Search This Blog

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Classic Dollbaby

In an almost whirlwind fast styling/shooting session 4 weeks I had the chance to model some of my favourite garments from Wheels & Dollbaby. So with a winter theme in mind I set up a shoot with the one and only Brooke Orchard (Australia's BEST pinup photographer).

Braving the rain and chilly winds we had the chance to style in my favorite way with berets and gloves. The key accessories in my winter wardrobe. I was also thrilled to learn how many of these styles fit me perfectly as I had assumed non stretch garments or wiggle dresses might be a little small for my epic curves! With a mixture of 16, 14 and even a 12 I think I've found my perfect sizes in all styles.


LE NU DINNER W HIM CORSET DRESS -$297.50 (on sale) 
FOREVER NEW GLOVES (old stock)  

I've been a fan of the Dinner with Him collection for a while now and have adored the skirts and the cardigan styles, but I wasn't sure if if these dresses would work on my shape. Being super curvy and having a very large bust I'm usually running in fear of strapless dresses but I can safely say this dress is perfection! 


In a size 14 this dress slips over my hour glass shape and makes for some vavavoom curves. The secret is the Ponti Knit panel at the back of the dress. This stretch fabric makes the fit unique and it molds to your shape. My favourite features are the pale peach shade mixed with the black lace overlay. The bust and skirt have a scalloped edge effect and this works beautifully on the pale fabric. The eyelash edge effect on the bust line is also stunning. For reference I'm wearing a standard black bra for this shoot as I don't have a good strapless bra currently. 


I paired the Dinner with Him dress with my outright favourite piece from the Wheels & Dollbaby knitwear collection - The Post Girl Shrug. This shrug is in one word - lush! Made from thick and fluffy angora wool it's the perfect cover up/shrug for the cooler seasons of the year. My favourite feature of this style shrug is how it hugs around your bust. Some shrugs or boleros can stick out or leave a little empty space but this angora wonder hugs you perfectly. 

I'm wearing this style in a 16 but could easily wear a 14 as it's a very stretchy knit. The art deco style clasp means that you have no need for accessories as it's bold and stunning shape stands out and compliments all outfits. I loved this bolero so much I ordered it straight after shooting and need to collect all the colour options. 

JARDIN NOIR LACE FIFI DRESS - $269.00 (on sale)

I've been lusting after the Fifi dress from the moment I saw the green version on the 25th Anniversary runway photos. The figure hugging, lace trimmed dress with 3/4 sleeves called to me and I've been dying to wiggle my way into it! The Jardin Noir style floral print is the newest colour option in this style and is a unique take on a classic floral. I adore the black rose print and would love to see this in even more florals in the future. 

The stretchy lace is lined with a super power net fabric that hugs you in all the right ways. I adore the fit but think it could be a little better on my bust but this also might be my choice of bra. I've also seen this style worn a little off the shoulder and that might work a little better with my rather large bust. 


I'm wearing the Fifi Dress in a size 14 and it is a great fit with the exception of what I mentioned above. I find with many evening dresses that it's just a case of pairing it with the right bra or sometimes no bra. I can't wait to see what other fabrics and prints come out in the Fifi dress in the future. 



Unless you have been hiding under a rock you will know very well by now that I have a minor obsession with trench coats. For years I've been hunting for the perfect styles, shapes and colours but this year I've actually been really into printed trenches. Wheels Dollbaby have recently released their Classic Satin Trench Coats and they are the softest, silkiest and most comfortable trenches I've ever worn. 

A classic trench style coat with all the trimmings but with one extra element - an amazing leopard print silk fabric. The bold orange, brown and cream print makes this coat perfect for any pinup or rockabilly girl. 


I'm wearing this style in a 12 and it can accommodate my size 16 with ease. The silk fabric is stretchy and works wonderfully with my shape. You can dress this up or down, wear it with a little black dress, jeans and a rock tee or even with corsets of lingerie hidden beneath. Leopard print not your style? Well you can also pick up a classic black silk and a black lace version both instore and online. 


LA CARLA BRUNI BLOUSE  - $230.00

When I first saw this La Carla Bruni Blouse I adored the print but I was worried about my size and how it would look on me. I love button up shirts but most of the time they tend to make you look boxy and with the paler fabrics even a little bigger. All my fears vanished as soon as I tried on this baby pink shirt in a size 14! 


The pale Georgette fabric is covered with the iconic Wheels & Dollbaby Bluebird Tattoo print which you may have seen on tanks, tees and other tops. The shirt is actually rather loose fitting but due to the shape and flowing fabric I found that I loved this top the most when paired with my Essential Logo Skirt and tied up at my waist. 


As this style is slightly sheer (more so in the solid colour shirts) you will be able to pair it with your most lacy bras. From the front I found no issues with the button up style but as I'm very busty from the side one little sneak bra slip through was seen. If this was tucked not tied then this would not happen. 

I'm 100% smitten with this blouse and now that I know how perfectly it fits I need to invest in this print, leopard print and the red versions. The ruffle front, fabric covered buttons and the cuffs completely this shirt and make it the perfect top for day or night. 



Then finally I shot one of my favourite styles with a little extra coverage. In a earlier W&DB post I featured the blue and white stripe cupcake top with a adorable cap sleeve. I've had that in my collection for a few years and adored the style but have secretly lusted after a 3/4 sleeve. Well my prayers have been answered and this time in leopard print! 


The Cupcake Top is just the right mix of leopard and lace. The fabric is stretchy but firm enough to hold and hug you perfectly. I adore the black ruffle detail along the bust and at the end of the sleeve. It helps break up a really bold print and makes a classic leopard print 3/4 sleeve top into a piece of art. All topped off with the classic W&DB pearl charm in the middle of the bust. 


I'm wearing the cupcake top in in a size 14 and the fit is perfect. The fabric is a lot thicker and firmer than my other version but I actually like this version more. If this came in other prints and colours (think red/black, blue/black and emerald green) I would be buying the whole lot!

I hope this post helps many of you who are not 100% sure about the fit for size 14/16 curves at Wheels & Dollbaby and if you have any more questions just ask me or the super helpful staff via their social media pages.

Many thanks to the always super amazing Brooke Orchard for shooting this amazing set with me. If you are in Melbourne book her as soon as humanly possible for all pinup/vintage photography needs. Also many thanks to my dear friend Liz who helps me on many of my latest shoots, you are a star!





2 comments:

  1. So gorgeous! Those dresses look like they were made for you, though, I think my favourite is the blouse, which surprises me, I don't tend to be a blouse person, but I want to rush out and buy one from those photos!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Love everything about this post! The shrug is super classy and I'm always a fan of leopard print. The trench is sexy yet elegant. Thanks for sharing! <3

    ReplyDelete