Pretty dresses, that’s what you asked for, so that’s what ye shall receive. I was surprised so many of you asked for dresses to be honest, but I’m guessing that, like me, you turn to something frivolous and pretty when times get a little tough. There shall be no mention the C Word this week, No, not Christmas. Mention that all you like, it’s something to look forward to. If I had my way the tree would be up already. Fairy lights always make life look better.
The other C word I WILL be mentioning is Chunky. Chunky Boots and Pretty Dresses are one of my favourite combos. A bit like boiled eggs and Marmite Soldiers for breakfast. It might not be a combination you’d immediately be into, but try it, you might like it. I feel like a right prissy missy if I wear a floaty dress with proper shoes, but the addition of a big boot will toughen up even the most girly of frocks. It could give you more wear out of dresses you would otherwise save for best. Dressing something down is sometimes just as good as dressing it up.
Let’s start with the almost exact outfit I wore to go for lunch last week…
You probably couldn’t find a more girly dress than this one from All Saints. I mean, it’s pink, it has ruffles, buttons, ties, AND a slip. But add a leather jacket and a pair of chunky boots and it feels so much more me. The boots are from a local West London company, Esska, do check them out. A new brand for me and one I’m sure I’ll be wearing more and more often. Their latest boot collection is a bit of me and I can confirm the ones I have are super comfortable too. No breaking in needed.
1. All Saints Lara Dot Dress
2. Hvisk Mini Cayman Bag
3. Karen Millen Signature Leather Biker Jacket
4. Matalan Burgundy Lace Up Boots
5. Esska Connie Leather Boots
BLACK DRESS AND CHUNKY BOOTS
OK, so black is maybe not wholly be in the category of ‘pretty dresses’, but everyone needs a great black dress in their wardrobe. I don’t think I’ll ever grow out of black. Once a bit of a goth always a bit of a goth. A friend of mine mentioned the other week that she was concerned that her teenage daughter was becoming a goth. I think that’s excellent. Going against the crowd and dressing for yourself in your formative years will teach you a great life lesson. That is to not give a shit what other people think about your clothes. If you like it. Wear it. That has always been my motto.
1. Joelle Eyelet Black Midi Dress
2. & Other Stories Fitted Check Blazer
3. Whistles Millie Croc Cross Body Bag
4. Gucci Wool Ankle Boots
5. Dune Purla Back Felt Ankle Boots
CHECK DRESS AND HIKER BOOTS
Ahh the hiker boots. I’m trying hard to show you some Grenson Nanette alternatives, but I will say, they are still the best. Grenson are a wonderful British firm with great designs and high standards. I will gloss over the fact their head honcho is a Derby Fan despite the fact he lives in the shadow of the new Brentford FC stadium, but there’s no accounting for team allegiances.
Another brand I really like is Shoe The Bear. A Danish company that make great boots with a twist. You might remember my Leopard Agda Boots from last year, they have them again this year in an array of prints along with some excellent new designs.
1. Brora Plaid Shirt Dress
2. Whistles Croc Tote Bag
3. & Other Stories Belted Voluminous Wool Coat
4. Shoe The Bear Rebel Hiker Boots
FLORAL DRESS AND LACE UP BOOTS
Back in the early 90’s when Kurt was King and Courtney was Queen, this was my uniform. I did have a brief foray into flannel shirts at one point too. Around about the time ‘Singles’ came out, but the floral dress and Lace-up boots were what we all wore around Camden Town. Hours would be spent at the Stables Market trying to find the ultimate beat up vintage denim jacket to go over our cheap dresses from Hennes & Mauritz (sorry I still call H&M ‘Hennes’). We bought our DMs from Shellys. We drank pints at The World’s End and we got off with long haired boys at Camden Palace. Happy Days. It’s no wonder I don’t want to let them go.
Side note, I still have that vintage Wrangler denim jacket that I bought from Camden Market in 1992 and I still wear it every year. I still wear Floral dresses and lace up boots too. Some things never get old. Those long haired boys are probably bald now though.
1. H&M Floral Chiffon Puff Sleeve Dress
2. Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Plated Chain Bracelet
3. Jigsaw Maxi City Coat
4. ASOS Aston Lace Up Ankle Boots
DITSY DRESS AND BROWN BOOTS
Black or Brown? Always a boot quandary. Assuming you already have a perfectly decent pair of black chunky boots from last year, then brown could be for you. I think I wore my brown Nanettes more than the black ones last year as they go so well with jeans as well as dresses. If you’re looking to dip your toes (pun intended) into the hiking boot trend this year for the first time. I will do an update on the ‘what to wear with your hikers’ again soon.
1. New Look Floral Puff Sleeve Midi Dress
2. Hush Perfect Crombie Coat
3. Grenson Hand Painted Leather Boots
4. Whistles Tan Amber Lace Up Boots
INDEPENDENT BRAND DRESSES
If you are based in London, or surrounding areas, this coming week The Daily Dress Edit pop up Shop is back in Belgravia. Curated by Stella Columisst and all round lovely lady, Isabel Spearman, this shop will be stocked with special one off designs by some amazing Independent brands. This year sees the inclusion of two of my favourites, Kemi Telford and Justine Tabak. I shall be going along tomorrow to check it out. A purchase is almost inevitable. I think there are still some slots left for next week. You need to book in advance here.
Next week I’m planning a Dog Walking post. Thomas Frank STILL has another 2 weeks until he can go out for a walk, but it’s always good to be prepared. If I have time I will also do a midweek Mens post as I’ve had quite a few of you ask for that to spruce up the men in your life. God knows mine needs it…
K x
