I chose the subject of this blog after making the mistake of asking my Sister if she had liked the last blog-"Kitten Heels are back!". Always a mistake to ask the opinion of family who invariably give a no holds barred response. She said the shoes I had featured were "lovely but impractical and totally overpriced", urging me to return to what I was better at, which is finding things with wider appeal at a reasonable price. Chastened , although I think she is wrong about their practicality, I have to acknowledge that many of those shoes were aspirational only, for a life and pocket I do not have- but a life I haven't given up the hope of ! Ever the optimist !
Soooooo, rather than tempt you (and make you feel bad-or is that just me?) with the type of feature the Lifestyle Magazines might serve up with eye wateringly expensive things , you know the ones I mean ,where the Woman is decorating the Christmas tree, up a ladder, in a short sleeved angora jumper, teamed with a full length taffeta skirt and dripping in Butler and Wilson . Where she's being handed a glass of chilled Chablis by an obliging, gorgeous hunk of a Husband and the Children look on adoringly and adorably. Unlike the reality, where you're the only one left still working, the children having slunk off after 10 minutes, and the air electric with supressed resentment, despite the best efforts of Chris De Burgh ! Oooh, I've touched a nerve -another one!! Well, instead of that, here's a big dose of real life. And actually, its pretty ok..
This is about dresses, smart rather than holiday casual, and they are all under £60. However, as you know, the wrong shoe can kill a dress so I have started with a small collection of shoes which, I think , will work across the board. The shoes, whilst not generally bargains, are reasonable cost wise and I stand by my belief that, given their job, it is worth paying for them. If you don't, the pain will show in your face. Then you'll have to pay to erase those lines, all costing more! Bear with me....
The first pair, in cream in particular, are spot on for this Season's outfits and are really versatile. They are my top pick . The block heel is very "now" and the three styles I have chosen come in various heel heights, one of which should suit everyone.
Soooooo, rather than tempt you (and make you feel bad-or is that just me?) with the type of feature the Lifestyle Magazines might serve up with eye wateringly expensive things , you know the ones I mean ,where the Woman is decorating the Christmas tree, up a ladder, in a short sleeved angora jumper, teamed with a full length taffeta skirt and dripping in Butler and Wilson . Where she's being handed a glass of chilled Chablis by an obliging, gorgeous hunk of a Husband and the Children look on adoringly and adorably. Unlike the reality, where you're the only one left still working, the children having slunk off after 10 minutes, and the air electric with supressed resentment, despite the best efforts of Chris De Burgh ! Oooh, I've touched a nerve -another one!! Well, instead of that, here's a big dose of real life. And actually, its pretty ok..
This is about dresses, smart rather than holiday casual, and they are all under £60. However, as you know, the wrong shoe can kill a dress so I have started with a small collection of shoes which, I think , will work across the board. The shoes, whilst not generally bargains, are reasonable cost wise and I stand by my belief that, given their job, it is worth paying for them. If you don't, the pain will show in your face. Then you'll have to pay to erase those lines, all costing more! Bear with me....
The first pair, in cream in particular, are spot on for this Season's outfits and are really versatile. They are my top pick . The block heel is very "now" and the three styles I have chosen come in various heel heights, one of which should suit everyone.
And in Black and Tan
Amazing value slingbacks from Clarks
Still £60 at Clarks.
Dune Daveney Square Stud Court Shoes Pink at John Lewis £53 (from £89 )
Ok, so these aren't quite fulfilling the versatility brief, but they do look fab with one of my chosen dresses and is a great reduction. so , they are in !
Carvela Kiwi Barely There High Heel Sandals Black at John Lewis £55
A best seller and its not hard to see why.
I showed this style from Whistles, in Silver, in the last blog too. Unlike the silver ones however these, in black have a serious reduction, well worth considering.
A best seller and its not hard to see why.
I showed this style from Whistles, in Silver, in the last blog too. Unlike the silver ones however these, in black have a serious reduction, well worth considering.
Whistles Aster Pointed Slingback Leather Court Shoe Black at John Lewis £76 (from £150)
Another bargain in this Suede pair from Carvela
These may initially appear to have very little in the way of multiple usage. They are absolutely brilliant however and will liven up even the most plain outfit and will elicit no end of comments. The nice kind, not the frozen smile ones!
Shoes done, lets move onto the dresses.
"Waisted" Shifts
This is a real statement party dress with an unusual higher neck, sharp tailored and all over graphic feather print. Understated chic.
The dress below is of a very similar style to the Oasis dress above but its USP is the lace inserts on the shoulders. The effect is to create the illusion of a narrower width across the upper chest. This is often achieved by cutting away the material from the neckline to beneath the arm holes. Unfortunately this means that you have to wear a strapless bra or normal straps will show, or you would need to wear a bra strap adjuster, pulling in the straps at the front. That is not particularly comfortable for long stretches of time. The lace, because it is not a block fabric and you can see the skin beneath, gives you all the advantages of such a cut, without the faff of the accompanying bra adjustments.
Shoulder detail
The block heels give the dress a very contemporary feel whereas the court shoes play up its classic style.
Another brilliant buy from Oasis is this Season's Must have Midi dress-no knee worries here as it falls, forgivingly, past that unfortunate area. No one, to my knowledge, has ever said they love to showcase their knees. Even Demi Moore got stick for hers so Heaven help the rest of us!
The dress , 95% Viscose, 5% Elastane, drapes beautifully and the cool graphic monochrome is very now. Wear from work to week end, dressing up or down with shoes and accessories. The austerity of the high neck is cleverly counterbalanced by the shaved off shoulder seam, allowing for more exposure of that area .
Oasis Paint Pot High Neck Midi at House of Fraser £28 (from £35)
Simple and stylish.
I had to bump up the price limit of the dresses to include this one by Lipsy. It sounds much more of an achievement to put together a collection of dresses under £50 but this was too good not to share. The colours are fabulous -mouth watering and juicy- and its so unusual that its bound to give rise to a great deal of attention.
Lipsy Lace Print Shift dress at Next £60
Next consistently produces good quality, good value clothing which is both fashionable and relevant. When I originally saw the shift below I thought it would make an excellent work wear staple. However, at an 18th Birthday Celebration last week end one of my friends wore the orange one with a fabulous multi coloured (small, flat) sequinned jacket in oranges, blues and gold and a pair of high wedges. She, and the dress looked stunning ! The right accessories transformed it and illustrated what a versatile addition this would be at a very reasonable price.
In the photos the dress looks short. Its always worth checking the height and size of the model in the description first and then making your own calculation as to where it will finish on you. If you are concerned, get the next length up-Petite to Regular, Regular to Tall. This style comes in three lengths. I often buy Tall in Top Shop and I'm only 5ft 4". It means a dress or skirt I would rule out as unsuitable for my advanced years (those knees again!) becomes wearable.
The dress comes in Orange, Hot Pink and Cream. Note the split on the shoulders, filled in with a kind of net.A really nice touch.
Next Crepe Detail Dress £35
Unfortunately, you don't have the option of different lengths with this Marks and Spencer Shift but its definitely worth a try. In vibrant oranges, pinks, yellow and charcoal on a cream background it sounds awful but the results are truly striking. The cut is plain and simple and will not date.
Autograph at Marks and Spencer Striped Shift Dress £55
Sticking with stripes, because they are everywhere this season, this shift from Warehouse gives more than a nod to Marni. Stripes have appeared on the runway of many designers this time- Paul Smith, Valentino, Victoria Beckham and Balmain to name a few. You will be in good company !
Warehouse Striped Shift Dress £50
The pleats on this pink and navy dress from Next mimic stripes but are a far gentler version. The effect is subtle and chic. It comes in three lengths so you have the choice to suit yourself for the overall look. Unless you are fairly tall, I would suggest a heel as the material falls from the neckline and with flats might edge towards the dumpy. The shade of pink of the Dune sandal is a perfect match. Its so hard to find a trendy navy shoe ! A pale shoe also has the advantage of appearing to lengthen your leg.
Colour Block is another strong trend and appears later in the Bodycon dresses from River Island. This peplum shift, also from River Island, works the trend but is perhaps a little easier to wear as it flares , forgivingly, just above the stomach. Always a good idea if you intend to eat ! Which I usually do! Also a good option for broader hips.
The dress is white , navy (I know it looks black in the picture-this is more subtle ) and a lovely lemon meringue pie yellow.
In the product description this boho shift dress below it is described as being inspired by the Balearic isles, like Ibiza in a dress. I can't disagree . I've just clicked "buy" on House of Frasers website. I'm not sure this is really the job for me! Anyway, I think it will come in handy as we say in Leeds and there's only 7 left, 6 now, thanks to me.
The V neck, which you don't always get on a shift, is particularly flattering for a larger bust.
Oasis Paisley Border V Shift Dress at House of Fraser £38
Am also loving this cream and abstract print dress on sale at House of Fraser. The print is on the back and front, always a sign of a good quality design. No skimping on the fabric here.
Vince Camuto Shortsleeved Watercolour Shift Dress at House of Fraser £53.40 (from £89 )
For a more dressy occasion, what about this pale gold, sequin shift from George at Asda? Great with jewelled flats sandals or get out your heels. It also comes in black and two fabulous, short sleeved versions.At this price you wont need to save it for "best".
George at Asda Pale Gold Sequin Shift Dress £30
Close up of the sequins-small and tasteful not big and blingy!
Silver and Mermaid Green £30
I'm not sure why but the Marks and Spencer website struggles to make clothes look as attractive as they are in the flesh. I liked the print on this Oriental Floral Kimono when I saw it on line, but needed to look and touch before I got its real appeal. The photograph doesn't represent the depth of colour or its true subtlety. It looks extremely luxe and will be a good, throw on option, for loads of occasions. Just don't style it, as they do, with a puny pink fascinator. It goes from edgy to old fashioned in a trice!
It is made in Petite, Regular and Plus sizes.
It wouldn't be a true collection without a few Bodycon Dresses. These are perhaps not the wisest choice for a barbeque or a big family lunch unless you want to end up looking like a python who has just swallowed a goat as I invariably do !
The first is a feminine design from Next in delicate shades of pink and cream, with accents of blue. It is both tasteful and elegant.
Next Blurred Floral Bodycon Dress £35
A longer and bolder offering is also available from Next. This is so striking , combining as it does both the floral and striped trend. The cutaway arm holes might be a problem if you have issues with that area though. You could of course just keep waving your arms around so no one gets a proper view - just a thought!
Given the midi length, you are going to need a heel with this one.
Next Floral Bodycon Dress £40
River Island has delivered again with these two striking bodycon styles inspired by artistic prints. Both are sleek and simple and will showcase your gym toned body, that ,or rely on your trusty Spanx.
The styles differ largely in the neckline, the higher of the two better suiting the less well endowed which can end up looking like you're snuggling a heated wheat roll up your top if you are more than a C cup!
Close up of fabric
Sorry, but you are definitely going to need heels with these dresses!
Miss KG Agatha Stilleto Court Shoe, Blue at John Lewis £39 (from £60 )
Next is a sweep of good value Lace Dresses. Last Christmas I really fancied a red lace dress and couldn't find one anywhere. I got hold of one from Marks and Spencer, convincing myself that the smaller size would do. I was desperate! My experience is that Men usually think, the closer the fit , the better but my Husband actually winced when he saw me in my new red dress, and asked if I could sit down in it because it looked a little .....tight!!! Sadly he was spot on-I couldn't even inhale, let alone sit down! Well, there is plenty to choose from on the High Street at the moment although I still hear a little voice whispering that, actually, they are better for Christmas. You decide. One thing is for sure, when you want one, they won't be there!
Graduate Fashion Week Red Lace Dress George at Asda £25
I added the coral necklace from Boden (£49) to the dress to liven it up and demonstrate that even a relatively plain dress can be made more striking with accessories, be it a necklace, shoes or a bag.
Another Supermarket find at a pleasing price (just put back the beer and the Magnums) is from Tu at Sainsbury's. The lace is heavy cotton with a lining which means it skims happily over any lumps and bumps. A friend of mine tried one but found the fit quite small so I would suggest you size up.
White Lace Dress Tu at Sainsbury's £20 at selected stores (from £40)
This beautiful Cherry Red Shift from Wallis is another great investment dress. The lace itself does the talking and requires very little else in the way of jewellery. I like the fact that the lace dips beneath the hemline which, against your legs, will look very fetching. Oh, I'm turning into my Granny, using her phrases, but I'm sure you know what I mean? Alluring !
Wallis Cherry Crochet Lace Dress at House of Fraser £40 (from £50)
A brand which I have only recently become aware of , Jolie Moi, makes another brilliant lace dress , in three colours which, although slightly shorter than the other two, will in no way frighten the horses.
Jolie Moi Red Crochet 3/4 Sleeve Lace Tunic at House of Fraser £34 (from £69.99)
Tell me I don't find you some bargains!
In Blue
and Green
Fit and Flare is always a popular silhouette and these lace overlay dresses look exceptional. Once the Summer really comes , and its showing tantalising signs as I type, you may want to put them away until the weather begins to chill -don't fear, you won't be waiting long. At these prices it is worth delaying your gratification.
Yumi Black Flower Lace Dress at House of Fraser £33.60 (Was £48)
In Claret
The pink fluro and studded shoes from Dune add a funky twist to a traditional style dress. They will fulfil the same task with whatever (plain ) outfit you team them with.
A fantastic buy is the Ariella Jenny Print Dress. A modern twist on a vintage inspired look, this dress features a delicate Chantilly lace over a printed cotton sateen base, mixing both florals and intricate lace designs. The black lace is like a sheer colour wash over the stronger purple based colours below.A grosgrain belt allows you to cinch in the waist and the whole vibe is feminine and ethereal.
Another Vintage inspired dress, but this time from the 1940's, is this beautiful coral one from Billie and Blossom. It reminds me of tea dances in Village Halls with American GIs, but perhaps I'm getting carried away ! In any event, it is very pretty, with an embellished neckline and plenty of flare and movement in the skirt.
Billie and Blossom at Dorothy Perkins Coral Embellished Dress £25.60 (from £32)
A similar style, but in tasteful navy, is this this pleated midi skirt with lace bodice from Dorothy Perkins. It doesn't scream high fashion but in terms of longevity, that's a real advantage. Its timeless so you will be wearing this one for years. If you want to "toughen" it up, add a pair of bright, statement shoes.
The following three dresses are far more structured. The influence of the 1950's Sundress is there but the length and pattern are very much 2015. Again, the cut is simple, it is the fabric which is so eye catching and I very much like the detail of the sheer band towards the hem.
Dorothy Perkins Ivory Cotton Sateen dress £31.50 (was £35)
Finally, and I have been saving one of the best til last, is this fabulous black stripe dress, again from the marvellous Dorothy Perkins. It very closely resembles one from Coast which was nudging the £100 mark . It is sharp and fresh, a true statement dress and with a pair of heels you are going to look amazing!
Dorothy Perkins Luxe Black Strip Structured Dress £40.50 (was £45)
Well, collecting and editing this blog has been a challenge. There are so many dresses out there but I hope I have fulfilled my Sister's criteria for clothes which are relevant and affordable. After the time I have spent this blog feels like my offspring- enjoyable but demanding ( and I wouldn't mind it going away for a few days !) - but I'm so invested I'd find it hard if she's not pleased with the result. We shall see. I'd love your feedback too, perhaps you will be less brutal?!
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Great dresses, brilliant prices!
ReplyDeletean amazing collection, would be good for going out
ReplyDelete