I’ve had this dress for almost a year. Which is a drop in the bucket, if you think about it – I’ve been thinking about the Workhall Anika Plunge Dress since it first came out, years ago, and have softly stroked it in new colours every season.
But this one, I think, is right. It’s the deep plum of FW17; a colour that is as much my mother as it is me.
It’s a dress that changes a little every season. The overall shape stays the same, but like the rest of us, it’s a work that is constantly in progress. My Anika has a plunging V-neck that lies flat across the chest, held in place. A stiff, curved piece of boning ensures that it always lies flat; takes away the need for fabric tape. Its skirt lifts in a soft swoop to the right, draping downwards.
This season’s comes in black, with a longer, deeper V. It zips up in the back (mine slides right on), and the skirt doesn’t get swept upwards: it’s sewn on in the opposite direction, a right over left.
It’s a transformation. No better, no worse. Different, like me. Like a staple piece in a makeup collection that’s always changing: the Lise Watier summer bronzer. The Clarins spring blush. The Guerlain holiday powders. The same idea every year, but tweaked just a touch – enough that if you love it, you’re going to want every single rendition of it.
(I want to be wanted in every single rendition of me.)
On my face I have all of my favourites. This was my birthday look, so it’s only products that I love – nothing that I have to test. My favourite Revlon lipstick (it’s been discontinued; I’ve replaced it with a Dior Lip Glow, but I still have one tube left). Annabelle Skinny Brow, which I use religiously. Marcelle liner with Kiss Little Black Dress lashes – I’m on my third or forth of each, and will absolutely be going back for more.
And on the eyes, a Lise Watier eyeshadow that you’ve all seen before. It’s my perfect taupe; sparkly and just sheer enough that it looks like you’re wearing three different shadows across your lids. (Drop me your favourite single lid shades in the comments. I would love to find something that doesn’t come in a palette of six.)
Shop this look
Workhall Anika Plunge Dress ($198 CAD)
Swarovski velvet & crystal choker – similar velvet; similar gems
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Rodial Instaglam Contouring Powder in 03 – review ($57 USD)
KISS Lash Couture Faux Mink Lashes in Little Black Dress ($5.99 USD)
Annabelle Skinny Brow Liner in Universal Ebony – review ($8.95 CAD)
Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Sugar Plum – seen also here. Similar (and with a better texture) in Berry here.
Lise Watier Weekender Eyeshadow Palette – review.
