The fact that Miss Candyfloss release a Lookbook well in advance of each season is both a blessing and a curse; the former because it allows you time to plan out your purchases for the season according to your budget, and the latter because when you spot an item that captures your heart it can feel like an eternity passes waiting for its release. There’s always a dozen items I covet in each lookbook, easily, but this Monroe-Lee was my favourite of them all, which is saying something considering the Marilyn inspired Autumn-Winter line of this season has been my favourite ever of all of Miss Candyfloss’s gorgeous lines. I can imagine it’s hard to live up to such anticipation and praise, but this dress does so easily.

Dress: Monroe-Lee dress gifted by Miss Candyfloss
Gloves: Wet Look Elbow Gloves by LoveHoney [Referral link for £15 off]
Brooch: Old eBay find
Shoes: Primark
Cape: Old Collectif

This dress was inspired by the blue wiggle dress worn by Marilyn in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, that of the sassy upstanding pointed collar and dramatic arrow-frame neckline. It’s the neckline of this Bombshell swing dress that so captured me upon first glimpse, the way it so lovingly frames the decolletage and the flattering gathers in the cups. It might even look to a more modern eye that one is wearing a matching bolero with a strapless dress, but no, it is one beautifully designed marvel. The fact that the stunning shape of this dress is paired with the gorgeous muted grey-blue houndstooth fabric it’s made in only elevated my adoration, as houndstooth is a print I feel is underused in the reproduction and vintage-inspired world. And that romantic, hazy blue? Augh, just lay me to rest now.

The sleeves are roomy without looking oversized, although I doubt anyone would be able to take their eyes off the glorious neckline to even contemplate them. It comes with a matching grommet belt. The skirt features wide box pleats as well as pockets. You’ll be able to wear a medium-full petticoat with ease to create a perfect New Look shape with your cinched waist and that stunning neckline. It closes with a hidden back zipper which finishes below the collar, so as not to disrupt it, so you’ll need to be careful of your makeup and hair when putting it on over your head.

I’m wearing this in my usual Miss Candyfloss 2XL. There’s a nice amount of stretch in the soft fabric, so it’s a comfortable wear. The waist flat measures 36.5 inches with stretch to almost 40 inches. The bust flat measures 44 inches but with the stretch in the fabric and the extra room allowed by the gathers of the bust it can accommodate up to 47-48 inches. The biceps are 16 inches in circumference with stretch to 18, and the skirt is 28 inches long.

The Monroe-Lee dress comes in sizes XS-5XL and I imagine it will sell out fast, so act quickly if it’s on your buy list! Miss Candyfloss do have select stockists around the world.

____________________________________________________

Disclaimer: The dress featured in this review was gifted to me by Miss Candyfloss for honest review. All opinions expressed are truthful and my own, with no input from any of the companies listed or any other individuals.