I was feeling uninspired after last week's blog on maxi dresses. Help came in the form of a request for an outfit suitable for a wedding, this summer, in Italy ! Envy almost nudged me into ignoring the plea but excitement-vicarious, sadly- spurred me on. The ensemble needed to be suitably glamorous but with an eye to the heat. What I thought would be an easy brief has turned out to be a great deal more of a challenge. I wasn't sure whether the ceremony is a day time affair, where it's taking place or what the general vibe is. Is it in an orchard, a la Bertoni Olive Oil advert, or in a castle , on the seafront in Rimini (I doubt it ) or in the Coliseum ? I still don't know but, undeterred by the detail (the story of my life ) I went on a shopping trip to see what I could spy. The collection I've produced is not, of course, restricted only to Italian nuptials, that would be called Personal Shopping, but will work for any posh 'do' you care to think of.
There are thousands and thousands of beautiful dresses out there. Many are on sale, making them even more so. The hitch however is the fabric. Traditionally cool material-linen and cotton- don't really lend themselves to structure and glamour so, for the sake of style, there has needed to be some compromise. I have ruled out some lovely options which I think would give more than a rosy glow, but have included others in which it might be better to choose a seat with a breeze. You can't have everything but, by G*d, now that we've reached this age, we know that already!
In that latter category but which is soooo pretty and which nods to an Italian heritage- I'm thinking Dolce and Gabbana-is the dress below.
When I look at this I'm already on the Amalfi Coast, laughing gaily with the fishermen and waiting for Jude Law to row back to shore. Actually , ignore that image, its a wedding for heaven's sake ! I know that off the shoulder can be a little hard to pull off, you definitely need a strapless bra which gives a decent heft, but under wires resting on your ribcage are a small price to pay for this level of wow.
Downside, its 100% polyamide so avoid any naked flames, but exposed shoulders and a breezily wide skirt ( tulle lining) should keep you from overheating.
The next dress is probably my favourite. I can see you shaking your head! Unfortunately it does not photograph well and is subject to the curse of M&S styling and photo reproduction. I have however tried it on and bought it, for my Wedding Lady (unbidden I should say- what on earth am I doing ?). Just to see if she likes it and, if she doesn't I'm going to have a serious struggle to return it. It is WONDERFUL !! It shimmers and twinkles but not in a nasty way .The detail is amazing, its a lovely warm peachy/coral colour and is a real statement dress. It was featured in 'Heat ' magazine earlier in the season but, because I hadn't seen it in the flesh, I dismissed it. That was a mistake.
Almost Famous is a brand which hasn't featured on my radar until recently. I liked the colours on the next dress but it wasn't until I went and was actually able to touch the fabric that I appreciated just how subtle yet impactful (is there such a word? There is now !) it was. The fabric is like a beautiful watercolour painting.
The dress is made from silk which, although not the most cool of materials , is certainly near the top .It might be if you are Cambodian or Vietnamese but, frankly, their tolerance for heat and humidity is waaaay higher than your average Briton. I know this from experience from sliding around in a pair of silk harem pants at Ankhor Watt ! Ugh! Anyway, the dress has lots of fluid movement with a contrast chiffon shoulder detail and flattering cap sleeves. Being a dress , unlike my horrid, ankle gripping trousers, it will ameliorate the worst of the heat.
Note the clever pleating on the front bodice which draws your eye inwards and down,in a waist sculpting optical illusion.
Mint Velvet Nude and Mink Alexa Ankle strap Curt £79 (from £99)
The next three dresses are also Almost Famous. You will just have to take my word for it that, amongst the many, many makes I looked at, this was the brand which stood out for fabric, colour and style. It wasn't laziness or ennui on my behalf , although there have been occasions in earlier blogs when I might have been tempted just to pull from one brand-even Ladybird- if it got the blog finished !
Often you will find that a particular brand does one 'look' and if you like that, its great. If not, off you trot. Almost Famous are unusual in that there are lots of styles to choose from even though the same fabric might be used twice.
All of the dresses below are silk or silk chiffon. Chiffon is a generic term for a lightweight, balanced plain-woven sheer fabric woven of alternate S- and Z- twist crepe (high twist ) yarns . So says Wikipedia. Close up it resembles a fine net or mesh which gives it see through properties. What interests me is that it can be made from cotton, silk or synthetic fibres, including polyester. The synthetic versions are categorically not the fabric for hot weather !
Its probably safe to assume that if the clothes label doesn't specify that its silk or cotton chiffon, its probably not. I have a beautiful orangey print shirt which I had made in Hoi An. I thought I was sweating when I tried it on in the shop because it was hot and humid outside. Sadly, no! I still start to perspire on a chilly Leeds day and my palms are getting sticky just thinking about it.. Note to self- check out what you're buying first. Get your terminology sorted!
First up, this fabulous abstract floral tulip dress in moody purples and pale pinks. Figure hugging without the vicious dictats of big pants which a true body con demands. For me at least!
Aldo Laniel Ankle Strap Court Shoe £55
I'm including this Almost Famous Dress even though it has now disappeared from the House of Fraser website. It still exists in store though and if you like understated elegance, this is the dress for you. The sheer panels on the shoulders, mirrored on the back are a delightful detail, exposing the collarbones in the gentlest of ways and narrowing that area right down. The feather like fans contribute to the ethereal feel of this sophisticated and tasteful dress.
Nine West Cinema Peep Toe Slingback Shoes £49 (from £95) at House of Fraser
ASOS Chi Chi Pearl Clip Top Clutch £34.99
The final Almost Famous dress is a maxi in chiffon (silk not polyester). It is kind towards at least two areas that we sometimes have issues with- gentle fluted sleeves cover an often disliked upper arm and the deep V neck is brilliant to showcase a larger- bust without hanging out signs saying "Look at these Babies !!' Actually I cant believe I used the word 'showcase' or indeed 'babies'. I'm turning into Gok Wan. Next thing you know I'll be advising you all to put a belt under your bust and stagger about in stack heels !!! Never.
Almost Famous Chiffon Wrap Maxi £79 (from £159 )
Dune Mallorie Mid Heel sandal £59 at House of Fraser
River Island Blue Snake Print Clutch £25
Jaeger Pearl and Chain Bracelet £25 (from £35) at House of Fraser
Paper Dolls Faux Pearl Drop Necklace £20 at ASOS
The Jumpsuit has been massive this season and will continue on into AW. This stone coloured, palazzo leg style from ASOS is a brilliant neutral canvas . Just add whatever accent colour you prefer. I've styled it round the striking clutch, picking out the silver, diamante and pearl detailing but pretty much any colour would look good. The advantage of this is that it doesn't scream 'Occasion Wear' on its own, its what you add which will give the impact. That means multiple uses once you're home.
ASOS Jumpsuit with Palazzo Leg and Strap Detail. £55
The polar opposite of neutral - a dress which will be noticed for itself - is this stunning bandeau number from Chi Chi. Whilst it might call for some upholstery up top for some, the wide, structured skirt is a blessing for those whose hips are not perhaps their favourite part. This style will accentuate a smaller waist and indeed, give you one you didn't think you had. Bare shoulders balance out the width of the skirt and the pattern is so cheerful and life affirming that I defy anyone not to be charmed. The sunflowers remind me of those rolling Tuscan landscapes. With no John Mortimer in sight ! Oh, I've just ruined my own image, damn !
Aldo Laniel Ankle Strap Court Shoes at House of Fraser £55
Phase Eight Rachel Textured Box Clutch Bag at House of Fraser £29 (from £49 )
I wanted to include a simple white broderie dress but couldn't choose between the following two. Only a man would say that they are almost the same- you and I can plainly see that they do have subtle, yet perceptible, differences. Both fit the brief, fabric wise, and both can be accessorised to rise to the occasion of a wedding, seeing you through from a daytime ceremony to the evening revels.
ASOS Wiggle Dress in Broderie £65
The dress is partially lined which, given the size of the 'lace' is necessary to avoid complete transparency. It is however 100% cotton . It is clearly a slim fit and therefore needs to be a neat fit but do make sure you can sit down in it and allow room to expand for the anti pasti ! I have styled one with silver , the other with gold.
Rear view. Note the kick pleat and the more sheer, because unlined, area across the collarbones. Demure yet sexy.
I think of the two I favour this one. Although still designated a Wiggle Dress, the fit and fabric is just a tad more relaxed. Its a less tight weave .It is a mixture of viscose (78%) and linen (19%) and 3% cotton. I love it.
My final offering is another from Chi Chi . When I was gathering all the dresses together I was unaware that I had drawn so heavily on just a few brands-Almost Famous and Chi Chi feature heavily. At least it shows consistency of choice and demonstrated that they are companies which deliver in the glamour stakes. I will go straight to them for special events in future -save myself the pain of trawling around the unsuitable.
In the same way that the first dress is a stunner, so is this one. The richness of the cobalt blue, the lace detailing and the simple , stylish cut make it a winner all round. As ever, a deep V is a great choice to elongate the neck and narrow down the chest. It's just wide enough to reveal delicate collarbones (have I just discovered the only part of the body not to sag and blur with age? I think so !), and although ostensibly sleeveless, provides some reassuring coverage in the little lace overhang on the shoulder. That will be a sleeve then!!
It is a lightweight fabric with a lining and net hem and a real statement dress. Knock 'em dead.
I haven't attempted to add a jacket to any of the outfits, so confident am I of the warmth you will be basking in when wearing these outfits. Lugging round unwanted clothes is irritating and spoils the effect. If you do feel you might want some warmth later in the evening, drink brandy ! I was going to say, don't discount the much maligned pashmina. If its good enough for Joanna Lumley, its good enough for me. Draped over your arm or stuffed in your bag if its big enough, it can be a life saver. Not literally, unless its a tourniquet, but you can at the very least make a pillow of it when you finally crash out in the taxi home!!
Posts
Wedding Guest Outfits for Hot Destinations-Check it out!
ReplyDeletethe last dress is so beautiful.
ReplyDelete