Mary, Mary

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Dress: Kontessa woven cotton

Heels: Emerson @ Big W suede with gold zipper

Bag: Sportsgirl vinyl

Hinged Bangle: Adorne gold

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Mini dresses have been around since fledgling fashion designer Mary Quant sparked a revolution with her far-above-the-knee designs in "Swinging Sixties" London & they haven't lost any of their charm or popularity 50 years later... And for good reason: they are the ultimate in nostalgic, cutesy-sexy "dolly-bird" chic & moreover, a great way to "get your legs out," as British journalist turned television presenter, wife of the hilarious Chris O'Dowd & all-around-vintage-fashion-guru Dawn O'Porter is wont to say... I may have been watching yet another episode of her awesome 6 part retro-style-upcycle series "This Old Thing" (renamed "The Vintage Clothes Show" for Australian audiences) as I type this, but that's neither here nor there really...

Anyway, today I am rocking a quirky Kontessa dress that I picked up from the late-lamented Paddington fashion store, Mood. The thick, woven cotton holds shape really well & gives it that A-line effect that I find so appealing when the hemline is super-short as it's easier to remain "appropriate" when sitting/bending down/reaching up etc. 

What is amazing is the way that the textured cotton molds to the body as you are wearing it, starting off tight & then gradually loosening to create a super-flattering fit. What is REALLY amazing is the way the designer has kept everything simple - a slashed bateau neckline, simple boxy shape with short sleeves & a slight extension of the sides closer to the hemline & a muted pattern of beige, green, brown & teal circles - so that the intricate red & teal beading around two of the aforementioned circles takes centre-stage.

Scroll down for a close-up of the dress' statement-making beadwork:

When one part of the dress is as "out there" as the beading on this one, it can be difficult to decide on accessories that will enhance - rather than detract - from this feature. I decided on a "pop" of matching colour with the red suede peeptoe platforms, a funky statement in themselves with the gold zipper down the heel, mixed with a neutral beige handbag & a chunky, plain gold hinged bangle to match the hardware on the shoes. 

A 4 piece outfit; nothing else required. Easy-peasy yet undeniably effective. 

I would like to think that (now) Dame Mary Quant would approve...

www.oneherald.net

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