I've spent the last couple of days shopping for an event that I have later in the week. This is my rail of lovely clothes, which I can't wait to try on my models. I've got pieces from Zara, M&S, Phase Eight, Jigsaw, Coast, Reiss, Whistles, Betty Jackson, Warehouse, Dune, Boden, Kate Spade - the list goes on! All of the shoes and bags are packed up and ready. I just need to finalise the running order, get the goody bags sorted and then we will be good to go.
For today's trip to the shops, I wore the jersey striped column dress from Jigsaw £79 with Dune brogues and I accessorised everything beautifully with white legs (actually they aren't as white as they look on the photo - bright light can be so unflattering!!!) On Friday I'm going to see my friend "Ange" at the beauty clinic at the end of the road and she will spray me a lovely golden brown in preparation for our holiday next week - so everything will look a whole lot better.
In the same way that I like a Breton top, I'm also drawn to a striped dress for the summer. They are easy to wear, can take a statement necklace and go well with lots of shoes from skater trainers to block heels, wedges, or wooden soled sandals. A white stripe on a darker background is more flattering than the reverse and this Jemma dress from Hobbs (£75) is striped to perfection, especially for a pear shape. The stripes at the top are broader, widening the top half. They are narrower around the waist, so really emphasise it and because the bottom half of the dress is a dark, block colour, it narrows the hips. Anyone who doesn't think that stripes are for them should try this - it's really flattering on.
This pic is a closer shot of the Jigsaw dress that I am wearing.
Whilst working with M&S over the weekend, I also spotted this grey and white striped dress with a yellow trim (£35), which is a little bit J Crew like. I kept on checking to see whether any of them sold during the three days that I was there - but none of them did. I think that it was probably more due to the fact that it was quite hidden rather than anything else but it's a shame as it's such a gem.The fabric isn't massively thick but it's definitely worth a closer look.
I like this Shona striped jersey dress by Whistles (£95) for its shape as it nips in at the waist and then flares out slightly. The curved seams are also a nice detail and it's good for those who prefer to have a sleeve in their dresses.
This striped T-shirt dress by Jigsaw (£49) is a good alternative to the one that I am wearing. It's not as thick, which some will prefer.
M&S also has another great striped dress, which I can't find online. I'm pretty sure that it's a Per Una one, knee length, navy and white stripes. I'll have another hunt and post it if I find it! I'm sure that there are others around at Me & Em, Baukjen and such like. Has anyone come across any other gems?
