So, Tumblr, the UK is set to get the worst storm in seven years tomorrow. 70 - 80 mph winds. Normally that kind of caper happens in late October but, hey, that’s climate change for you. And what better way of mentally sticking one’s fingers in one’s lugholes and trilling “La-la-la! I can’t hear you, howling gale threatening to blow my living room windows in!” than winterising the heck out of a dress with a tropical print?
This is the Gudrun Sjoden Paradise frock, which I bought myself for Christmas, (mainly because I thought I was going to get my mitts on some dosh a lot sooner than it’s actually going to take, plus I was feeling low and in need of some serious retail therapy). It’s currently reduced in the sale section of their website, should you feel tempted, but don’t get too excited; Gudrun’s sale prices could never be confused with a bargain. The dress also comes in an equally gorgeous alternative colourway I can only describe as Scottish – lots of muted heathery purples and sagey greens. Fortunately for my credit card, it’s no longer available in my size.
Speaking of bargains though I’ve been hoovering up some excellent ones. Some months ago I tried on the above top in Arket, (yet another H&M owned brand but more like a hybrid of Cos and Muji in vibe, with And Other Stories prices). Imagine my delight then when I found that, not only was this loudly patterned beauty now 70% off, but they were offering another 20% off that! I had to go online to get it but score or what?! Come the spring it’ll look a treat over my Zara black plisse culottes. As, I’m hoping will this silky Monki tee ...
...which I tried on a good year ago, and am delighted to welcome into my wardrobe for £8. The print, which I looooove, is called Peachy Waters. Which just might just be my new softcore pornstar name. And the pops of black in the pattern, together with the black ribbed neckline, enable me to rock a pastel look without looking like the washed-out dead. I also found a delicate blush coloured skirt in Arket for an equally daft price. It’s second-skin clingy but also infinitely accommodating because it’s made of finely pleated fabric and has an elasticated waist. Teamed with something wide and/or floaty about the midsection, like Peachy Waters for instance, I reckon it’ll work well enough for me to feel comfortable wearing it..
Strictly speaking this is an early spring or autumn dress so I’ve layered it over my trusty sparkly M&S thermal tee. If it gets any colder, I have a plain black maxi skirt I can layer underneath and/or a black shrug I can stick over the top. Totally toasty. And yes, I am wearing my orthopaedic workout shoes again. Guaranteed ruination of any outfit, but they do allow me to walk for miles without my feet plaguing me. Unlike my orthotics, which make me feel like I’m walking on the pavement in bare feet after half an hour, no matter how bouncy the sole.
I’ve just noticed how well the frock goes with my sofa. Coincidence? I don’t think so. Matchiness, thy name is Buttercup...
