Dara Ford is an exquisite designer who kindly created a bespoke black blazer and bold red dress for me last year, primarily for my MUMBOSS book launch day party at the Royal Garden Hotel which saw me being interviewed by Deputy Editor of Marie Claire, Andrea Thompson before an afternoon tea for readers and competition winners. It was a glorious outfit for a glorious day.
The dress and jacket boosted my confidence no-end thanks to being bespoke and fitting my body perfectly, and I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve worn the pieces since. I even pop on national TV wearing the dress or jacket, or both together.
These are both timeless items I will wear forever.
…Meeting up a handful of times over the design period across several months, I loved the process as much as the final pieces, and made a friend in Dara too.
In our first meeting, Dara brought along samples for me to try as well as books of swatches, and together we brainstormed ideas spanning colour, texture and prints. I also measured and even showed Dara some high street and designer items I felt flattered me so she got a sense of my usual style.
Once the dress took shape (literally) there were two more fittings before the final ‘try on’ prior to my book launch, and more recently, the jacket and dress were both taken in as I’d lost weight (and inches) after a thyroid operation. Dara made the dress shorter than the original and the jacket more tapered and fitted too.
That’s the beauty of working with a designer, the pieces can change as you do.
…The dress and jacket combination is one of my most treasured outfits, after my two wedding dresses, of course (I had two weddings to the same man!!!) and the most wonderful thing about Dara’s creations is that, unlike my wedding dresses, they’re as wearable as they are sentimental.
I will never write a first book again.
I will never feel that same heady mix of excitement and sick-to-my stomach nerves at launching a debut book again. There’s only one first time.
It was a life milestone for me and I will always remember that I wore Dara Ford on that special day.
…Taking photos at one of this family’s most beloved places: Bruern Cottages in the Cotswolds over the New Year period, I felt a little bit sassy in red, kissing 2018 goodbye and welcoming 2019 in with open arms and a good old’ pose! I’m often told that red is my colour. It’s vibrant, empowering and full of heart. I’ll take that, thank you very much.
I adore the dress’ flattering v neck (ideal when you have a larger chest) and the chic tailored jacket with structured shoulders, a tapered waist, delicate buttons and vintage print lining accentuates my waist. Classic but full of personality. A statement outfit if ever there was one.
More so, Dara’s pieces cannot fail to make you feel your best. The armour is in the stitching, form and fabric, and it’s utterly transformative.
The pieces also demonstrate Dara’s eye for detail and total understanding of WHO she’s designing for which is critical to you both. You want to entrust the designer to create something in line with who you are and Dara wants that for you too.
I feel like a mumboss in her designs.
I feel like ME in her designs.
With her striking vintage style red clutch in hand too (which you can excitingly win for yourself below), these are literally one-offs I love.
Considered, beautifully handmade with sharp, strong lines, I’d like this jacket and dress in every colour going, please!!!!
Dara also produces empowering silk scarves, a range of beautiful bags and of course bespoke pieces from wedding dresses to blazers, suits and beyond.
Just beautiful.
Disclosure: these items and the service were gifted.
Details: Jacket and dress, Dara Ford, earrings: Zara, boots, New Look.
Styling by Lauren Jobling.
Enter to win the Dara Ford red clutch worth £89 by clicking on the widget below.
UK only.
No cash alternative.
Ends 6th March 2019.
Good luck!
Promoted on Prize finder, Loquax, Super Lucky , UK Wins and Competition Database.
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My debut book is my guide to surviving and thriving at work and at home and offers insight into how to create a digital business or return to work with confidence.
Mumboss: The Honest Mum's Guide to Surviving and Thriving at Work and at Home
(UK 2nd Edition)
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The Working Mom: Your Guide to Surviving and Thriving at Work and at Home
(US/Canada Edition)
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