Sponsored by Birdsnest
If you’ve been following this blog for a while, you’ll know that I’m a long term devotee of online store Birdsnest.
Their fab range, excellent returns policy and customer service are what I return for, time and time again.
Since their launch many years ago, they’ve expanded their already extensive range of labels with the addition of a stable of their own home grown “Bird” labels – Boho Bird, Belle Bird, Bird Keepers, That Bird Label, Handpicked by Birds.
Of all these, the Bird Keepers range often feels like it has been designed specifically for me – or perhaps, more accurately – people like me who are looking for well priced, on trend pieces that will last well – from a style and quality perspective – well beyond one season.
If you’re not familiar with it, the Bird Keepers range is full of well cut, classically stylish pieces that form the foundation of a versatile – and long term – wardrobe. It’s what I like to call Functional Fashion – pieces that not only look great but are easy to wear and care for and, on a practical level, work back with other wardrobe basics effortlessly, and represent serious bang for our bucks.
It’s also a label I’m very happy to promote here because their styles and sizes suit a broad range of women. All their best selling styles are available in sizes 6-22, with new season styles available in sizes 8-22.
So when I had the opportunity to select – and wear – three new season Little Black Dresses from the new Autumn/Winter range, you can bet I leapt at the opportunity.
The three dresses I’ve chosen to feature today cover nearly all conceivable scenarios – from weekdays when you’re looking for an LBD to wear to work or for a lunch with girlfriends, through to more formal or dressy situations like dates, parties, work functions and family get togethers.
The look of each can be changed up easily with an easy shoe or accessory swap and being black, they’re all the perfect canvas for a pop of colour or print.
And most importantly, they are all super comfy to wear and will make you feel a million bucks.
So, without further ado, here are three fab frocks you’ll be wanting to Add To Cart stat.
The first is the Bounce Dress in black, $99.95.
Now some of you might be thinking this dress looks a little bit familiar and you’d be right – this is the Winter sister to the Tulip dress, which I featured on the blog here and which I love so much, I’ve got it in both black and navy.
This new long sleeve style is also made from a stretch jersey (95% rayon and 5% elastane), and has a really beautiful weight to it – it’s not thin and see through like some jerseys, but has a soft, substantial weight to it that enables the fabric to skim and drape JUST so.
Featuring a round neck and a full sleeve, the body of this dress has an empire line waist with a gathered detail and a tulip style shape through the hips. I was late to the tulip but have now embraced it – it is super flattering as it creates a shape around the waist and skims the top half while the skirt is fuller and doesn’t cling.
It feels like a dream on as well with it’s soft, jersey fabrication. The care instructions suggest a cold hand wash but I pop mine in a linen bag in a cold hand wash cycle and it’s fine. I can sometimes avoid running the iron over it too if I dry it on a hanger.
In terms of styling, this dress is one of those versatile wardrobe winners which you can dress down with trainers – as I’ve done below/above – or dressed up with heels/tights/boots for high Winter. Add a denim jacket to keep things casual or pair with your favourite printed scarf and Winter coat to dress it right up.
Finally, on the size front, this dress is available in sizes 8 to 22. I’m wearing a 12, the same size I wear in the sleeveless tulip style. This dress is also available in navy if you’re sorted in the LBD department. If you’re wondering about length too, I’m 175cm (5’9″) and this dress is just below my knees which I especially love in Winter when it’s colder!
The next dress I’m wearing is a brand new style that I KNOW you are going to love – it’s the Fit and Flare Knit dress, $109.95.
Where to start with this fab style?
There’s the flattering V neck and 3/4 length sleeves. TICK.
Then there’s the simple but stunning detail of the contrasting colour band which helps define the waistline, neck and sleeves – a small but effective detail that elevates this knit dress into much more interesting territory and breaks up the black.
It’s hard to go past the flattering fit and flare style and the soft, mid weight knit fabrication with stretch that makes it comfortable to wear as well. If you overheat in wool or don’t like the texture, this viscose blend is soft and feels lovely on the skin.
In this style I’m wearing a Large, mostly to accommodate my 14DD bust, and it’s available in sizes XS through to XXXL.
Styling wise, this dress presents so many options. Above I’ve paired it with black ankle boots but I’d also add black tights, a scarf and a bold coat/lip situation in high Winter where style and warmth are paramount.
For a completely different look, I’d wear a pair of suede or velvet heels or block heeled Mary Janes, a bold lip and statement jewellery.
Finally on to our last dress. If you’re looking for a dress that will slot in very nicely to your work or after five, as my Mum likes to call it, wardrobe – the V Neck Tulip dress in Black, $129.95 is your new Go To.
As a girl who loves a V Neck but not always the cleavage that comes with it – especially not for work – this higher V Neck Wrap style bodice with pleated detail is seriously ticking the boxes.
I think it strikes the balance between being flattering as well as being a style that is appropriate for work or other occasions where cleavage exposure is best avoided.
Likewise, the length – hitting me just below the knee – is perfect for professional or work situations or even just for coverage when it’s cooler.
It also features a concealed back zip and back kick pleat, flattering elbow length sleeves and for a flattering silhouette, a defined waistband with pleated skirt.
With it’s stretchy but structured fabric, it’s the perfect combination for work if you want the tailored look but also need to feel comfortable, making it the ideal work dress – which will also come in handy for dressy do’s – for me.
While it’s not lined it does have side pockets – YES – and is easy to care for, requiring a cold hand wash.
In terms of sizing, given it’s a straighter style I chose the 14 which does fit very comfortably but I might have also gotten away with the 12 I think, as sizing is on the generous side and the fabric does have some stretch.
Big thanks to Birdsnest who provided me with the frocks I’m wearing and sponsored this post. This post also contains some affiliate links. You don’t pay any extra and I earn a small commission. Read more in my Disclosure Policy here.
What’s your favourite style of LBD ? Which of the above would slot easily and happily into your Winter wardrobe?