Vivien of Holloway

Finally I have the absolute pleasure of featuring a brand on Curves To Kill that I've loved for years but never had the chance to review/wear! I've admired Vivien of Holloway for years now but until this year I've never slipped into their garments, now I'm grumpy I've missed out on these rocking styles for so long! 

 

1950s Halterneck Black White Spot Dress - £89.00

Bolero Black White Spot - £30.00

Bordello TEEZE-07 Red Patent Platform Pump - $114.00

Vivien of Holloway have absolutely perfected the halter neck dress. Be it a wrap wiggle style or a full skirt they have designed a flattering, well structured and perfectly tailored halter that is leagues above the rest. Why? It's all about boning! The boning supports (no need for a bra in this style), holds you in and the fabric has a little give so it will mold to your shape after one wear. I was sent two size options for this review. I originally opted for the 42-34-46 size (which once it arrvied I noticed was listed as a 20) and then I was told I should try the size lower (tagged as a 16 but the stats are : 40-32-44)  as it would mold to me. The larger size was easy to zip and and fit from the get go but after wearing the smaller version for a while it did exactly what I was told it would! The fabric gave a little and the fit was much tighter and even better for my bust. 

I loved the dress that much that I went straight back onto the website and to make a lust list of other prints. One of my favourite features of this halter neck style is that it does not pull at the back like most other necklines. They can put too much weight on the back of your neck and by the end of an evening you are in pain. These are thick and perfect! Plus if you have any issues with your underarm area the strap is that thick it hides such things! 

I opted to get the matching bolero with this dress as I can't get enough of the retro shape. In an XL it's a perfect fit and looks amazing with the dress. You can get solid colours and more prints in this bolero style and can mix and match all of them. I'd love to get a few more boleros and pair them with this dress or solid coloured dresses to pair with my bolero. 

This dress is a must have if you love a halter neck but worry about your bust and want to go braless without a fear. If polka dots are not your style well don't fear! The fabric options are amazing at Vivien of Holloway and I've already added the a few to my lust list. 

1950s Halterneck Luxury Red Satin Fan Lace Dress - £120.00

1950s Halterneck Dark Green Duchess Dress - £99.00

Gypsy Top Classic Black Trio Gold - £28.00

How lush are these colours and prints? I'm also lusting hard for the stunning gypsy tops available in so many different colours. I live in this style over the warmer months and this is on the top of my list. 

Many thanks to the beautiful Brooke Orchard for snapping these images at the stunning and iconic Carlton Gardens. I can't wait to see her again and create more art!! 

 



Leather, Studs and Floral

As the weather heats up, I'm beginning to plan my summer wardrobe and the styles I'm in lust with for the warmer months. My wardrobe is bursting with pinup frocks, flirty florals and lots and lots of little black dresses so I'm looking for more accessories to add to my collection and this year I'm going for something a little different.

I've recently stumbled across RebelsMarket and, I have to be honest, I've not found a website that has this much variety and choice for a long time. Whatever your style may be, they have you covered.

I've been a huge fan of the harness craze for a while now, and after wearing caged bras for the last few months, I'm after some more alternatives to pair with my many edgy outfits. I can wear the most modern of outfits at times but deep down my heart always belongs to Gothic, Pinup and Punk fashion, and this season I'll be mixing my true sub-cultural love into my modern and alternative wardrobe.

Harness Collections $TBA

I recently shot and reviewed the Dita Von Teese Madame X cage bra, and ever since then straps and D rings have been on my mind. So this summer my plan is super simple - get as many harnesses as I can and wear them in every possible way!

My main goal styling wise is to purchase styles that can be worn over and styles that can be worn under clothing. A bold PVC harness with silver ring detailing to pair with flirty floral tea dresses and flowing blouses. There is something about the pairing of floral prints with hard leather accessories that calls to me and both of the styles above will work brilliantly with my floral skaters and maxi dresses.

Next we have the harness styles suited for wearing with you own undergarments beneath more lower cut tops and dresses. I'm smitten with these two dramatic styles featuring heaps of straps and some really unique shapes. The Pentagram Harness packs a bold punch and I need it asap while the open bust style adds an extra level of sexy to any bra. Each pair perfectly under any garment and can be styled in so many ways! As a super busty woman, I find each of these styles perfect for my chest and waist ratio and love the shape and boldness they add to any outfit.

 

Punk Rock Cuffs - $TBA

Then to top each outfit off I'm going back to my studded roots and stocking up my favourite wrist accessory - The Cuff! From jackets to rings, cuffs to shoes, I love all things studded and will forever go back to my love for Punk Rock styling. While most punk rock fashion is all DIY you can pick up some brilliantly spiky hardware so cheaply these days that it's easy to save the DIY for your leather or battle jackets. These 4 options are perfect and will pair brilliantly with the dresses I have in mind. Now the choice is which do I choose if not all of them? Hmmm... I can be greedy right?

 

Heart of Haute

Over the last few years I've had the pleasure of shooting and reviewing lots of brilliant garments from Heart of Haute (formerly Heartbreaker Clothing) and last year I even got the chance to both meet and shoot with Mandie Bee while I was in the US for Viva Las Vegas! With an ever so slight name change Heart of Haute are creating even more stunning designs for girls of all shapes and sizes.

Together we have joined forces once again to show off some brilliant garments for you, my lovelies! A  few weeks ago, we filled the back seat with frocks and shoes and drove up to Bendigo to shoot my current favorites with Katherine Davis Photography. In the middle of a heatwave we rocked out my favourite styles with the most perfect Aussie summer backdrop.

Now some items are available right now on Heart of Haute and some are sadly sold out. I'll be linking back to available items.

Madeline Dress in Blue - Sale for $69.00

Luichiny Eye Doll Platforms in Red - $89.95

Now this dress has been discontinued at Heart of Haute website but I've searched the internet and found it for you in all sizes and on sale! This is the ultimate Mod dress for work or play in the cooler months. The thick fabric is super soft and stretchy allowing the dress to hug all your curves. 

I'm wearing each style in this post in the Extra Large and I've found that this style specifically fits me very well but would like to get it taken in a small amount as I want it to hug my waist a little more as I've clipped the waist a smidgen. The Madeline dress fits my bust and waist like a dream though and really makes an hourglass figure pop. 

I adore this dress and would love it to come back in every possible colour. It's perfect for work or play and feels amazing on. The collar and cuff details are adorable and I love the almost Alice in Wonderland look of it.

Terri Top in Blue - $38.00

The lightweight, curve hugging and super soft Terri Top is the best stripe top I've worn in years! Usually having a curvy body you tend to fear horizontal stripes but not me, I love them. This top is beautifully constructed and works so well with my body shape. 

In the perfect shade of blue, it will fit in perfectly with all nautical inspired items in my wardrobe. This top works perfectly with both small and big chest sizes. The gathered bust does wonders for large and sits higher if you don't have such a large bust.

I've paired this with my favourite pencil skirt and a nautical inspired waist belt. Such a simple combination but it works so well! The Terri Top is also long enough to wear over jeans and skirt and layer throughout the year.

Monique Dress in Amber Rose - $99.00

The Monique Dress is a super flattering summer dress with a high neckline appropriate for work or functions where you don't want to show much bust. Without seeing this on a model my size I was unsure of the fit and if it would suit my curves. But the simple matching fabric sash belt nips me in at the small of my waist and makes my curves pop! 

This fabric is amazing! The colour combination paired with simple red accessories is stunning and you can also get the Amber Rose fabric in both the Maxine Dress and the Hilda Dress. It's the kind of fabric you want in all styles. 

The fit on this style is spot on for my measurements. I can't get enough of it and will be getting many different versions in the future. This style will be brilliant layered when the weather cools down and with boots, tights and cardigans in the cooler months. 

Love this dress? Well you can get purchase this flattering and stunning shape in heaps of other prints! 

So many to choose from!!! 

Maxine Dress in Rosa - $108.00

More amazing fabrics to make you drool. The Maxine dress is a showstopper in the Rose blue, white and red floral print. This dress is designed to show off the small of your waist and make you look and feel amazing. I love the gathered skirt with pockets, the contrasting red ties at the neck with the sweetest bow and the general shape of the dress. 

In an XL this is as per usual a spot on fit and a dream to wear. The higher neckline shows off just a hint of bust but not too much. I think this style would look great on smaller busts as well. There is also a back tie so you can tighten or loosen the waist to your liking.

Jolene Dress in On The Dot - $100

Almost a shirt dress, almost a dinner dress the Jolene is a rocking little frock that everyone should have in there wardrobe. Designed to made to accentuate the bust line and tuck in the middle it gives a bust hourglass girl like me brilliant shape. 

With contrasting black panels and a matching waist belt in the same fabric it creates the illusion of a great bust and tiny waist. 

While this dress fits both my bust and my arms perfectly the waist was a tiny bit loose. The fabric belt helped with cinching the waist in but a thicker more sturdy belt would do wonders I think. I also adore the On The Dot print as it's a welcome change from the normal pinup polka-dot style.

The Etta Dress in Blue Anchor Print  - $84.00

Luichiny Ver Mont Wedges in Yellow - $89.95

The Etta is a dress version of the Ella Top which I have in my collection and absolutely adore. The dress version fits fits as it does in the top variation, buttoning up at the front with a super cute tie at high up one the collar. This then buttons all the way down and flairs to a skirt. Now this dress was a strange fit as it's two pieces - one for the top half and one for the skirt. 

My new Ver Mont Luichiny Wedges paired perfectly with this baby blue dress and I love the almost 70's platform feature. These are super high yet feel like you are walking on air. Such a brilliant summer shoe! 

 

Around the tummy area you have the second piece that is the bottom of the skirt. This gave me a really strange shape and I had to cinch in the waist to make it work with my figure. Although as a whole this dress is super cute and perfect for summer.

You can also purchase this style in top form with fabric options including Bees, Raining Cats, Kitties, Anchor, Mini Daisies and Black. I think after trying both the dress and the top, I'm still 100% a Ella Top fan and need every print asap starting with the adorable bees.

Thank you to the brilliant Mandie Bee for styling this shoot and for Katherine Davis for braving the scorching heat with me and shooting up a storm! Be sure to like Heart of Haute on Facebook and you can also follow Katherine's work on her fan page.

Fancy Florals

After numerous posts and reviews showing off the brilliant styles from Stop Staring Clothing I wanted to do something a little different. Step out of my comfort zone and steer clear of black, so I went in the opposite direction - pale and floral!!

Stop Staring  WTRCL-03 FLORA - $158.00

Luichiny Van Essa in Fuchia - $ 89.95

So I went for the most pretty and ultimately feminine dress I could find and I'm completely wrapped with the results! Much like the Bombshell style the Flora dress is figure flattering, soft and so very stunning in reality. The print is amazing and with all the colours you won't have any issue finding the most perfectly suited accessories. I found these amazing pumps from Luichiny to compliment this fabric perfectly. 

I am wearing this style in an XL and as you can see there is a little excess fabric around my waist. I was originally worried about the stretch sateen fabric being too small but it turns out the waist of this dress is huge on me! I will get this tailored to fit though as the rest of the dress is perfect. I assume the bulk fabric is supposed to drape and flatter your curves but due to this being a little big it just needs a few tweaks.

See I'm braving small sleeves again, I will come to love my arms eventually.

The white belt is from my own collection and I chose to not add any other accessories other than the bright Fuchia pumps from Luichiny. I love this dress and with a short trip to the tailor it will be 100% perfect for my body.  If you have any questions about the fit on any part of my body don't be afraid to ask.

I'm in love with the soft pale shades in this fabric and I even love the pink background! I think all this colour is having a great effect on me. 

Next on my wish list from Stop Staring :

SOCIETY-03 TNHDS - $162.00

I want this dress so bad it hurts! From the hounds-tooth fabric, to the belted waist, the sculpted bust and the adorable bow. My body and this dress are meat to be together.

TORI-03 BLKTP - $158.00

I adore dark floral prints and this cut is stunning. I would wear this with every bolero and cardigan in my collection. The red roses pop so perfectly on the black background.

TIMLS-03 GREEN - $158.00

A classic 1940's style dress with amazing details and in the perfect shade for my bright red hair. So divine!

Many thanks to my awesome boss and brilliant photographer Andrew Oatham of Soho Studios who shot these images for me.

Miskonduct - Another Review!!

If you are a regular reader of my blog you will know all about Miskonduct from my previous dress review and posts.

Miskonduct is a Modern Vintage Boutique based in Newcastle and they also have an online store. With everything from Dresses, separates, shoes and accessories you can find everything you want or need via their website.

But that's enough information lets get down to the nitty gritty and do a dress review!!!

The Birdie Dress in Blue (sold out but now in Cream!!) - $159.99

Bolero in Red - $59.99

 Luichiny Eye Doll Platforms -$89.99

A perfect print, in a perfect style and a perfect fit! The Birdie dress is light weight, soft and so comfortable to wear. I was a little worried about fit when it arrived given my 41 inch bust but I'm actually wearing this without a bra and it's a perfect fit. Even without  the bra I'm completely supported and comfortable. Thes V neck front is flattering and it shows just the right amount of cleavage, there is also a deep v on the back as well. I'm wearing this style in a size 14.

How adorable is this print? You will fall in love with these little birdies when you see this fabric in the flesh. The cream version of this dress is stunning and I don't know which I love more!

I paired this dress with my beloved Betty Bolero and Red Pumps. Taking the large amount red tones used in the print and matching all my accessories. The bolero is perfectly paired with this dress. I'm slowly getting use to showing off my arms but I still love a good cover up. This works perfectly!

You can find this style and so many more stunning dresses perfect for all your Christmas/New Years Eve functions via Miskonduct's webstore or if you are lucky enough you can head into her store in Newcastle.

Many thanks to my awesome boss and brilliant photographer Andrew Oatham of Soho Studios who shot these images for me.

Jessica Louise Knows Curves!

A while back I emailed Jessica Louise Clothing and asked if I (a little larger back then) could fit into her largest size. This conversation started the ball rolling on many others and in the end the outcome - a full plus size range was created.

After helping gather sizes, measurements and lots of valuable information from the curvy girls of the world Jessica was oh so lovely and sent me a giant care package of the new plus styles to try out. It turns out I dropped a size since we started talking so I had to change everything for a smaller size - crazy stuff! I'm wearing a size XL in everything and I'm an Australia 14-16.

So with an amazingly cute, bright and fun wardrobe in hand that now fits like a glove I set up a shoot with the dream team of  Robin Elk Photography and this was the end result!

Lulabelle Green Leopard Top - $48.00

Hotness in top form! The Lulabelle top is amazingly sexy and so comfortable due to the stretch fabric. The neckline, sleeves and shape flatter larger busts and curves. The length of this top makes it suitable to be worn under high waist skirts and it's also long enough to wear with jeans. 

This style also comes in grey, blue and tan and once you purchase one you will love it that much you need ever colourway. I'm also a huge fan of the Lulabelle in the red and black pinup print. 

Be Mine Dress in Black - $58.00
Eye Doll Platform from Luichiny - $89.00

Little black dress for day or night, beach or bar - well this is the dress! Lace, buttons and a super cute skull, heart and bow motif make this absolutely adorable! 

This dress is so comfortable - seriously I've been wearing it non stop! It hugs your curves and gives you that va va voom shape. I adore the lace around the neckline and can't wait to layer this up in the colder months as well with cute cardigans, jackets etc. 

The Be Mine dress also comes in green leopard and stripe as well. Which do you lust after? 

Mermaid Dress in Red - $68.00
Eye Doll Platform from Luichiny - $89.00

Bright red paired with black and white stripe - oooooooh so yummy! Nothing is more suited in my mind than these two things. This colour way does not seem to exist on the website but you can find the pink dot, red and white stripe and black versions are all up and for sale right now!

Now I was not sure how this was worn when I first tried it on and only since checking it out on the website have I discovered that long set of strings was actually a halter! But I really love the way I'm wearing it in these images. Just like the all of Jessica Louise's styles this dress is stretchy, comfortable and hugs my curves and hour glass shape perfectly.

You can also wear this style off the shoulder as the cap sleeves work both up or down. The added extra of the bow and skull paired with the stripes give this dress a very Tim Burton like look which is brilliant. 

Cupcake Keyhole Stripe Top in Black and White - $48.00

The keyhole top is brilliant for large chests. Showing off just the right amount of cleavage while still looking totally adorable and girly! I'm a huge fan of stripes and you should be too! Don't be afraid to wear horizontal stripes when you are curvy they don't make you look bigger at all they can compliment your figure or even make your curves look better. 

Now this top is long enough to wear on it's own but to break up the stripe I paired it with my favorite Wheels and Dollbaby Essential logo skirt and it really makes my curves pop. As a cupcake addict I absolutely love the cupcake pin and bow feature on this top. 

Flounce Dress in Floral - $55.00
Scallop Vest - $55.00

Finally a perfect little floral dress for summer! I had my eye on the Flounce dress for a while now in the available prints so I was pleasantly surprised to find out Jessica had sent me this style in an adorable floral print. 

A shorter style than the other two dresses but just as flattering and cute. I adore the use of lace on all of Jessica's dresses and tops. The ribbon, bow and button details make this little frock perfect. 

Paired with the floral print is the super funky Scallop Vest in denim and leopard print. This adds that little bit more oomph to the outfit and that signature Jessica Louise styling. 

The vest also features the most adorable white flowers with tiny little bubble bees! You can see below the matching hair flowers that I'm wearing with this outfit. 

I will be living in this as soon as the weather warms up and simply changing your shoes can make this move from a day dress to a night out on the town dress.

Finally the most adorable hair flowers in the world to match my Scallop Vest. Stunning white flowers with super cute little bees to wear in my hair. I wanted to add a lot more floral to this look so I added my own big rose at the back from Andy's Eye Candy. You can find other accessories via Jessica's online shop.

Now knowing that I'm an XL in Jessica Louise Clothing I'll be adding to my collection and hopefully visiting her store when I'm over in the US in March 2013

PUG Lust List

It's that time again where Pinup Girl Clothing releases their 'Coming Soon' items images and I sit here drooling and making up my lust list.

There are so many amazing creations coming out over the next few months so my list is huge! Sadly I'm saving right now for my trip over to LA and Vegas in March/April so I can only dream about these amazing garments for now.

Please note all of these items are coming soon so if you click the links you can put your name on the waitlist and as soon as they are available and email will be sent! 

So here is my latest lust list:

 

Deadly Dames by Micheline Pitt Je T'Adore dress in Fetish Pinup Print - $148.00

  

I have this style in the blue Victorian rose print and it perfection in wiggle dress form. This must be in my collection!  

 

Pinup Couture Sophia Dress in Baton Rouge Meredith Satin - $140.00 

Long sleeves and swing style? Oh my PUG you have won my heart even more so! This will need to be purchased in every colour way.

 

 Pinup Couture Lorelei Dress in Deep Grey Polka Dot Bengaline - $124.00

Grey is one of my favorite colours to wear and paired with red pumps like in this shot - perfection. I'm a sucker for polka dots. Shown bellow on burnt orange.

 

 

Pinup Couture Lorelei Dress in Burnt Autumn Rust Bengaline - $124.00

The essential dress for every woman with curves. Nipping you in at the waist, hugging all your curves and making your cleavage to die for.  I'm swooning over this style so badly right now. But do I want the grey polka dot or the orange? 

 

Isabella Dress in Purple Reign Meredith Satin with French Lace trim - $200.00

  

The fit, the shape, the lace work and colour - amazing! The Isabella will make any woman feel drop dead gorgeous and look like a bombshell.  

 

Christina dress in Stretch Sateen - $118.00

A brilliant cut and stunning colour make the Christina dress a must have. 

 

Monica Dress by Laura Byrnes in Gold Lurex knit with Bengaline body shaper underneath - $180.00

If I was ever to marry I think this would be my wedding. A gold wedding dress - Hell Yes!! The construction of the Monica dress does wonders for girls with or without curves. 

Kinky Ruffles Skirt - Deadly Dames  in Red Victorian Rose Print - $108.00

Ruffles, roses and a high waist pencil style - yes please! While I'm here I'll take Micheline's whole outfit as well. 

So what's on your Holiday season lust list?