Oh, what’s this? Mooooore tartan? I don’t mind if I do!
No, but seriously, I know I own a lot of it, but I actually don’t own a single pinafore dress, let alone a tartan one, so this post was practically overdue. Let’s get down to it!
I never used to be this kind of woman, but over the past year I have become her–a woman who can’t stop collecting coats. Once upon a time in my pre-pinup days I think there were probably several years together that I didn’t even own one. I even used to think it was ridiculous to need more than one or two coats. Why would someone need more than a light coat and a heavy winter coat? I thought.
Style, that’s why. Sometimes you need a cropped fitted jacket, whether tweed or faux leather. Sometimes the occasion calls for nothing more than a chic cape. Sometimes you need a hooded, waterproof option, and at other times a classic lightweight trench. And then, as a pinup, sometimes–often, depending on your location–you will definitely need a warm, full-skirted, bepocketed, truly fabulous winter option. Today, Love UR Look is presenting us with just that.
I can’t be the only one who sometimes pictures a certain kind of dress I really want, but can’t find it anywhere. For a couple years now that has been my struggle for a sleeved black swing dress with a white collar. It sounds like something that you’d think multiple brands might produce, so simple but chic is the idea, and so well fitted to the concept of something we could picture Audrey Hepburn wearing. But no, instead, I have been destined to wait, to wait and to hope.
This season, finally, Collectif have answered my wardrobe prayers, and produced that perfect dress. She’s here–the Winona.
I’ve never been a frequent wearer of wiggle dresses, always preferring the comfort and aesthetic of a swing dress or skirt. Still, I do have some lovely pencil dresses hanging in my closet, ready and waiting to for my more confident days. The great thing about this wiggle dress by The House of Foxy is that the peplum feature means this dress requires no confidence summoning; designed specifically with curves in mind, it serves the dual purpose of being incredibly chic whilst also working as a comfort blanket for those of us who struggle a little with our tummies.
Lately, shoes have been a bit of a sore subject for me–literally. I’ve been suffering with plantar fasciitis in my left foot for 3 months now and while it does seem to be slowly healing, I am still in pain daily and unable to wear most types of footwear. Even going barefoot is a no-no at present, so it’s no surprise that heels are out of the question. Or, so I thought.
It turns out that on a good pain day, a very low heel on a well-made shoe crafted to properly support the foot, I can hop along–not literally. But how many shoes are there, really, you’ve found that hit all those points? Well, if you’ve shopped at Hotter, the answer is ‘a wholeee bunch!’
Considering how much I love a bit of velvet in the colder seasons, you’d think I’d own a classic velvet Audrey-style swing dress. Somehow, I don’t. Or, I suppose, didn’t, because here comes Dolly & Dotty, ready to fulfill my velvet festive dreams, and in my favourite colour no less.
My favourite thing about this season is, without a doubt, the changing and falling of the leaves. Watching the trees that line my route to work gradually shift colours over the course of a few weeks genuinely makes my drive a happier experience, and the chance to step on a crunchy leaf whenever I’m on foot fills me with glee. What better way, then, to celebrate my leafy love of the season than to don a dress that sports exactly that–it’s Voodoo Vixen time.
If there’s one thing that makes a great staple wardrobe piece for autumn and winter, it’s a flannel circle skirt with pockets. And if there’s another, it’s a velvet top that can be dressed up or down throughout the whole season. As luck would have it, Heart of Haute has us covered with both.
I like plaid. Big plaids, small plaids. Green, blue, grey, brown, red plaids. Subtle plaids, obnoxious plaids. I don’t think I’ve ever met a plaid I didn’t like, but admittedly the plaids that populate my wardrobe all tend to be rich or bright in colour, proud to be plaid and loud. I don’t yet have the kind of plaid that flies under the radar, that can host a dinner party without looking very seasonally eager. Well, I didn’t have that kind of plaid. Now, thanks to Sally, I’m Dinner Party Plaid ready.
Ah yes, finally; it’s velvet season. While it’s getting cooler outside and the notion of wearing bright colours starts to feel more and more ridiculous as you open your curtains each morning to increasing dimness, the opportunity to reach for something luxurious and plush starts to feel a bit like a very small happy reprieve. Velvet is here to save us, darlings, and it’s looking damn good doing it.
Miss Amy May 