What I want to show you is a collection of the cooler offerings, some of which are very much wearable now as we wring the last drops of the Summer (and, as it's me, many of which are at greatly reduced prices ) and also those styles which will carry through to Party Season or for when the weather turns, as Granny would say. Why do I always say ' Party Season' like I have one ? I'm beginning to irritate myself. The closest to a Party Season I get to is our Reading Group Christmas outing - a Dinner Dance in a Hotel where the most recent songs they play are from the '80s and a key request for the venue is somewhere to retire and "hear ourselves speak" !! Ho hum !
I'm starting with THE Lace Dress of the Season. One which, when I first saw them, I tried to ignore a) because they are so gorgeous and b) because (by my standards anyway) they are too expensive. And I want one . They won't go away though and it would be wrong not to share them with you . A special occasion might justify one ???
Self Portrait Panelled Lace Dress £260 at Matches
Self Portrait launched in 2013 and has been a huge success. Worn by the likes of Rachel McAdams, Reece Witherspoon and Beyoncé , not to mention all the Fashion crowd, you would be in excellent company and I guess, when one considers the wealth of those already devotees, they seem a bit more of bargain. The dresses manage lace without saccharine . They are sexy and strong and have been so successful that Selfridges now stock a wide range of styles and they have just become available, direct, from self-portrait-studio.com
I adore this midnight blue, sleeveless one and honestly see this working all year round.
Well, if those are not for me, I think I have found a perfectly reasonable consolation prize in this neat number from Oasis. I have seen it in store and, happily, its even nicer in reality than the picture.
This dress would be a great investment. It is stylish and unusual and although not a snip by any means, has a brilliant reduction at John Lewis. Think how chic you will look in this when everyone else is trotting out in their red velvet or plain LBD. Great if you want a dress with a little sleeve and extremely flattering with the central band feature running down the front, drawing the eye inwards.
Similar style to the Karen Millen . Equally chic.
This Whistles dress with its 100% cotton eyelet broiderie and with the central vertical band is reminiscent of the Self Portrait styles - effortlessly stylish fit and flare. Even if you only squeeze in a couple of wears before Autumn sets in, its going to be as fresh next year when you need it again.
Crafted from a lightweight fabric with a textured overlay, this dramatic dress features flattering elbow length sleeves and a classic round neckline. It somehow manages to look demure yet dangerous ! Wear with flat pumps or killer heels to dictate the vibe.
The panel detail (again) is really effective in creating shape and a defined waistline. I love the fitted bodice and the crucially, only gentle, flair of the skirt. Too much material in a style like this (particularly at this shorter length ) makes you look like a melancholy Coppelia. You will definitely thank me for this one when you are scouring the High Street in October for a dress of this quality for under £100!
Boden has an additional 15% off Clearance at the moment, making these dresses a great buy. Given that they are lined they are the perfect weight for this in between weather or Summer at home. I am a big Boden fan but I often find that their clothes are better suited to our UK Climate as so many are lined. No good for hot jollies . Beautifully made and they last and last. Which makes it hard to justify buying more. Not that hard though, obviously !
You might have to think a little more carefully about how you accessorise these dresses in order to avoid the Frump Effect. Clashing colours in statement jewellery and shoes would be my suggestion.
True Decadence Scallop Lace Dress at John Lewis £45
This is a brand which I am new to but I am certainly going to investigate further. Lots of pretty and on trend styles at reasonable prices. This striking blue shift dress made from fringed scallop lace is gorgeous and teamed with heels and a simple clutch will make a chic evening ensemble. You will really stand out against all the black.
A shift dress is a classic shape but its not for everybody. That's another style myth. If you have a larger bust, or hips, fitting one area leaves the other either straining of swathed in extra material. Its a case of trial and error but, in this instance, it would be worth a punt. Free delivery over £30 if you have it sent to your local John Lewis or Waitrose. This is what my frequent trips to Meanwood Waitrose signify. Sadly not a new interest in cookery.
Another stunning offering from True Decadence. I know its short but... go for it. Its going to look fantastic when you return from your late Summer Sun. Team with a pair of nude heels and I'm sure your legs will look like they go in forever. The high neckline will balance out any perceived over exposure on the leg front.
Finery Darlington Floral Organza Dress £149
The next two dresses from Finery illustrate a completely different look , highlighting the versatility of the fabric. I would call these day dresses with a luxe twist. The somewhat austere design is softened and made much more interesting when made in lace. The Models don't look to enamoured with them, but I am ! I'm considering them as an option for an October Graduation but that's still seems a long way off.
Quite why this is called the Darlington dress escapes me. And, having spent a number of years there as a child, I can honestly say that the most exciting part of the place was the Hell's Angels who lived near the River Skerne and the opening of the first Saks hair Salon in the 1970s ! Unless you are a rail enthusiast I would say there was nothing glamorous or intriguing about Darlo'. Fortunately the same cannot be said of the dress. Maybe Finery are being ironic, or maybe I have missed recent developments. Maybe I should shut up in case a resident of Darlington is reading this ....
Finery Mercia Lace Shirt Dress £89
I will finish with four white dresses. A last hurrah for Summer ! All worth the effort of arranging a barbeque or better still, getting someone else to . Or to cram in your case if you are lucky enough to have an imminent trip .
Great with flats or heels, even ankle boots if you're feeling reckless , this feminine floaty dress, with sheer lace scalloped sleeves and hem is perfect for a laid back boho look. It won't date , it doesn't require spanx, it just needs you to be careful with the red wine and ketchup!
Hat and black boots optional !
A brilliant buy from French Connection and a timeless shift dress.
Despite the Model's doleful face, I think this dress is really exciting. I love a pocket in a dress and this has two which adds to the relaxed, dress down feel. It is gently shaped at the waist which swerves the sack look and, as the Model is 5ft 11", the length on we vertically challenged, means it will be fashionably short, but not obscene ! For those of you who are 5ft11" then I'm guessing you have the legs not to care how far up your thigh it reaches.
This would be stunning in an Autumnal colour - I'm thinking a deep burgundy or a strong mustard. When that comes out, its mine. Might be a bit like the sketch in the toyshop from "Little Britain" where the Dweeby Man asks for a jigsaw based on a TV Cop show which hasn't even been made yet ! "I'll wait " !!!
Finishing with a real stunner. So feminine, so chic, so elegant. So, what are you waiting for ??? Even if its a buy now, wear next year, its a no brainer.
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Lace Dresses-Revamped and Reimagined!
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