The last time I went out out (not a typo Dad) was to Soho London for the Blogosphere Magazine issue launch. The dress code said “Dress up in what makes you feel most glamorous” which I love to do for a party that’s for sure. However as it was an unusually balmy evening coupled with the fact that I’d be indulging in a glass (or five) of Prosecco, I decided to wear flats.
Read – Swollen feet/Falling over. Oh sensible me where did you come from?
I know that doesn’t sound particularly glamorous either, does it? Hmmm…
How Can I wear flat sandals with an LBD?
Easily!
Really the only stipulation I would make is to ensure the LBD in question is long or midi length. So I wore a long black silk dress from AllSaints with my tangerine coloured Prada sandals & carried my Raoul black clutch. Very simple if it weren’t for the bright orange giving the outfit a burst of colour. I definitely felt dressed up yet I was safe in the knowledge I could navigate the steep stairs of the tube stumbling getting home later that night.
The little black dress I’m wearing in today’s post is not the one I actually wore to the launch, neither are these the sandals. You see the idea had me pondering the many ways I’ve actually worn this look over the years. So I decided to test the theory that flat shoes can be glamorous enough for a party.
Here’s what I came up with…
Keep the dress plain black although some kind of unique detail will elevate it’s status. That could simply be amazing fabric or an unusual cut such as a racer back or plunging neckline. My dress has both of these things in spades! It is cut in the style of a Cheongsam & the fabric has a shiny damask appearance. There is the added subtle detail of Cheongsam-like covered buttons at the front & rather high split on one side – Hello Mama…
I bought this dress in Paris specifically to wear to my 30th birthday party. Sporting a super cropped pixie cut & deep purple smoky eye I remember feeling bloody amazing as I stepped out to greet my guests at the venue. And you know what else? On my way there a woman stopped me in the street to tell me I looked stunning! I’ll never forget that, it was such an incredible gift & made me realise how much it means to be complimented by a perfect stranger. I’ve been doing it myself ever since & why not? A random compliment to a stranger will probably make that girls day yet costs me nothing – Try it, if you haven’t already.
At this particular time in my life I was actually living in Sydney & due for a change of scene. Getting itchy feet & feeling inexplicably unsatisfied I eventually moved back to London for the second time. I could never stay away long, London has always been my spiritual home. 
As usual the contents of my wardrobe dovetail the narrative of my life – Now back to this dress. From the Paris Sinequanone store which is still going strong 20 years on! Offering a very wearable collection even for an old bird like me Hahaha.
Obviously it would have been quite something to find the same cheongsam among their range, sadly it’s not to be. However I managed to find this long black dress equally as eye-catching. Although an entirely different cut it demonstrates my point perfectly that the right LBD will easily hold its own paired with flats – Agree?
Satin Leg Gloss & Pirate toes
So we move down to the sandals, but first you must try the phenomenal Satin Leg Gloss from Evolve Organic Beauty. I’m rarely excited about cosmetics especially leg lotions, yet this glorious gold gloss won me over the first moment I smoothed it onto my legs. It is LUSH ladies & smells divine!
In lieu of fake tan or to add a subtle golden sheen this Satin Gloss does exactly what it claims.
Finally, my shoes are Sam Edelman from Tkmaxx a cheeky £15 of turquoise comfort & joy. Am wearing Chanel Pirate red on my toes because I like a strong colour contrast between shoe & toe – Ya know? wink
Another outing for a most versatile cocktail ring from Marks & Spencer.
An update on our home improvement
I realise it’s been ages since I promised the reveal post of our new loft bedroom en suite. Unfortunately there have been a few issues, one particularly serious, that we’re still trying to resolve. If you follow my Instagram you’ll be aware of some venting on my part.
I haven’t decided how to proceed with the post as I’m feeling incredibly down hearted. Halfway through the build, work was clearly being messed up then patched up, rushed & poorly completed. I was growing more & more worried by what I was witnessing so decided to have a serious talk with our builder. He sat down opposite me at my kitchen table, looked me in the eye & promised to make sure it would all be completed to the highest standard.
He went on to say I shouldn’t worry or lose sleep because he knew what he was doing & he wouldn’t let me down. He actually said the words trust me.
Well he & his merry band of incompetent trades (excluding one man) have made a dogs breakfast of the finishes & left us with a hot water pipe on the outside of the house!
After 14 weeks they are gone but not forgotten, as we carry on correcting the mistakes they made.
The dodgy plastering has been “made good” by a wonderful decorator I found. Although it riles me that it would’ve been perfect were it done correctly in the first place!
Sadly there’s no hope for my beautiful Italian tiles, chipped & roughly cut. I wonder every day how long ’til we notice a leak from the gaping joins of the patched together jigsaw puzzle walls hidden behind them.
I could weep for my beautiful hand finished gold taps. Merely glued into position ad hoc, in the final moments. What about my taps I cried? He literally shouted out the window of his van “They’ll be fine” as he sped away for the last time.
And what became of the lonely hot water pipe, I hear you ask?
Well obviously any idiot will tell you, it won’t make it through the next Winter. It’ll have to be moved. A good heating engineer has been recommended but how much more money & how much more stress can we afford? I can’t say. I never ever thought adding a simple dormer & a small shower room to an already existing loft room, would ever be so utterly soul-destroying. That was probably my first mistake.
Builders are charming bastards aren’t they?
Mx
Comments ( 27 )
sequinist
It pains me to read about your builders. One thing I learned in my many years in Finance is that any time someone says “Trust me”…. DON’T! What an absolute bastard; how does he sleep at night?
On a positive note, you look amazing and fresh in your cheongsam with turquoise sandals. Heels with that dress would just be a little too try hard, no? Flats are superb, and much more modern. As always, you look gorgeous, Miss RCM. xx
retrochicmama
So so true Lisa!
Hindsight eh? & thank you for the wicked compliment 😉
xxx
Elizabeth Yeowart
Wit woo. You look incredible Mrs! As Lisa said above, heels would be too try hard. This looks timeless, elegant, classy and sexy. Gorgoeus look xxxx
retrochicmama
Grazie mille bella donna!
X
Rozanne Swift
Another unexpected but great look! Very sorry to hear about your builder woes, sounds horribly stressful and upsetting and I hope you can put things right with the least possible further distress x
retrochicmama
Thank you Rozanne, it’s wonderful to be able to vent. Letting it all go will come in time, as these things are just things.
xxx
Abby@midlifecrisisnut
I’m sad to hear about your renovation being screwed up (which is exactly the reason why I’m not having any of that sort of stuff in the near future). I would swear the @#$% of out the guy, I think. Anyways, what a great idea with the flats. I usually end up caring my heels in my hand after an evening out. Beautiful pictures as always! xx Abby
retrochicmama
I always knew you were a force to be reckoned with Abby. Yes I definitely should’ve been more forceful & stood my ground. Still, I live & learn 😉
xxx
Charlotte
I did see your original instagram post & I really feel for you. Would it be worth trying to recoup some of what you have lost through the small claims court at all? I really don’t knowhow people sleep at night after giving reassurances like that & then clearly not giving a toss. It leaves such a nasty taste in your mouth, particularly when you’ve been so excited about choosing all your finishing touches only to have someone that doesn’t care just shove them in. I hope that after it is all put right you can finally enjoy it at last.
retrochicmama
Hi Charlotte, I went onto the Citizens Advice website where they have a page exactly for this type of issue. I did everything they suggested including sending the company (their template) an email. It asks for a 5% refund to correct the mistakes as a gesture of goodwill. Before you spit your coffee, I agree we’ll most likely never see that. However I must admit the process of doing this helped me let go of some anger. As for taking it further? We shall see…
If I’d done a bodgy hair & make up job for a TV station or production company (or worse an actor complained) I would be mortified & offering to put it right immediately! So I just don’t understand this mentality of shooting through, leaving chaos in their wake.
I guess even at almost 50 I still believe most people will “do the right thing”.
I’m certain of one thing though, if we do more work on the house I will sack any man who placates me when I point out something that isn’t done correctly.
Woe betide!
😉 xxx
Nancy
What an awfull experience! That must have cost you a lot of stress! I am sorry to hear and hope it will all come to a good and soon. Hoe dress is beautiful if that is any comfort!😁
http://www.nancysfashionstyle.com
retrochicmama
Thank you Nancy, it will all be ok in no time. I have already begun to set things right, after all there are worse things that can happen to a family aren’t there? It’s good to let off steam that’s for sure, I really appreciate your concern you’re very kind xxx
Midlifechic
Well Michelle to look at you you’d never know the nightmare you’ve been living through, you look fabulous. I wish someone could build a national franchise of builders who do a good job for a fair price in an agreed timeframe – they’d soon be millionaires. You’ll get there in the end but it’s horrible living through it. xxxx
retrochicmama
Actually that’s a fabulous idea Nikki! Mark came up with another one – A contract that agrees to pay 5% more on completion ahead of schedule or 5% less if it runs over.
Also this way the client holds back 5%. Would have been handy right about now UGH!
Oh well, as I always say – things could’ve been worse.
xxx
Catherine, Not Dressed As Lamb
How have you made a 90s dress look so incredible, Michelle?! Oh dur, that’d be because you’d look gorgeous in just about aaaaaanything…!!! Seriously – I remember loving this style at the time, I don’t think I ever owned one (I was probably too poor, haha). But yes you CAN wear flats with it, I actually think it makes the dress less show-offy if that makes sense. Basically you look super elegant – still a head-turner now 🙂
So sorry about the problems you’ve been having with the builders and the plumbing. Just hang on in there. If it’s any consolation the decor looks amazing (Instagram) – I hope you’re managing to enjoy your ‘new’ home despite the problems…!
Catherine x
retrochicmama
Thank you my dear friend you’re very generous.
Yes indeed we are moving on from the diabolical builders as we crack on sorting the problems. Time moves on doesn’t it?
It’s lovely to hear you’re enjoying my Instagram feed, thanks for saying mate xxx
Paul
what a beautiful LBD and your beauty you can wear ad flats with that
retrochicmama
Thank you Paul, that’s very kind.
No Fear of Fashion
Ypu can make a potatoe sack look gorgeous. Even your feet are beautiful. Angels must have looked down when you were created haha.
Beautiful dress and shoes.
Terrible builders. I think the only thing you can do is lick your wounds, find reliable people to fix things as the pain of paying will go away but the pain of bad work will hurt you every day. (How did you find those dodgy builders? Were they recommended by someone?)
Greetje
retrochicmama
Omg you are so on the money with that Greetje! Looking at the dodgy work does continue to wind me up on a daily basis. Of course you are right, money comes & goes we will recover from that. I shall remind myself of your wise words when I pay the people who fix things for us.
As to your question of where we found them – yes they were recommended although we did have 2 other quotes & we looked at previous jobs they’d done. I don’t know what we could’ve done differently in the choosing. However I do believe, in hindsight, I should’ve been much more confident in my criticisms. In fact I should have sacked them when I knew things weren’t right.
XXX
Dawn Lucy – Fashion Should Be Fun
That dress!!!! Love! Thanks so much for linking up with Fun Fashion Friday!
OXOX
Dawn Lucy
http://fashionshouldbefun.blogspot.com
retrochicmama
Thanks for hosting love! xxx
Abby
I love the LBD and that slit is gorgeous!
Abby | Life in the Fash Lane
retrochicmama
It is rather high but I don’t care- Glad you like it Abby 😉