A/W Must Have: The Maxi Dress

Friday's post saw me in my new beloved Maxi dress, a trend I am fully onboard with this season. I absolutely love this style and how it will work hard for you if you let it. For me in my capsule it was the perfect dress choice. Its covered up enough for wearing through the days, can be worn with a biker jacket or remixed with a big chunky knit, plus you can wear with thick tights and chunky boots. What starts as looking like a potential summer item, turns out to be perfect autumn winter fare. 

Now I have a few stipulations for an Autumn winter maxi dress to stop this looking like you forgot to store your summer dress away:

• Stick with a dark colour scheme. Black, navy burgundy and generally 'Moody' colours work perfectly here. It keeps the dress seasonally appropriate
• Sleeves. An obvious but very important contributing factor for the season. The sleeves make this wearable now, there's nothing worse than draughty arms.
• Keep it full length. Midi's are great, but here we are going full to the floor, enabling ankle boots, or knee high boots, tights and chunky socks, or even leggings can be hidden underneath. Warmth in the colder months is possible even in a dress.
• Layerable. Check you can either layer underneath or over the top. With mine above i am planning on layering a thin black turtle neck knit underneath and also a big chunky knit over the top(not at the same time of course.. but its great to have options.
• For me I want my maxi to be daywear. There are some stunning night-out maxi dresses on the market (especially the the party season fast approaching!) but this is a piece I want to be able to wear time and time again. Equally nice in day time as it is for an evening out, but nothing fancy schmancy, I'm not looking for glitter, sequins or party wear,just a wearable day dress.

So with my loose-rules/ideas in place here are the dresses that are available at the moment.

Starting with the dress I own and love. This to me was the perfect dress. I love that it's actually a maxi shirt dress which unbuttons all the way down. The remixability of this if we were playing maxi dress trumps is higher than most and would probably trump most other dresses (I'm biased as i do own the dress), But i love the idea of a chunky cardigan, chunky sweater over the top, layers underneath and also unbuttoning it and wearing over jeans and a top and using it as a draper style layer.

Zara Dress

Next up a dress that satisfys my inner bohemian gypsy queen

Love the folk style of this, again the winter palette keeps this seasonally appropriate. If i didn't own my Zara dress, I think this would be the one for me.. possibly. 

 Boohoo Via Asos

Ultimate bohemian styling now with Free People.. Yes this dress is a little bare around the bresticle area, but with a black silky cami or a turtle neck underneath this could work. And of course the layering options over the top would work super well too, I'm thinking a cream chunky knit roll neck sweater, chunky boots underneath and a fedora could look pretty amazing. 

 Free People 

Next up are these Hush dresses. This is the dress that got me started on my Wintery Maxi dress mission, bu unfortunately buying one seems to be as easy as finding unicorn poo. Yep these are practically always sold out. But they are divine and worth stalking the Hush site for as they may replenish stock.

The left dress is covered in tiny flowers on a black brown and orange colour scheme, where the right is black and white stars. Both utterly gorgeous.

Hush

La Redoute have a few great offerings, Starting with this rather lovely block colour maxi dress in a beautiful autumnal Rust. Love the folky theme with the smocking but yet is still perfect for the season.

 La Redoute

And another but with an all over floral theme in perfect autumnal colours. Pair this with a little tan jacket and you've got yourself a winner.

La redoute

Gestuz Audra up next via Asos, in Blues and mustard hues. A bit different to the usual autumnal colour fare but I really like it.

 Gestuz Audra Maxi Dress in Floral Print

A bit fancier but still acceptable daywear. The chiffon lends itself to the Georgian trend that isn't going anywhere just yet, but is also modern and  girly. The detail through out is super pretty, add in a biker jacket and black ankle boots to give it a nice balance and not be too pretty-pretty for daytime.

Vero Moda

 Slightly higher price bracket, but this Tommy Hilfiger is pretty special. The print is a 'compass theme ' with stars, anchors and general ship references. The full length bell sleeves add coverage and interest but the belt is a little summery for my preference. I think I'd swap it out for a black chunky belt and some black boots.

 Tommy Hilfiger Tommy x Gigi Compass Print Tie Waist Boho Maxi Dress

Lastly a little bargain from the River Island sale. A little thinner in fabric but still a nice option none the less. 

River Island

So there we have the winter maxi dresses.. What are your thoughts? 
Would you like a Maxi dress for Autumn/ Winter? How would you wear yours?

Winter Maxi Dress ( & #Passion4Fashion Linkup)

I had a bit of an obsessive idea that I wanted a maxi dress for winter. That's the thing about capsule wardrobes, you really do think through every single piece.

Having loved wearing maxi's all summer, I knew I wanted to continue in that same vane and have something pretty long and floaty, but could be layered, for the colder months. Thankfully the clothing gods heard my prayers as there are a lot of wintery maxi's on the market at the moment (post coming next week!). So i window shopped for about 2 months before finally settling on this one from Zara, and I am so glad I did because I absolutely adore it. The comfy fabric, the dark yet floral print, the button down front and the pocket(!!) all make this my absolute perfect dress. I've worn it a few times already and know that any 'nice occasion' that may arise, this will be my go-to dress.

The fact that it's comfy, hides a food baby and is flattering also makes me love it all the more.

I paired it with my trusty Vegan biker jacket (that I also recently got for my capsule) by Blank denim via Shopbop..( Who incidentally have the most epic 25% off sale on at the moment, be sure to have a shop, i mean look, if you're in the market for something as it ends very soon!) and it appears that it may have to be surgically removed from my back, as every day it is the only jacket i want to wear. I love how a biker jacket adds that little bit of 'edgy' to any outfit. Also the fact that its a vegan jacket also makes me love it all the more. I'm a vegan inside and out  *big smiley face*.

I can't wait to remix this gorgeous dress with some thick tights, knee high boots and a big chunky knitted sweater over the top, so the dress instantly becomes a skirt.

Do you own any winter maxi's? If not would you try one?

Outfit details:

Bag: George at Asda (old)

Dress: Zara

Boots: F&F

Jacket: Blank denim 

An InLinkz Link-up

What i'm Buying in the SUPER SHOPBOP SALE

When a sale comes along and offers you 25%* off your entire order you know it's time to do the winter shopping for those bits you need.

As you all know I am currently in my Autumn flexi capsule, which consists of about 40 pieces.

Being half way through this seasons capsule and having seen what works and what isn't, i've decided to make few changes with some new additions(I didn't buy anything new in September for the capsule), plus the cold snap has officially landed in Wales meaning we are already hitting 6 degree Celsius lows in the morning.. 

Buying a few bargains on sale now seems the perfect time to set myself up for the rest of winter.

This morning I stood in front of my Capsule wardrobe that's been in rotation since September 1st and thought long and hard about what it's missing, what i may need and what would work well with other pieces through the rest of the season and it to next..

What i buy now will hopefully see me right through to Spring, so they need to be great, useful pieces.

Here's what I need

Knitwear: Jumpers/ Sweaters

Left to right
BB Dakota Cream Soft Knit
525 America Navy Jumper
English Factory Smiley Face Jumper
Splendid Cosy Double Knit sweater

I have a few great cardigans in my capsule which is great as i do love a cardi, but what i've noticed as it gets colder is the lack of sweaters/knitted jumpers in my wardrobe. I think 2 great sweaters that would work well with all my jeans and skirts would fill the gap perfectly for me.
One thin knit, one chunky knit and I'm sorted.. however I can't help but love the English Factory Smiley Face jumper above.. i just can't help smiling when i see it

Knitted Dress

Left to right

BB Dakota Sweater Dress

525 America Sweater Dress

Madwell Sweater Dress

Moon River Sweater Dress

I LOVE a knitted dress. My life is fairly casual and I have n need for fancy very often, however that doesn't mean that i don't enjoy wearing a casual dress through the week. Knitted dresses are my perfect winter companion. I've just sold a lot of mine from last year and there is a definite knit dress hole in my capsule. 

These are great with high knee boots or flat loafers, remix with your coats or scarves. These will work hard for you and if you're anything like me, you'll love getting dressed in an easy but super effective way (effective because you look fancy if you're in a dress of any kind;)

Scarves

Left to right
Plush
 Hat Attack
Free People
A scarf is one of those things that really makes your outfit POP in the colder months. One of the best accessories as not only do they look great and add interest but they are also like mini blankets keeping you nice and warm when you most need it. I want to buy just one this winter, but a one that does all and i can wear with everything.. I'm still yet to decide which colourway to choose.

 Winter Boots

Left to right
Sorel
Sam Edleman
Sperry

But of course i couldn't shop the sale without buying my much needed winter boots.
I mentioned on Monday that I would be purchasing a pair, and of course with the sale now on how could i not. So which to purchase that is the question.. The Sorel's are calling me i think.. what about you?

What would you buy now for Autumn Winter?

Now go forth and shop the Shopbop Sale and use code MAINEVENT16 for 25% off orders up to $500 and 30% off orders over $500!

This is in collaboration with Shopbop, but these are all honestly things i would and have actually bought. In fact i may even film a vlog to show you my new a/w additions!
Shopbop is a fantastic company to buy from so if you are looking to buy a certain brand or item do take a look, they have expedited shipping which means I get my order within 2 days! That's quicker than most UK companies.

Shopbop t's &c's & restrictions

 

Foodie Tuesday: Great Greens Bowl

I have had the worst virus  the last two weeks.. It wiped me out for a good 2 weeks and left me feeling constantly lethargic. No medication was touching it so I decided foods packed with goodness were the only answer.
Not only is this a delicious meal packed with goodness, but it's also super easy and cheap to make. I eat it at least once a week as its perfect for when you're on your own(my husband works away) and in need of something quick.
It also alters a bit each time, Originally based around a Deliciously Ella recipe, I changed it up, depending on what I have in the fridge, veggies wise, which is great if you want to use things up, and also adding and changing some extra bits just for my own taste.
Here's the thing:
Kale is one of the best forms of nutrients on the planet. Filled with antioxidants, calcium, vitamin k, c and a and has anti inflammatory properties
The vegetables are also full of great vitamins such as Vit A & C, potassium and folic acid.
They are also a great source of natural fibre. Tumeric is also amazing for your body and mind and it makes cauliflower taste amazing.

So this dish is just amazing for your body as well as your taste-buds.

What you will need:
1 whole cauliflower
A handful each of baby sweetcorn, tenderstem broccoli (although normal cooked broccoli is also fine, as is purple sprouting),  asparagus, mangetout or sugarsnap peas (i've also used broad beans and runner beans)
2 handfuls of spinach
Half a courgette, cut in to bite-size rounds
250g Frozen peas I find petit pois are by far the best, they have a sweetness to them, but if you have normal garden peas then they should do the trick)
2 handfuls of kale
3 Garlic cloves
2 tablespoons of Pesto (Home-made is obviously best, but for a quick evening meal like this i will often use the Gluten and dairy free one from Scala)
Tablespoon of Herbs de Provence
A liberal sprinkling of Turmeric
Half a teaspoon of chilli powder
1 teaspoon of cumin
A drizzle of Olive Oil


Steps:
Preheat your oven to 200 degrees centigrade

Cut your cauliflower in to bite-size florets and lay in a single layer on a baking tray
Sprinkle liberally, making sure all the florets have a good dash of turmeric, then a pinch of chilli, and finally your cumin.
Get one of your garlic cloves and smash whilst in its skin and leave on the tray amongst the cauliflower just so the flavour can permeate gently.

Leave to cook for 25 minutes, checking every so often to make sure you're not burning you florets to a crisp (you want crunchy and cooked not burnt, obvs;)

Next pop your peas in the pan, bring to the boil then turn down to a gentle simmer and leave them to cook gently.

Now add your Asparagus to a baking tray with some olive oil and season and pop in the oven alongside the cauliflower.

Whilst your peas and cauliflower are cooking glug some olive oil in to a large flat based pan and heat.
Add in your garlic and allow to cook gently over a medium heat making sure it doesn't burn of stick.
Next add your courgettes and leave to cook for 5 minutes
Then add the rest of your veg( broccoli,sweetcorn and mange tout)
Sprinkle with the Herbs de Provence and leave to cook on a medium heat.
Leave them to cook through for 10 minutes, then add your handful of spinach last to wilt and mix in

Once everything is pretty close to being cooked, add your kale to a baking tray in a single layer, drizzle with oil and season, add to the oven for just a few minutes so it crunches up, whilst you finish your next step...

Next up
Now your peas are cooked, take them off the heat, drain them and return to the pan.
Mash them so you have a rustic mash (as opposed to a smooth puree), you want some peas to still be present, so just roughly  mashed.
Once you have the desired consistency, stir through your pesto.
Remove your cauli and kale from the oven

Now its time to put it all together.
Spoon you pesto pea mash into the bottom of your wide-brimmed bowl
Now add on you all your green veggies and Cauliflower
Top with your now crunchy kale and finish with a drizzle of olive oil if you desire.

Viola
Quick, easy, super delicious and filling AND really great for you.