Tis' the season to be jolly.......the season to think of others, to over-eat, to succumb to the High Street madness buying a million presents and still wondering, "have I bought enough?"
Tis' also the season to think about that very British of all British institutions,
the works Christmas party.
I found it very interesting when I lived in France that the annual Xmas soirée was not very high on the agenda at all. A reserved meal among colleagues maybe but certainly not to our levels of sparkly dresses and drunken mishaps. But then my beloved French are much more reserved. My friends thought it hilarious that we (that mad Brits) start looking for a Christmas party dress in November and that so much effort goes into the quest. It's safe to say that I have probably amassed over 100 suitable dresses over the years, some screaming for the chance to come out the closet but it never stops me wanting another. I probably have more dressy, going out clothes than I have everyday items. It will come as no surprise that I love dressing up. Looking back, I should have realised the potential problem from an early age.
It's sadly true that as we get older, nights out seem few and far between, well at least those of the sparkly dress kind and I was determined that this year with two do's on my otherwise bare social calender, that sequins had to figure big.
I probably shouldn't be veering towards sequins at my age but what can I say, this girl just refuses to grow up and conform. So on my quest, I came upon these potential wardrobe additions.
The two skirts above are from my own shop Wallis. I say my shop, they were unfortunately part of an exclusive online collection that wasn't available in store BUT I put my staff discount card to good use and quickly ordered them from the net. It frustrates me that some of our stores aren't sent capsule collections or limited editions for a short time just as an experiment to see if we could sell them In store. I really think it's a missed opportunity giving all the best stock to the web and not putting it out there in front of people for them to see, touch and try. The internet is great in terms of variety and bargains for the discerning shopper but it shouldn't be to the detriment of High Street.
Anyway, rant over, I did buy them and they are beautiful. Not to be worn with tights though as I soon learned. The sequins are so rough on the hem, they can destroy a pair in ten minutes. Strictly for
summer leg use only!
This is a showstopper that I wouldn't resist. It's been a long time since I've bough three things that didn't originate from a charity shop or have a second-hand history. This beauty is fromNAZZ Collection, a company that I had never heard of before but it came up on a Google search for all things sparkly. I did want the gold originally but I ordered two sizes not knowing how my curves would fair against the slim fit and I ended up plumping for the red version. It screams Diana Ross and I love it. Not loving the length though......it needs taking up by about 8 inches. Evidently a dress for an Amazonian woman which I am not. Nevertheless, it's all mine and deserves it's own showcase with personal lighting.
Onto another quest. The quest for a sequin maxi. One that I have been unsuccessful in as yet. The one pictured is from Phase Eight and at the princely sum of £120, it shall forever be a dream, not a reality but I shall keep a close eye on it in the sales.
So by now you are probably thinking hang on a minute, where's the second hand item then? Panic yee not, I have not turned to the dark side.
While conducting my search for a sparkly little number, I of course always hoped that I could find one from a charity shop. I have to say, I almost gave up hope when I randomly stopped at one in Weston-super-Mare after visiting my mum a couple of weeks ago. I saw a charity shop on a retail complex that seemed a little out of place so I pulled up and ran in as it was ten minutes before closing. This dress was shining straight at me on a side rail and I grabbed it and ran to the cash desk. I didn't even look at the price. All I saw was that it was brand new from French Connection and still had the tags on. I just prayed that the size 12 cube on the hanger was true to form and happily handed over 12 of my best British pounds upon asking the price. What a success and very unexpected but that's the best kind of experience. Now being that I am a little "top heavy" in the upper area, this will require a jacket or shrug of some kind, but no matter. It's beautiful quality sequins are so soft and it is beautifully lined, you can tell it is a quality item that will stand the test of time.
Not that I have a lot of time. A dress like this has a finite lifespan I'm guessing in the wardrobe of a 41 year old!
I shall just have to search out more parties. Or just dress up for dinner more at home.
What a nice idea.
