This is such a simple hack that I can’t actually believe I hadn’t done it before now!
There’s no doubt the popular fluted or bell sleeves add major kudos to any outfit but how to get the look without having to buy it every time? This is the perfect solution to temporarily customise your clothes & update any outfit with absolutely no effort or extra cost. The best part is it’s adaptable.
So what am I talking about here exactly? Finery London have designed a simple top with slightly stiff statement sleeves that can be worn comfortably underneath absolutely anything! The rest of the top is a soft & fitted jersey making it ideal for layering yet the crisp fluted sleeves have enough structure to stand out from underneath your layers. This multi talented piece is my new best friend & of course it’s also a stunner all on its own which I’ll show you next post. Although for todays outfit I decided to demonstrate how easily it gives a dress killer statement sleeves.
Finery Scribble Print Dress
There’s no denying the aqua blue of this asymmetrical jersey dress is knockout but on closer inspection it has other unique attributes. For starters I could wear it back to front! Yes the back is a V yet not so deep cut that I couldn’t easily reverse it for a new neckline. I tried it this way & it looked quite different so if you prefer a V neck definitely consider doing this. Alternatively if you like the V but feel it’s too low, wear a black vest underneath for extra coverage. Black would make a rather sharp edge to the neckline & give it an air of sophistication especially paired with black heels. Another lovely touch is the threaded self tie allowing me to either cinch in the waist, as I’ve done today, or loosen it for a more casual style. Obviously the asymmetric hem is an equally standout feature but can you tell it’s also faux wrap? Yep this distinctive dress is another super versatile piece from Finery. Are you seeing the pattern here? Young British online brand Finery, are actually coming up with some very clever & unique designs. Rather than simply copy the designer market as many other high street brands do, they have pulled together an innovative creative team. Scrolling through the latest collection you’ll find fresh & quirky yet infinitely wearable designs that offer a lifetime of outfits befitting your carefully curated wardrobe. No fast fashion here my friends.
Now if you’re worried they don’t have a bricks & mortar shop, don’t. What they offer is much simpler & let’s face it, shopping in pj’s with a glass of wine after the kids have gone to bed is considerably more fun right? Finery ship worldwide & offer free returns on orders over £100 which is perfect for trying on different sizes. For those using other currencies besides Pounds click on your symbol in the top left corner of their website to change it easy peasy…
The red shoes
These soft suede shoes remind me of the red ballet shoes worn in that old 1948 movie. With plush cross-over straps above the pointed toe at the front reminiscent of a ballerina, finished in complete contrast with a square block heel. This type of contradiction is typical of Finery shoes & what I believe gives them the edge over other brands. When I saw this pair online I really did instantly fall in love with them & they are absolutely as lovely in real life. The quality is more than I’d expect from a £99 pair of shoes, the suede actually feels velvety it’s so soft to the touch. They’re incredibly comfortable, well-fitting & true to size however I did struggle to undo the buckle to get them on which was a bit of a pain to be honest. Thank goodness taking them off was simply a matter of slipping my foot out, I have less patience at the end of the day sigh first world problems…
I captured some nice tight shots of the shoes to give you a proper close up study of them. You can’t half tell I’m impressed with my new red shoes, right? Some of the other O40Co also chose shoes in this collaboration so it’ll be interesting to read what they think of Finery footwear.
Now for the rest of the Over40Collective with their hot picks from Finery London
This has been an epic collaboration with Finery London who’ve been nothing short of awesome to work with! All my images click-through to their site – Shoes | Dress | Top – c/- Finery London. My hope is you enjoy the O40Co posts so much that you become fans of Finery too. This label is producing terrific quality & design for the right price & as a special treat they’re giving you 15% off all full price items until April 13th – use code RETRO15
I’ve linked everyone’s image to their blog articles, it’s simply a matter of clicking on them – I’m dying to hear what you all think! *Note – some of the girls haven’t published yet so I’ll link them the minute they do.
Bye for now, Mx
Comments ( 29 )
sequinist
This is one of my favourite EVER looks on you. The layering is absolute genius. The colour is gorgeous. The print is so happy and positive and modern. AND! The combination of turquoise and red (in your shoes) is my absolute favourite. Brava, lady. This is divine.
MT
Woo Hoo thank you so much Lisa! I am really happy with the styling but boy is it good to hear confirmation. You know when you look at so many images that you lose perspective? I was super keen to get this right for Finery because I really do love the brand so I took a gazillion shots. Of course I binned most of them by the end & wondered if any of them were even in focus! Hahahaha nutter me…
Rozanne Swift
Wow!! A stunning look in every detail. That dress is just gobsmackingly gorgeous and such a clever idea of yours to layer the top under it, the statement sleeves really enhance it. I’ve had a few pieces from Finery in the past, including a long check coat that always gets compliments, but the last couple of seasons I have struggled to find anything that would work on a bustier and slightly broader-shouldered frame like mine. The clothes are really quirky and original and beautifully made but…… the models on the site are SO tall and thin that it is difficult to picture how the clothes would work on a curvier frame… Am I being unimaginative, perhaps? I have got my eye on their Elwood silver trainers, however… No excess curvature issues with my feet 😉 I will check out the other collaboration posts for more ideas!
MT
No you’re not being unimaginative at all Rozanne, I completely agree with you about the models! In fact it’s a real issue when they are literally like sticks & about 18 years old. So many brands do it & it’s actually something that the Over40Colective are trying to change. I don’t see why all the models are the same body shape let alone the same age – I mean surely these companies are marketing a broader range than that? Bit silly if you ask me. You’ll find the other girls choices quite different which is how we work to showcase every brands range. Nikki does bring up the point of Finery cuts for different body shapes in her post which goes to show how on the money you are 😉
Wendy Kate
Looks truly fabulous! What a versatile dress. 😉
MT
Thanks so much Wendy Kate! x
Lady of Style
When you said you had ordered this dress, I knew it would look fabulous on you, Michelle!
Your idea of wearing that white top underneath is perfect. It will also enhance a basic black blazer.
Really love that styling option!
xx
Annette | Lady of Style
MT
I remember you actually said that! You have a good eye my friend xxx
Gail Hanlon
This is a fantastic dress on you and the sleeve hack is just fantastic. I will definitely try it. The red shoes look amazing too, really make the outfit sing.
MT
Thanks Gail I’m really happy to hear that you like it so much x
What Lizzy Loves (@whatlizzyloves)
Oooooooh!!!! I love love love this MT. And, I’m absolutely going to take inspiration with the top because I have it n black. As Lisa said, the combination of red with turquoise is beautiful and it flatters your shape beautifully. Gorgeous from head to toe xxx
MT
Aw thank you Liz that’s really kind. I’m so looking forward to your post in the black version. It’s such a fab top it can look so completely different on everybody. I’ll pop your link into my next post so everyone can see this version too xxx
Nancys Fashion Style (@nancybaten1)
That top is wonderful! And the red shoes….wow! I ordered red shoes, the first red shoes of my life, and I just received a message that they will be delivered tomorrow! Yeah!!!
MT
I’m dying to know if you love them Nancy!
jacqui
What an ingenious idea! Never have thought of that! This looks perfect on you and you take some amazing shots. Great to see your blog and link up. Do you take your own shots? Jacqui
http://www.mummabstylish.com
MT
Hi Jacqui, Thank you for the lovely compliment. Yes I take all my own shots using a tripod & remoe control. It’s really fun plus I like having total control of the look & composition of the image. I’ve been asked before to do a post about this, would that be of interest to you? I just don’t want to bore people with behind the scenes stuff if their not into it so it’s good to know.
Abby@Midlifecrisisnut
Now that’s a fresh look! Looking truly amazing in that dress, Michelle! And congrats on the collaboration with Finery! I’m totally jealous of the weather you Girls have in London. That’s not fair. We have grey sky almost every day. Hopefully it will improve soon. xx Abby
MT
Thank you so much Abby!
That’s not good about your weather, we’ve had some pretty glorious days here. I hope they’re heading your way honey xx
rachel
what a stunning dress! and love the sneaky sleeve hack, what a great idea!
MT
Thanks so much Rachel, hope to catch up next time you’re visiting xx
Suzy Turner
This is such a statement dress, especially with those shoes. I think you look absolutely stunning!
Suzy xx
http://www.suzyturner.com
MT
Thanks Suzy! How easy will it be to take on Summer holidays? I can imagine it won’t crease either xx
Michelle
I was going to order that top, then changed my mind last minute. Darn it! You’ve done a brilliant job of layering there Michelle, the sleeves really do bring another dimension to that amazing dress. Well done lady, well done!
MT
No worries MLD, I have a discount code if you’d like to go buy it now? 😉 xx
simplementlui
Great post and you have a perfect style to present your post 😉
https://4highheelsfans.wordpress.com/2017/03/14/the-sky-is-the-limit/
MT
That’s very kind of you, thanks x
Kat| Kitty & B
This outfit is 😍. Such a good hack to get more wear out of your wardrobe. Plus, I love red shoes! Gorgeous!
Kat x
MT
It’s so obvious, I can’t believe I hadn’t done it before! Thanks Kat xx