Everyone has a Little Black Dress, but I’m going to make the case for having a Little Red Dress too. Winser London makes several things in a particularly perfect shade of red which they call ‘Hollywood Red’. I have a coat in that colour, and when they asked me to choose something for this post I went straight to this red dress. It is a wonder. It has soft pleats at the shoulder, pockets (hooray!), and is made of the most deliciously soft, stretchy, thick, crepe jersey fabric. I’ve glammed it up here, as is my wont, but it works equally well with pointed flats and somewhat more sensible jewellery. If you don’t wear red, it comes in 5 other colours, but the red is a wow. Also, a quick note on the fit… I’m extremely short waisted so any V-neck top or dress will look low-cut on me, whereas on a normal person, it wouldn’t. This dress is no exception. For winter, I’m planning on buying this in black as well, and wearing the Lauren silk shirt in cream underneath it (which I already own). The red is quite racy, but in black worn over a cream pussy-bow satin blouse, and with ropes of pearls or a brooch, it has an entirely different Madame Chanel kind of feel.
A few weeks ago when we went to Provence, I packed this Little Red Dress to wear out to dinner one night with my husband. We went to Oustau de Baumaniere, a restaurant in Les Baux that holds special memories for us, so I wanted to look extra nice… and by ‘extra nice’ I mean wear red and pile on the accessories! Oustau de Baumaniere was one of the first places my husband and I ever went together. The incredible food is all locally sourced, and the restaurant overlooks a beautiful terrace and a pool, with the absurdly picturesque village of Les Baux perched on the steep rocky mountain just above it. We loved it so much we went back again for lunch a few days later with my in-laws and my son. My son was less interested in the food and more interested in the pool, so he skipped lunch and splashed in the water beside us. I had a very poignant ‘seasons of my life’ moment (a la Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Landslide’) being back in this place where my husband and I dated, returned as a married couple, and then visited again with our son and my in-laws. Apart from my own special attachment to this place, I highly recommend it if you are ever in Provence. It is a magnificent corner of the world.
The mistral (the fierce local wind) that week meant that my hair was a wreck the entire week in Provence, as you can see. I just gave up and decided to roll with the French ‘undone’ hair thing. You can’t control the wind, but you can adjust your sails hair, repeatedly.
Despite the mistral, we were so lucky to be there when vivid, silky, red poppies were blooming everywhere, so I insisted we take some photos with them. It seemed downright rude not photograph a red dress in a field of red flowers! There are few things more mesmerising to me than watching the sun and the wind play across a vast field of red poppies; the red hues constantly change with the light.
With the red dress, I’m wearing a cashmere wrap that I have from last winter (also in Hollywood Red), my Hermes Medor clutch, a multi-coloured Swarovski crystal necklace, and some Kurt Geiger shoes that I saw on Instagram and pounced on the moment they arrived in stores. I’ll give you a closer look because I’m just sick in love with them. Like the other Kurt Geiger heels I own, they are so much more comfortable than they look.
Like most Winser London items, this red dress packed beautifully and didn’t wrinkle due to its elastane content. I’ve written several posts on this brand before, and given how much as I love their clothes, I’m sure I’ll write several more! I do it because the quality is amazing, I love supporting a company with a 40+ woman at the helm (who understands her consumer because she is her consumer), and each piece I own lends itself to being styled in so many ways. To prove my point, my six blogger friends from The Over 40 Collective styled Winser London clothes THEIR own way. The Over 40 Collective, which you’ll be seeing more of in the future, is a group of seven bloggers, each with her own style. Together we created the Collective as a platform for facilitating dialogue between our age group and the brands who are genuinely interested in our demographic, brands who understand our desire for stylish clothes that suit us. Some companies, (like Winser London) really care. Some don’t. We’d rather focus on the former, and forge changes with the latter.
Have a look below at how my lovelies from the Over 40 Collective women are wearing Winser London. Below each photo, I’ll add a link to their blog post on the outfit, so you can read why they chose the outfits they wore, and learn a little more about them. I think they all look spectacular. Because I know each of them so well, it is a delight (with actual squealing involved!) for me to see their personalities shine through the clothes. It perfectly illustrates the point that when you have strong personal style, good clothes are the canvas that allows you project your personality. I’d love to know what you think in the comments. Which ones are you favourites? Which of these looks is something you would wear?
Catherine of Not Dressed As Lamb
Nikki of Midlife Chic
Michelle of RetroChicMama
Michelle of The Barefaced Chic
Liz of What Lizzie Loves
Annette of Lady Of Style
I’d like to give a special thank you to the always lovely team at Winser London for gifting me this gorgeous red dress, and for being our first project as The Over 40 Collective!
Linking this week to: StyleNudge, TheWardrobeStylist, Beauty101ByLisa, elegantlydressedandstylish, sydneyfashionhunter, classyyettrendy, alovelylittlewardrobe, colorandgrace, honest mum, happinessatmidlife, dousedinpink, livingincolorblog, awellstyledlife, thefabjourney, eleganceandmommyhood, highlatitudestyle, fashionshouldbefun, nancysfashionstyle, sheelagoh, notdeadyetstyle
70 Comments
Michelle
May 30, 2016 at 8:35 AMUtterly and completely stunning Lisa! The backdrop is to die for, but that dress – perfection. You certainly are the lady in red.
Michelle xxx
Lisa
May 30, 2016 at 8:42 AMOh, thank you SO much, Michelle! Love to you xx
Liz
May 30, 2016 at 9:50 AMLisa, this is a stunning blog post in very way. The dress is spectacular and the fields of Poppies are just exquisite. Your jewellery, your shoes and even your “undone” hair are perfection. Thank you for your love, friendship and support. May we go from strength to strength! xxxxx
Lisa
May 30, 2016 at 11:08 AMThank you so very much, Liz! I’m so pleased you like it. Thank you for always being such a great friend. xx
Abby
May 30, 2016 at 1:23 PMThis dress is gorgeous! Love it with the statement necklace 🙂
Abby | Life in the Fash Lane
Lisa
May 30, 2016 at 2:16 PMThank you Abby; that is so sweet of you! The necklace is a favourite of mine too! xx
nancy
May 30, 2016 at 2:10 PMWow, What a stunning dress. And what a beautiful pictures! And that necklace! I can’t stop thinking, oh and ah!
http://nancysfashionstyle.com/my-week-21-2/
Lisa
May 30, 2016 at 2:15 PMThank you, Nancy! I love the dress and the necklace too! xx
Abby
May 30, 2016 at 6:43 PMOh la la! I honestly didn’t know where to look – there were so many distractions: you, that dress, the necklace, the shoes. My jaw dropped right down to my feet! You’re such a stunner Lisa! Also, I really enjoyed the accompanying pictures of the Over 40 Collective – you look glam Ladies! xx Abby
Lea
May 30, 2016 at 6:48 PMStunning! You look beautiful! Of course I immediately went to the Winser London link and am in love. Thank you Lisa!
Lisa
May 30, 2016 at 8:56 PMThanks so much, Lea! I adore Winser; everything they do is just the MOST AMAZING quality. I can’t even explain how special the fabrics are. Enjoy! xx
Lisa Morin
May 30, 2016 at 7:17 PMSooo gorgeous! Love your dress and the photos are incredible XO. Would love for you to stop by and #LINKUPWITHLISA @ http://www.beauty101bylisa.com/2016/05/linkupwithlisa-51-fringe-print-maxi.html
Lisa
May 30, 2016 at 8:55 PMThank you so much, Lisa! xx
Shelbee on the Edge
May 30, 2016 at 7:39 PMJust gorgeous! And I swoon over your necklace!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Lisa
May 30, 2016 at 8:54 PMThank you Shelbee. I’m sick in love with the necklace! xx
Samantha
May 30, 2016 at 7:49 PMWow!
What a look…
That dress.
Those shoes.
That necklace.
Knockout!
XXX
Samantha
http://www.fakefabulous.com
Lisa
May 30, 2016 at 8:53 PMThank you so much Samantha, so pleased you like it! xx
Annette
May 30, 2016 at 8:19 PMLisa, I love the way you wear this gorgeous dress, it is so your style!
The location in Provence couldn’t be more beautiful – last time I visited is 30 years ago!! Thank you so much for sharing your lovely story with us.
xx
Annette | Lady of Style
Lisa
May 30, 2016 at 8:52 PMThank you so much, Annette! xx
Suzy Turner
May 31, 2016 at 3:53 PMYou all look so beautiful, but that red dress on you is something else. YOWSER!! You look gorgeous 😀
Suzy x
http://www.suzyturner.com
Lisa
May 31, 2016 at 4:03 PMThanks SO much, Suzy. This dress is so comfortable and stretchy I sort of want it in every colour! xx
That's Not My Age
May 31, 2016 at 6:52 PMHollywood Red looks fabulous on you! And, I’m a big fan of Winser London – so lovely to see it worn in such a variety of ways.
Lisa
May 31, 2016 at 8:43 PMThanks so much, Alyson. I agree, it is interesting to see the brand styled so many ways! xx
Michelle
May 31, 2016 at 8:36 PMAbsolutely delicious Lisa, I cannot take my eyes off these dreamy photos! It’s like Mother Nature herself laid that bed of red poppies just for you.
You’re luminous my dear friend x
Lisa
May 31, 2016 at 8:44 PMAwwwww, thanks so much, gorgeous. I could have spent the whole day staring at the poppies! xx
Nikki Garnett, Midlifechic
May 31, 2016 at 8:51 PMAaah what a lovely post – beautiful you wearing a gorgeous dress in a stunning setting. You have such flair when it comes to accessories too. Thank you for including my shot. xxx
Lisa
May 31, 2016 at 9:07 PMThanks so much, Nikki. It is such a thrill to see you and The Over 40 Collective women featured on my blog since you feature so heavily in my every day life! xx
Hannah
June 1, 2016 at 8:54 PMThe whole ensemble is beautiful, Lisa. The necklace is made for that dress! What a stunning photo among the poppies!
Lisa
June 1, 2016 at 8:58 PMThank you so much, Hannah! There is nothing better than poppies; I should have taken photos of lots of outfits there, not just this one, for future use! xx
Catherine, Not Dressed As Lamb
June 1, 2016 at 9:14 PMOne word: BOMBSHELL…!!!!!!!!! Wow, wow, wow – I can’t begin to tell you what a knockout you look in this dress, Lisa! Everything from the dress to the heels to the necklace – and then there’s the poppies! I can’t handle how stunning not only you look but how stunning these pictures are. Thank you so much for introducing us to Winser and coordinating this first collaborative project – I’m so impressed with their quality and the choice on offer, my trousers and sweater are so perfect.
As for the O40Co, well what can I say?! I couldn’t be proud to be part of this fantastic group of women who I call my dearest friends… It’s been a blast and we’ve only just begun! Here’s raising a glass to many more fun times and collaborations ahead, thank you so much for all your support and love, it means the world to me :))))
Catherine xx
Lisa
June 1, 2016 at 9:20 PMThank you so much, Catherine. I’ve learned SO MUCH from you, and I am proud to call you my friend. I’m thrilled with our first collaboration too! xx
Carrie
June 2, 2016 at 1:04 AMBeautiful dress and lovely style you have…impressive. Your blog is lovely! Glad to find you.
Lisa
June 2, 2016 at 8:28 AMThank you so much, Carrie! xx
Stevie Wilson
June 2, 2016 at 2:58 AMThe entire outfit rocks! Your necklace and your shoes…. WOW! Love! Love! Love!
Lisa
June 2, 2016 at 8:28 AMThanks so much, Stevie! xx
Little Red
June 2, 2016 at 4:24 AMWow! Seriously stunning. I believe I let a “PHWOAR” when I saw your post on FB about the shoes and now that I’ve seen the rest of the outfit, it goes double! I looked up the dress on the Winser London website and no way would I have thought it could look so va-va-voom in real life since it looks so shapeless on the hangar. And that is really the most perfect shade of red ever. You and I have such different coloring but even I could carry off this color.
Lisa
June 2, 2016 at 8:27 AMThanks so much, Shalini! The shoes are just amazing, aren’t they? I HAD to have them when I saw them. I agree, the Winser dress doesn’t look like much on a hanger, but the stretchy fabric that clings just a little bit gives it plenty of shape when you put it on. I love their Hollywood Red colour… not to orangey and not too blue either. It is perfect. As well as you wear red, I’ll bet this would be great on you! xx
Ada
June 2, 2016 at 2:30 PMLisa, I loved you wearing red first time around and featured it on my blog too and I love the head to toe red look once again this time, actually more. Especially with such a stunning backdrop like the red poppies. That dress is meant for you and suits you so well. The cashmere wrap was a great idea and all your accessories are stunning: clutch, shoes and statement necklace. I love what everyone is wearing. I love Liz’s style. She is rocking those pants and oxfords, too.
Welcome by and linkup today when you have a chance. Come share your gorgeous style with my readers. Thanks, Ada. =)
http://eleganceandmommyhood.blogspot.com/2016/06/thursday-moda-14-and-little-white.html
Lisa
June 2, 2016 at 10:44 PMThank you so much, Ada! xx
Elise
June 2, 2016 at 4:02 PMGreat dress! Perfectly accessorized. Beautiful look!!
xx, Elise
http://www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com
Lisa
June 2, 2016 at 10:44 PMThank you so much, Elise! xx
Jill
June 2, 2016 at 10:20 PMYour photos are gorgeous! You look stunning in red and I’m obsessed with those shoes!
Jill
Doused In Pink
Lisa
June 2, 2016 at 10:43 PMThank you so much, Jill! xx
jess jannenga
June 2, 2016 at 10:23 PMFirst off, everyone looks so beautiful in these photos. I love your pictures,so stunning with the red poppy field and I am loving everything from tip to toe! Those shoes are soooo stunning, the black straps criss crossing as sexy style. The statement jewelry does just that, and I am with you I love a LRD even more than black. Head turner!
Thank you for linking up with Turning heads Tuesday!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Lisa
June 2, 2016 at 10:43 PMThank you so much, Jess! I think I’ll take blog photos in poppy fields for ever and ever 🙂 xx
Glenda
June 2, 2016 at 11:51 PMI’m sure the mouths dropped on every man in the restaurant when you strolled in with your husband. A definite WOW dress. You call it Hollywood Red, I was thinking the iconic Valentino Red.
Lisa
June 3, 2016 at 9:25 AMAwwww, thanks so much Glenda, that’s so sweet of you! I agree, Winser London’s ‘Hollywood Red’ is very near to Valentino’s clear red, isn’t it? xx
Sally Oddy
June 3, 2016 at 11:11 AMWow…the dress, the necklace….THE SHOES!! You look stunning. I’d never think to accessories a red dress with a multi coloured necklace like that but it works so well! I’ll definitely be checking out this brand – never even heard of it before! Great post, thanks for sharing! #Brillblogposts
Lisa
June 3, 2016 at 12:34 PMThank you so much, Sally! Definitely check them out; I always bang on about the quality because it really is second to none at this price point. xx
nicole
June 4, 2016 at 4:43 AMThanks for linking up to Top of the World Style.
Sheela Goh
June 4, 2016 at 10:49 PMI know, I know, I gushed over this outfit in Instagram, Lisa, but I do think it deserves extra attention. As do those shoes. I like to describe them as being sex on heels but perhaps that’s a tad too crass? So let’s call them the most alluring pair I’ve seen in quite a while, and mind you, I’ve seen a few in my time (wink wink, nod nod and all that). Speaking of poppies, my husband is from South Calabria, and he was describing them to how the fields would literally be flooded with pops of red from poppies during Spring so your photos are such a lovely, timely visual reminder of how much we miss Italy xoxo
p/s come link up? It’s just not the same without you.
Lisa
June 5, 2016 at 7:19 PMThanks so much, Sheela. Coming from someone with YOUR shoe collection, that is quite a compliment! I adore these shoes too.
The poppy fields make me so happy; it sounds like you and your husband need a Spring trip to Italy next year, to see the poppy fields among all the other things Italy has to delight the senses. xx
Happiness at Mid Life
June 5, 2016 at 6:15 AMWhat a stunning look and I can see why you fell in love with those amazing shoes!!
Thank you for being a part of TBT Fashion link up and hope to see you soon!
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Katie
June 6, 2016 at 12:50 AMGorgeous dress, necklace, and shoes! Head to toe a stunning ensemble! Plus, the pictures are lovely. What a gorgeous location!
-Katie
http://hellokatiegirl.blogspot.com/
Lisa
June 6, 2016 at 3:10 PMThanks so much, Katie! xx
Anna Parkes
June 7, 2016 at 5:13 AMDon’t you just love it when you find the perfect backdrop for an outfit! The poppy field was surely made to order for this gorgeous dress, Lisa. Not only is it a quality piece in a classic shape, but they’ve been thoughtful enough to add pockets too. What a master stroke. Your styling is pretty masterful too. I can’t believe that you didn’t get the wrap at the same time – what a great match. But I have to say my favourites of the whole outfit are your beautiful shoes. They’re so elegant, and yet unusual. I did have to smile at your encounter with the Mistral. Living by the sea, my photo shoots are often prey to the whims of nature, particularly a constant sea breeze. The windswept look is almost my signature now.
Congratulations to you ladies of the collective in this new, exciting venture. This platform you have created fills the gap perfectly between the consumer and the designers of womenswear over 40 who struggle to find stylish clothes. I wish you all every success and hope you continue to have fun with this project too.
Anna
http://www.annasislandstyle.com
Lisa
June 7, 2016 at 3:30 PMThank you so much, Anna. I love the shoes too! Thank you for your wishes and support of our project.
Turning Heads #linkup -Rust Maxi Off The Shoulder Dress with Metallics - Elegantly Dressed & Stylish - Over 40 Fashion Blog
June 7, 2016 at 6:02 AM[…] Week: This absolutely to-die-for red ensemble and black lace up red pumps shown by Lisa of the Sequinist . Gorgeous […]
jodie filogomo
June 7, 2016 at 2:00 PMAbsolutely stunning—everything is so perfect: the shoes, the necklace and especially the dress!!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Lisa
June 7, 2016 at 3:28 PMThank you so much, Jodie! xx
Mithra Ballesteros
June 7, 2016 at 4:46 PMCongrats! On the Over 40 Collective. On the poppies. On the complete gorgeousness of you! What a fun post to read. Your personality shines through no matter what you wear or what you write. SO MUCH FUN to ride along!
Lisa
June 8, 2016 at 5:30 PMThank so you much, Mithra. It is a mutual admiration society. xx
Lana
June 8, 2016 at 10:06 PMGorgeous dress, gorgeous styling, gorgeous photos – gorgeous you! Love everything about this post. You’ve inspired me to look for a red dress. How fun to be involved in a collective – I look forward to more from you lovely ladies!
Lisa
June 10, 2016 at 8:49 PMLana, I think you’d be just amazing in red; you and I have very similar colouring. Thank you so much for your comment. xx
Stella Asteria
June 10, 2016 at 2:22 PMYou look seriously gorgeous Lisa!! Red is definitely your colour and this look is super elegant and luxurious! I’ve been obsessing over your lace up pumps on instagram, and this Hermes bag is the ultimate black clutch bag! I also like the looks of all ladies, but the first one, I would wear in a heartbeat! Excellent post and photos as per always! Enjoy your weekend!!
Kisses from Mykonos!
Stella
http://www.stellaasteria.com
Lisa
June 10, 2016 at 8:48 PMThank you so much, and kisses right back to you, Stella! xx
Sarah
July 2, 2016 at 2:11 PMHi Lisa, beautiful article. Love your style! The red dress is tdf! I just do not hope that you paid this necklace for being Swarovski because this is made from Bohemian glass. It is gorgeous though but not Swarovski.
Lisa
July 2, 2016 at 2:22 PMThanks, Sarah! xx
A Love for Statement Sequins - YLF
October 26, 2016 at 11:40 AM[…] embraces her inner bombshell in this alluring little V-neck number in vivid red. The sleeveless frock hits our 5’8″ blogger just above the knees and accentuates her fab curves. An […]
Winser Pink Sweater and Camel Wide Leg Pants | Over40Collective #iwillwearwhatilike - Not Dressed As Lamb
September 27, 2019 at 6:30 PM[…] you Winser London and thank you Annette, Lisa, Liz, Michelle, Michelle and Nikki for all your support and […]