Never say no to the LBD
My first Little Black Dress (LBD) was a Diane Von Furstenberg three quarter length sleeve, cowl necked, knee length clingy crepe jersey number . I was 17 and attending my first ball with my first older-than-me (21) boyfriend. I went shopping with my mum and found it in Joseph on Brompton Road. I don’t recall the price, but I remember it being the first grown up item in my wardrobe. I loved how it made me feel everything I wanted to be that night – older, sophisticated and confident.
My lovely friend Nemone asked me to style her for the on-camera red carpet interviews at the Critics Circle Film Awards. Like many of us, she was struggling with how she felt about her post baby body so she called me at a loss.
When she was five months pregnant with her second baby, I persuaded her to buy the most amazing black Donna Karen dress in Liberty’s for an exclusive party. The dress looked humble and dare I say it, rather drab, on the hanger – a midi length black ‘boob tube’ with two long thick panels of fabric coming out from the sides. The label indicated there were four ways to style and tie the dress and while we played with it in the changing room I discovered at least nine in-spite of the bump!
Nemone went off to her function looking amazing. Her bump was neatly and flatteringly wrapped with one panel while the other “wing” came up across one shoulder, tying at the back leaving a luscious fabric train. We paired the dress with black McQueen heels and a brush metal silver cuff and off she went looking every inch the super slick mummy to be that she was.
As she felt so confident in the dress (a very important thing to consider whenever you’re dressing for an event) I suggested we use it for the awards. Nemone was thrilled at the idea of using a piece she already had and felt comfortable in. This time we draped the panels loosely and tied them at the neck – equally covering and flattering her tummy (and who post-baby doesn’t feel self conscious about their tummy?) To make the outfit more edgy and rock’n roll we teamed the dress with a black butter soft leather jacket, long silver skull necklace and a suede platform ankle boot. She looked amazing, same dress, totally different look.
I know that it can be easy to go into label shock at the cost of the designer clothes but I also know Nemone has worn her dress numerous times to various events and parties, always knowing she looks great. Versatility is priceless so keep that in mind when you’re shopping and nothing is more versatile than a woman’s second best friend the LBD.
Yes I know there are some other more exciting colour trends out there right now, but sometimes when you’re not quite sure, when you feel a little bit lumpy or a little bit bumpy, rocking the LBD with simple sophisticated glam, or hard edged rock chick attitude that LBD can save the day.
So remember – never ever say NO to the LBD and remember it never hurts to have more than one! I. x
