We haven't left it too late...

.....however that isn't stop me panicking mildly about the rather numerous dressy occasions I have in May and June.  And by all accounts from the emails and comments I've had,  I'm not the only one. 

Lordy knows what is happening to me this year or where the time is going, but it does seem to have just sort of gone and Easter is like next week or something.  I know that my children have less than two weeks left at school and are then off for virtually three weeks which means that the Special Occasion season is on us as soon as they go back.  EEK. 

And I really have not thought about frock purchasing at all.  Normally by now, I at least have a wish list but I realised yesterday that I have done nada about this so far this year.  Why?  Well partly I think it's because I have done pretty well in the last couple of years and as a result I do have a rather handy stable of dresses that I can turn to.  Something I never thought I'd be able to say but with some very careful shopping, I've managed to accrue some lovely frocks that I'm able to wear during the day, to bbqs, lunches, dinners and even dress them up for those special days.  

So theoretically I could possibly get away with not getting any more.

Yes I did actually say that and no my account has not been hacked.   Note use of the word "could"...... 

However where's the fun in that?  And, like I said, these have turned out to be investment pieces that I am making full use of during the day as well.  Three from Whistles which I bought two years ago and will be out in force again this year, last year, one from DVF ,one from Acne and one from Sportmax Code.  And I also have my new shirt dress from M&S which is up there with being one of my favourites.  Not to mention my two shirt dresses from last year as well - the Baukjen leopard one and the navy reverse shirt Ghost one. 

All of those I can wear and do plan on wearing during the day.  Which means, that for those more special days (and I have three First Holy Communions, a 40th party, a 50th party and numerous birthday nights out) I could definitely do with another one or two to join the arsenal. 

I am partly blaming the demise of My Wardrobe for my lack of frock enthusiasm.  I miss it so so much.  I bought loads from there, as did so many people I know, it was my favourite online place to shop - I've no idea how they went out of business.  In fact two of my fave dresses from last year - the Acne and the Sportmax Code were from there - at a significant discount from one of their 30% off weekends, which is a) why I loved them so much and b) probably why they went pop.  Pah.

I also have a soft spot for Matches as they too are very good at sending out discount vouchers.  The last two seasons I have had a £100 off a £300 spend voucher (and this is nothing to do with blogging - this is just as a customer).  So just in case they are as generous this season (I have a suspicion that they know what you're looking at and send you the relevant voucher - last Spring the DVF dress and last Autumn, the Toga Pullas, both originally over £300 and made affordable with the 33% off), I've been fantasising about dresses I probably wouldn't buy at full price, but am more than happy to salivate over and fling on a wish list. 

Warning up front - I'm having a thing about print today. 

Paul Smith Black Floral Dress £264.99  This isn't in fact from Matches by the way, but from another site I've bought a couple of things from - JulesB.  One for the sales. (and they do great sales at JulesB too)  This is perfect with black or any colour you fancy accessories, if colour is your thing.  Personally the monochrome look hits the mark for me.



Back at Matches now and yes, more DVF.  This I absolutely adore.  I have gone back to it again and again in the past couple of days.  It's so not me in the slightest but I totally adore it.

DVF Prita Shirt Dress £308



Now this is seemingly more dress down but I think with a strappy pair of sandals, this would work for a smarter occasion.  
Velvet by Graham & Spencer Birdie Contrast-print Dress from Matches £176




Channel Silk Shirt Dress from MiH jeans £315  Blowing the budget totally here but definitely another for the sales list. 


Freya dress by DVF £338  Clearly the most expensive is probably my most favourite.  DARN IT.




There are some cheaper options on the High Street which I've started looking at. 

Somerset by Alice Temperley Floral Print Dress in Multi £130



Same dress in a different colourway - and you can see you tie at the back as below or the front as above

Somerset by Alice Temperley Floral Print Dress £130



Moving onto a couple of tunic style dresses now - this is traditionally my comfort zone - I like them loose and short, hiding a multitude of sins.  They also work really well during the day as they're not clingy and can look fabulously casual with flats. 
Sportmax Code Kibbutz Dress £195  This isn't cheap but oh.  my.  lord.  I love it.  I love my Sportmax one from last year and I am exceptionally tempted to scratch the itch and try this one.  Last year I wore the neon floral and leopard (sounds random but it worked) for about 6 different occasions and I will rewear loads this season too.  Comes out of the washing machine as dry as it goes in with not a crease on it.  Amazing for super hot days as it simply does not crease.  Therefore I am also very tempted by this one.  I would also wear it in the A/W with my navy shoe boots.  So.  Have I done an excellent job of talking myself into it?


This is a super bargain from LK Bennett. 

Surrey Silk T-shirt Dress Dark Navy was £265 now £80



Changing up shape a bit now and here is where I think these are for purely dressy wear.  Not necessarily dressy dressy, I would wear these for dinner definitely.  But personally I'd struggle to dress them down for casual every day.  However they're timeless shapes and classic prints so are ideal dresses to have in your wardrobe. 

Phase Eight Clemmie Printed Dress was £120 now £79



And finishing with a dress shape that I absolutely love.  It's not a brand I ever wear.  It's not a shape I ever wear.  But I am completely hooked and shall be trying these on on Friday and will be reporting back.  They're on special offer until the beginning of April and I think these will be out of stock in certain sizes pretty swiftly.  Am more than tempted to click and collect to try on in the comfort of my own home.... 

Ted Baker Distinguishing Rose Dress in black - 30% off now £111



Or for a super summery look, there is the Mint version which, alas, isn't included in the offer. £159



And I must leave it there for today as I have more Castle to watch with my two eldest before bedtime.  But I think I've made some slight inroads - even if some of them are wishlist material and not an every day purchase, I've definitely got some food for thought.  I'm also going to try the newer belted shirt dress shape.  Historically I have always shied away from belted items, being thicker round the middle but I think with volume on the top, this may well work. 

This is merely the tip of the dress iceberg.  There are squidillions of plain dresses out there which are exceptionally useful and I'll be hunting my favourites down.   Not to mention shoes and bags to go with them.  There is work to be done people........ 

Outfits from the last couple of days.  Ok so yesterday was cold.   Thankfully I had a lovely day with the best friend for lunch and a scoot round the shops.  Some lovely things have come my way recently, supplemented by a couple of high street goodies I picked up. 

Hair is super straight as my beloved Babyliss Big Hair blew up mid blow dry and so I had to resort to the GHDs.  Which I'm surprised to say I forgot how much I loved.  A change is as good as a rest after all.


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Yellow breton top - Zara
Grey Military Coatigan - 3.1 Phillip Lim
Black zip ankle skinny jeans - Boden
Yellow scarf - Hush
Grey Dakota textured suede shoes - Seven Boot Lane
Black quilted bag - Zara

And today. 

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Every Day jumper - Boden 
Turn up jeans - Zara
Navy Blazer - Zara
Tan belt - Primark
Navy Lille lace up point shoes - Boden
Camel bag - Prada 

Is anyone else after a new dress this year and if so, have you found your holy grail one or are you still on the hunt?  What are your priorities? 

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CONVERSATION

25 comentarios:

  1. Omg, your Babyliss blew up! Are you ok? I would need sedating if that happened to me - thinking of buying a back up as just reading this has spooked me!! Love most of the dresses but step away from the Temperleys! I like the MiH and Sportsmax best. Toying with getting a new dress for my bday celebrations in April as feel that my going out dresses look too dressy - more like the phase eight shape which am starting to think might be ageing?? Was thinking of looking in All Saints - what do you think? X

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    1. Well thank heavens for GHDs. I did mildly panic at first as I had done half my head so had shiny half a head and full on frizz on t'other! I'll order a new pair shortly but get used to the straight hair for a while. It's just as easy actually and a change is absolutely as good as a rest!

      The Temperley dresses - I love the prints, but they're definitely for people with shape. Perfect for those with boobs as you can tie underneath as tight or as loose as you'd like. And I SO know what you mean about the Phase Eight one being ageing - I would say more grown up. However I've worked out, they're identical really to the VW shaped dresses so with the right accessories, could be amazing. Alas, again not the shape for me but if you do have a figure, they're a great buy.

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    2. Oh and meant to say - All Saints is next on my to do list for dresses. I have two staples in my wardrobe from there and a sneak peak has already revealed some ace ones. x

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  2. Love, love, love the Sportmax dress!

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    1. It's gorgeous isn't it? And cost per wear, it's actually not *that* much more than a Whistles one....

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  3. My big hair blew up last year, it was replaced free of charge by Babyliss as they provide a 3 year warranty even if the store you bought it from only guarantees a single year. Check to see if you have an invoice or receipt.

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    1. That's fab - but unfortunately mine is a lot older than that - well, I think it is - it must be. I've only had one and I got it when they very very first came out so I think it's probably due replacing. It has served me so so well, I wouldn't hesitate in replacing it. Looking forward to trying the bigger size

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  4. Crap! I've a first holy communion in May haven't even begun to look and defo want something that I'll wear again (I'm never in dresses) you are slowly converting me however - I miss My Wardrobe too can't believe its gone 😭 oh and I may have just blown my budget recently on a stella McCartney Falabella tote (thank you Mr taxman for the refund!) whoops! so will be a high end accessories high street outfit for me! Bring it on!

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    1. Oh they are amazing - you lucky lucky girl. There really isn't a replacement for My Wardrobe is there? I think they probably tried to expand globally too quickly rather than concentrating on the UK market.

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  5. Good to know I'm not the only one caught up in following Castle with a crime drama obsessed 10 yr old. She always asks how Beckett runs in her heels! Love the blog Cat!

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    1. oh excellent! Her heels do seem to be getting higher every season... my 10yr old cannot comprehend how much better she looks with longer hair and keeps trying to work out why her earlier hairstyles were so wrong!

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  6. It's gorgeous isn't it. That 70s vibe nailed. Sales hawking here.

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  7. Gorgeous dresses! I don't normally like Ted Baker dresses really, but love the black version you have there. Also love the DVF Prita and the Sportmax ones. I don't have First Holy Communion for another 2 years, thank Gawd!! Audrey x

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    1. I'm the same as you - wouldn't normally look at Ted Baker at all but they look amazing don't they? Perfect smart dress which will also do for dinner (plus they're hand wash... a massive tick in the right box as far as I'm concerned)

      I've got one this year AND one next year!

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  8. Love the Graham and Spencer dress - not what I need but I suspect i'll end up buying it! DVF's online shop offer £50 off your first purchase of over £200, great but I could buy half the stock! ..... Your hair looks fab straight btw. Read someones cvomment about mywardrobe - I think they've replaced it with veryexclusive - headed up by the same person. Unfortunately its not a patch on MW in my opinion!

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    1. The Velvet dress looks super versatile, doesn't it..... I have all the accessories at the ready and I definitely have an Ibiza style party in August which it would be perfect for (it's in the evening so even if it is super hot, it's never *that* warm in the UK in the evening). I may have to add that to the scratch the itch list!

      Didn't know that about my wardrobe - I will check it out now. And thank you about my hair - not sure I'd want it like this all the time but it's nice to ring the changes. xxx

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  9. Love your navy lille zara shoes. Are the this season? Have looked online but cannot find them. X

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    1. ARRGGH no they're from Boden. So sorry! But yes, they are this season and yes you can still buy them! http://www.boden.co.uk/en-GB/Womens-Shoes-Boots/Flats/AR669/Womens-Lille-Lace-up-Point.html

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  10. @Anonymous, I think Kat's navy Lille shoes are from Boden - I've just bought them in navy too and they're gorgeous!

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    1. Thank you. Do you know what the sizing is like? I'm between a 4 & 5 but also a little wide. X

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    2. Have put a link above - I'd size up then to a 5 xxx

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  11. I'm still missing My Wardrobe like crazy too. Thank goodness for Matches, and I agree with you about Jules B too.

    Wish you hadn't shown me the DvF Prita dress. I always try to invest in one DvF each year and that one is calling my name right now. I'm dwarfy but with a small waist, so it's very much my style.

    I actually thought of you yesterday when I was in town as I saw a fabulous Lauren by Ralph Lauren navy and white striped dress which I could imagine you looking fabulous in. It was far too long for me (otherwise I would have bought it myself!) and fitted with a little ruching at one side on the waist. I remembered you previously writing about your lack of waist and think this could give you some great curves!

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    1. There is a Prita online in the sale at Matches - go forth and shop. I can't buy it as two of my best friends have it! I will check the RL dress out thank you xxxx

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  12. I'm a fan of Phase Eight - I can always find a dress I love Flowerpowerlife

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  13. What do you think of the Reiss Germaine dress?

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