Could this be my holy grail LBD?
Well, one that I can afford anyway. Since looking for the Italy Outfit (as it shall from here on be called) became duller than a dull thing and was clearly taking over my internet surfing life, I had (hell knows how) neglected to remember that I had a black tie 40th. Next weekend.
Now to be fair, the reason I wasn't panicking was that I do have a back up. Well, one of my closest friends has my back up dress and has in fact had it for about five years. There clearly is a sensible brain cell rattling around my head somewhere as, what would normally happen is, I would have asked for return of said dress next Friday say, to wear on Saturday night. In my head this dress still looks great. Black satin strapless, very fitted, just below the knee, little fishtail at the back. You can guarantee that in reality, as I've had 3 children since I last wore it (I bought it for my hen do - this story just gets worse, doesn't it?) the chances of it fitting me properly would be lower than zero. And it's probably actually quite nasty.
So, partly as a distraction and partly as that sensible brain cell has a loud voice saying go and find something or you'll be going in your pants, I've been having a look for a dress that would suffice for a black tie dress code and one that would also just be a handy LBD. Or just an LBD as I actually don't have one. Shock. Horror. But, as I may have mentioned one or a million times, I'm not really a dress person (no shit sherlock).
And what do you know. I think I've come up trumps. I haven't had to resort to feeding the kids beans for the rest of the month (ok so maybe cheesy beans and I can stretch to a sausage or two - Annabel Karmel, back in your box) and - oh and this is the most wonderful bit - it covers my knees. YEEE HAAAAAAA. Well, it covers my knees when I stand still. I'm slightly scared that when I walk it might ride up and flash double doughy knees at the world but I can either a) waddle or b) just not walk anywhere. Works for me.
If that wasn't enough, it gets better. The ruching of it means that it's so flattering, it gives me curves. I actually don't look like an ironing board with two fried eggs glued on a third of the way down. And lastly - oh bum, I think this really might be age evident - it's comfy. I don't have to breathe in permanently (another reason why ruching should be sainted).
I don't have a pic of me in it but here it is - The Taka Darwin Dress from All Saints
I have shoes (Zara - black suede either shoes or ankle strap sandals) and a bag (Coast bullet bag) (Husband - are you reading?!) but could probably do with (Husband - stop reading now) some new mega Pat Butcher stylee earrings. I am chuffed.
I'm also thinking if there's any way I can maybe wear shoehorn it into the Italy Outfit hole. Am thinking I'm going to struggle for a day ceremony in Italy in the blistering August heat. Perfect for the night do though. So I "may" be partly there. I'm leaving this subject now. As am too hungover.
Which leads me neatly onto the last couple of days which have been totally manic here. Last night, had my launch party of my Wardrobe Consultation & Personal Shopping business, along with a Taylor Stephens clothes party. Fantastic night (tomorrow will do complete blog on party and all the wonderful clothes - have loads to report) and a huge public thank you to all my friends who came and made it such a successful evening. I also have a great new logo and so shall be remodelling the blog in the next few weeks and putting on a page all about the business for anyone who may be interested. In the meantime if you would like to know more, please don't hesitate to contact me on doesmybumlook40@gmail.com
So a quick round up of what I've been wearing in - wait for it - the sunshine. Oh lord, how much better does life seem when it's not raining?
Wed - great meeting with a wonderful lady who sells the most beautiful jewellery. Have some on the way and can't wait to blog about it! Plus a successful haul in Majestic Wine of supplies for Thursday night.
Blush silky jersey t-shirt - H&M
White straight leg jeans turned up - Zara
Brocade jacket - Wallis
Statement stone and gold necklace - Anthropologie
Tan leather cuff - Mulberry
Brown leather cuff - Hultquist
Tan multistrap wedges - Clarks
Sunglasses - Tom Ford
Vanilla Roxanne - Mulberry
And yesterday I didn't even have time to take a photograph of my day outfit. Can you believe it?! Last night, RR1 was in bed and so the lovely Mrs. L was nominated as Photographer. This was taken exceptionally late hence I am a little worse for wear. But you get the gist. (I also couldn't get her to take 80 photos like RR1 does. So it was these or nothing)
Beige longline vest - Primark
White loose knit top - Cos
Black leather corsage necklace - Sportsmax
Black/navy/beige leopard print trousers - Whistles
Black suede sandals - Zara
Black blazer - newly purchased last night! More on that tomorrow.
So it's goodbye from me today but see you definitely tomorrow. Out again tonight - and wearing a new purchase from last night. Beyond bargainous. I can't wait to tell you all about it.
Oh and did I mention we have chicks? Three week old chicks. In the kitchen. Hmmmm. And people wonder why I drink.
Love, love, love the dress. xx
ReplyDeleteThank you darling! You, of course, were the inspiration! I just love the fabric, I don't think it's remotely cheap, it's dressy enough for black tie but not overly dressy to not be able to wear for a night out iyswim. I think it's a bargain for £150 seeing how expensive some AS dresses are now. You did order it, didn't you? xxx
DeleteI'm waiting for it to arrive BUT and it's a big but I think it's going to be way to long on me.:-(
Deleteahh hence the chicken feed and the hangover! Lovely dress, Mawi do some fabulous chunky Pat Butcher earrings....Still being so tall I expect you would look fab even if you did have to resort to going in your pants!
ReplyDeleteYes exactly! I love Mawi jewellery & you've reminded me that I have a charm bracelet from there that's buried in a drawer. WIll hunt it out, thank you! That's exactly the sort of thing I'm after earring wise, deffo. And lovely of you to be so kind but believe me - it's not a great look - me in my pants!
Deletexxx
I love the dress - surely it would do for daytime wedding too - its very Sophia Loren.
ReplyDeleteDo you know what, I think you're completely right. In fact they mention La Dolce Vita as inspiration for the dress code on the invite so I think black would definitely work if I add some colour. Am contemplating the Zara shoes I have above in the peach and orange and getting an orange suede clutch. Or something along those lines - maybe gold? hmmm I'm liking it definitely. Thank you! xx
DeleteMy favourite LBD is from All Saints and I wear it all the time; it works for both summer and layered up for winter, dressed up for work worn with smart shoes or dressed down with casual boots or a pair of Converse. I bought it in the sale for £30 and it is, seriously, the best £30 I have spent.
ReplyDeleteYou're so right, I think All Saints really are fantastic for dresses. I do actually have another black dress - v V Westwood inspired and VERY short so opaques are a complete must which I wore to a wedding at Le Manoir last year. It's perfect for dressy Winter dos and I've had it for about 3 years. Impossible to dress it down though. Doh!
DeleteFantastic dress, bet it will look lovely on, i have some beautiful ruched dresses from Velvet by Graham & Spencer and love love love them :)
ReplyDeleteHave to say I am super pleased with it! Hunting down accessories now..... well, earrings anyway. Extensive research on the go..
DeleteLove the dress...LOVE AllSaints
ReplyDeleteThanks love! and yes, I have to say it's definitely one of my fave shops. How looking forward to coming home are you? Perfect timing for the sales!! xxx
DeleteGorgeous dress and I notice you've been able to wear your new sandals despite the awful weather - yay.
ReplyDeleteThanks love and yes, am over the moon at being able to wear the sandals. Which I'm completely loving. Have had so so many great compliments on them and no-one can believe they're from Clarks! Hopefully next week the weather is looking good and so might get to wear them a bit more. Finally.
DeleteGreat dress! Just wondering what sort of wedding it is in Italy- formal? or would a maxi dress suit? Would solve the knee issue! I relate to knee shyness...
ReplyDeleteThank you! It's a very modern, glamorous wedding. I was going to wear a maxi dress (which I do have and so it's a perfect back up - I'll take it with me anyway) There's also a dinner the night before and brunch the day after so may use the maxi for the brunch. The more I think about it, the more I think the dress will work really well. Am loving another knee shy person - we definitely need to start a club! xx
DeleteIf I looked that good when I was a little worse for wear, I'd be one happy lady!
ReplyDeleteOh you're funny! The photos of me the day after - hmmm yeah, not so hot. Will be posting them in the morning. Today - boy, a complete right off! Hope you had a good weekend doll xxx
DeleteLove the dress, I adore ruching, sooo forgiving!
ReplyDeleteHave you thought of getting a dress made for you for the wedding? You could ask the dressmaker to base the design on the All Saints dress. The bonus will be you can have it made to the length you want which means no waddling on the day and also no fear you'll be wearing the same dress as one of the other guests!
I bet there are students at the fashion collages in London who'd take the commission for not too much money. Some of the stuff the fashion students at my son's collage make is outstandingly good.
That is such a great idea! I think I'm going to see if I can make this dress work for the wedding - although there is a patterned one which I'm really tempted to see if I can justify.....
DeleteBut I'd love to meet some fashion students and have them work on some other stuff - what a wonderful wonderful way to get some new and totally individual outfits. Is your son at fashion college? If he has any contacts at all, I'd love to have a chat to them. If you could email me, I'd be so grateful. Thank you! xxx
I think you will ,ook extremely gorgeous in the All Saint dress.. the cut and design is so classic you can still wear it for your kid's graduation! (ok, pushing it a bit too far now ;)) I am still (for the past God knows how many years) on a look out for my ultimate LBD - just below the knee, sleeves or single sleeve on the left side (scared), not too fitted not too loose.. the hunt goes on
ReplyDeleteHave a good weekend!
http://mrsjackofalltradesdaily.blogspot.com/
Thank you so much - here's hoping it lasts the test of time! And good luck with the hunt. I often think it's harder if you have a fixed idea of what you want. But, as Lisa suggested above, have you thought about having one made? xxx
DeleteI love your blog! You always look fabulous, and you always make me laugh!
ReplyDeleteLove the black rouched dress - it has my two favourite qualities; comfort and creates and optical illusion - buy it in every colour!
Oh thank you so much, that's such a lovely thing to read!
DeleteAnd yes, there is actually a patterned one which I'm tempted by........
Love your writing and your outfits! Wishing you all the best for your business!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much - what a lovely comment to read. And fingers crossed I make a success of it! xxx
DeleteOh my goodness I live up in Yorkshire where it has rained ALL week I am considering blogging my transformation from reasonably stylish mummy into soggy wet tramp!!! Enjoy your blog thank you!!! Xxx
ReplyDeleteIt's hugely hard to look stylish in this utterly crappola weather, isn't it? But I have high hopes for next week - I refuse to believe it's going to be hideous till we hit Autumn....... And thank you so much for being so lovely and hopefully keep reading! xx
DeleteWhat an amazing black dress! You will look fabulous:)
ReplyDelete~Anne
Thank you! Am pondering now hair up or hair down - I'm thinking maybe hair up actually so that you can see the whole top of the dress (and will save me a trip to the hairdressers!!) Will post photos - obviously! x
DeleteThat's a fab dress, I'll have to head to All Saints to see if the sale has any gems!
ReplyDeleteHelen
Thank you. And yes, I have a big list for as soon as the AS sales starts! Sod's law of course it will either be a) all sold out or b) not in sale. Doh! Hope you grab a bargain!
Deletex
The dress is fantastic, I have exactly that style in black, shocking pink, white and bright yellow (La Perla had an irresistible sale about 12 years ago and they are still going strong) Check out black as a colour at weddings in Italy though, I have a vague memory about wearing black meaning bad luck in some countries. I read that you haven't been to Westbourne Grove, you should check it out as there are two large Matches shops, a DVF with full range, Maxx Studio, which I normally don't like but they have some AMAZING dresses, there is one that could be a saviour, it is a short fitted dress with a translucent silk chiffon cover up which covers everything, you can see the shape of the body but all the nobbly bits are blurred by the chiffon, I could imagine it blowing in the wind on walk way into club 55, but I need more dresses like a hole in the head! They have it in a range of colours and the web site doesn't do any justice, they are also properly long (and look like they would cost £1000+, but they are £250 pre sale and I would imagine sales have started by now). Other shops along there include Joseph, Whistles, Reiss, Nannette Lepore, Comptoir des Cotonniers, Melissa Odabash, Heidi Klein, All Saints, Nicole Fahri and loads of independents, it is almost the perfect location for finding something really special, but make sure you go the right end, the Paddington end is a s**t hole. And sit outside at Daylesford and watch the world go by, it is the best people watching in London. I did not very inspiring post on it on my blog if you want more of an idea.xx
ReplyDeletehttp://www.maxstudio.co.uk/product/crinkled-silk-chiffon-maxi-dress-1398
ReplyDeletethis is the one that I saw, it is great quality, easily as good fabric Gucci, much better than you would think from these pics.