Casually Luxe-ing Up A Little Black (Vest) Dress

Whether you like them long or short, fitted or loose, vest dresses are easy and forgiving to wear.  And if you like to wear yours casually like I do, then you probably always pair them with flat sandals or trainers. But, laid-back and comfortable doesn’t mean having to loose out on the “chic factor” and some carefully chosen accessories can really help dial things up a notch. The key, as usual, is to keep things simple.

Here are five easy ways to take your vest dress from casual to casual-luxe….

#1. Fabric. Fine fabrics (silk, satin and their faux relations) give a more polished look than cotton or ribbed versions. #2. Cut. Try on different styles until you find what suits you. I like mine just above the knee and loose but if longer or more fitted works for you, go for it. Just remember that short and too fitted can sometimes come off a little cheap and long and too loose could wind up looking shapeless. #3. Feet. Give the flat sandals and trainers a break and go for a pair of backless loafers or flat/low-heeled mules#4. Bag(gage). Keep it small to medium – strictly no extra baggage allowed! (If accompanied by a “junk generating mini person” get them to carry a rucksack.) See my last post for where to get some fabulous small totes at the moment.  #5. Accessories. Low-key and understated.

I am wearing:

Vest Dress (Filippa K)| Mules (Primark)| Bag (&Other Stories)| Sunglasses (Céline)

Thanks for visiting!

Addie xx

WARDROBE TREASURES: Featuring – Battered Army Surplus Parka

The U.S Army Surplus Arctic M65 Fishtail Parka in full Winter mode

The last Wardrobe Treasures post featured my 13 year old distressed wool blazer by Japanese label Gomme. This time it’s all about my 15 year old battered army surplus parka or, to give it its full name, the U.S Army Surplus Arctic M65 Fishtail Parka.  For a good few years in the early 2000s you couldn’t swing a cat in Hoxton without bumping into one of these babies.  But, as ubiquitous as it was, I have always loved it.  Here’s why:

#1. It’s WARM. (And waterproof, obvs.) #2. It’s versatile. Almost everything on this coat can be detached or adjusted. The fishtail, waist, DEEP pockets and hood can all be adjusted to give a different fit and look. And importantly, the hood and lining come off – making for a fabulous Spring/Autumn version. It’s also UNISEX. #3. It looks good.  Perhaps not with an evening gown but definitely with everything else, especially with the hood and lining detached.  In this post I’m wearing it with jeans, but I’ve frequently worn it over frocks –  just add heels!

Every wardrobe needs a parka in my opinion but whether you go for a Moncler or this one (you can still find them) is up to you.  All I’ll say is that it’s a testament to the awesomeness of this coat that everyone I know who ever had one still has it and uses it. Are you one of us? Drop me a comment and let me know!

Here’s to another 15 or so years…..

Addie x

Yes, this is the SAME coat…..

The U.S Army Surplus Arctic M65 Fishtail Parka in Spring/Autumn mode!

I am wearing:

Winter mode – Parka (US Army Surplus Arctic M65 Fishtail Parka)| Jeans and Sweater (H&M)| Bag (Marc Jacobs)| Beanie (COS)| Scarf (Acne Studios)| Boots (Billi Bi)

Spring/Autumn mode – Parka (as before)| T-shirt (GAP)| Blue jeans (Levis)| Trainers (Isabel Marant)| Bag (Victoria Beckham)| Sunglasses (&other stories)