Twenty years ago, in the summer of 1996, I graduated from Aston University, Birmingham, after completing a science degree in optometry along with almost a hundred others who’d been on the same course. Today, some of us are returning to campus to have dinner together and to celebrate what is, without question, a landmark in all of our lives. We are dining and staying at Conference Aston and it’s set to be an evening of reminiscing, catching up, eating, drinking and dining and I cannot wait.
I’m travelling by train (to avoid Bank Holiday traffic) and wanted to wear something that was suitable for travelling in but that I can also wear to meet friends this afternoon before I change for the event proper.
You may remember that this denim shirt dress was one of my picks in the Boden mid-season sale that I wrote about last month. I ordered it at the time, but it was on a delay until earlier this week. To me, it is the perfect combination of style and, because I can wear it with brogues, practicality. (It’s worth noting that the reviews suggested sizing up. I am always a UK 10 in Boden, but ordered a 12 in the long length and it’s perfect, so I agree with this advice).
My bag is the Alexa Grab from Ilex London and it is in the most beautiful clay colour which to me is the perfect pinky neutral. It is ideal for both daytime and evening and the strap is detachable. The leather is soft, supple and absolutely divine and I’ll be taking it to dinner this evening.
I’m still utterly in love with my pink brogues (they are currently reduced to £40 from £60) and I think they look as good with nude tights (it is waaaay too cold for bare legs) and a dress as they do with jeans.
I’m hoping to get some photographs while I’m there which I’ll share later in the week in a blog post but keep an eye on Instagram for sneak peeks of this evening’s outfit.
To those in the UK, have a lovely bank holiday weekend and Happy Sunday to those who aren’t.
Love Liz x
Outfit details:
Denim dress, Boden £76.50
Bee T-bar bracelet by Danon at Lizzy O £29
Double star ring in silver (also available in matt gold) by Danon at Lizzy O £25 (sign up to my monthly newsletter at the right hand side of my blog for exclusive subscriber discounts for Lizzy O).
*Tan and White Watch, Uncle Jack £75
*Alexa Grab Bag in Clay, Ilex London £235
Hamble Oak brogues in peach combi, Clarks. Currently reduced to £40 from £60
Linking with:
I Will Wear What I Like/ Visible Monday/Shoe and Tell/ Brilliant Blog Posts/ Fun Fashion Friday/ Top of the World Style/ Fresh Fashion Forum/Elegance and Mommyhood/
Disclosure: My Alexa bag was a gift from Ilex and my watch was a gift from Uncle Jack. All opinions are 100% honest and all content is my own. I was not obliged to blog about these items nor did I receive any payment for writing this post. Thank you very much for supporting the brands that support What Lizzy Loves.
24 comments
I have discovered Boden recently (sorry, i am french ;+) and I love their outfits and shoes (very comfy, even with high heels). Those that you are wearing are so cute (but most of your shoes are !!).
Thank you. Yes, Boden do beautiful shoes and I always find them comfy as you said too xxx
I love your whole outfit! I am struggling with dresses/skirts at the moment as black opaques seem too wintry now yet it is so cold! I will have to try nude tights as they look like a good alternative. The bee bracelet is so pretty and is one of my firm favourites along with the bee necklace – definitely among my best buys this year! xxx
Thank you Bee. Yes, I agree. I try to put my opaques into hibernation at the start of April, but it is just too cold for bare legs. I have been wearing nude tights that are only 7 denier and are a "nude" colour rather than tan because I'm so fair-skinned. From a distance, they look very natural. I'm so glad you love your bee necklace. I do too xxxx
Lovely denim dress, there are so many of these about at the moment! Gorgeous little bee as well 🙂 Jane X
http://arthursmum.com
Thank you. Yes, they are popular this season. I think they're a good transitional choice and could be worn with either opaque tights or with bare legs xxx
Lovely look – and a great new versatile dress. Love those pale brogues! xo
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Thank you Patti. Yes, a very versatile dress and I think I will be able to wear it throughout the year xxxx
I love a good denim dress – your picks from Boden are all gorgeous!! I just got a sleeveless denim dress too and so excited to get it!
Abby | Life in the Fash Lane
Thank you Abigail. Ooh, I bet you can't wait! It sounds lovely xxx
At last! Someone else who wears (and owns up to) nude tights on cooler days.
Me too!!
I am a bit late to the denim dress party but I have just bought one and have been looking for ideas outside my usual style box.
This dress and brogues look is perfect….I love brogues but now need a nude pair!
XXX
Samantha
fakefabulous.com
Haha! Yes, I'm very "out and proud" about nude tights!!! It is way too cold for bare legs but I feel it is too late in the season for opaques. A very sheer pair can look very natural.
Thank you- it was a very practical outfit for running between platforms! xxx
Awesome outfit Elizabeth! I agree that brogues look fantastic with the denim dress!! WOW– I can't event tell you are wearing tights!
Thank you very much Christina. Yes, from a distance the tights look very natural. I always have to get the palest possible shade though because I am so fair-skinned! xxx
Such a great look and fabulous dress!
Thank you very much Amy. I'm so pleased with the dress xxxx
I love a great denim or chambray shirt dress. IN fact, I think I have three (one is polka dotted!). And your pink brogues are fabulous! I love the ribbon laces…they make the shoes that much more fun and interesting.
Shelbee on the Edge
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Thank you very much Shelbee. This is the first dress of this kind I've had but I can already see how versatile it will be.Your polka dotted one sounds fabulous! xxx
Absolutely gorgeous!! That dress is really cute and you're right, it looks perfect with the (my favourite) brogues!
Suzy x
http://www.suzyturner.com
Ah, thank you Suzy. I'm always so pleased when I an wear my brogues! xxx
You are so cute! I love this whole outfit!
http://www.mylittlenest.org
Thank you so much Ruth. That's so kind of you to sAY SO XXX
I love denim shirt dresses, but have yet to purchase one. I love that the brogues add a feminine touch. xxx
http://www.justemma.co.uk – natural beauty, affordable fashion, everyday life
What a great look and love those shoes!
Thank you for being a part of TBT Fashion link up and hope to see you soon!
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com