Getting ahead of the game

This was me on Friday in Selfridges.  Well, trying to...... But of course, foiled.  Foiled foiled foiled, just as I had found the most exciting brand I've come across in eons. 

A dress brand that I've seen on Instagram and tracked down finally instore.  Gob. Smacked.   I'm talking the rather wonderful Self-Portrait.

Now I struggle with finding dresses that I both love and that fit.  I know that sounds ridiculous but honestly, it's true.  And I'm massively jumping the gun even contemplating buying a dress for my son's First Holy Communion in June but from bitter disappointment (slight exaggeration for sure) in the past, I have learnt that you have to buy these things when you see them.  Otherwise they sell out. 

Funny I should mention that as, well what do you know?  They've sold out.  GAH. 

Now I'm chuntering on and I haven't even let you in on my new secret. 

First off - these are not going to be for everyone.  "Hmm ever so slightly Alice in Wonderland....." was my friend's not entirely enthusiastic response when I pounced on them instore squealing in glee.  Judging by their exceptionally on trend styling on the website, I'm not entirely sure 40+ is their target market but this season, I think most of their dresses are eminently wearable.

Although I sort of see where she's coming from (I type grudgingly) with regards to Alice, I utterly love them.  The quality is amazing - truly truly amazing.  If you'd said they were four figures, I would have believed you.  And I wouldn't have bothered trying them on but thankfully they're not.  They're really well priced.  

Don't get me wrong, they're not cheap cheap but compared to the higher end of the High Street, they are definitely comparable and for a designer dress which is where they're pitched in Selfridges, they are a veritable bargain.  

They also come up small. 

Self-Portrait Lucille geometric trim mesh dress £250

And here I am - yes it looks like it fits but the back tells a different story.  This is the 8 and it didn't nearly do up. 


This one was in my size (a 12) but I really really want the midi length. 

Lucille geometric trim mesh dress £250




Liliana Embroidered dress £320  This is the main one that elicited the "where's the White Rabbit?" comment.




I'm going to email them tomorrow to see if there is any way I can get hold of the Lucille dress in a 12.  

There are though some others that I think may also be worth considering.  Not sure this one is what I'm looking for thinking of the Summer but I wish I'd seen it at the beginning of the Winter (even though it's actually Spring stock...) 

Fireflies metallic dress £225



Or this one - Ava Embroidered Midi dress £260 - again NOT IN MY SIZE! 


Look how amazing it can look.  Sold out pigging everywhere...



Looking at their new season which you can pre order, this is the one that I've got my eye on.  I think with a pair of black gladiator heeled sandals, this could be the perfect go to Summer Dress.  I am utterly in love with it and I may even curb my NY spending with this in mind (*may* being the operative word....) 

Lila Midi Dress £260 (I'm ignoring the shoes)




This has made me think, I'm on a midi roll.  Tis the season to be Catholic this June and we've got a host of First Holy Communion parties to go to as well as the usual round of parties which hopefully there'll be.  I've also got two 50th parties (clearly I have MUCH older friends........!) and so there will be the usual need for dresses.  June is notoriously a difficult time to dress for in my experience, it can be downright chilly.  I have now got to grips with my fake tan issues that I've had in the past but there is still nothing more unattractive than a goose bump frenzy. 

Midi dresses are hard to wear for lots of people but I do think the key is the right size heel for the proportions of the dress.  Personally, as I've said, I don't like them so much with the flat heel above.  I think go high.  I also think go properly midi - not just below the knee which isn't so much midi as mumsy.  Be bold with the length and your heel and I promise you it will work.

These are some that I think it will be worth considering. 

ASOS Floral Mesh Midi insert fit and flare dress £58  This one doesn't seem too long - personally I'd want it more mid calf midi than just below the knee, politician's wife style...... So I'd say this would work better if you're not super tall. 


Totally off piste but I LOVE this.  Absolutely love love love it - Jalouse boots and Spring lunch outfit sorted.  All rather Marant at a fraction of the cost.  This will not be around by mid Feb I can guarantee.

Glamorous Off the shoulder Midi dress £30


Thinking ridiculously ahead, I know that one of the 50th parties is going to have an Ibiza theme going on - I'm thinking this could be perfect..... Huge gold earrings, fine gold chains, gladiator heels again....

Kiss The Sky Tie Dye Midi dress with coin necklace £45


This I fear may be too short on me.... I'm looking for longer, but it is a Tall so it could be worth a go.  I love the fact it's a blank canvas.

ASOS Tall High neck textured midi dress with short sleeves £45


On a roll with the Tall dresses - this is by the same brand as the white off the shoulder one.  I can't help singing Cher's Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves when I look at this which probably means it's a no - certainly the shoes are not helping in the slightest.  However I reckon it could be worth a go.  

Glamorous Tall Flippy off the shoulder dress £30



Another black dress - clearly I have a lace thing going on.... This one I think will be too wintery looking for Spring but would be ideal for the next couple of months.  

ASOS Lace Pleat Midi dress £48


All the Wiggle dresses at ASOS are fantastic - there are a whole host of them in different fabric and prints - but the one thing they all have in common is that a) they remind me of Ted Baker dresses and b) they're about a quarter of the price of them.  Result.

I love these colours.  ASOS Midi Wiggle Dress in paisley print £48


So you could buy an All Saints dress... OR you could try the ASOS Wrap Dress for £48!  In Scarlet...


Or in grey.... This to be is pure elegance (even lined).  For £48.



So I could go on and on - this is a subject I need to explore in more detail but The Husband is off to Chicago in the morning so we're going to have a lovely meal (cooked by him - bliss) before we go.   

I also need to start packing.... Might have had a slight disaster on the weather front.  It looks like there may be a little (optimistic code for "a lot") of snow in New York over the next couple of days.  However I won't let this get me down, I am layering within an inch of my life.  I have ordered my new blanket scarf from ASOS as a happy birthday to me tiny gift and I'm packing thermals.  Problem everyone says it that as soon as you go inside a building, the temperature becomes sauna-esque.  A lovely problem to have, I appreciate and to be totally honest, snow on or around my birthday is not remotely a surprise to me.  42 years on and I have had more birthday plans be rearranged due to copious amounts of the White Stuff than I can remember.  Can let it get you down or you can just drink and shop through.  Oh well, go on then...... 

Finishing though with outfits from the last couple of days.  Slight dilemma as to what to wear on Friday - panic posting on Instagram - thank you all for your kind comments.  It was actually the print Sandro dress that was most popular but I'd already thrown this on with the leopard print wedges and my long black knitted cardigan coat (coming to NY with me as it's ideal to strip off and perfect for layering).  Was most pleased with my outfit.  And an amazing day was had with my lovely lovely friends at the Chiltern Firehouse (via Burger King on the way home obviously...)


Yesterday I had lunch out with my 10yr old before I go away.  We're the only ones in the family who love Thai so we went to our local new Thai restaurant for a quick girlie lunch.  I'm going to miss her so so so so much. 


Champagne cashmere off duty jumper - Boden (a lovely gift from them which I am OVER the moon with)
Khaki skinny jeans - By Malene Birger
Camel wrap coat - Zara
Mushroom suede boots - Zara
Whiskey Medium Marcie satchel - Chloe

And last night, out for a friend's birthday party.  Vodka jellies and Champagne.  Suffice to say, I actually appreciated the fresh air at rugby this morning. 


Cobalt silky blouse - Zara
Indigo Baxter jeans - Topshop
Midnight boucle jacket - Zara
Midnight satin shoe boots - Dorothy Perkins
Dynamite necklace - Marc by Marc Jacobs
Tan De Manta clutch - Alexander McQueen

I have everything crossed that I can get hold of one of those Self-Portrait dresses.  Or maybe they'll be able to let me know if there are any stockists in NY.  Although that's all a bit arse about face isn't it?  I should also be putting a shopping list together.  

So what would you have on yours - what should I be buying in the US?  The Husband's suggestion is "NOTHING!"  Oh how we laughed.....