We’ve done 3 dresses that are shimmering and shiny in different ways, so let’s look now at one that is the very epitome of Christmas, in an understated, classy way, of course. We’re chic vintage ladies, after all. No brash white-fur lined red velvets here (she says, blatantly lying, because she loves that kind of thing too.)

The Ella-Gia dress from Miss Candyfloss features three of my favourite colours for this time of year, rich emerald green, moody lush burgundy, and gorgeous burnt mustard. Put all that together with an eye-catching tartan panels feature and you’ve got yourself a winner, especially for this time of year.

Dress: Ella-Gia dress by Miss Candyfloss
Cardigan: Elle green by Voodoo Vixen
Bag: Primark
Shoes: Old Everything5pounds.com

In case you haven’t heard and the name didn’t tip you off, this dress was actually collaboratively designed by powerhouse vintage-blogger and pinup-model Miss Victory Violet (real name Ella.) Ella used a vintage pattern as the inspiration for this dress and I feel that really shows, creating a beautiful, eye-catching piece that looks authentic and timeless.

The Ella-Gia dress closes with a concealed side zip and features decorative fabric covered buttons framing the tartan insert of the bodice. That tartan insert is then reflected through the full length of the swing skirt. It’s not a full circle but will take a medium volume petticoat beautifully, and measures 27.5 inches long. There’s sheering over the shoulders and the dress comes with a matching tartan belt.

I saw this dress at London Edge in September and was told at the time that the tartan fabric used for the panels had no stretch, meaning some ladies might have to size up to accommodate for that lack of give in the bust. Heeding this advice, I sized up from my usual Miss Candyfloss XL to a XXL. Consequently at 38 inches flat in the waist and able to stretch to 40.5 inches, it’s too big for me in the waistline, but it’s a perfect fit in the bust. For reference, the Miss Candyfloss size charts state the XXL size is for 37.4inch waists and 43.3 inch busts. The bust flat measures 41 inches and flat stretches to 43, so the size chart is accurate. I do find generally that Miss Candyfloss pieces are sized smaller in the bust compared to the usual bust-to-waist ratio that a lot of repro or vintage-inspired companies offer, so if you’re a large busted lady you may have to bear that in mind.

I love that the colours of this tartan are different to the usual prevalent red and blackwatch varieties you see around most often. The mustard and maroon tones allow for some gorgeous colour-matching options that will look beautiful all autumn and winter long, but that rich green does make this a lovely piece for those who want a festive Christmas dress they can re-wear more often than during one month of the year. Ladies who don’t like sleeveless dresses can easily add a cardigan or shrug to cover their arms and gain a little extra warmth.

The Ella-Gia dress is currently only available in limited sizes but don’t panic! I’ve been assured by Miss Candyfloss that their second stock run is due by next Friday, so you’ll be able to snap it up in time for your holiday festivities. Once fully available again, it will come in sizes XS-3XL costing €112.50. Miss Candyfloss ship internationally at a flat rate of €5.