Well ladies, it's that special time of year again that we look forward to with equal parts joy and dread...The Christmas Party...dun-dun-dunnnnnnnnn...
This is one of those rare times that the bagged and bagless alike can struggle to find the perfect outfit. We all have something that we're not happy with I'm sure, be it knobbly knees, wobbly arms or chunky cankles - and that's ok. I'm sure the vast majority of us aren't Supermodels, I'm pretty sure most of aren't even Crappy models. ;) We're just normal women, who just want to look nice at the festive seasons parties and gatherings.
You really do have to go shopping in the right frame of mind, take your time and be kind to yourself by not adding ridiculous expectations. I often say "Oh I have to avoid flat front, silk dresses now I have a stoma" and whilst that is true, I wasn't exactly wearing slinky silk dress before that, my little pot belly put paid to that for starters!
As difficult as it can be the find the right dress (and yes, I am aware that it's the definition of a first world problem) I really do enjoy the hunt, I was a Saturday girl in Topshop in my youth and my absolute all time favourite time of year was coming up to Christmas, and trying on ALL the dresses, I think it's stayed with me as I try everything and anything, whether I think it'll work or not. That way I'm completely satisfied, I can tick them off and can forget about them.
I've had a pretty good time searching this year, plenty of trips to London and many dresses trialed. I have my husband's works Christmas dinner and dance coming up. I bought a dress a while back but having gained a few accidental lb's, I no longer feel confident in it. (must get round to ebaying it as it still has its tags on unused, it's a lovely sparkly dress that needs to go and fulfil its Christmas destiny :) )
A few weeks back hubs was running in a charity 5k, and although I went along to support him I found myself drawn to a newly opened department store in Chelmsford (its ok, I was back to greet him at the finish line in time, he'll never know I broke position...till he reads this of course).
I happened to find myself in the Fenn Wright and Manson section, I had no idea they made a petite range, which is much needed when you're 5' 3 and 3/4's. I spied a beauty of a dress, tried it on and fell totally in love with it, I wasn't quite sure if I was just being blinded by haste to get back to the finish line though, So I bought it, came home and tried on both dresses and let hubs have the deciding vote, I didn't say which was which but he loved the newer one too. He's probably more than a little relieved that we no longer have to go frock shopping, he's been a star!
There are some amazing outfits and dresses out there this season. With the amount of glitter and glitz around I think we'll all have our chance to sparkle and shine this year!
This was a strong contender from Oasis, the mesh front conceals and covers and the top feels very glam. I do believe they were taking the one size fits all mantra a little too far with the trial shoes! hahahahahahahah they must have been expecting giants.
There are so many options this year. so many different styles and trends. This little selection above is from Next. Tinsel, tunic's, ruching and gathers.
This selection above is from Monsoon, I tried all of these a few weeks back, they all worked really well to disguise my bag. Its an absolute joy to have so many options available.
I totally fell in love with this dress. ok so I need to do my hair and get some shoes but other than that I'm good to go. It's hard to tell in this photo but it has perfectly placed ruches for my bag and it's all glittery and sparkly. It feels amazing and very flattering and it follows one of my dressing rules - accentuate the positive! ;)
Incidentally, this is my first mirror selfie, needs must when hubs is on a run.
No matter what dress you choose I wish you a happy party night. xx