We haven't left it too late...

.....however that isn't stop me panicking mildly about the rather numerous dressy occasions I have in May and June.  And by all accounts from the emails and comments I've had,  I'm not the only one. 

Lordy knows what is happening to me this year or where the time is going, but it does seem to have just sort of gone and Easter is like next week or something.  I know that my children have less than two weeks left at school and are then off for virtually three weeks which means that the Special Occasion season is on us as soon as they go back.  EEK. 

And I really have not thought about frock purchasing at all.  Normally by now, I at least have a wish list but I realised yesterday that I have done nada about this so far this year.  Why?  Well partly I think it's because I have done pretty well in the last couple of years and as a result I do have a rather handy stable of dresses that I can turn to.  Something I never thought I'd be able to say but with some very careful shopping, I've managed to accrue some lovely frocks that I'm able to wear during the day, to bbqs, lunches, dinners and even dress them up for those special days.  

So theoretically I could possibly get away with not getting any more.

Yes I did actually say that and no my account has not been hacked.   Note use of the word "could"...... 

However where's the fun in that?  And, like I said, these have turned out to be investment pieces that I am making full use of during the day as well.  Three from Whistles which I bought two years ago and will be out in force again this year, last year, one from DVF ,one from Acne and one from Sportmax Code.  And I also have my new shirt dress from M&S which is up there with being one of my favourites.  Not to mention my two shirt dresses from last year as well - the Baukjen leopard one and the navy reverse shirt Ghost one. 

All of those I can wear and do plan on wearing during the day.  Which means, that for those more special days (and I have three First Holy Communions, a 40th party, a 50th party and numerous birthday nights out) I could definitely do with another one or two to join the arsenal. 

I am partly blaming the demise of My Wardrobe for my lack of frock enthusiasm.  I miss it so so much.  I bought loads from there, as did so many people I know, it was my favourite online place to shop - I've no idea how they went out of business.  In fact two of my fave dresses from last year - the Acne and the Sportmax Code were from there - at a significant discount from one of their 30% off weekends, which is a) why I loved them so much and b) probably why they went pop.  Pah.

I also have a soft spot for Matches as they too are very good at sending out discount vouchers.  The last two seasons I have had a £100 off a £300 spend voucher (and this is nothing to do with blogging - this is just as a customer).  So just in case they are as generous this season (I have a suspicion that they know what you're looking at and send you the relevant voucher - last Spring the DVF dress and last Autumn, the Toga Pullas, both originally over £300 and made affordable with the 33% off), I've been fantasising about dresses I probably wouldn't buy at full price, but am more than happy to salivate over and fling on a wish list. 

Warning up front - I'm having a thing about print today. 

Paul Smith Black Floral Dress £264.99  This isn't in fact from Matches by the way, but from another site I've bought a couple of things from - JulesB.  One for the sales. (and they do great sales at JulesB too)  This is perfect with black or any colour you fancy accessories, if colour is your thing.  Personally the monochrome look hits the mark for me.

Back at Matches now and yes, more DVF.  This I absolutely adore.  I have gone back to it again and again in the past couple of days.  It's so not me in the slightest but I totally adore it.

DVF Prita Shirt Dress £308



Now this is seemingly more dress down but I think with a strappy pair of sandals, this would work for a smarter occasion.  
Velvet by Graham & Spencer Birdie Contrast-print Dress from Matches £176




Channel Silk Shirt Dress from MiH jeans £315  Blowing the budget totally here but definitely another for the sales list. 


Freya dress by DVF £338  Clearly the most expensive is probably my most favourite.  DARN IT.




There are some cheaper options on the High Street which I've started looking at. 

Somerset by Alice Temperley Floral Print Dress in Multi £130



Same dress in a different colourway - and you can see you tie at the back as below or the front as above

Somerset by Alice Temperley Floral Print Dress £130



Moving onto a couple of tunic style dresses now - this is traditionally my comfort zone - I like them loose and short, hiding a multitude of sins.  They also work really well during the day as they're not clingy and can look fabulously casual with flats. 
Sportmax Code Kibbutz Dress £195  This isn't cheap but oh.  my.  lord.  I love it.  I love my Sportmax one from last year and I am exceptionally tempted to scratch the itch and try this one.  Last year I wore the neon floral and leopard (sounds random but it worked) for about 6 different occasions and I will rewear loads this season too.  Comes out of the washing machine as dry as it goes in with not a crease on it.  Amazing for super hot days as it simply does not crease.  Therefore I am also very tempted by this one.  I would also wear it in the A/W with my navy shoe boots.  So.  Have I done an excellent job of talking myself into it?


This is a super bargain from LK Bennett. 

Surrey Silk T-shirt Dress Dark Navy was £265 now £80



Changing up shape a bit now and here is where I think these are for purely dressy wear.  Not necessarily dressy dressy, I would wear these for dinner definitely.  But personally I'd struggle to dress them down for casual every day.  However they're timeless shapes and classic prints so are ideal dresses to have in your wardrobe. 

Phase Eight Clemmie Printed Dress was £120 now £79



And finishing with a dress shape that I absolutely love.  It's not a brand I ever wear.  It's not a shape I ever wear.  But I am completely hooked and shall be trying these on on Friday and will be reporting back.  They're on special offer until the beginning of April and I think these will be out of stock in certain sizes pretty swiftly.  Am more than tempted to click and collect to try on in the comfort of my own home.... 

Ted Baker Distinguishing Rose Dress in black - 30% off now £111



Or for a super summery look, there is the Mint version which, alas, isn't included in the offer. £159



And I must leave it there for today as I have more Castle to watch with my two eldest before bedtime.  But I think I've made some slight inroads - even if some of them are wishlist material and not an every day purchase, I've definitely got some food for thought.  I'm also going to try the newer belted shirt dress shape.  Historically I have always shied away from belted items, being thicker round the middle but I think with volume on the top, this may well work. 

This is merely the tip of the dress iceberg.  There are squidillions of plain dresses out there which are exceptionally useful and I'll be hunting my favourites down.   Not to mention shoes and bags to go with them.  There is work to be done people........ 

Outfits from the last couple of days.  Ok so yesterday was cold.   Thankfully I had a lovely day with the best friend for lunch and a scoot round the shops.  Some lovely things have come my way recently, supplemented by a couple of high street goodies I picked up. 

Hair is super straight as my beloved Babyliss Big Hair blew up mid blow dry and so I had to resort to the GHDs.  Which I'm surprised to say I forgot how much I loved.  A change is as good as a rest after all.