I was in London over the weekend for 100% Optical. This is the largest optical event in the UK and over 8000 professionals attended to learn, network and to see the latest products and technologies. It took place at ExCel and, despite it being in its fifth year, it was the first time I’d been. The event ran from Saturday-Monday with the highlight being a Black Tie awards ceremony on the Sunday evening. As you might know, I write a monthly column for the professional journal Optometry Today and because of that, I was part of the judging panel. But more of that, including the stunning dress I wore in the next blog post.
Ian and I travelled down on Saturday and headed over to ExCel that afternoon. We met up with a few friends and colleagues and had a look around. Because I knew we’d be going for drinks and dinner afterwards, I wanted to wear something suitable for both conference and cocktails. I decided upon a gorgeous red lace top and skinny jeans.
Red Lace Top With Swallows and Hearts
We stayed at Novotel London Excel which had a very nice bar area and pizzeria.
And wonderful views over the docklands and the Millennium Dome.
The red lace has the most beautiful swallows and hearts in the design. Wouldn’t it be perfect for a Valentine’s Day date too? (It’s from the Boden Clearance, reduced from £90 to £27. At the time of writing, most sizes are available and it’s available in cream too).
The grosgrain bow is super pretty and the sleeves are the ultimate in pretty feminine detail. The shade of red is my favourite, very bright with a slight orange undertone. This is the exact same colour as my favourite lipstick, Dior Rouge 999 (I’ve linked this further down too with the rest of my outfit).
Now, true fashionistas are no longer wearing skinny jeans, but I’m not ready to reliquish mine. And I’m not a fashionista anyway. I like the neat silhouette. These are actually described as denim leggings and they’re stretchy, comfortable and easy to wear. Exactly what I wanted.
The Red Boots
Aren’t the *red kitten heel boots fabulous? They’re very comfy and add a touch of spring’s bold colour to a grey, windy day. I’ve worn fishnet socks a few times now, (last time was with flat shoes), and it always surprises me how much warmth they add. Not only that, they’re infinitely more stylish than normal socks.
An outfit to kick any January blues well and truly into touch.
[shopr_shopthepost collection=”red-lace-top-post” title=”Shop This Look”]
Business and Pleasure
One of my roles at 100% Optical was to select my three favourite frames from the thousands there, to talk about on camera. Of course, in the interest of research I simply had to try them, something I could never tire of.
After a brilliant afternoon and evening, Ian and I headed away to get tapas and to enjoy a much-appreciated few hours alone.
Don’t forget my new Get The Look page. I’ve put pictures with links of everything I have worn in my style posts, (clothes, accessories, jewellery, lipsticks), that are currently available to buy. This page saves you trawling through the archives if you’ve seen something you like in a previous post and want to know if it’s still available.
My next blog post will be all about the black-tie awards ceremony so keep an eye out!
Disclosures:- I am a paid Brand Ambassador for STEPPER Eyewear - I am a paid Columnist and Content Creator for Optometry Today - Like most blogs, some posts contain affiliate links (from which I make a small commission if you make a purchase). Such links are identified with an asterisk *- Gifted items and PR samples are identified as such either in the the body of post or in the notes section at the foot of the post - Shop my looks, eyewear and homeware here: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/whatlizzyloves - Thank you for reading and supporting my blog.
18 comments
Super outfit Lizzy! I love the way you teamed the red boots with the top. I’m not a fan of pop socks but the overall look is fab!
Oh thank you so much Hayley. I know exactly what you mean about pop socks. I don’t know if it makes any difference but these are ankle length, rather than knee length. I wouldn’t wear knee length but I like these short ones xxxx
I love this outfit! Such a stylish way to dress up jeans. The fishnet socks are such a fresh addition.
Thank you so much Kim. The fishnets make a change don’t they! xxx
Oh LORDY Liz what a steal that red lace top was – it’s absolutely beautiful!! Such a simple but uber stylish outfit with great little touches like the fishnet socks and red boots.
It’s looks like you had a wonderful time, what a wonderful backdrop the Millennium Dome provides! I think I too would have been trying on all the glasses…!! 😉
Catherine x
Thank you Catherine. It was an absolute steal yes. I haven’t shopped at Boden for a while. It’s made me realise how much I love it. We did have an amazing time thank yo. Such a fun way to work! xxxxx
I love your lace top, it’s beautiful! And the whole look is perfect.
Thank you Josep-Maria. You’re always very kind xxx
A beautiful outfit! Red is a great color and as well your top as your booties are fabulous 😉
https://4highheelsfans.wordpress.com/2018/01/27/classic-is-eternal/
Thank you very much. I love red, especially red footwear. It’s always such a happy colour xxxx
I adore a red lip on you Liz & this lace top is perfect with it! It sounds like the perfect mini break, even though you were “working” 😉
xx
Thank you Michelle. It was a brilliant mini break and was the most enjoyable work ever I think! xxxx
Lizzy this is the first time I have seen your blog and I have been inspired to order the top in both the colours, I already have boots in both colours too bought in Marks and Spencer sale. I liked the fishnet socks as not always sure what to wear with boots when too cold for bare feet and socks look too juvenile or casual. Primark have quite a few of these in and I think I will try some. Thanks for your inspiration on such a wintry day 😻
Thank you so much Lorraine and thank you for reading. The top is absolutely beautiful isn’t it and such a good price. And yes, it’s hard to know what to wear on the feet. I find that the fishnets make such a difference to the comfort and warmth and they look grown-up too. Thank you again xxxxx
Gorgeous outfit, Lizzy! And I can now see that the jeans are in fact blue and not black lol! LOVE the top… love the photos. I love London… I wish I had the opportunity to visit more often!
Suzy xx
http://www.suzyturner.com
hee hee!! Thank you Suzy. yes, they are indeed blue but definitely look very dark on the insta picture! I love London too and no matter how often I go, I never lose the buzz. We’re lucky to have such a stunning and vibrant capital city xxxx
Oh this is such a fabulous outfit Lizzy and you look so gorgeous in it. Love your new blog layout too! xxx
Thank you very much Maria. I’m so pleased with the new layout too. It’s lovely to give things a facelift isn’t it!! xxx