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THE BEST LONG SLEEVED MAXI DRESSES FOR A/W

I don’t know if you’ve noticed but long-sleeved maxi dresses are big for Autumn/Winter. This Boho style is super simple to dress up yet surprisingly it’s equally versatile to dress down.

Imagine it with a slouchy jumper & boots or a polo neck & velvet slippers, how cosy does that sound? We all know the ubiquitous biker jacket & trainers pairing works well but personally I’m a bit over that look. Let’s be honest it’s getting a tad boring seeing it constantly all over Instagram right? 1970 jumper anyone? Heeheehee… Anyway, this time around I’m pairing my maxi with knitwear & velvet or suede shoes for a more tactile combination. Another option to consider is wearing your dress over jeans. I’ve always got along well with the dress over jeans look so I really quite fancy trying this with a maxi but remember it must be a button through dress or you won’t get a glimpse of the jeans underneath!

My dream shoes for all of these outfits are the classic Alberta Ferretti embroidered slip-on flats. These Manolos are pretty awesome too but also out of my price range at the moment. Fortunately Queen of the Dupe, Jessica Buurman has these embroidered mules plus this sensational pom pom pair at more affordable price points. In the meantime I’m happy to go with my old Jessica Buurman Aquazurra dupes that you can see me wearing here 4 ways. These great quality lace up flats have become a staple of my wardrobe & are now also available in lush suede!

In hindsight buying the original Aquazurra Christy flats would have paid off cost per wear. However back when I bought my dupes I had no idea I’d wear them so much or indeed for so many years!

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lace-up-ballet-flats

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long sleeved green-maxi dress-pink-wool-coat-lace-up-flats

long sleeved green-maxi dress-lace-up-flats

SHOP THE OUTFIT

long sleeved green-maxi dress-lace-up-flats

long sleeved green-maxi dress-lace-up-flats

CHANEL Emerald Nail Polish

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DO A BACKGROUND CHECK ON THE BRAND

I like to do a background check on a brand before I buy from them. I want to know that they enforce strong policies against things like forced labour, child labour & have strict environmental standards. You may be surprised to know that many companies are now quite transparent & will have this information available on their website. However if for some reason I can’t find it there I’ll simply email them & ask outright. You know what? I usually receive a reply. Shocking I know. So you see it does pay to ask the questions.

One label that is without question of the highest ethical standards is Beulah London. Born from the desire to create beautiful, elegant clothing whilst helping lift vulnerable women out of poverty. The brand created Beulah Trust which receives 10% of profits from all sales.

“The Trust aims to give grants that pay for skill courses giving women who have been victims of sex trafficking and abuse the chance to find work, generate an income, and live a self-sufficient life, free from abuse.”

This stunningly beautiful long-sleeved maxi dress by Beulah is currently reduced. In my opinion it’s a timeless investment piece for the maxi lover. Another gorgeous maxi that will re-style perfectly through Autumn & Winter is a versatile leopard print by Lily & Lionel. This sexy number comes in at a more affordable price of £200. Equally priced & made from the sustainable eco fabric Tencel is this exquisite tulip print maxi by People Tree. Check out more of their gorgeous 1930’s inspired collaboration with the V&A Museum for other styles in this material. For something priced between these two you can’t go past Ridley London. This fledgling label produce a luxurious silk crêpe de chine long-sleeved maxi dress that you can have made to order for the perfect fit.

See below for more guilt free maxis I adore…

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long sleeved maxi dress

long sleeved maxi dress

WHERE TO BUY 2ND HAND DESIGNER BAGS

Lately I’m often being asked where I buy my 2nd hand designer bags. Take this Tom Ford era vintage Gucci in today’s post. I found it a few years ago on Vestiaire Collective, a bargain in immaculate condition. The classic monogram canvas & horse bit design makes just about any outfit look both chic & funky, it’s a no brainer bag! So next week I’m publishing a post focusing on where to buy your 2nd hand designer bags with confidence. By that I mean in terrific condition & absolutely without a doubt the genuine article. If you like high-end vintage or just merely prefer not to pay full whack for designer, you don’t wanna miss that post! In the meantime I’ve sourced some equally fabulous Gucci bags for you to browse below.

COMING UP ON RCM…

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I’ve documented my first experience with filler for a combination blog & vlog for you. I filmed all the nitty-gritty details during & after the process including my thoughts about the results. Following that will be my post on where to buy exquisite designer 2nd hand bags. And shortly after that is my mini break to Lisbon where I’ll shoot the capsule outfits I managed to fit in just a carry-on! Remember to subscribe so you don’t miss anything!
Finally I’d like to thank every single one of you for your support & staying with me these past couple of years. As you probably already know (since you guys got me there) I’ve just hit 10k on Instagram Woo Hoo! I’m over the bloody moon about this because it’s like the holy grail of numbers. I’ve worked hard to get to 10k to prove to brands that I’m the real deal macro influencer they need to hire now! So you see, it’s pretty big for me in order to grow – THANKS MY BEAUTIES, LOVE YOU GUYS xxx
*Thanks to The White Horse for allowing me to shoot in your awesome establishment. By the way everyone, the food is delish! Mark & I took Kiki there for lunch as a special treat before she went back to school as she started later than the other two. On Friday we’re going there again only for dinner this time. So if you’re up Hertfordshire way or fancy a drive to the countryside I recommend visiting the quaint village of Hertingfordbury. For more detail about The White Horse Pub you must read the excellent blog KateJonesLondon
Bye for now…

  • Comments ( 17 )

  • avatar
    Catherine, Not Dressed As Lamb

    Well if I wasn’t already totally sold on floral maxi dresses, I totally would be after seeing you in this dress… Oh my GOD, woman, you’re a knockout!! I have some lace ups flats which I think I should be wearing with my floral maxi, thanks for the inspo oh gorgeous one 😀

    Catherine x

    • avatar
      MT

      Why thank you so much Miss Catherine xxx

  • avatar
    Maria | passion fruit, paws and peonies

    You look incredible! I love that you check the ethics of brands – it has made me start to think about where I buy my clothes from! Gosh, you’ve tried filler – I’m too chicken to so I’m interested on how you got on… x

    • avatar
      MT

      Ahh yes the filler is in my face. I am keeping it natural though, so I guess it’s probably only for me. Most people won’t notice although that is the idea. Let me know if you can tell when you watch my vlog Maria x

  • avatar
    No Fear of Fashion

    I think this dress looks terrific on you. Shows your beautiful figure, very sexy in a mature and stylish way. You might need to take up the hem a little if you keep wearing it with your lovely lace-ups (and why not?).
    You also asked about the new font. I like it as it reminds me of the roaring twenties. It is indeed a little harder to read, specially the B and f, but hey.. I got it and I have reading glasses, so no problem. One small thing: the olive letters at the top (above and below the titlle of the post) are hard to read. Other colour? On the other hand, it is not vital information for the readers.
    Greetje

    • avatar
      MT

      Thanks Greetje this was indeed very helpful with the font. I’ve taken it on board & changed a few things, hope you like it. Re dress length – I was a little concerned about the length but when I wore it with my flat sandals to Alysons book launch it was fine. I just held the hem up when I was walking to & from the event but whilst there it wasn’t a problem. I actually quite like the effect of a floor length & doesn’t it look fab when it flicks up at the front? Hopefully it won’t get ruined but if it does then I will hem it xx

  • avatar
    Emma Peach

    Absolutely stunning dress! You look amazing! It’s very encouraging that you usually get a response from brands when asked about their ethics and environmental standards. If more people did that it would certainly make a difference. Love your emerald nail polish!

    Emma xxx
    http://www.style-splash.com/

    • avatar
      MT

      Thanks Emma! Yes I think Brands should be accountable & are mostly aware of that however as you probably realise I’m not asking H&M, Primark or Matalan these questions 😉 xxx

  • avatar
    Renia

    Michelle, I absolutely love this post!
    The combination of two pastel colours – pink and green is just perfect!!
    I’m in love of both your pink coat and your dress… pure perfection.
    Have a lovely day dear
    Kisses
    Renia

    • avatar
      MT

      Thank you so much Renia! big hugs to you lovely x

  • avatar
    Suzy Turner

    That dress is absolutely GORGEOUS! I do love long sleeves maxi dresses myself but I’ve yet to buy one! I love the colour of yours too and the nail polish is divine. I’ve been looking for an emerald green one (my favourite colour) so now I know I need to save up for Chanel lol!
    Congratulations on reaching 10K followers on Instagram – that’s totally amazing. You so deserve it, Michelle!
    Huge hugs
    Suzy xx
    Suzy Turner at Yogadocious

    • avatar
      MT

      This is my first too Suzy! I’m totally hooked now. I’ve always loved maxis (dresses & skirts) but I hadn’t found a long sleeved one that wasn’t from one of those cheap fast fashion places. Thank you Finery! Worth every penny…Already worn it twice not counting this shoot xx

  • avatar
    ABby@Midlifecrisisnut

    WOW! You look like the quintessential Italian BELLA DONNA in that dress, Michelle! Absolutely love the outfit, the decor and yes, I did notice your glowing completion instantly 🙂 Missing you Girls! xx Abby

  • avatar
    sequinist

    Gracious, lady! This is one of my favourite dresses on you EVER! Right up there with the Rixo dress. The print, the colour, the sleeves, even those ruffles… every single details is magnificent. It looks absolutely spectacular on you. I love how you’ve styled it with the nail polish and the flats. 15 out of 10, woman. I am so looking forward to your upcoming posts. The topics are all so relevant and so you. xx

  • avatar
    Petite teacher

    Hello Michele. What a fantastic make over for your blog. It looks very professional, very feminine and very inviting. Good job. Your dress is beautiful. You look absolutely stunning in it.I love flower dresses a lot and am very happy that they will be everywhere this autumn. I am sure I can pick out one or two for myself. I have to think about a maxi one though. As a teacher going to work on her bike, a maxi one is maybe one challenge too much…..Love, Lieske

  • avatar
    Juliana

    Love this post Michelle! I love a maxi dress but when I look through my wardrobe I realise it’s something I’ve always bought for the summer, but not Autumn/Winter!! I’m definitely going to look out for something that fit’s more seasonally this year. Also thanks for bringing us a post on 2nd hand designer bags, I’m really excited to read this one. As a friend likes to say , I have champagne taste on a beer budget!!!! Well done too on getting to the prestigious 10k!! I’ve followed you for the past year and love your refreshing and sophisticated angle on style for women. I look forward to swiping up on your insta stories!!! 😉

    • avatar
      MT

      Hi Juliana! I know you lady 😉 So happy to see you over here on RCM. I am a bit behind on my schedule so the second hand handbag post is a tad late but never fear it is coming. See you soon x

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