In blogging life there are a lot of fun event invitations and endless requests to review exciting stuff, and sometimes, true gems ping into my inbox. One prime example of this is when I was asked if I’d like to work with Chi Chi clothing and select my favourite piece from their extensive range for a photo shoot.I had no hesitation as I knew exactly which dress would work beautifully for this collaboration – a veritable starburst of colour – which I couldn’t wait to style up and show you all.
Their Alyssa dress is a modern classic, which is the jewel in Chi Chi’s crown for me. The vibrant rainbow of layered colours and exquisite sheen of luxurious fabric are a dynamic duo which gives this dress the ultimate stylista status.
I opted to team this glorious creation with a stunning pair of laser cut sky-high stiletto lace booes (my monicker for this season’s short boot style heels!) from the ubiquitous River Island, reduced to a steal at £35 right now!
When shopping for the perfect cover up for my diva dress, (well, it’s still a bit nippy out there!) I was struck by the sheer scale of sunshine emanating from this oversized tux jacket, also from RI. It complimented the yellow tones in the dress to perfection, so it simply had to be part of the look. Teaming it with rich rose gold jewellery and my beloved vintage Chanel evening bag, I was utterly thrilled with this look.
Our photo shoot took place at a gorgeous Buckinghamshire farm and this resplendent tree of hope (previous pic!) provided the perfect backdrop for our style up. Then my new BFF Mary the goat who clearly loves a bit of Chanel! Who can blame her?
As I can never make up my mind, I also thought I’d grab this vintage Zara sequin jacket (just seen) from my own wardrobe, for a bit of a safe contrast, I love both equally with this gown, but I can only wear one at a time – crisis!
I’ve been wearing Chi Chi for a few years now, ever since I needed a formal dress in a hurry for a wedding and it has become my stalwart go-to for dresses. I order online and a plethora of my choices arrive overnight and save the day. I love the versatility of the brand, catering from tweens prom frocks to Ascot-worthy gowns for the rest of us. They really do excel at weddings , I went to a friend’s nuptials where all the bridesmaids were super chic in navy Chi Chi dresses, complimenting my stunning friend perfectly on her big day.
So this fine frock, as I said is my absolute favourite but although it’s for much more formal events, perfect for parties, christenings, great for days at the races but also for dressing down with a cute cardi and flats for lazy summer lunches and champagne fuelled girlie afternoons. It’s so versatile and also comes in base tones of pink, but my red hair needed the green and blue hues sported here to compliment my eyes and skin tone.
I cannot tell you how much I love this little number and how many plans I have for it, but I’m sure you will see it on my Instagram feed in many different guises – the sign of a truly versatile piece!
You can shop this, my accessories and my other top picks of the range below.
So as all my fellow mummies know, life (blogger or otherwise!) is never smooth when the kids are off school on holiday and this day was no exception. I squeezed this shoot in between frantic footie club drop offs and pick ups and eating our lunch en route, so my youngest Dominic, decided he had to get in on the act so here are a couple of shots he stole the show in!
SHOP THE SHOOT
Click the pic to shop the frock!
All stunning photography by Suzanna Edwards
23 Comments
Nicola
Wow! You look absolutely stunning. Gorgeous pics and fabulous ensemble xx
Ginger Mum
Bless you Nic, thank you for taking the time to comment x
Adele
Gorgeous dress, I was looking for something similar for a wedding last weekend but couldn’t find anything that flattered me. You look stunning as always, amazing photography, looks like you had a fun shoot, look forward to seeing many more, bought a smile to my face, great seeing you evolve. x
Ginger Mum
You should have called me, you know I always have something up my sleeve 🙂 thanks darling, lovely words x
Ebabee
Wow! You are looking stunning and the dress looks so amazing on you. Fabulous photos.
Ginger Mum
You are too kind, thanks lovely!! x
Catie; An imperfect Mum
What a fabulous dress, such a pretty pattern and so on trend too. The heels are divine (I wish I could wear them) and a steal at that price too. The dress looks great with either jacket too.
Ginger Mum
Ah Catie, thanks for kind words, I love this dress and heels!
Louise Pink Pear Bear
Ooooohhhhhhh I LOVE it! That dress is absolutely stunning and I’m so impressed by the way you put it together with the other items, I would never have thought that they would go! I’m so impressed! You look lovely and you son is just adorable. Thanks for linking up and giving me ‘dress lust’! #bigpinklink
Ginger Mum
Aw thanks Louise, such kind words! x
Honest Mum
You look absolutely gorgeous darling, that dress is incredible! Amazing shoot, amazing you! x
Ginger Mum
*hugs you* thanks darling xxx
Caro | The Twinkle Diaries
Aaah Amanda!! I LOVE it!! Both the frock and the post — fabulous photos — I love the ones of you and your little goaty friend and the one of you and your boy, walking hand in hand especially!!! 🙂
I bought a navy Chi Chi Nessa dress for the last wedding I went to in November!! I love the fit of it and it’s SO heavy!! I LOVE that. I’d wear this floral number in a heartbeat — great choice lovely! xx
Ginger Mum
Thanks Caro, you are so sweet! An yes, love their frocks for formal wear! Love the Nessa, bet you looked fab!!! x
Meg
It’s such a gorgeous dress – you look beautiful in it!
amiecaitlin | findingourfeet
Love the look with wellies. Brilliant.
Sarah - To Maternity & Beyond
What a fun shoot the pics are beautiful. I love love LOVE that yellow blazer, I’m a sucker for a brightly coloured jacket! #bigpinklink
Ginger Mum
Thanks! Yeah its nice to go for bold now and again!
Emma
Beautiful! I was expecting the dress to be easily over £100 so I think that’s a great bargain.
Yvadney @ Style After Nine
Wow, I never knew Chi Chi did dresses like this, I always think snappy little party numbers. This is so beautiful and elegant, but with loads of ‘tude. The colours are beautiful on you as is the photography!! Yvadney x #FashionFriday
Ginger Mum
Aw thank you, for me it is the piece among many other beauties. Thanks for the lovely comment!
jodie filogomo
Now adding your rain boots with this dress is a glimmer of brilliance—it still looks wonderful yet you can romp around the farm!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Mummy and monkeys
Wow what a gorgeous combination. I love the colours on the dress. It’s been a while since I’ve done a photo shoot, looks like so much fun outside on the farm. X