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. 

Dolores Tai Tartan Doll Dress -  £50.00

Bordello TEEZE-11 Black Velvet Shoes - $113.00

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.

Beau Cherry Pointelle Jumper - £39.50

Tammy Tai Tartan Swing Skirt - £30.00

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. 

 Trixie Pencil Dress - £40.00

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.

Trixie Pencil Dress worn as a top - £40.00

Jasmine Woodland Bloom Swing Skirt - £45.00 

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!!!! 

 

The Sweetie from Manhattan

Unless you've been hidden beneath a rock you will be well aware of my love and, let's face it, absolute addiction to Heart of Haute. Each and every season I fall head over heels for yet another lot of garments and my collection continues to grow. My recent lust list is no different and I'm smitten with new dress styles, tops and old favourites. 

Manhattan Dress in Black - $126.00 (back in stock)

Bordello TEEZE-11 Black Velvet Shoes - $109.00

When this stunning 40's style number popped up into the new arrivals area of HOH, I was instantly in love with the flow and fit. As a busty lass who loves 40's to 60's styles I sometimes get stuck with necklines and fit as most of the dresses from points other than the 50's were higher and they either don't fit me or just flatten me in odd places. But the Manhattan was made for curves and does amazing for this large chest. 

Now I think Heart of Haute can solely be thanked for my love for button up dresses and blouses and this style is yet another absolute winner. With a deep V pleated collar, empire waistline and covered buttons all the way through this dress hugs me in all of the right places and feels absolutely divine. The pleated bustline and darts allow for the right amount of room in the chest area and I don't have to worry about buttons pulling or popping. I'm wearing this in an XL and it is spot on for fit. I'm very rarely a crop sleeve kind of girl but the cut of this sleeve really compliments your arms and can be rather slimming due to the slight angle. 

I love the addition of string ties at the back as it gives you the option of a looser fit under the bust or with a little pull a more hour glass shape. The fabric is a lightweight and super soft polyester and it's perfect for summer while also being thing enough to layer for the cooler months. Once you've purchased this style and worn it if only for a few minutes you'll be dying to own every colour.

Sadly most of the sizes and colour ways of this style are sold out at Heart of Haute HQ but the black is available and will be cut to order. This just proves how popular this amazing style is and both the navy and burgundy sold out like hotcakes.  I have found 2XLs in Navy blue via Heart of Haute directly still for sale and a few still up for grabs via Pinup Girl Clothing. At PUG you can snap up S, M and 2XL in Navy and S, 2XL and 3XL in Burgandy. As this is a super close fit I think with a little tailoring most XL's could swing a 2XL with ease and get it taken in at the waist if need be. This is definitely a style you won't wont to miss out on.

But let's cross all of out fingers and toes and hope that they restock ASAP and maybe bring out some other colour ways. I'd love to own this in an emerald green shade or even a floral print. If and when this style is replenished I'll be updating you guys ASAP as I want another few colour ways as well. I paired this stunning black dress with my absolutely favourite Bordello Teeze shoes from Shoe Me Gorgeous. I can't get enough of these stunning pumps and the removable shoe clip has inspired me to get more clips and rock more styles.

Sweetie Dress in Blue Gingham - $ 90.00

Sweet Sweater in True Blue - $ 40.00

A Dorothy inspired outfit that mixes the two 'sweetest' items available at HOH, the Sweetie dress was one of my first ever dresses from this brand and I've modelled it for both the website and resellers throughout the years. It's a simple yet super flattering swing style halter dress with sweetheart bust and the same back ties as the Manhattan Dress to cinch you in further at the waist. 

The halter neckline works for all bust shapes and sizes and does not pull if you have a heavier bust as I do. It offers great cleavage and a real va-va-voom shape and in the XL it hugs me in all of the right places. I opted for blue gingham this time as I've got black and red in this print but I've never thought to add a little blue into my collection. I'm really glad I did as it's such a soft and stunning shade of blue and inspires me to go out on spring picnics and, let's be honest, twirl up a storm!

Bordello TEEZE-07 Red Patent Shoes - $79.00

I paired the Sweetie Dress with my absolute favourite cardigan the Sweat Sweater. I own this sweater in black and red and I've been dying to get another colour as I wear them constantly. They are so versatile and comfortable and pair perfectly with a variety of dresses and tops. From work to play I wear mine with button ups or cute low cut dresses. I love mixing them with patterns and love how they work with my bustline and waist - they really do amplify the hour glass shape.

I paired this dress with the most perfect pair of heels I could find in my collection and I love the pop of red mixed with the blue gingham.

My ultimate shoe for this outfit would have to be the most true to movie styling pair of ruby slippers but mixed with my love for super high heels. These Bordello TEEZE-06R Red Sain Rhinestones Shoes for $188.00 make my heart melt and I need them in my life.

Lily Top in Red - $ 40.00

Aline Skirt in Doilie Black - $ 54.00

I'm so in love with this combo! This look was completely inspired by the product shots but I opted for a 3/4 length sleeve version of the top they paired with the skirt. I modeled the Lily once in Vegas but  I'm cursing that it took me this long to finally purchase it! It fits like an dream and is super soft and stretchy. The jersey knit fabric hugs to your shape but it's not restrictive or uncomfortable in any way. The length is great and it can be tucked in or worn over skirts or jeans. I'm currently loving this style for work days and I pair it with my HOH swing skirts. 

As you can see the high neckline and side bow tie is really flattering on my bustline and does not add any bulk or too much fuss. The jersey fabric offers smoothness and when paired with the right bra (I'm wearing my Freya Deco) you won't have anything popping through or bra lines. I think what's most flattering about this top is they slightly curves dip neckline. It accentuates my clavicle and neckline which I love. 

This is the second Aline skirt style I've received from Heart of Haute and I can't recommend this highly enough! I own a mixture of skirts from HOH - Wiggles, Full Swing styles and the shorter swing skirts but I have to say the Aline is one of the most slimming skirts they have designed. The Aline flare shape and one inch waist band create a flattering hour glass shape and the Aline style skims over the hips and falls in such a stunning way. While some call skirts of this cut basic Alines I'd rather refer to this design as effortlessly chic. I'm wearing this and all items in XLs and like the other items above, the fit is perfection. This skirt however is 'Cut To Order' so once you place your order you will need to allow 3 weeks for construction and then shipping time on top of that but they wait is worth it. The doily print in black is so unique, bold and really stunning up close. I was instantly drawn to this print and pinks are usually not something I tend to gravitate towards. It's also a fantastic print to pair with a variety of different colours. There might not be any red in the print itself but it works wonderfully with a ruby red shade and I'd love to pair this with a yellow blouse in the future. 

Many Thanks to the amazing Katherine Davis for shooting all of these images with me. Can we please get a round of applause for her? She and I nearly melted on this day. Her eye for fashion mixed with nature is what keeps me wanting to shoot and I'm always inspired by her fashion and wedding photography. Fingers crossed we can shoot together in the next few months!



 

Greatest Sideshow On Earth

Every season, Sourpuss seem to absolutely blow me away with their adorable new prints, accessories, the BEST cardigans and all those unique subcultural items. When I shop with them, it almost seems like my taste is all over the place, but the honest truth is that I love so much and need it all!

This past season I really fell hard for the rockabilly and carnival style items and shot some of my key pieces with the amazing Michael Alesich a few weeks back. Here are my stand out favourites :

SOURPUSS SIDESHOW LADIES SWING SKIRT - $55.00
SOURPUSS JOHNNY CASH GUNS CARDIGAN - $60.00
Bordello TEEZE-11 Black Velvet Shoes - $109.00

While I'm a full blown Sourpuss cardigan addict I've only ever tried super stretchy wiggle style skirts from their range. But from the moment I saw the sideshow ladies swing style skirt I was 100% smitten with the print and perfectly placed border. Trusting my usual size I opted for an XL and found this swinging carny number to be absolutely perfect! This style sits right at my waist then flares out to a above the knee swing skirt which is perfect for summer.

How amazing is this print? I love how beautifully it's set out with each sideshow image located in a pleat and the border on the bottom. It really gives the skirt a whole lot of wow factor. There is no stretch in this fabric but I found the waist band to be really roomy on my 33 inch waist. This was easily fixed with a waist belt. I'd not size down though as it's really comfortable and lightweight.

With such a bold and fun skirt I opted for basic black on top but with a little twist. I absolutely adore Johnny Cash and lucky for me, Sourpuss stocks heaps of Man In Black-related merchandise. While there are some super cute pinstripe style I could not go past the Johnny Cash Guns cardigan. I LOVE the visuals on this cardigan and since this shoot, I've been wearing it non stop.

I wear SP cardigans in an XL and have no issues with buttons, gaping or fit. They are really stretchy, thick and hold their shape. Lately I've taken to wearing them tied at my waist over dresses and with other skirt styles. The pistol motif on the front of the cardigan is amazing but the back print is what really steals the show. 



SOURPUSS POLKA DOT EISENHOWER JACKET - 50.00

Next we have what has to be my new favourite lightweight jacket for spring. I fell hard for this style online but I had no idea about fit or even the length of the garment. When I tried this on I was so excited to find out that it was super cropped, stretchy and soft to the touch and it zips up over my chest!! Being a moto jacket addict, I usually steer clear of this more 'denim' jacket style but because this is made from a stretch cotton based fabric it hugs you in all of the right places and nips you in an the small of your waist. So flattering! I'm wearing an XL. 





It's really rare for me to be able to button or zip up these styles but the Eisenhower jacket fits like a dream and looks good open or closed. You can find this style in polka dot (my stand out favourite) leopard and classic black. They are a great light weight option to a moto or denim jacket and can be easily dressed up or down. I hope they re-release this style with even more prints and colour options as I'd love to see a bright red version and some creepy prints.

SOURPUSS TALL SHIP CHARM NECKLACE - $18.00

SOURPUSS HOLD FAST PIN - $5.00

SOURPUSS CIRCLE LOGO PIN - $5.00

What goes better with a brilliantly fitting polka dot jacket other than a brilliant statement necklace or two? I love the 3 charm style of these charcoal faux silver accessories as they give a little more oomph and have instant wow factor. The metal is that light you forget you even have it on until you look down. I opted for this stunning anchor and ship style as I love nautical accessories and I love how the ship is almost framed in the middle pendant. I also added some of the core range of pins available online. I can't leave a jacket naked I almost always have to customize it and add a buttons or pins. These are two of the best and most secure pins I've used and their pizza slice is next on my list. 

SOURPUSS HORSESHOE CHARM NECKLACE - $18.00

While I love nautical accessories western is also my addiction. So I ordered another horseshoe charm to add to my collection. This might not be framed as the other charm was but I still love it just as much. It works perfectly with all of my Sourpuss western dresses.

SOURPUSS QUOTH THE RAVEN TEE - $25.00

This order I also broke out of my mold and tried one of the many rocking t-shirts SP have in their collection. I love the Edgar Allan Poe raven print and the v shaped neckline. This tee is in a soft lilac colour and it's really stretchy and comfortable. The great thing about this tee is the v neckline. For larger chested hour glass shapes this offers casual comfort without hiding ever aspect of your chest. The fabric molds to your shape and the neckline flatters the chest. I think I need to pick up more of this style as it's so easy to wear.

SOURPUSS TIKI PURSE BLK - $62.00

Bordello TEEZE-14 Black-White Patent Shoes - $108.00

As I said at the beginning I order so many different styles and themes when I shop at Sourpuss and after adding western, nautical and sideshow to the mix I've moved on to Tiki. See, that's the brilliant part of Sourpuss! No matter what your style or taste might be, they will have something perfectly suited to you.

The Tiki Purse is adorable and is a must have in either black or red this summer. The faux woven vinyl texture on the body really makes this purse pop and the bamboo handles and fruit charm complete the look perfectly. I've now discovered a huge love for all things bamboo and I love brilliantly crafted bamboo handle or bangle. This purse will suit absolutely everything in my summer wardrobe and I can't wait to wear it. 

Lets also not forget to mention the stunning Bordello Teeze heels from Shoe Me Gorgeous. As my collection of Bordellos grows I'm discovering all of the different substyles in this range. These are my current favourites followed closely by the polka dot Mary Janes. You can find heaps of Bordellos on sale right now via their online store so be sure to stock up while they are super cheap.

 

 

 

Haute Honey

I feel like it's been far too long between Heart of Haute posts! This obviously had to be rectified and many stunning items had to be ordered and shot in country Victoria with my local favorite girl Katherine Davis.

 

Monte Carlo Dress - Regency Smoke - $ 160.00

 

This is my 3rd Monte Carlo Dress and it won't be my last. As you may be able to tell I have a big crush on this style and the stunning fit! With button up dresses you can have way too many fit and fabric pull issues but in the Monte Carlo those issues are a thing of the past. I have this style in Teal and Red but when I saw the Regency Smoke printed fabric online I knew I had to make it mine!

There is something so regal and stunning about this divine print and the fabric molds perfectly to my shape. I'm wearing this style as I have my other two versions in a size XL and I find this fabric a lot more sturdy and a little thicker than the previous two. I think this helps to secure the bust and creates a more firm fit. The arms on this style fit so firmly they make you feel like you've been pumping iron in the gym and that's what I love about a properly designed 3/4 length sleeve.

 

This is one of those styles that every woman needs in her collection and in as many colours as humanly possible. They need no over accessorizing or extras, just a stunning pair of pumps and a clutch bag and you're done!  I really can't get over how brilliantly crafted the Monte Carlo dress is and it's a style I'll keep coming back to as long as Heart of Haute still continue to make it. I have dreams of owning this style in emerald green and plain black, then and only then will my collection be complete.

 

 

 

 

 Diva Jacket in Black - $ 68.00 
Diva Skirt in Black - $64.00

Bordello TEEZE-07 High Heel Red Patent Maryjane Pump - $100.95

 

Please let me introduce you to one of the sexiest suits I've ever owned. The Diva suit is a new style from HOH, offering an affordable two piece suit for office or play. Brilliantly designed to accentuate curves, nip you in at the waist and offer that little bit of sex appeal to your wardrobe. Made from a super stretchy soft Poly/Rayon/Spandex Ponte Verona mix these two pieces are a dream to wear both to the office and out for drinks.

 

 

I'm wearing both pieces in the XL and they are a perfectly fitted to my curves. The jacket has a full length sleeve which is roomy enough to later a button up blouse beneath and a button up front. My favourite feature is the peplum hem which makes your waist look tiny! The jacket is such a strong piece and I'm already planning extra outfits to wear it with such as high waisted jeans and disco pants!

 

 

The trumpet style Diva skirt hugs you in all of the right places and adds that sexy secretary vibe to the suit. While I'm now a complete convert to the swing skirt I do love the fit and high waist of the Diva skirt but would love to see it a little shorter length wise. I'll be pairing this with button ups like the Ella Top and wearing this full look to work asap. I think this style blazer will also look great with the skirt featured in the look below.

Sweet Sweater in Black - $ 40.00

Ella Top in Black/White Stripe - $52.00 (sold out but more colours available online)

Haute Circle Skirt in Black GoGetter - $ 70.00

Bordello TEEZE-07 High Heel Red Patent Maryjane Pump - $100.95

 

Now if you follow me on Instagram you might have noticed the Ella Top pop up recently and many other times over the years in different prints or colour options. If you are a busty lass you know the pain that comes along with wearing button ups and how they pop or pull right at your bustline. Heart of Haute's button up tops are the only high necks I feel both comfortable and good in! They don't make me look more top heavy and actually button up over my bustline!

 

 

This time I opted for a 1XLapposed to an XL as I wanted there to be absolutely no chance of button popping as my bust has gone up a few inches in the last year. The 1XL fits great at the bust but is much roomier at the waist than the XL, this was a feature I loved in the XL. Damn my hourglass shape!! While I usually wear XL's in HOH I think for this style when tucked into full skirts I'll stick with the larger size. It you are looking to wear yours with a more fitted bottom I'd suggest going with the XL as there is a little bulk under the waist line for me when I wear this shirt due to the looseness under my bust.

 

Now can we focus on this phenomenal skirt!! The Haute Circle Skirt is my new go to black swing style skirt and it's a dream to wear. The XL fits me perfectly at the waist and drapes perfectly over my hips. I'm wearing this style without a petticoat because it really does not need one. I've been wearing this to work, out for lunch and any occasion I can find. It pairs perfectly with blouses, peasant tops, button ups and knits and even band tees. I adore how absolutely versatile it is.

Now this outfit would not have been complete without my second skin the Sweet Sweater and I think the combination of that with the Ella top has to be my all time favourite look. I'm wearing it but the red version as I type! For both black looks I've worn my red hot Bordello Teeze Mary Jane Pump to add an extra pop of colour. My wardrobe will eternally grateful when I get every colour of this sweater as I live it in! Next on my list has to be the blue and berry shades!

 

Now as soon as I shot these stunning items even more brilliant goodies have arrived in store and I'm thinking of what I need to slip into next! Here is a little taste of what I'm lusting after next!

 

1. Manhattan Dress in Black - $ 120.00

2. Cropped Cardigan in Stripes - $ 50.00

3. Aline Skirt in Doilie Black - $54.00

4.   Cropped Cardigan in Gato Coral - $56.00

5. Donna Dress in Burgundy - $72.00

6. Doreen Dress in Watch Plaid - $98.00

 

What's on your Heart of Haute lust list?