For many years I have really loved the brand Hearts and Roses London. I have seen them at several LondonEdge events and have drooled over the patterns and designs.

I have looked at the dresses over and over, all to no avail as they didn’t make the items in my size!

This year I returned to LondonEdge and to my surprise saw that the brand was now making sizes up to a 26. Just what I need.

I had a look at the designs on offer and there were a couple that instantly caught my eye.

When I got back home I immediately went onto the website to see just what they had in my size. I was immediately struck by a stunning white dress with red roses all over it which had a foil effect.

It was called the Athena Metallic Swing Dress and given that I had just come back from Athens, it was pretty much fate!

Georgina and Athena

It was beautifully modelled by the gorgeous Georgina Horne and I adored it. It had a very unusual neckline and the shiny roses sent it off nicely.

It only had to wait a day or two for it to arrive and it looked stunning in the packaging.

That was when I hit a bit of a snag.

Getting the dress out to try it on I was immediately struck by a strange ‘fishy’ smell. Initially I thought it was just me, but Baby Bear commented on the strange smell as she was zipping me up.

Styling it )Out

I was a bit torn on what to do next. Having zipped the dress up, I knew it fitted like a dream. But it really smelled!

Was it worth keeping it, washing it and hoping the smell disappeared OR should I send it straight back?

Red Roses for a Blue Lady

Well, it was so pretty and such an unusual design that I simply had to give it a try and see if I could wash the smell out.

I am very happy to say that on the first wash and dry, the smell was completely gone and the dress still looked exactly the same with no changes in the colour or pattern.

Needs a Petticoat!

Since the arrival of the dress, COVID has happened and sadly this means I haven’t been able to show the dress off at an occasion or event. I have had it for 2 months or more now and I decided that I just couldn’t wait any longer.

The day was sunny, the garden looked lovely and it was the ideal time to get the dress out and give it an outing. Posing in the beautiful sunshine, Theodore couldn’t wait to photobomb me (as always) as I posed and he pranced around whilst the camera was clicking away.

Pockets!

The fit of this dress is spot on for me, apart from the signature neck strap. Whilst I am a big girl, my shoulders and chest are quite narrow and sloping. Cold shoulder tops never work on me as the hang down my arms and this was no different.

Instead of the strap curving across from shoulder to shoulder, it was loose and floppy. No matter though, I simply tucked the excess material under the shoulder strap sections, however I will get it altered for a better fit once we are out of lockdown.

Vintage Bag and Repro Accessories

All in all, this dress is a stunner and perfect for the summer. I have received so many comments on it already and I know I will get a lot of wear out of it.

I just need to find the perfect vintage hat to go with it!

A Perfect Summer Dress

Till next time,

SPSG xxx