If this Three Floor dress could talk (no doubt in the most fabulous raspy, upper East Side New York-en lilt) it would have had me, for sure, at hello.
I wore this look to our friends' wedding this past weekend, and had the most fun. A stellar dress will do that for you.
Read on for more pics, and my notes on wedding guest dressing . . .
Notes on styling: By the end of the Summer I will have been to five weddings this year - the most I have ever been to! I know you guys are smart, and so what I'm about to say will no doubt already be ingrained in your wardrobe psyche, however I feel it's worth repeating: you're comfort at the wedding is paramount, do not sacrifice it for your outfit! Bring a coat, wear comfortable shoes, and an ensemble you can eat in.
When it comes to clothing, a flattering cut is my go-to for confidence. Be that a great pair of trousers and a structured top, or a fit n' flare dress . . . with room for wedding cake!
Colour is an easy cheat to looking your best; think of the hue which people most compliment you in and search for a great look in that colour. I love pink, and will have worn it to three of the five weddings this year, I always feel great in it and so it's an easy option for me. For you, a fabulous jade green may be your perfect colour, or cobalt blue, or orange . . . experiment until you find a hue which makes your eyes sparkle, skin glow and you smile! If you find yourself lost in a pile of options, take a photo in your mirror of each, including shoes and accessories, and compare your looks once you've had some time to step away and get some perspective. Ultimately, it comes back to my first point, whatever you feel most comfortable in, you'll look your most fabulous!
Dress: Ted Baker 'Nelum' | Bag: Alice + Olivia 'Clee' Old but Love This Fluffy Evening Option | Lip Colour: Topshop Lip Polish 'Gallery' | Earrings: Next Old but Similar | Heels: Reiss Old but Super Cute Alternative Here
So, what to do when the invitation states Dress Code: Black Tie . . . ?! First: do a celebratory dance. Immediately. I mean, how often is black tie required nowadays?! This is EXCITING. And two: google Blair Waldorf. Nobody gives better gown game than Blair. Fact.
I have had my fair share of black tie occasions this year, from a ball, to the opera, to a handful of weddings, I have been spoilt with occasions to indulge my Gossip Girl fantasies. There is something throughly magical about wearing a gown and jewels, and if you don't already have an invitation requiring black tie, I'm going to help you out. More on that later.
| Shop The Look |
This beautiful china print Nelum dress from Ted Baker had my heart quickening a pace on first glance. The white felt unseasonably fresh for an Autumn ball, and I adore a touch of cobalt blue in whatever guise. I wore this look for the Next Charity Gala I attended recently, which raised money in aid of the Duke of Edinburgh Award. It was a stunning occasion; Venetian themed, complete with masks, gondoliers, acrobats, fireworks (indoors!) and a heaving dance floor. It was truly a 'pinch me' evening.
Read on for my roundup of the black tie occasionsevery one can attend, and the best evening dresses for every body shape . . .
| How To Find the Best Dress For You |
Given, wearing a ball gown is hardly an every day occurrence. The process of finding the perfect Blair-worthy dress (with room to eat, dance, get in and out of transport) can be daunting.
My top tip is tothink about your silhouette. What is the most flattering shape for you?
I am an hourglass, and have learnt that a dress which nips in at the waist and skim past my hips is most flattering. I have learnt over time what suits me, but it wasn't always the case! True story: when I was 16 years old and shopping for my prom dress, I was obsessed with buying a silk bias-cut gown similar to Kate Hudson's gold dress in How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days (because duh, she looked amazing). However, it was literally the worst shape on me. I persisted, but eventually caved when I realised how much more flattering an A-line skirt is for me.
See below for a few recommendations for different body shapes:
Hourglass:
Straight up and down:
Larger chest, smaller hips:
Smaller bust, larger hips:
Lean arms and legs, middle conscious:
Now, I truly believe every one should get the chance to have a princess moment, it's a right of passage for all gown-loving girls. If you should already have a black tie invitation sitting in your mail, or you know you have your prom, a friend's wedding, a boyfriend's work occasion . . . coming up, book mark this page! If not, here are three occasions to look in to:
1: The Royal Ballet in Covent Garden. There is no official dress code, however I feel it's the perfect occasion to many an extra effort. Pop in to Balthazar around the corner for a glass of champagne - you'll definitely feel appropriately attired in here!
2: The Grange Park Opera. Oli and I went this year and had the best time. Book up early for next Summer. If you are under 30 you can receive a special ticket concession.
3: Your very own soiree! Christmas is around the corner and I can't think of a better excuse to host a party with friends! Chip in for room hire in a lovely restaurant (it often works out more cost effective than you think) and make the dress code your own. Hotel Du Vin have many beautiful locations.
All of this talk of gowns has got me itching to swap my slippers for stilettos . . . OR binge-watch Gossip Girl.
Must. Remain. Productive.
Do you love an occasion to dress up? What would be your DREAM gown?! I think mine would be this.
And so kicks off the season of L-O-V-E! Following on from Valentines, this year is the first that close friends of Oli and I are getting married. I am trying to contain my excitement but it is hard, especially when - reason number one - one half of a couple is the gorgeous founder of Edenvale bakery- just think of the Wedding cake - and reason number two - there is an awesome excuse to stock up on gorgeous pretty dresses. Both of the dresses in today's post (1 & 2) I nabbed in New Look the other day for £22 each. £22. Each.
Big occasions need not cost a fortune in outfits. Save yourself any last minute panics and get an early start now. There are a tonne of pretty wedding and party appropriate options available in the early Summer store drops. Below I've highlighted some of my favourites - all hitting on or below £50. Scroll through 'em all peeps! There are accessory options too.
Read on after the jump for more pics and my styling notes on Summer party season accessories…
A Note On Accessories: If you plan on buying a few dresses to rotate during the party season, investing in neutral accessories will save you hassle and £££. Since fangirling Ashley Madekwe's single sole heel collection I jumped on this pair of Topshop sale beauts when I found them in store the other day. They're not available online anymore but ASOS and Topshop have some rocking options which are super similar and affordable. This is one of my top tips for Summer dresses: invest in a slip. I wore one with both of the dresses in today's post and they make all the difference. Your dress will hang better (and thus look more expensive) and a slip will save you from pale colours which can be see through in the light.
So you lovely lot, are you excited for Summer dress season? Are any of your close friends getting married, or maybe you are on the hunt for your perfect graduation dress? Spill all.
I am starting work on a new TV show today so will be back to blogging next week.
*Update - we're filming a couple of extra days so I'll be back to blogging later this week. Follow me on Instagram for behind the scenes sneak peeks.*
Color Happy: Royal Ascot attendees in their finest--Imagine being THE ONE friend in the group who decided to wear black! Oooops!
Well kiddies, it's Royal Ascot!! What, pray tell, may that mean? The Royal Ascot is one of Europe's most famous race meetings, dating back to 1711!! It's a MAJAH event in the British social calendar (didn't realize there were still such things as "Social Calendars"). Press coverage of the attendees usually exceeds the actual races themselves and so of course, I have to give my "Nick V Two Cents". There are always some colorful outfits, dresses, and especially THE HATS!!! It's all about those hats!!! The theme for dressing to the Royal Ascot is "Dress To Be Noticed" darlings. The British Royals always attend and arrive each day in their horse-drawn carriages (of course they do!). So, speaking of the Royals...
HM Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh: Day One (Left) and Day Two (Right)--The Queen usually loves a bold bright color but for the Royal Ascot, she has chosen more elegant subdued pastels. I actually really like the pink hat it has a softness to it that you don't always see with the Queen. I also love that his boutonniere matches her hat!
Princesses Beatrice(L) and Eugenie (R): Speaking of subdued, these two royals decided to "tone down" their ever-so-fabulous "Prince William and Kate Wedding" Haute Couture ensembles (who can ever forget THAT Philip Treacy hat worn by Beatrice)...and went for a more "delicate" route for the Royal Ascots. I actually wished they would have stayed more FAB-U-LOUS as opposed to BORING.
Mrs. Urs Schwarzenbach, Francesca with Sophie, Countess of Wessex: Chic and Chic. Francesca (L) is the wife of Urs Schwarzenbach, multi-millionaire (worth 900 Million Euro back in 2005) Swiss financier living in the UK. He has his own Polo Team and is a big sponsor and supporter of horses and racing. He also own properties all over the UK--HUGE estates , my kiddies...Mrs. Schwarzenbach also happens to be a former Miss Australia (Love that!) Best at the Royal Ascot:
Welsh Opera Star Katherine Jenkins and her TV-presenter boyfriend Gethin Jones: These two look so gorgeous! What a handsome couple, and so well-dressed! Love the deep-fire red dress and that over-the-top hat! I just feel (a little bit) bad for the woman behind her who cannot see a DARN thing because of THAT hat!!!
Danish-born Fashion Designer (and DIVA!) Isabell Kristensen: OK, this woman IS FIERCE! Three words: You GO Girl! She's a very stylish fashion designer who does mostly Custom Designs for the very wealthy from her Couture Boutiques in London and Monaco (of course!). I have no idea who is funding her and her design business, but really WHO CARES...when you look like that! She has now become a Royal Ascot fixture for her oh-so-amazing hats. And this is what she wore LAST YEAR:
I absolutely LOVE her!
The "Ascot Wacky" Awards Goes To:
Yellow Explosion
It's like this woman went to the UK version of Michael's Arts and Craft Store and this is what she came up with! Now, if she would have also found an OVERSIZED Bee and glued it in the middle of it, then...and maybe then...I would have given her a "You Go Girl" high-five!
Well, at least these two women kind of tried. But there's something about the hats--and their ensembles (it could be the badly sewn armhole princess seam on the purple dress!!)-that well, looks a little "pedestrian" and certainly, NOT Royal. But I give them a couple--just a couple-points for trying...
But THE WORST...
OK, both of these women are Royal Ascot MESSES!! What is that on the right? It's like her 19 year old gay nephew who's "studying fashion" made it for her!! Seriously. But it's the woman on the left who takes the cake. Someone should have stopped her after her fifth flute of Champagne! What is she trying to give here--in terms of her look? It is a cross between a cheap "Miss Great Britain" National Costume for the "Miss World" Pageant and...Captain Stubing of "Love Boat". Who. Does. That? And now, May I Present you...The Gays:
My "GayDar" Just Busted: Three lovely men at the Royal Ascot
Never to be outdone are my precious Royal Ascot Gays (allegedly). I'm going to London in a few weeks and I hope, really hope... that I will run into these three boys as I step over people to get to Harrods and Topshop and Buckingham Palace. I think there are three 75 year old women in the UK right now looking for their "missing" hats.
