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!

A Kaiju Candy Christmas

This year has absolutely flown and this time next week it will be Christmas!!! I just adore everything about the festive season (with the exception of overly silly carols) and I'm a sucker for Christmas themed accessories. So when Kaju Candy released their amazing silly season themed accessories I had to snap up my stand out favourites.

 

I honestly feel like everything Donna creates pairs perfectly with my taste and even more so this Christmas as they include a few horror, fantasy and kitschy creatures. 

 

 

Xmas Gremlin Brooch - $45.00

 

One of my absolute favourite Christmas traditions is watching Christmas movies leading up to or on Christmas Ever. One the top of my list is Gremlins! When I saw the previews for both the Christmas and the normal range featuring these cute little guys I literally yelped and knew all must be part of my collection.

 



 

 

Kaiju Candy has captured the cuteness and crazy expression of this green meanie perfectly and the and his little Santa hat makes this my number one Choice for the 25th of December. But I have a sneaking feeling that I'll be wearing 2 or 3 on the day!

 

 

Whoville Brooch  ball version - $43.00

 

Sticking with rather evil yet adorable characters we have a Grinch themed brooch. Now normally people select the whole body or face of the Grinch and everything looks so basic or terribly token. Buy my girl Donna has crearted an iconic and bold visual with the hand and bobble brooch. 

 

 

I've also added a little more colour to this look with some more sparkly drop earrings from KC and I love how every single piece has that added sparkle. They capture the light and really pop. While I can't find these specific earrings online you can snap up so many other styles via the website. 

 

 

The pose of the fingers has been perfectly captured and you can tell instantly that this is that mean old Grinch's hand. The chain has also been styled perfectly so this hands without any fuss and pairs with tops, tees or cardigans.

 

 

Vintage Krampus Snow Globe Brooch - $43.00

 

Now let me introduce you to the biggest brooch I've ever owned and one of the most detailed and magical piece to ever be released from this label. Krampus is such a hit these days so Kaiju Candy has created a super sweet and adorable version of the evil folk law character.

 



 

Who knew that a half demon, half goat could be one of the cutest characters of the Christmas season? The detail and size of this piece make it so very unique and the choice of red as the main snow globe shape make this a bold and perfect piece to wear. I've styled these items with my winter 2017 Dangerfield cape and a matching beret to give more of a winter vibe. 

 

 

 

I just love the way the bright red, blue and gold pops on my forest green plaid cape and I can't wait to style this with an outfit leading up to the big day.  

 

 

 

Toy Soldier Brooch - $37.00

 

An absolute classic decoration and to this traditional Soldier brooch is the perfect. The Nutcracker in  German tradition, the dolls are symbols of good luck, scaring away bad spirits. So I love the concept behind this accessory and the story it tells. Plus what's not to adore about this adorable little fella?

Yes winter snuck back briefly on a super hot summer day for these images. I've been dreaming of white Christmas's for many years and a little filter will have to do for now. 

 

Lastly a purple and teal version of the other earrings how previously. This year I've been absolutely nutty for big, sparkly and bold drop earrings and these two KC pairs will be on weekly rotation. The colours pair perfectly and I love how they work with my own red locks.

 

I can't wait to wear a mixture of these on Christmas day and base my entire look on these pieces.

 

 

 

 

Gumball Pinup

I've fully embraced colour this year and although I'm always going to head straight for the all black pinup/gothic look sometimes you just have to break out and wear the cutest and brightest outfit possible.

A few weeks back the amazing Unique Vintage Gumball Machine swing skirt hit the Cherri Lane store I instantly snapped it up and started to plan the perfect photo shoot for it. I actually racked my brain thinking of what would work best with this already colourful and stunning swing skirt but then Collectif answered my prayers with their amazing bubblegum pink moto jacket and the rest was history.

Unique Vintage 1950's Gumball Machine High Waist Swing Skirt - $114.99

Outlaw Mainline Pink Biker Jacket - £66.50

Kaiju Candy Munchy The Monster Brooch -  $39.00

Kaiju Candy The Don Brooch - $30.00

Iron Fist Donut Care Bear Super Platform - $55.99



It was my goal not only to shoot this outfit in the perfect way but to try and capture the fun and adorable nature of the print with bubblegum and lots of kitschy goodness. Unique Vintage always create the best prints and perfectly place their patterns with flattering cuts and swingtastic borders.

Sizewise I tend to go for the 2XL's in all Non Stretch items from UV and an XL for super stretchy fabrics. This skirt has little to no give so be sure to order the size that works best for your natural waistline. The waist on the 2XL fits perfectly and I really love how the pleats flatter your shape as some styles can be a little too bulky.  I'm will always return to adding this style swing to my collection as it never fails to make me swoon. The fit is always spot on and the fabrics and prints are pure magic.



I paired this amazing skirt with the new and most wanted Moto Jacket on the planet from Collectif. From the moment this little pink moto was released girls all over the word were drooling and even little old me who does not really do pink needed to have it.

 

With the huge collection of biker/moto jackets currently hiding in my wardrobe I'm always on the hunt for a new colour or new fabric option. This season Collectif outdid themselves and created this bubblegum pink cotton zip up moto with all of the trimmings. Like my last Collectif moto I ordered this style in a size 18 to make sure it zipped up over the twins and the result is an absolutely perfect fit.

I love the option of a cotton moto for warmer months and I also love how it fits and hugs you at the waistline. I own so many different motos but this by far is my stand out favourite and I really hope to see other colour was in the Outlaw style in the future. I'm always on the hunt for unique or super bright colours in this style and I'd love to see a red, yellow version and possibly a teal. I missed out on the glitter faux leather version of this jacket and I've been kicking myself ever since



Then I might have gone a little crazy with my accessories how can I not with such an amazing print and a super sweet pink biker jacket. My brooches and earrings are from the new Australian label Kaiju Candy and once you get your hands on her goodies you'll need to by everything - I swear to you it's true I already own everything. From Munchy the Monster to the cutest hotdog that ever existed you can find these and many more styles in her store right now. A full blog and huge review will be hitting Curves To Kill very soon featuring all my absolute favourites from her range.

This look was completed with one of the wildest pairs of shoes I've ever owned from Iron Fist. Now we all know how amazing and unique Iron Fists prints and styles can be but have you ever seen giant cupcake platforms? I was going to wear a basic red or yellow pump with this outfit but then I thought hell no, lets go big, bright and brilliant!

I wear IF shoes in a size 10US and the fit has never failed me over the last 9 or 10 years that I've been wearing them. Now this shoe might look a little daunting height wise but due to the platform to heel ratio they are actually super comfortable. The thick base and heel also helps to secure you and while heavy - because that's a whole lotta shoe they can be walked in with ease. Not a night on the town dancing shoe but still comfortable and walkable.

Dangerfield for curves!

One of the most iconic Australian brands for alternative fashion - Dangerfield - has expanded two of their in house labels to a size 18 and I'm super excited to be able to bring you all the fit information you could ever need when it comes to their in house ranges styles in size 16 and 18.

I've been shopping at Dangerfield for as long as I can remember and I've always loved the mix of inhouse labels with a variety of styles and looks. Be it the Dangerfield label itself, Revival or Princess Highway each offshoot has its own brilliant style and look from retro to modern - it's all brilliant!

Ebony Denim Jacket - $88.00
Bad Girl Top by Vixen by Micheline Pitt - Black and White Stripes - $57.10
Reverefolie Kitty Lane Hoops - $25.00

When I post a sneaky preview of myself in this jacket last weekend I remembered that I've not worn a denim jacket for over 20 years and then I wondered to myself exactly why I've been avoiding them? Well it's simple - most denim jackets can be stiff and bulky doing nothing for your figure and really making you look like a square. But the Ebony jacket is stretchy, cropped and so figure flattering. Hence why it's sold out so fast online!! I wear moto jackets day in and day out but it's nice to have a more casual and more summer appropriate jacket in my collection.

I'm wearing this style in a size 16 and the fit is absolutely perfect. Now I don't tend to focus on cropped jackets like this buttoning up as I tend to show off the items worn beneath or layer but if I wanted to button this up fully the 18 would have worked well.

The 16 really hugs my curves which is why I was absolutely smitten with this style as soon as I tried it on. I also adore the dark black wash denim colour as it pairs perfectly with all of my wardrobe.

Clip in Burgundy Ombre Hair Extension - $29.25

I paired this amazing jacket with my stripped crops from Vixen by Micheline Pitt and I love the mixture of the bold strip print and dark denim, I instantly feel like a badass! I'm wearing the Bad Girl Crop on a 2XL and I could have sized down as it's roomy at my waist. Pictured are two things I never thought I'd wear again but I'm absolutely loving crops and denim.

For this look I wanted a little more length with my hair and tried to create that barbie high ponytail with an amazing clip in extension from Ponytail Shop!

So reasonably priced, the colour match is perfect for my dark red hair and the length adds just the right amount of hair. This hair piece is so simple to use as well. Just pop your read hair in a tight high pony. Clip the extention in on the top half of your own ponytail then use the velcro to wrap around and secure. Then you can wrap the extra piece of hair attached around the velcro to hide any connections and it looks like your own hair!! I'm going to wear this constantly and maybe even by a back up. This clip in is fake hair so don't try to heat style as it might melt. Luckily the natural wave is perfect and I did not need to do anything more to achieve this style. This colour is also available in a straight pony and that's next on my list.

As you can see from my accessories I've made this jacket a little more 'Me' as I tend to do with all of my outerwear. Complete with Milly Pins, Creep Co and an amazing Evil Dead back patch. I can't help but add my own flare to jackets and for this style I'm focusing on creepy/horror themed items such as Bates Motel and Vincent Price. 

Next week I've set up a shoot with the amazing Brooke Orchard to shoot two dresses and two cardigans in both 16 and 18 so I'll be able to give you guys even more fit information. 

Plus if you have any requests I can easily pop into a store and try any item on for you and give you all of the fit tips, so feel free to ask me via all social media, or shoot over an email to info@curvestokill.com or add a comment below. 

Many thanks to my brilliant husband for snapping these images of me.

Viva! Viva!

Last week I had the pleasure of shooting with the brilliant Damien Bowerman and I finally had the chance to feature what can only be described as perfection in dress form - The Viva Dress from Pinup Girl Clothing.

Laura Byrnes California Viva Dress in Red Crepe - $160.00
Vizzano Charlotte Ankle Strap Sandal in Black - $89.95

I've been eagerly awaiting the release of this season's 1940's inspired garments and the Viva Dress in red was number one on my lust list. Created to flatter all shapes and sizes I feel like this dress was made for my curves. Made form a soft and flowing crepe, fully lined and tailored to make you feel amazing. 

This year I'm trying new styles and really getting into the fashion of the 40's. I've always been interested in these style and my two latest Pinup Girl Clothing items have made me want even more. I'm wearing the Viva in a size XL and the fit is perfect! With a bell sleeve to cover up my upper arm, a deep v neckline and a fit and flare silhouette this style really works with my hour glass shape. I'm also loving the thin belt!! I've never wanted anything but super thick almost corset style belts but this style really works and I'm going to add a few more to my collection.  

I heard on the grapevine that a few busty girls wanted to know about the bust and how it fits with a large chest. Well as you can see if fits perfectly and I'm a 34GG. There is the perfect amount of room and the deep v neckline is amazing for cleavage (maybe not work safe) plus the darts create great shape. 

How amazing are these sleeves? Due to the crepe fabric this dress falls beautifully and as you walk it flows around you - it's absolute magic! What I love about this design is the fact that it suits all sizes. From XS to 4XL everyone looks stunning in this dress and we can thank Laura Byrnes and her brilliant designing skills.  

The Viva Dress is available in blue and black crepe and I now want to collect every version both current and future colour ways. This dress is so stunning yet comfortable and I will be wearing this constantly! I paired this style with my new Vizzano heels and I'll be wearing this outfit next weekend and Kurri Kurri Nostalgia Festival.

Now I'm on the look out for some stunning accessorizes to pair with this dress and I'm looking for something I've never been game to wear before - Gold!! While I love silver jewelry I think this shade of red calls for bold gold necklaces and earrings.

The amazing and inspiring Elizabeth Taylor Plus Model has an amazing range of jewelry at Pinup Girl Clothing and I think they will pair with this dress perfectly.  You can purchase all of her range Legacy Work here. 

 As I plan to purchase the black version soon I'm also looking for some other amazing designs to pair with black. I've always had a soft spot for bugs and creepy crawlies as accessories and I've recently discovered the amazing brand Insect Diva.  These styles pair perfectly with the 1940's vibe and just adore the designs. It's wearable taxidermy and I love it!

These and more are available at Pinup Girl Clothing just click this link to find the whole range.

Oh Eva!

Ever since I discovered Unique Vintage I've been lusting after the Eva Marie Dress. This stunning style was not available in navy and white when I first found it so I've been waiting and hoping for re-release. My prayers were answered and this time in two new colour ways!!!

Unique Vintage Plus Size Black and White Sleeved Eva Marie Dress  - $128.00

Vizzano Charlotte Ankle Strap Sandal in black - $89.95

A figure hugging, curve embracing and stunning swing style dress with the most adorable features, Eva Marie is the dress you HAVE to have. Featuring a 3/4 length sleeve, a contrasting white collar an a faux button up bust this dress is a joy to wear. 

I'm wearing the Eva Marie in a size XL and the fabric is super stretchy and soft. You can easily size down from your normal UV size or as I do - wear XL in stretch and 2XL in non stretch items. The fabric though light holds you in perfectly and if you are looking for a Autumn or Winter style frock this is the one for you.

Such a classic shape with just the right amount of cover. I'm wearing this with an open toe summer shoe but you can easily pair this with knee high boots and stockings in the winter.

While I'm on the subject of shoes I have to rant and rave about the amazing Charlotte heel from Vizzano , I was shown these styles last year and I could not believe that a heel this high could be so comfortable. But even with the 5 inch heel they are! With extra padding to keep your feet happy all day long they are a dream to wear. 

I have two more pairs and will be shooting them very soon but I could not contain my excitement about these shoes. I've not been able to handle super high heels for long periods of time but Vizzano I can have amazing pins all day long without any pain. You can find more of the range here. 

Unique Vintage 1950s Burgundy and Black Sleeved Eva Marie Swing Dress - $128.00

Why have one Eva Marie when you can have two? The Burgundy and black version is just as stunning and I love how the deep almost blood red colour pairs with the black collar and buttons. 

Which is your favourite version? 

As you can see I wore both of these styles with a black hell bunny petticoat for a little more volume but even without these drape beautifully. I'm absolutely smitten with style and hope that more colourways will be released in the future or even a wiggle dress version.

Lastly I need to thank the absolutely brilliant Damien Bowerman who shot these amazing images. We snapped a whole lot of stunning outfits that will be popping up in upcoming blog posts and he is so much fun to work with. We rocked this shoot in record timing and I can't wait to plan our next shoot!

New look, logo and more

You might have noticed a change across the Curves To Kill social media with a brand new logo appearing on Facebook and Instagram. A few months ago, I fell in love with a local band's new T-shirt design and instantly asked my husband who designed the retro style image. I demanded he get in touch with his friend as soon as humanly possible so I could get the perfect logo created for my blog. So that day we contacted Versus Clothing and started creating!



I sent through a few images from my photo shoots and created a theme for the logo. I've been called a film noir spy before due to my look and many of my shoots - it must be my love for berets - so I ran with that concept, and I think it suits Curves To Kill perfectly.

I made sure I was featured wearing some of my favourite items for the logo, as I really wanted it to represent me as I naturally am.  It features the black Doris Top from Pinup Girl Clothing, the belt that gets everyone talking, a red beret and of course my ruby red lips.

With such a great response to the logo, I've decided that I will be creating some curve friendly, busty conscious merchandise to my blog for you guys to purchase. Everything is in the testing phase right now, but I will be setting up a shop and having tees, tank tops, hoodies and raglan-style baseball 3/4 tops available. If there is anything else you guys would be interesting in wearing or purchasing, please feel free to comment below or email me (info @ teerwayde. com) and I'll get it sorted! For each clothing item, I will be personally testing the fit to ensure each item is made for us busty, curvy ladies. 

Now the question is will you guys be wanting black or white styles?

There is also another new and exciting development here at blog central (he he I feel so silly calling my laptop and bedroom that) and I'm super excited about this as well. I've been working with a creative team and we have created a App for iPhones.

It's simple to navigate, free and makes reading Curves To Kill on the go so much easier! Just search 'Curves To Kill' in the App Store via your iPhone, and you will find the app with ease. You can also find an online write up and direct link to the store here and on my Instagram bio.




 

More Voodoo

Voodoo Vixen are a UK based pinup/retro inspired clothing company that you may have noticed pop up quite often in my blog over the last year. I've been admiring their stunning pieces for years but until December last year, I was not 100% sure on fit and sizing. Fast forward to this year and I'm completely confident with all of their range and rather in love with everything they create.

Betty Boo -  £49.95

Pinup Couture 2" faux leather belt - $14.00

Now as a redhead, I adore the use of emerald green that Voodoo Vixen use throughout their range. From skirts to cardigans and stunning dresses, I have endless options to pair with my complexion and hair colour. When I saw Betty Boo, I instantly fell in love with the deep green colour and flocked black velvet peacock print.

Made from a slightly stretchy yet firm taffeta this dress fits like a glove and holds you in securely. I'm wearing Betty in a size XL and I really love the firmness of the fit in the bust and waist. While I'd usually wear a petticoat under a full skirt like this I did not need one due to the structure of the taffeta. 

I can't wait to pair this with stunning boleros and cardigans as it's such a year round piece. The sleeveless style makes it perfect to wear all summer long but the richness of the fabric gives you many styling options for winter and spring. As it's still super chilly here in Melbourne I'm currently loving to wear this paired with black stockings, boots and my favourite faux fur coat. The fabric though slightly stretchy does have limited give so be sure to check with the size chart to ensure the perfect fit.

Milla -  £43.99

My first of many (hopefully) Voodoo Vixen cardigans, Milla is a slight weight super stretchy and adorable cardigan with that little something extra. Featuring a peter pan style collar, bow tie option and bird design embroidered at the front. The fabric of this cardigan is amazingly soft and fits perfectly to your curves. 



 If you click on the link you will see the intended style of the bow tie front but I could not get it to work with my rather large bust so I've opted for a more relaxed opted collar look. This style is great for both large and small busts as you can wear it either way.



Jemima - £62.99

The Jemima dress is a new style for me as it's a high neck and a crop sleeve - two things I usually shy away from. It's that fear of having a smooshed chest that usually scares me but with this style this was not the case. However it's a super tight fit and with my large chest I think it's not the best style for me and you never know if a dress will work until you try it.

The thing I adore about this style has to be the mixed print in the fabric! I love the mixure of the bright flowers resting on a strong black and white polka dot print. This is becoming a fabric/print that I'm loving a lot more these days when done right.



Maria Dress - Price TBA

Then finally the Maria Dress. Now I can't seem to find this via the online store or google but I think that might be because it's an older stock item and was obviously popular due to the brilliant fit! A faux wrap floral number with that brilliant combination of flowers and pots only this time it's on a navy blue background. Complete with a collar and ruffled sleeves this style is super comfortable and a joy to wear. The colour palette also gives you endless choices when accessorizing. As you can see I paired this dress with both yellow and red and it looks amazing.

This style like the last is a little shorter length wise so it does not work with any of my petticoats but that's not really an issue as it looks great without.  In an XL this is very roomy and in a few short months I think I'd need a large for a more firm fit. I really hope this style comes back and I'd love to see it as more of a shirt dress with a 3/4 length sleeve.

Each item shown in this review is in a size XL and I'm really impressed by both the fit of their XL garments and the attention to detail. I can't wait to see when next season brings!!

 

Thank you to the amazing Katherine Davis for this stunning shots! I can't wait to head back to Bendigo in the next few weeks to shoot more with you!