Simply does it

The latest addition to my collection of dresses has been screaming non stop for an outing since I got it. Apparently, today was the day.

We spent the afternoon of my dearest's birthday wandering about town in the sunshine, visiting fave record stores, and grabbing a quick bite. We picked up a mountain of cakes (see far below) in the best confectionery, then headed back home with the loot.

What better way to celebrate a special date than with a bit of day glam? I skipped on the make-up and popped on the sunnies instead.

The photos don't do the dress justice, but the base colour is antique beige, with a triple stripe print in terracotta, mocha and navy, and the skirt has double pleats.

The dress is mostly 1940s inspired (a reminder of classic tea dresses and shirt dresses), with a touch of 1950s (when sleeveless was more common, but the skirt is definitely not as full), and I remember my aunties wearing similar midi-length ones in the early 1980s too.

Now, when wearing a statement dress, adding just about any jewellery is risky business, but if you have any good ideas in that department, let me know. A fine owl necklace maybe... next time.

Here's how I styled the dress today:

Belted dress: Pull & Bear, shoes: Faith, bag: Promod, sunglasses: Zara

1. SHOES: 1970S RETRO

I love retro and platform shoes, but haven't been very lucky to find really good ones out there for myself. These 1970s style beauties, however, are sort of perfect, in navy suede and leather, with chunky heels, so you I can tell they will be out and about a lot in the next few months. This time, I was sure I wanted platforms, but any fine wedge shoes or sandals will do the job.

Shoes: Faith

2. BAG: BOHO SHOPPER

Since today I needed stuff to carry around, I chose an embroidered shopper in navy, with choc brown braided leather handles for a bit of 1970s hippy chic, but classic or coloured satchels are the perfect alternative, especially in smaller sizes.

Shopper: Promod

3. COVER-UP: A FITTED CARDI

I put this camel cardi in the shopper for the way home, in another nod to the 1940s/1950s housewife feel of the dress. And why not? We have lived to see the time when it's OK to do double denim, so I say it should be just as fine to work double retro.

Dress and shoes, as before. Cardi: Mexx.

And now for the birthday feast!