The festive season can be very overwhelming when it comes to both shopping and dressing. With a series of Christmas dinners, parties and weddings and not to mention all the cyber weekend deals left right and centre you can easily end up spending a small fortune on silky, sparkly velvet numbers that will likely only get one wear. This year i've tried to start shopping a bit more responsibly and when I get temped to buy something I ask myself; do I really love it? Can I see it styled it lots of different ways? Will I wear it more than once or have I got something very similar in my wardrobe already?
It's so easy to get carried away, especially during Black Friday when I felt like my inbox and Instagram feed literally exploded with offers and discounts. I gave myself a serious anxiety attack trying to figure out the best deals whilst simultaneously feeling like I was missing out on everything. But then I thought, hang on, I'm about to drop serious money on things that I hadn't wanted (and definitely didn't need) before.. so why do I suddenly need them now they're on sale? Stepping away from the Black Friday madness and assuring myself that there was nothing I couldn't live without made my mind and my bank balance a lot calmer.
Buying better and making clothes last longer is something I'm really trying to live by, so when Endource asked me to put together an edit of party wear that could be taken beyond the festive season, I naturally jumped at the opportunity to put my money where my mouth is (or not) and create some trans-seasonal looks.
You can shop my Endource edit here and get £25 off your first order here till 9th November.
Slip dresses are really in fashion right now and are the perfect piece to 'dress-up or dress-down'. I've styled this silky leopard print number from & Other Stories with a black velvet jacket and strappy heels for an elegant evening look but can just as easily be worn with tights and stomping boots in the daytime. A good quality slip dress is a great investment as it transcends seasons and would look great worn any time of year with different accessories. For this time of year, I personally love to layer slips over my silver sparkly polo-neck that I've had for years and is my go-to top for festive layering (yup, it's a thing!) I've added some sparkly pieces and polo necks into my edit here.
If you follow me, you know i'm a huge fan of both a wrap dress and leopard print. I find the style of wrap dresses so flattering and easy to wear; they're great dressed-up for the evening and are my go-to for a party, a dinner date or even a winter wedding. Equally, they're super easy to wear in the day time, paired with boots and a chunky knit thrown over for an effortlessly and understated look. I've already worn this leopard one with a black polo neck and leather chelsea boots and I can see it looking amazing in the spring with sandals or converse or even worn open over jeans and a vest top.
When I think of festive dressing, silver and gold metallics aways come to mind. I'm not entirely sure if thats because of their likeness to wrapping paper/baubles but there is definitely something about that iridescent sheen that screams Christmas. I was really surprised with how much I love this Gold Metallic wrap-dress; in true & Other stories style it has a great fit and perfect midi length. Granted, it's harder to wear metallics out of winter months but this dress is definitely one of those feel-good statement piece that can be reworn over and over and can be restyled in lots of different ways. My favourite way to wear it is over a lightweight, black long sleeve top with layered gold jewellery.
Haven't heard of Endource? They are a unique 'try before you buy' service in which you can order as much as you want from a multitude of amazing brands and try everything on from the comfort of your own home (and save yourself from the madness that is Oxford Street, especially at this time of year). You only pay for what you keep, everything else you send back with free postage or collection - it's that simple! They also have fantastic customer service team who are there to help at every step if you need and they stock all the best brands including Whistles, & Other Stories, Cos, Arket, Warehouse, Barbour, Boden, M&S, Claudie Pierlot and Hush (to name just a few!)
I'd definitely recommend giving them a try and if you do make sure to get £25 off your first order by creating an account here before 9th November.. the discount will automatically be appied to your account once you sign up.. and don't forget to check out my 'dress-up-or -dress-down' edit.
