Danielle Vanier: The Monroe Knows LBD

10.12.14

The Monroe Knows LBD

We are forever on the hunt for that perfect LBD and depending on the time of year, how we're feeling or the occasion that perfect dress can differ dramatically. Ladies, it's party season and I urge you to flaunt that beautiful body of yours... enter, the Amber dress from independent retailer, Monroe Knows.

Monroe Knows is a new online boutique and if you take a look on their site, you will see a small signature collection of well made, competitively priced dresses ranging in sizes 18-26, with this range being increased to 16-32 in 2015 *huzzah!* Now that is a range of sizes that makes me happy!

This is the sort of dress that commands attention! I felt absolutely incredible in it I must say. It accentuates my curves, yet the ruched fabric is mega flattering and I love how it nips me in at the waist. The longer sleeve is perfect for winter as well. If there was one thing I would change about the design, it would be the length. I like that it covers my knees but I would personally prefer it if it was a little shorter. In regards to sizing, I chose my usual size and it's spot on! Figure hugging yet it doesn't show all your wobbly bits.

Under garments with a dress like this are very important. I have a favourite piece that I always wear and I can't recommend it enough. It's by shape wear specialists Maidenform and you can buy it here from Yours Clothing. It is a great item to have as it smooths you out but it isn't really restrictive and you can actually breathe in it!

Seeing as it is party season I glammed this dress up and went all out with the styling. I chose my comfy wide fit heels, my Going Out Out bag, faux fur stole, old Asos Curve belt and old River Island earrings. I have had this beautiful eagle chain back brooch for a long time and haven't worn it until now but now I've taken it for a spin I will be adding it to a lot more outfits in the future. It's from online boutique Habbibis Jewellery Box and it's available here.

Photographs by Gemma Bellfield

SHOP MY LOOK

Dress - Monroe Knows

Belt - ASOS Curve (similar here)

Heels - New Look

Clutch - Dorothy Perkins (similar here)

Eagle back brooch - Habbibis Jewellery Box

Lipstick - diego dalla palma

Have a little look at the Monroe Knows site and let me know what you think. Will you be treating yourself to this little black dress or maybe one of the other styles has caught your eye. Keep checking back here for my second Monroe Knows outfit posts as well - it's another good'un.

*This post was written in collaboration with Monroe Knows but all views/words are my own.