I’ve followed the RHS Chelsea Flower Show from afar for a few years now – it’s always so full of vibrancy and inspiration. The Show, taking place this week, is in its centenary year and I’ve particularly enjoyed the coverage of the extra special events going on to celebrate. Laura Ashley’s beautiful bloom-filled blogpost and British Vogue’s Chelsea Flower Show street style article inspired me to don my suitably floral, Chelsea-appropriate Laura Ashley frock.
Whenever I’m vintage hunting, I always keep a special eye out for Laura Ashley dresses. As I’ve discussed before, Laura Ashley has a special place in my heart: the brand’s ubiquitous florals and feminine style have shaped my satorial tastes from a young age (and my Mum’s before me).
The dresses (if well looked after) are usually found in great condition because they’re so well made, and a little floral fading only adds to their character. This one caught my eye at Broadway Market (more on that soon), with its vibrant colours, fitted shape and cute covered buttons, and I picked it up for just £20.
For this outing, I complemented the retro Seventies style with a fedora hat from Marks & Spencer – an AW12 purchase that has served me well through the seasons and I’ll be wearing all summer long. My staple biker jacket, ankle boots and berry lips add a contemporary twist, and avoid things looking too ‘fancy dress’ (not that that would be a bad thing, in my book).
Since the Vogue Festival, I’ve been making a concerted effort to follow Sir Paul Smith’s advice to ‘look and see’. One thing in particular stayed with me: he showed how his sources of inspiration – such as the Chelsea Flower Show, which Sir Paul attends every year – are translated into collections.
Wearing florals? It’s a start. Probably not the most original, but definitely fun!
Do you have any vintage Laura Ashley pieces? How do you wear them?
3 comments
Love this dress!!
Thanks! Me too 🙂 x
[…] as I’m usually the one asking the questions! If you know how much I love Laura Ashley (see here and here) as well as vintage (too many posts to link!) then you’ll know how excited I […]