Here come the Danes

Now I can't remember if I've done this before as a) it's something I've been meaning to do for ages but b) as I established yesterday, my name is actually Dory and I really do have zero memory (yes I have just finished reading a book I know full well I read two years ago and managed to read the entire thing with absolutely no recollection of how it ended.  Just great).

But there are a few brands that I need to explore in more detail as I keep coming across things from them that I love and need to share.  In fact, a lovely lady messaged me on Instagram (I LOVE it when people do this - second time it's happened now) with a dress that she'd just bought from one of them and thought I would love. 

And yes, she was totally right and it's waiting for me at home tomorrow.  That brand in particular is Vero Moda (which is the one I think I've highlighted).  A fabulous Danish brand bringing us scandi chic without the price tag that comes with so many of their native counterparts.  And that is all I know about them.  Have zero contact with them, this is purely a brand that I keep coming across that has caught me eye and deserves exploring.  And at the same time, it reminded me that there are a fair few Danish brands it's worth keeping an eye on.

Easiest place to order Vero Moda from is ASOS.  I can't actually recall buying anything from there so I've broken my VM cherry with this dress which looks amazing. 

So seeing at I started writing this at 7 this morning, sitting all on my own with a cup of coffee and my sea view, I took advantage of the solitude to have a peruse through all that looks great at Vero Moda which may not be on your radar. 

Starting obviously with the dress which I've got coming.  I will say my only only reservation is that I fear it may have that very transparent bottom of dress thang going on (please say no...).  I have looked at more many midi and maxi dresses than is good for anyone, but what I have learnt is that the way to tell a more expensive one (think all the three figure plus frocks of loveliness on the likes of Matches, Net A Porter and Avenue 32) is the element of transparency.  The more you pay, the less see through you are... And to be honest, it's just a look I prefer.  Solid all the way to the hem. 

Let's look at the evidence... 

Ruffle Neck Tiered Maxi Dress from Vero Moda £48 I know, I know.. I can see "see-through- ness".  BUT I've had a revelation.  I am going to see if I can get a slip skirt from good old M&S to team with it.  Dress transformed.

Second up - oh how about this dress.  Could easily be from straight from the catwalk costing ten times as much.  Skirt slip needed for me here too.

Tiered Prairie Maxi Dress from Vero Moda £50




Now onto blouses and the top version of the dress I've ordered. 

Ruffle Neck Floral Blouse from Vero Moda £20



And a beautiful black blouse that works as well for work with wide leg crops like here or with a pencil skirt.  Team with jeans and a black loose blazer with sneakers for weekend dress down. 

Lace Trim Blouse from Vero Moda £32




Speaking of wide leg crops, I shall be definitely getting my dungarees out again this Autumn.  And I love the idea of a culotte style pair. 

Denim Culotte Dungarees £42




And they also do a Tall version.. £42  AND in a petite.



Next up Gestuz.  Upping the budget here but from what I've seen so far, I'd say it's worth it.  And we're still not at top end prices yet.  But we do have top end design...

This is a pared back version of a Marant at a quarter of the cost.  Perfect for now with a biker jacket and ankle boots.  Opaques and a huge cardigan with scarf for the Autumn. 

Bree Elasticated Waist and Wrist Dress from Gestuz £89



A slightly lighter version... 

Tacel Printed Dress with Flippy Skirt from Gestuz £139



Staying with black and a roll neck with a difference. Love the addition of a zip.  I absolutely love a black polo neck with more black - so culottes or leather skirt but it's ever so easy to morph into Milk Tray man.  This solves that problem.

Amira Ribbed Zip Jumper from Gestuz £89



So I have had my eye on this dress forever.  It has gone in and out of stock and is now in.  I just have to scratch the itch.  Absolutely perfect for now with sneakers (or even sandals... it looks like it's going to scorchio this week!) - and yawn yawn but it works - ankle boots for the Winter.  Honestly there is no easier way to dress.  

Audra Maxi Dress from Gestuz £169



Feeling the Scandi love again for the brand Baum Und Pferdgarten. 

I've had this outfit on before on my leopard print lust list but it's good enough to feature again.  And the joy of separates is that you get double the wear out of them.  As a dress but also wear the top with jeans and any other form of bottoms, ditto the skirt with a plain top.

Baum Und Pferdgarten Eireen Skirt in Leopard £60 

And the Sweat Top again £69


And a dress which won't be for everyone but I have to say I am rather taken by.  I think with a pair of killer heels, this could make a really great dress.  Obviously just throw on trainers for every day dress down.

Baum und Pferdgarten Alexa Midi Dress in double stripe £169


Finally the Danish brand which I've been wearing the longest.  Good old By Malene Birger.  I have a top from here which I bought to wear to my sister in law's wedding when I was pregnant with my third child who is now 8.  I wear it every single year.  Best thing about her clothes?  Well, apart from the unique design and versatility everything I've ever bought from there has gone in the machine.  No it's not cheap but it lasts and lasts and lasts.  Which reminds me, I have two pairs of skinnies which are six years old and still going strong as well. 

New in this year... 

Palomos Lace Dress £250



Olizza Cardigan £340


Dittelis Cardigan £250 in mohair in the Mango (can you tell I'm going to be big into my cardigans this season...)


In the grey 



And the Indigo


And I'm just going to go there super quickly and virtually gloss over it as I can't really talk about coats today.  But this one.. perfection in a fake fur.  Now I know it's ridiculously expensive BUT for a designer coat - actually... well, it's ridiculously expensive but it's what you'd pay in Whistles or Reiss.  I would just expect it to cost more.

Ejectas Coat from By Malene Birger £625


Other brands to keep an eye out for are Samsoe & Samsoe, Ganni, Day Birger et Mikkeslen and Mads Norgaard.  All of which are gorgeous, alas not cheap.  But worth it for that something a little bit different. 

In the meantime, I've gone down the Swedish route today with my & Other Stories dress from last year.  And whilst Summer does appear to have taken a day off (lovely this morning but much colder this afternoon), it looks like it's coming back to stay next week.  Although tomorrow, I'm dragging the jeans out... 



Dress - & Other Stories
Denim Jacket - Sainsburys
Sandals - Aldo
Hat - Zara Men
Marie silk scarf bracelet - Silk Philosophy
Beach bag - The Jacksons London

So last day of holiday and speaking of jeans, I have trousers on the mind.. inspired by pics I've seen recently, they're at the top of my Autumnal wardrobe wishlist.