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3rd September 2015

The three second rule

Fashion - By Alexandra Stedman
Dress: £39.99, Zara. Belt (so old, I don’t even remember where it’s from!). Bag: Anya Hindmarch (old). Sandals: Dune (old)

When trying on clothes, I have a three second rule. If I don’t love it within those seconds and see a multitude of outfits I can incorporate the piece into within the time it takes me to take it off again, I don’t buy it. 

But sometimes, it does take me a little longer…but there is something in me that knows it can work. The exact thing happened with this dress, I bought it in a rush whilst shooting in town and when I tried it on at home in my slippers and wearing no make-up – it just didn’t look chic. It’s a funny length that screams heels and the waist needed some ‘cinching’ to say the least. The super high neck made me feel claustrophic and I looked like a Grandma (and not in a good way).

But yet, I didn’t take it back…

But the reason it looks like nothing in my wardrobe was the selling point for me. I feel grown-up, but in the best possible way – I knew I had some old rhinestone heels tucked away in my wardrobe somewhere to add the right amount of ‘bling’, and with a small bag (that carries nothing) and a splash of a red lip – the dress came into its own.

A ladylike dress is a key style for A/W, as are winter florals, and long sleeves are a bonus for me. Great for after work chicness:

Dress, £55, Topshop

I hate having too much flesh on show in the winter and the sleeves make it feel less ‘dressy’. But how do you wear it if you are a tomboy at heart? Well, I tried that too.

Dress: £39.99, Zara. Denim jacket: J Crew (old but buy similar from Asos here). Trainers: £65, Adidas. Bag: Anya Hindmarch (old)

Despite its midi length, it actually looks good with trainers – and that’s a winning combo for me. The lip is also my new beauty secret – a £5 chubby stick from Accessorize – it’s a much more punchy orangey/red than others and it suits my skintone more than most. It’s really moisturising too – £5 was never better spent!

By Alexandra Stedman

Fashion Editor, Blogger, Realist

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Comments

  1. Sue says

    3rd September 2015 at 7:23 am

    Love! I love both versions and yes some things are slow burners and you can't quite put your finger on what it is about them but isn't it great with a little thought and the right accessories – what magic happens?

  2. Wonky Lauren says

    3rd September 2015 at 12:12 pm

    I really like it. Black floral is my fave pattern x

    Wonky Lauren

  3. Alexandra Stedman says

    3rd September 2015 at 7:15 pm

    I usually don't like things I have to style up too much – I'm much too simplistic – but feel triumphant when it works! x

  4. Nina says

    3rd September 2015 at 7:28 pm

    When I saw this dress on you, I immediately fell in love! Must seek tommorow in Zara, hopefully my Zara has it! P.s-love your hair, lipstick, blog!

  5. Jessica says

    4th September 2015 at 8:38 am

    Just found this blog & it is an AMAZING! outfit..

    Custom Made Shoes for style and fashion.

  6. Victoria Danaher says

    4th September 2015 at 5:06 pm

    love the 3 second rule but to be honest it takes me longer than 3 seconds to even comprehend whats going on. lol.

    http://www.assessorise.com

  7. Avenue 57 says

    4th September 2015 at 5:46 pm

    I have a similar dress so I love how you've styled it because I can now steal these looks!

  8. Alexandra Stedman says

    4th September 2015 at 10:42 pm

    Aaah thank you so much! Hope you find the dress x

  9. Alexandra Stedman says

    4th September 2015 at 10:42 pm

    Ha!

  10. Alexandra Stedman says

    4th September 2015 at 10:43 pm

    So pleased! As it's so obviously ladylike I think it's good to show a 'different' side to it- might try a chunky jumper over it next x

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