Fur Real?

(Image via Harvey Nichols)

So it is that time of year again, when my thoughts turn to spending a lot of money on a dress that I might only wear once. Yup, it is Christmas time, and more specifically Christmas party time. I have two work Christmas dos this year. One is casual and starts with some ice skating so I will be going for cosy chic and the other I suspect will be a bit more dressy. It is at our offices in Lytham, near Blackpool so I'm guessing, and I might be way off mark, but I'm guessing that they might go all out. I think there might be some DRESSES, do you know what I mean? I think there might be more than the odd sequin in town. I mean we will be practically within spitting distance of the Tower Ballroom and if there is one thing that Blackpool loves more than a donkey ride and a drunken stag vomiting on the promenade it has got to be a sequin.

Of course I am a contrary beast. I always crave being out of kilter with the general flow, I like to swim against the current. So while I might tend to be over dressed most of the time when a dress code requests you go all out that is the point I tend to hang back,  to want to be a bit more nonchalant, a bit more, you know, Parisienne. I want to look as though I am not trying too hard.

So while I was looking at delightful black sequin dresses in All Saints

(Image via All Saints)

and LK Bennett,

(Image via LK Bennett)

with maybe a loose fitting tuxedo jacket thrown over the top, what I am actually more drawn to is a black trouser, flashing just the right amount of ankle, a short sleeved top of some kind (maybe white lace) and a really shit hot pair of shoes.

I was drawn to something similar to these

(Image via Telegraph Fashion)

 

which I think are awfully sexy. But I while looking for something similar I fear I have lost my heart to the Sophia Webster pair at the top. Aren't they to die? I truly would feel like the silliest and sexiest girl in all the land. Sequins be damned!

A Bolt Out of the Blue

(Image via LK Bennett)

I am not, financially speaking, in a position to be buying an expensive handbag right now, but if I were I would want this one. It's also huge, which I am trying to ween myself off.

So all in all entirely inappropriate, but utterly desirable.

By the Skin of Your Teeth

(Image via the London Chatter)

I really like the use of real (but still incredibly attractive) women in LK Bennett's advertising campaigns.

But I'm slightly confused as to why they have decked out environmentalist Sophia Rogge in leopard print shoes and snakeskin and shearling bags.

Surely that goes against the whole environmental thing. Even if they are faux, it's kind of giving mixed messages.

Follow Suit

I have an interview. I only just found out. It's on Friday. And I have to wear a suit. I don't own a suit. I barely own anything that is acceptably corporate. Which might be a little unusual seeing as I have been a PA in finance for the last few years. But I've managed to beat the system up until now. Mostly thanks to having a boss who was quite fond of the fact that I was unconventional. But that is over and now I have to smarten up my act.

Which was panicking me. Me and suits just don't really work. My shape just doesn't enjoy modern suiting with one button jackets that I burst out of and make me look the size of a house. So imagine my relief when I found this beautiful suit in LK Bennett. It is quite forties and super feminine. Plus it fits me perfectly. The only slight concern I have it that it is fairly low at the front so I will have to get a little black cami to wear under it, but that shouldn't be too difficult.

And then there are the shoes. As I said my work shoes are kaput and with such a beautiful suit I really don't think that I could get away with a shabby pair of shoes. I have seen two that take my fancy. A black suede pointed pair in Russell & Bromley (no picture sadly) and then this pair from LK Bennett. They are a bit retro looking with the texture, plus they are "aubergine" which I like as the rest of my outfit (with the exception of my purple handbag) is black and it would be nice to have a little bit of colour. But I'm not totally sure about the bow thing on the front. Is it not a little weird? I'll have to try them both on after work and make my decision.

(Images via John Lewis and LK Bennett)

And as an aside, isn't this bag heaven? They don't have them in store yet. But if I get the job I might treat myself to this.

So fingers crossed, everyone. Wish me luck!

In the Bag

(Via LK Bennett)

I was starting to worry that I wouldn't find a bag that I loved, that I was ready to give my heart too.

But on a impulse dash to LK Bennett on a very bad day at work I found the bag of my dreams. It is oh so soft and bright red and the two of us are going to be very, very happy together.

Swoon!

Whole Lo(re)tta Love

I have decided that the tan cross body box bag is painfully ubiquitous and so therefore not for me. You know me and not wanting to be part of the great unwashed. I know! I'm a snob. I apologise, but it's not going to change.

So I was thinking colour instead. And just as I was thinking it this little beauty leapt into my eyeline.

Isn't it divine? The colour is so beautiful. Like the deepest red a leaf could turn in autumn. And the size and shape are good.


(Via LK Bennett)

The only drawback?

It is even more expensive than the Russell & Bromley one. And that's in the sale. Ack!

Cut Copy

(Via LK Bennett)

LK Bennett have a shoe that closely resembles the Lanvins that I covet. But at nearly 300 smackers I would probably rather save up for the real thing. Wouldn't you agree?

Gordon Bennett!

LK Bennett have some really lovely shoes in their autumn/winter collection.



Interesting shapes and beautiful jewel colours.







I particularly like these. They would satisfy my point craving, and I love the little strap. But which pair to buy?



Leopard print?



Classic black?


(Via LK Bennett)

Or red patent leopard print?

This bag is small, but this bag is far away...

Oh, pish! Don't you just hate a website that won't allow you to save their images? It is awfully frustrating. Particularly when all you want to do is sing their praises.

I adore this bag. It makes me want to weep ever so gently. When I saw it I think I might have gasped quite audibly and my heart might have soared. I only wish that you could see it more clearly. Actually, hold the phone, why don't I do a link to it? Clever me!

Unfortunately it costs a ridiculous amount of money. But if I was foolishly rich I would buy it in an instant.