A very English Style...

After reading Kristabel's post about some of the lovely presents she got for Christmas, I promised myself that I would treat myself to one book I have had my eye on for quite some time; Luella's guide to English Style. I had gazed at it longingly when I was searching for Christmas presents for other people but no-one picked up on my (not so subtle!) hints. Finally then I bought it here, whilst I was browsing Amazon for DVDs- I promise it's for my dissertation! Now Luella is was probably my favourite designer brand and I think this is because of the dreamy silhouettes and bright pops of colour and pattern- basically my ideal wardrobe
Dress: Luella, blouse: Miss Selfridge from charity shop, shoes: New Look
Now I am lucky enough to own a genuine piece of Luella, just before the label folded and the website was taken down, I was having a sneaky browse (does anyone else do 'dream shopping'?!) and clicked on the link to the 'Rebecca' dress. The only one left was in my size and before I knew it some Luella loveliness was winging it's way towards me... I have only worn it a couple of times, one was to a student night (what WAS I thinking?!!!) but it gives me the fizzy feeling that I think is so important with clothes.  But this post is not just an ode to Luella, but rather to my new coat, part of the bloggers challenge with Tesco. I love the belted waist and the buttons are so cute! It reminded me of the book as there is something quintessentially English about a brown check, do you agree? 


I decided to choose something that I wouldn't normally choose myself and saw this beauty on the websiteIt is gorgeously warm and fits like a dream. The one quibble I have is the fastening at the top can make me look ridiculously busty if I have a lot of layers on underneath so watch out for that! 
Cardigan: Tesco, top: Gap, skirt; Primark (about 3 years ago!), belt: Primark, tights: Sainsbury's, shoes: Kurt Geiger.
I first put together this outfit in the summer but of course it was far too warm to wear it then so the weather today was just perfect. I felt with the topknot (trying to keep my hair out of my eyes!) it was an outfit worthy of Luella and it was an outfit that put a spring in my step; a necessity as I didn't get the graduate scheme that I really wanted :( I guess I just have to keep positive and move on to the next one now! 

Do you have a favourite designer? What outfits do you wear to perk yourself up?

18 comments

Ella said...

hello stylish lady! i love top knots too - so easy to wear and i think they always look stylish xx

daisychain said...

your Luella dress is AMAZING.

Maria Fallon said...

Belle- it just means I'm not faffing with my hair too....much easier on a busy day!

Laura- Thank you, it really is beautiful :)

Maria xxx

Unknown said...

Ah thanks for the mention! I think I posted about that Luella dress ages ago, so jealous you have it! I only managed to buy a bag before the label folded and I never made it back to Bicester...gutted. Though the book is a great read so far, very informative and I might be doing a Luella-style post myself!

Hannah said...

The dress is gorgeous, well down for getting it before the website shut down =) I've seen loads of bloggers mention the Luella book, think I'm going to have to check it out =)


Hannah xx

Ellie said...

Ahh the Luella dress is just so pretty on you, and a perfect shape!

Also that Tesco coat looks amazing! Off to check it out :) x

Sherin said...

I've had my eye on the Luella book as well. That dress is stunning though. Looks amazing on you! I love the purple colour.

Maria Fallon said...

Kristbel- it was your article which inspired me so it's only fair :) Can't wait to see your post :)

Hannah- I know, I was SO happy! If you follow the link I posted, I think that's the cheapest :)

Eleanor- Thank you lovie :) The coat is So nice and warm, I love it so much that I've barely taken it off :)

Sherin- DEFINITELY get it, it's a really great read and thank you, it's definitely a princess dress :)

Maria xxx

Sarah said...

Luella was my favourite designer too. Her collection was always just go wearable and featured dresses that I know would suit my shape. I have the ditzy print Rebecca dress and a black Olivia prom dress from the following season. Unfortunately I was a size 10 then and neither currently fit :(

Maria Fallon said...

Sarah- I know, the dress were just to DIE for I really love them! The fit of this dress really depends on what weight I am too, damn body! *shakes fist*

Maria xxx

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry you didn't get the graduate scheme you wanted! It clearly wasn't meant to be, and I'm sure it just means that there is a better one out there for you!
But I am in love with your Luella dress outfit!! It's so cute, especially with that blouse as well!
xxxxx

p.s. I'm such a silly milly I didn't even realise I wasn't following your blog, so am now!

Maria Fallon said...

Claire Eloise- Thank you love, I was (obviously!) SO gutted but it will all work out OK in the end.. well I hope so at least! The dress is just beautiful I absolutely love it! And welcome aboard ;)

Maria xxx

Unknown said...

Love your Luella! It's erfect!

Sorry about the grad scheme, it's so competitive out there. Fingers firmly crossed for next time.

Maria Fallon said...

Thanks Harriet, I was gutted but it is SUPER competitive, especially this year! And Luella makes everything better ;)

Maria xxx

Sarah - essbeevee said...

So sorry to hear about the grad scheme. :( But at least you're still smiling - and wearing a gorgeous dress is always a surefire way to make you feel a little bit better! You look goooorgeous in the Luella dress, and I love the coat too! I was going to buy a tweed coat in New Look after Christmas, then I hesitated, and it went in the sale and was gone forever. Ah well!

Maria Fallon said...

Thank you love, I was gutted but it obviously wasn't meant to be! And thank you, I think a swooshy dress makes everything alright ;) The coat is SO warm and I figure I am being fashion forward with my mixing of patterns :P

Maria xxx

jazmine rocks @ jazzabelle's diary said...

oh my, the luella dress is PERFECT on you! it goes so beautifully with the blouse, i honestly thought it was part of the dress - great styling! :) sorry to hear about the grad scheme!

xx

Maria Fallon said...

Thank you Jazz! It meant that I was a bit warmer and slightly more covered up :) I was obviously gutted but I just have to keep looking I guess :)

Maria xxx