It is time for our ‘Style not Age’ challenge again and this month we have gone dotty with polka-dots, set by Jacqui from mummabstylish.
There were plenty of options in the shops (spots/dots are in) but I eventually fell back on an old favourite of mine, a Biba dress I bought in House of Fraser, probably nearly two years ago. Shows you dots are always in fashion.
I have worn this dress to death. If I was to work out cost per wear, I think it is probably one of my most savvy purchases to date. My bag is from Radley and my brolly from Avoca. The boots are several years old.
I love the ruffles and I have taken to wearing it this year with a Selected Femme jumper/sweater (bought in the January sales) during the colder weather. The dress is from one of my favourite labels, ‘Biba’, designed and sold by House of Fraser. If you are not familiar with the label, but like something a little different or distinctive, or even flamboyant, then this is the label for you.
Some of you will remember the original, ‘Biba’ label which was opened in Kensington, London in 1964, was worn by rock stars including Mick Jagger and models like Twiggy and took on cult status very quickly.
The store was closed in 1975, but House of Fraser bought the brand in 2010 and claimed they stayed true to the brand’s ethos and style.
What I loved reading was that Stephanie Chen, the director for womenswear and accessories at the time, said that ‘Biba’ had been positioned as “aspirational but accessible” and “driven by attitude, not by age”. I like that.
Now have a look at my friends. Jacqui went for a vibrant polka-dot yellow/mustard top from Zara and paired it with culottes from George at Asda. Of course, yellow in all its tones is everywhere this year.
I like how the colour is picked up again in the scarf and what a pretty lane for her photo. You can learn more about her purchases by clicking on mummabstylish.
I love how Anna pattern-clashed and accessorised her £8 top from F&F at Tesco. She has such a great eye.
Hop over to her blog to learn more; she lives on a little island called Tresco off the coast of Cornwall and has some of the most incredible backdrops for her pics. You will find her by clicking on annasislandstyle.
Emma is wearing trousers from Finery with a microdot print and her top from New Look has a dotty chiffon yoke. Read more about her outfit and particularly where she got her fabulous yellow coat which is this season by clicking on stylesplash.
Have you gone dotty yet?
Linking up with:
Nicole highlatitudestyle
Nina sharingajourney
Cheryl northwestmountainliving
Catherine notdressedaslamb
Jacqui mummabstylish
Nancy nancysfashionstyle
You all did a wonderfull job! How versatile polka dots are! I love to wear polka dots on polka dots in reverse colors!
Thanks Nancy… I love your style
Loved this challenge, although at first I was dubious! Plenty to chose from in the stores, but really happy with my choice . Love your backdrop too Hilda. Great choice of dress. Jacqui Mummabstylish
I t was a super challenge Jacqui…
Isn’t it great when an old favourite manages to stay on trend despite its age? I loved Biba and used to save up just to buy tights or make up for that memorable branding. And thank you for the idea of wearing a sweater over a dress – I can’t believe I’ve never thought to do that – watch out for that on a forthcoming feature!
Have a great week!
Anna x
I am reliving the era in some of my purchases. I love the vibrant colours and the faux furs and the bell bottoms….
The peplum jumper looks fab over the polka dot dress Hilda! Biba is one of my favourite labels!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Thanks Emma. I have found some wonderful pieces in House of Fraser …and some of the coats are fab and the maxis …
Hilda,
I love all the delightful women featured on your blog post styled in polka dots for your “style not age challenge.”
Lovely !
Hugs,
Robin
Thanks Robin…I love the polka dot…
Yes Hilda…..sadly some of your followers are old enough to remember Biba in Kensington! Not that I could afford anything there on my £28 a month after board and lodging in those days. But we browsed the rails and dreamed…….!!! Love spots/dots too!
Me neither Jackie…feel I lost out first time around…
Love your look Hilda, you have some great backdrops for your pictures! That’s exactly the sort of dress I would buy.
Thanks Gail..it was very windy when we were doing it..I was nearly blown away.
Don’t you love it when you find a piece that you love to death, Hilda?? But I can totally see why…this dress is perfect!! And I love how you styled a sweater over top!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Thanks Jodie..I love the peplum which mirrors the flounces x
Love the polka dots! Thanks for linking up with us today!
Bethany | Cute Capsule Life
I love the Biba brand! I also like the Mary Quant brand too and often visit for a browse in London. The brands have both remained true to themselves.
I love Polka dots and you have styled them effortlessly here Hilda.
Laurie xx
Such iconic brands Laurie..
I love polka dots and have a top I will be styling for spring soon! Everyone looks so great in theirs on this post!
Cheryl
http://www.northwestmountainliving.com
Thanks Cheryl…I never tire of spots and stripes…
I have just found my dotty blouse in TKMaxx and am really pleased with it. You look fab Hilda and thanks for joining my first linkup venture.
http://www.muttonstyle.com
You are welcome ..I have only recently got the hang of link ups!!!!
Thank you for joining Continental Drift this month, Hilda.
I’m fascinated by Biba, you’re so lucky to own a piece. I’ve heard and read much of its history but being in Australia, we don’t have as much access to iconic British brands.
SSG xxx
Unfortunately this is not an original..but the Biba label was bought by House of Fraser and they say they say true to the brand’s ethos!
I love a style with a dress..gives it an edge…