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Sunday, November 29, 2015

Cherri Lane!

When I was visiting Perth in September I met the brilliant Sarah from Cherri Lane, an adorable boutique located in Midland Junction in WA. Sarah was attending the Wheels & Dollbaby runway show and came up to me for a chat at the afterparty. Floored by her amazing Pinup Girl Clothing outfit, we chatted and she told me all about her store. I was inspired by her ability to completely rock the socks off a Pinup Couture bustier with great curves so I made it my mission to stop by on the way to the airport the following day.


Pinup Girl Clothing Bustier in Olive Green - From Cherri Lane 
Faux Large Pearl Necklace -  From Cherrii Lane 
Black Bolero - $27.95

So after a big hello and a cuddle, I got to walk around this adorable boutique and found so many of my favourite brands in stock. Lots of Collectif, Pinup Girl Clothing, Sourpuss, Hell Bunny, Erstwilder and lots of great accessories and even my favourite matte lipsticks from Jeffrey Star!


As I mentioned earlier, I loved seeing Sarah rocking an ample bust in the PUG bustier so I wanted to try one on ASAP. Once I buttoned up this green wonder, I was instantly in love. In an XL, this top fits like a dream and when paired with my Curvy Kate strapless bra gives brilliant support all day long. Fully lined with additional support from canvas wrapped heavy plastic boning, this gives you the perfect fit. 


I paired the bustier with all black so it would be the stand out piece in this outfit. The olive colour is stunning with red hair so it was so very simple to style. The length of this top is rather short but it suits all high waisted swing and pencil skirts without leaving that annoying fabric line showing beneath. To top the whole outfit off I picked up some oversized Flintstone inspired faux pearls. I've been looking everywhere for a larger than usual necklace like this and can't wait to wear it with more outfits. Now to hunt for the perfect handbag to complete this outfit


It was such a pleasure meeting Sarah and her lovely staff and I can't wait to get back to Perth and catch up with her again. Fingers crossed we can work together more in the future!

You can find Cherri Lane on Facebook or Instagram.

Thanks again to the incredible Katherine Davis for shooting all of these images with me!


Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Beauty Finds!

I'm always on the look out for new places to shop because, let's face it, I'm a internet shopaholic! Now I'm set for clothing, shoes and accessories but only recently have I discovered Active Skin for all of my skin and beauty needs. It's really exiting to find a new what I like to call a one stop beauty online shop and, to make it even more brilliant, this one is Australian based! So no super long postage waiting times and they even do same dispatch if orders are submitted prior to 2pm!

When it comes to beauty and taking care of my skin, I'm loyal to my favourite brands but I'm always open to trying next and exciting products. Plus as I get older, I'm also on the look out for tried and tested products that will help me age with a little grace.

Active Skin has a huge selection of brands (over 60!) and you can browse on their website for hours finding trusted favourites and new products. Below is just a taste of what you will find via their webstore.


Now I've shopped via a small few Australia based beauty retailers and I have my favourites for specific brands but I really loving the selection here and the prices. They really have a huge selection of stock at great prices. Plus the website is clear and so easy to use.

I've found so many items that my cart is about to burst so I'm thinking that some of these will be added onto my Christmas lust list :
MOR COSMETICS

I've always been huge fan of MOR Cosmetics and I'm loving the range of fragrant candles instore at Active Skin. First on my list is my all time favourite sent - vanilla ! With two cats in my tinie tiny apartment I need this asap! I'm also super excited to see a large range of Belladonna fragrances items here. a scent and product range I fell for many years ago. This hand cream is absolutely divine! 

GHD

My hairdryer is currently on its last legs so I instantly headed over to the hair styling and hair dryer section of the website. Loving both the style and price for this GHD Air Professional Hairdryer at $179.10. I've added this to my cart and will read some reviews before committing fully though.

L'OCCITANE

I've tried so many samples of L'Occitane products over the years and absolutely adored their effect so I think it's time I gave in and purchased some to add to my collection. The Imortalle Skincare Collection is number 1 on my list to help smooth and firm up my skin.  Priced at $100 (free shipping over $95!!) this is a steal and a great gift for Christmas. 

Have you discovered the highly addictive and awesomeness that is Active Skin? If so, what did you buy? I'd love to hear about your current beauty recommendations!




Monday, November 23, 2015

Festive Fun

This year we are doing Christmas a little differently. We're spending the days before and after with our families and filling up on food, family, friends and gifts but, on the day itself, we have more grown up plans in mind.

For Christmas Day we have booked ourselves into what has to be our absolute favourite hotel in Melbourne - Crown Metropol . Part of the Crown Casino family, this hotel is modern and sleek and has been our go-to place for romantic nights away, celebrations and more. As a little treat for the crazy year that's past by so very fast, we booked both a night away and an amazing Christmas lunch at our favourite restaurant located in the heart of Crown.

So for a full day of food and wine, I need the right outfit to fit both the festive feel and comfortable enough to take me from Christmas lunch to a spot of black jack and roulette in the evening. I must admit I dabble a little at poker and even online casino games when chilling out at home and have a solitaire addiction so lets see if I make my day a little more festive. All On Red!!

It may be a little over a month until the day, but my outfit is sorted and I can't wait for Christmas day to hit so I can rock it all day long.


Inspired Insanity Red Short Sleeve Crop Cardigan Bolero - $27.95
Deck the Halls Brooch from Erstwilder
Christmas Candy Hair Clip from Gigi's Retro Closet - $19.00

My third Renee Dress from Pinup Girl Clothing and this was specifically purchased Xmas celebrations. The adorable red cardigan pairs perfectly with the red of the Renee Dress and gives me just the right amount of arm coverage. 

Then it's time for accessories! When Erstwilder released this stunning Christmas wreath it was the one thing that started my outfit idea. These bright pop of green will look amazing paired with the red bolero. Then hidden within a large mess of curls I'll be wearing this stunningly sweet clip from Gigi's retro closet. 

I can't forget shoes!! So I did not over do it with the 'Red' theme I've chosen at super sweet shoe from my go to shoe shop Shoe Me Gorgeous! The Funtasma DAINTY-420 Green Satin Women's Shoes - $110 fits perfectly with the theme and outfit and I'll wear these with so many more outfits all rear round. These are also the perfect height to wear all day long. 

Remember that feeling we all got when we were little? When you just wanted to go to sleep asap so you'd wake up and it would be Christmas morning? I'm feeling that right now! Hurry up Santa! 







Thursday, November 19, 2015

Woodland Creature

While we are stuck in the middle of a heatwave in Melbourne, my heart is across the sea dreaming of cooler climates and autumn and winter fashion. Luckily Collectif have recently released their Autumn/Winter '15 lookbook and all my winter fabric dreams have come true! My husband and I are heading to the UK in 2016 for a year, so I'm already adding amazing garments into my collection with our that location in mind. 

This season Collectif have created new style winter florals and tartans that make my heart sing and I've captured my stand out favourite styles with the help of Brooke Orchard



This is the third Dolores I've had the pleasure of slipping into and it's absolutely amazing. A short while ago I reviewed the Atomic Flamingo print in this style and I found the fit to be really, really roomy. I own this in a size 16 in a plain black fabric and find that to be a super close fit but both this fabric and the previous flamingo version are super roomy. That roomy that I could go down to a size 14 or even a 12 as they are super stretchy. But this roomy fit issue is easily fixed with a waist belt in a complementing colour. 


Can we take a moment to swoon over this stunning tartan print? A beautiful mixture of red, blue and black that works for both warm and cool months. This print inspires me to accessories, layer and pair this dress with stockings, maroon and black knee high boots, fur collared cardigans and woolly winter coats. 


If you are looking for a figure flattering swing style dress that compliments all shapes and sizes, the Dolores is the dress for you, and Collectif have both pencil and swing style versions of this dress. There are also a selection of Dolores style tops and a new 3/4 sleeve version of both of the dresses. I must warn you though, when you buy one of this style, you'll be hooked and won't stop until you have them all.



As you can see, my love for the Tammy Tai Tartan is so strong I could not stop at one item. I've worn a good variety of Collectif skirts, and this style is hands down my absolute favourite. From the hourglass complimenting swing style to the pleats and the flattering knee length, this skirt sits right on your waist and flows beautifully. I'm wearing the Swing Skirt in a size 16 and it's very comfortable on my waist with an extra inch or so to move. 


Keeping with the winter theme, I chose my second knit from the Collectif collection and I'm sold on this super snuggly and adorably designed jumper. This ruby red jumper features a cherry pointelle pattern and a super cute keyhole bust detail with a bow tie. The fabric is think yet stretchy and I'm wearing this in a size 16. I could size down to a 14 if I was wanting a super tight and firm fit but I fear the cherry print would stretch on the bust.


It's taken me a long time to love pinup knitwear as I've always feared that it will make my chest look bulky or bigger than it already is, but this jumper is perfection and I can't wait to pair it with pencil skirts and high waisted jeans and pants in the cooler months. 



Stop your searching for the perfect little black dress because I've finally found the most vavavoom style for girls with curves to kill! The Trixie Doll is a figure huging, curve creating, low cut and super flattering wiggle dress that will make you feel like an absolute bombshell. Made from a stretch bengaline, this dress hugs you in all of the right places and shows off all my favourite features. 


I adore the cross over gathered bust bust as it makes boobies look full and amazing, plus the 3/4 sleeve hides my problem areas. Fitted through the waist and to the knee, this style accentuates my hour glass figure. I'm wearing my Steel-Boned Longline Underbust Satin Corset (CS-426) from Orchard Corset beneath this dress and a simple bodysuit from Bella Bodies. This creates a really smooth base for a super tight wiggle dress.


I'm really smitten with the length of each item featured in this post. When purchasing vintage repo or inspired items, I find that some can be a little long and give you a more frumpy feel. The Trixe Pencil dress is the perfect mixture of chest, legs and packs lots of sex appeal. 


Available in black and red, this is a must have all year round. You can also find a swing style version of this frock named the Trixie Doll Dress. This style is sold out at the moment but I'm crossing my fingers and toes in the hopes that it will return and be fully stocked in black, red and teal as I need one of each in my wardrobe.



Inspired by Miss Victory Violet's brilliant outfit conversions (dresses to tops, cardigans tucked into belts etc) so I turned my Trixie into a top. Why hunt high and low for a top to match this amazing skirt when I have the perfect dress to wear beneath? I also love the fact that both Ella and I fell for this amazing print within weeks of each other. Great minds think alike! 


The Woodland Bloom floral print instantly won my heart when I viewed the current season look book. I'm a huge fan of feminine floral prints but I find all too often they are all focused on the warmer months and never really include my favourite colours. A dark navy base with soft pinks, greens, and stunning sky blue flowers this print will be your autumn/winter uniform. 


As with each item reviewed in this post, I'm wearing a 16 and I find this style to be a little more firm and tight at the waist. Size chart wise it will fit up to a 33 or 34 inch waist.If you are worried about fit I highly suggest you size up as there is little room to budge.  The full skirt style and pleats give this skirt so much volume that no petticoat is needed which absolutely brilliant.


I'm so excited to have this wintery print in my wardrobe and I can't wait to go crazy once the weather cools down with sweaters, brown and black leather gloves, heels or boots and some rich maroon stockings. This skirt needs lots of rich colours and lots of layers. Love the skirt but want a little more coverage? Well luckily there is a Dolores Pencil Dress and Maria Swing Dress in this stunning fabric. The Maria is definitely next on my list as I love the short sleeve a cross over bustline.


How amazing does the Trixie look as a top? I think this is definitely a style Collectif should consider in a more structured cotton fabric as it's so versatile and would look amazing with jeans or skirts.  

Thank you to my amazing friend Brooke Orchard for shooting these images with me and for all the fun and giggles we have had this year and over the last few years shooting together. Brooke is moving to South Australia and I'm going to miss her and her work like crazy! So I best start saving my pennies and plan a few trips over for catch ups and play dates. Be sure to check out Brooke's amazing work and book a shoot with her asap. No one in Australia does Pinup like she does and her eye for vintage fashion photography is amazing. Gonna miss you girl!!!! 


 

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

The BEST way to shop

I'm a huge fan of local swimwear brand Siren Swimwear and their amazingly constructed swimsuits and resort wear. I was lucky enough to shoot one of their suits last year for my Swimwear for Curves article in Adore Pinup Magazine and from that moment on I knew I had found one of the best fitting swimsuits for my hour glass shape.


But as a home shopper, I understand the issues that come with purchasing swimsuits online without fully knowing how the items will fit once they arrive - that fear that comes with submitting an order and waiting ever so impatiently for the goodies to arrive only to find out that they are too small, too big or just not right for you.

Well, this fear is a thing of the past as Sirens Swimwear have created the absolute best way to shop for swimsuits with their 'Ship The Shop' process.

The process is super simple :

Quick Instructions:

- Step 1: Choose one of the 3 Ship the Shop products below and add it to your cart.
- Step 2: Browse through our store and add 5 items from your selected category to the cart
- Step 3: A Ship the Shop promotion code will automatically be applied to your cart and you will be charged only the cost of the Ship the Shop product + postage and handling.

So you head over to the website and you will find 3 options to choose from :


I opted for the Ship the Shop Swimwear options for $199.00 and added this selection to my basket. The next step is my favourite part - window shopping! I searched through all the swimsuit options and found 5 suits that I adored. Knowing the Lizzie one piece fits like a dream, I chose a mixture of both one pieces, a swim dress and a bikini, so I could find out just how well each item fit my shape.



The ordering process is a few short steps and within days you will have your 5 suits arriving at your door ready to try on. Wrapped and packaged up safely, all 5 items arrived at my door and I could not contain my excitement! Gone are the days of feeling horrible going into store after store and never really feeling comfortable trying swimsuits on with pushy salespeople. With this process, you get to try on each garment in the comfort of your own home and make sure you get the perfect fit. 


Carefully, I unwrapped each garment and tried each piece on, making sure to follow the fit guide instructions included in the parcel. Rolling the garment on helps ensure the swimsuit does not get stretched or damaged and makes slipping into the swimsuit super easy. 

With each swimsuit the fit was a little different. The Eloise Retro Bikini ordered in a 16 was a great fit on the bottom (I could have sized down a little) but the top was too small cup wise for my GG chest. Then I tried the Lyla halter suit and although the fit was amazing throughout the hips and waits and even roomy in the bust the halter did not allow enough support bust wise. Then I moved on to the Lizzie vintage style swimsuit in Blue and this suit fit like a dream. I knew this would be the case as I've modeled this style before so I also ordered the black and midnight rose garden print to see which would suit me best. Loving the rose garden print I also chose the swim dress, a style I've never had the chance to wear before. This is a two piece suit - high waisted bottoms and the long length swim dress and the fit is exactly like the Lizzie. All once pieces were ordered in a size 16 as well.

To be honest, I was torn between the blue dot Lizzie and the tummy control swim dress and it was a very tough choice but after thinking about what I needed the garment for an what I could pair it with my choice in the end was the Lizzie. If I could have afforded both I would quickly snap up the dress as it's the perfect summer lounging by the pool swimsuit and can also double as a great top to wear under pencil or swim skirts.



Then once you have received and tried on your selection in the comfort of your own home you select your favourite item or items. Then pack the items you do not wish to keep into the Reply Paid satchel (included) along with your completed Returns form and drop it to your local post office (so it can be tracked). Refunds & exchanges will be processed within 7 days, then your credit card will be charged or refunded for the amount you have kept. The Ship the Shop program is currently only available in Australia but fingers crossed this concept spreads like wildfire as we shoppers need more options to get the perfect fit.

The Ship the Shop Package Includes

·         5 Swimsuits of Your Choice.

·         Reply Paid Satchel (for your returns)

·         Ship the Shop Returns Form

·         Ship the Shop Trying Guide

This process is so easy and for the cost of one garment you get multiple items to try own in comfort and privacy. The service and quality here are second to none and I highly recommend this brilliant new way to shop. With sizes ranging from 8 to 20 you will find the perfect suit or beach wear for summer without any fear!

Now Sirens Swimwear are being extra awesome and treating you, my readers, with a 15% discount. So use the code 'teerwayde' at the checkout and get the suit of your dreams!


 

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

New look, logo and more

You might have noticed a change across the Curves To Kill social media with a brand new logo appearing on Facebook and Instagram. A few months ago, I fell in love with a local band's new T-shirt design and instantly asked my husband who designed the retro style image. I demanded he get in touch with his friend as soon as humanly possible so I could get the perfect logo created for my blog. So that day we contacted Versus Clothing and started creating!





I sent through a few images from my photo shoots and created a theme for the logo. I've been called a film noir spy before due to my look and many of my shoots - it must be my love for berets - so I ran with that concept, and I think it suits Curves To Kill perfectly.




I made sure I was featured wearing some of my favourite items for the logo, as I really wanted it to represent me as I naturally am.  It features the black Doris Top from Pinup Girl Clothing, the belt that gets everyone talking, a red beret and of course my ruby red lips.

With such a great response to the logo, I've decided that I will be creating some curve friendly, busty conscious merchandise to my blog for you guys to purchase. Everything is in the testing phase right now, but I will be setting up a shop and having tees, tank tops, hoodies and raglan-style baseball 3/4 tops available. If there is anything else you guys would be interesting in wearing or purchasing, please feel free to comment below or email me (info @ teerwayde. com) and I'll get it sorted! For each clothing item, I will be personally testing the fit to ensure each item is made for us busty, curvy ladies. 

Now the question is will you guys be wanting black or white styles?



There is also another new and exciting development here at blog central (he he I feel so silly calling my laptop and bedroom that) and I'm super excited about this as well. I've been working with a creative team and we have created a App for iPhones.

It's simple to navigate, free and makes reading Curves To Kill on the go so much easier! Just search 'Curves To Kill' in the App Store via your iPhone, and you will find the app with ease. You can also find an online write up and direct link to the store here and on my Instagram bio.




 

Sunday, November 8, 2015

On The Runway - With Wheels and Dollbaby

Last month I had the pleasure of walking in Telstra Perth Fashion Week for Wheels and Dollbaby. For years I've dreamed of representing an iconic designer in a very public way, and I finally had my chance when I was asked by head designer Melanie Greensmith to walk in her closing show at Perth Fashion Week.

I'm currently putting the final touches on a huge article for Adore Pinup where I spill all the backstage beans and really go into detail of every aspect of the event. The fear, the excitement and all of the proud and inspirational moments that I felt over my stay in Perth, and how it felt to rock that runway with the amazing Dita Von Teese. While my article is really personal, I wanted to give you guys a small glimpse into the event, my experience and the photo shoot that the runway show itself inspired shortly after. 


Picture: Robert Duncan/The West Australian

When I heard the news about Dita walking the runway for Wheels and Dollbaby at Perth Fashion Week, I was dying to cover the event for my blog. Little did I know what Melanie had in mind for me, and a month after the news broke, I was asked to be a part of the show. It was such an amazing step forward for such an iconic brand, and I was ecstatic and super proud to be representing Wheels and representing curvy size 14/16 girls on the runway for such a big event. 

I've walked runway shows in the past, but I've never had the chance to walk for such a well known and respected brand. I swear I was a ball of nerves for the whole month prior, but as the date drew nearer, those nerves settled and the excitement grew. When my husband and I flew over to Perth I wanted the event to happen as soon as humanly possible as I was so pumped and ready to go. 

We arrived a few days early and checked into the Pan Pacific on Adelaide Terrace which was in the heart of the fashion festival. A prime position, with a stunning newly refurbished premier room waiting for us. While researching the event, location and Perth's nightlife, I knew Adelaide Terrace was the place to be. Most of the shows were held at the Opera House and our hotel was within walking distance from some amazing restaurants and bars. 


Waking up to a stunning view of the Swan River in a huge kind size bed was the best way to relax before all the fun began. If you are looking for a great priced luxury 5 star hotel in the heart of downtown Perth, I highly recommend the Pan Pacific. Partnered with the festival itself, they were the fashion hub and held events, parties and so many fittings and castings for each show.


So Perth was brilliant! We relaxed and just hung out around the city and our hotel for a few days. Visiting some amazing bars, such as Hula Bula Bar, which is a brilliant tiki bar owned by LuWOW, and Bobèche, a really rocking basement speakeasy with yummy cocktails and non-stop popcorn! We visited the revolving restaurant - C Restaurant - twice, as I needed high tea to celebrate the show. 

Now onto the big event! The Wheels and Dollbaby runway show sold out so fast; it was absolutely crazy. Everyone wanted a ticket to this event and it was the perfect way to close the festival. We practiced and I ran from hair to run throughs, and then back to makeup and then into wardrobe. The teams from L'Oréal and MAC did an amazing job with an old Hollywood theme and smokey eye. 
Dita was hidden away, but practiced with us, and it was amazing to see her shimmy down the runway. Because of being ready to walk individually, we all missed her solo walk, but the crowd roared with applause.

Then it was showtime! Nerves aside, it was time to hit the runway, and my mission was to strut my stuff and shake my curves with pride. The crowd were amazing and cheered, whistled, and screamed out in support. I could not believe the amount of support I got with each walk and outfit. I jiggled and bounced - this is the joy of having rather big breasts on the runway. I think I mesmerised a few guys and girls.



Then, just like that, the show was over and we walked together as a group, celebrating such a brilliant event. Once backstage, I was pumped and all of the positive vibes from outside were still keeping me going. I wanted to do it all again and I never wanted to take off the stunning outfits. I fell in love with all of the pieces backstage, so I knew that I needed to shoot my favourites once I got home. The image above and video below are just a taste of what I wore and the stunning garments shown. There are many more images in my next Adore Pinup article.

The outpouring of support was amazing after the event. I met so many people at the after party who really loved what I represented and that I was in the show. I posed for photos, had long chats about fashion and met some amazing people from the fashion world, as well as social media, such as Instagram and the Swap Sell groups on Facebook. I can't put properly into words how much more inspired I was after the event, and so proud of what I had been a part of. I hope that this is just the start of mixed runways like this for big designers and I hope to work with Wheels and Dollbaby again. 

I fell hard for 3 outfits at the show and HAD to try them on in my size and shoot them for you guys. There was a size 14 model in the show and she wore the most stunning dress so that was first on my list along side the new Dita Cardigan and my beloved Leather Moto Jacket.  

  



Once you wiggle your way into this dress, you will never want to take it off. I'm honestly crushed that I only had this on loan as it made me feel amazing. It hugs your curves in all the right places and the billowing sleeve has that iconic 70's bold shape that I'm now obsessed with.
 

 The statement sleeve paired with the tight wiggle dress make for the ultimate statement LBD. I'm wearing the Lara Stone dress in a size 16 and it is absolutely perfect. 

 

Now I must save my pennies and get this baby in my life permanently!



I have a huge addiction to leather moto jackets and this is my new pride and joy. With two types of studs, a bold and bright back patch and a figure hugging fit this is the one and only moto I will ever need. I own the knit moto in an XXL so I opted for a size 14 for a more tight fit and I really love how it fits both in the bust and the waist.


This is an investment and I will treat this jacket like it is my child. So easy to style, so easy to wear and the quintessential rock chic coat. 


The back patch and stud combination adorning the back of this moto jacket is absolutely amazing. I tend to personalize my own jackets like this so it's great to have this pre made. This pairs perfectly with my high waisted Unique Vintage Rizzo jeans. I'm wearing these in a size 2x but they are a little too big. The super stretchy denim allows for lots of movement and room. I'll be sizing down with these to an XL. 

DITA CARDIGAN IN ROUGE NOIR (SOLD OUT) - $190.00

Finally, a Dita cardigan to pair perfectly with my hair colour. The fit on this style is great in a size 16 and I just adore the rich almost blood red colour. I sadly missed out on purchasing this style, but I'm so happy I had the chance to model it.


This shade suits so many girls and I'm loving seeing all shapes and sizes wearing this over social media. You may have noticed the amazing Gold version that was premiered at the runway which is up for pre-order on the Wheels and Dollbaby website. I'm lusting after the gold lurex fabric and that shimmer, I need it in my life.



I started this post thinking I would write a brief little update before my article came out, but I guess I got a little carried away with it. Issue #11 will hit the website in the next few weeks so keep an eye out over social media for a release date.

Many Thanks to Katherine Davis once again for rocking this shoot with me!