competition // underneath the lbd

i see so many "enter our competition" emails pop in my inbox, and more often to not, they're not really my cup of tea. not this one. why? certainly not the opportunity to show off some pretty underwear, no. the £1000 prize helps, of course, but for me it was more about the challenge involved; what's the challenge you ask? well, the competition is all about styling another black dress...

it is it's lbd season, isn't it? i feel like everywhere you turn (click), there's another discount code or another preview of another range black dress. yawn. i do not enjoy black anything (except my beloved tights!) so, the challenge presented is about bringing personality to an otherwise dull outfit. well, challenge accepted!

dress :: asos // earrings :: ernest jones // crown :: crown and glory // clutch :: new look // shoes :: vivienne westwood // lingerie :: ann summers

so, if it's got to be black, it must be pretty. this gothic lace cocktail number from asos ticks all the boxes. it's feminine, it's super girly, and most of all, it's totally flattering. with the sheer neckline and fitted bodice, there needs to be some comfy but flattering underwear to keep all the jiggly bits at bay. with the extra thick sides and the dainty straps, the cara black long line bra is the perfect accompaniment to this stunning dress.

the accessories are killer in this outfit, and i've kept my colours in line with christmas...well, my take on the traditional green and red; mint and pink! i'm thinking that my hair will be up off my neck to show of the detail in the dress; messy beehive type do, and so to bring some glam to the dress it's got to be these ruby and white gold diamond earrings from ernest jones. aren't they stunning? the most perfect shade of pink, and so sparkly that they're bound to get caught in all the lights.

to keep my barnett at bay and fringe safely out of the sweat-zone, a crown is definitely required. hell, a crown is always required. the whole lotta rosie crown in mint is the perfect touch to finish off the messy up-do, but doesn't take away from the sensational gems hanging from my ears. to tie in the colour of the gems, this magenta clutch form newlook is a must have, as are these melissa's by vivienne westwood which add the final feminine touch to the whole outfit - pastel bows and all!

so, that's my take on styling this year's lbd. 

what's your take on black dresses; do you love them or loathe them?

*written in collaboration with brand, all opinions are my own*