Thank God I’m a country girl … Ok, you got me, I’m not.
But if I am called upon to participate in some kind of themed dressing like I was over the weekend, I’m unlikely to head to a costume hire business.
No, I’ll look in my wardrobe.
So, I looked in my wardrobe and found a new addition winking back at me.
Get on down, Boom Shankar Betty denim dress* ($89), it’s your lucky day.
You’re going to a hoe down.
Now, when I first laid eyes on this particular dress in Boom Shankar’s autumn-winter 2012 lookbook, I thought, yes Betty could very much become a wardrobe bestie.
Let’s look at her on the model, shall we?
And now on me …
I’m wearing a size 14 but am usually a 16. It’s got a bit of volume (ie generous) so you can go down a size. It appears like there are only size 10 and 12 still available in Boom Shankar’s online store and Birdsnest has 8, 10 and 12. Contact Boom Shankar to see if any of its stockists around Australia might have it in a 14 or 16. UPDATE: Boom Shankar has just recieved a new shipment on Friday of sizes 8 through to 16
I wore this dress with the buttons buttoned right down. It just gives me a better neckline and enables a bit of layering underneath. I’ve used just a simple, white stretch tank. I also took the tie off because “waisting” anything on me best happens just under the girls. And the shape of this dress does that beautifully.
My nod to country-fying the dress for the party was a pair tan flat Country Road riding boots which I bought two – possibly three – winters ago. Whenever it was, they’ve had a good workout every winter since. Boots are an investment, as I tell Mr Styling You. Actually I tell Mr Styling You that about all my shoe and boot purchases 🙂
Oh, and I did a small plait in my hair. That’s country enough, isn’t it?
Not so country but something I couldn’t leave home without was my Uberkate (Smash earrings and Uber Living Circles) and a liberal splash of orange. I’m very much in love with the scarf, which is from Bella Lido’s current collection.
Now, to be honest I wouldn’t need a barnyard-themed party to get me wearing Betty again … I’d wear this outfit, minus the plait, on any given day for a casual autumn alternative to jeans. When it cools down, I’ll add tights and a jacket or coat.
That’s the versatility of a denim dress. Right there.
Do you have a denim shirt dress in your wardrobe? Is this something that could work for your lifestyle and wardrobe personality?
Boom Shankar is a Queensland-based label and its designer Dui Cameron’s signature look is a unique blend of boho, ethic, retro and modern twists. Boom Dui has always supported a number of aid projects in India. You can read more here.
* I was gifted the Betty dress in accordance with my disclosure policy.
Comments 37
Jut purchased a pair of jeans from the same company. Such a lovely selection of clothes and accessories. The dress looks fabulous on you too NIkki! <3 x
*Just
Glad you’ve had success with them Ursula – love Boom Shankar!
My only denim are jeans, jackets and a couple of shirts I decorated many a year ago when I was line dancing.
Ohhh denim dresses – that takes me back to my early teenage years. Like soooooo cool. Once again, you look uber fabulous Nikki. xx
I can not get enough of the model and me series, I love how you make fashion seem so real and accessible. Looking at the catalogue I’d never think about buying that dress, but seeing you in it I think “yeah, that’s something I could try”.
Oh yes! I could absolutely fit this one into the wardrobe.
I was expecting an Ellie May Clampett outfit or better still Daisy Duke! hahahaha, But you look super stylish, well done!
Hahaha … Daisy Duke … legs are way past that stage!!
Love it !! I want one. Looks lovely on you.
Thanks Chantelle!
I bought one from Esprit years ago, mistakenly thinking I would ‘diet’ into it *sigh* Ended up selling it on eBay at a loss. But this one looks like something I could wear now, and if they go to a generous 16 it would probably even fit 🙂
Oh, I hate that … it could work Melanie. I was surprised that the 14 worked for me.
Thanks Nikki! The Betty Dress has been so very popular that we had to order more in. Boom Shankar has just recieved a new shipment on Friday of sizes 8 through to 16. Our website is being updated as we speak, but if you just can’t wait, give us a call on 07 5473 0307. Big Love From the Boom Gang!!
Oh, that’s excellent news! Will update the post!!
I’m a new follower Nikki and love your site. Am learning sooo much! As you have said, there are not all sizes available for this denim dress… do you know of another brand, similar style you could recommend?
See the comment above – they’ve got more stock arriving!
I struggle with ‘shirt-shaped’ dresses, but I love how you styled this one. I’m a big fan of the denim dress. Denim anything, really 🙂
This one is shaped which works for me – if it where straight down it wouldn’t have such an effect.
Love you in that dress Nikki and love that scarf so much it’s so beautiful(I do a a bit of an addiction with scarves ),yes I do have a denim dress and I like it for Autumn also,I style mine with cute printed tights ,not too printed I am too old for too over the top ones but they are nice and a scarf and depending on the temp a long sleeve underneath or not.I also wear boots I do spend a lot on my long boots,but cost per wear they are practically free ,I have worn mine with ankle boots and long boots depending on my mood.
I really enjoy your model and me posts,I wish you could do one everyday…..
Yes, you look country enough without people giving you that” do you live in Tamworth look “lol ,You always look Amazeballs !!!
Oh, you’re too kind … trying to do these posts as frequently as possible. Mixed in with some Keeping it Reals. x
Goody,can’t wait…x
Yup, I’ve got a denim shirt dress and love it to death! I can wear it during all four seasons depending on what I wear them with really. And it actually looks similar to the one features, without the pleats on the bust area.
They’re a casual wardrobe staple, Norlin!
I’ve been eyeing that dress off for sometime. I think it’s time I bought it. Thanks for the sizing tip. x
No probs Rachel … hope it works for you!
I have a similar dress (slightly different neckline which suits my larger bust) from GAP. I get LOADS of wear out of it. A nice lightweight denim dress is so versatile – loved it when warmer weather with ballet flats or sandals. Get a different look with swapping belts also. Now it’s textured/coloured tights, scarves & boots (long or short).
You’ve got it down pat Rebecca – love it!
You look fabulous. I have a dress similar I bought from forever new a few years ago.
VIcki xo
That’s the beauty of Boom Shankar, isn’t it Vicki … timeless.
I love this, I would wear to it a country gig or hoe-down, which you know I go to all the time! I’d just switch out your boots (which ARE sweet) for my 30 year old vintage Portuguese cowboy boots, and of course my braids would step it up to full-head plaits!
Of course you would! And those boots sound amazing!!
Lovely! I too have this dress and had to go down a size. Living in Tasmania I will definitely be able to get milage out of this dress but was unsure re colours/type of jackets to wear with. I have worn it once (relatively new purchase from Birdsnest!) with long black cardi, black tights and long black boots but felt I needed more colour….. Would love your thoughts!
Perfect … then you can add any splash of colour that you like – from deep reds to orange and mustards! Whatever grabs you!
You look gorgeous Nikki and I really love that splash of orange on you ! You mentioned wearing tights in cooler weather , what colours would you go for ?? I have a similar jag dress and i generally wear black tights but would like to step outside the square a little?
Thanks
Daniele x
I think any of the opaques that are out there would work – from mustards to burgundy to even orange – with tan boots. (Sussan: http://www.sussan.com.au/Accessories/Hosiery) If you want to stick to black, then maybe a ribbed black would be something different with black boots.
I LOVE THAT DRESS AND I ALSO WANT IT.
And I will buy it. Looks fantastic on you Nikki xxx
Thanks Eden … would work so well with your boot collection!