer industry. The relationship between Ronnie Fieg and Asics goes a long way back with his first collaboration breaking onto the scene in 2007. With this relationship growing stronger and stronger each year, the collaborations have just better every time. With the collaboration marking Fieg’s 20^th anniversary in the trainer industry he wanted it to be a special one. With Fieg teaming up with Diamond Supply Co. they created possibly one of the best Asics Gel Saga’s & Gel-Lyte V’s to date. Unsurprisingly, this sneaker was sold out within minutes.

4. Nike Air Jordan 11 Low Bred

The Air Jordan’s impress continue to impress us every year. Once again they dominate the sneaker market with ease – it seems like anything with the iconic Michael Jordan logo on it sells out instantly. The year is far from done for Air Jordan, they have a huge collaboration with Drake coming up. The hype around the OVO 10’s is unreal. They will no doubt dominate the market straight away and most likely be sold out within minutes just like most of the big Air Jordan releases.

Nike Jordan 11 Low Bred – picture @sneakerheaduk

The Air Jordan 11 Low Bred was most definitely one of the hugest drops so far of 2015. Before they released officially on May 23^rd the only other person to actually own a pair of these beauties was Michael Jordan himself. The Bred’s were originally made for Jordan in 1996, since then the love for them has grown bigger. There was an earlier release of the Jordan 11’s black and red colourway, however nothing at all like the new Bred’. The classic Chicago Bulls black and red colourway had fans camping outside their local retailers overnight.

5. Afew X Asics Gel-Lyte III Koi

AFew x Asics Gel-Lyte lll Koi – picture @sneakerheaduk

For our final pair, we go to Asics once again. They have gained the love off many sneakerheads around the world over the past couple years and their 2015 releases have shown why. With huge collaborations with people such as: Ronnie Fierg, Diamond Supply Co., Concepts & AFew they have had sneakerheads all around the world going wild.

The AFew x Asics Gel-Lyte lll Koi’s are no doubt one of the biggest drops 2015 so far. With AFew being one of the leading German sneaker outlets it was anticipated to be a big player in the sneaker world. The Koi’s colourway was inspired by the Japanese flag, incorporating the red, black and white. Asics are known for their handmade quality, the Koi’s are further evidence of this. This shoe is unbelievably clean; the attention to detail is outstanding with the Japanese denim outer stripes being made with Japanese selvage and wooden eyelets which was inspired by Japanese furniture. This was an all-round superstar for Asics.

With such amazing trainers hitting the high street this year, we’re really excited to see what 2016 holds! It’s going to be a tough act to follow…

JUST LANDED – Berghaus Buyer’s Picks

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Outdoor

We’re loving our new selection of Berghaus jackets that have just landed! Berghaus are world famous for their high-performance technical wear for all kinds of outdoor adventures. Check out our Buyer’s Top 5 Picks in our from the range…

5. Berghaus Mens Essential Baselayer Long Sleeve 1/2 Zip Top Blue

Berghaus Mens Essential Baselayer Long Sleeve 1/2 Zip Top Blue – £17.99 RRP £29.99 (Save £12)

This moisture wicking baselayer is a lightweight top that is designed to perform at the highest level whilst keeping you cool and dry. With a basic logo, raglan sleeves and a half zip, this piece is perfect for anything from walking the dog to hiking in the hills. At only £17.99, with an RRP of £29.99, this is an affordable top that we think is an absolute bargain.

4. Berghaus Mens Ulvetanna Hydro Down AQ2 Parka Dark Blue

Berghaus Mens Ulvetanna Hydro Down AQ2 Parka Dark Blue – £199.99 RRP £329.99 (Save £130)

At £199.99, we appreciate this Berghaus jacket is a little pricey. But, if you’re serious about your outdoor activities, then read on, because this jacket is not only super stylish, it is packed with the latest technologies to make your adventures as comfortable as possible. This is a heavyweight padded jacket with AQ2 performance waterproof outer, and 80% down and 20% feather insulation – keeping you warm wherever you are. The hood is adjustable and the faux-fur trim is removable so comfort is guaranteed. On top of all this, the RRP is £329.99, so if you buy from us you’re making a huge £130 saving!

3. Berghaus Mens Vapourlight Hyper Smock 1/2 Zip Jacket Orange

Berghaus Mens Vapourlight Hyper Smock 1/2 Zip Jacket Orange – £64.99 RRP £119.99 (Save £55)

This ultra lightweight waterproof jacket is perfect all year round. Easily packable in it’s own stuff sac, this coat will be no hassle to transport. Made from 7 denier ripstop nylon makes the jacket ultra lightweight and comfortable to wear on bare arms. In colder weather, this trail race jacket can be layered over a fleece or jumper to keep you warm and dry. It’s bright orange colour and reflective branding is a great way to stay visible when you’re out and about – whether you’re kayaking, trail running or hiking. This jacket comes in at £64.99 with a huge saving on £55 at MandM Direct.

2. Berghaus Mens Scafell Hydrodown Jacket Blue

Berghaus Mens Scafell Hydrodown Jacket Blue £99.99 RRP £159.99 (Save £60)

The Scafell Hydrodown jacket will keep you warmer, drier and more comfortable than normal down jackets. With water and wind resistant technology and ultra lightweight materials, this product provides ultimate versatility. The insulation is made from Berghaus’ revolutionary Hydrodown technology which is warm and water resistant. This jacket is also perfect for hiking and walking, and with a huge saving of £60 at MandM Direct, you can get the best performance technology for even less.

1. Berghaus Mens Popena 3 Hydrodown Padded Gilet Dark Blue 

Berghaus Mens Popena 3 Hydrodown Padded Gilet Dark Blue – £99.99 RRP £149.99 (Save £50)

This gilet is perfect for transitional weather, and at £99 (with a saving of £50) it is well worth the investment. At this time of year, it gets cold in the morning and evenings, but can reach higher temperatures during the day that can make wearing a full jacket uncomfortable. The added bonus to wearing a gilet is the flexibility it gives your arms. This zip up Berghaus gilet has three pockets, letting you carry all your essentials, and it’s lightweight and breathable Hydrodown technology keeps you warm and dry whether you’re scrambling, hiking or camping.

Weekly Update – Behind The Scenes

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Behind The Scenes, Weekly Update

Hello everyone! Welcome to our weekly update. We’ve got loads on this week that we can’t wait to tell you about! 

What’s Happening With Us 

After we all finally recovered from the Summer BBQ,  we headed to sunny Manchester to shoot our new TV advert! We’re really excited about this, and we want to share some sneaky behind the scenes shots with you. Check them out below!   

          

  
 

If you see anything you like, it will all be available on the website and you can shop the ad soon. Keep your eyes peeled – it’s landing on September 21st!

In other news, this week’s Marketing Cake League update brings you three fantastic bakes from Jess, Billy and Becky:

 

Billy’s blueberry cheesecake

  

Becky’s strawberry victoria sponge

  

Jess’ Malteser tiffins

 
A tasty blueberry cheesecake, a moreish strawberry Victoria sponge and some gorgeous Malteser tiffin bars gave us a very early Monday morning sugar rush! Ultimately Becky’s Victoria sponge was victorious – a well deserved win! 

What’s New

We’ve got loads of exciting new products coming in this week! Keep an eye out for new Helly Hansen, Puma, Berghaus and Hunter. 

That’s it for this week folks! After a long day shooting our ad we’re off to celebrate and get some well earned sleep! Check back next week for more news. And remember, follow us on Facebook and Twitter for our latest updates!

The MandM Direct Team

Weekly Update

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Weekly Update

Hello everyone! It’s the first week of September and we’ve got loads of exciting things happening here at MandM Direct. Read on for info on what we’re up to, what we’re looking forward to and of course, all the exciting new stuff we’ve got coming in for you. Find out more below…

What’s Happening With Us

Firstly, and most importantly – the Marketing Cake League has officially kicked off! Check out these three beauties from the first round:

The cake on the left was baked by Jay and was a chocolate delight, the middle cake (lemon and blueberry) was baked by Kim and the cake on the right (another chocolate monster) was baked by Katie. We all voted, and with great efforts from all participants it was a tough call – but ultimately Katie won! Who needs Mary Berry’s critique when you’ve got the refined taste buds of MandM Direct?

On top of all that excitement, today we’ve got one of our annual MandM Direct traditions – the Summer BBQ! Every year, we get the whole of MandM Direct together to celebrate the hard work we’ve done over summer. This includes everyone from Marketing to HR to the Warehouse staff. We have loads of activities, plenty of food and a few drinks (responsible ones of course…)

So as you can imagine it’s quite an evening! If you’re wondering what we all get up to at our BBQ, we’ve got some sneaky snapshots of last year’s event. Let’s just hope the weather holds out this year!

Classic blow-up-chicken-suit fight

We were all fired up…

The Bucking Bronco took centre stage

Some of the members of our team

And then the inevitable happened…

Competitions

If you don’t already like us on Facebook then we think it’s definitely worth checking out our page. We like to say thank you to all our customers by regularly holding competitions for some great prizes. At the end of every week we do Freebie Friday, which is a chance for you to get your hands on some goodies or vouchers. Last week we gave away a pair of adidas Originals trainers, Havainas flip flops and a £50 voucher! We’ve always got something new to offer, so check back regularly – remember, you’ve got to be in it to win it!

We’ve also been making the most of the rain the past few days and having some fun shooting some Hunter wellies and splashing around in the puddles (it’s hard work, honestly!). Here’s some of our favourite shots:

What’s New

We’ve got loads of new stuff landing in the next week or so, including Berghaus, Mizuno, Puma and much more. One we’re really excited about it is our new ranges of Saucony trainers. Here’s a little sneak preview for you…

That’s it for this week folks! Keep an eye on your mailbox as our new catalogue will be landing in the next few weeks. If you haven’t already signed up for one, you can do so here.

Check back next week for more exciting news!

The MandM Direct Team

Style Guide: Mens Boots

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Mens Fashion

As the weather gets cold, we’re all sure to be pulling our boots out from the back of the wardrobe. Boots are a must have piece these days, but there are so many different styles out there, it’s hard to know which type to choose. Below, we take a look at the different styles available, how they can be worn and a little history behind each of them.

The Chelsea Boot

Known for its close fit, ankle height and no laces, the Chelsea boot has become increasingly popular in men’s fashion. This style incorporates an elastic panel known as goring which allows the shoe to stretch to a comfortable size. This is a key feature of Chelsea boots as it makes putting them on and taking them off easier – none of the struggle you may find with lace up boots! The Chelsea Boot style came onto the fashion scene in the early 60’s. They became extremely popular when The Beatles were seen wearing them on several occasions. Since then, they have stuck around in men’s fashion, and don’t look to be going anywhere soon!

Picture: asosfashionfinder

How to wear them?

What makes Chelsea boots so popular is their versatility. They can be worn both formally and casually, but always offer a very elegant look. Most commonly Chelsea boots are worn with either slim or straight leg jeans, coupled with a shirt or t-shirt. This is a very casual but very effective look, as seen styled perfectly on celeb fashion icons like David Beckham. The Chelsea boots’ clean cut and leather shine complement formal outfits well. With this formal approach, they can be worn with either a full suit or trousers and a shirt – both lend themselves to a very sophisticated look!

The Military (Worker/Combat) Boot

The worker, military or combat boot is a fashion staple for both men and women. Originally designed for use in the military (of course), these boots have found a new genre of fans in the fashion world. No longer solely used for comfort and durability, these boots have a rising upper, and lots of lace eyelets which give them a vintage style. With a slightly higher body than the chukka, combat boots cut a slim silhouette. They can be made out of leather or canvas, and are often enhanced with features such as buckles, zips and studs.

Picture: lookastic, styleforum, chictopia

How to wear them?

Naturally, the military boot lends itself to skinny jeans, tees and jackets. Nothing fancy – just a laid back, casual look. Our favourite way to dress them is to style a dark brown pair of military boots with dark denim skinny jeans, a plain white t-shirt and a leather jacket. These boots can be worn as smart-casual wear also, but it’s important to ensure you have a less vintage looking pair in these situations. Brand masters of this style include Doc Martens, Timberland and Caterpillar.

The Chukka (Desert) Boot

The term Chukka is originally derived from the sport Polo. There are a few differences between Chukka boots and other boots. This style only ever reaches the ankle, and has only a few lace eyelets, which makes getting them on and off easy. The thin sole allows them to be very light and comfortable for all situations, from work to play. The Chukka Boot was originally worn by British army units in India as a comfortable stylish alternative to their usual army gear. When the Chukka boot found its way to the West in the 1940’s it instantly became a fashion must-have. This style’s alternative name, the desert boot, comes from Clarks Original Desert Boot created in the 1950’s.

Photos: pinterest, desertboots.com, picsant

How to wear them?

The modern day Chukka boot has broken the barrier between business and leisure. It’s all rounded nature fits into both categories perfectly. The thin sole allows a comfortable fit for day to day activities, whilst its suede material gives it an empowering stylish look. The modern way of wearing these is with slim fit jeans or chinos, a shirt, lightweight jumper and a jacket. This gives a professional look, but at the same time can easily become a well-dressed casual outfit.

The Hiking Boot

Hiking boots are well known for their durability and rigid structure. Most wouldn’t think about fashion when they think about hiking boots, but with a few contemporary tweaks, they have become a fashion staple. You can tell that these boots were initially meant for hiking with its well gripped sole and hardened toe to help prevent any unwanted slips and damage. Plus they provide support for the ankle without restricting movement. The hiking shoe really began to get noticed around the 1970’s due to the high level of interest in hiking, soon after mountain climbing was officially announced as a sport. It later on changed into the multipurpose footwear we see today. This style can easily get confused with the work boot, but one distinguishing difference is the large supporting heel on the work boot.

Pictures: Pinterest, mymanybags

How to wear them?

Even though the Hiker boot is a multipurpose boot it still can’t be worn in certain situations – wearing hiking boots with a suit is a definite no-no! The hiking boot is best suited for outdoors activities, given its technical nature, but it can also be styled as casual wear. Certain brands such as Timberland and Caterpillar have taken the hiking boot and carved out its place in the fashion world. Pair with jeans and a t-shirt and you can’t go wrong.

We have a great range of men’s boots available at MandM Direct. From leather styles from Onfire to classic Caterpillar styles, we’ve got it all, including worker boots, fashion boots and hiking boots. Whatever you need, we’ve got you covered. Check out our range today – with up to 75% off RRP you might be surprised what you can get for your money!

Weekly Update

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Weekly Update

Hi there! Welcome to our first Weekly Update! We want to keep you in the loop with what’s going on at MandM Direct, about all our exciting new products, what’s happening with us and what to look out for. So keep checking back every week to make sure you’re in the know!

What’s Happening With Us

You may have seen our Summer TV advert recently, which we’re very proud of. So proud in fact that we’re making another one! We’ll be shooting the ad in the next few weeks so keep an eye out – we are really excited about this one! We can’t say too much, but keep your eyes peeled towards the end of September for some sneak previews and the launch! Here’s a little reminder of our last one if you haven’t seen it yet!

In honour of The Great British Bake Off we are holding our very own baking competition! Known as the Marketing Cake League, each week 3 competitors go head to head, being judged on appearance, taste and texture! We had great fun carrying it out last year, and no doubt the competition will be even more fierce this year! Take a look below for some snapshots of last year’s delicious treats.

What’s New

We’ve had an exciting week in the office, Summer is coming to an end and we’re starting to get all our Autumn items in stock. As much as we love the freedom of the warm weather, we can’t help but admit we’re looking forward to sipping on hot chocolate, watching fireworks and taking long wintery walks. Right now we’ve got loads of new products landing that we can’t wait to tell you about!

We’ve got brand new Hunter styles for women, men and kids that are not only stylish, but very practical in this horrendous weather we’ve been having! We’ve got a range of classic pieces with a few contemporary pairs thrown in to help you stand out from the crowd.

For men and women, we’ve got an amazing range of adidas NEO that offers new and exciting styles. With Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez both having been faces for the brand, this is a fresh new style like you’ve never seen before. These pieces are not just for the sports mad of you out there, with on trend jeans, parka jackets, boots and more making it a strong fashion collection. Plus, as always with us, it’s available at low prices!

We’ve got some great new styles for kids, including an amazing range of Lyle and Scott for boys. A brand loved for their heritage, we bring you top quality Lyle and Scott polos, t-shirts, jackets and more. For girls, we’ve got a great range of Board Angels zip up hoodies, velcro trainers and much more – all at pocket friendly prices!

What To Look Out For

As we head into September next week, we’ve got even more new styles landing. If you’re a keen runner, keep your eye out for some brand new Puma and Asics ranges – guaranteed to see you work out in style! If looking smart is more your thing, make sure you check back next week as we’ve got some sharp Peter Werth pieces on their way!

That’s it for this week folks, check back next week for another update!

The MandM Direct Team

Holiday Packing List

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Tips

Did you know, it takes over 51% of people a week to pack for a one week holiday!

If you’re one of those people, fear not! We’ve got your last minute packing list covered 🙂

Check it out below! Click through, print it out and tick each item off as you go. It’s a sure fire way of making sure you don’t forget anything!

Autumn In Colour

Tags

Fashion, Womens

There’s no avoiding it. While we’ve been relaxing in our sliders and sunnies, the chill has sneaked up on us. But, it’s not all bad, because to us Autumn = Wardrobe Refresh. As sweater weather creeps in, it’s time to start thinking about wrapping up warm in knitwear, boots and jeans, and time to stop worrying about our bikini bodies! This Autumn it’s all about colour. Below, we take a closer look at the colours that will see you from late Summer to Autumn and beyond.

Grey

Part of the beloved monochrome family, grey is a staple colour all year round, but even more so in Autumn and Winter. Much like black and white, worn the right way grey oozes timeless class and style.

Grey – Effortless Style

1. Let’s face it, you’re going to need a scarf in the next few months. This adidas NEO snood takes it one step further offering complete neck warmth! In a chunky knit, this circular style is a cool colour that will work with any outfit. And at only £3.99, it’s an absolute steal!
2. Another piece by adidas NEO is this long sleeve slogan jumper. Guaranteed to keep you warm and comfy, this laid back sweatshirt would look perfect paired with leggings and winter boots.
3. This Native Youth tank dress has a stunning cut and is made from ultra-comfy jersey material. During the period between Summer and Autumn it’s difficult to find a dress that can transition well. This one is great for that; wear with pumps and bare legs if it’s warm, and with tights, boots and a chunky cardy when the rain comes!
4. A classic staple, these Superga trainers are a great transitional piece. They work as easily with shorts and a crop top as they do with jeans and a sweatshirt. This neutral colour is as stylish and classy as it’s ever been!

Blue

Blue is by no means exclusive to Autumn and Winter, but we don’t want to limit our wardrobe to just neutral colours at this time of year! Don’t be afraid to change things up with bright blue tones. Bright blue works well with black, whereas navy complements khaki and burgundy.

Blue – Beautiful All Year Round

1. This classic denim shirt from adidas NEO is a staple part of our Autumn wardrobe. If you dare to double denim, throw this on with navy jeans and trainers. Or during colder weather, wear under a chunky knit with a nice scarf and riding boots – an effortless look.
2. Who said stripes are for Summer? This Native Youth sweatshirt is long sleeved so will keep you warm, while the stripes add a brightness to your outfit. Wear this simply with jeans and trainers for an ultimate casual-cool look.
3. This tank dress from Native Youth is great for layering. Pair with tights, boots, cardy and parka jacket for a dressed down look. This dress has a cute back button fastening that sets off the whole piece nicely.
4. Let’s be honest – we’re all going to need some of these… Wellies are not only a practical necessity these days, but a fashion must have! We love this pair from Karrimor in two tone blue with buckle detail at the top. Perfect for splashing around stylishly!

Cream

This neutral tone is a great alternative to white, and looks fabulous in Autumn. It goes with every other colour we’ve discussed here and is great for adding contrast.

Cream – A Natural Beauty

1. A cream jumper is a must-have for Autumn and Winter. This Onfire chunky knit is made of really soft material, with bobble texture at the top and cable knit below. This is another great layering piece; worn with jeans or leggings it’s sure to see you through any weather!
2. Accessories are a must have all year round. This adidas NEO canvas bag has cute slogans and is great for carrying anything from your lunchbox to paperwork. It makes a great alternative to a handbag and is definitely something worth keeping on you!
3. Another key piece to invest in is this pair of cream UGG boots, the mini-style is perfect if you haven’t got the longest legs ever, and paired with jeans and a chunky knit you’ll be comfortable and cool at the same time! The perfect Autumn footwear.
4. The padded jacket is back in fashion. This adidas NEO hooded bomber looks so cosy and cute in this cream colour that we think it’s a must-have for Autumn. It’s got a laid back vibe and would suit any style; whether you’re heading to work, the gym or on a night out.

Khaki

No doubt about it, khaki is fully in this year! From military jackets to sleek jumpsuits, you can’t flick open a magazine without spotting a hint of green this season. We’ve no doubt it’s going to carry over into Autumn and Winter, so instead of getting green with khaki envy, we think it’s best to embrace the style.

Khaki – In For The Season

1. This beautiful ivy green Vila dress has two sections which help to break up the block colour. Made from soft, fine knit jersey this dress is perfect for layering. Throw on under a cozy cardigan and you’ll be set for all weather conditions!
2. We think this adidas Neo satchel is a stand-out piece this Autumn. The masculine camo pattern is feminised by the silver studs, and the slightly unusual shape adds to it’s uniqueness. It’s a great size for any day or night out, and not only does it double up as a funky clutch bag, it’s also from Selena Gomez’s collection! What more could you ask for?
3. These classic UGG boots have beautiful bow detailing at the back and are a must have for Autumn and Winter. They offer ultimate comfort and style, and in this neutral tone can be paired easily with almost any other colour.
4. One of our favourite pieces is this Firetrap parka jacket in an olive green. These styles are seen all year round, from lightweight pac-a-macs at festivals to fur lined coats at Christmas. They are perfect for layering and look great with jeans and boots!

Burgundy

The beauty of burgundy is that it never goes out of fashion. The rich tones can be paired with most other colours. Brighter burgundy shades offer a pop of colour to any Autumn outfit.

Burgundy – A Timeless Classic

1. These Firetrap cut out boots are classy, on trend and would look perfect paired with black jeans and a top. They’ll see you from day to night with no trouble at all.
2. We love this Mi Pac burgundy backpack. Perfect for back to school, travelling, day trips and much more; it’s a fashion essential these days and this colour works really well with the brown side panels. Pair it with jeans, trainers and a top for every day style.
3. These Converse trainers are an all year round must have. Pair with jeans and a tee for a laid back look.
4. Finally, our favourite Vero Moda top is lightweight and offers a perfect smart-casual balance. Dress up with a chunky necklace, black peg leg trousers and kitten heels for work, or pair with pumps and skinny jeans for a more casual look.

Whatever your style this Autumn, make sure you check out our collection at MandM Direct. We’ve got boots, tops, dresses, accessories and much more from all your favourite brands. And with up to 75% off RRP you’re bound to find something you love at a price you can afford!

Kids – Get the A-List Look

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Fashion, Kids

When it comes to fashion there’s no doubt that that celebrities are the biggest trendsetters. Everybody wants to look like the stars wearing the latest styles and kids are no different. But don’t panic you can dress your kids just like these mini celebs even if you’re on a family budget, we’ve picked out some great pieces they will love, inspired by some of the trendiest celeb kids around.

Getting shirty

Celeb families don’t get more stylish than the Beckham’s. With fashionista Victoria for a Mum these boys are always band on trend. Here they are rocking casual shirts perfect for parties and informal family events in summer. We love this one from Original Penguin priced at an affordable £14.99. It’s available for ages 8-14, so everyone from the youngest to the oldest can get in on the action.

Reuters

Kit them out for the new season

Family favourite, chef Jamie Oliver has quite the brood with 3 girls and one little boy. He loves to give them screen time on his programmes where they can help him prep recipes and more importantly lick the bowls. Here Buddy is all kitted up for the new football season. Make sure your kids are too with our ranges from Nike and Adidas. These Nike Juventus socks are a steal at just £2.99.

@jamieoliver

Sandals!?

Crocs on a best dressed list!? Madness! But hear us out; we had to make an exception for gorgeous Prince George. These plastic sandals are sturdy, comfortable and breathable which makes them perfect for days out when your tot is running around on their feet all day. Plus they’ve got the Royal seal of approval. Get a pair of MadWax Sharkies to get the look for under £3!

Getty Images

Fun Tees

This cheeky pair are the offspring of Katie Price and Peter Andre, who both like to keep their style casual. Here they’re both sporting cute graphic t-shirts which are a fun twist on the basic tee. Here’s two of our favourites from our selection from Urban Beach and Firetrap, both under £10.

matrixpictures.co.uk

Letterman Jackets

Tom Fletcher from McFly was crowned Dad of the year in 2014 and rightly so, as his adorable videos and photos of his son Buzz show just how great a Dad he is. Buzz not only has very talented parents but he also has a banging wardrobe. This pic from Tom’s instagram shows him sporting an American letterman jacket, a great lightweight transitional jacket for summer to autumn. Pick up this one from Firetrap for your tot for £19.99.

@tomfletcher

Girly Classics

Here’s A-list offspring Suri Cruise leaving ballet practice in a pretty and simple dotty skirt. Her movie star parents have been known to dress her in some high fashion outfits but this look is practical and easy for you to replicate at home. This dotty skirt from Board Angels is in our clearance range at only £5.49. Make your little girl look like a star without breaking the bank.

funmozar.com

Looking for something else? Check out our entire kids range here, and remember we’ve got up to 75% off top brand names including Ralph Lauren, Lyle and Scott and Converse!