Poison Ivy

Cue Billy Thorpe and the Aztecs while I shimmy and shake over the new Poison Ivy range released today at Wheels and Dollbaby, with a stunning new print featuring an exquisite portrayal of exotic birds of paradise, printed over signature imported stretch satin. Highlights for this season include curve hugging silhouettes (perfect for those with curves to kill), embroidered leather and knits, lots of embellishments and some stunning red carpet-worthy gowns.

This campaign was shot in Melanie's Sydney home, The Del Rio and the look book is absolute perfection. Australian model Simone Holtznagel is a dream in this set of images and makes each and every item look divine.

Here are a few of my absolute favourites that will fit up to a size 14 and 16!

BIRDS OF PARADISE BALLET DRESS - $279.00

PARADISE LEATHER JACKET - $595.00

My absolute dream dress has to be the Birds of Paradise Ballet Dress! Every single aspect of this style is my ultimate outfit. With a 3/4 length sleeve, the pleated skirt the plunging wrap neckline and the stunning embroidery this is the perfect dress for an hour glass figure. The powermesh is also a dream to wear as it holds you tight without restricting movement. I wore a powermesh skirt and top when I was on the runway for Wheels & Dollbaby in Perth and I instantly fell in love with the fabric. Up to a size 16 this style is a must have for Autumn, Winter and Spring and the styling possibilities are endless. This style also comes in plain black without the featured embroidery ($255) but this one is number one on my list. 

Next is the amazing Paradise Leather Jacket. Two Wheels moto/biker jackets in my collection and I love them dearly but I never thought that anything could top the Bluebird embroidered design I already own. The Paradise Jacket has done this with a stunning colour embroidered bird pattered on the front and sleeves of this awesome moto and with a new logo back patch! I know I don't have room for another leather jacket in my collection but holy hell I want this one! The jacket is available up to a to a 16 but I wear a 14 in the motos.

BIRDS OF PARADISE CARDIGAN IN RED - $145.00

SWEATER W DOLLBABY EMB - $90.00

Now lets talk knits! The new season cardigan is the perfect for any Dita Cardigan collector as it has two things we adore about that style included in the design. The cardigan showcases the exquisite ‘Birds Of Paradise’ chinoiserie motif, black velvet buttons and black pleated edging around the 3/4 legnth sleeve and bottom of the cardigan. I love the gathered and padded shoulder as it creates a bold shape and add an extra element to what most knits are lacking. This item is available up to a 14 but this fits a 16 with ease. I own both sizes in most cardigans. 

While this next item is not a new season style I had to included it as I'm a huge fan of each and every sweater in store! The plain black sweater with simple white 'Dollbaby' embroidered  on the front is a key item for any girls wardrobe as we head into Autumn and Winter. This sweater goes with everything and the super stretchy knit hugs you in all of the right places.

IRMA LA DOUCE PENCIL SKIRT - $325.00

PARADISE PLEAT CARDI IN BLACK - $145.00

I think my heart skipped a beat when I saw a new fabric version of the Irma La Douce Pencil Skirt in the catalog. I've shot this style every few seasons and the fit is amazing on my super hippy shape. I've worn this style in both the 14 and 16 (in store in both sizes) and I find the 14 to be a more perfect fit as the fabric is stretchy and soft. When you get this skirt in your hands you will be amazed by how soft and luxurious it feels. I wear this style with the buttons open up the the middle of my thigh but you can wear this in many ways as each button is functioning. 

The new red fabric is so rich and yummy and it pairs perfectly with the Paradise Pleat Cardigan. Much like the red cardigan shown above but in a perfect black knit fabric. While I love the red cardigan I get so much more wear from black in my wardrobe it seems and looking at this style next to the Irma skirt I think combined they create the most perfect curve hugging outfit. Available up to a size 14.

MATA HARI SNAKE PENCIL SKIRT - $195.00

LE FOX MAKE-UP PURSE - $75.00

Now I wanted to feature all of the stunning gowns from this new range but sadly they don't go up to a size 16! But I did find one item that I'm lusting after featuring the Mata Hari Snake embellishment. I adore my Wheels and Dollbaby pencil skirts as they never loose their shape and fit like a dream. But who needs a plain black wiggle when you can get an amazing sequin snake wrapped around your waist. No need for waist belts as this snake creates the same cinching effect. If you look super close you can see the snake has ruby red eyes as well, making it a little more evil and awesome. This style goes up to a size 16.

Next on my list is the Le Fox makeup bag. I arrived home last week to the amazing handbag version of this (jumped up and down, did a happy dance and then hugged it) and I think I definitely need the makeup bag to match.

Le Fox Tote Bag - $295.00

I've been smitten with the Le Fox visual of years now but I missed out on any of the clothing items so once this was released I knew I could finally have it in my collection. Each item is made from faux leather so if you are vegan this is for you! With an adorable masked fox printed on the front and a super soft faux fox tail this is my most treasured handbag. I can't wait to use it in a shoot this weekend!

What are you stand out favourites from the Poison Ivy Collection?



 



Vivien of Holloway

Finally I have the absolute pleasure of featuring a brand on Curves To Kill that I've loved for years but never had the chance to review/wear! I've admired Vivien of Holloway for years now but until this year I've never slipped into their garments, now I'm grumpy I've missed out on these rocking styles for so long! 

 

1950s Halterneck Black White Spot Dress - £89.00

Bolero Black White Spot - £30.00

Bordello TEEZE-07 Red Patent Platform Pump - $114.00

Vivien of Holloway have absolutely perfected the halter neck dress. Be it a wrap wiggle style or a full skirt they have designed a flattering, well structured and perfectly tailored halter that is leagues above the rest. Why? It's all about boning! The boning supports (no need for a bra in this style), holds you in and the fabric has a little give so it will mold to your shape after one wear. I was sent two size options for this review. I originally opted for the 42-34-46 size (which once it arrvied I noticed was listed as a 20) and then I was told I should try the size lower (tagged as a 16 but the stats are : 40-32-44)  as it would mold to me. The larger size was easy to zip and and fit from the get go but after wearing the smaller version for a while it did exactly what I was told it would! The fabric gave a little and the fit was much tighter and even better for my bust. 

I loved the dress that much that I went straight back onto the website and to make a lust list of other prints. One of my favourite features of this halter neck style is that it does not pull at the back like most other necklines. They can put too much weight on the back of your neck and by the end of an evening you are in pain. These are thick and perfect! Plus if you have any issues with your underarm area the strap is that thick it hides such things! 

I opted to get the matching bolero with this dress as I can't get enough of the retro shape. In an XL it's a perfect fit and looks amazing with the dress. You can get solid colours and more prints in this bolero style and can mix and match all of them. I'd love to get a few more boleros and pair them with this dress or solid coloured dresses to pair with my bolero. 

This dress is a must have if you love a halter neck but worry about your bust and want to go braless without a fear. If polka dots are not your style well don't fear! The fabric options are amazing at Vivien of Holloway and I've already added the a few to my lust list. 

1950s Halterneck Luxury Red Satin Fan Lace Dress - £120.00

1950s Halterneck Dark Green Duchess Dress - £99.00

Gypsy Top Classic Black Trio Gold - £28.00

How lush are these colours and prints? I'm also lusting hard for the stunning gypsy tops available in so many different colours. I live in this style over the warmer months and this is on the top of my list. 

Many thanks to the beautiful Brooke Orchard for snapping these images at the stunning and iconic Carlton Gardens. I can't wait to see her again and create more art!! 

 



The best in mail forwarding

It's taken me years but I've finally found an easy to use, reliable and straight forward international mail and parcel service to help me shop from the US and Canada.

There are still so many websites that have better deals, better sales and so many more options than their Aussie pages but the lack of US based shipping address on my behalf means I miss out. So when Iron Fist US have their amazing 60% off sales I no longer have to miss out and I can get super fast shipping without any hassles. 

What's do I use? Well it's simple : Shipmatica

If you are new to the world of mail forwarding/internationally based addresses then here is the lowdown. Say you want to purchase an item but they don't ship to Australia (or your location). Then you sign up to Shipmatica, upload a few items to prove your address and identity, digitally sign a declaration (this is needed for customs purposes) and link your credit card up. 

Then once you have a full cart you can process your order using the Shipmatica warehouse address provided. This means you can get super cheap or sometimes free local shipping to this location and then have it forwarded onwards to you at a reasonable postage cost.

The item then arrives at the warehouse and can be stored for 90 days. If you are done shopping you can go forward and get the item sent to you or you can get a few more shipments sent to the warehouse and consolidate your packages and have them sent in one single box.

I used this service for the first time recently and it's an absolute breeze. I ordered my most beloved lipsticks for LA splash and paid barely any shipping to the Shipmatica warehouse. Then I got an email notifying me of the package arriving at the location.

When you login into the website you will find your item under 'My Parcels' with all of the information you will need to begin the forwarding process. The warehouse will photograph your parcel then list the dimensions and weight. Then with a few simple clicks and a little information - you must input the content of the parcel as you would in normal customs forms, you'll be able to choose your delivery method and have the item sent out asap. 

The postage prices range from a budget to super fast express services and you will find the perfect method for your needs. I opted for a 'Saver' price and my item was shipped so fast I was in a little bit of shock when the UPS guy knocked at my door a few days later.

Shipmatica make the process of online shopping super easy and if you are like me and don't want to pay $30 or more for one item from one store in the US or Canada this is a great option. This website and their warehouse allow you to shop and store your packages and with the consolidation to one box process you can merge all of your shipments into one shipment for less money and less hassle. 

They also have an amazing online catalog featuring best of online shopping so it's super simple to find exactly what you need. 

I'm so glad I've finally found a easy to use and super simple mail forwarding company and I can't wait to consolidate all the items on my lust list I've been avoiding due to over the top shipping charges. 

Dollbaby Curves

A few weeks ago when I was lucky enough to steal an afternoon with Brooke Orchard, I snapped a heap of my favourite styles. Today I'm excited to share my standout favourites available right now at Wheels and Dollbaby.

I know that I was worried about fit for years, but after my first Dita Cardigan, I was hooked and I've found that both 16's in standard fabrics and even some 14's in stretch fit me really well. These are my current go-to styles for the Dollbaby with curves to kill. 

3/4 Cupcake Dress - $125.00



After wearing and owning many cupcake tops, I though it was time to test the mini dress version and the outcome - I adore it! Fit wise the top has always been spot on and depending on fabrics you can even size down. But for the dress I opted for the 16 as I did not want it to be a super, super mini dress. Having an ample rump, wider hips and big bust most dresses can automatically shorten on me.

While this shows a whole lot of leg it's covering me really well and does not show any toosh. The 3/4 length sleeve offers great coverage and stretchy cotton is soft and hugs your curves. Now in the future this will be paired with stockings and printed tights (such a key wardrobe item for the winter) but even in the summer I feel comfortable with the length. Hell, I'm curvy, I have big hips so why the hell not show them?

Tank with Pastel Vintage Logo - $59.00

Leather Jacket with Bluebird Emblem  - $595

Essential Logo Skirt

Late last year, I wrote about the newly priced tank top selection at Wheels and Dollbaby, and now I finally got to test one! Available up to a size 16 these are the go-to casual top of summer 2016. Super stretchy, long and comfortable these are so easy to style and a dream to wear. 

What impressed me the most about this tank has to be the lack of breakage when the logo was worn. It's a big fear for a lot of busy girls that we will warp or crack the print but this still remained perfect! Now the 16 is a super close fit but this will stretch and mold over time. 



Now it was fate that this tank would be paired with my beloved Wheels leather moto jacket and the combination is absolutely dreamy. But don't limit yourself with styling options! Pair this with swing skirts, bold prints and adorable cardigans and boleros, or just simply wear this with your favourite skinny jeans for the perfect rock chic look.

Finally we have a style that I really never expected to work so well with my figure but once I slipped into it there was no way I could live a life without it!

The Brigitte Badot Dress in Tan - $255.00 

Plain Classic Cardigan - $99.00
Shoe Me Gorgeous Bordello Teeze Heels  - $109.00

Brigitte is the quintessential summer dress! With toffee & crème checks on soft cotton voile in a full gathered skirt, it features western suede-look fringe detailing at neckline and matching plus suede look straps and belt. I never thought this dress would work with my bust and hips, as the full skirt has a lot of volume and sometimes you don't want to over do it. Well how wrong was I? 



In a 16 the fit is perfect and I really love the shape created by the underskirt. The length is short but not too short and looks great paired with heels and cowboy boots. A few years back I hurt my knee and my legs have not been in the best shape since but I'm not going let that limit me!! So bring on ALL OF THE short and adorable dresses! I'm also wearing a 16 in the classic cardigan and I find that the both this size and the size bellow are perfect for my arms and bust. I very rarely do my cardigans up as I love this tied at the bust look a lot more. 

While I'm usually more of a black, blue or red gingham fan but there is something so soft and delicious about this tan print and I love how well it pairs with the black suede and my classic cardigan. This is on high rotation in my wardrobe right now and I can't wait to pair it with more cardigans and boleros. 

Now this style is currently sold out in the larger sizes but lets cross our fingers and toes for a re-release or another colourway in the future. I'd love this in a darker gingham or even a well know Wheels printed fabric. Now lets have a few colder evenings so I can pair this with my leather bluebird jacket!

Thank you once again to Brooke Orchard for snapping these amazing images and I can't wait to create with you when you are back in Melbourne next! 



 



Dreaming of Autumn

The end of summer always gets me super excited as my Transeasonal inspiration becomes reality and I finally get to pair my summer florals with cooler layers and winter boots! This combination is a staple come Autumn, and this year I'm on the hunt for more knee high boots to add to my collection.

Searching over the internet I've found so great styles and great prices but the website that's helped me the most has to be Fashion Lane. I found links and images to the brands I love and discounts via this website and with one click I found so many boots for my lust list.

Jane Debster Knee Length Boot - $94.00
 

A classic black leather boot with a medium heel and the most delicious embossed pattern on each side. Every girl needs a classic black boot and this style will take you through both Autumn and Winter. These will pair perfectly with all my summer wrap dresses, black floral frocks and skirts and with printed stockings when the cold hits.

 

Spurr Shirley Tassel Boots - $23.99
 

A casual black flat boot works perfectly for work or with jeans. I own 3 pairs of Spurr boots and I love and trust their designs. This over the knee design work great with skinny jeans and dresses and I adore the tassel and buckle features. The stretch panel at the back of the boot also offers extra stretch and comfort if you are in need of a little more calf room.

Paige Lace Up Shoe Boot - $36.00

 

Raspberry lace up ankle boots with a pointed toe - shut up and take my money! How lush are these boots and they are only $36, I'm in shock. For this price I'll be ordering these in black and brown and wearing them constantly. They will look amazing paired with anything from disco pants to tea dresses and stockings will look amazing with the lace up front so don't just stick with black, how about a teal or navy stocking?

Orizonte Aceline Womans Leather Knee Hight Boots - $79.95

 

Lastly a grey boot inspired by a vintage cowboy boot I have in my collection. I never even glanced at grey shoes prior to owning my cowboy boots but now they have sparked an obsession. With a small heel for day wear, and a western style top these will be a great addition to my collection.

Now to make some room in my wardrobe as I've got so many shoes I'm running out of space! Oh the joys of being a addicted to footwear.

 



Valentines Day Inspiration

With Valentines Day fast approaching it's time to start planing the perfect outfit and date. This year I'm a little more excited as it's our first Valentines Day as married couple so it's going to be AWESOME!

Now we have dinner sorted, the perfect dress picked out but that's only the beginning! So I've been hunting around the world wide web trying to find some super cute costumes to complete the them/day. I found a great Aussie based costume shop with some super cute outfits to make Valentines day a little more special.

If you know me I'm not really one to go with the flow and when thinking about costumes I tend to go with my own unique taste or think outside the box. Be it Scifi, horror or retro.

Here are some adorable costumes I found :

Fever Space Cadet Costume - $55.95

I can't go past a retro Sci-fi themed costume! This super cute almost 60's inspired Space Cadet costume is out of this world and because both myself and my husband love Plan 9 From Out of Space I think this needs to be in my collection.

Flight Attendant Costume - $38.95

It may be on the top of most lusted after costumed and I can understand why! The retro flight attendant costume makes your curves pop and everyone loves seeing their partner in a super sexy uniform. My favourite feature has to be the adorable WWII style hat.

Fever Red Ridinghood Costume - $20.95

I'm a sucker for gingham and ruffles! Pair that with adoreable thigh high socks and a super cute cape and I'll snap it up in a hurry. The thing I love most about the little red costume is that it can be worked into other themes and you can turn both the dress and the cape into other character's costumes. 

Fever Queen of Hearts Costume - $46.95

Lastly something a little different, a little dark yet still perfect for a Valentines theme. The queen of hearts is the perfect outfit with lush fabrics in my favorite colour combination - red and black! While most girls love dressing up as Alice I've always had a soft spot for the darker, more evil styling of the Queen of Hearts. 

These costumes are avaliable in sizes S, M and L and others even up to an XL. The size Large is listed as a 16 to 18 so if you are close to my measurements you should be safe to order that size. 

What costumes inspire you this Valentines Day? Are you a nerdy character based girl like me or more traditional?



Downtown Moto Dame

When Pinup Girl Clothing released a sneaky preview of the Deadly Dames faux leather range I was instantly in LUST and started saving my pennies, awaiting the arrival of these amazing pieces. After months of stalking the 'Coming Soon' section of their website, lots of posting on social media and non stop chatter about the items to my husband they finally arrived and instantly I scooped up my stand out favourites.

I'm a biker/moto jacket addict. I have around eight styles in leather, faux leather and cotton. I have black, plaid, I use to own brown and pink but my dream has always been to have the perfect cropped style. Micheline Pitt answered all my prayers and released the Deadly Dames moto babe bolero! I've never lusted after any item in my life as much as this and I'm sure after seeing the fit and style you will understand why.

Firstly I have to state that these styles run small so under the advice of Pinup Girl Clothing's awesome staff I sized up for the perfect fit. I know buying a garment one size up can annoy some folk but for this it's needed.

Wow. Just wow. I think I've found the outfit I want to wear for the rest of my life! Sleek, naughty, figure hugging and exquisitely tailored, the Downtown Dame dress in Faux Leather is a dream to wear. I have many of the DD Vamp dresses and tops in my collection but I think the Downtown Dame is my new favourite as it packs a little bit more vavavoom.

Deadly Dames Moto Babe Bolero in Black Faux Leather - $120.00

Deadly Dames Downtown Dame Dress in Faux Black Leather - $180.00

As you can see it's a body hugging style with a structured bust, matching belt and boned bodice. The fit of the 2xl is bordering on the standard XL so while this fits in the bust and the waist perfectly there is still a little wiggle room in the skirt. For PUG items I've always worn a XL and then even a Large for a super stretchy garment but when they advice to size up you always need to listen. Just cut the tag off if it bothers you. 

I feel like the ultimate 'Bad Girl' in this outfit and wish I was not stuck in Australia during summer so I could wear this out constantly. The fit is perfection and the matching Bolero is what dreams are made of. I opted to get both the black and red so I could mix and match all items. 

The Moto Babe Bolero - Absolute genius!! Such and amazing fit, just the right length and and hugs your bust perfectly. Uniquely designed, fully-lined in stretch charmeuse and features silver tone snaps and zips. This is absolutely perfect and will be worn to death. Now I need to buy more Deadly Dames dresses to wear beneath this style.



Deadly Dames Moto Babe Bolero in Red Faux Leather - $120.00

Deadly Dames Deadly Curves Skirt in Red Faux Leather - $90.00

Why choose between red or black in the bolero? Just buy both! I honestly could not choose and knew that both would get so much love and wear in my life. While the black is classic and easy to style the red version offers that hot pop of colour in a beautiful cherry red faux leather. I've only owned one red leather moto before and it really did not cut it for me. The colour was off and the fit - icky. But this babe is absolutely rocking! I can't wait to wear these with my red and black polka dot vamp dress but which do I choose?



I paired the babe bolero with the amazing Deadly Dames Curves Skirt in Red. The red faux leather is soft and really molds to your shape. I never knew a faux leather skirt could be so comfortable. In the 2xl the waist is perfect yet roomy  and as you can see it's loose on the hip as well. I think I might have been able to size down for this one item but for now I'm still loving the fit. The room offers you to tuck thicker fabric tops under the wiggle skirt and pair lots of waist belts.

These two red hot items stole this shot so I chose to dress down top wise and just paired my own plain black tank with the outfit. I'd love to style this with a vamp  or jailbird top from the Deadly Dames range. All styles featured here are in available in 3 colours - black, red and pale pink. Obviously I'm not a pink girl so I naturally gravitated to red and black versions.

I have to give a huge amount of love and thanks to Brooke Orchard who took these amazing shots and snuck my into her last Melbourne trip. Now that my favourite girl has moved state I'll take any chance I can to see and work with her.