Last summer I bought the printed cotton Scarlet dress (above) from Marilyn Moore and wore it everywhere. It was more of a long top than a dress really, but it worked brilliantly over slim leg black cotton trousers, straight leg jeans and on its own on the beach as a cover up on holiday. Every time I wore it there were compliments, which seemed surprising to me as it was one of the easiest dresses to wear in my wardrobe and I just threw it on most times, often without ironing it.
Marilyn has done the shape again this summer and in a selection of her gorgeous florals (she buys vintage prints and gets them re coloured for a more authentic look and also uses Liberty prints, all come on great quality cotton bases) which look so pretty merchandised all together in her stores, particularly when the sun shines in. Our favourite this season is the black and white print shown here, on a soft Italian cotton voile and costs £159.00. Although a high initial outlay, when you do the times worn and felt good equation at the end of the summer you will feel it’s a worthwhile investment.
The brand has not got a website yet, despite us nagging Marilyn about it (she is working on it) but her three London shops are in Barnes, Notting Hill and King's Road and all have the style in a number of different prints, there is a slightly shorter version called Skye which is £139.00 which is just as pretty. There are plenty of out of London stockists too so ring the Barnes shop and she’ll find you the closest retailer who stocks her range.
This year I bought the Mad Men inspired fitted Maria dress in the bottom picture at £199.00, slightly more expensive but is the most terrific smart sundress. Buy before the sun comes out again.
Marilyn Moore
Notting Hill, 7 Elgin Crescent W11 2JA tel: 0207 727 5577
Barnes, 71 White Hart Lane, SW13OPP tel:0208 876 6732
Kings Road, 320 King’s Road, SW3 5UH tel: 0207 352 5875