Except I don't have any. I do have a couple of more formal things but *polishes halo*, I already have my dresses that I sorted way back in January that I'm planning on wearing to them.
And you may note that "planning" is the crucial word there. I always seem to find a reason not to wear them in the end. This time though, I'm sure I will.
Famous last words and all that and even though I have my two Self Portrait dresses (the black one from last year and the white one that I bought which will be getting its first outing to a charity night at the theatre in a couple of weeks. I don't care if it's snowing - I'm wearing it) and my Preen Line bargain dress I wore for my birthday party, it doesn't stop me looking. Just in case.
Plus this is a Public Service Announcement. Let the search for the dreaded dress (as, let's face it - for most of us that's what it is.. only beaten by the utterly freaking awful fancy sodding dress. Got one of those coming up soon *weeps*) begin.
Do let me know if you are looking and whether you tend to go top end and wear accessories you've had for years or prefer to get a more reasonably priced dress and spend on the extras.
Starting with one that isn't dressy dressy and I have had on the blog before but I love the colour and the print of it. Plus it's such an easy style to wear. With the right accessories, this could easily become much more of an occasion dress.
Easy Notch Tunic Dress at Boden was £59.50 now £29.75 with an extra 20% off sale prices. Not to be sniffed at... (and this code can be used also for 20% off full prices with free delivery and free returns). Code 5H3A.
Yes this is Boden. You'd never know it, would you? Clearly not their bread and butter as there are all sizes left - unlike most of their sale items which go very quickly. This is an epic dress. If it weren't for the fact I have a chest like Skeletor, I would get this in a heartbeat.
Strappy Lace Dress was £140 now £104.30
Not in the sale but to make the most of your 20% of with an amazing red lace dress also from Boden.
Oxford Lace Dress £169 pre discount
And more red - with a clash of pink and red here which I completely love. I would go to town with the accessories and pile on more pink and red - maybe throw in some orange just because you could. Adore. Not my normal style at all with regards to fit or colour but there is something about this which is so unique, you could really make it your own.
Selina Dress from Boden £129 pre 20% off.
Special seasonal offers at All Saints. Perhaps not your first port of call but I have three black tie dresses and all of them are from All Saints. And all of them at least three years old - in fact, one I bought six years ago (and wore last year again). Definitely worth a look if you haven't before. Not that these are black tie but they're certainly all perfectly occasion worthy. Code for 30% off is SPRING (and worth looking at the leather jackets as well if you're in the market for one... ).
Whilst I am normally a huge ankle boot fan - even I am going to suggest ditching them at this time of year in favour of a shoe or sandal (file that under things you never thought I'd say..)
Adria Dress in Black £108 pre 30% off.
And in the Wren Brown which a khaki/taupe shade £108. Very versatile shade. Would love this with leopard print and black accessories.
Another longsleeved one but I have to say, mostly in the Summer in this country, they're not the worst idea in the world.
Tame Dress in Pewter Grey £118 They also have this in black - can you ever have too many LBDs?
I also love this one but it's not going to be for everyone. And whilst I would say have the spanx at the ready, I will say that All Saints dresses are ridiculously flattering. I know it's hard to believe, as they look like they're made for 14 yr olds, but honestly honestly, the cut of them is superb. They look totally different on although alas, you probably do have to try a couple of sizes on, as in my experience, the sizing is (like a lot of the high street) bonkers.
Edge Dress £98 Adore adore adore this. Even with the boots. By far my favourite of the them.
The discounts continue at Warehouse and this one I have had my eye on and last time I featured it, had lots of positive comments. And now with 25% off.
Applique Lace Midi Dress in navy was £89 now £66.75
Which they also do in a red.
Back to my beloved monochrome. And it has pockets which makes it an instant winner in my book. This is as easy to wear to work as it is to put with super strappy statement sandals for an event (I feel a statement shoe blog coming on...)
Black and white textured striped midi dress from Warehouse was £59 now £44.25
Similar style back in red (and they also have navy and yes, both have pockets too...) - again a bargain from Warehouse. Another great blank canvas to dress up or down as you see fit. (we so need a statement shoe blog...)
Red Belted Dress was £60 now £45
So there we have some more reasonably priced dresses to start you off and all picked from the Mid Season Sales (mid season my arse - we've had about TWO days of Spring season weather. Pah)
Best thing about most of these is their versatility and price - so you can go large on the accessories - did I mention statement shoes? Not forgetting that clutch or small bag that you might want to splash out on. Can you tell where my thinking is at the moment? Having said that, I do have some print dresses coming up as, whilst it's not something I'm normally that comfortable with, I do seem to go large on a print dress. And it always pays off. Go figure.
And so today... well, another day ticked off the calendar of hell..sorry holidays. 24/7 with the children this time round (I can't send my 9yr old to any holiday clubs which means the others can't go either as that would be "unfair" *shoots self*) isn't going as well as it has done previously. I need a better plan for next week. Am considering mild inebriation. Not a drop of alcohol has passed my lips this week which is clearly a VERY bad idea. Rather looking forward to a night out tomorrow, it has to be said.
It's not all doom and gloom though and dotted amongst the more difficult moments, we've had some lovely bits (they're the ones I put on Insta by the way peeps!). A walk that ended on a high (start and middle was what one could call interesting) and a trip to Bluewater this afternoon which ended not so well but was mostly great. (if you saw me dragging a small boy by the arm whilst he was screaming some interesting phrases, I apologise. It did all end ok!)
Into This grey jumper - Bella Freud
Black faux leather joggers - ASOS
Grey flannel blazer - Me+Em
Red Superstar sneakers - Golden Goose
Haworth black bag - Village England
So tomorrow... swimming! Outdoors for the first time this year. That won't be me... At least we know this is a successful activity (she says optimistically). And then a night on the town. Can't. Wait!