Luckily, the solution came to me pretty quickly in the form of Dahlia (www.dahlia.com)
I've had my eye on this brand for a few years. It has a single store on Carnaby Street, London, and specialises in really pretty, feminine designs in sumptuous fabrics. At the moment their collection includes a nod to the Western, baroque print jumpers, quirky pinafores and flowing skirts... amongst other beautiful things.
The clothing is quite unique, which means they can get away with their higher-than-your-average-Topshop prices, shirts costing upwards of £38, for example. Unfortunately they don't offer student discount which I think would be really good for them (if any people working for Dahlia read this: pretty please!) which means I can only usually afford Dahlia when it goes on sale.
Anyway, I decided that my turning 21 deserved some pretty pieces that I can use for sophisticated nights out at glamorous bars and interning by day (yes, this is how I visualise my life, post-uni, let me dream). Here's what I'm lusting after.
From the top: Bergen Burgundy Cross Print Blouse, £38; Bernice Chunky Jumper with Stud Shoulder, £25 (SALE); Ella Black Scallop Edge Pinafore, £64; Jakarta Pink Metallic Pleated Knee Length Skirt, £38; Sabrina Pink Blouse with Floral Beaded Collar, £48.
The shirts will look fab under the pinafore, with skirts, or with jeans and I can mix & match the tops with the maxi skirt, too. I love the prints, the embellishments and the cuts of the clothing. Dahlia is super flattering for the more slender, boyish figures amongst the female population, and I can't wait for my birthday and to get my hands on this lovely stuff.
The shirts will look fab under the pinafore, with skirts, or with jeans and I can mix & match the tops with the maxi skirt, too. I love the prints, the embellishments and the cuts of the clothing. Dahlia is super flattering for the more slender, boyish figures amongst the female population, and I can't wait for my birthday and to get my hands on this lovely stuff.
