I officially declare...

... the Season of the Dress Open. 

Let's take advantage of the discount madness as it will stop once we get further into November and we start the inevitable countdown to Christmas.  They realise that the panic sets in and do nothing but make it more difficult for us all.  Gits.  So let's play them at their own game and stock up on our Christmas outfits now - one less thing to worry about (and it beats thinking about how massive the turkey crown you need to order has to be.  Yawn)

Last year I had huge success with my two black dress purchases.  I *may* go so far as to say that I actually don't need another one.  (yeah right)  I went to a dinner party last night and cracked out my Me+Em dress that I bought for Christmas Day & New Year's Eve last year.  I had forgotten how much I love it, how versatile it is and how perfect an LBD is.  I teamed with black shoe boots (the M&S ones - oh my lord, for heels they are so so comfortable.  All hail the Insolia - it does what is says on the tin.  Or the sole in this case), gold earrings and a leopard print clutch bag but the opportunities are endless.  

I have seen a ruck of fabulous print dresses which I've made a note of and will bring you shortly but in the meantime, I think it's only to fair to kick off the Party Season Search with an LBD thread.  

Starting with a set of dresses that remind me of my Sandro dress from last year - black crepe with black leather detailing on it.  Simply simple but with a twist. 

Lauren Ralph Lauren on offer now at £136 Now in my opinion these tights combined with the shoes don't work.  This look sums up my opinion on sheer tights and lady like shoes.  To me this is just bordering on mumsy - I'd prefer to see it with a slightly edgier shoe and either opaque or good old flesh coloured tights.  It is of course horses for courses and it's personal preference. 

Rapture Seam Detail Dress at Great Plains £85  Full on pleather here. I know, I know I said that I was sworn off all things pleather but well, this looks too good not to give it a go. (wouldn't put it with the sandals though - that does strike me as kind of random for this time of year - my M&S boots would be perfect though.  Can you tell I love them?!)





M&S Panelled Tunic dress £49.50




Coast have 20% off dresses at the minute and whilst there are still the old "Coast Classics.." I do truly believe their selection has improved over the past year. 

This one I've seen in the flesh and it's gorgeous.  Faux leather waistband brings a traditional style kicking and screaming into A/W14.  Super flattering, goes in the washing machine and would work as well for a glitzy Christmas do as it would for a dress down lunch or even Christmas day. 

Black Estra dress was was £85 now £68



Mila Textured Dress from Coast was £85 now £68 A much plainer dress but with a great texture close up.  The looseness of this would put it at the top of my Christmas Day list - no waistband required.






Speaking of texture, I've spied a couple of lovely lace dresses which have been popular now for a couple of years.  Firstly, they do a wonderful job of crossing that smart but not work looking line and somehow seem dressy but don't scream Christmas. 

Phase Eight Stephania lace Dress now £55.20 - this one is a bargain from PE at John Lewis.  It appears to be reduced and then has a 20% price match on as well.  What's not to love?  Flattering ruching around the tummy area and at the hips. 



This one thought at Coast is my absolute favourite.  Yes it's much dressier than the others and personally I wouldn't be able to bend over but for a special occasion and the more diminutive - hell, this is gorgeous. 

Coast Miley Lace Dress now £92 was £115



Victoriana at M&S sounds grim but this could so look amazing on the right person.  Personally I think it would better on someone more petite but that may well be me talking out of my behind. 

Dobby Print Prom Dress £49.50 



There is of course the stunning lace dress which is in all of the M&S ads - but would you then be able to buy it online?  Cos that wouldn't make sense At All, would it?  M&S please please please sort it out. 

This is it. I have seen instore, tis amazing.  They do have it in red online but not the black (well I can find it and I've spent half an hour of my life that I'll never get back, looking for it)




Totally plain and letting the cut do all the talking is also an option. 

An elegant midi dress from Nicole Farhi

Farhi by Nicole Farhi Jersey dress in black £140



Another drape front dress at Baukjen where there is 20% off certain things using the code PTY04

Kirkham Drape Dress in caviar black £139 pre discount
And a similar looking longsleeved one. 

Darton Dress in Black at Baukjen £109 pre discount




Speziale V-neck Bodycon dress from M&S £89.00  This is the perfect dress for those with curves. 



This is much more similar to the one I have - I love the looseness of the skirt. 

Long sleeve Trapeze Skater dress from M&S £45



A skater midi style from ASOS £28


Now one of my two favourite winter dresses is from Me+Em.  They don't seem to have the same dress this season (I could have sworn I did see it though), but this is a similar version.  They also do it in a navy which is simply lush. 

Pleat Front Swing Dress £148






I also managed to find this one at ASOS which looks hilariously short - perfect however if you're not a giant like me.  Texture looks lovely if you do a close up of the green version. 

ASOS Swing Dress with 3/4 length sleeves in texture £25


And here I am in mine from last night.  Fantastic evening with lovely friends. 



Black swing dress - Me+Em
Suede shoe boots - M&S (LOVE these - oh my lord they are so so so comfy)
Leopard print clutch bag - Tory Burch
Gold chandelier earrings - Forever 21 

Ridiculously lazy day today - smallest is still under the weather, asthma is now kicking in as well so rugby wasn't an option this morning.  Absolutely gutted not to be standing out in the rain for hours... although I have finally found an option for my wet weather issues which I will be bringing you this week. 

Also got some other festive outfit ideas up my sleeve and we do need to start thinking about Christmas pressies.  For all those lovely ladies in your lives (not to mention your own lists.....!)