THE older I get, the more I understand the need for quality and longevity when it comes to clothing.

Sure I like a bargain and to splurge on something frivolous from time to time, but I’m becoming quite the fan of classic pieces and the important role they play in my wardrobe.

A little black dress is one of those classic pieces, if you get it right, that is. I own quite a few LBD’s – some people may say too many! – and they’re not all timeless beauties, even though they are stunning in their own right.

Nope, a true classic little black dress is that rare item you can throw on for almost any occasion and know that it will always – no matter what the circumstances- look good on you.

It should always fit (even if you put a little weight on), it should be suitable to wear in ten years time, it should make you feel fan-bloody-tastic and should be comfortable and easy to wear too. All of which means it’s pretty impossible to find the damn thing of course.

However ladies, I think I might just well have hit the LBD jackpot. I think I’ve found my classic!

This little black dress – named Lana – was kindly sent to me by the hugely talented – and oh so chic – Kerry O’Brine and I absolutely adore it. Made from the softest and most luxurious black silk jersey, this elegant wrap dress drapes beautifully over my curves and is probably the comfiest dress I have ever worn.

I’ve had it in my possession for a number of months now and have already worn it many times which I’m definitely taking as a tell tale sign that I’ve found the one.

I’ve dressed it up for a posh evening meal where I was in work mode as a journalist, I’ve giggled and flirted in it with my husband over a glass of wine on a date night, I’ve worn it on Christmas Day – it was the perfect canvas to show off my Christmas cracker hat *winks* – and I’ve worn it many times during an ‘ordinary’ day running about as a freelancer and busy mum.

The dress is perfection. It never creases, it’s chic but unobtrusive – which means I can easily dress it up or down at whim – and it makes me feel like a woman. To quote Kerry: “simplicity is the key!” In this stunning dress I feel like I can tackle the world, which in essence is what the perfect LBD is all about!

I’ve teamed it here with another classic, a houndstooth trench coat from Topshop that I picked up in the sales least year for just £20. It’s another piece that I know I will get so much wear out of this year, especially when the chill eases off a little.

I’m also wearing my trusty black opaque tights and keeping my calves and feet warm with my beloved black suede knee length boots. (From Autograph at M&S a few years ago. That’s another thing with classics. If you look after them, they’ll last you for years!)

I might be wrong, but I can see myself wearing this outfit in ten years time. Hopefully as I strut down the Champs Elysees with a classic Chanel flap bag hanging from my shoulder. Well a girl can dream right?! (Chanel, if you’re listening….)

Please do check out the rest of Kerry’s beautiful collection when you have a moment. All of her designs are truly elegant and stunning in simplicity and will – in my opinion – make you look and feel gorgeous for a lifetime.

And I ask you – what, my lovelies, could be more wonderful than that?!

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With love,
Kate

For more information on Kerry’s collection (she also does bespoke designs too!) visit www.kerryobrine.co.uk