Cactus Dreams

Oh Oblong Box Shop, how you win me over each and every season with your prints and swing skirts. There is always a little bit of magic in the Oblong Box's designs and this review I'm featuring two of my all time favourite prints from 2017.

Cactus Dreams Embroidered Cardigan - $60.00 USD

Cactus Dreams Novelty Print Gathered Skirt- $120.00 USD

If I find any print or accessory featuring a cactus I have to have it, so obviously the same applied to the Cactus Dreams collection when it was released. The teal base screamed - Teer has to wear this! The colour combinations look so beautiful together. This swing skirt and cardigan combination simply HAD to be mine. Earlier this year I reviewed 4 stunning pieces from the St Patricks and Valentines Day collections and that's the exact moment I fell hard for these amazingly constructed swing skirts. I went into detail in the post linked above regarding the adjustable button closure so be sure to read both this post and the first as it's jam packed full of helpful information.

Now back to this skirt! Oh how I wish I could have this print painted on my wall! The structure of this swing means there is no compromise when it comes to print and the visuals are bright and stunning from each and every angle. I wear a 2XL in this style and it fits my waist perfectly and flatters my shape. The graduation of colours also helps slim you at the waist as it draws your eyes in to the smallest part and then skims those hips.



What do you pair such a stunning skirt with? Well lucky for us The Oblong Shop have created the Cactus Dreams cardigan to match and I've been living in it! Made from a super soft and stretchy cotton this cardigan is lightweight - perfect for summer and the perfect length.

The strong and perfect Teal shade (just so happens to be my colour) works wonderfully with the skirt and it really makes the print the main feature. The cactus embroidery also offers that little bit extra and completes the whole look. I'm wearing the XL and I love the fit!

While you could match absolutely any of the colours featured in skirt for your blouse or top I really love the darker shade of teal as it makes the skirt stand out more. A deep red or black would also work perfectly with this whole look and lots of western accessories.

 

Un-Happy Camper Button Down Dress - $120.00 USD
Un-Happy Camper Shorts -$55.00 USD

After falling hard for the skirts on offer I finally got my hands on a frock! The Unhappy Camper Dress is a classic button up style that I've never worn before but now that I own it I'll buy it in ever colour. I loved this range of cute camping prints when they were released but I was not sure how this style would work on my waist to bust ratio. Turns out that due to the size chart I had to go for a 3XL apposed to a 2XL and nip the waist in an inch or two with the belt provided. My bust fits in perfectly in this size and the more a-line skirt is super flattering. 

It's rare to see me shoot with my arms uncovered but this dress needs to be shown in all of it's glory and I could not find the perfect cardigan to match prior to the shoot. The olive and peach shades used though means I can easily pick the right cover up in the future. I never knew these colours would work so well together but they are perfect. 

 How adorable is this print? A little Wes Anderson and a whole lotta retro all mixed into one! I'd kill for a skirt in this print!

Now I was actually wearing the matching shorts beneath this dress but I was silly enough not to shoot them and lets face it my legs need a little more work before I can show them off. I didn't notice until I got home so I felt very silly on this day.

As you can see on the stock photo they pair perfectly and add that little extra oomph to the look. 

Many thanks to the brilliant Brooke Orchard for shooting these two looks for me and for being the queen of the PERFECT locations. I now want to own that stunning pink and blue house and use it for every shoot.



Simply Stunning

I'm currently on the hunt for some amazing looks to feature in a creative and dark photo shoot in late October. I was hunting here, there and everywhere but I found some simply amazing pieces from one of my absolutely fave UK brands Simply Be.

For this creative shoot we are heading into the woods with more smoke bombs and creating something dark and gothic, and hopefully the results will be pure magic, but for styling, I'm looking for lace, dark tones and mostly maxi dresses, with a few exceptions. You can find my choices and more - see here.

Simply Be Black Kimono Knot Front Dress - $79.99

Flowing kimono style sleeves, maxi length and that stunning split - I can't have found the ONE that fast, could I?  What I love most about this style is the knot front feature as it's perfect for curvy hourglass shapes and hugs you in all of the right places. The sleeve also adds that little bit of drama and I love absolutely everything about this. 

Babydoll Dress - $69.99

The 70's meets Victorian styling with this stunning lace insert baby doll. I can see some absolutely stunning images created with this dress. The sleeve flatters any arm shape and you can size down due to the babydoll shape. The intricate lace work pairs perfectly with the higher neckline and I'd wear this casually as well as shooting it as I love the styling in this image. 

Joanna Hope Wrap Dress - $89.99

This style may not be a maxi but the forest green shade and the flattering wrap style could work wonderfully for a forest/woodland shoot. I'm absolutely addicted to long sleeved wrap dresses and I've yet to find a great shade of green until now. Great for your bust and waist line - a wrap is a must!

Joanna Hope Beaded Bodice Maxi Dress - $207.50

Lastly I found the stunning Joanna Hope dress with a beaded bodice. This deep red wine shade with black beading will look amazing shot in the dark green of a forest and the beads will pop like jewels. I envision pairing this with long leather gloves, a gothic style blazer or even a lace floor length cape.

 All of these styles have got me inspired but which will I choose! I'm wanting every single one!

Acorns, Squirrels and Autumn Oh My!

From the moment I met Miz Smitten Kitten last year at Kurri Kurri I was absolutely in love with her stunning accessories and creative eye. I wear her hair flowers and earrings weekly but for so long I've been lusting after her amazing crowns. So I plucked up the courage and ordered something to suit both my red locks and pale skin perfectly - and autumn themed piece with the most amazing selection of warm toned flowers and leaves, acorns, pinecones, berries and if you look closely one of the cutest little critters ever.

This is a bespoke piece commissioned by myself and created all in the mind of the amazing Smitten Kitten. I gave her a Autumn colour palette and theme and she absolutely ran with it and baby I'm never taking this baby off!!

Autumn Headpiece - Miz Smitten Kitten (price will be quoted when ordered)

Hell Bunny Hermeline 50s Dress - $79.00

 The detail and amazing construction of this head piece is what instantly make me smitten. No idea was left out but every little item selected flows beautifully and the little fella in the middle was obviously the icing on the cake. I never knew until now how much I needed to wear a squirrel on my head but now I'm not able to live without him. The weight of this item is also unbelievably as it's super light and easy to wear all day long.

The rich autumn tones pair perfectly with my dark red hair and now that I have this in my collection I clearly need to think of another theme - hmmm maybe something nautical or horror?

So to style this amazing accessory I had to hunt for the most perfect dress and the Herminline Dress from Gwynnies Emporium was the right style and one of my absolute favourite prints. This high bust, full skirted and low v backed number was made to be worn with such a bold and woodland inspired piece. This low back does not show you bra but adds extra room if you are super busty like me. 

The colours featured in this print and the adorable woodland creatures make it the perfect look to wear with this crown. I'm wearing the Herminline Dress in a 2XL and there is limited stretch but the fit is perfection. The structured bust and arms paired with the fitted waist and fuller skirt really fit my curves nicely and I can't get enough of this print. This fabric was a 2016 release but it's been so popular that Gwynnies Emporium has restocked it! The store also stocks all of my favourite brands so wallet I apologize in advance.

Thank you to the absolutely magical Brooke Orchard Photography for creating this magical look with me and for being as inspired as I was with the Autumn theme. We shot a few more looks on this day so look out for more of our awesome team work and a whole lotta colour! 

Western Kitty

There are some prints that win you over from the first moment you see them and this past season I've fallen hard for kitties and guns. That much so I could not stop at just one item and needed both dresses and separates for my collection.

Revival Misty Cat Dress in black - $88.00

Dangerfield Misty Leather Jacket - $288.00

My last review featured the amazing Cottage Rose Dress which is very similar in fit as this Misty Cat style. A tea style shape amazing spring and summer frock fully lined fearing a front bow, adorable neckline and a little cap sleeve that gives you just the right amount of room if you have larger upper arms like myself.

It's roomy both at the waist and the bust for me in the 18 but I fear if I size down it might pull the print a little too much so I'm happy with the current fit. The Misty cat print itself is ADORABLE!! This cute little kitty will win you over and I'm proudly showing off my crazy cat lady side in this style. 

The fit of this dress is super flattering as it nips you in just under the bust and falls over your hips without adding any extra bulk. The lining also makes this style perfect for both cooler and warmer months. I've been wearing this exact look most weeks with thick stockings and knee high boots and I'll be pairing the dress and skirt with strappy heels and wedges come summer. 

The print is available in both black and petrol which is a teal shade. I myself prefer the darker black based fabric but the petrol colour is just as amazing in reality. 

Dangerfield Misty Leather Jacket - $288.00

Revival Misty Cat Skirt in black - $88.00

I told you from the start I could not stop at just one piece and here is the skirt version of the Misty Cat. This full style skirt is purrfection fit wise and in the 18 it actually offers another inch or two give on my waistline. A proper midi length skirt this style works so well on hour glass and plus size shapes and creates that figure out shape I love so much. I can't wait to style this with crop tees and peasant blouses over the summer. 

Now lets chat about the most amazing leather moto EVER! I've got way too many moto/biker jackets in my wardrobe but it's the one piece I live in so why not have every colour way and version possible right?

The Misty Moto is the buttery soft leather cropped at the waist moto of my dreams and fits like a second skin. I'm wearing the 16 and the fit is spot on. A firm flattering fit when zipped up and still roomy in the arms to wear long sleeved garments. All the quintessential silver zippers and hardare you've come to love from biker jackets as well as adjustable size buckles for the perfect waist fit.

What makes this a Misty Cat jacket? Well if you look closely you'll find the little grey kitty sneaking a peak out of your pocket. This little feature is so cute you'll be showing everyone and making the little paws move as it's a fully functioning pocket.







It's hard to put into words just how smitten I am with the fit of this jacket but I think the fact that I now wear it daily is proof enough and it's so very versatile.

Reverefolie Miss Kitty Earrings - $25.00

Accessory wise I paired this look with the Misty Cat Chocker available in store at Dangerfield and my Miss Kitty Earrings from Reverfolie. I've not been a huge fan of the choker for a while now but I actually love the thinner style and cat charm combo plus it pairs purrfectly with my Miss Kitty earrings from the ever amazing Reverefolie. 

Revival Jump The Gun Cardigan in red - $88.00

Revival Double Trouble Skirt - $88.00

Reverefolie Howdy Cowdie Earrings in Pink - $25.00

Pistols and flowers - a combo I never thought I'd love as much as I do now and the Double Trouble print is the reason for it. It's such a classic style of artwork with a little twist and it has me swooning.

I paired the peekaboo style cardigan with the Double Trouble skirt both in a size 18 and they look and feel amazing together. The bold and bright red with a simple pistol motif and black collar detailing really makes this cardigan pop and when paired with the print it's the perfect look. This cardigan is also available in all black as well. My rather large bust does pull on the buttons a little but there is no gaping or over the top issues. 



Revival Jump The Gun Cardigan in red - $88.00

Revival Double Trouble Dress - $88.00

For the Dress version of this fantastic print I wanted to still wear the cardigan but I wanted to create a different shape and by simple tucking the button up features in I've created a open style cardigan that shows off the amazing bust line of this swing dress. I'm wearing the 18 in this dress and it hugs me in all of the right places while allowing lots of room for my bust.

What I love most about both the skirt and dress in this release has to be the underskirt which is one layer of tule. This means I don't have to worry about bulky petticoats over the summer to achieve that fuller effect and many more newer season styles will be featuring this! 

These two prints and styles also work perfectly together and I can't wait to mix and match the leather jacket with the pistol print and cardigan with the kitty skirt. Every season Dangerfield release so many items that make my heart flutter and the fit for bigger and bustier girls like myself is just getting better and better. I can't wait to see what the future holds for this brand!

Many Thanks to Liz Fleming for shooting these awesome shots and many more! Halloween is coming - I can't wait to get spooky with her soon. 

On Thursdays We Wear Black

This year I have a goal - to fill my spare room wall to wall with bookshelves full of shoes and I'm well on my way due to my footwear obsession. This past months order my styling goal was to get two pair of striking and brilliant looking black shoes - a classic black pump for wearing and pairing with everything in my wardrobe and a super high yet comfortable ankle boot to pair with jeans and more gothic looks. I'm focusing on my two favourite brands right now: Demonia and Pleaser's Pink Label.  



Demonia CAMEL-203 Black Velvet - $158.00

I'm completely embracing my love for chunky heels and lace up gothic styles at the moment and these new Black Velvet boots from Demonia are pure bliss. While this babies look damn heavy they are actually super lightweight as are every style I find from this label.





The Camel is a swing back to the 90s with a little more refinement and a sleeker shape. Featuring a
5" (127mm) and a Chunky Heel, 3" (75mm) Platform these will add that extra height you are after without feeling any fear of toppling over. They are so unbelievably comfortable and I can run, walk and jump about like crazy without any issues. For Demonia styles I wear a size 10US and I find this fit to be spot on.

While in the 90s I was a fan of Doc's, at this time in my life I'm still loving boot style but I'm always in need of a bigger height and this chunky heel platform combination just make me swoon. Now if Demonia released a to the knee version of this I'd buy it in bulk and wear them to death all winter.

Styling wise I love to pair the Camel with a thick winter stocking or fishnets and wear them with little black dresses or even a floral skater dress and black leather moto jacket. They also look absolutely amazing when worn with skinny jeans. 

What I also love about Demonia styles has to be the little extra effort they put into the detailing on each pair of shoes. The bold silver back zip on the boots means there is no need to lace and unlace these boots with every wear and it look hot as hell!  

Pleaser Pink Label CHLOE-02 Black Faux Leather - $109.00

After adding some work friendly Pink Label shoes to my collection I wanted to get one pair of matte black heels that would suit most if not all of my outfits in upcoming photo shoots. That's when I discovered the Chloe-02 and made grabby hands at the screen.

The Chloe-02 is a style I'm very much like the Bordello Teeze style that I own many colours and prints but with more size options available as the Pink Label shoes are created for size US9 to 16. I wear this label in a size 11US as I do most pleaser styles.  I have a long foot but standard width and this size always works perfectly. 

The fit is perfect and the Mary Jane style is a must have in this range. It's versatile and pairs with all styles of clothing plus looks absolutely adorable when worn with tights or bobby socks. Height wise you have 5 1/4 Inch Heel, 1 1/4 Inch Platform Mary Jane with Concealed PT Pump and they are super easy to walk and stand as that concealed platform really helps equal the height out.

I can't wait to style these for my next few shoots so be sure to check back and see just how amazing they look when paired with full gothic and pinup outfits.

Those Holloway Essentials

Every season I fall more and more in love with the amazing releases from Vivien Of Holloway and this Autumn/Winter and Aussie Spring I'm crushing hard for their chunky yet super flattering knits, bold prints and swing sateen skirts. Classily tailored items that fit like a dream on my hourglass shape and can be mixed and matched with absolute ease with my current rotation of blouses, boots and knits.





Jenny Cardigan Kiwi - £45.00
Rio Top Diamond White - £35.00
Circle Skirt Black Sateen - £49.00

It's clear that every pinup needs the essential black swing skirts but honestly they are harder to find these days of a hippy lass. Some are too bulky, others have too many pleats and the fabric is too thick or just don't work on anyone. Well the Circle Skirt in Black Sateen from Vivien of Holloway is perfect and fits you in the most flattering and complimentary way. I ordered the 36 inch waist and this fit like a dream. The choice of sateen is brilliant as it has that lovely rich looking sheen and drape so well.

Due to the chilly weather I opted to pair this skirt with the stunning Rio top to add that little extra bit of colour and print. The Rio is a classic peasant blouse style with a ruched bust, cap sleeve and a size zip. Made from a light weight and soft cotton it shows just enough skin and really compliments a large bust. I'm wearing the XL and it fits perfectly without any issues. The diamond print though soft really pops beneath any cardigan and I love it underneath the Jenny Cardigan. Available in every colour way and print you can ask for this is going to be a must have all year round item for my wardrobe. From classic black to florals and gingham you'll find the perfect style to pair with the classic swing skirts and more. These tops also look amazing when paired with high waisted skirts and pants but I found them too short to wear untucked.





Now let me introduce you too one of the cutest cardigans around - Jenny. Jenny is a super cute retro cropped knit with a small collar, big bold buttons and a full length sleeve. This cardigan is PERFECTION both in fit and feel. I'm wearing the XL but the fit is actually really generous and for my next purchase I will be sizing down to get a less loose fit around my arms and waist.

Avaliable in a variety of colours I opted to pair my Rio and Circle skirt with the light green shade of Kiwi and I'm loving how it works with both my pale completion and red hair. Once you buy one Jenny you'll be so smitten you will need to filly your collection if all of the other colour ways and currently I'm lusting after these :



Jenny Cardigan Rosewood - £45.00
Jenny Cardigan Petrol - £45.00

I'm loving the darker more wintery shades or Rosewood and Petrol and I'm already dreaming of pairing these with one of the stunning halter swing dresses available online right now. Maybe a 1950s Halterneck Circle dress in a dark floral or print, leather gloves and berets.

 I never knew I'd fall so hard for separates at Vivien's as I've always worn and reviewed dresses from their collections but now that I know how well the XL fits in tops and knitwear I'll definitely be purchasing more and adding to my own collection.

Many thanks to the amazing Liz Fleming who snapped these shots ever so perfectly and captured just how amazing each item is to wear. 



Bad Girl Denim

This week I entered into the bad girl booty club and I could not be any happier! As a curvy girl with a rather large hip to waist ration I've struggled for years find the perfect fit in jeans. They always fit one area and then lack in another.

Bad Girl Denim High Waisted Indigo Jeans - $94.99 (currently 50% off!!!)

TEEZE-12-6 Black Pu (Cherries Print) - $117.00

 

 

To get the best fit on my waist I have to sacrifice my hips or visa versa and usually unless you purchase jeggings (eeeek) you can't get them to fit properly. Well Bad Girl Denim has hit the Australian shores and you can pick up the first of this stunning denim line created by Micheline Pitt at Cherri Lane!

 

 

My butt, hips and waist salute you Micheline! Finally we have a pair of real denim jeans with the perfect high waisted fit that suits all shapes and sizes. From an hourglass gal like myself to a more athletic build these jeans rock on EVERYONE!
 

Now lets chat about fit :

 

I have a 36" waist (differs from week to week lol) and I opted for the 36/37 as I wanted my hips to fit into these without any issues. When stepping in these glided past my hips with absolute ease and were super firm at the waist. But after wearing them for a short period of time the waist band actually loosened and the fit is now 100% perfect as is the process with all jeans. These are the regular fit.

A firm fit to start with is essential as you don't want a loose fit that will eventually be too big for you. If firm at first do what I do with a new pair of jeans. Wear them around the house, squat and lunge in order to give them a little bit of movement and this helps them form perfectly to your own body shape.

This denim is absolutely outstanding and I personally cannot put it any better than the designer herself :

Made of a fabulous new type of denim that has the weight and sturdiness of raw denim but with a lovely amount of give and soft hand. They don't feel like spandex jeans or look or feel like leggings. These are authentic denim that look and feel like the real deal. Inspired from vintage 1960's bad girl cut with a true high waist, these jeans will nip in your waist and allow for your curves to be properly showcased with a relaxed form fit. Features a small yet fabulous "Bad Girl Denim" logo on the back pocket, with cute hidden branding inside the jeans.

I'll be wearing this logo with pride and I can't wait to sneak these into a fully styled shoot asap!

Styling wise the possibilities are endless. Pair these amazing tapered jeans with any of the Vixen tops, any cropped or full length blouses and my favourite a tee and moto jacket combination. The high rise of the jeans allows you to tuck standard length tops and tees with ease and the fact that they are a true high wait means I might even be brave enough to wear these with a crop top in the warmer months!!! The amount of confidence that Micheline Pitt's clothing labels give you is amazing and we can't wait to see what's in store for the future.

Star Man Giveaway!

As a long time Bowie fan I was absolutely blown away when one of my favourite local designers come to me and asked if we could team up and create a dress paying homage to my favourite Star Man. Better yet we also got to work with an amazing accessory designer and create a bold and bright Bowie style pinup look that he himself would have been proud of.



So for this blog Sarsparilly, Tika's Treasures and I proudly bring the Starman Dress and accessories collection that one of my lucky readers can win! Yes you read that you can win all three David Bowie themed items from this shoot.



I've been shooting and featuring the stunning designs of Sarsparilly over the last few years more recently with the brilliant Harry Potter themed swing dress. There is always something magical about the fabric choices, fit and designs of this amazing Aussie based brand and for this collaboration I knew I had to go a super cute summer style swing to show the most out of this fabric and cut.



The Star Man Dress is perfection. Custom made for my measurements (I got a 2XL and the waist which is a 16 and the 3XL, an 18 at the bust) this style of bust line actually allows me to not wear a bra and the fit is spot on. I opted for the 18 bust to get the best hourglass style fit and the ability to get a custom fit made this frock fit like a second skin.



There are a whole lot of amazing Bowie Prints out there but there is something out of this world about this specific print as it features all of his iconic looks and those amazing poses. The world is not the same without his brilliant creativity but luckily we can hold onto his music and magic and wearing this makes me never forget his brilliance and impact on the world.



I've paired this stunning swing dress with my little faux leather bolero and a locally made turban. Why go plain and boring when you can be inspired by the man himself and take those little fashion risks. I just need a few more bright leather motos and some brilliant thigh high crushed velvet platform boots and I'm set for wearing this all the time. I also love this fabric that much I'd kill for a skirt version as the extra styling possibly would be amazing. From Bowie tees to more structures pinup blouses I'd love to create 100's of outfits.

 Tika's Treasure Bowie Earrings and brooch 

So now for all the details you've been waiting for to win this amazing set of 3 David Bowie themed goodies. It's a super simple Instagram giveaway so to be in the running for this prize all you'll need to do is the following :


Win a set of David Bowie inspired items by entering our Star Man Giveaway!  Up for grabs is one @sarsparilly Star Man dress and a Bowie inspired set of earrings and a brooch by @tikas_treasure 

To enter, please complete the following:
1. Be following @teerwayde @sarsparilly @tikas_treasure
2.  Share this image and the hashtag #starmangiveaway

Giveaway ends 9pm on the 12th of September.  Winner will be drawn at random.  Giveaway is open worldwide.  Prizes are not redeemable for cash.  Dress will take 8-10 weeks for completion and is made to order from set sizes XXS - 5XL.

Many thanks to Liz Fleming for rocking this shoot and capturing this look perfectly