The dress of dreams

We got our annual bonus at work last payday, and while I was sensible with a chunk of it, putting it in savings, and bought presents with some of the rest (work gets hectic in the run-up to Christmas so I like to prepare things early), I already had a good idea what I'd be treating myself to: the Evelyn dress in ebony crepe from House Of Foxy. Yesterday it went up on their site (I knew it was in the works thanks to their Instagram feed) and this morning I ordered one.

Yes, it's expensive. However, I have fewer qualms splashing out on stuff from HoF because the quality of everything else I've bought from them is extremely good, and it's made in Britain so I know it's not coming to me from a sweatshop. And, dammit, I'm going to have a treat from my bonus; I worked hard for that! At this price I did have to be absolutely sure I wanted it, but heck, it's perfect. Ruching above and below the bust, bishop sleeves... such a lovely thing.

I'm not sure why I want to spend all summer dressing for a 60s spy-fi and all winter for a film noir, but there you go. Maybe it's because miniskirts are too cold for winter! Anyway, the charity shop gods seem keen to help me channel my inner Barbara Stanwyck, as in the past couple of weeks they've sent me a dinky plain black cardigan – something I was missing and really wanted – and a black fluted skirt similar to HoF's flutter skirts in shape, and yesterday I found a classic style rain mac, made by Monsoon, in the most fabulous shade of teal. It was cheap because it was missing a button, but I could see instantly how I could move one from a pocket without spoiling the look of the coat. My last coat was also charity shopped, but it's got quite tired now and the lining is all torn, so this is a timely replacement. All those chazza bargains should balance out the cost of that Foxy frock.

You're going to ask for photos, I know it, so I promise they will come! I hope you're having as much shopping success as I am, in charity shops or elsewhere.