Search This Blog

Monday, April 10, 2017

Vixen

Get ready for one of the most detailed and possibly longest blog reviews I've ever had the pleasure of writing and this one is jam packed for of fit advice and images for a selection of Vixen goodies from my girl Micheline Pitt's range.

Last year I featured the first t-shirts to be released and then went on to model and shoot with Micheline when I was in LA. From the first moment I wiggled into her skirts, swing and pencil skirts and all of her amazing tops I knew I was up for a life long Vixen addiction. She has created the garments we have always wanted and needed with amazing fit, flattering shapes and all of those little details that make her range truly unique.

Better yet Vixen is not the only label Micheline has created! With Bad Girl Denim soon to be released, La Femmeen Noir for all our gothic needs and even a makeup collection. So 2017 will hold no shortage of amazing items to purchase from each and every range.

The honest truth about the Vixen label is that it's perfect and it has inspired me to try new styles, new colours and step out of my comfort zone. From pink fabrics to crop tops - I'm wearing styles I never thought I could with pride and I feel amazing. Now this shoot is only half of my collection and I can't wait to shoot more shortly and some newer stock!


I feel like every season with Vixen I'll be commenting and writing that one item above all others is my dream dress. It' true and with each release I discover that there are even more of my dream dresses, skirts and tops in this range.

The Vixen swing is however one of the most magical swing dresses I've ever owned. It flatters curves, created amazing shape, lifts and my bust and makes me feel sexy as hell. Size wise both Micheline and I were a little unsure about fit as I can be between sizes so with the help and advice of Lindsay one of her XL/L models we opted for the XL and a firm fit as the fabric has a little give.
The XL is perfection in the black swing and I'm wearing this style without a bra!



Yes you read that I'm bra free and it really holds you in, up and look deelish. The bow can be undone and tightened or loosened to suit you bust and there is no pancaking or squishing of the boobies.  

If you were not a fan of leopard print you will be now with this stunning fabric! I literally yelped when I saw this design and fabric and had to have it in my collection. Once you wear one of the Vixen swings you will want every fabric option as they are amazing.


Now the leopard is a lot firmer and less stretchy than the black but it still fits and looks great. Due to the firmer fabric I'm not as comfortable in this style as I am the black but I've now worn the black a dozen times so with a little more give I think the leopard would fit nicer. If you are in-between sizes and really want the Leopard style I suggest sizing up if you are on the higher end of the bust and waist measurements as it won't give as much as the other colours. 

I'm wearing PINK!! I never knew that pink could work with my colouring until Micheline popped my in a soft pink peasant top and now I'm addicted. It also helps that this swing is covered in vintage hair tools and makeup, everything I could possibly want in a print.


This dress was a gift form an amazing friend and I got a 2XL as I was genially interested to see the size difference. So here is the low down.



I can wear my bra with this size and it zips up perfectly, with the XL I can't wear a bra at all but it does not matter either way. There is more room in the waist and it's not as firm but with the help of the matching belt it cinches me in perfectly. It's also roomier at the sleeves so if you are worried about both your waist and arms and your in-between sizes I'd suggest the 2XL for this dress. My stats are always listed at the top right hand section of my blog so be sure to check them out.


What I love most about these items other than the amazing tailoring and shape has to be the super deep pockets that completely hidden and the flattering sleeves. I hate showing my upper arms but with all of the Vixen tops I wear them cardigan free and proud.


Earrings :


El Diablo Toro - $30.00

One of the other things I wanted to feature in this post is the amazing new selections of earrings I have from Reverefolie. From glitter lips to 60's hoops, adorable styles and the collaboration pair we designed together!


I wanted to get some of Vixen's gold and silver barbie style hoops for this shoot but then all of these babies arrived and I love how well they paired together.


Passion in Red - $30.00

I can't even explain the love I have for this brand and how amazing, like a little pieces of art, each pair is. I wear most of these pairs once a week and love how bold, lightweight and amazing each and every pair is. 

Troublemaker dresses are straight up pure HOTNESS! My husbands reaction to seeing me try the leopard version of this wiggle cemented this opinion as he was blown away with how my bod looked in it - so who am I to argue?

Super stretchy yet form fitting, long sleeved so perfect for the cooler months and the perfect length to shoe off a little leg while still creating those banging curves. The fit is amazing and due to the fabric I opted for an XL and it fits like a second skin.


The leopard fabric even has a little more magic added to it as it can hide any lumps and bumps you may have issues with as the fabric print really flatters and hides any issues.

The first time I wore this dress out I was bloated, felt really bad about myself and I was generally feeling shit but once I wiggled my but into the Troublemaker I felt amazing. It really has that power and there is a huge need for garments that hold such power. If only to cheer us up enough on a bloated day to then go out and rock it!


The black version of this amazing wiggle is a must have as everyone needs a little black dress like this in their collection. The fabric is a little firmer in this colour but the fit is still perfection. What I love most about these dresses has to be the ability to wear the neckline high or low. Wear the black higher to work then pop on some killer red heels and lower it for after work drinks.




With the great body hugging fit of this dress I'm no in need of all the Troublemaker Tops. I love the sleeve and neckline and I would wear the top versions daily. I would also pick up the top version of this in an XL due to the stretch.





LIMITED EDITION - Vixen Lipstick Print Full Skirt - AU$128.87

Now I've shown you guys the Powder Puff top (I wear the black one to absolute death) and the crop tops in two separate posts but I wanted to shoot and review the Vixen Top first in this post and shoot more of the other amazing tops in future shoots. 

The Vixen spiked my interest from the moment I saw the illustrated design as it looked like a great structured and curve friendly top. I've owned many pinup/retro style blouses all of which are non stretch, cotton almost shirt fabrics and after trying the Powder Puff top I was super keen to try this style. 

Well it's definitely a winner! The stretch fabric hugs me in all of the right places and the neckline is pure bliss. A very boobie friendly and comfortable fit with a higher neckline so it can be worn to work with ease and there is no need for a cam to hide cleavage. I'm wearing this in a XL and I really love the fit. The sleeves also hit at the perfect spot for my personal preference and I honestly can't get enough of this in all colours. 
I paired the Vixen top with the Lipstick Print full skirt and I love how they work together. The best thing about all of this range is that all tops and bottoms work perfectly together. The Vixen swing skirts are my new favourites as they are full and naturally shapely without adding too much bulk. Other swings I've owned in the past make me look super bottom heavy and I could not look at my side view but these are very flattering. 

With the same super deep hidden pockets, a great structured waistline and perfectly placed pleats this skirt will have you clearing out all of your other swings and snapping one of every print up in this design. I'm wearing a 2XL and it fits me perfectly as I like a secure yet movable waist fit for this kind of garment. 

I have this skirt in both the Lipstick print and plain black and I can't wait to add more prints to my collection. 

While I did not shoot all of my collection I wanted to show you a few DIY shots of the other garments I wear on a regular basis. 


I wear both of these styles in a 2XL. The powder puff top is amazing for my measurements and the sleeve is a perfect fit in this larger size. As I hate showing my upper arms feeling comfortable in such short sleeves is usually hard for my but with this I'm completely comfortable and feel amazing.

With the crop top I got the 2XL to for my bust and the waist as you can see is an inch or two larger for me but this is easily fixed with a belt. I never thought I'd feel so comfortable and love my reflection in a short sleeved crop top but I do and I rock it!! It has the perfect amount of coverage and really flatters my waistline so I'll definitely be getting the long sleeve version of this when it's released!!

Many thanks to the powerhouse that is Liz at L12 Photography or working with me on these shots! I can't wait to work and plan with you again.



Sunday, April 2, 2017

Woodland Creature

A few short weeks ago I reviewed the most amazing cropped and curve hugging denim jacket from Dangerfield with the promise of much, much more to come. I'm now super excited to share with you images and my full review of the amazing dresses, knitwear and accessories from Dangerfield's current winter collection.



I fell head over heels in love with this stunning teal print online and instantly went into my local store to figure out the right size so I could snap it up. I'm an absolute sucker for adorable animals printed on clothing and this print really called out to me as it's full of bunnies, raccoons, squirrels and other woodland themed creatures. From a distance it almost looks like a delicate floral fabric and up close you will squeal in delight when you see the little critters.
  
The Watcher in the woods dress is a swing dress, full skirted with hidden pockets and a sweetheart neckline. I'm wearing this in a size 18 and the fit is absolutely perfect. It's firm and curve hugging around my waist, super lightweight and comfortable and the sweetheart neckline accommodates my GG bustline perfectly. At first it was a little firm on the twins and I was worried about that dreaded pancake boob effect but the fabric gives a little after the first wear and now it fits like it was made for me. This year Dangerfield have expanded their size range up to an 18 and I'm making sure I test as much as I can, review as often as possible and help you guys will all your fit questions, issues etc.

Having a rather large chest I was always worried that I was 'too big' to shop at Dangerfield but with the size upgrade to an 18 I've finally found my idea size in dresses!


The length on this is perfect as it hits just below the knee and can accommodate a petticoat with ease. I loved pairing all black and charcoal accessories with this teal shade as they really pop together.  I'll also be trying deep and bright shades or red paired with this dress.

As I'm all about cardigans day in and day out I knew I wanted to pair this amazing dress with an equally amazing cardigan but I did not want to take away too much from the print. The Break the spell cardigan was the perfect choice with it's full length sleeves, amazing beauty and the beast inspired embroidery and cropped fit.

It's so simple yet striking and the detailed embroidery really pops. I find the fit of the 16's in all knitwear at Dangerfield to be absolutely perfect. I can wear this buttoned up or open and it does not pop or have any fit issues. It's a great piece to add to your collection as Autumn hits full swing as it's perfect for layering and making those cross seasonal dresses into winter styles.


This cardigan is also available in a pale blue shade and up to a size 18. Each cardigan has a great amount of stretch and can accommodate all bust sizes. I shop for fit and for a busy lass it's hard to get the right fit on waist and bust but this dress really works. Since I went up to a GG cup I've gone up a size in no stretch garments and usually I have issues with the waist fitting firmly but Dangerfield seem to have designed this size for my body - he he he. 




Fruit Bat Dress  - $78.40

Next I wanted to try a higher neckline and test the fit around my chest. I searched and found the Fruit Bat dress and loved the more dark and almost gothic woodland feel to the print. This style is a little shorter (perfect for layering with stockings and boots this winter) fit and flare style dress with a faux button up front and some elastic smocking at the back. This adds to the fit and flare aspect as the elastic really hugs the waistline and the fabric waist tie just adds more and more definition.

This style is 100% Polyester, lined and has minimal stretch everywhere but the back as mentioned above. I'm wearing the bat frock in a 18 and it has a great fit around both my bust and waist and the neckline adds the right amount of skin and creates a flattering covered up style for bustier figures. It's hard to find necklines that work like this but it really does work!

The sleeves are capped and short. Not really my 'style' but as I wear cardigans constantly I can hide the upper arm when needed. The arm wholes are a little tight and I think this is something that needs to be looked into with many brands that go up to an 18. Sometimes a cap sleeve can be a little tight so opting for no sleeves or a 3/4 is best - or even a more floaty roomier sleeve could work.


This fabric is lush on camera but even more lovely in reality and I honesty can't wait until winter hits so I can wear  this exact outfit with black tights, big knee high boots, gloves and trench coats. This dress is also available in a rich burgundy/

I wanted to pair this print with a little more colour and I found this sweet bunny cardigan in green in store. Again I'm wearing this style in a 16 and it's perfect. The autumn colours, rabbit, leaves and floral features on this cardigan really pair perfectly with the darker bat print and I love the all of these shades when worn together.  You can also pick up this cardigan in a maroon shade but it's a lot darker than show on the website.

Both cardigans fit perfectly at the waist and really emphasize the hourglass shape. There is nothing worse that a boxy cardi and now that I've tried both of these I will be continuing to add more and more into my wardrobe as they are a daily essential.

Cat Tote - $46.40
Finally I had to, HAD TO feature this amazing cat tote from the bag collection for this season. Yes I've purchased a pink bag - can you actually believe this? But its the shade that won me over as it's so soft, creamy and really worked wonderfully when paired with the darker bat print. The kitty face might have swayed me a little as you all know I'm an official cat lady these days.
This pale pink really works with my current wardrobe and I'm surprised just how much wear I can get out of it. It's super roomy, full of all of those must have pockets, zips etc and can house everything I need on a daily basis. Now can we have this in black next season? I think the best thing about all of these pieces has to be how well they work together. All can be mixed and matched and still work perfectly and I'm even wearing all of the green and teal items at work as I type this post. 
So remember if you have any fit questions, need any help or just want me to try a garment and report back on fit be sure to comment or shoot me an email and I'll see what I can do to help you. I own both 16's and 18's in skirts from Dangerfield and as shown above I find the fit on different fabrics changes for my body so it's all about trying to find what works best for you.
 
Shot by L12 Photography!