Many of you will be familiar with the brand Allium B which is run by sisters, Mary and Clare, both of whom previously had successful careers in fashion.
After being convinced that there was a gap in the market for dresses aimed at those ladies who wanted that all important extra length and close attention to detail, in September 2011, Clare and Mary started developing the range. Allium B was launched in March 2012 and has gone from strength to strength in the intervening years. Nearly three years ago now I interviewed Mary and Clare, asking them about the philosophy behind the brand and for anyone interested, you can read that interview here.
Over the past few summers I have featured Allium B dresses on Style Guile and I have loved wearing them all. I wrote about the Eliza (£95) dress here , the Hannah dress here and the Audrey dress here and when I was asked to feature the Claudette shirt dress (£125), one of Allium B’s new styles, I didn’t hesitate in saying yes. A shirt dress is one of those wardrobe workhorses that will serve you well over the years in so many different ways.
The Claudette shirt dress is particularly special because Liberty commissioned a bespoke print especially for Clare and Mary, which has the Allium B flower in the design. And their dresses are now available for sale in the Liberty store, which must be hugely exciting for them.
The Claudette shirt dress comes with a fabric tie belt, three quarter sleeves and lends itself to being styled in a number of ways. Although I have opted for the more obvious dress route, it would work really well as a beach cover up, or as a tunic style top over skinny jeans – either undone or done up.
For anyone who would like to treat themselves to a lovely dress from Allium B, there’s a 25% discount available to readers of Style Guile, using the code BESPOKE, which is valid until 20th June.
In the above photos I have styled the dress with a thin gold Reiss belt, Topshop shoes and a Jigsaw bag and sunglasses for quite a modern “City” look. Below I have swapped the bag to a Kausar one and the sparkly sandals are from Aldo, which gives the outfit more of a laid back summer look.
The dress looks great on you – how do they fit – are they slim fitting? As a pear shape I always need a slight A line! Btw after deciding I did not fancy a pair of lace up pointed flats, I tried on the Topshop ones today – like yours – and oh dear I think I want them! My local store didn't have the snakeskin ones – only black, which I don't want as I LOVE the snakeskin look – but they were a tiny bit narrow at the front. As they are leather inside as well as out, I am wondering if they will give as most all-leather shoes do?
I'm a big Allium B fan – they make such beautiful dresses and I love how you've styled this one Beth! Ax