Dress – LYDC Anna Smith Sheer Lace Up Dress*
Heels – Faux Fur Block Heels (Ebay)
Boots – Zara Pointed Heel Boot (Old)
Coat – Missguided Gorilla Faux Fur (Old)
What can I say, guys n’ gals – It’s been a while since I last posted (11 days shhh) as I just needed a little break to get me through my final two exams. Believe me, stress levels were sky rocketing… But alas, I’m back with a bang as I’ve finally got round to shooting a handful of style posts that I’ve been waiting to shoot for months now. This is the first of many, featuring a beautiful polka dot mesh dress from the Anna Smith collection at LYDC London.
I actually decided to reverse this dress, and wear the tie up on the back. I love the fact that wearing it this way gives a high neck mesh detail, which has a very sophisticated vibe to contrast the short hemline. Oh, and I adore dressed with a cute tie up back detail, which adds some form of corseted chic. Don’t get me started on the polka dot mesh overlay – omgaaad. All the length and arm cover of a modest midi with all the flesh-flashing of a mini – hello multitasker! This bad boy is perfect for a evening cocktail date or a rather fancy dinner too.
I decided to style this two ways, up and down. Down-styling features a chunky heeled boot, with a pointed toe, thus keeping that classic vibe yet nodding to an effortless, and understated edge. I also threw on my fave Gorilla Faux Fur Jacket which adds instant “slayyyy” fierceness to any outfit – especially when you’re wearing a preppy dress.
Whilst the up-styled version of the outfit features a classic block heel with simple straps. I opted for a faux fur detailed version to add some of that texture as seen in the down-styled version. Faux fur really does add that bit of je ne sais quoi, ya feel?
How do you up/down-style your cocktail dresses?
Check out the awesome photography by Ben Blyth, he’s a wizard behind a camera – and these shots have some serious edge to them. He also resides in Cardiff, so if any Cardiff-based bloggers out there need a photographer for a shoot – Ben’s your guy.
Want to check out Ben‘s work? Twitter | Instagram | Website
This is stunning!!
Thanks, Gemma!
UGH HOLLY YOU ARE SO GORGEOUS!! You hair is so lovely this colour as well.This dress is just….wow. I need it! It's so simple yet so so pretty and looks fab with the fur coat as well!Jasmine | http://kkochsongi.blogspot.co.uk
Thank you so much, Jasmine! <3
What a rad dress! I'd love to be able to wear something like this and look as fab as you!! I'm a big fan of mesh detail, particularly when it replaces straps and sleeves – it just looks SO chic. I hope your final exams went well too 🙂
It's so pretty, I loved wearing it! Thank you lovely, they weren't fab but they're over now! <3
these photos are so beautiful, the lighting is amazing!. Great idea wearing it back to front gave that little edge.xwww.naybeautymua.com
Thanks so much! <3
That dress looks absolutely amazing on you, such a great idea to wear it backwards too! <3Andini xx | Adventures of an Anglophile 
Thank you so much, Andini! <3
You look so gorgeous; and I am loving the shoes! xoEmily | emsalice.com
Thank you, girly! xox
Love this look! Stunning. Amy | fourcatsplusus.co.uk
Thank you, Amy xox
OH MY HOLLY!!! You look fabulous! xo,Not Your Type Blog
Thank you so much, Areeba! <3
LOVE THIS LOOK!!You look amazing.Lounaturallybeige.comxxx
Thank you so much, Lou! <3
Hol you are stunning !! LOVE your photos so so so much.. and YES TO ALL BLACK OUTFITS!Sairawww.throughtheglitterglass.wordpress.comxo
Omg, Sairaaaa! That's so kind of you – thank you girly! <3
GUUURL u look amazing… That outfit is seriously slaying xxxxxBecky Shannon xx – Life-by-Becky
Thank you so so so much, Becky! xo
This dress is lovely! Adore the shoes too!
Thanks so much for reading xo
Such stunning photographs! Followed back 🙂 lots of love, Janewww.marbleandrose.blogspot.co.uk
Thanks so much Jane! <3