Getting Shirty

Adidas Stan Smith, Cecile Copenhagen Top, Grazia

Yesterday was Tuesday. Tuesday is swimming night for the boys and Tuesday is also Grazia drop through the letterbox day. I have a subscription and I've had it for years - it's one of those things you take out when they have a good promotion and a good gift. I can't remember what the gift was, it was a long long time ago and a lot of Grazia's have passed through my letterbox since then and subsequently in to the recycling bin. I also have to admit when I got my Porter magazine subscription, I received an anti-cellulite pack as my promotional gift. Not impressed ... at all. 

Anyway, for the record, the number 2 hot story of the week in Grazia is shirt dresses. Good. Because I came across this cracking little number in Zara. If you've followed me for some time, you will know I love very simple designs like this - a touch of Toast, a touch of COS, a touch of Margaret Howell, a touch of APC. All my dreams in a dress come true (without the price tag). And it's a shirt dress which looks like a dress and not just an oversized shirt as it's slightly a-lined. Oh and did I mention the pockets? It has luverly big pockets :))))

Can you tell how I really really like this?

For summer, I will be wearing it along these lines. It's one of those dresses where you don't need to over accessorise. Simple ... err ... like me.

1. Mango Silver Leather Bag

2. Jigsaw Lorna Sandals

3. Zara Tunic with Slanted Pockets

4. New Look Abstract Print Scarf

5. Oasis Capri Leather Sandals

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And these are a few other shirt dresses which have caught my eye : a shirt dress takes on many guises you know and not everyone wants to wear a short blue floaty number like mine!

Uniqlo Cotton Linen Check Dress

1. Saltwater Silver Classic Sandals

2. H&M Beige Sunglasses

3. Zara Tasselled Bucket Bag

4. Uniqlo Cotton Linen Check Dress

5. Jigsaw Navy Blake Leather Backpack

6. H&M Black Sunglasses

7. White Leather Converse

This Uniqlo one is a good take on those shown in Grazia. Style with a pair of white trainers to keep the look fresh and young - the Converse in the all white leather particularly appeals. The Jigsaw navy and black backpack is very contemporary and I'm liking the clean lines on it. Or you could go very Margaret Howell SS16 and pair the dress with some Saltwaters. I picked the silver ones here in the "Classic" style with the buckle as opposed to the "Originals" seen here. Both lovely but the buckle adds a little something for me. Oh yes and simplest of all, style with some ballet pumps for a touch of Audrey. And a basket ;o)

Whistles Longline Shirt Dress

1. Massimo Dutti Raffia Tote

2. Mondaine 38mm Watch

3. Topshop Wave Flatform Sandals

4. Whistles Longline Dress

5. Whistles Check Tote

6. French Connection Sunglasses 

7. Silver Superga Trainers

This one reminds me a lot of my Vila shirt dress seen here. On the Whistles website, this is styled with the RADA suede flatform sandals in beige suede - it needs something like this to keep it looking modern rather than safari or institutional. I've opted for the black Topshop Wave Flatform sandals which are a little more affordable and come with good reviews. And somewhere I don't normally look but I've seen a few pieces which have interested me - Massimo Dutti. This Raffia tote with the dark finish trims has clean lines whilst keeping the whole look still summery and a simple Mondaine watch completes that look. Or go for a picnic in a pair of silver Supergas and a big check tote. Don't forget the sunnies! These red ones from French Connection are currently reduced and add a bit of welcome colour to the whole look to keep it looking interesting.

Gap Wrap Tie Stripe Shirt Dress

1. H&M Jute Handbag

2. Zara Black Hat

3. Mango Espadrille Chunky Sandal

4. Gap Stripe Shirt Dress

5. Mango Front Lapel Backpack

6. Other Stories Orange Sunglasses

7. Next Cross Strap Mules

I love the front tie waist detail on this shirt dress which also happens to come in a lighter blue colour way. That little detail hides so many sins - like all the doughnuts I scoff. But it's such an easy dress to accessorise. I like the dark tones on the left with the black hat against the navy of the dress and I like how this would make a perfectly chic city outfit. And then on the right, we have the lighter more fun accessories with the orange sunglasses and the red bag. And the white mules are the perfect footwear to tie the whole look together. Mules are not for you - bob on your Stans!

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Last Note :

• For information, I'm wearing a size medium in the Zara dress and I am a size 10 and 5ft 1.5" and it finishes on my knee. 

• It's a linen viscose mix and is very soft and possibly a little on the sheer side but you can just about get away with it. But hey I've stocked up on slips (I'm a closet nana)