Twice a year I look forward to the release of Miss Candyfloss’s lookbook for their new season. It always goes the same way; the second I realise it’s online I rush to load it up on my phone, then take screenshots of all my favourite items, whiiiiich basically ends up being at least 20 products. Over the following weeks I periodically revisit those screenshots, daydreaming about my favourite pieces and wondering which events in the coming season I will wear them for. (I mean, there’s a bit of sensible budgeting that happens there in my brain, as I whittle down what I’ll realistically be able to buy myself, but still, in the daydreaming part I can enjoy them all.) Somehow, there’s always one stand out piece that’s my favourite at first glance, and it always remains so in anticipation of its release, even if that’s months later. For SS20? My favourite was Flava-Rose, and my, she sure lives up to that in person.

Dress: Flava-Rose dress gifted by Miss Candyfloss
Cardigan: Navy cropped cardigan by MAK Sweater (Affiliate code yemak-amymay for 40% off)
Shoes: Gold Palmas wedges by Hotter*(A/L)
Hat: Ali Express
Bangles: Old

Interestingly, this dress reminds me of my first ever pinup dress. Seven years ago I was experimenting with vintage hair as a way to care for my curls, and I bought myself a red leopard print swing dress for an upcoming charity dance my friend was hosting. I loved that dress. It was such a tight fit that I sized out of it a few months later, and thus it was one of my favourite dresses that I barely even got to wear, but the way I felt that night in that dress was one of the things that spurred me on to adopting a vintage-style full time. So when I was flicking ever-so-excitedly through Miss Candyfloss’s SS20 lookbook a few months back and saw this spotted red number, I had warm, sentimental flashbacks to the dress that changed my style.

The print of this dress isn’t leopard, unlike my OG pinup dress, but I love that the flower buds print can look a bit like leopard print at a distance, as well as abstract polka dots. The print is red and a dark navy, but the navy can read as black in some lighting, so it’s sort of a dress that can be anything you want it to be.

It has pockets, which means it automatically gives me the main thing I ask of a dress. It also has a full pleated skirt, which can fit a medium-full petticoat for a lovely shape, and a round pleated neckline that displays a nice amount of decolletage without showcasing cleavage, so it’s a great dress for occasions that require modesty. It’s sleeveless, so coupled with the lightweight stretch fabric it’s a comfortable, airy wear on hotter days, but it can so easily be styled and layered up for colder months without looking remotely out of place. It closes with a back zipper and comes with a matching grommet fabric belt.

I would happily wear this dress for pretty much any occasion. Paired with a cardigan and sans-petticoat it’s pretty but practical for a day at the office (remember those??), but it can look ladylike yet still striking with an oversized sunhat, vintage gloves and a killer box bag for a garden party or even a car show. Throw on with simple ballet flats to go shopping, or slip into your seamed stockings, some mule heels and your chicest slanted fascinator for a night out. And, of course, in the reality that we’re all living in right now, it’s comfortable enough to wear all day around the house, whether that’s working from home and participating in video conference calls, or laying with legs somewhat splayed out on the sofa, binging your latest Netflix obsession.

I was amazed when I removed it from the packaging, my clothes steamer ready at my feet, only to find there weren’t any wrinkles to be ironed out. Not a single crease. It unfurled from the packet in pristine and neat glory. That means that not only will it sustain all the at-home lounging you care to subject it to right now without a crease to show for it, but once things are back to normal it will be an incredible dress to pack for travelling.

I asked for this dress in my usual Miss Candyfloss 2XL. After updating the design of their website Miss C now put product specific size charts on each product page, which makes shopping with them even easier. I can confirm that the waist of this dress flat measures 37 inches with stretch to 38 inches, while the bust measures 43 inches with room up to 48 inches, proving the size chart accurate. The skirt is 28.5 inches long. As with all Miss Candyfloss pieces it is made in Europe to a high level of quality.

The Flava-Rose dress is available in sizes XS-5XL. It was released only yesterday but it’s not unusual for Miss Candyfloss to sell out within days (or even hours sometimes!) of their most sought after pieces, so it’s best to make your purchases quickly when possible. Miss Candyfloss ship internationally.

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Disclaimer: The dress featured in this review was gifted to my by Miss Candyfloss in exchange for an honest review. The use of my MAK affiliate code will generate me a small commission from your order. Items marked with (A/L) are Affiliate Links.  All opinions expressed are truthful and my own, with no input from any of the companies listed or any other individuals. 

COVID-19 NOTE: These pictures were taken in the safety of my garden, thus abiding by the strict social distancing rules currently in place to help reduce the spread of Covid-19. Please stay home, and when necessary to leave the house for work or necessities remember to keep at least 6 ft away from any persons you may encounter.