20.12.2011- Festive Dress Guide Part Four: The Little Black Dress

The final edition of my Festive Dress Guide focuses on that classic wardrobe staple- The Little Black Dress. A versatile item which is a failsafe year in year out, and which is perfect if you're still stuck for outfit inspiration:

I spied this dress from Zara online a few weeks ago, and was amazed by the £25.99 price tag- the lace sleeves and collar detail make it look so much more expensive, don't you think? This 60s inspired flared design from French Connection is a real classic, and the empire line cut is a really flattering option (especially if, like me, you're prone to overindulging!) This polka dot number from Topshop could be a double for a Stella McCartney design, and I love the bow tie on the neckline. True Decadence's take on the flapper style is another standout design, and with the 20s set to be big style news for next season, it's the perfect frock to invest in if you want to stay ahead of the crowd. And last, but by no means least, this stunning design by Claudie Pierlot is my dream LBD- I adore the embroidered collar and the oversized shape captures an understated elegance which I just love.

Have you got your festive outfits planned? And have you enjoyed this feature?

(Image credit: Zara, French Connection, Topshop, Oasis and Urban Outfitters.)

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.)

13.12.11- Festive Dress Guide Part Two: The Christmas Treat

As far as Christmas Day dressing goes, for me comfort is key. I'd happily spend the day in my pyjamas (accessorized with tinsel, of course!), but this probably isn't the most appropriate of outfits when it comes to welcoming the family round- the sight of me in my dressing gown and slippers would be enough to make them run for the hills! The selection of dresses I've chosen for this second instalment of my Festive Dress Guide are perfect for the day itself, combining comfort with a touch of Christmas opulence:

This stunning beaded dress designed by Fearne Cotton for Very is Christmas personified- the deep cranberry colour and glittering details are simply perfect for this time of the year. I love the relaxed shape of this design from New Look, and think it captures a really effortless festive feel. The blush colour is a nice alternative to white, and I like that the embellishments are quite simple too. I adore the deep burgundy shade of this handkerchief hem dress from Dahlia, and think it would also make an amazing transitional piece- perfect for seeing you into the New Year in style. This forest green beauty from Oasis is also another really bold statement frock. The colour isn't something I'd ordinarily plump for, but it immediately makes me feel festive and I love the classic cut. Finally, this velvet halter dress from Topshop is sheer Christmas opulence- although the style is quite tricky to pull off I think it would look lovely if teamed with a few statement accessories. It also really reminds me of a certain purple festive chocolate, which can never be a bad thing!

Have you got a special outfit planned for Christmas Day? And what do you think of my choices?

(Image credit: very.co.uk, New Look, Dahlia, Oasis and Topshop.)

07.12.2011- Festive Dress Guide- Part One: The Showstopper

Christmas always throws up a whole host of dilemmas, doesn't it? How long to cook the turkey for, which presents to buy and how to move off of the sofa after eating your entire body weight in chocolate. One of the more crucial conundrums to arise at this time of year, however, is a perennial favourite- what on earth do I wear? The sartorial dilemma of what to put on for lazing around the house is one which presents no problems at all- pyjamas and a Christmas jumper of your choice become a 'go-to' option (and all the better for an elasticated waistband!) However, there are several instances where a slanket isn't really considered de rigueur- office parties, pre-Christmas drinks with friends and even Christmas Day itself- each occasion presents a minefield of seemingly endless wardrobe options. If you're stuck for an outfit this festive season (and I know I am!), never fear. Over the next few weeks I'll be posting my Festive Dress Guide, showcasing a selection of top frocks and attempting to prove that getting dressed up at this time of the year doesn't always have to mean competing for attention with the Christmas tree. First up, The Showstopper:

The Showstopper- an instant head turner. A tricky look to pull off- keeping things simple with minimal accessories is key. This dress from Topshop is probably the most fashion-forward of the pieces I've selected, but teamed with a pair of heels I think it would look amazing- I love the muted silver colour. You really can't get more sophisticated than this classic monochrome number from Rokit- a vintage design that would surely never date. I've also admired this dress from Whistles for ages, and although it's quite trend-led with the embellished collar, I think it's a piece you could pull out of your wardrobe again and again and never tire of. This beautiful offering from Oasis is ultra-feminine and perfectly subtle- the embellished bodice adds just the right sprinkling of sparkle to an otherwise really simple dress. Finally, this piece from Next is probably the most overtly festive of this little selection, but I couldn't resist the star details and 20s inspired shape- the classy combination of black and silver also saves it from being too over-the-top.

Are you struggling with a festive frock dilemma? And would you wear any of the dresses I've picked out?

(Image credit: Topshop, Rokit, Whistles, Oasis and Next.)