I Want Your Skull

Being a very curvy and busty girl I've found that shirt shopping is an absolute nightmare. If a shirt fits me in the bust it won't fit me in the arms and visa versa - there is never a middle ground! I'm a size 16 so if I try plus size brands they won't fit me in the waist but give me ample room in the bust, a standard store gives me room everywhere else but then I get the button pop.

But after searching for years I went out on a limb and decided to try the latest offering from Wheels and Dollbaby as they have expanded their shirts to a size 16! Now let me gush about this brilliant shirt that is everything I've been looking for in a button up. I knew when reviewed the La Carla Bruni Blouse that I was going to have no issues with fit for this western style.

Wheels & Dollbaby Skull Western Shirt - $190.00

Wheels & Dollbaby Irma La Douce Pencil Skirt in Red - $290.00

TEEZE-08 BLACK PU-WHITE POLKA DOTS - $94.00

Skull Net Fascinator from Gigi's Retro Closet - TBA

The Skull Western is a an amazing fit in the 16 and I can button it up over my bust and down to my hips without an issue (any pulls on the shirt are due to my bust being a little large due to a corset). It hugs my curves and is super soft and smooth as it's made from a cotton voile. 

Now lets just go crazy for the skull print please? It's hot!!! I love skulls but rarely do I wear them in such a bold print. This fabric had me smitten from moment one so I had to have it. 

This shirt has limited stretch so if you are unsure be sure to double check with with the size chart prior to purchasing. For non stretch items at Wheels & Dollbaby I tend to go for a 16. In stretch I can do 14 or 16 and for oversized items like the angora sweaters I wear a size 10. 

I've paired this shirt with the amazing Irma La Douce Skirt in red and my all time favourite polka dot Teeze platforms from Shoe Me Gorgeous. I love the mix of prints and one bold, bright solid and mixing up two different prints in the same colours. 

If you are looking for a silky high waisted pencil skirt full of sex appeal and va-va-voom then look no further. The Irma is a stunning creation made from double layered stretch matte deluxe satin and is soft like butter. The stretch satin is hugs your body and stretches that much I could have gone down one size for a tighter fit. I adore the bold black plus velvet buttons which are actually functional, you can open a few for a higher slit or just wear it as shown.

Loving the red, black and white combo here and how well they work together. I'm so very in love with the Irma and need it in ever colour including black, Mary Antoinette and leopard print. They are perfect for all seasons and I would love to style the leopard version next autumn and winter.

Now for a closer look at my amazing fascinator from the amazing Gigi's Retro Closet. When I found this style at Halloween I had to snap it up as it's everything I adore all rolled up into one amazing piece. Packed with red and black roses, glitter, skulls, spiders and more and it's not just for Halloween! Now Gigi's is currently sold out of this style but there are so many more items you can choose from or you can make a custom order for whatever you heart may desire! I think I need to get this amazingly talented designer to create me something unique for my wedding next year. Below are a few styles that are close to this spooky headpiece.

Wicked We We Weave - $55.00

Red Roses in Black Night - $55.00

My True Love - $29.00

My Bleeding Heart - $19.00

How amazing are these babies? I think I need to spoil myself once a month so I can shoot them forever.

Many thanks to the always brilliant Julz Photography for shooting these images with me and for making me feel amazing! Can't wait to shoot more with you in the new year!

Voodoo Doll

These past few months have been brilliant for finding new brands to go gaga about! From clothing to accessories I've found two brilliant designers that I'm absolutely head over heels for right now.

So who has got me so excited and I have to admit super excited to get dressed for this summer? Voodoo Vixen and Gigi's Retro Closet! Yes I know I'm a little slow to the Voodoo Vixen party but I only discovered the brand midway through last year and fell hard for their latest range.

Based in the UK and distributed throughout the world Voodoo Vixen are a pinup/retro inspired clothing company offering both standard and plus sizing. With stunning unique prints, great fabrics and amazing fits you will definitely love many if not all of their range. I recently had the pleasure of shooting my two favourite dresses from their current range.

Voodoo Vixen Connie Dress  - £49.99 

Sweet Sweater in Black from Heart of Haute - $39.99

From the moment I laid eyes on this amazing cats eye glasses print I was sold! In my mind there is nothing  better than a bold red swing dress but when that dress comes with a brilliant black retro glasses print and a cross over neckline then it's even more of a dream. A full skirted swing style with a unique criss cross neckline and thin black piping around the bustline. 

I paired this with my amazing red floral hair flower from Gigi's Retro Closet. Gigi's is an Australian based handmade hair accessories company and I swear I'll never need another hair accessory shop again. Her work is absolutely amazing and the detail on each clip or fascinator is fabulous. At the Gigi's Retro Closet Etsy shop you will find a hair accessory for any and every occasion. From Christmas, to Halloween, every day and one for every outfit. With a large floral clip priced at $25 and full facinators at $50 plus you can pick up a few stunning hand made items to cover all of your outfits. I adore the pairing of the reds in this clip and the different texture and size of each of the petals.

I'm wearing the Connie Dress in a size XL and I found it to be a perfect on the waist, around the bust and sleeves. The best feature other than the glasses motif has to be the hidden pockets, they always make an already fantastic item into an amazing one. 

Voodoo Vixen Hazel Dress - £42.99 

TEEZE-08 BLACK PU-WHITE POLKA DOTS - $115.00

Next is my new absolute favourite and the best LBD I've ever owned - the Hazel! This little mod inspired number is an absolute dream to wear with its silky soft stretch fabric and sheer sleeve. Shorter than the previously shown style but still a real showstopper. Now the Connie Dress is more my day time style while this is definitely a date night or cocktail party style. I'm wearing this style in a size XL and I've found it to be a perfect fit with my curves.

Now this style is sold out on Voodoo Vixens website but you can find it via the following online retailers : Eggs n Chips (UK), Beserk (AU) and Rebels Market (UK).

I paired this with my bright and beautiful tropical yellow hair flower and I adore the mix of black with a bright pop of colour. This amazing piece is perfect for my deep red locks and I love the how it works with my outfit. Each hair clip or accessory is fastened with sturdy alligator clips and can be secured with extra pins if you plan to dance, jump or frolic. 

As you can see this dress is rather short but it's the perfect length for my height and my booty. Any one out there with an ample rear knows how shorter skirts can become super mini due to a big booty. This is the perfect length and does not show anything. To top the look off I wore my absolute favourite platforms from Shoe Me Gorgeous. I can't get enough of these polka dot beauties and need another pair asap.

Many thanks to the always amazing and super fun to work with Julz Photography. I absolutely adore working with Julz and it's so nice to get out of the studio and take some full length images. Can't wait to work with her again in the new year!

On a more festive note I just wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas and to thank you for following me for the last few years. It's been an absolute pleasure creating new photo shoots and styling amazing pinup clothing for each and every review. I can't wait to see what 2015 has in store for Curves to Kill!

Office Chic - Pinup Style

I've recently started a new job and I'm back in an office environment. While I love suiting I try to keep to a smart casual look daily and like to sneak in my personality and flair with each outfit.

Recently I've noticed that my go to items are all a mixture of Heart of Haute and ASOS with accessories from Erstwilder. Given that HOH are my go to for smart, pinup styling I wanted to put together a dream list of goodies to get my through a working week. I already own some of these items (but in different colours or prints) and wear them to work already so it's a mixture of lust list and trusted items!

Estelle Blouse in Mini Daisy - $60.00

Gretta Top in Black - $50.00

Ella Top in Twinkle - $52.00

Button ups to suit big or small busts, adorable prints and great for layering or wearing on their own. I wear my Estelle and Ella weekly under my black and red Sweet Sweaters and would love a few more button up tops and bows to work with. I've get to try the Gretta top but I love the classic fit, high neckline and the selection of prints.

Twirl Skirt in Gold Dots - $60.00

Vogue Pencil Skirt in Red - $62.00

Aline Skirt in Black - $48.00

Every business wardrobe needs 3 types of skirts and one pair of tailored pants. Heart of Haute have all 3 covered with these amazing items. A solid black Aline skirt to pair with absolutely everything in your wardrobe. A high waisted pencil skirt to wear with sweaters, fitted shirts and more - why not try a bold red color and more subtle tops in black and white. Then finally another flattering shape skirt in a bold print. I've gone for the Twirl Skirt as I love wearing aline/twirl shapes to the office. The gold dot print is absolutely stunning and I need this in my collection.

Milan Dress in Charcoal Teal - $138.00

Hillary Dress in Midnight Stripe - $110.00

Aimee Dress - Medallions - $99.00

For the warmer months I've got my eye on 3 stunning dresses! I'm a huge fan of the Monte Carlo Dress from Heart of Haute and need to purchase it's summer sister the Milan. The rich Charcoal Teal is perfect for my red hair and pale skin. Then the Hillary which I own in polkadot already but in the Midnight Stripe. The high neckline of these dresses work wonderfully for the office and they all pair perfectly with my collection of Heart of Haute boleros, cardigans and sweaters. Then finally a bronze and black number to make your heart skip a beat. The Aimee Dress in the Medallions print is simply divine and needs to be a core part of my summer and autumn wardrobe. 

Each of these dresses complement an hourglass figure perfectly as they nip you in at the waist and flair out at the hip. 

Super Spy Dress in red - $62.00

Alisa Dress in Plaid Plum - $104.00

Mitzi Dress in Black Flannel - $99.00

Then for the colder seasons I've gone with some warmer, thicker fabric choices to keep me toasty as Melbourne cools down. The Super Spy dress was featured in my last HOH blog review and is already a weekly staple so obviously I need the red versions asap. I love to pair my Spy dress with a thick waist belt to define my curves and a bold brooch from my collection. 

Flannel dresses for winter - yes please! The Alisa and Mitzi dresses are a must have for the cooler weather and are super chic. I'm loving the plaid and stripe prints and the brilliant necklines! The Alisa shows a little more skin white the Mitzi has a super high neckline. All 3 styles will be amazing paired with stockings, boots, leather gloves and beret's. 

Sweet Sweater in Houndstooth - $42.00

Lily Top in Teal - $39.99

The Perfect Cardigan in Argyle - $52.00

A few more brilliant items to layer over tops and dresses or just wear on their own. The Sweet Sweater is my latest addiction and has taken no.1 spot in my wardrobe followed closely by the Betty Bolero. I adore the fit, the coverage and need one in every colour and print. The I wanted to go with something a little more man men for the office and the Lily Top stood out above all other cotton tops. With a 3/4 sleeve, stunning neckline and bow feature and teal colour this top will pair with all skirts and tailored pants. Then lastly the Perfect Cardigan in Argyle which I already own and adore. I have both the Argyle and the black and they are perfect for work or play. I hope more prints come out in this style.

Little Critters

Well, well, well... it looks like I have yet another addiction to add to my ever growing list. But this addiction is absolutely adorable, kitschy and heaps of fun! Obviously I've discovered Erstwilder and I'm in love with their quirky designs.

Erstwilder is a Melbourne based accessory company available in selected boutiques across Australia, New Zealand, UK, USA and Japan! They create fun, outrageous, limited edition,  collectible pieces of wearable art that are full of personality and style. For a full range of stockists please click here.

Now I've been a button or brooch girl for years now but this year I'm all about the 'statement brooch' and I wanted to share you with my stand out favourites from the Summer 2014 range. I was way too excited and could not bear to hold onto these any longer without sharing! DIY for the win! I could not wait till my next shoot!

Oscar Wildenfox - $29.00

I'm absolutely mad about foxes and I honestly have no idea why. But for the last few year all I've been wanting are adorable fox related goodies. Lucky for me Erstwilder have a rather large fondness for these stunning creatures and have featured quite a few in their Summer 2014 range. 

Oscar is a super spiffy little red fox with the cutest little spectacles and button nose. He is by far my favourite character in the range and has now gone from my cardigan to my trusty leather jacket.

Sasha The Sleeping Fox - $34.95

More foxes! I could not stop at one! Sasha is a little different from Oscar and is a more sweet and feminine character. What I like most about her has to be the mint colouring and polka dot print of her coat.

How sweet is she? The pale mint shade pairs perfectly with all of my spring and summer dresses so I can't wait to work her into heaps of outfits.

Talulah Toucan - $29.00

While I opted for bright shades in the first two brooches I thought I'd choose a black style as well to pair with my red and green cardigan. Talulah works perfectly with my Heart of Haute Sweetie Sweater and really stands out. 

I was careless when changing and sadly lost a little piece of her perch (it feel from a great height) but the brooch still looks amazing minus the 2 missing leaves. Usually such an accident would make a design unwearable but Talulah is that brilliant she only needs a little foliage. 

Little Lockheart - $25.00

Finally I have my 2nd favourite creature from the animal kingdom, a deer! Little Lockheart the deer is absolutely delightful! A prancing adorable little lady with a tiny little heart on her toosh. 

Her shape and style reminds me of Bambi which I was obsessed with in my youth! Now if only I could get a bunny brooch as cute as Thumper! 

So there you have it, my top 4 choices from the brilliant new summer range. Be sure to check out your local stockists both online and in store. You can also contact them directly via the website or Facebook. If you're not a fan of brooches but still love these adorable designs then you are in luck. Erstwilder also creates fantastic necklaces and earrings. So be sure to check out the range and start your collection!

Wild without a trace

As you may know already I'm 100% addicted to Rimmel London. From foundation to mascara, eye liner to primer I could not live without these brilliant products. So a few weeks ago when a new product popped up online I yelped a little, composed myself and then had to try it out!

I'm a lipstick queen. I buy cheap ones, expensive ones, glosses, mattes and everything I can get my hands on. I'm forever searching for the best red, the perfect pink and an awesome nude. But what I'm always on the hunt for is a long lasting, kiss proof lippy. From previous blog trails I knew I loved the texture and colours of Rimmel lipsticks so I knew that in some way, shape or form I would love Provocalips.

Provocalips are a new range of long lasting, kiss proof lips colours that offers up to 16 hours of lip liberation. Kiss proof, transfer proof, food proof high impact endless colour. There is no tight feeling or dry lips. Lips feel smooth and moisturized all day long.

I was sent one of each of the new range to review and try. There are 8 shades in total and I found that 5 of the 8 suited my skin tone perfectly! That's more than I would have expected given my fair skin, freckles and red hair.

200. I'll Call You - $14.36

Firstly I have to say that colour wise I'm actually surprised at the shades I like most out of this range. I'm usually a lover of mostly red shades but after trying all of the Provocalips colours I'm actually loving the pinks and plum shades the most. My stand out favourite has to be I'll Call You. This dusty pink is my go to daytime shade and is absolutely perfect for my skin tone. I've been searching for a long time for a pink like this and I'm thrilled that I have found both the ride shade and that it's long lasting. 

But before I go into more detail about the brilliant colours within this range I will briefly tell you about the long lastingness of the product. Yes! This is a long lasting product that works. In previous years I've tried a few styles like this such a Covergirl's 25 hour super stay and a few others and I've always liked the concept but not the feel. While most products like this seem to such the moister out of your lips I've found that wearing this to work daily I barely even notice it's on my lips. 

The colour remains all day and by the end of the working day I might need a slight touch up in the inner area of my lips. It is as advertised - kiss proof (fully tested) and if you don't wash it off correctly yes it will last a good 16 hours. But I tend to change my lips from day to night so I've not tried to keep this on for longer than 8 or so hours. The top coat locks in the colour and moisturizes your lips all day. So you won't have that cracked, yucky feeling you get with most long stay lipsticks. 

550. Play With Fire - $14.36

My first choice for red in this selection is the deep and dark Play With Fire. This shade is a more crimson style red and darker than my usual cherry choice. But I love the deeper, darker style and love how it works with my pale skin. 

730. Make Your Move - $14.36

Now while the first shade shown is my all time favourite this has fast become my every day choice for work. The super pale nude tone in Make Your Move gives you just the right amount of colour without going overboard. A great mixture of pink and beige this is a few shades darker than my natural lip and pairs brilliantly with a smokey eye of minimal makeup. My freckles however seem to be rather distracting in this image - I'm super dotty!! 

230 Kiss Fatal - $14.36

I didn't expect this shade would suit me on first glance. The deep purple of on the outside of the package looked a little dark for my colouring but once I put it on there was no turning back. This colour is amazing! A soft yet slightly dark plum that works wonderfully with my hair. Currently I love wearing this darker shade with simple makeup and now eyeliner, making the lips the most bold feature.

500 Kiss Me You Fool - $14.36

Then finally the super bright and fiery red of Kiss Me You Fool. This is the the boyfriend's no.1 favourite and the perfect red for any pinups pout. This shade is so very bright so you have to be a very confident red lipstick wearer to pull this off. I usually go for a more blue tone red which this is not but it still seems to suit me. I'll be testing it out over the weekend to see what other style's of makeup it might suit. 

An extra little part of the press/advertising of this brilliant new product was the creation of a kiss list. Every fan of Rimmel London had the opportunity to enter their own 'Kiss List' and go into the draw to win a $100 asos voucher. I missed out but still involved myself in the promo! 

The funny thing was my taste in men is so different that I had to personally request all of these names be added to the hunks and spunks listed. While other girls added Ryan Gosling and Channing Tatum I listed my all my loves. Ain't nothing finer than a pash from Freddy, right? 

Basics with a twist

It's officially time for another Heart of Haute feature! One of the most fantastic retro reproduction companies on the planet, run by the sweetest people and creators of all the core items in my wardrobe. This month I'm featuring some new funky fabrics and two of my all time favourite styles from the range.

Marilyn Top in Houndstooth - $39.99

The Marilyn top was one of the first styles I ever reviewed and has been worn to death ever since. Made from a stretchy cotton lycra this top hugs your curves and is super comfortable. In an XL the Marilyn is a perfect fit and I absolutely adore the houndstooth fabric. This style pairs wonderfully with jeans, shorts and skirts and can be worn tucked or out. 

I love pairing these tops with black skinny jeans and heels or even wearing them to work under a blazer with pencil skirt. My personal preference is to wear this top tucked in with a high waist but as you will see below you can style it either way. 

Leopard  Marilyn Top - $39.99

The same style again but this time in a new leopard print style! Now I'm usually not a huge fan of leopard print but this fabric is brilliant. While most leopard print tops are usually just blotchy and patchy this style is unique and looks like actual individual hairs. The end result is an almost 3D print!

As mentioned earlier these styles can work un-tucked as well and the length is perfect for pants and shorts. The long length is great for layering in the cooler months and I can't wait to style this when we hit autumn and winter with my HOH boleros and cardigans. I love the off the shoulder neckline of the Marilyn and need more tops and dresses in this style for summer!

Tara Top in Leopard - $39.00

Love the leopard fabric but want a bit more coverage? Then the Tara top is for you! I'm absolutely smitten with this 3/4 sleeve top of awesomeness. I own the black and white stripe version of the Tara and I've been wanting another version for a while now.

I adore the bold black cuff and edging on the scoop neck as it adds a little more shape and contrast to the leopard print. When paired with a black skirt and belt it almost looks like my dream dress. Hmm this gives me designing ideas!

I'm so sold on this top that I have the polka dot and houndstooth version on my current lust list. I've never been able to find a wide selection of tops that suit my waist and bust but Heart of Haute have all styles and colours covered! Button ups for work,

Pinup Couture Tiki 100 Leopard Pony Hair - $129.00

Ok I think I've found heaven, well my version of heaven and it's Shoe Me Gorgeous! When shooting so much leopard print I had to get the perfect shoes to compliment my outfit yes? Well the Tiki carved platform heels from Pinup Couture are PERFECT!  I've had my eye on these babies ever since Pinup Girl Clothing and Pleaser teamed up to create the Pinup Couture shoe range. 

A super comfy mule of medium height - 4 inches with a 3/4 platform. Featuring a stunning leopard print pony hair front and brilliant carved tiki heels.  

These mules are absolutely amazing and a dream to wear. A walking work of art for your feet and an accessory that will turn heads. I wear a size 11US in all Pleaser styles and that works out to be an Australian size 10. It think it's obvious now that I need to get another few pairs of the Teeze style heels that I featured in my last hell bunny shoot and one more pair of these. I think the black version of this shoe would be perfect for our super hot summers. 

Estelle Blouse in Black - $59.00

My love for the Estelle Blouse actually bloomed from my addiction to the super cute Ella top. I'm a sucker for any button ups featuring bow ties or pussy bows and the Estelle is my absolute favourite top in the Heart of Haute Range. While most button up shirts fit you in the waist but not the bust or the visa versa the Estelle fits you perfectly in all the right places. 

With a cute cap sleeve and bow tie this top is a must have for any pinup wardrobe. I love how this top fits both my bust and waist without forgetting about my hourglass shape. The bow tie is my stand out favourite feature and I love layering this top with cardigans and jackets.

I actually own this style in the super funky Adele Floral print but I needed a solid black version for both work and play. Currently there are colours/prints so you will be sure to find the perfect version no matter what your taste might be. I may or may have my eye on the Mini Daisy print as it's so darn cute! 

Super Spy Dress in Black - $62.00

Many moons ago when I first reviewed Heart of Haute (back then it was Heartbreaker Clothing) I fell hard for a brilliant little Mod number in a warm soft cotton knit. It's simple yet figure hugging design makes me feel like Joan from Mad Men! There is a reason this has been HOH's best selling dress since 2005 and it's obvious once you wear it. The fabric is effortless and hugs your curves and the sleeve length/skirt length are perfect for both work and play. 

Now this dress is stretchy and I absolutely forgot when I ordered this that I would need to size down as it has a lot of give and room in the waist. But this was easily fixed with my wonder accessory - the waist belt. The Super Spy is to put it simply effortlessly chic. I can't wait till next winter when I can pair this with back seemed stockings, long leather gloves and berets! 

Finally I need to share a few new items that I'm lusting after and can't help but include in this post. In multiple shoots I've featured the Sweet Sweater as it is PERFECT! I wear mine everywhere! I have both a black and red version of this sweater and it pairs perfectly with everything in my wardrobe. There are a few new fabrics available and I need both of these in my wardrobe stat! 

Sweet Sweater Black Dot - $42.00

Sweet Sweater Nautical Black - $42.00

Many thanks to the ever so awesome Michael from Robin Elk for shooting these styles with me. It's so fun to create with you!