Living up my princess dreams

Ok. Confession: “princess” my dresses were never really my thing, so I was surprised by how drawn to this beautiful ombré shoulder wing maxi dress I was. 

So I am living up the princess dreams I didn’t even know I had!

From the three I got, this was probably my “least” favourite and as such the one which surprised me the most. 

As soon as I received it, I had to try it on and I knew immediately I’d shoot it because it is magical. 

The blush and navy ombré reminds me of when the fairies in Sleeping Beauty are fighting over the colour of her dress – pink and blue. The glittery tulle with some added sparkly stars really looks like magic was cast over it.

The dress flows and shines beautifully. The apt princess neckline together with the drop sleeves just make it even more wonderful.

Goddiva dresses sizes start at an 8 and it’s a tad big for me on the chest and waist – nothing a belt and a strapless bra didn’t solve!

I also accessorised with my beloved Christian Louboutin pailette caresse all turned to silver. Id probably throw in a lips clutch in silver mirror to wear for an occasion. 

I decided to shoot it at the stunning St Dunstan on the east former church with was bombed in the II world war abs is now a beautiful garden open to the public. 

I highly recommend you pay a visit if in London, it’s a haven of tranquility and peace, on top of its beauty and history. 

I am usually a fan of sequin dresses, a bit more skin tight, but this dreamy dress has definitely got my heart!

Only regret? I should’ve worn a tiara.

Goddiva has a great selection and I hear their new season dresses section is growing considerably for the party months, even if it is to party from your sitting room.

written by Dani

This post contains PR products and was created in collaboration with Goddiva with no obligation to post. Words are all my own, opinions and images too!

Dani’s Little Book of Fashion: that party dress

Who doesn’t like a pretty frock? Come on! And when they come well priced, that even better.

Adrianna Papell is a brand that strives to deliver a feeling, not only a look, taking into consideration our individuality as women. Designs are modern, chic and vary in style to suit different ages, body types and styles.

 

 

I found sizing is quite generous, created to fit real bodies. Both designs I tried are size 10 and they were a bit big for me, so I have to be pinned at the back! The fit fit is good, skimming in the right places.

I was thrilled to be invited to a little Adrianna Papell red carpet shoot, which included a little champagne pamper at House of Fraser Oxford St in London.

Dani Dutra
miss.dutra@gmail.com

I had a fab YSL makeup and checked out their latest launches which was followed by a lovely styling by Aveda (do you know that they know have a dry conditioner? YES!) .

Just because I am greedy, I tried 2 different full length styles. A gorgeous black number embroided with flowers, which was dreamy,. The flowers, in bright colours, cascade down the torso into the flowing skirt.

I then went on to wear a silver two piece, as I thought it was quite different and slightly reminiscing of Indian wedding wear, making a lovely alternative to a sari if you are a guest.

The top had a little bit of transparency, which I am a big fan of, and intricate beading was present throughout both pieces. The high-waist skirt was more skin tight, opening slightly on a pretty heavy-ish train.

Both designs featured beading heavily, but felt very comfortable to wear, not to heavy. They also have in-built bras so you don’t need to worry about that!

Really pretty, and they look more expensive than they are!

You can get Adrianna Papell dresses from House of Fraser, of course and from Debenhams.

Their prices vary from £120 to £350 at HoF website, so you can get a new one for every wedding/race/event/garden party you attend this summer!

All pics by James McCauley.

written by Dani

Dani’s Little Book of Fashion: You shall go to the ball

peggy-hartanto-dress-the-apartment-5What’s better than a fabulous little black number for a ball? Well, not much really.

I was lucky enough to wear the stunning Peggy Hartanto Aegean dress in black, kindly lent to me by The Apartment at London Fashion Week.

peggy-hartanto-dress-the-apartment-1And yes, I went to the fabulous China Ball at the stunning Natural History Museum. I was honoured to be dancing with Dippy, the Diplodocus, which will be retired from the grand hall at the end of this year.

peggy-hartanto-dress-the-apartment-6This dress has very classic lines; a full A-line skirt with some modern twists, like the deep neckline and tied at the waist, for extra definition. The quality and finish are superb!

peggy-hartanto-dress-the-apartment-3The satin fabric is heavy and thick, making it fall perfectly but also nipping in to the right places for a structured, clean silhouette.

Peggy Hartanto is an Indonesian designer who studied fashion in Australia and her beautiful collections are indeed based on clean lines, bold colours and innovative use of fabrics and construction.

I accessorised it with my Lulu Guinness black lips clutch, Christian Louboutin Pigalle Follies Python Mika, Christian Louboutin lipstick and plenty of gold accessories.

There was downside to wearing this gorgeous dress: I had to give it back the day after. Cry.

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So Many Lovely Things style retrospective 2015

style_retrospective_somaylovelythingsOh, this year I went a bit crazy on the style front. I bought a few dream bags and shoes and also tried a few different things.

2015 also saw the birth of Dani’s Little Book of Fashion, a more structured approach to fashion on the blog.

It talks trends and style touches that are wearable and easy to incorporate. So which bits are my favourites? I am glad you asked…

Shoes

littlebookfashion_colour_dove (29 of 30)Stepping out of the black Louboutin world, I went for nude and won’t look back! The Christian Louboutin Pigalle 100 in nude patent is a wardrobe staple.

luxemme_party_dress - 15I always wanted some exotic leather shoes and when I saw the Christian Louboutin Pigalle Follies Mika Python, I just knew it had to be them; I’ve always had a think for snake skin… Although rather out there, they are quite neutral in a muted gold. Love.

outfit_quirky_somanylovelythings - 16Flats are a bit of a downer for me, usually more a necessity rather than taste, but these super quirky Office Retreat boy-ish brogues are just too cool for school in silver leather, cow’s hair and pointy toes.

Bags

chanel_handbag - 1After much deliberation, I decided to invest in a Chanel handbag. I went for the classic shape, in a smaller size, with some seasonal quirks. Could not be happier with my choice!

luluguinness_lips - 1The first time I saw a Lulu Guinness Lips clutch I knew I had to have it. And I chose the black one, which is the perfect clutch.

Outfits

So hard to choose… here’s a small sample.

Summer outfit

littlebookfashion_colour_dove (21 of 30)Will have to be colour me pretty, on which I collaborate with Dove. It is a co-ord, it has bright colours, it says summer all over!

Winter outfit

outfit_quirky_somanylovelythings - 19Quirky. I learnt to add a little bit more quirk to my wardrobe on a daily basis. This one has many ideas which can be used together or separately. All while warm!

Party outfit

That’s where it gets super hard. I’ve narrowed it down to three:

somanylovelythings - party outfitThe House of CB cut out pencil dress, ideal for clubbing or  sophisticated night out. Sexy, but not slutty. At least for me.

somanylovelythings - party outfitFor a red carpet vibe, the House of CB plunge evening dress. Plunging neckline, thigh high slit, tons of glamour. O be worn carefully. I was skilfully taped and nipple daisy-ed on this one.

luxemme_party_dress - 1For a family party, this Luxêmme white dress is perfect. Too pretty.

Trend outfit

70s trends - somanylovelythingsHas to be the 70s bohemian look. A tough one to pull off without looking fancy dress. The right elements in the right dose is the key for any era trend.

Casual outfit

somanylovelythings - casualOf course, my Sunday London Fashion Week outfit. Comfy and quirky, it had it all.

Work outfit

work outfit - somanylovelythingsAnother tough choice… I love this pinafore dress and bunny shirt, just too cute, and still dressy. Worn with courts in the office.

flowery suit - somanylovelythingsThis Matalan suit is great too. A suit, but not too serious and stiff.

Fancy dress outfit

Obviously, my freakishly scary clown for Halloween. Tons of makeup, white contacts and plenty of crimping action going on. Oh, and blood. Lots os it.

Chill outfit

Nothing says relax as a My Little Pony oversized fleece. This is two sizes too big and part of a pyjama set, but I just found the top at Primark, so bought it for £8 and couldn’t be happier.

Well, my Care Bear (grumpy, of course), is also a strong contender to this post! Both are so chilled the picture are crap!

What about you? What did you wear and fell in love with this year?

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This post mentions some press samples.

Dani’s Little Book of Fashion: happy holidays

luxemme_party_dress - 1December is indeed the month of pretty dresses.

Although I take every opportunity to don a little dress, in December there are just too many: Christmas parties, celebrations, end of year get togethers plus Christmas and New Year’s eve.

Luxêmme sent me the gorgeous white Elodie crepe flared sleeve cape dress and I thought it would be perfect for New Year’s eve.

luxemme_party_dress - 10Why? In Brazil we have this tradition of wearing white, which symbolises peace, to welcome the new year.

I decided to shoot it in a festive setting, my sitting room. Ok, not much of a choice; it was miserable outside, and it has been for weeks.

I styled it with my adored Lulu Guinness black lips clutch, a gold and black belt, a delicate golden leaves tiara and go shoes.

Not only I thought this look is perfect for a party, it also has that snow fairy vibe to it. The sheer cape feels very comfortable, falls beautifully and I love it sticks to the back in a way it still shows your shape. Because it is sheer, you can also see my curves, which makes it more flattering.

This look will probably take me into 2016. I felt like a cross between a Grecian goddess and Princess Leia – a shorter, chic version of her white flare-y dress!

I have to say that immediately after choosing and placing my order, I felt a bit nervous. White dresses are anything but forgiving.

However, I was very surprised by how good the fit and overall quality are.luxemme_party_dress - 8

It is on the sheer side, but I wore with a nude thong and skin colour nipple daisies, and it was ok. A nude slip would be good too.

It arrived quickly with a personalised note, which was a lovely touch.

Luxêmme carries a great selection of garments for all occasions. The Elodie flared sleeve cape dress is part of their limited collection, so once it’s gone, it’s gone. It costs an affordable £39.

You can browse their selection, and order online on the Luxêmme website.

Happy holidays!

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This post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my experience with the product and reflects my honest opinion on them.

Friday Fixation: self-portrait dresses

Yes, I am starting another series type post on the blog. I thought “Friday Fixation” was quite apt as I, more often than not, obsess with things. I fall in and out of love with stuff on a daily basis, so I decided to share them with you.

Today’s fixation is *drumroll*….

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