The LBD Edit

I hate to say it - but it's almost Christmas!

I got my first winter cold this week - which is always a sign that the season's festivities are quickly approaching.

Yes, it will soon be time for endless parties requiring a plethora of LBDs and make up thick enough to hide the bags bought on from too much champagne, the spots from bad food, and the sallow skin from trawling the internet late at night to find the perfect (and last-minute) present for the mother-in-law.

With Christmas comes the ugly, (Granny snoring after too much sherry), the bad (the itchy looking jumper that your secret santa sniggers when buying), and the good - the Little Black Dress!

Yet not every one feels this way about the LBD - which surprised me as in a recent wardrobe clear out I realised that over half my space is taken up by variations on an LBD.    I was even more shocked when a friend uttered the words 'black is boring' only to a round of agreeing nods and another friend claiming that 'once you've seen one you've seen them all - I mean, don't get me wrong, they're great for funerals!'

I was astounded!  And never one to let things lie, I set about finding the most amazing LBDs on the market fit for a Curvy Girl.

From Office to Cocktails

Clockwise from left: Lipstick Boutique Plus Fitted Dress with Mesh Details from ASOS; Bobbi Brown Creamy Matte Lip Colour in Heart; Finesse Rose Gold Swarovski Crystal Pom Pom Stud Earrings from John Lewis; ASOS PANDA Wide Fit High Heels.
   

This LBD is amazingly demure and sexy all at once.  With a black blazer is can be worn through the office with flat pumps through the day before throwing on a pair of red stilettos and matching lipstick to transform this dress into an evening wonder.  Who doesn't love an illusion neckline?

Keep jewellery to a minimum with sparkly studs and dare to go bare and reveal those pins (or at least wear nude tights to pretend at daring).

Dare to Bare?

Clockwise from top left: Chain in Mesh Bar Necklace from New Look; What Me? Strapless Peplum Dress from The Curve; Juliet Nude Patent from Office; Deco Shape Moulded Strapless Longline Bra from Figleaves.

If, like me, you have more than bouncing bosoms, then strapless is more than a bit problematic.  Think back to trying to dance in your strapless prom dress with cheap boning digging into you and the constant need to hitch the top up to prevent any unfortunate incidents.

Luckily, strapless bras are improving all time and Freya's latest Deco bra in longline is, quite frankly, a wonder!  Wearing this little bra means the amazing strapless dress from The Curve is more than feasible - after all, who doesn't love to bare a bit of shoulder?

Keep your look simple and let your skin do the talking (remember to polish the day before to ensure a dewy radiance and use a perfumed moisturiser to give a subtle sheen).  The flirty peplum means your curves will already be highlighted an a slim gold necklace will draw everyone's attention to those beautiful exposed collarbones - dream!

The Classic Cocktail Hour

Clockwise from left: Tiziana Tapestry Knee Length Dress from Monsoon;  Gold tone circle necklace from River Island;  Mixed Gold Glitter Clutch Bag from Dorothy Perkins; Carvela Kimberly Platform Peep Toe Court Shoes from House of Fraser.

You can't beat a classic black pencil dress - the gold leaf pattern makes this dress Monsoon dress all the more wow.  Pair with high black courts like these beautiful Carvela pumps - I love the gold heel and platform and Carvela shoes come with padded soles so you won't need to kick them off for dancing later in the evening! 

A long line necklace finishing in a small pendant if perfect for lengthening the neck and making you look oh-so-staturesque in this beautiful ensemble.

A Flirty Affair

Clockwise from left: Chi Chi Mia Dress; Pewter High Strappy Sandals from Dorothy Perkins;  Sheen Supreme Lipstick in Supreme Style from MAC.

This Chi Chi Mia dress says it all - cute, flirtatious, sexy, and whimsical!  Keep a ballerina skirt as the centrepiece and pair with simple sandals and a soft lipstick.  

Doesn't the keyhole back just cream 'Look at me'? Wow!

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Now tell me, are LBDs still boring?

C x