The Perfect Winter LBD* | Just Add Ginger

It is a truth universally acknowledged that every girl needs the perfect little black dress in her wardrobe.

Finding just the right dress that will see you through a whole host of seasonal events can be one of the biggest investments you'll make. If like me you are not shy to the idea of having pieces in your possessions that you aren't afraid to recycle (a concept that Kate Middleton has down to an effortless art) then there are a lot of different factors to consider before taking the plunge. Is it fit for purpose? Could you take it out to dinner but at the same time cut a rug together as the night goes on? And most importantly - does it make you feel good?

Many a trusty little black dress have come and gone from my wardrobe as the years have gone by, but as I've gotten older and my body shape has changed I find myself being a lot more selective in my choices. Gone are the days where hem lines caused me no qualms, and now that I have my brand new set of mummy-curves to take into account, I need a dress that will show them off without making me feel uncomfortable. So when Simply Be kindly offered me the chance to receive some pieces to feature on the blog, it was without hesitation that I chose this dress.

With all the drama of a full skirt but the ease of a lightweight fabric, the instant I slipped into this dress I felt like I had found The One. Ever a fan of the more romantic styles I loved the pretty lace detailing, which not only featured as a full sleeve (ideal for those of us who like to keep this part of us covered) but also helped soften the plunging neckline, seamlessly creating a top that is the perfect balance of sophistication and sex appeal.

The beauty of this dress is that the design speaks for itself. And with such a statement style there is no need to really accessorise. Put it on and you already have an outfit that is guaranteed to create a buzz wherever you go. A quick dash of a deep red or brown lip coupled with a fresh eye look and your favourite clutch is all you need for a look that is as daring as it is demure. .

It's also a style I think a lot of women will feel fabulous on - the halter neck design and a-line, billowing skirt mean that it is flattering to a majority of body types, nipping you in at the waist and creating a flirtatious feminine shape - very Marilyn-esque! The panels of lace in the bottom not only offers a little cheeky peep of skin but also help elongate the leg, which if you're a bit short in the gams, is perfect.

Having searched for a brand for so long that really understands women, having worked with Simply Be it's pretty clear that they really know their demographic. And I think they have nailed it with this maxi dress. Comfortable, chic and classic, this dress made me feel like the heroine of my own romance novel and I didn't want to take it off. 

If you're shopping around for an lbd that makes you look and feel like a goddess, I don't think you need to look any further. This dress that will be your perfect plus one to any evening event where both daiquiris and dancing are on the menu. 

Got a little black dress you love to swish around the dance floor? Tell me all about it in the comments.

Dress*: Simply Be

Cleated Chelsea Boots: H&M (old) 

Lipstick: Kat Von D (Prayer)

* I was very kindly gifted this dress by Simply Be in return for writing this post. This does not affect my opinions. They are always 100% honest and influenced by my own personal experiences. For more details please see my disclaimer.

Getting My Winter Glam On With Simply Be* | Just Add Ginger

It's pretty hard to believe now, but in a previous life before I was up to my eyeballs in baby bottles and Teletubbies re-runs I suppose it is pretty accurate to say that I was a bit of a party animal. I loved nothing more than getting dressed up to the nines in my favourite outfit, putting on my boogie shoes and hitting the dance floor. 

With those days long behind me, it is now with excited anticipation I await the chance to get my glam on again. So when Simply Be reached out to me and asked if I wanted to work with them, including the chance to pick out a party piece of my choosing, I didn't hesitate. With festive gatherings, seasonal parties and a big family wedding on the horizon, my wardrobe was crying for an update!

I've made no attempt to hide the fact that now I am a mum I have no idea what I feel comfortable wearing anymore. With functionality taking priority over fashion on a daily basis, and a brand new set of sensational curves, I often end up feeling pretty lost. But with the beautiful range of dresses Simply Be has on offer, I actually found myself cracking an inward smile. There was so much choice! 

After a long (and I mean long) peruse of all the dresses, I finally decided on this little black dress from AX Paris Curve. With a wrap neckline, a waist belt, asymmetrical hem and glittery print, this blended my need for a mummy-friendly style with detailing that made me feel (and look) like a glamour puss. 

Never really one for lots of colour, I stayed true to my style and used this dress as the focal point of my outfit. With the shimmer making such a statement, I paired it with a block-colour maxi coat from Boohoo in a muted mauve shade. I was wearing the dress to a winter wedding so wanted to opt for shades that were in keeping with the natural colours of the season and soft complementary fabrics that would subtly underplay the sparkles of the dress for the church ceremony. My trusty black ankle boots and old faithful faux snakeskin clutch completed the outfit seamlessly, and I loved how both effortless and elegant the finished look made me feel.

Looking back at the photos from that day I can barely believe this is me. After struggling for so long to reclaim my style and embrace this new phase of fashion, I feel like I've found myself again. A little black dress with bucket loads of sass, it's going to be perfect for winter parties, seasonal soirees or catch-ups over cocktails with the girls. For a less formal look I'd let my hair flow loose and add a bowler hat and a vampy lip. And to go for all-out glam some winged eyeliner and a set of statement bangles would have to make an appearance. 

There are some seriously beautiful dresses on Simply Be at the moment. Versatile, varied and all of them stunning, there is something for everyone and every occasion. Got a special event coming up? I think you should head on over and check them out!

Dress*: Simply Be 

Maxi Coat: Boohoo 

Ankle Boots*: JD Williams (old)

Clutch: Next (old)

*I was very kindly gifted this dress by Simply Be in return for writing this post. This does not affect my opinions. They are always 100% honest and influenced by my own personal experiences. For more details please see my disclaimer.

Any other products marked with a * were also been gifted to me on previous occasions/collaborations.

A Very Merry Christmas Event | Just Add Ginger

Last year I was feeling pretty indifferent about Christmas. I felt like I was too old. Ordinarily I would be blasting out the festive tunes and trimming my tree straight after Bonfire Night. But last year, I just couldn't get into the spirit of Christmas. I felt the magic had gone forever. 

Fast forward to 2017 and thing could not be more opposite. Festive cheer is radiating out of my every pore and I can't wait to start the official Christmas countdown to the big day.... mince pies, mistletoe, mulled wine, and of course Christmas dinner. Anything that gets my heart fluttering with excitement is a must, which is how I found myself at the #VeryParty - Very's Christmas Showcase event - a few weekend back.

Let's play a word association game - if I say "Christmas party clothes" what do you think of? Does it involve glitz? Does it involve swish? Does it involve sequins? This season Very have gone all out on their party wear pieces and managed to capture everything we love about festive and occasion attire in a fun yet classy way. As soon as you entered the event space you were surrounded by glittering dresses, sparkling stilettos and accessories that twinkled away before your eyes. It really was incredible to see. 

The wow-factor with all of their lines comes from the detailing on their party dresses, separates and outerwear. From beautiful embellishments to pretty embroidering and refined hardware, there is definitely cohesion and the option to interchange items to create your own Christmas capsule wardrobe (and I'm all about that). 

I was also very taken with the kids wear. Everything seemed to be carefully curated and tied in with the other party wear lines. Now that Eric is getting older and a bit more robust, I'm starting to invest more in the items in his wardrobe, and I was really happy to see that Very offered clothing at a range of different price points and therefore suitable for a range of budgets. (My personal favourite piece had to be the Hugo Velvet Waistcoat & Shirt Set from Monsoon - it was beautiful).

When it came to thinking about party season, Very seemed to have it all covered at this event. Not only were there beautiful clothes to look at, but there was also an Illamasqua stall where the expert MUAs were ready to give advice and offer masterclasses, a table covered with fabulous jewellery from  Lola Rose London and a Skin Doctors stand. It was great to have a wander round everything, discovering new products and chatting away to brand ambassadors about their products. Having been on blogging "maternity leave" it was something I really relished. 

Lola Rose London's jewellery selection was just beautiful. Having a baby at a grabbing stage means that I'm not really able to wear jewellery day to day, but their collections looked ideal to have as staples in your arsenal because they are so versatile you could mix and match and pair them with anything. And being someone who is drawn to clothes in neutral tones, this is something I was really happy about.

I was very much taken with the Skin Doctors products (two were very kindly gifted to me). Since becoming a mum I have neglected my skin a little bit and both the instant facelift and potent vit C ampules have really helped me get back on track - since receiving them I have used both everyday and the difference in the softness and plumpness of my skin is just ridiculous.

Visiting Very and taking a peek at their Christmas lines really helped kick start my preparations for the festive season and gave me some great gift ideas. Offering everything from bedding and beauty to clothes for children and of course party wear, it is definitely a website I'll be turning to for present inspiration not just during the holiday period but for birthdays too.

What are you most looking forward to this Christmas?