Basics with a twist

It's officially time for another Heart of Haute feature! One of the most fantastic retro reproduction companies on the planet, run by the sweetest people and creators of all the core items in my wardrobe. This month I'm featuring some new funky fabrics and two of my all time favourite styles from the range.

Marilyn Top in Houndstooth - $39.99

The Marilyn top was one of the first styles I ever reviewed and has been worn to death ever since. Made from a stretchy cotton lycra this top hugs your curves and is super comfortable. In an XL the Marilyn is a perfect fit and I absolutely adore the houndstooth fabric. This style pairs wonderfully with jeans, shorts and skirts and can be worn tucked or out. 

I love pairing these tops with black skinny jeans and heels or even wearing them to work under a blazer with pencil skirt. My personal preference is to wear this top tucked in with a high waist but as you will see below you can style it either way. 

Leopard  Marilyn Top - $39.99

The same style again but this time in a new leopard print style! Now I'm usually not a huge fan of leopard print but this fabric is brilliant. While most leopard print tops are usually just blotchy and patchy this style is unique and looks like actual individual hairs. The end result is an almost 3D print!

As mentioned earlier these styles can work un-tucked as well and the length is perfect for pants and shorts. The long length is great for layering in the cooler months and I can't wait to style this when we hit autumn and winter with my HOH boleros and cardigans. I love the off the shoulder neckline of the Marilyn and need more tops and dresses in this style for summer!

Tara Top in Leopard - $39.00

Love the leopard fabric but want a bit more coverage? Then the Tara top is for you! I'm absolutely smitten with this 3/4 sleeve top of awesomeness. I own the black and white stripe version of the Tara and I've been wanting another version for a while now.

I adore the bold black cuff and edging on the scoop neck as it adds a little more shape and contrast to the leopard print. When paired with a black skirt and belt it almost looks like my dream dress. Hmm this gives me designing ideas!

I'm so sold on this top that I have the polka dot and houndstooth version on my current lust list. I've never been able to find a wide selection of tops that suit my waist and bust but Heart of Haute have all styles and colours covered! Button ups for work,

Pinup Couture Tiki 100 Leopard Pony Hair - $129.00

Ok I think I've found heaven, well my version of heaven and it's Shoe Me Gorgeous! When shooting so much leopard print I had to get the perfect shoes to compliment my outfit yes? Well the Tiki carved platform heels from Pinup Couture are PERFECT!  I've had my eye on these babies ever since Pinup Girl Clothing and Pleaser teamed up to create the Pinup Couture shoe range. 

A super comfy mule of medium height - 4 inches with a 3/4 platform. Featuring a stunning leopard print pony hair front and brilliant carved tiki heels.  

These mules are absolutely amazing and a dream to wear. A walking work of art for your feet and an accessory that will turn heads. I wear a size 11US in all Pleaser styles and that works out to be an Australian size 10. It think it's obvious now that I need to get another few pairs of the Teeze style heels that I featured in my last hell bunny shoot and one more pair of these. I think the black version of this shoe would be perfect for our super hot summers. 

Estelle Blouse in Black - $59.00

My love for the Estelle Blouse actually bloomed from my addiction to the super cute Ella top. I'm a sucker for any button ups featuring bow ties or pussy bows and the Estelle is my absolute favourite top in the Heart of Haute Range. While most button up shirts fit you in the waist but not the bust or the visa versa the Estelle fits you perfectly in all the right places. 

With a cute cap sleeve and bow tie this top is a must have for any pinup wardrobe. I love how this top fits both my bust and waist without forgetting about my hourglass shape. The bow tie is my stand out favourite feature and I love layering this top with cardigans and jackets.

I actually own this style in the super funky Adele Floral print but I needed a solid black version for both work and play. Currently there are colours/prints so you will be sure to find the perfect version no matter what your taste might be. I may or may have my eye on the Mini Daisy print as it's so darn cute! 

Super Spy Dress in Black - $62.00

Many moons ago when I first reviewed Heart of Haute (back then it was Heartbreaker Clothing) I fell hard for a brilliant little Mod number in a warm soft cotton knit. It's simple yet figure hugging design makes me feel like Joan from Mad Men! There is a reason this has been HOH's best selling dress since 2005 and it's obvious once you wear it. The fabric is effortless and hugs your curves and the sleeve length/skirt length are perfect for both work and play. 

Now this dress is stretchy and I absolutely forgot when I ordered this that I would need to size down as it has a lot of give and room in the waist. But this was easily fixed with my wonder accessory - the waist belt. The Super Spy is to put it simply effortlessly chic. I can't wait till next winter when I can pair this with back seemed stockings, long leather gloves and berets! 

Finally I need to share a few new items that I'm lusting after and can't help but include in this post. In multiple shoots I've featured the Sweet Sweater as it is PERFECT! I wear mine everywhere! I have both a black and red version of this sweater and it pairs perfectly with everything in my wardrobe. There are a few new fabrics available and I need both of these in my wardrobe stat! 

Sweet Sweater Black Dot - $42.00

Sweet Sweater Nautical Black - $42.00

Many thanks to the ever so awesome Michael from Robin Elk for shooting these styles with me. It's so fun to create with you! 

Viva Darling

A little flashback to my trip to Viva Las Vegas earlier this year when I finally got to meet and shoot with Edson Carlos! I've been chatting online with Edson for so many years I've lost count. We met on Pinup Lifestyle and when the opportunity to finally hang out and shoot arrived I booked in as soon as I could!

So on the Saturday of Viva, I prepped my hair and makeup, threw as many Luichiny heels in my bag as possible and headed over to Edson's funky hotel to do a few sets of shots. Now this is just one set of the images we took so be sure to check back next month for even more. 

Darling Lingerie supplied the retro inspired underwear on the day and I just adore the results. I've been very unwell recently and feeling really down about myself. I was very worried about how I would look in my underwear, how my tummy and legs would be from different angles and how my stretch marks and cellulite would turn out - you know, the usual body issues that we all have. 

But the longer I look at these images, the better I feel about myself. I have a tummy, I have a roll here and there and I'm not perfect. It's hard to get 100% comfortable with yourself when you are bare, stripped down and in your natural state. I love my waist belts, shapewear and body hugging fabrics and I always feel amazing when I'm photographed in them. For me, shooting underwear is harder than a full nude shoot and the more I do the easier it becomes. 

Leslie Leopard Print High Waist Panty  - $30.00

Leslie Leopard Balconete Bra - $55.00

Luichiny Van Essa in Red - $89.99

How cute is this matching set of leopard print goodness? Although stunning, I have to admit that the sizing is not 100% perfect for me. I'm wearing these panties in an XL and they are very roomy, even a little loose. I'd size down for those. But I find that is the case with most high waist mesh styles. They are so comfortable and soft for mesh! Get these ASAP if you can.

I'm wearing the Leslie Bra in a 40GG which is not my bra size at all! If this was a 34 or 36 GG it would have been a much more firmer and proper fit. Lucky for me, I had many little secrets in my bag to stuff the cups and fill them up. The set combined is stunning and I just adore the extra addition of the red bow! I paired this up with my favorite neck scarf to ad just a little extra va-va-voom!

I love the pattern on the balconete bra and the mix of black and leopard. It makes for a very bold and sexy bra.

Darling Lingerie have a brilliant range of modern and vintage inspired lingerie, corsets and hosiery and you can check out their whole range online right now. 

Many thanks to the awesome Edson Carlos for a brilliant shoot and making my trip a little more brilliant! I can't wait to share the next set with you guys and to get back to the States to shoot with him once again.

You can find more of Edson's work via Facebook and his website. 

Stocking Spolight

Well this week it's not really a 'stocking' spotlight but we will let this slip by this one time.

This week I've tried something I've never really been into other than when I was in primary school - Leggings.

I'm addicted to tights to be honest I love the fit, the look, the feet and variety. Leggings I've never really bothered to get into as I've never had the need or desire to. But this weekend I thought what they hell and decided to try out one pair graciously given to me by Voodoo.

 Voodoo Wildcat Legging - $19.00

Luichiny Kar Tell Red Boots - $105.00US

These leggings are super stretchy and comfortable. They can sit on your hips or waist and are a medium thinness. I'm wearing the Tall-Xtra Tall and they are a roomy fit more so down near the ankle and around the knees.

How amazing are my Luichiny Kar Tell boots? They are red HOT!!!! I'm in love with this style as it's basically a boot version of the Eye Doll platform that I love so much.

In the most perfect shade of red they match with so many colours in my wardrobe and look great with all my disco pants (shoot to come). I think I'll need to pick up the plain black version of these as well. 

These boots also do amazing things for your legs - elongating and slimming you down.

 

The print is really cute and I love the choice of great toned leopard apposed to the usual brown and cream. The print however from a distance creates lines but I still love it. I wore these with a Black mini dress that hit mid thigh and it worked well.

But like stockings and tights I will only ever wear these under a skirt or dress as I really can't stand the look of short tops with leggings - You need more support, shape and thickness when it comes to pants - leggins are not such things. But this is just my own personal preference.

Peakaboo Pussycat

Now usually I would not post my candid shots with a review, more so when its a brilliant design from a fantastic company. But I can't control the need to share this fantastic top with you guys!

I would like to introduce you to Powderpuff Boutique (Formally Moxie Minx) an Australian based vintage inspired label. For the re-launch of our new branding, we are offering 20% OFF EVERYTHING on our online store. Use the code 'powderpuff20' at the checkout!

As soon as 'Peekaboo Pussycat' Top $79.00AU popped onto my feed via facebook I knew it had to be mine.

The neckline and adorable pink bow tie combined with leopard print - this was pretty much love at first sight!

Now the fabric is 95% Polyester 5% Spandex Stretch Knit and has a close fit with a good amount of stretch. The shape of the bust really gives great but as you can see from one of my images I'm yet to find the right bra to wear with this top. I'm wearing a size 16 and it is a perfect fit for my measurements.

Now I've worn this top twice now and its perfect for our upcoming spring weather. Its not too thick nor is it too thin and can be worn with pretty much anything!

In the image above I wore this with my high waisted retro pencil skirt from Pinup Girl Clothing. Wearing the high wait in a solid colour like black with this style top really makes the neckline pop.

The for the first night of Greazefest (full post to come for trip that soon) i teamed the Peakaboo Pussycat Top with my American Apparel Disco Pants and my favorite waist belt from Pinup Girl Clothing.

The lovely ladies sitting with me in this image are the two most talented, beautiful and sweet people I've ever met - Micheline Pitt and Fanny Barlow. I love these two women so much and they blow me away with their talented noggins!

If pink is really not your colour you can request (prior to purchase) another colour ribbon as shown bellow. I love the black ribbon the most but each suits the print perfectly.

This top is stunning and is a must have item of any pinup wardrobe. If it ever comes in different prints or colours I will be snapping them all up as I love the fit and flattering shape.

This amazing designer extended their size range with 3 extra plus sizes added to their size chart! Powderpuff Boutique now stocks styles in sizes 6-16 and then a plus size chart for XL to 2XL, refer to the chart bellow.

Also don't forget to enter my GMK Giveaway! Entries close on Sunday the 28th of August so you have a little under a week left!

Jungle Fever

Its getting warm enough (well most days it is) to really start getting into summer styles and at the moment I'm really loving the jungle inspired styling that is popping up everywhere.

From new style safari suits to leopard print and tribal patterns this look is wild and I'm thinking about adding a few items to my wardrobe, can I pull it off?

This summer I have made a promise to myself - experiment with more prints and more colour lets see if i stick to it.

Safari Jacket $89.95 and Cargo Shorts $69.95 from City Chic

Pair this with the Green Military Tie Blouse from ASOS £28.00



Then to finish off the look either a statement shoe in Leopard - Foxy by Jeffery Campbell $139.95USD



or the Freida Wedge by Toni Bianco $179.95AU

Mix the classic black evening dress with a little bit of leopard if you are not game enough to wear the first look. Wear plain black pumps with this simple design.

ASOS Leopard Print Jersey Batwing Dress - £32.00

Leopard your style then what about this forest print from Diane Von Furstenberg the queen of wrap dresses!

Jeanne Wrap Dress in Brambles Forest - $325.00USD



with Steve Maden Fiesstaa Platform Sandals - £32.00

What she wore - Leopard & Leather

Today my little brother (aged 9) and I went and spent a day in the heart of the city. We walked, talked, went to the Tim Burton Exibition at ACMI and then had lunch.

I got this adorable Dorothy Perkins dress in the mail yesterday (thank you Emma!) and had to wear it out in the sun today.

I love leopard print this year, I've always worn accessories in the print but never as much as I have these days. The print is fantastic its cream and black with a subtle hint of brown on each leopard spot. The cut its fitted at the top with a a-line style skirt on the bottom.

I wore my studded jacket (shown in older posts) as the wind was very chilly once we got into the city. My shoes are nothing too special, a pair of patent black heels from Target a season ago and a touch of red lipstick before I left.

Usually i would wear more of low cut on my chest but this fits perfectly so I feel comfortable enough to wear such a high neckline.

I also wanted to wear my Studded Bow Belt - $7.50 USD today from hot topic. Though in my head i thought they would not match they worked perfectly together. I can't get enough of leather real or faux with studs!

The sleeves are capped with a split and sit so delicately on your shoulder.

Now this dress is a size 20 from Dorothy Perkins but this style and I'm usually a 18 on thats site. I think because of the fabric (has no stretch) this size is possibly smaller than the tagged size of 20. It fits like an Australian 16 and I could fit into a size down but it would be a little too snug on my bust.

I can't find this dress via the website as it was a gift but they have 100's of cute dresses that will catch your eye.

Bad Girl

I just wanted to share these images that I shot last week with my friend and owner of the most amazing 57 Caddy Paul V.

This dress was the item I reviewed from Pin up Boudoir and I think it matched the theme so perfectly! I hope you love them as much as I do.

To find this dress please visit Pin Up Boudoir or to purchase this dress either with stripe print on the top half or plain red please go to Pinup Girl Clothing shown bellow.

When I posted the first image on Pinup Girl Clothing's wall people started to ask if i was wearing a corset. This is not the case, I don't wear them under thigh fitting garments as the line they show annoys me. I wear spanx like high waisted, suck every thing in underwear that i got from Target.

Though underwear or no underwear the shape i create in photos comes down to posing correctly. Whether it is an elongating or a curve emphasizing pose its all putting your body in shapes and positions to show off the best parts.

Many girls commented on my photo and asked if i could write something to help them pose right in images. So this week I am going to start working on that.

Now go check out both websites for heaps of stunning dresses and show of your curves!