Here above is the first pretty frock I've bought in over 20 years. I would not have looked twice at this frock a year ago. It's only by educating myself on my body shape and proportions, that I realise I truly can wear pretty frocks, and not just tunics and leggings!
Ahhh....but not only should you know your body shape and how best to dress for that shape, you also need to have some knowledge on how best to accessorise so that you can look as long and lean as possible, minimising any faults. A trim shaped jacket, a nude shoe with a low vamp, and a bit of confidence go a long way.
Flush with success on my lemony print frock above, I went looking for more pretty dresses with which to zhoosh up my neighbourhood.
I found this one below, at Navabi. Navabi, along with The French Chic Academy, have changed the way I dress forever. If like me, you're on the cuddly side of the fence as far as size goes, you could do worse than check out their range. Absolutely beautiful. No they're not paying me to say that.
You can see this shift dress
here. The brand is Samya, and I'm quickly learning that this designer works well for my Apple shape.
When this one arrived, I was not enamoured with it's round neckline and thought I might have a major alteration task on my hands. But instead, I found that when I stitched the odd little neckline pleats flat, turning them into pintucks (a job a child could perform), that it made the neckline slightly wider and more scooped, thus negating any tweaking.
Thinking 'long and lean' for my Apple shape as I do these days, I added this double neck chain, echoing the rounded neckline, and the colourways of the print. One chain is silver, one is dark pewter. I think this works to lengthen my torso.
I styled it here with my denim jacket, which you can read about here. I love this jacket for it's flattering shape and colour, and it's relatively minimal embellishments. I like how it follows the neckline of this dress almost perfectly, and picks up the darker colours in the print.
I then tried styling this shift (and no way did I think I'd be wearing shifts this time last year!), with my new orange jacket, and what a difference it makes! Again, when wearing a print, keep everything else simple. So no lapels, pockets or other detail on the jacket, and a good long and slender look is achieved with the column of colour centre front.
Well now I was getting confident. In one fell swoop, I ordered this Wiggle dress from Pretty Kitty in the UK for an upcoming event (I'll be sharing styling shots for this one in the next day or two). I love how the wider shoulder, scooped neckline and narrowing towards the hemline, slim the torso, and the draping across the tummy helps disguise a chunky mid section. Shoes with a low vamp and peeptoes also lengthen the leg. A great flattering look for we Apple shaped girls. I do think this one needs some serious shapewear, so I'll be looking at that too.
In a great flurry of dress buying, I purchased this one (also a Samya and also from Navabi)...
See it here.
This one...
...this pretty little thing by Lovedrobe with it's diagonal looking print...another great trick for Apples...
This one by Studio 8, absolutely at the top end of my budget, but which I'll wear for several special occasions in the next twelve months. This must be a colour for just about anyone...
This one by Velvet Pop, which has the most adorable print, flattering V neckline, and knife pleats all the way around the skirt...
This Mad Men inspired design by Want That Trend, which I love for it's keyhole neckline and flirty skirt...
...and this one by Apart, which just has Grace Kelly or Audrey Hepburn or even Sophia Loren written all over it's polka dot loveliness...
Now Navabi were having a fantastic sale with additional discounts for existing customers, so I did go a bit beserk, but thanks to knowing my shape, and learning that styling a dress correctly can make all the difference, I feel utterly confident in my $400 splurge (for the last five dresses!!), and it's ability to transform my up-till-now dull wardrobe.
I can't choose a favourite. I think I already love them all.
And this from a lady who up until 3 months ago, hadn't worn a dress in over 25 years. I kid you not.
Honestly. Know thyself. Know your body shape. Know what colours flatter you. Get to know how to style your outfits rather than just tossing them on in the morning. It really does give you an edge, and a great feeling of walking out the door, looking your absolute best.
I can't wait to style these and share some pics with you. Which one is your favourite?
...Mimi...
