I’ve never been hugely fussed about designer clothing. When it comes to shoes, bags and jewellery, I can attempt to justify a designer purchase. But clothing? Sure, I like nice quality pieces… but I’m not really bothered about what’s in the label.
Late last year I did some work with evian, who have just launched their latest fashion designer collaboration in the form of a beautiful glass bottle (of evian, natch) created by Diane von Furstenberg. As a thank you for the work I did for them, I was sent a DvF dress.
Dress, Diane von Furstenberg c/o evian | Leather jacket, Michael Kors via TK Maxx | Boots, Bertie | Snood, Accessorize | Bag, Mulberry | Ring, Primark | Lipstick, All About Me by Topshop
… and just like that, my opinion on designing clothing changed. Because, well – look at it! It’s a classic DvF jersey wrap in a ‘tiger eye’ print – yes, those are hundreds of tigers’ eyes staring at you. The softest material, the most flattering fit, and it has LONG SLEEVES. I love dresses with long sleeves!
Wrap dresses can so easily stray into dowdy territory, so I chose a bright, unusual print (like I said, tiger eyes) and usually team it with leather accessories and high, high heels.
I’ve worn this exact outfit for so many smart/casual occasions – it was a lifesaver over Christmas and a few tweaks to the accessories mean it works for everything, from a Date Night dinner to a day in the office.
The original price of this dress was £335 which is rather eye-watering, but it’s just been reduced in the sale to a far more palatable £167.50. And now I’m trying to work out how many more I can buy under the guise of ‘building an investment wardrobe’…
What do you think – do you own a designer dress? Would you splash the cash or save it for Zara?
I LOVE IT!!!! And the whole outfit!
xx J
Great post.I was lucky enough a couple years ago to find an unworn DVF dress for £4.50 in a charity shop!! After picking myself up off the floor (and doing a victory lap), I bought it and I’ve worn it several times. I know what you mean about the quality of the fabric – my dress is sooo soft. You look great in yours and I hope you get lots of wear out of it!
Michelle x
I love this outfit! Really like the print on the dress too! xx
Love this! Personally, I just couldn’t bring myself to spend that much on a dress, but it is lovely xx
Love it! I believe that you can find equally amazing clothes on the high street but I can justify buying designer bags!
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I’ve always struggled with wrap dresses. Having something of an ample busom I find wrap dress even in my chest size gape across the front, requiring either an under vest or a safety pin to preserve modesty. I’ve often wondered if high street stores are just skimping on the fabric and would a DVF dress be cut better. You and your dress look amazing.
The only designer dress i own is my ‘Odette’ Jenny Packham wedding dress. It was from a lovely (& very posh) bridal boutique, not one of her lines for Debenhams. * Wondering if it still fits*.
Oh and i was given a John Richmond dress as a thank you gift – never been worn.
You look lovely in your dress. LOVING the bag.
I’ve definitely starting investing more in clothing since I’ve started working and I’ve made a beeline for more quality pieces this sales season. I can’t quite bring myself to splurge on such things full price yet, but I’m certainly prepared to wait 6-10 months from first sight until purchase. You’ll see my finds on the blog soon!
That dress is lovely! Although I am always loathe to part with thr money my few designer items have had such good wear – and the quality of that dress looks fantastic.
I worship DVF- what a genius to invent something as simple as the wrap dress! The pattern on this is amazing. There are a few designers I would think about coughing up for (Christopher Kane…) but other than that, I’m a cheapskate. One of my favourite outfits is a £1.50 playsuit from eBay. x
You look great! I loooove the jacket with the dress as well!
xo
nathalista.blogspot.com
Beautiful dress, it really suits you plus what an amazing print!
I’m forever looking at designer clothes but still haven’t justified a piece yet like I can with designer shoes and handbags. However if you think about it in a cost per wear sense I should probably buy more designer dresses which I’d be likely to wear more often than cheaper Zara picks.
Hannah http://www.cagneyandlace.com Check out my Neom candle giveaway!
I’m weaning myself off buying everything I see because it’s cheap but I’m still far too much of a bargain hunter to spend designer money. I find ultimately I fall in love with things and then once they’re in my wardrobe, they’re somehow not the same – so I’d rather not have spent big bucks! Hannah x
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Gorgeous dress, I love the way you’ve put the outfit together 🙂
oh Jen, long hair suits you just perfectly!!color, fringe, waves- absolutely beautiful!
Perfect outfit! Just love that print…you look adorable!
DVF is one of my favourite designers. She always seems to get the balance between edgy and classic. I love this dress on you! And the locks are looking gorgeous too hon 🙂 x
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I think having a few nice, good quality items is a good idea. I have a designer bag at the moment as get so much wear out of it. A Zara bag can be around £60 so why not just save up and spend £300 if it’s something I really want. I always make sure I pay my bills first.
I treated myself to a few Whistles dresses in the sale recently and even though they were a tad pricey I’ve already worn them loads and they have washed really well x
That dress is gorgeous! It looks really good. I bet the quality is amazing. I can’t really afford this price tag at the moment but I definitely need to get out of my student Primark clothing rut now I am no longer a student or travelling!
What a BEAUTIFUL dress. I have a couple of designer pieces, but I’ve never paid full price for any of them…
I think every girl needs one designer dress in their lives – I’ve yet to find mine but I believe it’s out there. Every girl needs a dress that makes them feel extra special and that you make the effort to mix up into all sorts of different outfits for the ££ you may have spent on it. I love your one – it’s timeless yet quirky all rolled into one, and you can probably bet that you’d never have that ‘same dress’ dilemma at any given time.
Fabulous dress, the print is amazing! xoxo
It looks beautiful on you.
greetings from Nigeria…. lovely dress dear.
It looks great on you, I think I’d splurge on a designer dress for a very special occasion xx
Lucy Loves To Blog
That is gorgeous and I love how you gave it some edge with the wedges and leather moto jacket!
I love your dress 🙂
Frames For Glasses
The frames must be totally black for the thick frames to be stylish.