Natalia Vodianova by Centro for the Naked Heart Foundation

I love a good celebrity/model/designer collaboration as much as the next person, but I'm particularly motivated to buy into them when their sole purpose is to raise awareness and funds for charity. Russian supermodel, Natalia Vodianova, has joined up with Centro (a popular high street shoe store more well known in Asia) to design a range of heels that will raise money for The Naked Heart Foundation. Natalia and Centro have really hit the mark with this collaboration on 3 key points: all proceeds made will go to The Naked Heart Foundation; the style of shoe is classic enough to fit into the wardrobes of a large majority of women; the price point of £60 makes them far more accessible to women who don't have hundreds to spend on a pair of heels.

Natalia said that she wanted her designs to make women "feel like a princess", which is why I assume she's embellished the back of the heels with a crystal crown motif - sadly, it feels a little too 'vajazzled' for my liking - but I'll definitely be picking up a pair of these heels in 'champagne', simply because it's not often I can genuinely say my shoe purchases are benefiting someone else.

You can buy your pair from Net-A-Porter and find out more about The Naked Heart Foundation here.

Image: Net A Porter

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Charlotte Olympia Christmas Stocking

Can't quite believe that Christmas is only 4 days away, or that I missed out on spotting this amazing Christmas stocking by Charlotte Olympia. I knew that an exclusive Christmas range had been designed featuring holly adorned flats and Pandora clutches entwined with mistletoe, but I only came across the stocking today thanks to Susie. Can you ask Santa for a stocking in your stocking?

Image: Charlotte Olympia

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Shoes: Mango Point White Wedge Heels

Say hello to my new Mango beauties. I've wanted them for ages and thought I'd missed my chance, but then they appeared in the online sale. Meant to be.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's Dolce and Gabbana Heels

A proper image of ELLE UK's September 2012 subscriber's issue hasn't been released yet (as far as I can tell), but it came through my door the day after I posted about Rosie Huntington-Whiteley being their cover girl. The subscriber's version was a little bit disappointing, especially for a September issue - it's basically a zoomed out version of the news stand edition. However, aside from Rosie's insanely long legs, I was seriously distracted by something else - her shoes. 

Dolce and Gabbana Sandals at Luisa Viaroma

Completing the entire Dolce and Gabbana look is a pair of incredible heels that first appeared on the runway of the design duo's Fall 2012 collection. Although I'm a sucker for a great pair of heels, it's a shame the real highlight of the cover stems from the rose adorned platforms. 

The price is almost as staggering as the heel too at £1742.62, but you can excuse your purchase with the 'but they're pieces of art' line...

What do you think of Rosie's shoes? What did you think of the subscriber's issue?

Shoes: Charlotte Olympia's Runaway Bride Collection

Runaway Bride: Charlotte Olympia's 'Lolly Dolly' and 'Polly' heels

While shoe lovers the world over have fallen (possibly literally) head over heels for Charlotte Olympia's 'Kitty' designs, I've been waiting for the collection hotly anticipated by every woman with a ring on it - the Runaway Bride collection. While it's hard to imagine a bride running anywhere in these vertiginous beauties, they've certainly been designed for one who intends to saunter down the aisle at the very least, offering guests a cheeky glimpse of leopard print or sweetheart adorned heels beneath the possible virginal white of her wedding dress. Of course, any bride who chooses a Charlotte Olympia design for her wedding shoes will more than likely find that a white dress is far from obligatory. For the Kate Middleton brides of this world, these are not. Not only do all of Charlotte's shoes feature charming details like the spiders web which weaves its way across every sole, but the Runaway Bride collection also features specially considered  details like the soft blue of the platform on her 'Polly' heels, which can count as your 'something blue' on the day. Each pair even comes with some blue laced stockings to match!

At the age of 22, I've pretty much sussed my wedding dress designer, venue and now my shoe designer. Remind me again why a husband is required?

Now available at Net-A-Porter.

Thought for the day: If only Kate Middleton had worn Charlotte Olympia heels on her wedding day....

Shoes: Topshop Luxury

Topshop Luxury heels, Topshop jumper, Vogue UK, ELLE UK

Happy 2012 everyone! I know it's late, but this is my first post of the new year, so it's obligatory. So far, aside from working, my new year has consisted of retail therapy, early nights in bed reading my favourite magazines and building upon my knitwear collection (of course, only I would begin to do this just as stores start to stock the first of their spring collections). 

Today was retail therapy day. I finally felt like I could brave the High Street, which I tend to find is a relatively horrific experience at the best of times without crazed sale shoppers, gale force icy winds, and the general frenzy that occurs post-Christmas, added to the mix. Some semblance of normality resumed today, which made shopping quite enjoyable (I might love fashion, but shopping is not a favourite past-time). Importantly, I managed to replace some old, but beloved boots. Not only were my old ones letting in the incessant rain, but the very internal structure of them was starting to make its way into my feet, so new boots were a necessity purchase. My second footwear buy of the day came in the form of Topshop's aptly named 'Luxury' heels. A combination of the sale and a gifted voucher meant that they were mine for a mere fifteen pounds! At that price I considered them a necessity too. 

For most people the new year brings New Year's Resolutions. For once I haven't made a big list, just two key goals that I'd like to achieve. 

1. Move to London

2. Take a big step toward becoming a Fashion Writer

No pressure...

I've also been thinking a lot about my blog. For those who have followed Dressing Miss Dolly for a while, you might have noticed that my posting has become a little sparse recently. That's partly due to the fact that my new job leaves me glued to a computer, so the last thing I feel like doing when I get home is starting up my laptop again. However, the main reason I haven't posted much is because I just haven't enjoyed it for a while. Unfortunately, I feel like I've lost my way with my blog by posting about things that I felt I 'should' be writing about, rather than what I have been really interested in. That's not to say that the content of my previous posts hasn't been something that I've genuinely been passionate about; I just feel like I've given up on pursuing what I originally wanted to achieve through blogging. When I first started Dressing Miss Dolly I wanted to learn as much about the fashion industry as possible and to connect with like-minded people, which I have continued to do to a degree, but not to the extent that I would have liked. Also, aside from fashion, writing is my true passion and my blog was intended to allow me to combine them both. Truly dedicating time to writing about what I'm passionate about in the industry has fallen by the wayside, so it's something I'm determined to get back. It doesn't necessarily mean that I'll be posting a lot more, but I'm trying to think 'quality over quantity' when it comes to blogging. 2011 was still a fantastic year for Dressing Miss Dolly and I'm thankful for all of the great things that I managed to achieve because of it, but I'm positive that 2012 will be even better!

Cassie x

Make Your Own Sunshine

This week I went shopping with one of my best friends, who's a real bad influence. Everything I shouldn't buy, or really can't afford to buy, she tells me I have to buy, so I ended up with more than I probably should have this weekend. On the plus side, I bought a dress for Paris (my passport arrived today, so I'm definitely going!). I tried on the aqua one I featured here, but although it was pretty, it just wasn't my style at all. Hidden just behind it on the rail, however, was a dress absolutely perfect for me. I'm known amongst my friends for having a minor obsession with black dresses. My wardrobe is colour co-ordinated, so I'm well aware of my not-so-secret penchant, but if it was good enough for Coco Chanel, it's good enough for me, right? The dress I found was, of course, black, which my friend was none too pleased about, but as she had to admit when I tried it on, it really was 'me' and happened to be the best fitting dress I'd tried on all day! 

Dorothy Perkins

It doesn't look all too special here, but it really is gorgeous and I think the perfect fit is what makes it so right for me. I'm thinking of accessorising it with either some summer brights, or classic white/creams Chanel style. What do you think?

I also picked up a lipstick I've coveted for a little way, but which I've been too unsure of to purchase. It's 'Quite Cute' by Mac, and is a pretty, pastel lilac shade. I've never worn a lilac lipstick (haven't seen anyone wearing one either), so I was a bit wary, but it's actually a really flattering shade and I'm now addicted. I definitely recommend it!

Tonight I'm going to my uni's Graduation Ball. I picked up the Miss Selfridge 'Lily' dress I showed you before, but I needed some simple flats to go with it as it's not quite long enough for me to wear heels. I went to New Look and found some gold flats for £14, which I was happy with until I went to Primark and found an almost identical pair for £2.50, so it's safe to say the New Look ones were swiftly returned. Feeling pretty pleased with my bargain find, I then undermined it by picking up some wedge espadrilles, which I've had my eye on since seeing them in numerous magazines.

Primark

Primark

I'm currently in the process of preening for the ball, but I'll definitely try and get some photos to share with you later this week. I'm also trying to gather some ideas on how to do my makeup. The dress is so floaty and summery, I really need something pretty and soft, but I'm an addict to a black smokey eye, so I'm at a loss of what to do. If you have any ideas, or know of any good video tutorials please let me know! Until then, I'm going through the archives of my make-up guru, Lisa Eldridge. 

wednesday wishes 3

Jersey dress, scarlet dress - Topshop; Black wood heels, claw necklace - Urban Outfitters; Lace up boots - ASOS

Seems like I'm into a lot of black by the looks of things. Not sure what that's about, I thought I was all into my autumnal colours. I bought that Topshop Peter Pan collar jersey dress from the last Wednesday Wishes in emerald green, and I love the colour. I want everything in deep jewel colours at the moment, and apparently a few dashes of black too!

I'm loving the jersey dresses that Topshop are bringing out at the moment. They're really decently priced, which is an unexpected bonus and they look lovely. I'm thinking this ruched one is a good move for Topshop, because it really looks like the sell out style dress from Kate Moss's range, don't you think?

I tried on the red dress ages ago, and the fit was awful. It's really not made for hips that don't exercise, but every time I see it in store I still almost kid myself into thinking it will look really nice. It's got an exposed zip down the back as well, that goes right down to your bum (very much Mrs Beckham style) so it's got all the potential to look amazing on the right person.

I finally finished The Mill on the Floss yesterday - HURRAH! Probably to the detriment of my eye sight though, but never mind that. I'm now on track with my reading. I can't believe I'm finally making use of reading week.

P.S - I will post my latest buys soon. I'm trying to restrain myself from posting up too many posts in one day!

Happy Wednesday!

a little post about a lot of nail polish

After the said lack of blogging, but immense amount of blog reading I was doing last week, I was getting pretty intrigued by some of the nail polish things a lot of you guys have been trying out. Namely the Barry M crackle polish and matte polishes.

The other week I went to Boots and bought the Barry M Nail Effects and nail polish in Blueberry (an icy, pastel blue) for 2 for £5, and 17's Matte Top Coat. Saying you're going to paint your nails, then take the shine off of them, and then put another coat on which will crack the nail varnish, doesn't sound all too appealing at first, but it looks a lot better than it sounds.

Barry M Nail Effects with Blueberry underneath

Models Own Jadestone with 17 Matte Top Coat

Models Own  Pastel Pink with 17 Matte Top Coat

The crackle one does have a good effect, and it got a fair few glances on the uni bus, but I'm not sure I'd wear it very often. It dries really quickly though, which is a bonus and each nail gets a unique pattern, which looks really nice. The matte coat is my favourite. It dries ridiculously fast and leaves a nice, even, chalky effect on your nails. I don't know how it reacts with the polish, but it seems to make mine a bit milkier in colour and almost thins it out a tiny bit as you apply it. If you do it in thin coats though, it's fine. 

And these little beasts....

Primark Leopard Pumps

...are the evil, toe haters that I told you about in my last post. I guess for £4 they're fine, but they are as comfortable as you would expect a shoe that costs less than a fiver would be eg: not at all comfy.

wednesday wishes 2

Topshop Jersey Dress, Miu Miu Leopard Heels, Reality Street Book of Sonnets, Kurt Geiger Pink Brogues, MAC Lady Danger Lipstick

Today's Wednesday Wishes is pretty hasty because I completely forgot I'd committed to this feature in all honesty. I've had a chest infection / flu type thing this past week, which still doesn't appear to want to vacate residence from me any time soon, so I'm all out with blogging and posting etc. 

Feeling a bit better today, I ventured into Manchester wearing my new experiment : flat shoes. I know that doesn't sound all too adventurous to those of you who are accustomed to the humble heel less shoe, but for me, patron of the stiletto, it was a big thing in terms of those sartorial decisions we make every day. 

To be fair, I didn't really treat myself to the best representatives of flats. I begrudgingly spent £4 on a pair of Primark leopard print pumps. I pretty much had to be taken kicking my heeled feet all the way to the till. I also bought a pair of Primark brogues (I really splashed out, didn't I!), which I've already hidden at the bottom of my wardrobe. Yet I went to uni with optimism in my little leopard pumps, happily thinking that I would be able to walk speedily from place to place and in comfort. Such feats are seldom heard of in the world of platforms, of which I am usually an inhabitant. 

However, by the time I'd walked 20 minutes my feet were hurting from feeling the cold, hard slap of concrete against my soles. I then wandered on into Manchester, and was practically hobbling home by the end of the day. I arrived home with some new purchases for my feet. A type of unbecoming toe jewellery, if you will, in the form of fabric. Fabric plasters to be blunt. 

Not only did my feet arrive back in the same, if not worse condition, than they usually do from wearing a good six inch shoe, but they didn't look half as good in the process. So as it stands, I still hate flat shoes.

Please, please help me find some comfortable boots that look really good and that don't have a heel, because I have to force myself to convert to their cause because I just can't skate around in stilettos on winter's upcoming ice.

Hope you're all ok. I've been reading your blogs even if I haven't been posting! 

Military Tones

First up, massive apologies for being such a shamefully dismal blogger this past week. In my defence, technology has seriously been hiding the love from me since returning to uni. Over the summer my laptop appeared to be on its last legs and has since resolutely refused to connect to the uni network, hence I've not been blogging. It's weird how out of the fashion loop you feel when you haven't blogged for a while, or surfed the net. I've barely come to grips with NYFW let alone London and Milan. Fingers crossed I'll be up to date with Paris - my favourite second to London. In the absence of the internet I've returned to my old school Vogue's and ELLE's, which have instilled some inspiration for upcoming blog posts.

On top of the lack of internet, I've had no mobile either. My BlackBerry decided it didn't want to receive signal for the past week and has randomly decided to work again today. A week with no internet or mobile has left me feeling pretty stranded, and made me realise just how much I rely on these things. Thank God I took my tv to uni is all I can say. The Inbetweeners and X Factor have kept me entertained when I haven't been able to be contacted/contact friends, or even order a taxi to get anywhere!

For a healthy introduction back into my blog I've gone for what is becoming a Dressing Miss Dolly modern classic. Any readers will know about my long term obsession with Jeffrey Campbell's 'Lita' boots, which I have still not managed to acquire. More and more colours keep being brought out as well, just to make me feel worse I am sure.

I am lusting after anything and everything in khaki and berry tones. They just exude autumnal comfort to me, so it's no surprise I love the latest Litas.

Autumn Season Resolution 1: Buy Litas.

What shows have been your favourites so far? Share the best and worst with me, because I'm completely clueless at the moment.

Source: LF

Step Forward

River Island Blue Velvet Platforms

The perfect way to add a touch of velvet to your look, if you're not prepared to go all out.

Socks

As I mentioned earlier today, the weather is playing around at the moment as to whether or not it wants to allow me to slip into the comfort of dresses/skirts with tights. I always have a bit of a trouble buying either because I'm 5ft 8, so everything comes up more tunic length rather than mid-thigh and beyond (aka the realms of decency). So, I'll be more than glad when I can hold my dignity within a pair of tights again. However, before I get into them, I really want to try out chunky knit socks and socks with heels (I can't quite bring myself to say socks and sandals positively just yet). Topshop's 'The Outsiders' look book first brought the chunky knit socks to my attention, and now Free People is stepping the desire up a gear. 

And whilst we're at Free People, I may as well chuck in these lovelies because they're just too good to miss.

Sam Edelman Falken Ankle Cuff

Any kind of knit wear just takes me back to the gorgeous collection of D&G for a/w. But I go on about that enough already...

Sunshine Feet

Not too long ago I did a brief little post featuring some butter-yellow Charles Anastase 'dungeon' boots. I've blogged quite a bit about Jeffrey Campbell's shoes too, including the 'Litas'. Now a slice of perfection has come about because the Lita is now available in mustard yellow. It's not quite the same delicious pastel shade, but it's still pretty good.

Available at Nasty Gal

Inspired By

You know I have more than what could be called a healthy obsession with those good old Acne 'Atacomas'. I'm also finding a large proportion of my heart is falling for the creations of Jeffrey Campbell. Although many of his shoes are 'inspired by' bigger brand styles, and are essentially more affordable replicas, it's the fact that they're affordable which makes the brand very appealing to me. Along with his 'Alexas', I also fell for the Charles Anastase 'Dungeon' boot-alike (the Lita). However, scouring through some online stores this morning, I was suprised to see that Aldo has come up with some similiar versions of shoes I've been lusting after.

Aldo Sandidge Platform Wedges at Asos.

There's something about the style that doesn't quite work for me, but I'd love to see them on to get an idea of how they'd look. I'd still much rather the JC ivory styles or the orginal Acne's. 

I also stumbled across these, which reminded me of some beauties at Free People.

Aldo Susah Platform Slingback at Asos

For only £85 I'm pretty tempted. What do you think? Do you go in for 'inspired' pieces or are you originals only?

Someone Went Shopping

Dear Readers,

Please remind me EVERY year to have some faith in end-of-season sales, and to take just a little while out of my shopping spree to thoroughly peruse the aisles, as I may just find something really, really nice that's a really, really good bargain. Take today, for example, I've found a pair of black leather, scarily vertiginous ankle boots. Bear in mind that I'm 5ft 8", and I have a fear of heights. Add another five inches to my soles and I tend to buy platform shoes with a sense of trepidation. However, these shoes were £80 (too much for them I'd say, as I find is often the case in Topshop) reduced to.....

wait for it...

TWENTY SEVEN POUNDS!

Twenty seven pounds! You can buy far worse shoes, for far more than that!

The only issue I have with them is that they are incredibly hard to get on. Seriously, I've never gone through such a hassle getting a shoe on. It actually got me out of breath. That could largely be to do with the fact I haven't exercised in a few months, but I'm sure the fact that they have no zip also contributes greatly. My foot is a size 6, and today I have learnt that it is no easy thing getting a size 6 foot into a hole that is ankle width. I had to try them on in the store barefoot, but tried with socks when I got home. Well, safe to say I have no chance whatsoever with socks. Does anywhere still sell those little 'popsocks'? The last time I saw them was when I was being fitted for some rather fetching, velcro school shoes. It's going to have to be that or something like baby oil, because my feet actually looked like they'd been through a small massacre when I took them back out!

The reason I went shopping was to find a dress for The Boyfriend's graduation. Consistent readers will know I was feeling pretty inspired by Victoria Beckham's chic little red GOAT number, and one of the outfits from Rag & Bone's collection (find it here) not so long ago. However, to my memory, I've never owned a red dress. I changed this today.

Plain Bubble Sleeve Dress £40

It's the most vibrant red material I've ever seen. It ties at the back and has a 'V' back as well, and it will do nicely with a bit of styling. Any ideas on what shoes to wear? And no, the new boots won't be appropriate.

I also decided to test out the new Topshop make-up range. I wasn't actually intending to, though I've heard only good reviews about it, but I saw this lipstick

Lipstick in Desert £8

A couple days ago I watched one of Lisa Eldridge's make-up videos, and she used a really different, orange/peach lipstick. Hers was from Illamasqua for £15, but this Topshop one was a close enough match for me to just try out to see whether it suits me for a mere £8. I haven't tried it yet, but when I do I'll let you know what I think.

So! All in all a pretty successful day.

The sun is shining, I've got the latest issue of Grazia to read and later a film featuring my beloved Matt Damon - perfect!

*Tried the lipstick. Verdict:
Pros: Really creamy texture, and feels really moisturising. A bit like a luxurious lip balm.
Cons: The colour is nothing like the little colour tab they put on the packaging. The label is a sorbet orange with white undertones, which was exactly what I was looking for. The actual colour is quite a brown colour with vague orange undertones. It's the colour of a dark tan. 

Alexander Wang: Again

It feels like I've blogged about Alexander Wang's s/s '10 collection alot, but I think I've finally figured out why. The concept of that collection really intrigues me. Or more to the point, the concept of wearing sportswear outside of the gym intrigues me. When I first saw it I didn't think it would work at all. Tapered trousers in jersey? Really? Tube socks on our pasty British legs? I didn't see us Brits or anyone falling below the standard of the models who walked Wang's catwalk, working it in quite the right way. Then I kind of came round to the idea a little more, and a little more, until BAM! - I'm all grey jersey and tube socked out. 


The second problem I thought I'd face, was whether highstreet retailers would bring out a worthy interpretation of the original collection. It was a fair while before I saw anything Wang inspired, everyone seemed to more readily jump onto the pastel bandwagon. Topshop was the first place that I spied the first of many American style sweaters, lazy drawstring tapered trousers, and cropped tees. What surprised me was how appealing it all was. I envied the girl who could pull off those jersey trousers. I constantly refer to these because I can't imagine a more comfortable garment. The chic look of a tapered leg with a touch of your most comfortable pyjamas - perfection in my mind. I think at the time I was wearing a dress that had a tendency to dance with the wind, and boots that made me feel like they personally hated feet, so I was really in the position to be encouraged to embrace them. 


Moving on to the shoes, as any old-school readers will know, the Wang 'Freja' boots were an instant hit for me. Sadly, I didn't see any affordable versions of these until this post, but Zara and Topshop did their own interpretation of some of the other footwear in the collection:

Topshop £80

One thing from the collection that the shops hadn't yet braved, however, were the sleek, skin tight, thigh high mini dresses. Until now. A couple of weeks ago I saw a brilliant version on ASOS, which was even better than the one I'm about to show you (it had the long sleeves). However, it seems to have either gone out of stock, or stopped being in production because I can't find it on the site now (I'm sure I made a resolution to buy on impulse to avoid these things happening). In the meantime, Topshop have succeeded in producing this 'power mesh ruch' dress, which is about the closest dress I could find to channel the Wang vibe.  

I'm slightly disappointed with myself that I've only just taken to this collection, as Wangs a/w will no doubt soon be inspiring us to take an entirely different direction. But hey, we've got at least a week of sunshine to enjoy over this summer, surely? And while the sun is shining, the s/s collection has all the right looks to adopt.

P.S If anyone sees that ASOS dress, let me know. It was about £38.

Photos: Style.com, Topshop.com 

Charlotte Olympia

Man, I hate it when I see shoes like this and know I can't afford them. I hope one day I do work for a top fashion magazine, so that I can buy many shoes like these. I'll keep dreaming...

Top: Dolly Canvas Pumps £535

Margo Python Pumps £885

Available at Net A Porter

Next Does Alexander Wang

My love for the s/s Alexander Wang collection has steadily grown as the season's kicked in. After trying on some harems in Topshop, I realised just how damn comfortable and yet amazingly stylish we'd all be, if we bought into this sportswear look. So my eyes are now on A.W lookalike watch, as of course, chances of Alexander Wang pieces being in my price range are slim to none. 

Today, I went shopping in Next to find an outfit for my 2 year old niece. Lo and behold, I walked in to find my next shoe purchase fitted on the foot of a mannequin. So that you can fully appreciate that these shoes are the nearest lookalikes to the AW originals I've seen so far on the highstreet, let me share some of favourite looks of his collection that featured them.

The £620 originals

The £45 Next Lookalikes

Now I know they're missing the finer details, but for highstreet I think they're pretty good. They're black, they've got a touch of the double layer leather going on, they're peep toe. My boxes are all ticked. Ok, so my legs are gonna feel pretty comfy in some grey sweat-pant harems, yet my feet will be in high heel hell, but I'm sure it's going to be worth it.

Photos: style.com

net-a-porter

Next

Christian Louboutin

Ok, we all know Christian Louboutin is amongst the royalty of shoe world, arguably the King. We all know that many a stylish foot has slipped into a Louboutin heel, and everything: mood, outfit, sex appeal (and sadly, chance of bunions - poor Victoria), is enhanced. BUT, I think I have found my favourite Louboutin shoe. Wait for it, wait for it...

A flat Louboutin, I hear you cry. Precisely! I've never seen anything better. Undoubtedly comfortable, unquestionably stylish, I love them and want them badly.
Someone hand me a tissue, while I cry over the £370 price tag...

Photos: Net A Porter