Welcome to the latest instalment of Everyday Style @ Shenanigans Central, a regular post that I started when I began my blog nearly two years ago (you can see my very first one here).
Back then, the idea behind these posts was (and still is) to share my every day outfits – not just the Saturday night/going out/highlight reel with me fully made up, hair done and in heels but the every day me. After all, most of my days are spent pounding the pavement around the ‘hood with Master 3 in tow, searching for snails, not attending soirees.
Most days, I’m more likely to be doing class help than looking classy. I wash my hair less frequently than I’d like, go through cans of dry shampoo like nobody’s biz, wear the same things over and over and I live in my flats.
Which is totes fine with me.
Occasionally though, I have an opportunity to frock up during the day. Last week Mr 3 and I were invited to his bestie’s house for morning tea to celebrate her birthday. I’d recently been sent this divine Ella dress*^ from Bohemian Traders, so I rummaged through the hall closet, found my heeled vintage boots which had been packed away since last year and threw them on. And voila, fab outfit sorted in 3 minutes, leaving enough time to remember the present, my takeaway coffee, bag and get Mr 3 sorted, all before 9.30am. Phew.
Ella Dress, $229 from Bohemian Traders*^
Accessories wise, I added a pair of Elk Accessories earrings and my Tiffany & Co. pendant which was an anniversary gift from Mr SnS a couple of years ago. I almost, almost felt I was channelling the late Nina Proudman, sans the great hair and ghost of Patrick.
There’s a lot to love about this dress.
Firstly, the rayon crepe fabric has a lovely drape to it. It feels beautiful and drapes in a very flattering, swishy way. I love a dress with movement too.
I’m also loving the hi-low hem – it gives you the coverage of a maxi at the back with the higher hem at the front perfect for showing boots or a bit of leg, which is particularly good if you’re not tall and feel swamped by longer dresses. I initially searched, without success, for a pair of vintage looking flat tan ankle boots to wear with this dress. I will keep looking for the perfect pair, but in the meantime, my Boden vintage heeled knee length boots from a couple of years ago are fine. In warmer weather, I’d wear tan gladiators, salt water sandals or a chunky tan block heel.
I’m a little bit obsessed with sleeve length these days and I’m a big fan of this below the elbow sleeve length. It is so flattering, hides any bingo wing concerns and provides that extra bit of coverage. It also adds to this dress’ versatility. If you lived in the northern states, this dress would qualify as winter worthy with a light cardy. It’s already cold here in Melbourne, so I’ve added a chunky knit cardy. In Winter, I’d also add tights.
I’m also loving this marsala (which I wrote about last week in this post) and cream custom print with the contrast trims. Man I love a contrast print. Here, the contrast print breaks up the dress and creates a waist, regardless of how tightly you pull the drawstring. I love a drawstring waist at the best of times but particularly on a longer dress as it creates some shape. Breastfeeding mums will appreciate the button front too.
At $229, it’s an investment but if you are looking for a pretty boho dress that can be dressed up or down, from weekdays through to weekends and from season to season, this could be the dress for you. You may pick it up for less with the regular Spend and Save promotions or sales over at Bohemian Traders too.
* This dress was gifted to me in accordance with my Disclosure Policy. Read more here.
^ denotes an Affiliate link. I earn a little commission but you don’t pay any extra.
How would you wear this dress? Would a dress like this fill a gap in your wardrobe? What are you loving from Bohemian Traders this season?