Go retro this season by flaunting the must-have dress style that celebrities such as Kate Middleton and Kelly Osbourne have been seen in. 40’s inspired dresses are wonderfully feminine and chic and can be worn day or night.
It is a flattering trend for all body shapes and the dresses allow you to flash just the right amount of leg! There are so many styles out there from A-line skirt details, tighter hourglass fits and military retro designs.
A cross-over front is ideal for women with a full bust as it will give you a gorgeous shape. You could even add a belt to the look to define your waist. Frilled sleeve styles are great for pear shapes as they will add volume to your upper half and balance out your curves.
Add a chunky cardigan to your 40’s day outfit then team with flats and a little boxy patent bag. For the evening wear your dress with heels and a clutch. Experiment with other vintage inspired accessories such as long gloves, faux fur and clashing tights and belts!
Rose Wrapover Dress, £30.00 from iStylista.com
Cape Sleeve Dress, £50.00 from iStylista.com
Independent designer label Libelula, which means Dragonfly in Spanish, has become the label to watch. The brand has grown over the years and has a celebrity fan base that includes Jerry Hall, Tamara and Jennifer Eccleston. Designer Sophie Cranston is the genius behind this luxurious label where she combines her pattern cutting expertise, print design and design prowess.
The Autumn/Winter 2011 Collection is visually stunning and has a vintage feel. Elegant feminine designs can be seen in bold vibrant colours of blue, purple, red and green as well as subtle shades of grey, cream, navy and black. The pieces are beautifully cut to flatter and enhance the female form and are made using the finest silks and chiffons. Velvet and lace are also featured which are perfect for winter. Classic tailoring mixed with chic designs makes the collection versatile yet sophisticated.
Sophie draws inspiration from a mix of sources from Portobello market and vintage fairs, to flamenco and the Spanish surf. Stylish dresses, blouses, tops and coats make up the AW11 Collection which can be worn from day to night. I love the delicate prints on some of the pieces. They definitely add a unique twist to the designs and add a feminine flare!
British luxury lingerie brand Ayten Gasson specialises in beautiful lace pieces. The new Autumn/Winter 2011 Collection will be stocked in Fenwick’s on Bond Street for a second season and the brand has recently launched a gorgeous range of gift boxes that are ideal for wedding gifts or if you just want to indulge!
The selection of luxury gift boxes contains a limited edition silk knicker with an assortment of matching accessories such as silk garters and eyemasks. Handmade cosmetics from Nottingham based company Dizzy Flea can also be found in the boxes which compliment each knicker perfectly. Any woman would love to receive such a stunning gift box which has been made to treasure, with such lovely packaging and individually tissue wrapped contents.
Each of the boxes is in a classic matt black and closes with sleek magnetic fastenings. They hold limited edition silk knickers trimmed in vintage Nottingham lace, matching silk garters and eyemasks and a gift for an indulgent bath time. They are finished with a Ayten Gasson postcard for your choice of words or you can choose not to have one.
The five gift boxes are elegantly presented and come in subtle feminine shades. The Rose Boxed Gift Set is deep-rose-red themed with the silk knicker and matching eyemask trimmed with vintage Nottingham lace. Handmade rose butter soap and a layer of real rosebuds complete the set beautifully – I love the little touches!
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When the word shapewear is said a lot of women might think of hideous designs that shouldn’t be seen by anyone. That time has passed though as lingerie website Simply Yours has a gorgeous range of plus size styles that will make you feel sexy and comfortable – you won’t want to take them off!
If you’ve never tried shapewear before then don’t worry. You’ll be amazed by the results and find your confidence will grow.
Bodyshapers, control tights, slips and camis are available on the site suitable to wear under all clothing and are super stylish too. Gok Wan’s range can be found on the website too! Why not try one of his basque designs. Slimming your silhouette and cinching you in, they’ll enhance your curves and make you feel ultra feminine. The slips are perfect for wearing under dresses and will give you (and your bust!) a great shape!
Women’s control pants from Simply Yours are ideal for daytime and evening wear. The highwaisted design of the briefs ensures they control your tummy and let clothing glide easily over them. I have some of my own and I tend to wear mine under jeans to make sure no unsightly lumps and bumps or the dreaded muffin top occur! The control briefs come in a range of styles and prove that they can be pretty but provide the support you want.
Eve Light Control Bodyshaper, £24
Gok Wan Ultimate Multiway Sculpt, £50
Shapely Figures Pack of 3 Control Briefs, £28
Triumph Retro Sensation High Waist Brief, £25
Understated luxury and amazing quality is what you can expect from the Pure Collection. The brand takes care in choosing and producing the finest cashmere pieces that are stylish and modern – perfect for your working winter wardrobe!
The variety of women’s knitwear on the website is amazing. From shrugs to cardigans and sweaters to dresses the versatility results in a great collection of pieces. Sophisticated and elegant looks can be created by layering and mixing and matching different items that will make your work outfits the envy of your colleagues.
Pure Collection understands the yarn and how the fibre takes colour as well as the importance of drape and the need for the right shape. Cardigans and sweaters come in a gorgeous array of shades such as amber, cranberry, coral spice and green to add some vibrancy to your wardrobe. They are perfect for wearing over shirts and blouses. The cashmere dresses are luxuriously chic and can be cinched in at the waist with a thin belt and teamed with one of Pure Collection’s stunning cashmere coats.
Comfort, style and luxury – what more could you want from a brand?!
Cashmere Boat Neck Dress, £179
Cashmere Puffed Sleeve Cardigan, £139
Cashmere Superfine Drape Neck Sweater, £139
Single Breasted Long Coat, £249
