Bring back that wedding dress bliss!

When I got married I opted to work with an online designer in order to get my perfect swing style lace wedding dress. Constructed from stretchy stunning scalloped edge black lace, with emerald green hidden beneath and a plunging neckline. The fit of this style was so perfect that I honestly wanted to wear it out constantly but one can't simply wear their wedding dress out for cocktails every few weekends right? The orginal wedding images were taken by Brooke Orchard.

The Wedding Dress - $280.00 or TBA

Well cheekily enough I actually wore my dress on our anniversary cocktail/pub crawl night out with friends and it just cemented how much I adore this dress. Which got me thinking. Why can't we wear a style we love so much, that flatters our figures and makes us feel absolute divine? I felt absolutely amazing on my wedding day and I wanted to bring back that feeling every now and then when it's date night or a big celebration.

My answer to this was to order another version with the same measurements, stunning features but with a slight twist - a different colour. Then I have my most loved dress in a different shade and I'm able to wear it as much as possible.

So I got back in contact with the amazing designers Baylis and Knight on Etsy and we created a grey and black version of THE DRESS!

Why grey? My initial choice was black on black but honestly you can get a style like that anywhere. So I chose a light grey shade and I love how the lace pops on this colour. This dress was made to all my exact measurements from my wedding and the fit has always been that perfect so I just reordered the exact same measurements. It's such an amazing feeling to find an amazingly well fitted and constructed dress that can be replicated in multiple colours. lengths etc. I'd love to get a purple and black version at some point as well.

 



My original dress can be purchased directly from their webstore and yes that's my exact dress! Originally I fell head over heels in love with two pieces from their collection and with a basic cut and past created the dress of my dreams. The end result was a frock perfect for the fun of a wedding day with heaps of stretchy, swing and comfort - all while looking amazing. Originally I wore the green wedding version of this dress slightly off the shoulder.

I've paired this colourway with my Pleaser Pink Label heels in faux leather but not other accessories or even a waist belt. The lace is so stunning that it does not need anything else. Unlike my wedding day I opted to go without a petticoat in order to show just how beautifully this dress falls naturally.

Each piece via the Baylis and Knight store can be made to measure and if grey is not the shade you are looking for you can opt to go for a blue, nude or red shade underneath the black lace. There are other lace colour options as well so you can really create your perfect dress. The designers at Baylis and Knight are friendly, super helpful and really know how to create exactly what you want with the perfect fit. I can't wait to start wearing my 'not so wedding' dress out constantly.

 



So if you have an event, a wedding or you're in need of a new cocktail dress they can help you create absolute magic with the perfect fit. If your anything like me you'll end up creating your perfect dress and getting as many version as humanly possible. Now what to plan next?

Many thanks to my love Liz for making this dress and myself shine! I can't wait till we shoot next!

Uniquely Retro

One of my most fond memories from my last trip to the US was my amazing shoot with Unique Vintage. I had the pleasure of working both on location at LCMA and in studio with this amazing team and it only cemented my love for this brand.

This month I'm super excited to be able to share with you my amazing readers, a few stunning pieces from their house brand.

1950s Burgundy and Embroidered White Rose Baltimore Swing Dress  - $150

1940s Style Emerald Green Stevie Hooded Cape Coat  - $140

A magical little mixture of the 40s and 50's in one classic and flattering outfit. For many moons I've adored the shape of the Baltimore Swing Dress but with my curves I've never been confident enough to wear it due to my chest.

But with this perfect outfit in mind I mustered the courage and snapped up a 2XL which via the measurements would be perfect for my bust and waist. The end result is a 100% perfect fit!! I'm actually blown away with this fit of this dress as it's almost like it was tailor made for me.

The soft flowing skirt and cap sleeves drape perfectly. I think a flowing cap sleeve might be the answer to all my supper upper arm issues as it's a great way of covering up while still combating the summer heat. Plus the bust and waist are fitted enough to give that amazing hour glass shape. This dress features embroidered white rose on the bust, with gorgeous green leaves and tall stem which is dramatic and absolutely beautiful.

I've styled the Baltimore Dress with n absolutely delicious emerald green felt hooded cape style coat. I was drawn to this style due to the colour and the extra addition of the hood as it lets me keep warm in the cooler months and dress like a fairytale character in my daily life.

This stunning piece is a one size all garment as it has lots of room to both cover you up and move. The jewel emerald tone is perfect for my colouring and pairs perfectly with the burgundy swing dress. Lined with a green poly satin this piece is amazingly comfortable and warm. I'll be wearing this all winter long with retro and modern looks.

1950s Style Black and White Sleeved Serena Swing Dress - $115.00

While the first look in this post was me going out of my fashion element for this outfit I went for a more classic UV style which I've know, loved and trusted for many years. The Serena fits very much like the Grace or the Eva dress with a stretchy fabric, fitted bust and a great length sleeve.

What I love most about the Serena has to be the white detailing around the bust, and sleeve giving this swing dress an almost tuxedo look. The white stipe at the base of the skirt also gives that bold border print look we all love.

This fabric is a dream to wear and you can size down with ease as it's that stretchy. I'm wearing a 2XL but for this specific style I'd size down one if it is ever released in any other colour ways or prints. Currently the black and white or blue/white polka dot print are the only two versions I can find online. Fit wise I was not 100% sure with  each and every size so I went with the sizes I've always purchased and now I know a little more in relation to fit  for my next order.

Unique Vintage Black Velvet Long Sleeved Wednesday Flare Dress - $125.00

And last but definitely not least is the Wednesday Flare Dress in black velvet. Yes I do own many Wednesday Adams style dresses and I will collect every single version created as they compliment my figure and just feel perfect.

This velvet skater flare style is absolutely amazing and gives the classic look a sexy twist with a keyhole cut out attached to the crisp white collar. The fabric also takes this dress up to a whole new level as the stretch velvet is so soft and stretchy as it hugs you in all the right places. Be carful though as you'll get addicted to petting your sleeves and constantly touching this amazing fabric.

Fit wise I went for the 1XL and there is that much stretch in the garment it's actually not overly tight in any way. This fabric is so stretchy and forging so it's all a matter of how loose or tight you'd like the style to be. I also love the length as it hits right at the top of my knees and styles amazingly in winter when paired with tights, mary janes or even lace up boots.

Many thanks to the brilliant Liz Fleming for swooping in an capturing these at Fitzroy Gardens.

Buttress and Snatch

For many moons I've been dreaming of stunningly hand crafted burlesque inspired lingerie for ample curves and large cup sizes. With amazing fabrics, themes and creations all made to make the most of our curves while still giving us larger busted girls the support and shape we need.

The answer to these prayers is Buttress and Snatch. A UK based lingerie designer whose passion for making women feel and look amazing has taken over the pinup/retro world.

Each piece is lovingly crafted by hand and made from luxury materials. From stunning lace creations with all the bells and whistles for weddings, burlesque shows, pinup shoots and more. Or your more subtle but always super sexy and cute creations you will be drooling over each piece they create. My first ever set from B and S was actually the first bra I ever saw of theirs and the one that made my heart skip a beat.



Curvy Minnie Bra - £106.00
Curvy Minnie High Waist Briefs- £44.00

Say hello to Mini! The sweetest, sexiest polka dot lingerie on earth. A retro style lingerie set created with the magic hands of Buttress and Snatch. Inspired by the iconic styling of Minnie Mouse this polka dot, dotted lace and scalloped edged set is bold, sweet as sugar and absolutely iconic.

Size wise I'm wearing a 34J and the high waisted briefs in a size 18 the fit is perfection. The firmness of the bra is a little tight at first but the fabric is much firmer than my overtly stretchy bras. With a little wear it does mold perfectly, though. Cup wise I'm fill this out perfectly and it actually sit's flat and properly without a corset. The corset pushes the twins up, so they tend to pop out!

What I love most about this style other than the fit has to be the thick straps, scalloped edging with black dot and border accents and bows. It's that attention to detail that make Buttress and Snatch such an amazing brand.



The briefs are an adorable mixture of the red and white polka dot print paired with sheer black dotted lace and the same matching accents. These hit just at my belly button and work as a great form of shapewear while still looking super cute. I've also paired this look with my trusty Secrets and Lace babydoll sheer night robe and I love how the fabrics work together.

But after this first set I obviously need to start a collection and create more photos shoots! Maybe a little bit more over the top and burlesque styled photo shoots with some of their more ornate and couture pieces.

Underbust Cotton Corset w/ Snaps - $72.00

For this amazing strappy design, I paired the set with the 'Snaps' corset which is a military inspired under bust in the CS-345 style. While I usually wear CS-426 in all colours, I could not go past the silver snap front of this corset. The CS-345 corset offers great versatility. It rides higher in the back to help avoid back bulge, but is short enough in the front to fit many body types, from a slim athletic build to the more curvy. If you have a torso length of 9″ or more, this corset should fit.

I have a very wide hip area, but I still make this style work perfectly with a focus on lacing to suit my curves not hide them. The soft cotton is a really nice touch as well, and it's a great summer corset. I find the longer line styles more flattering to my belly area but I really do adore this look. 

 

It can't be a Minnie them without my beloved Disneyland mouse ears!

You can find this amazing set and more via the web store. Just look at these curvy models wearing some absolutely stunning pieces. 

Lace Flamenco

This weekend we snuck into the woods with a back packed full of lace robes, corset and stunning Ewa Michalak lingerie.

If there is one brand I rely on daily and always buy each and every time I need any form of new lingerie is has to be Ewa Michalak. I've honestly never had anything fit me as well as each and every style from their ranges.

For this shoot I wanted to show off three stunning styles that will cover you for all your bra needs. From basic black with a feline twist to a rich red and black lace burlesque inspired number. Then an amazing nude and black lace style that will blow your socks off.

 

 



Bra BM Bibi Flamenco - $

Brief Bibi Flamenco - $

 Underbust Plaid Green/Blue - Sold out but others can be found here

 

The Bibi Flamenco is an absolutely stunning piece and one every girl needs in here collection. The intricate black lace over a bight rich red stable knitwear makes this piece pop, much like the styling of a flamenco dancer.

 



 

This style is unpadded with fully adjustable straps and red zigzag stitching and the addition of red hooks makes this piece perfectly coordinated. What I love most about this and all Ewa branded bras is that amazing full rounded shape they create. They make your chest look amazing when wearing low cut tops or super high necked numbers. To top off this delicious red and black lace number, a bejeweled charm is attached to the centre. This Bibi Style was actually shown earlier this year all white from another shoot so be sure to check out that review if you have the time.

 

 
 

I love these little features as they add that personal touch and really complete the look. I wearing this and all styles shown in this blog review in a 85HH and it's my go to size in both padded and unpadded styles now. The matching briefs are a size 16 and the fit is firm but really comfortable on my rather wide hips.

 





 

Now to really make my curves pop I've paired this set with my amazing Orchard Corset plaid underbust. I've wanted this version for years now and when they last restocked I was lucky enough to snap one up. Whenever OC creates a limited edition print or fabric within their range you MUST be sure to get your hands on one and make it your own. They are so easy to style be it under or over clothing and look amazing on all shapes and sizes.

I love how the bright red pops when paired with the plaid and the amazing shape it creates. I'm wearing this style in a size 30 waist at the moment and this is my new corset size. I've been anything from a 26 to 30 over the years, but I'm finding the 30 to be the most comfortable for the moment.

Bra SF Kicia

Thong Kicia

Now for something in classic black without any padding! I feel in love with the everyday comfort of my white Bibi style in my last reviews so the next obvious purchase had to be the SF Kicia. This piece has been sneaking into many of my reviews over the last month, and it's now my go to black bra. Those thick traps really hold most of your bust weight and make for comfortable all day wear.

 



Featuring a mixture of lace and solid sections of fabric, this style is so unbelievably comfortable while still being super sexy. What I love most about this piece has to be the little feline features, yes you read that right this bra is for all the classy cat ladies out there. Both the bra and thong bottoms feature a silver stretching position kitty and it's too adorable for words.



The ruffled thong paired with this bra has heaps of stretch in the size 16. I can wear these on my hip without any issues which is brilliant. I've usually been a high waisted or brief style when it comes to purchasing matching underwear but I'm loving all of these styles. 

Paired with the amazing plaid underbust style as classic black lace styles work perfectly with a coloured check print.

 





Bra SMN Buduar

Brief Buduar

 

Finally the SMN Buduar which was on my lust list from the moment I saw it being shot! Ewa Michalak creates some of the most amazing nude styles mixed with lace and harness features. They create illusions, shapes and really stand out.



A nude tulle base with black trims, stiches and lace which can be worn in multiple ways. Cross the straps over at your neck for a bold harness effect or wear slightly halter or just straight up! These are all fully adjustable so that extra level of comfort can be obtained. You also have the option of added detachable straps/sliders to create that rounded cage affect over the breast. The styling possibilities make this bra 3 styles for the price of one.

For the brief I chose the is the standard brief featuring a soft matching nude tulle, and a lace embellishment. To pair with the stap them there are two sliders/straps on the hip of these briefs that are designed to hit you and the small of your waist. All straps are created to pair perfectly with the matching bra and can be connected via the bottom of the bra.

 

I
'm wearing these in a size 18 and the size up is a great option as my fluffy hips need a little extra room in strapped styles. The simple black lines and connection of straps at the back of these briefs also give your toosh a really round shape which rocks.

 

 

 

 



For the corset styling I was going to mix it up on this shoot and include a solid black style but I wanted to show just how well this plaid mixes with all shades.

Many thanks to my amazing husband for capturing these image for me!



Dreaming of a snow covered Christmas

 

Earlier this week I gave a little preview of one of my Christmas looks but now I'm going to unleash 4 stunning Hell Bunny pieces that you will need in your wardrobe next month. Presenting my Top 4 Christmas Clothing Essentials!

Hell Bunny absolutely rock it each and every season but there is something magical about their Christmas prints, fabrics and styles. It must be the opposite seasons as they make me dream of a snow covered Christmas in a much cooler climate. Rich velvet in deep dark green, stunning festive florals and a border print of a very well known wooden toy.

 

Nicola Mini Dress - £55.99

 

I snuck this lush little number into my most recent Erstwilder photo shoot as the plus heather green velvet was the perfect base for my Christmas accessories. This stunning green mini dress is a skater dress lovers dream. Hitting you just above the knee and featuring a ornament embroided peter pan collar, glitter bow, faux buttons and 3/4 length sleeves.  

 

I'm wearing the Nicola in a 2XL and there is heaps of room. This stretch velvet is super roomy, stretches up to another full size and really compliments a curvy figure. The rich fabric also pairs perfectly with the crisp whiteness of the collar.

What I love most about this style of dress is the way they fit my bust and waist. Most dresses can hit your bust but then just fall over your waistline and hide all shape. This style is fitted until the true waist and then the skirt just skims your hips - so flattering.

I recently wore this out all day on a relatively warm Aussie spring day and I did not melt! So this fabric really impressed me. Maybe I can swing it for a full Christmas look if we hit under 30 in Melbourne!

 

 

 

 

Jennie 50s Skirt - £38.99

MAK Sweater in Red - $31.95

DELIGHT-660FH Black-Red Patent/Black - $116.95 AUD  

 

If you've not noticed by now I'm rather addicted to each and every shade of red. So from the moment I saw the Jennie 50's skirt in the classic red winter florals & berries on ivory background I knew exactly how I wanted to style it.

 

A perfect  winter floral almost snow floral print that's perfect for that winter wonderland look while being lightweight enough to wear on a super warm day.

 

This style comes with it's own red velvet thin belt and I love how it breaks up the white print and really emphases your waist. I'm wearing a 2XL which is my go to size in items like this which have limted or no stretch. The fit is great and I can't wait to start wearing this to work next month.

 

I've styled this Jennie with my red MAK cardigan, complimenting white and red rose crown, black heels from Shoe Me and some more Miz Smitten Kitten accessories - a brooch and big green hoops. The colours featured in the fabric make it so easy to pair  both tops and accessories with it.

 

 



Charlotte Dress - £57.99

 

 

Oh my gosh Teer's showing her arms? I know right, I'm always hiding them but for this outfit I needed to show the super cute crop sleeve. The charlotte dress is a super sweet sheer cherry blossom printed fabric with a pussy bow, ruffled bust and swing skirt.

 

Fitted at the waist and comprising on a sheer dress and black underdress this piece is the perfect breezy style for a Christmas  beach party!

Offering a little more coverage over the bust and a pussy bow tie - Oh how I adore these! The crop sleeve has a elasticated cuff so it will fit most upper arm sizes as it has some give. I'm wearing this in a 2XL and the fit is 100% Perfect! I would not change anything about it and I'm loving how much it flatters my figure, accentuating all my favourite areas and hitting me just at the top of my knees.

 

How stunning is this print? I've never seen a mixture of cherries and cherry blossoms in one fabric and I'm loving it. I can't wait to pair this  with all of my red and black cardigans and maybe even an emerald green wrap sweater. This style will be perfect all year round as you just need to add more layers in the cooler months.

 

Nutcracker 50's Skirt - £42.99

 

Lastly a colour pallet we'd usually now associate with Christmas. I love the combination or navy, gold and red but I've never thought of these as very specific festive colours. But when you combine these shades with a stunning vintage Nutcracker border print and lots of gold stars, when then you magic.

 

The extra element of sparkle in this print comes from the gold metal finish almost like a gold ribbon on the top of a gift. This metal finish makes the border pop and adds that extra bit of sparkle to all of the stars.



 

 

I'm wear this skirt in a 2XL and I've actually found this fabric a lot more firm/stiff than the Jennie. They are both the traditional 50's style but this version has no belt loops or contrasting belt. I've paired my nutcracker skirt with the same MAK sweater but added a deeper red hair flower and a bold black and silver buckled belt.

 

Many thanks to Liz for making a little Christmas hit us in an Aussie spring!