J by Jasper Conran Red Dress

When choosing an outfit for Valentine’s Day I whittled it down to two – I eventually went with the Clemens en August black dress, but this J by Jasper Conran red dress is a more colourful alternative. The frilled hemline and chiffon folds on the shoulders add interesting features to what would otherwise be a plain shift dress. I wore the matching belt with it this time but adding a skinny gold rope belt instead would be another option (I just didn’t think of it at the time!). Another thing to remember for the next time I wear it is to put a little stitch in the folds on the shoulders so they sit flat and don’t flap about in the breeze! Trying to control my hair is enough of a battle at the moment!

The frilled hemline and chiffon folds on the shoulders add interesting features to what would otherwise be a plain shift dress.

To create a leg-lengthening effect I opted for a pair of nude heels. These suede peep toe shoes are by Menbur, a brand I hadn’t heard of before I spotted these on sale at Brand Alley a few months ago…they were just £15 so obviously I had to buy them! I’m so glad I did because they are such a bargain, just £15 for such good quality shoes, and they are more comfortable than they look. The suede is soft, there are no rough edges to rub blisters or sore patches – something that often happens when I wear heels. Out of interest I googled Menbur and discovered the website…seriously…so many shoes! Have a look if don’t believe me…I nearly hyperventilated with excitement!

I co-ordinated the bargain-of-the-century shoes with a bag I bought on holiday in Cape Verde a few years ago, picking up on the snake print detail. To finish off the outfit I finished off the outfit with a gold tone bracelet from Asos and an Egyptian-style ring by Kevia which I bought from the Outnet.

Dress: J by Jasper Conran, shoes: Menbur, bag: bought on holiday, bracelet: Asos, ring: Kevia (at the Outnet).

Do you prefer the classic LBD for a night out or something more colourful? Let me know in the comments or tweet me @thestylesplash!

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