Scattered Spider, the cyber-criminal collective which the National Crime Agency (NCA) has signalled were likely behind the Marks and Spencer cyber attack which left the website down and shelves empty for weeks, has unhelpfully (and dare I say impolitely) impeded a collective updating of our summer wardrobes UK wide.
It is a bore that just at M&S’ fashion department was seriously flying — fashion editors have been honestly impressed during the presentations of their recent upcoming seasons, and many pieces have slotted into their day-to-day uniforms — hackers decided to stick a spanner in the works.
Finally, however, after disruptions which have been ongoing since the saga began on April 23, the website is back up — and key fashion pieces are available too.
“We’re offering our best selling products, along with newness and this makes up the majority of our range which is available online today,” says a spokesperson from the brand.
They continued: “more of our fashion, home and beauty ranges will be added every day. For products that are not available online, customers can add them to their ‘wish list’ and when they come back into stock we will let them know, Our full range remains available in store.”
Here is what to stockpile now — quick, while it is still available.
The crochet beach dress
A fun, quite sexy mini crochet beach dress which M&S promises will make you “turn heads on your next holiday” is just one of the supremely summer-appropriate dresses online now — joining a red, striped midi knit dress (39.50, marksandspencer.com) and this “antique green” cotton tank dress (£19.50, marksandspencer.com).
Halter Neck Mini Beach Dress, £59, marksandspencer.com
The linen trousers
These are selling quick, and for obvious reasons: they are simple, cut well, and competitively priced at £45. Though perhaps difficult for the office (creasing, spilling, etc) these will do well for dressing up for a nice pub garden, walks along the British coast, and, of course, meals out abroad.
Pure Linen Tapered Trousers, £45, marksandspencer.com
A striped shirt
Just a simple, 100 per cent cotton striped shirt. At £25, however, you really can’t argue on value here. Paired with dark, wide-legged jeans will make for a sophisticated everyday look this summer. Do also go a size or two up, and wear over a bikini for going beach to bar — it’s a classic look. Worth noting is Jaeger’s striped shirt dress, too. (£125, marksandspencer.com).
Pure Cotton Striped Collared Shirt, £25, marksandspencer.com
The sandal
A strappy sandal to take you from a Hyde Park picnic and onto to Hydra. M&S have plenty of sandals available now, including this “vegan” leather pair — but see also some great fisherman styles for £49.50 (marksandspencer.com).
Ankle Strap Buckle Flat Sandals, £19.50, marksandspencer.com
The It bubble set
This tomato red bubble hem two piece set tongues wagging when it was launched earlier this year, and it has been a surefire hit since. Up online today, the Petite and Tall iterations are unavailable, but sizes six to 16 are available in regular. Certainly a trusty bet for Mediterranean escapes in the coming months.
Pure cotton bubble hem puff sleeve top, £29.50, marksandspencer.com and bubble hem midi skirt, £39.50, marksandspencer.com
