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You might remember that I went into Phase Eight last summer to use the complimentary personal styling service and tried on lots of lovely occasion wear. There was such a great reaction to that post that the team in the Victoria Square store invited me in again this season to do another try on and it suited well as I have a lovely event coming up next week that I was struggling to dress for.
Up front, I'm not expected to blog about this try on but I am asked so often about occasion wear so I thought it would be good to have the photos saved onto the blog for future reference - many of these dresses will be available to buy for the next 2-3 months. You can also see the video of the try on over on my Instagram highlights - really helps to get a feel for the movement of the dresses.
As I mentioned above, the try on was done in the personal styling format that Phase Eight offer and following on from my last post, you'll know how much I support this. Basically it's a free, non obligation service that you book direct with the store nearest you. Items will be pulled in your size ready and waiting for you when you go in. You can then chose to have your Personal Stylist help you with the selection or as I did, just try them all on and make a decision yourself. It's a lovely way to shop and so relaxing - you get a much bigger changing room too as a bonus! The service can be booked for a specific occasion or for a simple wardrobe refresh.
Size-wise, I'm mostly wearing 10's here - I'll note where I'm not. I found the 10's in Phase Eight neat last summer so I'm not sure if the sizing is better or I'm in better shape?! I suspect the former because there were still a few 10's that were neat on me this time and I've noted that. Again, the benefit of working with the personal stylist is that she'll know which dresses are coming up bigger or smaller so you're not trying on the same dress multiple times and getting frustrated.
Some of the dresses I tried on are more casual and others more formal - I was mindful of the range of events and dress codes there are now. I also tried some with heels and some with trainers. Just to show how versatile a dress can be - always worth doing the trainer test if you're wondering how much wear you'll get from a frock.
Starting with a more casual option, this chambray midi dress hangs beautifully. It's fully lined and has pockets and I wished I could have tried it on with some tan wedges to show you how good that would look.
Willa Stripe Dress (this is a 12 - definitely comes up small)
I thought this next dress was a great option for work, casual and an occasion. I could just see it with red or orange accessories - belt, killer heels and a clutch.
Next up, and this one got lots of K-Middy comments on the Instagram Story. I could definitely see her in this cornflower blue pleated dress and her extra height (she has 2 inches on me at least) would bring it to a gorgeous point on the knee.
Moving on to some red dresses now and this first one is super flattering and I loved the wee slit at the front for a change. The material would require a spanx style smoothing pant underneath for me - the eye is drawn to that lower tummy area I feel.
Next up and this wrap-style dress is stunning and so flattering again. It's a jersey material but on the thicker side so it's not clingy at all and it's actually not a true wrap - it's just got that effect. The dress is joined across the waist, making it a more secure option to wear all day at work or at a wedding.
Moving to more of an orange shade of red now - Phase Eight call it 'Vermillion' and this spot dress is perfection for a summer event with its floating chiffon layers. It comes in two colours - the other shade is in the next photo, it's a more understated taupe colour that means it could work at multiple events.
Navy now and this dress looks like a two piece and I had several people who asked me for the link to the skirt when I shared it on Instagram. It's a one piece that looks like a two piece with a blouse effect top half and a heavy jersey skirt. So flattering and one that could be dressed up or down. Would work so well in the office:
Pure understated elegance next with this navy dress with ivory panel detail at the front. It's got a small cut out detail on the back also that you can see on the link. A stunning dress that is perfect for a wedding in cooler spring or autumn days
Next up, this one screams summer wedding...it would look so good teamed with pinks and lilacs. It's a semi-scuba kind of material so it doesn't cling too much.
Moving onto greens now and this is a dress version of the classic and popular Victoriana Jumpsuit. It's got a dipped hem at the back and beautiful frilled sleeves. The colour is brighter than my photo - a stunning emerald shade
And here is the famous Phase Eight Victoriana Jumpsuit in the Pine colour way. You can see on the link that it comes in tons of colours - some of which are on sale if you're on a budget. This is the one item from all I tried on that will take you to a black tie event as well as a wedding or a party. It's a great alternative to a gown and looks so edgy teamed with a sharp blazer and metallic accessories.
And I also tried it in this wedding friendly Ivory and Duck Egg - a gorgeous alternative to a dress with the added bonus of not needing to tan your legs!
The Stella Bow dress is a perfect mother of the bride/groom option and there's a matching jacket on this link. It also comes in the vibrant red colour on this link. I'm wearing the 12 here and it's a bit loose.
Finishing with my two favourites...first up, this floral dress had zero hanger appeal but it blew me away when I tried it on!
AND it passed the trainer test too!
AND the biker test!!
Biker and Trainers - my own
But then there was this Vermillion Red belted dress which I fell head over heels for. It's not as practical as the blue one but I wondered if the blue is a bit summery for March. I loved the cut and style of this one and the fabric is more substantial, making it better suited for spring. I also think it could be styled in several ways by using a different coloured belt and accessories. Leopard print or zebra print would be amazing with it. But it's quite dressy and I wouldn't wear it as much...what's a girl to do?!
I'll leave you in suspense until Sunday when I go to my event - you'll see the reveal on social media first but I'll get some photos up here as soon as possible afterwards. Really looking forward to the day - not just the event but the fact that I'm spending it with a friend and we're having an overnight stay too!
Thanks to Gabby, the Personal Stylist in Phase Eight, Victoria Square for inviting me in once again. I wasn't paid to do this try on but I was gifted the dress of my choice afterwards.
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