Little Black Dress: the Perfect LBD

Hello!

I was recently invited to the very swanky Manchester House restaurant for an evening of drinks, canapes and dresses with online retailer, Little Black Dress.

I was really excited about the evening as with party season fast approaching, there's so many occasions that warrant a new dress!

Little Black Dress sell an array of branded occasion and party dresses (not just black ones either...) and the evening was to mark the launch of their first, own exclusive range: The LBD Collection.

The range is a capsule selection of timeless black party dress styles, inspired by fashion icons past and present.

I was so thrilled after the event when I was able to choose my favourite. I chose the beautiful 'Diana' dress, inspired by an iconic dress worn by Princess Diana in 1994. I was instantly drawn the dress on the night after seeing it on one of the lovely LBD ladies and one of their models.

I still haven't found a special occasion to wear the dress so had to resort to taking some photos during a lonely night in- such a blogger thing to do!

Orb necklace- Vivienne Westwood (gift)

Black off-the-shoulder dress- Little Black Dress*

Vintage gold chain belt- Blitz Vintage, London

Fluffy black heels- eBay

I can't stress how gorgeous this dress is to wear. The bodice is all boned and the ruching makes it super flattering.

I accessorised it with this uh-mazing vintage gold chain belt I bought in London recently. I'd been looking for a belt like this for ages so was chuffed to find it. Even though I like to wear black a lot (a lot, a lot), I do love my gold accessories and jewellery so I love that the belt puts a little personal spin on the outfit.

I can't recommend the LBD collection enough. The dresses average at around £100 each but based on the dress I chose, they are really beautiful quality- far better than most high street brands. They are all very classic too, meaning you'll get plenty of wear out of the styles.

Have you spotted a favourite?

Manchester Arndale After Dark with TK Maxx

Hello!

On Thursday last week I took part in a top secret challenge- 'After Dark' with Manchester Arndale. Working with a few bloggers, the shopping centre issued us with one of their participating retailers with the task to choose the perfect party dress!

I was really pleased when it was announced that I'd been allocated TK Maxx. As a bit of a bargain hunter, I seriously love TK Maxx. Previously, I've loved TK Maxx for Christmas presents, shoes, underwear and gym clothes but this would be the first time that I would choose a going out outfit from the store.

Armed with my Arndale gift card (these make amazing Christmas presents as they can be used for any store!) I popped into TK Maxx to choose my dress. I must admit, I didn't find it easy. The stock rotates so quickly at TK that there's different items every time you go in. During the first visit, nothing much took my fancy, but on my second trip I found my perfect dress!

I chose a black (standard) lace dress with a chiffon skirt. I was so surprised when I checked the price after trying it on- it was such great value at just £14.99! A few of the more expensive pieces also caught my eye in store; when I visited they'd had a drop of Stella McCartney dresses!

My dress was looked after until Thursday's event for the big unveiling.

Our dresses were displayed for all of the After Dark guests to look at, before we were given makeovers and changed into our outfits.

After some mingling with some of my favourite blogging girls, sipping prosecco and indulging in gorgeous chocolates from Hotel Chocolat, a panel of judges including the lovely Victoria from In the Frow chose their top 10 party dresses of the evening.

Unfortunately my dress didn't make the top 10 but the dresses that were chosen were seriously beautiful. Here's where you can get involved; vote for your favourite online on the Arndale After Dark page for a chance to win a £100 Arndale giftcard to spend on a party outfit of your own!

Thank you to Manchester Arndale for a fantastic night and also to my retailer, TK Maxx.

Make sure you take a look and let me know your favourite dress from the bunch in the comments below!