Dressing Details: With Spring In My Step

This past weekend we had a lunch in Notting Hill, which was the perfect reason to get the new dress out and on. It’s a spring love from Roksanda – you might remember Margot, which did the rounds for a special birthday. This dress has been worn more times than I can count so when I saw the Aylin Bell in the new collection, I wanted to try it. It’s a sapphire/navy blue with a medium-full skirt and wildly exaggerated sleeves. And no, they don’t get in the way at all and are super comfortable. Don’t discount the bell sleeve as an option for spring dresses, they really are very pretty and give detail and fullness in the best possible places. My dress choices are closing in a little these days; with many being too short, too full or too fussy. It is refreshing to find a style with flair that is not only comfortable but also very wearable.

I like the feminine floaty feel and like the Margot, I can put it on and feel ready to go in seconds. I was running around in my sneakers before lunch, checking on our renovations and buying flowers. They worked and allowed my speed and comfort; later I swapped them for a slip-on mule with a bow trim. Some aren’t fans of the sneakers with the dress. I understand and I do listen. Although, sneakers are still on trend right now and wearing them with more formal pieces from the wardrobe is a look I see often. They have taken over where once upon a time the ballet flat was doing all the work; without a doubt, we will swap again. That’s the crazy thing about fashion; it’s a merry-go-round. As I race around on foot for much of the day, while it lasts, I’m going with it.

Nordstrom, like me, are in the mood for spring dresses and as always they have a wonderful selection. Fortunately, they ship to Europe as they stock so many brands and price points we don’t necessarily have access to. The Roksanda dresses are investment pieces, from my point of view, but if I calculate them on a cost per wear basis they are winners every time. Not every dress or every occasion warrants a Roksanda but Nordstrom have that in hand too.

It was starting to feel a lot like spring here in London until last night, when we had proper snow. No doubt London life will slow to a snail’s pace today and my thoughts of spring dresses will have to wait a bit longer. The weekend was a mere tease. xv