Last final push

If you have left it till the last minute to sort out a dress for Ascot, that First Holy Communion, Christening or wedding. 

I'm off to Ladies Day on Thursday and - exceptionally unlike me - a) I left it till almost the last minute and b) I managed to find something in 30 minutes in Selfridges.

But I have had so so many messages from people begging for help.  So I'm going to take this opportunity on a Saturday morning (and I got up super early to work and the boys - who are normally comatose at this time on a weekday, have also got up and being ridiculously demanding - err you can get your own breakfast and I'm not the one who ate all the bananas without telling me they'd finished and NO - M&M's do not a breakfast make......) to have a quick round up of what is out there - along with a couple of necessary accessories. 

Starting with the sale at Very Exclusive where there is now an extra 10% off sale prices with the code EXTRA10.  Thing I love about VE is that they have both unusual brands you're not going to find elsewhere and often have more conventional things in stock when they're sold out elsewhere.  Plus the reductions are excellent (a proper sale!) and now an extra 10% off.

So the sort of dress that I err towards.  The slightly flouncier, slightly less formal, less structured but still perfect for an occasion dress. 

Anna Sui Wildflower Print Dress was £335 now £167

Just Cavalli Tiered Lace Dress was £400 now £200




Float your way through the day with this dress from LK Bennett.  This is possibly my favourite and one that has my name all over it. 

LK Bennett Kalia Botanical Print Ruffle Silk Dress was £450 now £135



Although there's always this one - taking floaty to another level.  If you're less of a formal dresser and would prefer a more boho vibe - this, with a huge black (or any colour!) wide brimmed hat (not floppy but erring on a bit of flop) would fit the dress code whilst still in your comfort zone. 

Anna Sui Bouquets and Dots Maxi Dress in Black was £460 now £230




If you're after a more unstructured floral dress but don't want full on waft, these two from LK Bennett and Hobbs fit the bill perfectly.  Whilst being superwearable afterwards too.  You know what I'm going to say.. oh hello trainers and a biker. 

LK Bennett Arlen Botanical Dress was £295 now £206



For anyone who's wanting long sleeves - this one is perfect. 

Hobbs Cecilia All Over Floral Print Long Sleeve Dress in Khaki was £140 now £98



Then there are the more structured print dresses. 

At Hobbs - the perfect shirt dress in a modern print which would then be ideal for work or out for dinner with heels.

Hobbs Rowena Geometric Print Belted Lime Dress in Green was £140 now £98





Another print shirt version with cap sleeves and again, very versatile for after your event. 

Hobbs Alexia Leopard Print was £140 now £98



Structured geometric at Paul Smith .

PS by Paul Smith Pleat Bottom Cocktail Dress in Black was £370 now £222




Then if you're looking for plainer dresses. 

A classic red dress which is the perfect "wardrobe" dress

Reiss Erica Knot Detail Fitted Dress was £170 now £85




Reiss Daisy Stripe Texture Fitted Dress was £195 now £136



Cream again at Paul Smith - this one would be good enough to actually get married in yourself, ergo I would probably avoid wearing to a wedding...

PS by Paul Smith Chiffon Sleeve Dress in Off White was £355 now £213



Classic black that could double up as a Christmas party special. 

LK Bennett Sophia Mesh Fitted Dress in Black was £295 now £147.50



Resplendent in navy - the Bale Dress at Vivienne Westwood was £420 now £210



This would be ideal with shades of cream and beige.  Or teamed with leopard print.  And there is nothing like the fit of a Viv dress. 

Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Dress was £315 now £157.50 



And just finishing with this one as I've had my eye on it for ages and lovely navy dresses are so hard to come by - not from Very but from Avenue 32 where their sale has just started.

Navy Stripe Guipere Lace Dress from Perseverance London at Avenue 32 was £340 now £204



There are also loads of shoes on the Very Exclusive site too - including lots of block heels which aren't too high.  These are my favourite.  Obviously I will be wearing vertiginous heels as I'm a tool (and already have some which go perfectly with the dress and don't want to buy any more - five year old faithful Burberry sandals, you're up. Note to self - get them re-heeled before Thursday).

Kurt Geiger London Mayfair Block Heels in blush pink were £180 now £126




One thing I do also need to mention is that thing you need for your hair.  Hat or that other thing (I can't mention it - it's such a ludicrous word) for one occasion is something that I never spend a lot of money on. 

I'm toying up between going big or going smaller and statement.  The dress I have (which was on Insta stories) is a cross between most of the above.  It's structured whilst still being floaty, it's a formal stripe mixed with a print and yet has a crocheted collar (I'm really selling it, aren't I?!)  

Here it is... 





And I'm wondering which is the best hat to go with it - over to you guys.. thoughts please...

This one..

Biba Vivien Sheriff Vanessa was £120 now £70




Or the Biba Vivien Sheriff Verity Feather Fascinator £150



So..?  I'm leaning towards the pill box to be honest but then I sway towards the saucer style... hmmmmmm HELP!!!  I really really can't decide.

And today for the ridiculously ridiculously warm weather.  I'm going to say it.  Too hot for me.  I KNOW, but it is.  I don't mind this weather abroad by a pool - oh no, happy days.  But at home with stuff (and a LOT of stuff) to do?  Ugh. Just ugh.

That's my whinge over - we've got friends coming round for a BBQ this evening (so there is some upside to the weather to be fair..).  Bring on the rose!




Dress - & Other Stories 
Shoes - & Other Stories 
Bag - Gucci
Pink Earrings - The London Mummy Edit 

I am off to London with the 12yr old - it's take your daughter to work day.  She's SO excited even though I think we might both melt before we get there!  *think of the rose, think of the rose*.....