The Wardrobe Update: The LWD

I know I probably shouldn't post topics consecutively, but I thought I'd tackle one of this summer's biggest hits before the good weather runs out.  Readers, meet the Little White Dress.

We've all seen the Little Black Dress in action: immortalised by Audrey Hepburn (as Holly Golightly), the LBD has become a wardrobe staple and effortless show-stopper when it comes to making an entrance, and no fashionista's wardrobe is complete without one.   However, SS13 shows heralded a successor to this now-familiar icon, and I've picked out eight from across the high street for your convenience.. 

L-R

1. Topshop Embroidered Prom Dress (£50) -  I know I struggle for breath between criticisms when it comes to Topshop, but I can't help loving this LWD.  Seen on countless bloggers, friends and party-goers this summer so far, this dress is a super-flattering option for day to dark activities.  The V back adds a little extra elegance to this otherwise fun number. 

2. Manilla by Izanagi (£95) -  The details of this lace panel LBD earned it a place within this edit; a fashion-focused take on the fitted jersey dress, this is the perfect choice for after-work drinks in the city.  The monochromatic contrast allows you to experiment with coloured jewellery and accessories, while being simple enough to stand out without. Izanagi makes it's elegant dresses to order, but you can order online, via twitter, or watch the main man himself for daily deals.

3. Karen Millen's White Lace Stripe Dress (£175 here; on sale at £125 here) -   You don't need to be a genius to figure out why I've added this dress to the list.  Remember this?  We all know Queen B always made effort when it came to showing up boys, and I can't think of a better first-date dress than this Karen Millen number.  (NB: the original dress Blair wore to the White Party was Marc by Marc Jacobs)

4. Jersey & Chiffon Dress, H&M (£7.99 !!) -  I thought I'd give your bank balance a breather by popping this wallet-friendly number in the middle.  If you're heading to a festival, field party, to the beach or just lounging around the house waiting for the cute window-cleaner to come, this dress is an effortless casual staple.  Add a flower crown, plaited belt and wellies for festival chic or studded ankle boots for the city; with this one you can afford to experiment with all the accessories you like. 

5. Whistles 'Adrianne' Dress (£95) -  Okay so I'm not colourblind, I know this isn't white, but can you really blame me for adding it to the list?  This powder-pink neutral flatters both a tan complexion and the deathly almost-blue pallor sported by unfortunate Brits such as myself.  It's comfortably tailored and can be paired with wedges for lunch,  embroidered sandals for shopping and brogues for attitude.  Also, it has pockets.  

6. Silk & Tulle Gown by Willow @ Net A Porter (£705 from £1,175) -  If you've got a wedding, yacht party or similar fancy event to dress up for then this is the perfect formal LWD.  Not only does it cover the white, cut-out and midi trends in one beautifully made piece, Miranda Kerr was also pictured wearing a shorter turquoise version in her latest ad for Kora Organics.  Do you need more persuading?  

 9. Ted Baker 'IMOGINE' Colour Block Dress (£129) -  You're mixing the best of both worlds with this Ted Baker dress; not only is it both white and black, the drop-waist and loose style puts this dress right back in the swinging sixties (I'm really, really sorry. I can't apologise enough for that. It just came out), a style championed by Moschino's Cheap & Chic line this season.  Pair with super-cute coloured flats or nude wedges in the day and a point-toe black patent stiletto in the evening for instant retro elegance.

8. Jack Wills 'Meerbroke' Dress (£74, from £89.50) - Did you really think I'd manage an entire post without including some Jack Wills? That was naive of you.  

This flirty number also comes in bright pink (another big hit this season) and navy (you all know that, in my humble opinion, one can never go wrong with navy).  My favourite features are the racer back, modest hemline (hello 'meet the parents' scenarios) and the scalloped skirt hem; plus the lining (hello practicality) means you'll never suffer any of the inevitable wardrobe mishaps that occur from pairing bright underwear with white sundresses.

I lied. There's one more dress.

I haven't really included a naughty night-out dress here, so I'm throwing this Nastygal number (£38) into the ring. 

If you don't recognise the model then I really don't know where you've been for the last three months; this video has topped 100 million views on Youtube and has provided one of 2013's biggest conundrums:

What actually does rhyme with hug me?

I'm sorry, I've made too many bad jokes this post.  I'll make up for it by sharing my favourite cookie recipe on Thursday. 


PS:  I know we're all about white today but I'd feel too guilty keeping this from you guys and, as I've mentioned above, it's totally on trend.  I've popped it into my 'most wanted' list, but that just wasn't enough.  Designed by Jess Honey for MIC-feature-turned-fashionista (and musician) Caggie Dunlop's ISWAI project, 'The Orchid' statement skirt is the dream holiday buy this summer.  Pair it with chunky nude gladiator sandals, gold & leather jewellery and a plain white tee for instant hippie-chic; alternatively, slip on a pair of bright turquoise, silver or fluorescent yellow heels for a pop of colour at night.

 Isn't it dreamy?

Wardrobe Update: Workwear Staples

This is a long one, I'm afraid, but I've been inundated with requests for a 'working wardrobe' blog for a while now so I figured that, as I'm currently working on mine, I'd share a few tips for yours!

For me, the most important thing about your W.W is that you should look like what you are, and I don't know many graduates who can afford to rock up every day in Louboutins and Prada.  That said, it's important to mix and match expensive pieces with good quality basics that allow you enough choice to dress your outfits up or down when necessary (and ensuring that, with a quick change of jacket or blouse, you can wear your favourite skirt twice without anybody noticing).  

To start, you'll need a working week's worth of trousers, skirts and dresses.  It might seem like a lot, but if you mix and match enough then it's pretty easy to stretch these staples out across a two-week period.  These are the things I would recommend investing in: think reputable brands such as Reiss, Paul Smith, T.M. Lewin etc. or M&S for cheap, simple pieces.

All Saints (£98), Reiss (£110), Paul Smith (£189 - reduced to £94)

You can afford to experiment a little with separates by choosing a printed skirt (or dress) and cigarette trousers, for example, but I'd avoid printed trousers or too-bright colours unless you're working in an environment that allows for a lot of personal expression.  I've chosen the 'Wither' skirt by All Saints, a pair of simple tailored trousers by Reiss and a Paul Smith pique skirt (currently in the sale ladies - snap it up while you can) that I ended up leaving with yesterday because I absolutely love the navy side panels.  I'm also a fan of M&S' fishtail skirt and, at £19.50, can you really afford to say no?

If you've got a 'signature' colour or style (lace overlay, peplum detail etc.) then a dress is the ideal way to show it off, but  when it comes to skirts and dresses I'd advise you to: stick to two inches above knee level and avoid things that come with a belt (as it's usually cheap and tacky), and avoid cleavage like the devil (unless you're pairing it with a modest jacket/knit).

Theory (£125), Stella McCartney (£590), Moschino (£430), FCUK (£110)

If you favour a classic look then this Theory LBD is ideal - not to mention the fact it's almost half price in the sale.  A two-tone dress like the Moschino Cheap & Chic number I've picked is a good way to pull off the 'contrast' trend; alternatively go all the way and pair a fitted, jewel coloured number like the Stella McCartney or French Connection dresses with a black jacket and shoes.  If you're more about the accessories then try a simple, good quality jersey dress with a smart jacket (like these: 1, 2, 3) and a few well-chosen accessories.  My go-to jersey dress ('Mila' by Whistles) is sold out, but you can find similar versions across the high street (Dorothy Perkins, Reiss, ASOS) for as little as £16.

Unfortunately I couldn't find one of my most-wanted separates - if anyone has spotted a particularly gorgeous lace-overlay skirt in block colour, navy or black then please let me know!

  The main workwear trends set to continue into AW13 are colour contrast and statement detail/print separates.  Jackets are a great way to pull off the print, as you can strut into the office looking fantastic whilst retaining the freedom to quickly remove your bold piece if needed.  Blouses and shirts are the best options for monochrome and colour contrasting;  blouses in jewel shades can be found across both designer and high street boutiques, and a crisp white shirt can be super-useful in balancing out a more exciting skirt or trouser choice.  If you're not that daring then choose pieces with quirky details such as a patterned cuff or collar, or pop a printed shirt under a plain jumper.

Zara (£39.99), Whistles (£95), Theory (£300)

I've chosen a cute transitional Zara number (currently £39 from £79), the classic Sylvia Blouse by Whistles, and this gorgeous cropped peplum detail tweed jacket by Theory at My Wardrobe.  Smart 60's jackets are a super-easy way to add feminine elegance to a simple work outfit.  If you've got a fair amount of budget to play with then hit By Malene Birger (I love the anchor-print suit), Equipment or My Wardrobe, but reasonable good-quality pieces can be found in the likes of Whistles and Zara.  This season my favourite shirts come from Zara's smarter, older sister Massimo Dutti - unfortunately there aren't many of these outside London, but you can buy online and visit stores across Europe. 

MD: Tie Print (£54), Oxford (£44) and Denim & Silk (£54) shirts.

I hope I've been helpful and just not talked (or typed) your ears off!   If you've found a workwear piece you love, why not share it below on the comments section?