Over the past couple of years I have looked at and lusted over the Elsie dress from Lady V London.
The wiggle style dress had a beautiful design featuring a cross-over bodice and a waterfall ruffle down one side with a fitted feel to it.
Sadly it only went up to a size 22 and that was just no good for me at all.
So, you can imagine the excitement when Lady V London announced a new range of Elsie dresses which went up to 26/28. They were available on pre-order and what was even better was the multitude of patterns that the dress was available in.
The Elsie in Summer Bouquet
Of course, this made it a lot harder as I wanted them all!
Given that there was 14 to choose from, I had to whittle them down somehow. I did this by looking at the patterns in close detail, I discounted the ones that were too full on, garish or had elements in them that I didn’t like.
Eventually I got it down to four but knew even that was far too many.
My next step was think about the accessories that I already owned, such as my shoes and hats and try and get it down to just one dress. Did I manage to do it?
Well almost.
The Elsie Dress in Galway Green
I had a little birthday money left but not quite enough. However a little bird answered my prayers when Lady V posted a 20% off voucher which made things a whole lot easier.
In the basket went two Elsie dresses, The Galway Green and The Summer Bouquet.
Floral Fantastic
The fact that they were on a pre-order meant I didn’t know when they would be arriving. However, I wasn’t in a rush and it would be a nice surprise when they eventually turned up.
Imagine my surprise when less than two weeks later the dresses arrived on the doorstep.
So, were they as good as I hoped they would be?
Loving the Style
You bet your bottom dollar they were!
The dresses were vibrant, beautifully patterned and designed in a feminine yet slightly seductive style. The cross-over style top manages to cup the chest whilst stretching over the biggest boobs. The skirt drapes over the hips, clinging in the best of ways,
Added to that is the ruffle which detracts from a slighter larger tummy, if you are shaped like me.
Skims the Figure
Being only 5 foot tall, the dress sits at what I consider a perfect length, mid calf, For the taller ladies, it would be around an inch or two below the knee.
One of the best parts is the little cap sleeves. They cover the tops of the arms beautifully and hide some of the ‘bingo wings’ that I have, whilst not digging in or causing discomfort.
1940s Shaping
The dress has a invisible zip, however I found that the material is so stretchy that I was able to put it on over my head without needing to undo the zip at all.
Pairing the Elsie was an easy thing to do.
Quite a Fan
I had purchased a gorgeous green and white hat from Heritage Re-loved which was a perfect match to the Galway Green. Now all I needed to do was pair up the Summer Bouquet.
Matching Hat
Adding a stack of bangles, a handbag I bought at BCLM and some Lulu-Hun shoes and I was all set.
I have to admit, I absolutely love the silhouette this dress gives. It is both practical, comfortable yet very pretty and feminine.
It would be perfect for every event; from a casual lunch, to an evening at the theatre, to a weekend at a 40’s event.
Cups the Curves
All I need now is a couple of events to show them off at.
The dresses are all limited editions, however have a great sizing range from size 08 to 26/28. Given that the material is exceptionally stretchy, I could have probably sized down one or two sizes, which means it would definitely fit a larger body.
All of the prints are currently in the sale and range in price from £28 – £33, which is a great price. The quality truly is exceptional and worth every single penny. I might even start saving up for one or two of the other patterns.
Happy as a Clam
After all, when I find something that fits well, I get it in all the prints!
I just need a bigger dressing room.
Till next time,
SPSG xxx