Christmas Land

Sugar Republic is back with a cracker of a concept this silly season - Christmasland! 

Creating Christmas filled sets a plenty and some of the funkiest photo opportunities I've ever had the pleasure of posing with. So warning I went a little snap crazy on my visit and here are the results. 

Have you ever wanted to swim in a pool filled entirely full of foam marshmallows? Well you can Christmasland. Simply slide into this amazing creation sponsored by So Soft.

This pool is pure soft and sweet bliss! Now for the important details :

OMG, WHEN IS IT ON?

From 10 November to 23 December

HOW DO I GET IN?

Please book tickets online as sessions sell out quickly.

General admission $35

VIP ticket $50

Children 2-12 $25

Infants 0-2 $5

WHERE IS IT?

MacRobertson’s Chocolate Factory

379 Smith Street, Fitzroy

OPENING TIMES

Monday 10-4

Thursday 12-9

Friday 12-9

Saturday 10-6

Sunday 10-4

Hell Bunny Blouse

Entry is for one hour.

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?

1 hour entry into Christmasland including all activities

Take your own photos with Santa

4 samples of confectionery

With your ticket you have all the time needed to discover these winter wonderlands, themed rooms and more. 

I span the wheel and discovered I was on the Naughty List - figures!!!! So I was roped into getting my mug shot taken.

Hell Bunny Angette Top in Red Glitter 

COLLECTIF MAINLINE ALEXA RAINBOW STAR SWING SKIRT -£45.00 

With stockings hung over the ruby red walls and all the tinsel you have ever wanted you can create your own Christmas magic with each unique set.

There is also a entire section completely devoted to Tinsel Town and it's AMAZING!!!!!

This wall has inspired me to create my own indoor Poinsettia wall at home as it's so stunning and even more beautiful in person.

COLLECTIF MAINLINE TRIXIE VELVET SPARKLE DOLL DRESS - £57.50 

Strawberry Flower Crown - $TBA 

Big Betty Green Glitter Hoops - $20.00

My combination of the stunning Collectif velvet trixie dress and this strawberry covered crown by Miz Smitten Kitten was obviously the perfect look to pair with pretty much every section of Christmasland!

Bet it Grinchy or........

Covered in glowing gold this deep dark maroon pairs perfectly with all Christmas backdrops.

Sarsparilly Veronica Biker Jacket in Baby Blue - $153.00

COLLECTIF MAINLINE ALEXA RAINBOW STAR SWING SKIRT -£45.00 

But shooting in such a sweet location can't be wasted and I snuck another look in inspired purely by the pastel pink - candy cane visuals. This week my Sarsparilly Veronica Moto finally arrived from the Sugar Rush collection and it's an absolute dream. 

I'm wearing this piece in an 3XL to accommodate the boobies and with the right bra it zips up with ease. The waist is roomy and the arms have enough room to layer. I tend to size up in most motos so I can wear longer layers beneath.

The pastel pink Christmas Tree room is the perfect place for this pale blue moto. The colour are made for each other and I love how the soft shades meld together for a retro yet funky Christmas look.

I honestly get enough of this jacket and can't wait to style it in future shoots. With the classic silver hardware, red love heart elbow patches and the out of this world pastel shade this piece is a must have.

After you pass through this pink pine forest you'll find what might be my favourite of all of the locations in Christmasland - the human sized Jack in a box!!

You can create some amazing boomerangs, videos and super cute shots with this life size piece and why not hug the enormous teddy while you are there.

With lots of neon, streamers, treats and tricks you can create some amazing xmas content, cards and Christmas memories. Plus they also have a life size walk in snow globe so be sure to take full advantage of that amazing creation. I'll just be here stealing this huge Chrissy pudding!

I'll leave you with a little video of just how fun the Marshmallow pit can be.

Carmelita

If you have not experienced the Carmelita Dress from the UV and Micheline Pitt collaboration then have your really lived? This stunning piece has graced my wardrobe twice now and I can't get over how stunningly designed Carmelita is. 

 

 



Micheline Pitt For Unique Vintage Hunter Green Carmelita Swing Dress - $219.95

While I loved the first release of this dress, I did not get the wear out of it so when the hunter green shade was previewed I knew this needed to be mine. This amazingly flattering and light summer style is layers of teal perfection.



I'm wearing my standard 2XL in both UV and Micheline Pitt's ranges and the fit on this dress is perfect. The side shirring really molds to your curves and the sleeves can be worn up or down depending on what look you are going for. The fit of this style is actually rather roomy, and I can easily go down to an XL if I needed to.

What I love most about this dress has to be the soft black velvet trimmings and bow. It really makes the sweetheart neckline pop. I opted for my own belt but I've found that the one supplied did not set 100% perfectly. Luckily I have a Vixen black velvet belt that will work with this as well.



Now lets talk about those sleeves and the forever flowing skirt of Camelita! I dislike my arms most days but with stunning layered sleeves I have absolutely no fear. The flowing style is a major feature of the soft swing skirt as it slips over your hips and creates a very vintage pinup silhouette.

The fabric of this style is what really makes you fall head over heels as it's so lightweight and perfect for the super warm months ahead. Plus those layers are perfect for twirling and as you can see I had way too much fun making this dress fly! I can't wait to style this with all of my summer accessories and wear it out on the town all summer long.

 



I thank the heavens each and every day for Natasha Marie Clothing  as I get my favourite Micheline Pitt designed items from an awesome Australian stockiest. You can pop over to the webstore and pick up any of the new items or sign up for preorders and make sure you never miss out on your favourite piece.

Thank you to the wonderful Liz for working with me on these images even though I flashed my knickers way too much while twirling!

Voooodoooo

Have you tried any of the plus sizes verses the top end of the standard selection at Voodoo Vixen yet? Neither had I and I've been wondering which is a better fit for my curves to months now. So with my favourite prints and styles in mind I've tested some amazing items in both the XXL and the 1XL. Each fit varies so knowing the fabric and the construction of each garment helps you get the perfect size.



Dana Tropical Cherry Print Plus Size Dress - £56.00

Oh Dana! This amazing tropical cherry and pinapple print dress is a summer swing dream!! Featuring a soft tropical print of some seriously yummy looking summer snacks on a cream base.

The Dana dress has a wide v neckline which works perfectly for ample busts and the bow tie feature really makes the bustline pop. The darts and fabric can also accommodate both large and small chest sizes so no matter what your shape you'll look amazing.



Fitted at the waist with a full swing skirt and hidden pockets this frock has me wanting to jump on a plane and head to pool size bar over the pond. I'm wearing a 1XL and I actually find this dress roomy at the waist and a little at the bust.





I've been testing the 1XL in the curve section and the XXL in the standard section and I think I'm actually suited to the XXL fit wise. For this review I've actually tested both of these sizes in a variety of garments and the fit will be slightly different as the 1XL has a few more inches according to the size chart.



Veronica Flared Summer Dress - £49.00

If you are looking for that perfect summer dress for festivals or just nights out the Veronica is a stunning little number full colour with a ruffle and the pom-pom trim. The bright primary colours of each pompom stand so boldly on the black fabric and the pleated bust fits the twins like a  dream.



The defined waist was the first thing I noticed fit wise about this garment as it has a sheering panel at the back so it hug our curves and create a super small waistline. The size zip is always a brilliant features as I hate having a bulk zip at the back.

 



For this style I'm wearing the XXL and the fit is amazing. That sheering panel is what makes this dress a perfect fit and I have never felt more amazing than when I'm wearing the Veronica. This style is obviously a customer favourite as genius's at Voodoo Vixen have released a red with black pompom version and for all you romper lovers you can get both colour ways in adorable playsuits! All three are on my lust list. Pairing this with a red bolero makes this dress perfect for Spring!  

Rose Applique Cardigan - £41.00

Pippa Las Vegas Plus Size Skirt - £42.00

From tropical prints and pom poms to retro vegas prints! The Pippa Vegas is a black based flared skirt with a iconic retro Las Vegas images print. The perfect piece to add to your collection of separates for day or night wear as it's so comfortable and cute.

With a hidden zipper and side pockets you have enough room to hide your phone and all your goodies. There is nothing better than extra deep pockets as I tend to get grumpy with handbag and love being able to fit all my essentials in my outfit.

I'm wearing this style in a 1XL and It's actually too big. The waist is very loose and the extra stretch means I find it looser than I'd like it to be. So next time I'll be sure to size down to the XXL.

 

 



For this look I wanted to go for a slight pattern clash so I paired the Pippa skirt with the Rose Cardigan. This combo turned out to be perfect and I just love how the smaller print of roses really compliments the more bold Vegas images all over the skirt. I wear this cardigan in a XXL and the fit rocks my socks off. I've paired this cardigan with pretty much every dress or top in my wardrobe as it's so very versatile.

  



Voodoo Vixen always rock an amazing knit and I can't wait to get my hands on even more next season. I've been lusting after their sweaters for a while now so fingers crossed I can review them and help other busy girls.

Many thanks to the always brilliant and fun Liz Flemming for snapping these with me on a morning when we work too early but got to meet and see lots of puppers and cats so it worked out well!

Rebel Love

For the last few months I've been stalking Rebel Love Clothing on social media but I had no idea if I could rock their stunning styles and fit wise I was stumped at what I'd actually need to wear. But with lots of help from the amazing girls at HQ I found out that I'm actually a size Large as the fabric choices offer a lot of stretch so size down if you are in between sizes.

So with that size in mind I've tried some items that you may not have seen me in before plus I'm even showing my arms. A shock I know right? I just loved the shape of one of these dresses so much I could not cover it up.

 

 

 



Poison Apple Dress $50.00
Bordello TEEZE-07 Red Patent  - $122.00

An unexpectedly festive little frock the Poison Apple Dress is a must have in any pinups collection. Made from a 90% Polyester 10% Ponte the fabric is much like a scuba and super stretchy, making this like a second skin and perfect for all year round wear.

 

 



The gathered skirt falls beautifully over your hips and nips you in at the small of your waist creating a really flattering shape. I actually found both the fabric and style of this dress really slimming and I hope more colour or prints are planned for the future. If this was available in solid colours I'd buy every single version.



A high neckline and print are usually a little scary for my super large chest but the fabric works well with stretch and there is no such issue with warping of the apple print. The short sleeve and skirt length make this a really cute and youthful dress and I love this as a casual work look and can't wait to layer this with all kinds of winter goodies next year.



The size Large fits like a dream and I don't even need to use the zip - it's that stretchy. Now this style did come with a thin belt but I wanted to pair this with a little bow waist belt. The black works well but bright red (as seen with the shoes) pairs even better.

 



Wild At Heart Dress - $56.00
Pleaser Pink Label CHLOE-02 Black Faux Leather - $111.00

 

Now this dress is a huge change for my usual sleeved styles and colour choices but I absolutely adore it! Pale purple has never graced my wardrobe but in the Wild at Heart style I'm loving it.

 



Featuring a full skirt, v-neckline, adorable ruffled and heart pocket details this is one of the most adorable dresses I've ever worn and I actually feel amazing when wearing this without covering up my arms. I'm usually so scared to show them as they are my most hated area but there is something about the close fit underneath the under arms which flatters and shapes me in all the right ways.



While my bust is a little large for the chest area it still works perfectly and can even be worn braless with great lift. The super stretchy fabric is perfect for a hot aussie summer and I'll be wearing this baby constantly. Much like the style above I'd love to see this in red and black and possibly a polka dot print.

I'm 100% in love with Rebel Love Clothing and I can't wait to get my hands on more garments. Currently I'm lusting after the following :



More classic wiggles and a stunning bright red swing. I need all of these and more on my body asap!

Many thanks to the amazing Liz for shooting these looks with me and for making me look good when I'm so far out of my comfort zone. Braving no cardigans might be a thing for me this summer.

 

Christmas Comes Early

Hell Bunny Holly Berry 50's Dress - $133.99

To Be Jolly Brooch - $39.95
Bordello Teeze-07 Red - $122.00

The whole world seems to have started decorating their homes with Christmas goodies so I've jumped onboard with some outfit ideas for the festive season - be it work functions or the big day itself. I have another shoot planned for some little more summer friendly looks so this review is targeted at my readers who are lucky enough to have a White Christmas. 

My first look is an adorable almost holiday themed floral fabric in the form of the Holly Berry 50's Dress from Hell Bunny. This is my first dress in this shape and oh my lordy it's so flattering. With a cross over bust, full 50's skirt and 3/4 sleeves this dress shows off my assets and covers me where I want it most.

The fabric and print are just adorable the holy with the mixture of red and green on a crisp white cotton really pop and I'm loving the look. I'm wearing this style in a 2XL to accommodate my bust but there is actually a little room at the waist. This is easily fixed with the belt that accompanies this dress. The rich maroon velvet belt is perfect when paired this this adorable fabric. The product photos don't do this fabric and belt combo justice!! The skirt is fully lined and the fabric is light enough to be worn in an Aussie summer.

Sticking with the Christmas theme I've super excited to be able to pair and feature my three silly seasons favourites from the Erstwilder Christmas range for 2017. Designed by my girl Donna Mizzi this collection is the perfect accessory to your Christmas looks. Donna has rocked my socks off once again with her details, amazing concepts and absolute cuteness.

For this look I've chosen the adorable To Be Jolly tree brooch. the layers and glitter show off that iconic Mizzi/Erswilder design aesthetic and the decorations just make my heart sing. If you are a made fan of Christmas trees this is the pin for you.

Erstwilder have an extra sweet treat for those who purchase 4 or more items in the Christmas range: you will get an extra treat of a Mini Pretzel! Donna's iconic pretzels are a must have and I'm so excited to see this as part of the collection.

 

The Pretty Dress Company Plus Size Red & Navy Blue Oversized Plaid Hepburn Swing Dress - $198.00

Kiss Me Kindly Brooch -  $39.95
Past Midnight  Brooch - $39.95
Bordello Teeze-07 Red - $122.00

Next we have my first Pretty Dress Company outfit ever!! I have been lusting after their designs for years but I've never really been sure if my bust would fit into any of the garments let alone a super high neckline such as this but it does. This amazing swing has just hit the Unique Vintage website and joined their amazing selection of plaids and seasonal fabrics.

I'm wearing this style in a size 20UK which honestly fits small. A waist of 36 inches and a bust of 44 is more of an 18 or so in my opinion and there is absolutely no stretch to the fabric. But the secret behind why this dress works is the v at the back of the garment. It gives you a little more room around the bustline and does not show any of your straps.

The fabric on this dress absolutely lush. A medium weight knit in a stunning red and blue plaid - I'm such a sucker for plaid frocks! The arms fit with ease and the waist and skirt really flatter your shape. I'm super keen to try more of their dresses now in both stretch and non stretch fabrics. I'll be going down as size in the stretchy fabrics though.

This is the perfect winter swing and looks amazing when paired with matching tights and knee high boots, gloves and all the trimmings.

For this fabric any of the latest Erstwilder collection will pair perfectly but I love how my Kiss Me Kindly holly and Past Midnight clock brooches work with the red and blue plaid. The holy is a cheeky excuse to always get a smooch (thanks Donna and Erswilder) plus the adorable red bow just makes this piece pop. The Past Midnight Cuckoo Clock is my stand out favourite piece for this season. If gingerbread house and a cuckoo clock were mixed this would be the result and it's sooooooo cute!!

Now the question is do I wear one of these on the 25th or all at once?