Frills 'n' Spills

When it comes to party dresses, I am pretty fussy, it has to be comfortable enough to wear all day (and night), not be too short or revealing, have some kind if interesting detail and it HAS to make me feel like a million dollars. If I can also dance in it, then that is just the icing on the cake! When Marks and Spencer got in touch recently about featuring a party look, I was ecstatic, "good old M&S" are one of my favourite brands and they certainly know how to make a fantastic party dress! I chose this beautiful lace dress but strangely I chose the black version rather than the red - definitely an unusual choice for me! Although I loved the red, I agreed with Mark that 4 (!) Little Red Dresses may be excessive and actually I thought that the black looked much more elegant (does this mean that I am growing up?!) I actually wore this dress to my work's Christmas do last week and not only did it manage to pull off the infamous work to bar switch, it got so many compliments- definitely a winner in my eyes!

As soon as I saw the gorgeously detailed lace and slightly higher Victorian inspired collar, I was sold. Although the dress looked relatively short on both me and the model, the high neckline meant it didn't feel at all revealing. Not to sound too smug but I think I have pretty nice legs and this dress gave me a chance to show them off! It was really difficult to try and get a photo of this but my tights are actually a dark charcoal grey rather than black, much more interesting than my usual 40 deniers but not overpowering... I was originally going to wear heels with this but actually I think it looks better with flats, another plus for me! 

I wanted to show off the sleeves and collar so I kept my hairdo simple and fuss-free; a messy bun only looks better as the day wears on! I decided to attempt liquid eyeliner which was a total success despite it being about 5.30 in the morning and paired it with a glossy red lip, simple but still suitably festive! 

I kept the rest of the accessories simple and as I didn't have a chunky collar necklace to wear with this (any recommendations?) I added this skinny gold belt to break it up a bit which matched perfectly with my nails (Angel's Fire by Max Factor FYI)

I desperately need to get my hair cut, I think if I have it any longer it will look a bit silly and be too difficult to manage, what do you think? I treated myself to some new make up recently and bought another of my beloved Max Factir lipstains in a lovely dusky pink, the perfect neutral shade!

Originally I was going to wear these shoes but my grandparents' house (where we spent Christmas) is by the river and it was flooded so I had to pair this with my wellies to wade through the water, not quite so glamourous! 

 When I saw this gorgeous bejewelled belt from Miss Selfridge, my inner magpie was more than happy; there is nothing I love more than a bit of bling! I do think £28 is a bit extortionate, however, but maybe a craftier blogger than I could do a D.I.Y?! 

 One thing I didn't realise when I ordered it was that the dress had a 'dippy hem'. I really cannot see the point of these but luckily the front of the dress was long enough for me not to get too annoyed about it and before long I was swooshing around in all the extra material. I think the clunkiness of the shoes also helped to balance the floaty hem too. What do you think? 

The sheer back is lovely and I love how pale my skin looks next to the red. Winter is the one time of year where I don't look abnormally pale, as everyone else is a little bit more ghostly ;)

Look # 2: An evening in the pub - understated yet still festive (just add antlers)...

 Ever since I started blogging, many moons ago, I have wanted to do an outfit (head to toe) in one colour and although I am missing some red tights, this is pretty darn close! These red satin shoes always make me feel like a ballerina and are jazzy enough to look like you have made an effort, so you can feel nice and smug whilst everyone else is wincing in their heels. 

A vintage belt and the cutest clutch bag known to man add the finishing touches! 

Look # 3: The work Christmas do - from desk to dinner...

 With a natty little cardigan (yes I am 85 years old!) I think this would be perfect for work, especially if (like me) your party starts in the afternoon rather than the evening. If in doubt just add black tights and some simple court shoes, amirite?!

A giant bow clutch bag always helps me to feel 'party ready' (what a hideous phrase!) Who needs statement jewellery when you have a dress this nice?!

A slightly closer look at the lovely sweetheart neckline and my make-up: a simple smoky eye with a scarlet pout works for any occasion in my opinion!

How would you style this dress? Have you got your Christmas outfits planned?

P.S. Many thanks to Voucher Codes for their generous offer, I hope I have given you some inspiration for your festive frock!

 As we edge into Autumn, I pulled out this striped dress again and added some slightly more seasonally appropriate accessories to combat the chillier weather. I wore it to meet up for lunch with the lovely Hattie a few weeks ago. It is always nice to see her, even of we are the worst bloggers for taking photos when we meet up!

Plus it matches perfectly with my nail varnish, Nails Inc. in Tate. Slightly darker than your classic reds, it's one I always go back to when I want a dramatic but wearable look. 

The highlight of this outfit was definitely these shoes, though. Is there anything more fun than black glitter ankle boots?! I bought these to wear out on my birthday (I think they are suitably party-like!) but realised that I hadn't actually broken them in so I dug out my ankle socks again to protect my feet against the inevitable blisters. Although they are from Primark, they are surprisingly comfortable and they don't shed too much glitter when I walk, which is always a risk with glitter shoes!

Would you wear glitter ankle boots? How do you transition your clothes from season to season?

I couldn't believe how well it went with the curtains in our living room, this really takes matchy matchy to a whole new level but you heard it here first, outfits that match your soft furnishings are the next big trend dontcha know... I can't wait to wear this top to work, I think it is going to be a hard-working member of my wardrobe. 

I decided to revive my trusty bodycon skirt (I can't believe it's been nearly a year since I last wore it!) as the loose fit and high neckline needed something to contrast with so the fit was perfect...

Even my nail varnish matched perfectly! Max Factor Max effect mini nail polish in dazzling blue is the perfect summery turquoise. It always makes me think of mermaids!

This ring was also a complete bargain, £2.50 for a bit of (fairly tasteful) bling.... BARGAIN!

OMNOMNOMNOM gotta love party food! These are the ideal party essentials in my opinion!

What are your party essentials? Have you tried anything that's not your usual style?

As you can see, my bronzey cardigan made a reappearance  as it matched the little bronze dots on the trousers perfectly. Every time I wear these I remember how comfy they are but I never know what to pair with them to make them look less dowdy... This outfit was worn to the theatre and the thin layers were perfect as the auditorium was freezing!

I know this is deeply uncool but I wish all heels were this height, then I might have some chance of actually walking in them!

I think it's partly the fit and style of the trousers but I hate how hey hang so low so I hoisted them up with a subtly clashing belt. This gorgeous necklace was from Accessorize, I can;t be the only person who bookmarks stuff for when it goes in the sale can I? I just don't know why you would buy anything full price?!

Would you wear 'pyjama pants'? How would you style these?

P.S. I still don't have internet but I had this post sitting in my drafts so I thought I would use it until I can post some pictures of our new flat!

 Polka dot tights add a bit of fun to any outfit and these were ridiculous cheap from Primark!

 I love polo-necks at the moment, they are perfect for making party dresses daytime appropriate and keeping you cosy at the same time...

I was in Primark the other day and whilst I was completely in love with their new season stock [seriously go and check it out!] it was the sale rail which caught my eye! I bought this sparkly dress in black, raspberry and cream/white for the price of one dress. I love the shape and you can't really go wrong with a glittery wool dress. 

 The blazer made me feel quite eighties in combination with everything else but I loved how it lifted the outfit and I am sure to get a lot of wear out of the hot pink colour... I plan to do a Frassy and make a pink mini suit (with this skirt) rather than a mustard one! 

"Make sure you get a picture of the tights"... said whilst vigorously shaking my leg towards Mark, much to the bemusement of the Sunday shoppers in Worcester... OOPS!

Which bloggers inspire you? Do you like fun outfits?

I was a little unsure about how to style it after Mark said I looked 'Bavarian' in it but the gorgeous detailing and soft velvet convinced me that it would be the perfect dress for Christmas...

The name on the label said Anna Belinda and when I Googled it, it turns out they are dress designers based in Oxford. I don't know if this is a custom piece but it fitted like a dream and I couldn't have chosen a better dress for eating my body weight in food in! 

What did you wear for Christmas? How would you have styled it?