Realistically, I know I shouldn’t even like this dress. I’ve learned to my cost that empire lines just aren’t flattering on my particular shape, but still I keep finding myself drawn to them – on the mannequins, at least. This one by Notte by Marchesa is absolutely adorable, from the plum colour and black velvet band all the way to those short, ruffled sleeves. So adorable,  in fact, that  if I had the spare £595 required to purchase this dress, it would be in my shopping bag right now – even although it would probably make me look pregnant …