Being indulgent

It's an indulgent post from me.  

It's Sunday evening as I'm typing this although I won't finish it till Monday (that'll be today now) but an evening of research and relaxation is exactly what I need.  Being completely indulgent and looking for a dress. 

It's party time here.  Not right now, but in a month's time, it's my Birthday party.  And I'm being organised.  If, by being organised, that means perusing lots of lovely websites looking for a dress with no budget (that last phrase isn't a statement of fact at all by the way - that's the  "indulgent" bit.  There is most definitely a budget and it's not very big), then "being organised" is what I'm being. 

Thinking ahead.  Planning...  Ideally not leaving it till the last minute (knowing full well I'll be dashing to London, ordering like a crazy loon on t'internet the week of the party and then end up wearing something I already own). 

It's my birthday, I'm having a large party - 40 plus some.  And I think I can justify a new dress.  If you can't buy a dress for your own party, when can you buy one?  Interestingly I haven't bought one for either of the First Holy Communions I've had over the past three years - I've reworn things I already have.  In fact, I think I only bought one expensive dress last year.  The Self Portrait one which ended up being the perfect dress for three big occasions and will definitely be getting worn again this year too.  Although not for my party. 

But surely that's as good a place to start as any.  The ideal time to buy Self Portrait, this early in the season as they have become big news now and sell out almost instantly.  

This one I'm sure I've tried on.  And loved it.  But was looking for First Holy Communion and hmm wearing white?  However... I wonder for a party?  Although I am probably whiter than the dress at the moment.  Don't know if I LOVE it love it... 

Self Portrait Oblique Embroidered Lace Dress £305  On the upside, it is handwash (and I kid you not, they wash beautifully).  I think I need a fuller skirt though and not a column one.  This would have me shuffling along like a Geisha.  With infinitely less grace.  I fear I would look slightly more mummified Minion.

Actually no this is the one I tried on last year.  I just think it's slightly too Summery for a party in Jan.  And I prefer the capped sleeves on the one above.  Maybe not the extra money but...  

Monochrome Pleated Dress £230 from Self Portrait





I have to say I am rather taken with this one.. 

Self Portrait Scallop Edge Midi Dress £260 



And I'm now just wondering if I've looked at too many of them now as I am loving the look of this one too.   I think they do look so so much better with a bit of movement to them as opposed to the standing still like a trendy mug shot.

Self Portrait Lace Up Peplum Midi Dress £285  The lacing up the front is a tad Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves though.  Anything that vaguely brings Cher to mind, possibly isn't great.



Alternatively this one is gorgeous but it's very similar to the Aurelia Midi which I already have.. as does the one above if i'm honest... 

Self Portrait Felicia Short Sleeved Lace Dress £265  Loving the nude shoes with this one... Hmmmm is it too similar?



This the Aurelia I have which I cannot rave enough about £260. 




ADORE this one but alas, I am not shoulder worthy at the moment... I would have excess boobage under my arms as well.  

Sculptured Strapless Lace Dress from Self Portrait £285




But back in the room and surely there must be loads on the High Street now that new season beauties are upon us.  Well, you'd think so, wouldn't you?

At French Connection I was left to trawl the sales.  And a good haul it is. 

Sundown Jersey Paisley Wrap Dress was £80 now £24




And this from & Other Stories which I was hanging out for in the sale.  Clearly it's not been reduced so I ordered it along with the Nike Air Force thingies so that I could get free postage.  That's my excuse and I'm sticking with it.  I don't hold out a huge amount of hope as I only ordered one size and I can fluctuate between three different sizes in & Other Stories, dependent on the garment.  In my head this will look amazing... 

Spirit Animal Print Dress £79 from & Other Stories




This one from Warehouse which I think would be ideal if you weren't a giant but if you're really tall, I fear this will be a frumpalicious knee length.  Bleurgh.  But were it mid calf (and I think you really need ankle boots that cling the ankle and aren't like mini wellies flapping round your ankle) this would be a gorgeous, sophisticated buy. 

Pretty Floral Dress from Warehouse £58




And after researching into the wee small hours.   That's it.  IT.  Absolutely chuffing woeful. 

I was forced to go higher.  Which was a mistake.  When you don't put a filter in to various sites such as Matches and My Theresa, dresses regularly pop up with four figure price tags.  Which initially take your breath away (that'll be the price, not because they're so breathtakingly gorgeous, although of course some are).  So when you see one that is a "mere" £400 something, you do end up thinking ooh bargain (sleep deprivation at that point doesn't help either.  We have a 9yr old who isn't sleeping at all, waking up three times every night and refusing to go back to sleep.  I am approaching zombie status). 

It's therefore handy that this has sold out in my size as I would probably have pressed BUY in desperation. 

Eight bi-colour Sleeveless Dress from Vivienne Westwood Anglomania £410.  I know that I have to size up in these (I seem to be sizing up a lot these days.  I may have to shortly accept that it could just be that I have sized up...) 



This one isn't as expensive but it's the same price as the Self Portrait ones.  Which makes you think... I think I prefer the SP ones. 

But this is gorgeous.  Just not sure it's me.  What a stunning dress though. 

Bonded Lace Dress from Whistles £250



And after that - I'm out.  I have dress fatigue, that is sure and I don't actually have any that I think - yes.  MUST try.  That's the party dress with my name on it.. Which is a bit rubbish actually. 

Maybe I should rethink and see if there are any jumpsuits that would work for the party... At the moment, I'm going to have to in something I already own.  Shock.  Horror...  I may actually wear the Self Portrait one I have but I have worn it to three big parties already not too long ago.  Which isn't an issue of course.  But to your own party, it would be nice to have something new no?  (of course it would, she says polishing her Princess tiara...) 

And speaking of things that are new - we have a semi new blog!  Now it's not quite finished yet, we are tweaking it but it appears to have gone live as is, whilst we still make changes.  Should be finished tomorrow... fingers crossed.  The content will be exactly the same, there are no new whistles and bells, it just hopefully looks a tad cleaner.  And less red.

Instead of the red bags down the side, fear not, there is still a red bag on the blog.  In love with my Christmas present.  It really is the perfect every day size.