Fashion Blog: Easy Pieces... T By Alexander Wang Silk Shirt Dress

Everyone wishes to have a section of their closet full of "easy pieces" ie. items that you can put on and they just look great what ever you are doing that day, from work and dashing about to lunch or checking out a gallery or museum (what ever the weather!). Pieces you can add layers to for warmth or just wear as they are without loss of style.

The top half of this dress is a delicate silk, the bottom half is a double layer silk crepe de chine.

I spotted this sleek T By Alexander Wang silk-georgette and crepe de chine dress on TheOutnet.com Was £205. Now £92.50 55% off. UK only, not available in the USA. The Outnet is my "go to" place for great quality pieces at the right price, you get more than what you pay for. Each time I have looked there has been an enticing range of easy pieces that you can literally slip on a go out looking smart and polished, even when opting for a more relaxed look.

I feel very satisfied when I find a beautiful piece of clothing that is not only cut well, finished well and of a quality fabric. I just know if it fits right it will be worn again and again.

I added my camel cashmere coat to the dress ...

I have already worn this dress to a relaxed party with friends that was partly outdoors and partly inside, it began in the afternoon and continued well into the evening.

I pulled the outfit together with a pair of Chloe dark brown leather boots.

The textured leather, prominent stitching and chunky hardware adds a tough edge to a delicate fabrics.

The versatility of this dress resulted in a smart look with Chloe dark brown leather boots from a few years ago (buy similar at Past Season Site Yoox.com) and my cherished New York Industrie camel cashmere coat (buy similar here) purchased 14 years ago. The coat could be slipped on and off without loosing the polished look I had planned, the boots kept my legs warm and added a relaxed element to the outfit as well as a nice tough texture against the luxe silk and cashmere.

Fashion Blog: Not to be missed! Up to 70% off MICHEAL Micheal Kors at The Outnet

Just in at TheOutnet.com. A whole sublimely glamourous collection of great every day pieces from MICHEAL Micheal Kors with upto 70% off. Perfect and wearable, at value prices. Couturenet picks good investment items in classic Micheal Kors neutral colours...

High Street Luxe Find: H&M Shirt Dress (Yes another shirt dress!)

This H&M shirt dress (above image) is a super skin flattering colour for summer, a wardrobe staple for everyday with tan leather and a holiday essential.

Spotting this could not have happened at a more opportune moment, I was loving and on the tip of buying the Rag & Bone Ohara Shirt Dress £263.77 / $415.00 (bottom image) when next in Colorado.

I bought the H&M dress online and await delivery, it was a bargain too, reduced from £29.99 to £14.99, the delivery charge is their standard £3.90, but I did get the added 10% off one item discount for signing up to their email newsletter, total £15.14.

Looking at the H&M Dress online I think I will have to tidy up the hem at the bottom of the dress but I do love the unfussy pockets, slinky silk like fabric, nice shoulder detail and casual but elegant sleeves. I have tan leather accessories ready to add to this dress.

Investment piece? Perhaps for one season - it may not last - more like a functional chic piece. It certainly will be worth the price paid as I can see it worn time and time again. A great style buy too as the V neck option (undo a few buttons) elongates the body for a slimmer taller silhouette.

Object of Desire...

Rag & Bone Ohara Shirt Dress £263.77 / $415.00

Shopbop.com

Quality Value Alternative...

H&M Shirt Dress £29.99 reduced to £14.99

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UPDATE: Rag & Bone Exclusives at ShopBop - they ship worldwide!

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Fashion Blog: Luxe High Street Find : H&M Shirt Dress for £24.99

High Street Find. A surprisingly well constructed Shirt Dress from H&M £24.99, in stores now to buy.

Whilst I am not expecting it to be a durable classic, the qualities I noted that made me buy this dress are: 1. Looks like matt silk. 2. Good fit across shoulders, underarms and sleeves (the sleeves are roomy). 3. Nice seams, quality metal buttons and a good length. The whole dress hangs nicely. Side seams are fluid and sit flush to your figure. If the quality lasts until spring 2011, it is on trend with the DKNY SS2011 Collection when I will add one of the gorgeous DKNY big scarves.

I have worn this all day to run errands, it has stood the test of a day, styled with quality accessories to bring this dress up to the mark. I have kept the original tie belt that came with the dress, but I will be substituting this for a dark brown leather belt, the Alexander McQueen Wide Classic Belt, a perfect investment belt that will go with everything and revive many archived classics.

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