With our work Christmas party fast approaching and me being determined to make it in one piece this year (two years ago I was on crutches, last year I was off with two slipped discs) I’ve been on a mission to find the perfect party outfit like a woman possessed. The weekend before last I popped in to my favourite shop right now, Joy in Bristol to catch up with the gorgeous manager Emili and check out some of their new party perfect pieces…Sadly I had to leave empty handed, my budget this year is meagre but I’ll be keeping a sneaky eye out in the sale incase any of these pieces are slashed in price, in which case I’ll be snapping them up for next year!

I had originally intended to try the items on and photograph them being worn, but by the time I had worked a Saturday morning flu clinic and battled rain of epic proportions to get in to town I didn’t really feel in any state to do that (I’m sure Joy would rather their clothes stayed dry) so I made the most of the stunning dressing room instead and got snapping.

I have a bit of a thing for velvet so it was inevitable that I would fall in love with the Khiana Dress which provides the perfect update to the classic LBD. The dress might look simple but in store it is simply gorgeous and I’m bordering on obsessed with texture clash of lace and velvet.

I obviously had lace on the brain as I also made a beeline for the Quilla Top, which I thought would look awesome with the Larue Rose Skirt (I later saw that this is how they styled the top online- twin minds!). I’m not a pencil skirt kind of girl usually but this one is a beauty and with a smart blouse would also be perfect for wearing to the office, which makes the £42 price tag look like a bargain! Next time I’m in store I might have to try this on.

The item that really and truly stole my heart was the Feather Dress and I had to fight myself really, really hard not to buy this at £89. I don’t even know what it is about this dress that’s got me falling so hard and fast, it’s just gorgeous with beautiful detailing in the form of a feather trim and beautiful iridescent “scales”. I still can’t stop thinking about this dress over a week later, I just wish I could justify the splurge!

Last but not least I was also really drawn to the beautiful metallic Stacey Dress which is so on trend with it’s Jacquard print and super luxe finish. The cut out detail on the back of the dress (which I failed to get a photo of) makes the simple cut stand out a bit more, and flashes some flesh whilst remaining classy. I love it!

I would quite like to point out that I wasn’t compensated for this post, or even asked to come along and do it- I literally e-mailed Emili and invited myself along…because that’s how I roll. If you have a Joy near to you then do pop in and check out their gorgeous pieces, I have it on good authority that more is on it’s way. If you’re not as lucky as I am and don’t have a Joy near to you (and don’t fancy a trip to Bristol to see me!) then keep a close eye on the website- but don’t blame me when you forget all about Christmas shopping and treat yourself instead!