Trains, Cherries and Jailbirds

Not a day goes by where I don't find myself sitting at my computer and hunting through each and every section of the Pinup Girl Clothing website. It's obvious after years and years of working with this brilliant brand that they are my stand out favourite when it comes to retro styles and vintage reproduction garments. Every season I'm more and more impressed with the bold new styles and prints and my wishlists are never empty. 

Before I found PUG I was trying to fit into the pinup/retro fashion world but here in Australia at that time I found the variety and sizes to be rather limited. Finding Pinup Girl Clothing pushed me into furthering my modeling career and gave me so much more confidence. Couple that with getting to know the brilliant team behind the brand and I'm now and always will be a lifelong fan and customer. 

Jenny Skirt in Black Sharkskin Taffeta - $98.00

Deadly Dames Jailbird Top in Black and White Stripes - $58.00

2" Faux Leather Belt in Black - $14.00

Bordello TEMPT-126 Red-Black Pu Boots - $119.00

For a curvy girl I own a heap of striped tops as I really think they work for bigger busts and hour glass shapes. The Jailbird top from Deadly Dames has to be my absolute favourite though as it's made for a large chest and hugs you in all of the right places. Made from a firm yet super stretchy cotton spandex fabric it fits so well you'll never want to take it off. For each item in this post I'm wearing an XL and I've found all fit perfectly. I'm a mixture of XL and Large depending on fabric types for all Pinup Girl Clothing styles. Other than the visual look of this top I adore the extra long length as I love to wear styles like this both tucked in and over skirts or jeans. 

When hunting for a skirt to pair this striped piece of wonderful with my first choice was always going to be the Jenny skirt. I'm not addicted to this style and just adore the fullness and fit as it's both flattering and super comfortable. The Black Sharkskin Taffeta version is a little more full than the other cotton versions I already own and gives lots of shape. There is no need for a petticoat beneath this version as it is full and holds it's shape without any extra layers. I also found this a little roomier in the waist that each of my other Jenny skirts so that might be due to the fabric. 

As you can see I love using the 2 inch faux leather waist belt from PUG and it's become such a wardrobe staple for me. It pairs with absolutely everything and I love the thickness and fabric choice.

When we shot these images I swear it was the coldest day in Melbourne this winter! We braved wind and rain to get each look shot and I was inspired by the coldness and added my own little winter inspired touched to each outfit. 

As soon as I planed this look in my head I knew I wanted a great pair of lace up boots to finish of the look. I found these stunning Bordello lace up red and black boots and just love the way they look with the entire outfit. I'll be shooting these shortly and focusing on styling them with multiple bottoms. 

Long Sleeve Heidi Dress in Black Cherry Print - $108.00

2" Faux Leather Belt in Black - $14.00

Pin Up Couture TEEZE-12-6 Black Pu (Cherries Print) Platforms - $99.00

Would you believe that there was a time when I actually hated cherry printed items? After being completely won over by the cherry Jenny skirt my next style had to be the Heidi. I've been lusting after the long sleeve version of this dress since the moment it was added to the coming soon section as I'm a huge fan of the sleeveless original. The Heidi has been a wardrobe staple for most PUG fans as it's the perfect fit on all body shapes. 

Perfectly tailored to fit an hourglass figure this dress is a dream to wear. I love the angular neckline, red trim and full skirt. The long sleeves have made this style perfect for the cooler months and I really hope more colour ways and prints are planned for the future.

Now I've done something I usually would not do when styling an outfit, I've gone completely matchy matchy! Now that I'm such a fan of the PUG cherry fabric what better to pair this dress with other than the Pinup Couture Teeze Platroms in Cherry. The classic platfrom shape and that bright red bow pair brilliantly with the Heidi dress and I just adore this outfit. As with all Bordello styles I'd suggest sizing up for these shoes. 

Here's a closer look at these super sweet and cute shoes. These elongate your legs and really make your calf muscle pop in the best way possible. 

Now it's obvious that I need to pickup all of the other versions of this dress and cross my fingers for feature releases. I'd also love to see this in a 3/4 length sleeve option but that's just me being greedy. I wear the original version of the Heidi in a size large but due to the sleeve I chose to stick with an XL and I think I made the best choice. I'd rather have a roomier waist taken in than the sleeve being too tight and the fit with this is perfect. 

 

Jenny Skirt in Mary Blair Train Border Print - $98.00

Lauren Top in Black by Pinup Couture - $68.00

2" Faux Leather Belt in Black - $14.00

Bordello TEEZE-11 Black Velvet Shoes - $98.00

I missed the first round release of this stunning train border printed jenny skirt from the Mary Blair collection but as soon as it returned I snapped it up in a flash. Although I love all of the Jenny skirts this print is by far the most amazing as are all of the Mary Blair images. The golden yellow tone and the way the train travels in and out of each pleat make this not only an amazing fashion item but a wearable piece of art. 

I can't get enough of this colour and of the entire Mary Blair collection. This will hopefully be the first of many of this collection added to my wardrobe. I paired this with my beloved Lauren top in black. I wear both the Lauren and the Doris top constantly as they are a perfect fit on my rather large chest. The wind was not our friend this day and my collar would not behave! 

I'm really loving these two items as a winter styled outfit. I wanted to try something a little different from what I had seen on the website and turn something that looks very summer into a more winter friendly choice. 

Now to start planning my next purchases and check the coming soon section each and every morning. I'm saving all my pennies for the fall Deadly Dames range as it's full of faux leather and cropped moto jackets. I also need to snap up the new versions of the Erin dress as I'm loving the sleeves and colour options. 

Many thanks to Brooke Orchard for braving the elements and creating these images with me. and for my amazing friend Liz for helping each time we shoot!

Falling for you

Yesterday I had the absolute pleasure of teaming up my two favourite things : Heart of Haute and shooting with Katherine Davis. Katherine has an amazing eye and is by far one of the most brilliant photographers in Australia. The yellow autumn leaves in this stunning location paired perfectly with every piece of clothing we photographed.

Be warned, this is a very picture-heavy review/post as the location was absolutely magical. Hidden near a creek just off from a main road, a little bunch of gold and green autumn brilliance. 

Monte Carlo Dress in Red - $145.00

The beloved Monte Carlo. You might remember this dress in the teal colourway from a previous review and from the amazing sunflower photo shoot I shared earlier this year. When I first slipped into my first version of this dress I knew it was true love and thought no other colour could look that good on my pale skin. Well I was wrong! 

The red Monte Carlo is divine and by far my new go-to dress for 2014. If you are looking for a shirt dress you need to invest in the Monte! I'm wearing this in a size XL and it fits me like a dream. The fabric falls delicately over my hips, nips me in at the waist with the belt and is so soft and silky. 

My favourite features have to be the buttons and the belt in the same fabric. Usually I would go with a strong black belt to break up the colour but I love the look of all red in this style. 

As you can see this is a full skirted style and I'm wearing this without a petticoat. I wear it with or without but for this shoot I wanted to show the natural drape and fall of the fabric. Be sure to twirl up storm when you wear the Monte Carlo as it is perfect for such fun.

If you buy one dress this year buy the Monte Carlo in any shade that suits you. I have two now and I can't wait to see if any new colourways will be added in this style. I loved the previously released charcoal and orange and really hope they return. I think if released in black it would also be a huge hit. 

Estelle Blouse in Adele Floral - $52.00

New we have a brand new style from Heart of Haute; the Estelle Blouse. As soon as I saw the previews of this style on facebook I think I wrote 'gimme gimme' on one of the photos. I knew instantly from seeing this on a mannequin that it would hug my curves and look fantastic! 

This is by far the most feminine top in my wardrobe and I absolutely adore it. With the pale blue floral print to the super cute pussy bow it is perfect! I'm wearing the Estelle in an XL and unlike most shirts this style fits both my bust and my waist in a perfect hourglass fashion. 

When I buy shirts I usually only have a proper fit on either the bust or the waist but never both. The Estelle buttons up over my bust while fitting my waist comfortably but also nipping in to hug my curves. The length also sits perfectly on my hips and can be worn tucked in or out of high waist skirts, jeans and even worn with business suits. 

I've always been a fan of showing off lots of boob but the reason for this was not being able to find well fitting shirts. Heart of Haute has proven that this can be done perfectly and I now how have heaps of options to choose from. This style comes in 9 different fabric choices so you are bound to find one that will match everything in your wardrobe. I plan to add the Black, Paprika and Pink Cherries Jubilee to my collection. 

Ella Top in Blue Bees - $52.00

The Ella top was the first button up top I ever purchased and the reason I knew the Estelle would work perfectly for my bust/waist ratio. This top is a wardrobe staple and I now have 3 different versions in my collection. The perfect fit in the XL is what will always keep my going back as new fabric styles are released. 

I first saw this adorable Bee pattern when I met and modeled for Mandie Bee at Viva Las Vegas in 2013 and knew that it had to 'bee mine'. 

Much like the Estelle this top hugs your curves and fits like a dream. The fabric is a little thicker than the Estelle but is equally as perfect. If you are worried about your measurements in this style or any other button ups be sure sure to ask Heart of Haute directly and they will be glad to help. I'm currently 42-33-42 and everything fits perfectly in the XL. This style is a little shorter than the previously shown Estelle but is perfect for high waisted styles. It looks amazing with skirts and super high waisted jeans. 

Sweet Sweater in Red Cotton - $39.99

If you are a long term reader of this blog you will already know that I have a huge addiction to Heart of Haute knitwear. I've been living in both of my Bettie Boleros for years and I've been dying to try the Sweet Sweater as an alternative. I do adore my Boleros but the lace up neckline does not pair perfectly with all styles of tops i.e button up shirts with bows. So the Sweet Sweater is perfect for dresses and skirts such as the Ella and the Estelle. 

Made from a super soft stretch cotton this style will pair brilliantly with both collared and non collared items in my wardrobe. The bow tie at the front also adds and extra cute element to any outfit. This has been worn non stop since its arrival. 

Hilda Dress in Amber Rose - $98.00

The Hilda Dress is a perfect gypsy peasant dress. Sadly this style of fabric is sold out across the board but the Hilda comes in 6 other fabric choices. Bellow you will find a 3 samples of the different fabric choices on offer. 

London Rose, Teresa Floral Red and Rosa. 

This style is perfectly suited to an hourglass figure as it is fitted at the waist while allowing you to show off your bust and hips. The gathered bust can be worn high on the shoulder or slightly off depending on what kind of look you are after. 

This style works really well on my body and I feel both comfortable and sexy in this dress. I think come summer time this will be the perfect day dress but I also feel like I can easily pair this with black knee high boots and a cardigan and wear it through autumn. Like all the styles shown in this post I'm wearing a size XL.

Sweet Sweater in Black Cotton - $39.99

The Sweet Sweater is also available in Black! I think I'll be having an long term addiction to this cardigan as well and will collect every version. The black is just as versatile as the red and is so comfortable and soft. They remind me of the wrap around cardigans ballet dances wear but with a pinup/modern twist.

Pairing the black cardigan with the bright print makes makes the cardigan itself the statement piece as it seems more bold when covering a printed fabric. Like the red style this is already being worn to death. 

You can also purchase the Sweet Sweater in White, Spring Argyle and Leopard Print. The printed versions pair wonderfully with solid coloured dresses. 

Ellie Tie Top in Red Gingham - $50.00

While shopping at Viva Las Vegas last year I picked up a little black and white gingham shirt from a stall and fell in love with it. When I peeked at the tag I was delighted to learn it was from Heart of Haute and that there were many other fabric options. 

The Ellie is a must have style for any pinup or retro loving girl. With a button up front consisting of 3 buttons and a tie this shirt is super cute and super sexy all at once. How can it be both? Well it's simply a case of how many buttons you choose to do up. The most skin you show the sexier it gets. 

I've chosen to wear the Ellie with some cleavage and bra peeking through. But it also buttons up over my large chest with ease. Pairing the red gingham with a black skirt and belt makes the fabric stand out brilliantly. I also wear this style top with high waist jeans and cowboy boots which is a more casual style.

The simple gingham fabric is so easy to style and suits so many hair colours and skin tones. The Ellie also looks great with high waisted shorts and blue denim in all forms. 

You can also find this the Ellie in an adorable Blue Tiki Print which is perfect for extra styling options and tiki bars/parties. But I adore the gingham the most and would kill for a few more colour ways. 

Many thanks to my brilliant photographer Katherine Davis who created something magical with our Australia landscape and worked with me on these images. I can't wait to create with you again. Be sure to check out Heart of Haute for all of the styles featured and for new sneak peeks in the coming soon section. 

PUG Lust List

Every month I put myself through torture and lust over all the items in the 'Coming Soon' section of Pinup Girl Clothing. Each season Micheline and Laura continue to outdo themselves with new colour options, prints and styles. So while I sit here and share my lust list I'm also listing one of my kidneys on eBay so I can purchase and wear all of these as soon as they are up for sale.

Featured in this post are my standout favourites from the section and new colour ways of my favorites.

Jenny Skirt in Burlesque Print - $98

I'm absolutely mad about swing style skirts these days and I adore an amazing print incorporated into the design. This super sexy burlesque print was designed by Micheline Pitt and as the pleats go around the skirt you see the dancer goes from dressed to barely anything! I love how the pleats have been worked into the illustration concept and the mixture of colours. The colours featured make it super easy to pair shoes, tops and accessories. All of which you'll find throughout the website.

Renee Dress in Red - $132

Oh holy hell in hot pants!! When I saw the Renee Dress pop up on my Instagram feed I yelled like nutty puppy dog. I've been dreaming of a dress in this style for so long and have never found it. The bust line, the bow, and the peekaboo cut out are brilliant. I want to style this dress up and down, wear it with waist belts and without! So many styling options available.

Renee Dress in Anchor Print - $132

Yes I love the Renee style that much I'd need it in Anchor print as well. I can't say no to any style anchor print and in this style it's a must have. I love the contrasting of the white bow on this style. It really makes the bust line pop a lot more. These dresses will be my summer staples.

Heidi Dress in Mint Pinup Print - $98

Every Pinup Girl Clothing fan must own at least one Heidi Dress. This dress is one of the most comfortable and flattering styles available. I currently own 3 and will be adding more to my collection as they keep coming out. Being a redhead I adore any shades of green and I've been dying to try mint but until now have not liked many styles. This adorable pinup print also needs to come in other items I think, possibly in the Jenny skirt please ladies?

Zoeey Top in Red - $58

The Zoeey top is HOT! With a heat level almost parallel to the Vamp Top this boobtastic top will be an absolute hit. This style will be coming in core colours i.e red, black, white and pink and in cherry print. I love the fact that the red is a much deeper than usual. It makes the fabric more lush and is really stunning!

Mermaid Skirt - $98

As you might have noticed recently I have a thing for Mermaids at the moment and this skirt is at the top of my list. An oceanic pinup scene frames the bottom of this swing style skirt and it is adorable! This will pair perfectly with the Zoeey top.

Basically I want every printed skirt available on the website - that's not too greedy is it?

Doris Top in Dark Green - $58

Then finally my all time favourite top in a new colour option. The Doris is one of my most treasured wardrobe items and has been worn to death in both black and red. I've been crossing my fingers for the last few years hoping and wishing that some other darker shades would hit the web store and my wishes finally came true. Coming soon you will have the option of adding this dark green shade and a bright blue option to your wardrobe.

I'm so excited about these two new colours! If you have an hour glass shape and love to show off your chest, you need to add the Doris top to your collection.