I first spotted the Ella by Viyella range in John Lewis at Easter. I recall being there with the children (no doubt buying new school shoes and bribing them with a “lunch in a box” for good behaviour).
I headed towards the new range, which I had never heard of before, and was suitably impressed – that was until I realised that it was linked to Viyella when I thought to myself “No, it can’t be. Can it? It’s way too trendy.” And then we left, with me feeling slightly uncomfortable – largely at how shallow I was.
Roll on a few months and I was approached by Ella at Viyella (or rather Sam from Ella at Viyella) to ask me whether I would like to take a closer look at the range and whether I would like to choose something to try. When I took a look at the range, this is what I saw….
It was the Dandelion Print Blouse which I chose to try as I liked the collar and the detailing across the shoulders. I also think that the right blouse can be a sophisticated alternative to a T-shirt or top, in the same way that a blazer can be a more sophisticated alternative to a cardi.
Here is the blouse on an evening out in Wales. I can vouch for the fact that it doesn’t crease at all. Despite having been sent via the post, having been wrapped up in its box for several weeks and then having travelled to Wales, it was as good as new when I hung it up at the other end.
The other thing that I liked about it was how warm it was. Unlike some blouses that are really flimsy, it has a real weight about it. It’s not silk but for me that’s a bonus!
Here I wore the blouse with wide leg jeans and a leopard print belt and I am sure that I could style it with many other things from navy cropped trousers to my navy lace pencil skirt. It would be nice to pick up the gold in the print elsewhere in my outfit which I shall do in the future – this was just a trial run.
Apologies for the quality of the photos – although I must admit that I quite like the slightly soft lighting look – it’s far more flattering!
It’s easier to see the pretty dandelion print on this picture.
There are other great pieces in the collection including a hacking jacket, a leather pencil skirt, a bordeaux leather jacket, a lace dress and a cream silk blouse.
So there are some fantastic wardrobe staples and some cracking savings to be had in the sale with skinny jeans down to £24, which is a saving of £56. There is also a black silk shirt reduced by over £104 to £44.
I will definitely be keeping an eye on the collection over the next few seasons. Now I have got my head around it, I like the traditional feel of the brand with the addition of a modern twist. I suppose it’s a little like M&S bringing out their Limited Collection range, which clearly I have got my head around! I think in particular it will appeal to those who are less into fast moving disposable fashion but rather those who, like my friend Sal, will buy two or three fab pieces each season because of the quality, fit and fabric.
I should say that although I didn’t expect to, I was allowed to keep the blouse. It was actually quite a relief when several weeks after having received it I emailed Sam to apologise for not having returned it, at which point he said that was OK, I could keep it. I love it when one of those feelings of guilt gets magically lifted by someone else!
Love the outfit! That blouse is divine.
Hi Iva, good to hear from you. I am looking forward to wearing the blouse with other things too. Just need time to play! Hope that all is good with you. x
I saw Pippa Middleton wearing a gorgeous Viyella blouse recently, the blouse you wore is lovely too, off to check out the sale. Therese,x
Hi Therese – I saw on twitter that she had been wearing one too but haven't checked it out yet – must do so! How was the sale – did you get anything?
Hi Beth, I am going to order the feather print dress and cinch it in with a belt. How is their sizing, I'm between a 10/12 so not sure which size to get.
sorry the above was from me Therese,x
That is a really beautiful blouse, and looks lovely on you!I'd never heard of Ella by Viyella… and Viyella itself was hardly on my radar. Off to check out the website too 🙂
Thanks Thea – so kind of you to say so. No, Viyella wasn't on my radar either – well, only for my Mum! Did you find anything you liked?
Wow – what a gorgeous blouse Beth! I would not previously have considered Vyiella at all. Beth – are you happy to share the size of the blouse you wore, and whether you think it runs true to size? I am off to look at the website…! Thank you, Kate
Hi Kate – ah, thanks! It's funny isn't it how some pieces appeal to lots of people whilst others don't – and it's not always that easy to work out which they might be! This blouse is a size 8 and it came up true to size for me.
Beautiful blouse – and it has 30% off at the moment … tempting!
Hi Sharon – yes, 30% is tempting – that's a "proper" discount in my book!
I would never in a million years think of looking at Viyella, however the pics you've shown of the Ella range have definitely changed my mind. That blouse looks lovely on you
Hi Helen – I think Ella could be a sneaky contender up there with Hobbs/Jigsaw etc. Looking forward to see what they come up with next season. It's always good to have a new kid on the block!
Another lovely blouse…I'm torn between this and the cream Limited Edition one you posted before!! Both would be perfect for an informal evening I have on the horizon…and both would work with the Boden Wideleg Jeans recently purchased with 30% off!!!
Oooh, go on, be a devil and throw caution to the wind by having both! Love the sound of the jeans!
Lovely blouse but still overpriced even with the discount – would expect it not to be polyester
Yes, you're right – in an ideal world and all that!
It looks like Viyella has finally upped their game. The Ella range is gorgeous and the blouse looks lovely on you!www.petitestyleonline.com