17.12.2011- Festive Dress Guide Part Three: The Repeat Offender

With only a week to go until Christmas Day, I'm beginning to frantically trawl online shops (I'm looking at you ASOS!) looking for an outfit. However, I'm reluctant to part with my pennies for something which I'll only wear once, a dilemma which has inspired this instalment of my Festive Dress Guide. Featuring a selection of frocks which I've chosen to dub The Repeat Offenders, these are investment buys at their best:

I loved this Designed By Miss Selfridge maxi dress when it landed online about a month or so ago, but it sold out almost instantly. However, I believe it will be making a reappearance on the Miss Selfridge website within the next week or so, so fingers crossed I'll be able to snag it the second time around- I just love everything about it and think it'd be great to have as we move into the spring. The beaded French Connection dress is a beautiful colour and I think it's a really versatile piece- the perfect thing to invest in as a 'go-to' party option. I've also recently discovered Claudie Pierlot's designs for Urban Outfitters, and this space print frock is stunning- a definite keeper. This velvet dress from Boutique by Jaegar has been reduced by almost £100 in their sale, and it's an instant classic which I'm sure would never go out of fashion. Finally, this burgundy design by Dahlia is another really versatile piece which is really wearable, and which would look lovely come rain, snow or sunshine!

Have you got your Christmas outfit planned?

(Image credit: Miss Selfridge, French Connection, Urban Outfitters, Jaegar and Dahlia.)

04.12.2011- Urban Outfitters SS12

Last week I was invited along to the Elms Lesters Painting Rooms to have a sneaky peek at what Urban Outfitters have on the cards for SS12. Whilst it seems crazy to be planning for the summer when we're only three weeks away from Christmas Day (aaah!), it was lovely to escape the gloomy London weather to have a look at the vibrant colours and exclusive designer collaborations on offer for next year...

The amazing location!

Urban Outfitters' own label collection for SS12 consists of floral prints, bold colours and graphic patterns...

...and there are some amazing designer pieces to come for next season- this beautiful Jonathan Saunders scarf immediately caught my eye. 

This stunning printed dress by Australian label Something Else was another highlight...

...as was this exclusive Matthew Williamson design.

Other exclusives on show included offerings from tba and Claudie Pierlot, incorporating cute collar details and luxurious fabrics.

There was also an amazing array of accessories on offer...

...and some beautiful swimwear, including this Missoni-esque bikini.

Finally, this beautiful canary yellow dress was a real ray of sunshine!

I was really impressed with everything I saw- the core collection was really strong, featuring summer staples such as flyaway blouses, simple shorts and a range of really easy to wear dresses. I also loved the look of all the designer collaborations to come for next season (particularly the Matthew Williamson range!), and can't wait to see everything again in store. Thanks to Urban Outfitters for the invite!

Do you like the look of Urban Outfitters' collections for SS12? 

(Image credit: Sarah Farrell, please do not reproduce without permission.)