Aga..do do do

To my mind the most perfect lace dress is the DVF Zarita dress.  Which I was going to say - ho hum, too short for me, always been gutted when, HOLD THE PRESS, they now appear to do it in a "long" version.


DVF Zarita Long Dress £304

However (deviating from my "hilarious" title already - soz) I think I would probably have to have it in the navy.  This for me is the ultimate in class. 

Navy Zarita Long Dress £304 from Matches 




A full length zip does seem to be par for the course with a lace dress.  Love. 






This is the shorter version - perfect for those of a more diminutive stature.  This just about covers my muff.  Think glorified £300 doily.

Zarita Dress £275 (that extra lace you have to pay for in the long.....) 






However there are definitely some great ones on the high street if a) you can't get the Zarita in your size (irritatingly the navy long one is sold out in my size.  Soddus Lawus) and b) you fancy spending the rest of your budget on shoes and a bag.

This one from Warehouse is again in a gorgeous navy with a gold background. 

Two tone lace dress £48. I fear it may be rather short for the tallies. (like that's anything new). 


Another overlay lace dress but this time in black is the gorgeous Panelled Dress from Pied A Terre - £125  This has more than a hint of the By Malene Birgers to me. 









Ok warning coming up.  This is from the wonderful photographers at M&S online.  I'm not sure they could have made this look more mumsy if they tried but try they did and boy have they succeeded.  I actually think it's the necklace that totally ruins it.  But hey, it's actually a really gorgeous dress and with some earrings (this dress just so does not need any more embellishment over the front - you can't actually see but if you look online and zoom in, there is an edging detailing around the bust area which clearly needs to be smothered with an extra necklace.  Not) 

Looks so much better from the back in their pics.

M&S Collection Floral Lace Shift Dress £69 

An exceptionally familiar shape is this Adrianna Papell dress in navy £150 On further inspection, I'd love to know how different this looked on from the DVF Zarita.....







If you prefer a lower neckline then this navy one from Kaliko is probably more up your street.  Far better for the more hourglass figures amongst us (of which I clearly am not one. Sob) 

Kaliko Lace Dress in Navy £79.20 currently on a price match (is anything full price anymore?) 




They also do this in a black version £79.20




Another lace number but this one is more fitted with what looks like a bit more stretch.  Like the above but slightly cheaper.  Not entirely sure the white plastic shapeless model does the dress any favours. 

Black Lace Plunge Midi Dress from RIver Island £38.00 



A much lighter take on a lace dress is this from Fenn Wright Manson.  This is the one that's going to take you into the Spring/Summer - ideal to wear all year round.  As perfect for a May wedding as for Christmas day. 

Ann Lace dress from Fenn Wright Manson £130











If full on lace is not your style then there are lots of dresses out there which have a hint of it.  Perhaps slightly less Bonham Carter than head to toe lace (have to say personally I prefer the full on versions but can see that they're not for everybody) 

Black & Neutral Matt Sequin Dress £159 From Mint Velvet.   



And the detail at the back.  Just stunning.  This would give the straightest up and down person the illusion of shape.  Beyond sexy. 

Hobbs Invitation Chantal Dress £129  Now if you do feel perhaps that there is too much lace out there, this is the ideal alternative as it's just a lace illusion.  Beautiful detailing to it.  This would cut the mustard for those Christmas parties. 

These I think though are probably my favourite in this category as I know the ruching is unbelievably flattering.  If it wasn't for my Patrizia Pepe ruched one I have from last year, then this would definitely be on my shopping list.  So so useful. 

Phase Eight Latoya Miracle Lace Dress now with 20% off at Phase Eight £79.20





And in navy. Love.  Again £79.20





Now I know I can't really wear them but to ring the differences then these two are an alternative to a straight dress.  Love them both. 

Coast Staten Dress £95





And finishing with a black dress which isn't lace at all but I saw it the other day and think it is just so so useful.  Am therefore flinging it in here. 

Jigsaw Ponte Silk dress £129






Since I've been rough today, I literally came home from drop off this morning and got changed into jamas (threw a parka on to take RR1 to her piano lesson where I sit outside and she runs into the house - the shame).  All the kids were thankfully dropped off after school and I have spent the day feeling ridiculously sorry for myself shivering on the sofa.  

So these are from last week that I have been meaning to post and haven't had time.  Nothing ridiculously exciting but a take on some of my usuals. 

Apart from this which is one of my current fave outfits - hence I've been wearing it a fair bit. 

 

Black polo neck - Zara

Real Straight jeans rolled up - Gap

Leopard print loafers - Zara

Tweed boyfriend coat - Zara

Faridah hobo bag - Marc by Marc Jacobs 

This was actually for Bonfire Night.  Slightly random filter on here which makes the screen look filthy.  Oops. 

Black double zip jeans - Mint Velvet

Black and gold lurex jumper - Zara

Chocolate leather jacket - All Saints

Biker Boots - Kurt Geiger

Dune Monogrammed scarf - Louis Vuitton

Fur Gilet - Taylor Stephens

Black oversized poloneck jumper - Reiss

Pear Drop skinny jeans - Boden

Wild Kat leopard ballet flats - The British Flat Shoe Company

I still have more research to do on other dresses (always be prepared....) but in the meantime I am returning to my Jenna Obsession (beyond excited about going to the store on Wed - not that I expect her to be serving behind the counter.  Maybe?) and am on the look out for things to add in to my wardrobe.  I have a cunning plan......