All Grown Up

When I see young ladies wearing very little, it occurs to me that I wouldn't reveal myself like that for all the tea in China.

I used to look at slightly older ladies (this was when I was a teenager, so I obviously meant women in their thirties) and feel bad for them that they were so self conscious that they had to cover up their bodies.

Now I realise that covering up is infinitely more elegant. And more mysterious. A girl with all her goods on show isn't hiding anything. Unless she's actually a wall flower.

(Images via Jigsaw)

At the grand old age of 32 I only want to dress like a grown up (ok, maybe that isn't 100% true, but getting there). And with beautiful, subtle, elegant dresses like these, why wouldn't I?

Lace and Favour

The lace thing has been on my mind. Yeah, yeah, I know, I need to get out more, right? Well, be that as it may, I feel this is an important enough topic to spend at least a couple of minutes of the day on.

So, anyhoo, I'm thinking that a party dress might just be the right context for a bit of lace. Particularly like the Banana Republic one above. Yowza! Isn't that sexy?! I can't quite work out how it works in that picture. I assume there must be some kind of lining, that it can't all be out there... Hmmm, it confuses me slightly, and possibly scares me too. But the shape? The shape I love. There is definitely something sexy about a high neckline at a party, particuarly when other dresses are all tits city. (But then this one might be too, we are yet to ascertain.)



I also really like the look of this one, except for the neckline, it is the one slim part of me, do I want to hide it like this, then reveal less appealing parts? It also makes me think about Gwyneth Paltrow, and I'm in two mind about that.



But Julianne Moore? Yes please! And she is rocking the trend. She definitely makes me want to give it a go. Oh, so classy.



I'm thinking it works better in black, or a dark colour. I think the white might be a bit too cutesy or 60s looking. Waddayasay?


(Via Handbag)

This Oasis one is probably one of the easier ones to carry off, but possibly a little bland. Help you blend into the background, and honestly, this is a party, who on earth wants to do that? Alternatively it could be a bit Italian widow, not very festive, sure, but definitely a better look.


(Via Whistles)

The long sleeves on this Whistles number give it a little something unique, but does it look like a little girl's dress? Coz I'm not down with that.

Any favourites?

Fight For Your Right to Party

(Via Net a Porter)

Net a Porter have kindly just sent me an email letting me know they have set up a "Party Boutique". Honestly, I'm sure not sure there are that many combinations of words that could set off a little trill of excitement in my chest in quite the same way. Superficial? Moi?



Coz me? I love a party dress. And in this, the run up to the party season, I love to trawl the shops in the hope that the most perfect dress exists out there.



Even though the reality is often that I have a problem with fit, things that fit at the hips gap at the top. Fits at the top? Cutting off circulation at the bottom.



And while the fifties look is in this season I don't necessarily want every dress I own to be fit and flare. It can be slightly limiting.



But despite the difficulties and inevitable struggles that lie in my path hope springs eternal and I will soldier on sure in the knowledge that this is a battle that can be won.


(Via Reiss)

And you never know, one of these Reiss dresses might just fit the bill. Here's hoping!