In the House in a Heart Beat

Now you're not going to believe this, but I actually have an outfit post for you today! And no, your eyes do not deceive you! Don't all pass out at once!

I know outfit posts have become extremely scarce here this Winter, and it's really frustrating that I can't supply these type of posts on a regular basis at the moment, like I used to do when I started this blog. I can't even promise you that things will change, at least not for the foreseeable future. I feel so unreliable!

I've only been dressed two or three times since the new year, and apart from a trip to Hobbycraft and another to the supermarket in the last week, I've been fully confined to bed so far this year. The pain has been particularly intense, and it's been pretty much impossible to tolerate out of bed; so getting dressed has kind of gone out the window. I've also not seen much daylight these past few months. I rarely sleep more than an hour and a half at a time, which is exhausting and leaves me dozing on and off throughout the day often through to five or six pm. So, of course, taking photos for outfit posts is rather difficult to achieve right now. Hopefully as the evenings get brighter, it will be much easier to bring you outfit posts on a regular basis; they are supposed to be the main feature of my blog, after all!

In the mean time... I have the most beautiful dress to show you today. A dress which is one of the most perfect dresses I've ever owned, and it's without a doubt my new personal favourite. I got the dress over a week ago but I've been holding off sharing it, because I had hoped to take clear photos outside in daylight, but with the crazy weather showing no signs of letting up, and everything else going on, it's just not been possible. I really hate taking outfit photos indoors because my camera just isn't good enough for them, and the freckles on my face always turn in to shadows, but I wanted you to see this dress before it sells out, so they'll have to do for now. The quality of the photos isn't great, but I hope you don't mind too much. (Also, apologies for my hair; I got a little soaked in the rain!)

The dress is by Alice & You for ASOS, and I can honestly say that it's one of the most perfect dresses I've ever worn in my life. I loved it the moment I laid eyes on it, but I never expected it to be quite this lovely. It's far more beautiful in real life than it appeared on the model, and the skirt is definitely longer than the one she models. I know she's much taller than me, but it does appear to have a few inches less fabric in the product photos.

On 5'6'' tall me, it sits about knee length, which is my preferred length for this style of dress. It has the perfect fit and flare shape; with a fitted (but comfortable) waist, and a floaty, flared skirt, which I just can't stop swishing. It's made from a medium weight viscose, with the most adorable Peter Pan collar, and a fantastic heart print design. Oh, the heart print! I'm so in love with it. 

It's a lovely alternative to the classic polka dot dress, and a little more grown up than your average red or pink heart print design.  I think I already love this dress as much as my yellow polka dot frock! 

Apparently, I'm a tea pot!

I sized up for comfort, because I like a little extra room to breathe at the waist, but it really wasn't necessary; although it's fitted, it does have some stretch and your usual size should be fine. It looks a little big on top in these photos, but it's actually pretty well fitted, apart from being a little loose at the arms, but that doesn't bother me as I always cover up with a cardigan. 

The dress comes in UK sizes 18-28, and I think it would accommodate any of you who are generous in the boob department; there's plenty of room up top. It costs a purse-friendly £25, which is fantastic for such a gorgeous, good quality dress!

I think it would be the perfect dress for Valentine's Day, whether you're loved up, looking for love, or celebrating your happy single life with your girlfriends. (Or whatever your Valentine's situation may be!)

Outfit Details

Dress-Alice & You at ASOS // Cardigan-Next // Tights-Evans // Brooch-Cath Kidston

I'm also wearing a red cardigan from Next, black opaque tights from Evans, and a toadstool brooch from Cath Kidston. The cardigan is a little baggy, and I'm now on the look out for a more fitted alternative, as I like wearing red and black together. I need a cropped red cardi for the summer!

When I wore this outfit out to the supermarket last week, I also wore black studded ankle boots and my black Russian Doll bag with it. You'll probably see this dress worn as a proper outfit soon. 

I absolutely adore this dress, and and I recommend you snap one up before it goes! I know I'll be wearing mine to death. I'm really hoping that Alice & You will bring out other designs in this shape this season, because it's one hell of a dress! I'll certainly be keeping my eyes pealed.

You can buy their plus size clothes (18-28) through ASOS, and their straight-size lines (8-18) through Dorothy Perkins.

Have you shopped with Alice & You before?