Are you living for the new series of Downton Abbey as I am? I was late to the plate with the Downton thing but once I watched the first series in its entirety one rainy Saturday afternoon, I was hooked. Not only for the story lines (how could you go and die Matthew, why?) but the unexplainably magnificent costume through the late 1800s and now into the roaring 1920s.
But I have a front runner both on and off set. Michelle Dockery (aka Lady Mary Crawley) is certainly a leading lady when it comes to red carpet style, and we only have to look to this week for the chicest of examples. Attending the BAFTA LA pre-Emmy tea party earlier this week, Michelle donned a Roland Mouret creation emphasising a Spring Summer trend that is extends to designer's pre-Fall collections- the colour block. Mouret has focused on this for Autumn Winter 2014, but if you haven't got the budget to splash out on a designer dress, then I have some affordable alternatives.
Clockwise from top left: Dress, €20, Littlewoods Ireland; Denim Shirt, €310, Victoria by Victoria Beckham at Brown Thomas; Dress, €43, Myleene Klass at Littlewoods Ireland; Tunic Dress, €169.95, Kilkenny Shop; Sleeveless dress, €1395, Roland Mouret at Brown Thomas; Knitted Tunic, €25, So Fabulous at Littlewoods IrelandThe key to nabbing Michelle's red carpet look is not only the blocking of complementary shades, but how they are aligned. Instead of larger blocks, many high street brands and designers alike are adding a stripe of colour which makes the look more practical for day wear.
Advertised
If you prefer to wear something more bright, then Littlewoods Ireland have some great styles from several of their brands like Myleene Klass' dress collection and Definitions. In terms of accessories, Michelle opted for some bright stilettos in the LA sunshine; however, making this look more Winter appropriate depends on a more muted shoe choice such as navy courts or strappies.
Longer length skirts are coming back with a bang; style up with a heel to flatter your calves and elongate the lower half of your body. So if you want to go all out in Brown Thomas with Roland's colour blocking dress or Victoria Beckham's two tone denim shirt, there's plenty to indulge in, or hit the high street for some fast fashion options.
Do you like Michelle's style? Do you think you can rock the colour block for Autumn? And does anyone else just want to give Edith a little shake?
