LBD: Metalicus Storm | Hats Aplenty

For Reasons(TM), and with relatively short notice, I have been spending a little time in Adelaide. And in a fit of poor planning, I threw out my usual carry-on packing strategy, and tried to rotate some new and untried items into my carry-on. Bad move. And I now find myself a few items short of a balanced travel wardrobe.

My saving grace thus far was the foresight to pack a white blazer, knocking together a black Chrysalis Cardi Chrysalis Cardi clone two days before we left, and the washing machine in our serviced apartment. On the up-side, I now know how few items I really need for a trip.

One of my failures in packing was a dress that I remembered fitting better than it actually does, and not trying it on before throwing it in the suitcase. Sure, I could use the Chrysalis Cardi, but I need that for extra warmth because while the days here can be hot, it’s also windy and can get quite chill in the afternoon and evenings (by my standards). As it is, I probably should have brought a long-sleeved layering top as well.

First, a segue. I’ve been eyeing off the Encircled Revolve Dress Encircled Revolve Dress for some time. I love the way you can wear it as a cowl or boat-neck (my two preferred necklines) just like their Evolve top[1], and that you can adjust the length to wear it as a dress or top to suit any occasion. The only thing that has deterred me so far is the price point plus shipping to Australia (the perennial problem). That, and I have too many LBDs as it is to justify yet another.

Nevertheless, this hasn’t stopped me from being tempted by pre-order announcements and Black Friday sales. The number of times I’ve opened the product page just to stare at the dress to try to justify the purchase… But I digress.

We’ve been staying in close proximity to Rundle Street which has meant a few excursions to potter around and sticky-beak. With the pre-Christmas sales, most of the shops are doing 30% off, including on already discounted items. And that’s how I found a suitable compromise for the Revolve dress.

Metalicus went into voluntary administration, so the brand is no longer available. However, Encircled have released a new Sleeveless Revolve Dress Sleeveless Revolve Dress!

The Metalicus Storm Dress has a round neckline and drop sleeves, but in terms of versatility of use, it ticks all the boxes of the Revolve (though I’m not sure how to get it to stay up in the shorter length). You can wear it in most the ways pictured above, and if you want sleeves, a fitted long sleeve top underneath would do the trick. And they’re both made of Modal.

If you’re set on a cowl neck, there’s also the Phar Lap Dress. The cut is similar, but it’s made of a slinkier viscose. When I was trying it on, I found I needed a size up from the Storm, so you may want to keep that in mind if you’re ordering online.

As an aside, there are times I feel I should give in to the monochrome capsule wardrobe. At the very least for travel. Sometimes my attempts to incorporate colour can feel a bit forced, and I can’t deny the simplicity of effortless matching. Apparently, I also need to work on my RBF...

[1] Of which I have two in black. It’s in heavy rotation, and also one of my carry-on packing staples.