AW dresses

October 31, 2021October 31, 2021 ~ Alicia ~ Leave a comment

18 dresses that have caught my eye for AW 21, featuring festive checks, cosy cords and luscious velvets – it’s hard to pick a favourite!

Leon & Harper Reglisse Dress – Leon & Harper. I have the tartan version of this dress from last year – It’s a really comfy soft cotton and easy to layer with a tank top for extra warmth. I love the patchwork mix of different autumnal fabrics.

Tartan Harrogate dress – Justine Tabak. I bought this dress a couple of weeks ago and have already worn it multiple times – I love the multi-toned tartan and the loose fit – the perfect casual dress for weekend walks.

Charcoal and ruby plaid shirt dress – Brora. A great casual check dress for the festive season.

Sophia burgundy check dress – Ophelia & Indigo. I love the burgundy/blue check in this easy-to-wear cotton dress – also available in a shorter version.

Checked midi dress – Monsoon. This brown/black check dress would be easy to dress up or down for work or weekend.

Raspberry Cord Dress – Pink City Prints. I love the frill shoulder detail on this prarie style berry cord dress.

Candy Vine Margaret Dress – Pink City Prints. The burgundy velvet trim on this cotton dress is so pretty

Spot mesh fit and flare dress – Coast. I love the sheer spot mesh sleeves to add a bit of fun to this classic dress from Coast.

Novella midi dress – Jane Atelier. An elegant dress for winter weddings with the prettiest frill detail around the neckline.

Calla burgundy velvet dress – Beulah. This dress stopped me in my tracks when I spotted it yesterday. Beulah have just launched a velvet collection of dreamy dresses and this is my favourite. I love the pearl buttons and balloon sleeves. I also like the slightly raised waistline which will be flattering on petite figures.

Cotton checked midi dress – Albaray. I love the burgundy / pink mix in this easy-to-wear check dress – a great weekend throw on number.

Shae cord dress – By Iris. The popular Shae style is back in a raspberry pink needlecord. I have this style in red from last year so can highly recommend!

Forest Cord Dress – Pink City Prints. Forest green is one of my favourite colours at this time of year. This needlecord dress can be worn loose for a more casual look or cinched in with the matching waist tie. I’d wear it with burgundy boots for weekend walks.

Tahlia Yoke Dress – By Iris. I love the velvet edging on this pretty teal cotton dress. Wear with a navy thin polo neck underneath for added warmth.

Circle print lace detail emerald silk dress – Brora. I love the black lace detail on this dress – it would look good worn with a black belt.

Yascoolia midi dress – Y.A.S. This dress looks way more expensive than it is. It reminds me of something by Erdem. I love the retro style and jacquard fabric. It would be good for a winter wedding or to dress up on Christmas Day.

Emerald and charcoal gingham shirt dress – Brora. I have the navy/green version of this style from last year. I love the frill detail to the neckline and cuffs.

Veronique velvet shirt dress – Monsoon. A gorgeous green velvet dress with pretty jewelled buttons – perfect for festive events.

Wimbledon Style

June 27, 2021June 30, 2021 ~ Alicia ~ Leave a comment

After a two-year pandemic-enforced break, Wimbledon is back tomorrow. I’ve always loved Wimbledon fortnight – tennis is my favourite sport and Wimbledon is the most stylish of the grand slams, largely due to the traditions of the All England Club and its Royal patronage – it’s the only tennis grand slam with a strict dress code for the players who are expected to wear all white. Respecting the principles of tradition, history and style are what makes the English carry off their seasonal events so well – not changing for change sake, and upholding certain traditions that are important to the attraction of the event. (The most important of these are strawberries and Pimms, of course! 😉 ) Ahead of opening day tomorrow, here are eight Wimbledon-inspired dresses fit for a sunny day out at SW19.

**Baukjen white broderie dress – 15% off with the code: ALICIA15**

Dress – 15% off with the code: ALICIA15
Sun hat
Sunglasses
Bag
Sandals

Picnic dresses

March 28, 2021March 31, 2021 ~ Alicia ~ Leave a comment

With meetings of groups of six allowed outdoors in the UK from tomorrow and sunny weather forecast next week it’s time to throw your joggers in the wash and put a pretty frock on to re-enter society! We’re lucky that the pandemic has coincided with a trend for oversized dresses (got to look for a silver lining) as these are the perfect style for comfortably reclining on a picnic blanket with the added benefit of hiding the waistline so you can go wild on the sausage rolls. Other things to look for in a comfortable dress for outdoor meet ups are elasticated / drawstring waists, empire lines or smock style frocks for ease of wear al fresco. If the thought of what to wear outside your home is sending your head spinning here are my top picks for spring picnic dresses.

Under £75

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This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is screen-shot-2021-03-27-at-12.45.08.png — A fresh spring green dress from Marks & Spencer. Love the puff sleeves and the elasticated waist panel for an easy fit.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is screen-shot-2021-03-28-at-07.26.24.png — I like the vibrant red/lilac stripe in this dress from Mango. The waist tie makes the fit easily adjustable – wear with for a cinched in look or without for free and easy style.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is screen-shot-2021-03-27-at-12.21.24.png — This cheery mustard yellow midi dress from Monsoon has flattering ruching at the waist and the puff sleeves give it a vintage 1950s look to add a touch of elegance to your picnic. Part of Monsoon’s S.E.W collection made with sustainable fabric.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is img_5832-1.png — Gingham is always a classic for picnic style and this green check cotton dress is one of my favourites new at Monsoon. Love the cute little cuff ties.

Wear it with:

Earrings, Sunglasses, Bag, Shoes

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is screen-shot-2021-03-28-at-07.15.34.png — A cute clementine orange check organic cotton dress from Thought clothing with handy pockets – practical and stylish – just what you want from a picnic frock.

Wear it with:

Earrings, Sunglasses, Bag, Shoes

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An easy to wear throw on yellow gingham cotton dress from Mango

Under £200

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This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is screen-shot-2021-03-27-at-12.17.01.png — A pretty deep red cotton dress with peachy floral pattern from East – a good transeasonal piece that will last beyond spring/summer.

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This pretty blouson sleeve dress from Hush is embroidered with daisies so definitely belongs in my picnic dress edit.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is img_5841.png — The spring bloom print on this floral dress from Baukjen is perfect for al fresco style situations.
**15% off at Baukjen with the code: ALICIA 15**

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The pretty embroidery on this linen dress from Boden gives an otherwise simple dress an extra special touch.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is img_5846.png — Smock dresses are probably the most comfortable to wear. This broderie blue dress from Anthroplogie definitely ticks the practical and pretty.boxes.

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A pretty paisley print dress from Faithfull the brand.

Small British Brands

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This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is img_5830.jpg — This Dolly dress from Coco Fennell is a little more fitted than the others I”ve selected but with gingham and daisies in one frock it definitely deserves a place in my picnic edit.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is img_5838.png — Another super easy style al fresco – the Camden passage dress from Justine Tabak. Love the multi colour check.

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Love the statement sleeves and oversized fit on this dress by Stoned & Waisted seen here on Emma Paton.

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A elegant wildflower print empire line dress from Yolke.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is screen-shot-2021-03-28-at-09.09.18.png — This Jaiye Orimi dress by Kemit Telford has the prettiest ruffle detail and pink/yellow ditsy print. And that drawstring waist will make it easier to adjust so you have room to eat all the picnic bread!

Since I published this post I noticed Kemi Telford has these new check dresses which would also be great for picnics:

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is screen-shot-2021-03-28-at-09.10.56.png — I love Johanna Sands dresses – they have a loose comfy fit so really easy to wear. This is her latest one – the light blue floral Ana. She does very limited editions so you have to be speedy. Keep your eyes peeled on her Instagram page for new stock.

Splash the cash

With minimal travel abroad over the past year and eating out a distant memory some people may have managed to save money during the pandemic so if you’re looking for a post-lockdwon splurge as you re-enter polite society these are my top pics for an extra special picnic frock :

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The Chelsea Flower Show

May 19, 2019May 19, 2019 ~ Alicia ~ Leave a comment

The Chelsea Flower Show gets underway this week – marking the start of the summer season and the perfect place to wear a floral dress. Here are 15 of my favourite floral frocks available now:

L-R: Maje; Hobbs; Marks & Spencer.

L-R: Boden; Warehouse; Hobbs.

L-R: Mango; Wiggy Kit; Zara.

L-R: Zimmerman; Zara; Suzannah.

L-R: Beulah; Bombshell; Borgo De Nor.

Christmas Party Dresses

December 10, 2017December 10, 2017 ~ Alicia ~ Leave a comment

As Christmas falls in the midst of bleak midwinter, you may find the prospect of wearing short party dresses a little uninviting. Sparkly sandals may look pretty, but they only really look good on bare legs – tight-seamed toes are a fashion no-no – so if you are wearing a short dress, The Lady’s Maid advises going for dressy court shoes so that you don’t freeze as you tip-toe around the party circuit this festive season. As a dress code, cocktail dresses are traditionally short in length (mini to knee length). Christmas is a great time to go for rich jewel shades – think sapphire blue, emerald green and burgundy red – or metallic silver/gold sequinned numbers. Here are the Lady’s Maid’s top picks for party dresses on the high street: