Jameela Jamil Ponte Midi Dress for Simply Be- OOTD

Hello, beautiful! 

Today I have another outfit post for you all, featuring probably the most beautiful dress I've ever owned. I've seen so many of my favourite bloggers in the Jameela Jamil Ponte Midi Dress from Simply Be, and I had to try it for myself! Check out how Steph, Leah, Charli, Nancy, and Sam
wore this luscious dress (spoiler alert-they all look AMAZING). As so many wonderful folk have already covered this dress, I was in two minds about whether or not I should too, but I decided to go for it as a) it's fun to see the same item on lots of different bodies and b) I bloody love this dress.

Jameela Jamil has been one of my style icons for a long time. When her fashion collection landed at Simply Be, I was delighted! I love her body positive stance on fashion and image, and I find her sartorial tastes just wonderful. After seeing the range of gorgeous items, I fell in love with the Ponte Midi Dress (I'm a sucker for mesh and polka dots) and I finally have it in my wardrobe! Originally priced at £60, I managed to pick this up for just under £20 with sale prices and a discount code and as soon as it landed on my doormat I wriggled into it!

Being the clumsy girl that I am I was initially a bit nervous around the mesh sleeves and neckline, but thankfully it's a sturdy and tough fabric, with a surprising amount of stretch! I purchased a size up from my usual as I've found Simply Be garments can be a litle tight in the bust and upper arms, and I'm glad I sized up-it fits beautifully. The back zip is discreet and super easy to fasten up, and there's plenty of room in the top half without being ill-fitting. The shape of the dress is so amazingly dramatic. I love dresses of all shapes and cuts and don't think all items should be hourglass shaped, but the full skirt of this dress feels so romantic, with the peekaboo mesh panelling giving a little peek at the pins! As a tall lady, many of my dresses sit short, and it's a wonderful change to have a dress that sweeps past my calves! What I also love about this dress is the different ways you can dress it up. While I've gone for  look in tune with the current 70s trend, you could easily go for a retro inspired Hollywood glamour look, with heels, pearls and red lipstick, or a more goth/punk inspired combination with a biker jacket and boots, for example!

I recently picked up these fringed ankle boots in the sale at Yours Clothing and decided to team these up with the dress. I'm currently obsessed with ankle boots and I know I'll be wearing these loads this spring!

I'm also trying out my life-long dream of becoming a 'hat person'! This tassled beauty was from the sale at New Look and I'm on the lookout for more cool hats- let me know if you spot any!

Have you tried anything from the Jameela Jamil collection? I'd love to hear your thoughts! 
 Stay wonderful!
Melly x
 PS- I've also posted this outfit on LookBook, swing by and say hello!

Pinafores for the Win..afores!

In case you haven't noticed, pinafores are EVERYWHERE. A trend that started later last year is now storming the high street and online stores. Personally, I'm a huge fan. They look so cute and remind me of outifits I wore as a kid (anyone having to face adult responsibilities can seek solace through dressing as an oversized child, right?) But most importantly to me, pinafores offer a vast variety of possiblities, outfit-wise! I bought this Simply Be Pinafore Dress for around £39 back in late August after saving up, knowing it would be a wardrobe staple, and I've worn it so many times. As a person on low income, if I spend more than £20 on an item, I need to know that I will get my money's worth from it, and boy have I with this little number?! I bought a size up than I normally do, and it fits great! The straps are adjustable which help with my height, and there's plenty of room in the bust, which is always a must for me! 

Photos from my Instagram (@mellyemclark)

If you follow my Instagram, you'll have seen me post about what I've been wearing with it. Here are some of my favourite garments to team up with pinafores!

Jumpers- colourful patterned knitwear really pops out from underneath pinafores, and add that extra warmth for this time of year! 

T-shirts- Tees and 3/4 sleeve tops look effortlessly cool with pinafores, and are a super comfy combination.

Short dresses- being a tall gal, I have lots of dresses that are too short for me- realising that I could wear them with my pinafore gave me so many more outfit options!

Blouses- From feminine ditsy prints to heavy plaid checks, it all looks good under a pinafore. It's petty much a failsafe staple that will go with almost anything! 

Accessories- I've been loving accessorising mine with brooches, especially cameo designs and sparkly vintage pins! In the colder weather I've been snuggling up with a snood which looks super cute with a jumper and pinafore! When it comes to footwear, I like to pair them with chunky brogues or ankle boots! 

Blouse: second hand, Pinafore: Simply Be, Brogues: Primark

This Simply Be pinafore is currently in the sale, so grab one before I stock up on enough to last me a lifetime! Since I bought mine, many retailers have started selling denim versions, which I think look awesome! Other great places to find pinafores and dungarees are Asos Curve, New Look Inspire, and more recently, Yours Clothing!

Are you enjoying the trend for pinafores and dungarees? I'd love to know what you think!

Stay wonderful!
Melly x