A blast from the past & my next favourite Winter colour
which will come as no surprise to anyone when I say it's navy. Oh yes. I love love love navy. Do I love it as much as I love black? Well I'd go so far as to say almost but I'll be honest, there is less around in navy and so the choice of what you can have in black is incomparable.
And one thing I didn't have in my wardrobe (literally didn't. Not even, oh well I've got four but none of them are "quite" right which may or may be the case when I can be heard to say "I don't own any x....") was a navy dress.
I did though, spy a couple of weeks ago the most gorgeous tunic dress. Featured it on the shirt dress blog, it being a back to front shirt dress - from Ghost. So when they contacted me and asked if I'd like to review a dress from their new season's collection, well, it was a total no brainer to ask for the one that held first place on my wish list.
Whilst we're on the subject of reviews, can I point out that I don't actually do that many at all - especially compared to the number of requests and offers that I get. As a blog with around 8000 page views a day, PR companies are going to approach me as it's pretty good (and very very cheap....!) publicity for them. And I do in fact, turn down probably about 90% of requests. As you can only maintain a successful blog if you are credible and I hope it's apparent that I only ever accept items that I a) I like and would genuinely wear and b) that I would buy myself.
The majority of what I write about is purely based on research I have done on my quest not to look like an old frumpy monkey without the budget to shop permanently at Matches. Whilst trying to avoid the beeping of the muttonometer too.... Thankfully I have a Husband and a 10 year old on hand who help out with that one.
But Ghost? As a brand I have worn for years and have recently rediscovered, I was more than happy to wear the dress they sent me and pontificate about how much I love it, because I do.
Ghost was always my go to brand for dresses to wear to weddings when I was a whipper snapper in my 20's (sob) and used to bomb up to their boutique near Marylebone High Street.
And they're still well known for their bias cut beautiful evening gowns which, alas, I have little call for these days.
Happily however, their range has expanded and they are now a great High Street contender for every day wear. I spied my dress that I blogged about at John Lewis where they have a selection from their new collections.
This is the dress that I had mentioned and was then sent.
And if we're talking about navy, then call off the dogs, as I've just seen this. Dear Ghost. Please may I return the dress (which I will then rebuy myself) and have the leather jacket instead?!
There are two new dresses online that I haven't seen instore - both look gorgeous - easy to wear and very forgiving. I can't be doing with hold it all in underwear on a daily basis (or ever if I'm totally honest). And the best thing about these dresses is that they can be worn during the day or out at night. Just add the necessary bling and heels and you're off.
Maddy Dress in Charcoal £120 This definitely looks like a browny grey to me and I would be hauling out either my snakeskin or leopard print accessories to go with this.
In John Lewis I had in fact already tried on a couple of other Ghost things in my eternal quest for tops to go with A Line skirts - one worked and one didn't.
First up, the supremely useful Belle Vest in crepe viscose. Ideal for under a jacket when you want a layer that you don't want to be too warm in, that won't cling and if you do have to take your jacket off, doesn't look like you're wearing your underwear. (or showing off your underwear - that's the other risk with vests, isn't it? They're never substantial enough. Or cling to every fat bit like a sausage about to burst its skin - always the look I'm striving to recreate)
This one though is perfect.
Belle Vest in Black £39 I tried on the medium. In fact everything I tried on was in the medium.
I also tried a slouchy jumper which in my head I really thought would work with an A Line skirt. Well yes it might if you either work for or are pictured in Vogue, but I erred more on the side of bag lady in it. However as a jumper, it's absolutely gorgeous and looks great with skinny jeans. I also think it would look amazing with wide legged trousers so long as they were fitted well through the hips.
I know I've mentioned them before but I honestly don't think you can have too many white or cream tops and this double layered one is ideal. So lovely to come across a top that you don't have to worry about having to wear a vest underneath. This is single layer on the arms so slightly sheerer than the double layer body.
I'm a huge cream lace fan (I think I have at least two tops which reminds me - one of those would be perfect with my A line skirts...) and this is another top I thought was gorgeous. This would work so well with jeans and a coat for day time but is so easy to dress up and have as an extra outfit idea for all those drinks and parties coming up (she says, realising that she has the grand total of two nights out in the diary in December... )
And lastly, they have a pretty darn lovely selection of bags too.
Alas, I simply do not need a camel bag but on my list of things I would love to own is a Bottega Veneta. Never gong to happen and if they did this in black, I would buy it in a heartbeat.
Hang on. Call off the dogs.....
Hatty tote in black was £295 now £206.50 (and they do it in a navy too...!!!)
There are absolutely loads of gorgeous bags to choose from but I have to say my other favourite would be this clutch.
Marissa clutch Metallic £145 also in black, black patent and navy. Gorgeous and simply perfect.
And there I have to stop otherwise I could go and on. Here I am though in my new favourite dress (and boots obviously).
Boh dress in Ink - Ghost
Check coat - Hobbs
Black boots - Toga Pulla
Black Diego bag - Alexander Wang.
So hope you liked my selection from Ghost - did anyone else have a wardrobe full of their bias cut crepe dresses?! They've definitely moved on and I would say worth having a look at - lots of choice at John Lewis.
Tomorrow I am back, trying to reinvent the wheel. You'll see.....
Lovely post and the reason I read your blog avidly is because you obviously choose things you like and would buy. Some other blogs I have looked at are obviously bought off by some obscure and expensive brand that no one has heard of and that they rave about and have had sack loads of free things from. Well done you!
ReplyDeleteThank you - I do think that most bloggers do genuinely like what they're given, at least I hope so. But thank you, I do appreciate your comments! xxxxx
DeleteI am a huge navy fan (and actually never wear black). Love the leather jacket, don't think I've ever seen a navy leather jacket before, and would love the oxblood dress to wear around Christmas. Thanks, will definitely check out Ghost x
ReplyDeleteI was very impressed - it's not the cheapest but it's definitely comparable to Mint Velvet and other High Street brands but just that little bit more unique! Hope you find something you love x
DeleteOooohhh, that Albo off white top is divine! So beautiful! Lynne x
ReplyDeleteIt really is gorgeous. Definitely that perfect top that you can tuck in but is pretty enough at the hem with the right level of scallop to wear it loose as well. Very difficult to come across actually. xxx
DeleteMy wardrobe does (and has done for many, many years!) consist of mainly black but I have to say, I'm preferring navy these days....is it an age thing d'ya think?! Gorgeous dress & coat x
ReplyDeleteYou know alas, I do think that navy is more flattering on older skin (SOB). I think as it's a warmer colour rather than black which can be harsh - but at the same time does have an impact that the softer navy doesn't always give? I definitely need an even spread of both in my wardrobe. And now that you can wear them both together as the height of chic - oh happy days!
DeleteHi kat. That's why I read this blog and have ditched others like Not dressed as lamb and wish wish. I felt like they were like extended adverts and I no longer trusted them. I feel that yhis blog has retained its authenticity and therefore credibility.
ReplyDeleteThank you very very much - a really lovely comment to read xxxx
DeleteStunning! Gorgeous dress, absolutely love this, it's soooo you!
ReplyDeleteAbbi x
Oh thank you darling - it is very very me, isn't it?! Love it. Will be wearing it loads!
DeleteGood ethics and it shows in your fabulous blog - love it!
ReplyDeleteI also love a navy dress but never sure on footwear and tights? Is black ok?? X
Oh thank you and I would definitely definitely wear black with them as they have in the top photo - black opaques with navy look great and do open up a whole new world of opportunity. x
DeleteI love your blog because it isn't an advert, but genuine and enjoyable. It must be tempting with the freebies, but I've stopped looking at other blogs because of this. The check coat looks great! Xx
ReplyDeleteThank you - very lovely to hear and yes, I am over the moon with the coat for sure! x
DeleteSuch gorgeous things, where to start? The dress is really lovely, fab choice. You are really selling me on dresses and I, too, am a real jeans girl. That navy dress is not too girlie and just right for those of us without curves.
ReplyDeleteI have long loved ghost and have a lovely black crepe ghost top that I paid a few pounds (literally) for in Oxfam. Super useful for going out and with skirts too!
I love the blue leather jacket, the cream top... they are all cut so beautifully. Repeats to self; I don't need, I don't need.
tanya
Oh thank you and yes, so so so many gorgeous things! Are you sure you don't need?...!!
DeleteLoving navy too, especially with grey. Looks expensive and clasy I think! Love your blog and your style, follow it religiously, thank you xx
ReplyDeleteOh fab inspiration - I have the perfect grey coat to go with that dress - totally forgot about it! Great idea thank you again. And so pleased you like the blog xxx
DeleteFab dress Kat, it looks gorge with your boots. And bags..I think I would have every colour! X
ReplyDeleteIsn't that bag just the best? Yup, I could definitely have all 3! Thanks love - these boots are really coming into their own!
DeleteThe dress is lovely. Ghost really do have some great pieces. Lovely post
ReplyDeleteThanks X A
THank you xxx
DeleteHi Kat, I'm glad you put that bit on there for about accepting reviews. When we were out for lunch on Saturday we were talking about that and there seem to be a lot of bloggers at the moment that are getting loads of freebies that you feel they are a bit "selling their soul" for if you see what I mean? Its a bit meh as well when a few of them have been approached by the same company and that feels like a very cheap advertisement. It puts me off those blogs totally as they don't seem original. Obviously I am very jealous of anything that anyone gets free to review (who wouldn't be) but when they just seem to be full of them and lose any of their identity then its time to hit unfollow. Fiona xxx
ReplyDeleteoh gawd what else were you saying??!! It is a hard one to be honest as a lot of work is put into blogs for very very little return. So it's very hard to turn things down when you get sent them and yes, we all love to get free goodies! And I'm sure most people love what they get, and of course they won't be aware when one PR company is approaching lots of people. At the end of the day it's foolish as it's the brand that suffers most. But it's such a new industry and the marketing reach of bloggers is only just being realised so there are different things going on, some which will work in and some which won't. (I hope you didn't say anything horrible about me!!) Gutted to miss you all xxxx
DeleteWe of course said lots about you!! All good of course xxx. Planning next one soon so it would be fab if you were there we missed you F xxx
DeleteHi Kat
ReplyDeleteLove the post but not the look I'm afraid. I think the dress is just too plain and too high necked for you - and I'm sorry to say but also a tad too short? I'm not overly keen on the jacket either tbh as it reminds me a bit of Littlewoods c.1985?! Who cares though as long as you like it - and I think I'm in the minority anyway!
I am totally into the blue and black though and am looking for a blue and black flower or animal print scarf to tie some separates together. Any recommendations?
However, I like the top choices more but would have to be extra special for me to spend that much on a cream top. I would spend more like £50-60 on it so unless it goes in the sale with a third off it won't end up in my wardrobe! The bags however are another matter. Totally get them and totally wish I was in the market for a new bag which alas I am not.
Just to echo what other ladies have said, I totally agree, your independence, honesty and unique approach to the brands you cover comes across as totally authentic, individual, believable and genuine. I definitely would not subscribe if I thought you were another freebie queen. The temptation must be gut wrenching at times though I'm sure so huge applause for that!
Just also wanted to comment on your dressing room. Mine is currently being assembled too as we speak. I'm having an island with pull out shelves for shoes and boots and am wondering if I should have gone down the route you are? I hope you're thinking of covering your re-styled house when you're done as I for one would be massively interested to see what you've done?
My new house blog is as follows: http://gosforthgal.blog.co.uk/ It's not half as funny or clever or informative as yours but it keeps me off the streets....
I very much appreciate all opinions - I LOVE high necked though for this time of year and I personally don't think it's *too* short...! Clearly my inner slut is rearing her ugly head again.... Definitely keep an eye out in the sales. They do have good sales from memory of last season.
DeleteScarf wise - hmmm I haven't done a scarf post for a while - leave it with me.
I've seen your blog before and love it - we're nearing the end (apparently...!) of our project now but that just leaves me with an entire house to furnish!
I'm not sure I'll put pics on here as this is very much a fashion blog - ok so maybe I can get away with the dressing room pics... but there are always a few and will be more on instagram!
xxxx
Lots of lovely things! Did you have to size up for the Boh dress? I like it but my JL is now only selling Ghost evening wear so I won't be able to try it on.
ReplyDeleteI just got the medium which is perfect - not too clingy but certainly not too voluminous either. Do you have a Waitrose near you as you can do click and collect from John Lewis (this may be why I order an inordinate amount from there - as my 10 yr old said the other day as I had a lovely convo with a lady in the supermarket - "Mummy who is that lady and how do you know her?" "err she works on the click and collect counter and I'm there perhaps slightly too regularly...."!
DeleteYou can also return anything to the counter as opposed to having to schlepp all the way back to a JL store. Hope that helps! (it saves me TOTALLY at Christmas!)
Hi Kat
ReplyDeleteAgree with all the comments regarding blog credibility. Many of them read like infomercials these days and when it gets like that, yes, it's time to click unfollow. You can have the fanciest header, blog address, fancy photos, but if you blog reads like an advertorial, I no longer respect you.
Would love it if you'd write a blog post on this very topic.
WoS
Well what a lovely comment to read, thank you very much. It's a hard one, as I said to Fiona up above in my comments as it's very much a learning curve for everyone. And blogs can be different things to different people - to be honest, magazine staff get more freebies than you can shake a stick at and have done for years but alas, no-one has ever thought to question the credibility of their "New This Month" etc etc products. It will all come out in the wash and in the meantime, we're all doing the best we can.
DeleteI'd feel a bit of a fraud writing about it as I am absolutely no expert and to be honest, very much oblivious to lots of the blogging world - it takes long enough to write the bugger!! xxxx
Looks lovely you lucky thing! I saw quite a nice navy and black jumper dress in Asda today of all places. I Might have to go back and get it now you've inspired me to wear more navy as before I've always associated it with school uniform as I spent years wearing it as this (even though we are talking 20+ years ago now!) Ant xxx
ReplyDeleteoh darn it, I was in Asda the other day (oh my lord their homewares - amazing and then some!)
DeleteAHA the old school uniform trick - that's me and bottle green. Never going to happen. x
Looks fab on you Kat but oh that leather jacket - gorgeous!x
ReplyDeleteIsn't it divine?! xx
DeleteI'd say it's definitely loose enough for a pear shape (you're only a 12 aren't you?!) And thank you re my rack (shoe that is). Started filling it up!
ReplyDeleteHi Kat, I totally adore that very dark blue dress, wow! And Bugger! Because I already have a wardrobe full of dresses and a scary amount of navy clothes so there's absolutely no justification what so ever to order this one. Ah, pining! It remines me of a navy dress I had a few years ago which I wore till it was a rag. So....it is my style, I will wear it a lot.....shall I? (they do ship to Holland)
ReplyDeleteBare legs in october! You Britisch lasses! We Dutch are for ever practical (yuk!) but you say you will wear the dress with opaques eventually (when it snows?)
I wonder what to wear with culottes on my legs, I mean I understand them in summer but in winter? Of in the autumn in this weather (it pours down here now and we must always cycle everywhere...sigh)
Your blog gives me a smile on my face. Keep up the good work!