Forever Unique

I may be a little late to the game but I've finally found Unique Vintage and I'm now a huge fan of their in house brand. I've noticed this online store for a while now but I have no idea what took me so long to slip into their designs.

Located in Burbank California as a retail store and online to service the entire globe Unique Vintage is a one stop shop for pinup clothing and accessories. From the roaring 20's to sleek 50's styles they have both their own in house label and also stock many other well known brands.

For my first taste of their own label I wanted to try some trusted favourites and be bold with an off the shoulder number. After reading the size chart and getting some expert advice I found that very clearly I'm a XL in the super stretchy fabrics and a 2XL in the non stretch/boned fabrics. Looking at the size chart closely I'd say the 2XL is closer to most of the XL products on the market these days with a max waist of 34 inches and  bust of  42 inches. 

Unique Vintage Peacock Green Three-Quarter Sleeve Grace Swing Dress - $118.00

Picking Acorns Hairflower - $25.00

A 3/4 length sleeve dress in forest green with a low bust and full skirt? SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY! The Grace dress is everything I've ever wanted in a green dress and I'm so smitten with this style it's crazy. Being a super pale redhead I yelped when I saw this dark and moody tone of green and in person it's even more stunning I promise you. 

Made of stretchy cotton, that stretchy I could even size down to a Large for a more firm fit it fits like a dream and hugs my curves. The design is stunning and shows off all of my favourite features : my small waist, ample bust line and lower arms. Wearing this style is effortless as it's so comfortable and stretchy. The sleeves hold you in tightly and button close with a super cute clear button. 

I've paired this with my go to belt (It's 6 years old and still going strong but sadly no longer available) and my black Hell Bunny petticoat. But the styling options are endless with this shade of green. From purple to red, peach to white you can play with both subtle and bold shades and see what you like best. I can't wait to sneak this into my winter wardrobe and pair it with all of my coats stockings and accessories. 

You might have also noticed my adorable Picking Acorns Hairflower from Gigis Retro Closet. I'm such a huge fan of this Etsy shop and the stunning yet affordable pieces she creates. For this shoot I was looking for some stunning Autumn inspired flowers to pair with both the location and the dresses themselves. The Acorn and yellow flower combination won my heart and I adore her talent. 

Unique Vintage Navy Floral Dandridge Strapless Swing Dress - $102.00

Heart of Haute Betty Bolero - $34.00 

Hell Bunny Rizzo Belt - $15.00

I have lusted after a 'Prom' style evening dress for many years but given my huge bust and fear of strapless styles I've steered clear of them. Well this has all changed due to the Dandrige dress. With a fitted and boned bust and pleated swing style skirt this dress is a visual dream. Super soft and feminine due to the stunning fabric choice. While I'd usually go for a plain black version of this dress I thought dammit Teer you need to step out of your comfort zone! So I chose the navy blue floral option and I adore it.  

So how does this dress work with a double G bust? It actually fits really well. Given you have the amazing Curvy Kate Luxe Strapless Bra - $94.95 here in Australia. This is the go to bra top pair with all strapless items as it does not budge and gives you heaps of space in the cup. As a reference I wear a 34GG and in Australia that's a 12GG. 

Now unlike the previous dress I needed to go up to a 2XL for this style as there is absolutely not stretch of give in the fabric. Which is great for a strapless dress as you don't want it to loose shape and fall down! As I mentioned at the start of this review I think the size charts are closer to most XL's so don't be worried about tags my dears, just wear what fits right.

I've paired this style with one of my all time favourite boleros from Heart of Haute. The Betty Bolero is so simple to wear and suits nearly everything in my wardrobe. I love how it makes the navy blue fabric pop and I'd also love to try this style with a navy version of this bolero. 

I'm such a convert to this style that I've already ordered it in a black floral! Yes I'm going to collect the whole set I think. Wearing this style and twirling around really makes you feel like a dream. 

Unique Vintage Red Short Sleeve Grace Swing Dress - $118.00

Bordello TEEZE-07 High Heel Red Patent Maryjane Pump - $93.00

Sunset Orange Hydrangea Hairflower - $18.00

Love the first grace dress but need a more summer friendly version? Well, the shorter sleeve red Grace is for you. With the exact same fit as the longer sleeve style and in an amazingly bright eye catching red this style suits so many body shapes and sizes. 

This shorter sleeve version is great for pairing with cardigans and boleros but I have to admit that I actually prefer the 3/4 length sleeve Grace. The reason for this is that I think the shorter sleeve with my ample bust broadens my shoulders. I do absolutely adore this colour though and need to be available in the other longer sleeved style. 

The short sleeve Grace dress is available in Red, Green, Black and Lilac, while a Navy version plus the green shown above can be found online in the longer sleeve Grace. 

I paired this stunning red number with a colour I'm loving at the moment, orange. I found this amazing Sunset Orange Hydrangea Hairflower at Gigis Retro Closet and I love the soft mixture of orange petals mixed with the green leaf base. Both flowers and many more amazing hair flowers, earrings, shoe clips and accessories can be found via the Etsy store so go forth and find the perfect dress and flower combo! 

Many thanks to my brilliant girl Brooke Orchard for these amazing images. It was so much fun shooting at Fitzroy gardens and the Autumn backdrop offered such a stunning back drop. Brooke is always an absolute dream to work with and I can't wait until our next shoot. Winter is here and we have already inspired ourselves for more shoots! 

On such a winter's day

Every 6 months or so I like to round up a brilliant local photographer and shoot my new favourites at Hell Bunny. So last week I paired up with the lovely Robin Elk Photography, braved the chilly winds and rain and shot some spring styles and winter warmers. 

Natasha Bolero in Red - $69.00

50’s Cannes Vintage Rose Floral Dress Black - £44.99

Deadly Dames Faux Leather Belt 

Hell Bunny Black Petticoat - $50.00

When I first laid eyes on this fabric I was instantly in love with the rose print. I just adore floral but the moment you mix red, black and green all in one print - it has to be mine. This print is as shown on the 50's Cannes halter dress and can also be found in a skirt and long sleeve dress option. I chose the 50's Cannes dress as I've worn this style before and love the fitted bust, halterneck and the fit. I wear all halter styles from Hell Bunny in a size Large as they seem to have be the same fit throughout this style. I'm in love with this combo and can't wait to mix and match all my other boleros with this stunning dress. 

Inspired by the stock photos of the dress I opted to pair this dress with the new season Bolero - The Natasha! This bolero is the one item every girl needs in her wardrobe. It's soft like angora, super stretchy and feels amazing. There is a slight transference of fluff when you first wear this garment to be sure to wash or have a fabric brush on you. I'm wearing the XL in the bolero but I found this to be way too roomy. This problem is easily fixed as I've already ordered the size down! You can also purchase this bolero in black and white. One of each is needed for my collection I think!  The extra addition of the black petticoat also offers a little more shape to the dress and makes my hour glass figure really pop. 

Black 'Mariam' Polka Dot Skirt - $55.00

Doris Top in Black from Pinup Girl Clothing - $52.00

Belt - Old Stock from Torrid

Eye Doll Platforms in Red from Luichiny  (sold out) - $89.99

It's funny to think back a year or two ago and remember how afraid I was of swing style skirts. I've always been in love with wiggle shapes but for some odd reason I thought a simple swing skirt would look horrid on me. Well that's been proven wrong again and again and now my full skirt collection is huge!

I've found that the size Large in this style skirt is perfect for my waist and it fits perfectly with my petticoat beneath. The simple polka dot fabric is welcome addition to my wardrobe and so easy to style.

I've paired this with my Doris top (the boobtastic top) and simple black accessories but the styling options with this print are endless. From bright coloured shirts, cardigans to band tees, crops and jumpers. There is so many ways to wear these great and reasonably priced skirts. 

Hell Bunny Poppy Floral Circle Skirt - $54.00 

Wheels & Dollbaby Dita Cardigan in Red - $190.00 

Now to continue on with my love of florals we have the same skirt with a stunning poppy print! Worn again in a size large which is basically a UK 14. These skirts have no stretch at the waist and have both a back zip and button closure. So be sure to check the max waist measurements with your own because there is little to no give. 

This bright red poppy print made me think instantly of my red Dita cardigan and I think they go together perfectly. The mixture of red and black within each garment makes these two items pair perfectly. I wear the Dita in a size 14 and the stretchy fabric hugs me perfectly. For full reviews on all my Dita cardigans click here.

Hell Bunny Jessie Gingham Cherry 1950's Skirt Blue - £25.00

Wheels & Dollbaby Belle Blue Dita Cardigan - $190.00 

Hell Bunny Petticoat in White - $50.00

Then to venture outside of my comfort zone colour-wise I chose the 1950's skirt in a very pale blue, complete with cherries and pockets! My belle blue Dita cardie was my first brave attempt at wearing pastel colours and paired with this gingham printed skirt it works perfectly! 

I adore gingham but I tend to go to the darker prints such as red or black. This baby blue shade is stunning and I feel like a total cowgirl while wearing it. 

The pockets are a really cute feature but don't really add much in terms of function. They are more of an accessory or patch detail. I paired this skirt with my white Hell Bunny petticoat and it works perfectly. This skirt seems to be a little shorter than the other two styles but I did not notice this until I put the extra volume underneath. 

Hell Bunny 50's Rachael Nautical Bolero Navy Blue - £24.99

I seem to have many addictions and one I've noticed big time this year - Boleros! When I saw this nautical inspired bolero in the catalog I fell in love with how it fits around the bust and the adorable bow closure. I've wanted a bolero like this for years so I'm so happy that Hell Bunny created it. I'm wearing a size XL and it fits me perfectly. Hugging me in all the right places and giving the right amount of stretch for comfort. 

Because of the adorable design of this top I've gone a little more basically with my styling. A plain white top form Kmart (yes all of $4) the perfect pencil skirt and a think waist belt. With such a strong design you don't have to wear anything but basic's with this bolero. I really hope that other colour ways come out in this bolero such as red and black. This will match perfectly with every sleeveless and halter dress in the current Hell Bunny collection.

Hell Bunny Hibiscus Flower Pencil Dress - $39.60

While it's a little early for summer wiggle dresses I could not help but order this adorable pencil dress. A few posts ago I wore a polka dot pencil style from Hell Bunny so I knew any style in the same fabric would work wonderfully on curves. The Hibiscus Flower dress is amazing! This dress hugs your curves and fits me perfectly in an XL. My favourite features are the red piping, flower motif and the really unique bust line. As a busty girl I find most dresses either show to much or sit to high. This is a perfect middle ground and it feels and looks great. 

This is a shorter style pencil dress and sits just above my knees. It's perfect for the warmer months of the wear and will be worn to death this summer. You can also style this with cute cardigans, boleros, boots and stockings in the cooler months and it will still look adorable. 

Mika Coat in Black and Red Polkadot - £49.99

Last year I shared my all time favourite coat with you and it was a part of the stunning winter collection from Hell Bunny. That red plaid and fur jacket has had so much attention and has seen me though hail, snow and super cold Melbourne weather. This year I've chosen two more coats to review/show you, my readers, and trust me you'll want these if you want to be warm all winter. 

First I have the Mika Coat in black and red polkadot. This coat is the bomb!!! From the super cute print, fur trimmings, pom poms and hood (complete with little stand up ears, yes EARS!) this coat is both adorable and amazingly warm to wear.

With any of these super thick faux fur detailed coats you'll never be cold again. It was a freezing cold day when we shot these images and as I slipped into this coat it started to rain. But as soon as I buttoned up I was as snug as a bug in a rug. I wear any Hell Bunny coat in a size XL and there is enough room to layer up underneath and style however you wish. 

Sarah Jane Coat in Teal -  $139.00 

Now as I mentioned my first Hell Bunny coat review was of a rocking red plaid jacket which just happened to be the Sarah Jane coat! A few weeks ago I noticed the Teal version pop up in my feed and knew it had to be on my body. Being a redhead I'm attracted to teal like a moth to flame. The teal is actually a little darker in real life but it's just as stunning as these pictures portray. With the same fur features, a double breasting button up front and fur lined hood (sorry no ears on this style) this is my new go to coat for the rest of winter. 

The strong black fur details and piping really stand out on the teal fabric and I now need to purchase a faux fur black muff to wear with this outfit. Again I'm wearing and XL and it's a perfect fit.

I'm really excited to see what's to come with next winters coat designs from HB as they always seem to be perfect for me.

Many thanks to the brilliant Robin Elk Photographer for braving the cold with me and shooting all of these images. I can't wait to to shoot with you again!

Print Perfection

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of shooting some stunning corsets with brilliant Miles Away Photography just outside of Geelong. I packed my bags with a few extra outfits so I could take full advantage of the stunning garden location and show off my latest purchases from Pinup Girl Clothing! 

Deadly Dames Haunted Housewife Dress in Vintage Red Rose - $124.00

This is my second Haunted Housewife dress and I love it even more that the first Black version I purchased. The shape is a little different from the Birdie Dress but has a similar shirt swing dress style. I adore the red rose print, white piping and white skull buttons featured on the cuffs. While this usually comes with a matching print think waist belt I chose to pair this with my Hot Rod Honey faux leather belt.

I'm wearing this style in the XL and there is limited stretch but a firm and great fit for my curves. I've also added a black petticoat for extra volume in the skirt. I swear this dress was made for my figure and I now need the red version in my collection. It's strange to think that a few years back I'd never wear such full skirts and only figure hugging wiggle dresses (I still adore them, don't worry) but now I'm making up for lost time and buying as many as I can.

I chose to keep my Orchard Corset on while shooting these swing style skirts and the shape it created is absolutely brilliant. Paired with a full skirt and a super funky faux leather belt it creates the most perfect hour glass shape. 

  

Doris Top in Black - $52.00

Jenny Skirt in Burlesque Performer Print - $98.00

Before the Lauren Top blew my mind, the Doris was the be-all and end-all of the boobtastic tops! I've owned both the red and black Doris tops for 4 years now and they are still in perfect condition. So when I finally ordered the burlesque printed Jenny skirt I knew that it would work perfectly with my black Doris top. I wear the this style in and XL and I fit it to be stretchy with a little give and room around my waist.

The Jenny skirt has fast become the skirt of my dreams. This gathered full style skirt is bold, bright and pairs beautifully with so many tops in my wardrobe. The Burlesque print is absolutely magical and was designed by the brilliant Micheline Pitt. Each pleat in the fabric shows a super curvy burlesque babe undressing and this print runs along the bottom of the entire skirt. 

I'm wearing the Jenny Skirt in an XL and it's a perfect fit for me 33 inch waist. Now that I own two styles in this skirt will be purchasing every single style created as it works wonderfully on my figure. From the pleats to the waist band, length and fabric - it's perfect! This print is also available in dress but I'm not sure it would suit me as much as this outfit. I'd love to see a dress in this exact style one day *crosses fingers and toes*.

Doris Top in Dark Green  - $52.00
Jenny Skirt in Turquoise and Black Harlequin Print - $98.00

I got way too excited when I saw this emerald green beauty in the coming soon section of Pinup Girl Clothing. As a redhead I know how perfectly this shade of green goes with my deep red locks and I snapped it up the week it popped up on the site. It's a perfect fit in an XL and look great with high waisted skirts, pants and even un-tucked with jeans. 

I paired this with the mesmerising harlequin printed Jenny Skirt. As I raved on about the brilliance of this skirt above I won't bore you again but I have to gush a little over the awesome print. I now own this turquoise, pink and black  print in both a Jenny Skirt and a Lauren Top and adore them ever so much. I love the pairing of this top with the bright emerald green even though non of the colours of this skirt match with that shade. The bright print and solid green really seem to work. I've also worn this skirt the Lauren skirt in the same fabric and it creates the most amazing looking and super bright dress! 

Many thanks to the brilliant Nicholas Miles from Miles Away Photography for shooting these amazing styles with me and capturing all these brilliant fabrics! Can't wait to shoot with you again in the future. 

Spiegel Lust List

Well Melbourne  you are in full swing of summer weather this week it seems but I'm not sure I trust you 100% just yet. So I will always be on the look out for both flowing, soft summery dresses as well as more breezy summer night outfits.

I was recently linked to Spiegel and I've found 3 brilliant outfits I'd want to rock over the next few months. If you have been reading my blog for a while you know now by now that I have an abundance of lust lists. I can't help it! I need EVERYTHING! So with the jumpsuit style still fresh in my mind and summer frocks needed I've found the following for my Spiegel Lust List :

Ponte Talyor Jumpsuit - $99.00

A more modern spin on my usual jumpsuit style. This fitted style will look amazing on an hour glass figure as the peplum will make your waist look tiny. Ad a thick bright coloured waist belt and bring down that waist size even more so. The basic black jumpsuit is a great base for bright accessories and you can change it up with every wear.

Orange Patricia Pumps - $54.00

I'd pair the jumpsuit with these amazing orange pumps. The pop of colour will look amazing! Currently I'm loving pointed toe pumps again which you'll discover as you scroll down. Orange has been a love for mine for a few years now so these will be so much fun to wear.

Cerie Dress by Newport News - $69.00

So soft, flowing and just screams summer days, picnics and open air cinema dates. The Cerie dress is the ultimate summer frock with a stunning floral print and a more relaxed fit with adorable details. I would wear this style in prints or block colours as it's such an effortless yet chic dress.

 Aurora Pumps - $54.00

Pairing this dress with the more obvious style pump but also thinking about how amazing these would also look with the jumpsuit. This is my stand out favorite shoe on the website. I always tend to swoon for anything in cobalt blue.

Rachel Tunic by Shape FX - $64.00

Yes I do have a skater dress addiction and I'm proud of it. I wear dresses in this style daily all year round but until now I've never found the write cross over/wrap style I've been after. Again in basic black (it is very me to go all black) with 3/4 sleeves I will wear this dress in every single season. With the pumps bellow in the warmer months and with thick tights, boots and coats in the cooler months.

The wrap is super flattering on my figure and the cross over bust works great with bigger bust-lines. This is the dress you can wear everywhere!

High Heel Platform Pump in Perforated Kid Leather - $59.00

A not so basic black pump to pair with the little black dress above. I love the detail on this style as it gives so much texture and edge to a basic black leather pump. This is also the style I'm looking for to wear on cooler summer evenings as it allows your feet to breath.

All of the shoes I've added to my lust list can be mixed up and paired with each outfit within this post. They all seem to work in their own way and will cover you for both the warm and cool months.

What are you looking for the summer style wise?

A little floral and a pop of colour

Lately I've been looking for some really cute basics to add to my summer wardrobe and I'm getting more and more fond of floral and colour!

I adore my basic black but when the warmer months hit I find it harder and harder to wear and all the bright floral prints and block colours have caught my eye.

So while browsing at Crossroads I found some adorable items that went straight on my lust list. I love the fact that you can get both plus size dresses and standard sizes in the one style! Its so easy! All items range from size 8 to 22.

Here is my colour popping, floral loving lust list :

 Floral Sundress in Blue - $49.95

The perfect floral print in soft blues, pinks and oranges on a navy base. So far from my usual floral tastes yet it works so well. A very flattering cut and one of those dresses you can wear day or night. This style also comes in a yellow print. 

Peplum Print Cami - $39.95

Love this flirty little peplum cami. The pink floral really pops and the shape is brilliant. I'm loving this style to pair with super skinny jeans and high heels. The perfect night out on the town for drinks outfit. 

Peplum Print Bustier - $39.95

A tiny bit different for the peplum above and just as cute. the colours in this style are stunning. I'm having a hard time choosing which one to purchase. Or shall I get them both?

Shirt Dress in Green - $39.95

A perfect easy to wear, style and just throw on shirt dress in the most stunning green imaginable. Being a redhead I'm always drawn to green and this dress is perfect for work 

What's on your floral/summer lust list?