Forgive me. On stepping into a Laura Ashley shop, I instantly get lost in the homewares. Let’s face it – it’s easy to do. The fabric, the lights, the candles, the cushions, the furniture, the wallpaper. They suck me in, and I’d momentarily forgotten that Laura Ashley not only produce beauty for the home, but beauty for the wardrobe too.
I can’t think of a word to describe my style. What I wear is very dependent on how I am feeling, and if I like something, I like it – it doesn’t matter what style boxes it ticks. Jared has become really good at picking out clothes he knows I will love – for my birthday, or for Christmas. He gets rather pleased with himself (and so do I) and often jokes that if he sees something in a shop he doesn’t like, then that means I will love it.
A few months ago I managed to have sneak peek at the Laura Ashley AW16 home and fashion lookbooks. As well as falling for lots of homewares, I also fell in love with a number of wardrobe pieces – in particular a tiered maxi dress from the Free Spirit collection. Over the last few years, I’ve become a huge dress lover – I find them so practical, and easy to wear. They make me feel a little younger, and have a way of injecting some fun into my wardrobe. This Laura Ashley tiered maxi dress zips at the side, ties at the waist, buttons at the cuffs and the layers of fabric cascade around me, swishing as I walk. It’s mine, and it’s stunning.
On first inspection it looks uber girly and frilly – it speaks of itself no doubt, yet it is incredibly versatile too. I styled mine for summer with simple ankle strap sandals, but come autumn I’ll be wearing mine with leather – both a jacket and ankle boots. I’m sharing some more of my favourite pieces from the AW16 collection over on the Laura Ashley blog – make sure you come and say ‘Hi!’.
E xx
Many thanks to my little sis Sariah for agreeing to be my photographer, and to the lovely people over at Laura Ashley for sending me my new favourite dress!
You look beautiful! Also like you didn’t just have a baby just 5 mins ago, your secret please? I love that you could easily wear this into Autumn. I’ve been stalking some similar styles over on ASOS, I have ankle boots and maxi dresses in mind for this Autumn, though I’ll most likely end up wearing jeans and a Breton top… as per xxx
Thank you so much Kerry! Believe you me, I have more than a few extra pounds jiggling around. In my dreams I dress in maxis and ankle boots, but Breton’s are so practical – let’s face it! x
Beautiful dress and a beautiful person – love you Esther!
Oh Laris. Trust you! Thank you xx
I checked Laura Ashley right away after I read this post of yours. I was totally at awe. Their new dress collection is just so much more beautiful than the last time I checked on them. Oh well, it was over two years ago. Thanks for writing about this!
The collection this year is gorgeous – I totally agree with you xx
This is a beautiful dress Esther, it really suits you. I wish I had the courage to wear more dresses and feminine things, but I always end up in jeans or leggings. xx
Thanks Amelia. It’s certainly not one for every day though 😉 xx
What a beautiful dress. I think it really suits you and the photos are gorgeous. I would never think to buy anything there but i think you changed my mind x
Thank you Pat. I was surprised too, but their new collection is fab xx