Sweet dreams with Glamour Bunny

Is it just me or has Autumn snuck up on us? It seems I've barely blinked between choosing sundresses and having to take my winter coat in for repairs!

The leaves are really amazing shades at my work at the moment and I'm taking great pleasure in the rustle as I cycle over piles of fallen gold and red. Despite the fact I'm a summer girl at heart and hate the drop in temperature there's something kind of magical about this time of year. Perhaps it's the witchy darkness creeping in or the tinkle of Christmas slowly approaching (or just the knowledge we can get the really dressy clothes out for party season) but the change of season always seems exciting. 

Having said that my post today is holding on to the summer for just a little bit longer. Pale lemon layers, delicate white lace, I give you the Glamour Bunny Lulu night set.....

Isn't it just every retro girls dream? Nightwear is mostly overlooked on the vintage and repro scenes yet I bet we've all spent time scouring eBay looking at old nighties! There's something about a baby doll night dress that conjures up vintage romance and, indeed, glamour.

Glamour Bunny has two different night sets in stock at the moment, the Lulu and the Fifi, and they're both currently on sale for £36 down from £48. Have you noticed I like a bargain!

I chose the Lulu as it has a softer, dreamier look to it, whereas the Fifi is full on sass. I also really loved this pale yellow. I'm not usually a huge fan of such light, girly colours but I thought this would go great with my hair and it's not a colour you see very much of. 

The set consists of a babydoll nightdress and matching gown. Both are fully lined and feature white lace and yellow ribbon detailing.

The material is mostly polyster but it feels light and soft due to the free waist and hips of the nightdress and the gathered sleeves on the gown. I went for a size Small for these reasons as I feared a gaping bust if I sized up! 

As soon as I opened the parcel I couldn't wait to put them on and pretend I was part of the Grease girls sleepover! That film was a serious part of my childhood people! And actually that's one of the best parts of retro and vintage, to feel like you're playing a part, re-creating something lost. A kick-ass pencil skirt suit can make you feel like a 40s femme fatale and a full circle dress can make you feel like you're off to the prom. It's all playing dress-up really and that's what makes it fun!

Not sure how this posing lark would have gone down with Rizzo....

If you too would like to have a little nostalgic make-believe n your life, get over to Glamour Bunny and snap up one of the remaining nightwear sets - then let's all have a sleepover!

All photos by the lovely Sally Molineaux

Oh Erika!

I don't think it's a secret that Pin Up Girl Clothing are one of my favourite brands.

They have a huge range of pin-up products, quick delivery (from the States), the quality is always outstanding and they have some of the best sales around. If you are not already signed up to their newsletter DO IT NOW! You'll get new product notifications and will be the first to hear about the sales where you can pick up some treasures for a fraction of their original prices. This also means that you can take a chance on something you might not be too sure about. I did exactly that with the Erika Dress....

I'd fallen in love with the print but don't tend to go for anything quite so figure hugging. I was also concerned that it was so dressy I'd never wear it (forgetting how easy it is to find reasons to wear beautiful dresses!). It hit the sale at half price for $60 in the last online yard sale so I went for it and I love, love, love it! 

The fit is perfect. I chose a Small and with minimal shapewear it clings but flatters. Here I just had some trusty Spanx underneath (which you couldn't see through the dress despite being black).

It's the details that really make this dress though.

The print I got was Vintage Red Rose, sumptuous red and orange roses on a white background with dark green leaves. Ruching around the bust creates a flattering shape and would work especially well for bustier ladies! The velvet bow beneath the bust is an extra cute detail that breaks up the pattern a little.

The back features a kick-pleat, giving you room to move as well as a classic chic look.

Did I mention it comes with a matching Bolero? 

I was worried this would be too tight on my arms due to some dabbling in weight-lifting but it fit perfectly. I have relatively broad shoulders so this might be something to consider when thinking about sizing - the Bolero was a lot more snug than the dress. 

Although this version is no longer on the site the Erika dress is available in three other colourways -  Vintage Rose which is a soft pink on a dark grey background, Yellow Rose (in plus size too) which is a yellow rose on a white background, and Yellow and Plum Rose (in plus size too) which is a purple rose on a yellow background. Just search 'Erika' on the site. Although currently all full price at $120 dollars these are show-stoppers that would be ideal for a special occasion, I've used more pictures than usual today simply because I was happy with every single one in this dress, not a fault of my wonderful photographer but my own pickiness. This is a classic, classy and elegant dress that will definitely turn heads and continues my love affair with all things PUG.

*All photography by the lovely Sally Molineaux

Joining Freddies Chain Gang...

Despite wearing repro and pin-up style clothing for a few years now, I'd never bought anything from amazing repro brand Freddies of Pinewood before. This was mainly due to my compulsive fear of denim and specifically, gulp, jeans. These being Freddies speciality I'd browsed but never committed to a purchase before. 

Seeing the Chain Gang jumpsuit in the sale for only £45 was the push I needed.....

A true 1950s greaser dream. The Chain Gang features a shirt style top, cropped trousers and a medium width, adjustable belt to provide that killer silhouette. While it has a denim effect look in grey pinstripe the suit is actually mostly cotton making it a little more lightweight than denim. The fabric has the perfect balance between being stiff enough to keep it's shape but flexible enough to cling to your curves. 

As I don't have the biggest waist to hip ratio I tend to choose sizes based on the waist measurement. There's nothing worse than having something fit everywhere else but cut in uncomfortably around the waist, especially if you want to, you know, sit down or something. Making the decision to have slightly roomier hips but not get cheese-wired every time I moved I went with a size 28. The measurements on the Freddies site are provided in cms which I found a little strange and, I'll admit, meant I had to use an online converter tool for. The 28 has a roughly 28 inch waist measurement and 43 inch hip measurement. This was actually a little loose on the waist and as you can see definitely gave me space to spare generally but I'm pretty sure the size down would have been far too small (with a 26 inch waist where mine is a 27). I actually liked having a bit of room in this as it's the sort of thing I'd wear out for a casual meal or drinks when it's nice not to have to get the shape-wear out. I used the belt to cinch the waist in a bit and made the most of being able to move by dancing like crazy the first time I wore it out.

Despite having to tab between browser windows to convert measurements I found the Freddies size guides really useful as they feature extra measurements that some brands don't. For example, thigh and inside leg measurements which have caught me out in the past. As a majority online shopper this was a real selling point! It was also great to know the length of the cropped trouser leg on this piece which ended up being the ideal length on me when paired with a heel. 

Overall I really enjoyed my first Freddies of Pinewood shopping experience and love this jumpsuit! You can still get it in Freddies sizes 24 and 30 in the sale section of the site for £45. As something which I know I'll be getting a lot of wear out of through Autumn and Winter I'd recommend snapping one up!

*All photos by the lovely Sally Molineaux

Cuban Heat!

Following on from my last post here's another little beauty that I meant to write about for ages and haven't really had much chance to wear yet (plus also being a little bit scared about the amount of leg it exposes!).

Introducing the Cuban Heat Ruffle Romper by The Oblong Box Shop..............

The Oblong Box Shop are an American online retailer with an emphasis on bright and bold retro inspired fashion. Browsing their website is a colour injection that can't help but make you smile. Their novelty print skirts are a must for fans of kitsch and chessecake styles and they stock a great range of block coloured tops so that you can match any outfit. They have also introduced a range of men's button-downs and t-shirts. I've always found it strange that there isn't more stuff out there for the retro fellas so it's nice to see some options for them! 

I couldn't resist the playful yet relaxed look of this playsuit. Compared to a lot of my wardrobe which is pretty dressy this feels more casual but still glam and works well for transition from day into evening wear - something you can't always say for pin up style clothing!

As you can see it's pretty short! Something which I usually avoid but the wide neckline helps to balance out your bottom half if this is something you're nervous about. I'll admit that I did first wear this with leggings but with a pair of heels on the length isn't quite so scary.

It's a simple piece but I love the bright colour. I don't own much blue but since I went green with the hair it's something I've tried to wear more of as I love the colours together. The neckline is the only detail you need and gives a more demure edge to it than some other playsuits as it covers the bust. Personally with something this short I couldn't cope with also having a low neckline so it's a good gateway playsuit if you will!

As the fabric is stretchy I went for a Small and it fits perfectly. While I had to pay shipping costs these weren't too high and I didn't get any random extra customs charges so for something I will probably wear holiday after holiday I'm pretty damn happy. 

While this style is now sold out they have a lovely range of Hawaiian playsuits in stock and the Copa Cobana dress, which has a similar feel around the neckline but with much more length, is now in the sale in five different colourways! I'll definitely be ordering again!

All photos by the lovely Sally Molineaux

Seashells and sun

Well, summer hasn't really arrived this year and most of my sunshine-y wardrobe has been gathering dust at the back of my over-stuffed wardrobe. As someone who is constantly cold, pin up styling can sometimes be a bit of a problem as it does involve a lot of dresses, skirts and little tops that just don't work with modern layering. When you've taken the time to put together a really cute outfit, throwing a long cardigan or jumper over it is the last thing you want to do. So to show off the fabulousness of some of those retro pieces you sometimes just have to deal with goosebumps and colds. Beauty is pain right ; )

I'm still keeping my fingers crossed for a late blooming summer, a few days or weeks of unbroken sunshine and the opportunity to go hosiery free and step out in some of my summer bargains. The summer sales have been abundant with tempting swimwear and picnic dresses that I know in my heart I probably won't be able to wear until next year. Not that that's stopped me investing in a few pieces to save for a sunny day.......particularly when the Collectif sale started..........

Collectif are one of my favourite brands for affordable, modern pin up styling. They usually run a couple of ranges each season, one inspired by more traditional vintage and another with more of a modern pin up vibe. Their summer pieces this year have been gorgeous - pineapples, strawberries and flamingos printed across a range of pieces. It was their beachy prints that caught my eye when they were first released though and my first basket addition as soon as the sale hit.

I snapped up this pleated skirt, covered in shells and seahorses for £27.50 down from £55.

The skirt has plenty of room for a petticoat and sits at the perfect point on the waist to hide the fact you've eaten 674 Mr Whippy's....

I paired it with a pair of old Topshop chunky heeled sandals to give a bit of height as I don't have the longest legs in the world and the skirt falls at a traditional vintage, below-knee length.

Now, let's talk about the cardigan.......

That cardigan has been reappearing in my dreams all summer and I kept dithering about buying it until it disappeared from the Collectif website, all sold out :( 

I kept hoping it might make a reappearance, bought the skirt anyway and waited to no avail. Then, while browsing other sales, found it with a £10 discount on the Audrey Stars Boutique website and did an internal fist pump before swiftly checking out!

Just look at the little lobster! 

I don't know why it makes me so excited but it does, it's just beautiful in all it's embroidered, crustacean glory! 

This cardigan is also a perfect shape and fit for wearing alone with a skirt or shorts as I did, or layering over a top or dress. The sleeve length is my ideal as I tend to turn up long sleeves and a short sleeve sometimes leaves me a little chilly. It teams perfectly with the skirt and would be lovely for a day on the beach collecting shells or afternoon tea at a coastal cafe.......

After thinking I'd never get my hands on that cardigan I was thrilled to track it down and don't mind that I may have to wait until 2016 to give this combo a proper outing. You can still get the cardigan in the sale in a size 10 at Audrey Stars Boutique along with lots of other retro bargains. The skirt is sold out on the Collectif site but you can get the similar Florence skirt in the reverse colourway in a size 12 or the Adele dress in this print in a size 22. You'll have to be quick though as the sales are almost over for this year!

All photos by the lovely Sally Molineaux

Bella Donna dreams

A little while ago I was tempted by the PUG online yard sale and picked up a few discounted beauties. It's hard to resist any PUG sale. I was lucky in that I wasn't coveting anything too hard at the time but I still thought I'd have a little browse. Then a few things found their way into my basket, you know, just in case, just to think about.... Then somehow I was entering in my payment details...

Any kind of sale has a weird affect one me. Things I'd thought were kind of pretty suddenly become must-haves and I find myself whittling down a wishlist that I never would have considered before! A PUG sale is extra dangerous because most of the site falls into the wishlist. The prices are the only thing that holds me back. Reduce those and I'm hopeless. This will probably end up with me living in a garden shed, dressed immaculately in retro evening gowns that I wear to sleep in.

The speed of the PUG website during a sale proves that I'm not alone in this though. I've got some soul-sisters out there, tensely waiting for each page to load. It's worth the wait though when you pick up a bargain like this....

The Bella Donna dress in black with red rose border print by PUG brand Pinup Couture. I'd admired the flamenco flare of this style before but probably wouldn't have parted with the full $144. For $60 however, I was sold.

The dress has a nice full skirt that you could fit a petticoat under but also looks fine without. It's not as full as the Harley dress so it's easier to wear without one. The adjustable, thick straps and boned bodice make for a secure fit that would work with a range of body shapes. The fabric is a sturdy cotton mix with a beautiful rose print along the skirt.

One day I'll remember to iron my dresses....

As if that wasn't pretty enough it's finished with a row of little pom-poms along the hem and neckline!

So cute!! 

I choose a M in this dress and it fits perfectly. I definitely prefer the look of the dress with a belt though. It helps accentuate the shape of the dress and pull it together.

If you like Spanish/Flamenco inspiration this is the dress for you! It's sadly no longer available in this colourway but you can get it in red with a black border print or red with an Italian landscape border print over on the PUG website. Both dresses have different feels, The red with rose border has the same look as this black version but the Italian border print is amazing and evokes the Riviera (no pom-poms on this version).

Sign up to the PUG newsletter to get alerts about their sales and snap up a bargain!

All photos by the lovely Sally Molineaux

Got myself a Harley.............

That's right a Harley dress by Pinup Couture at Pin Up Girl Clothing!

I've gone a bit PUG mad lately. Ever since I got the Laced Up Jumpsuit and an awesome vampire mouth bag back in March and fell in love with the quality of the products and the wow factor they somehow weave in there. I'd seen so much of PUG on other blogs and Instagram but was put off by the pricing - comparable with other repro brands but then there's the cost of shipping to the UK - and not really knowing the brands. With my favourite UK brands I know enough about them to be able to work out what should suit me, which size to go for etc but PUG was a complete unknown and I was wary of making mistakes. I'm so glad I put that aside and just went for it as I now feel confident in their shipping (super fast) and the quality of their products. I'm still working out the sizing but more on that later - let's take a look at the dress!

Lets just get out of the way the fact I didn't have time to iron it before the photos - it looks a million times better with an iron run over it. And, yes, I now have green hair....

Anyway........the dress......I went for the peach colourway, as my first choice (the pastel yellow) was out of stock and I don't have much of this sort of colour in my wardrobe. Coincidentally it also compliments the green hair very well! I agree with Miss Amy May that the dress is more of a coral colour than peach but it's still a lovely soft colour that should work well with different skin tones. Unfortunately I hadn't read Amy's Harley article (you should though, she's great) before purchasing and I definitely made a mistake on the sizing.

I went for a medium as I have a 28 inch waist and the guide said 28-29 inches. It does add that you should size down if you are in between but I figured the S would be too tight at 26-27 inches and I quite like being able to sit down with cutting myself in half. However, as you can see this is too loose in the waist and, more obviously, in the bust which I overlooked in selecting a size. I'm not the most busty of gals so this could relate more to my sizing than the overall fit of the dress as the neckline felt very comfortable. I could have returned and exchanged it but I left it too late to qualify while I mulled over the fit and the hassle of posting back to the US. It's such a pretty, quality piece that I'll probably alter it or get it professionally taken in at some point. Or I'll just use it as an excuse to eat lots of chocolate!

I popped a Hell Bunny petticoat on underneath to give it shape but it is wearable without as it is a very full circle skirt. The Hell Bunny petticoats aren't too voluminous so I'd probably wear this to go out unless it was for something very dressy or a 50s themed event where I wouldn't look too insane with a giant petticoat! The length is a classic 50s below knee that finished about mid-calf on me at 5 ft 5 in.

Overall I'm pretty happy with this despite my error in the sizing. It's something you have to learn when trying new brands and could have gone a lot worse so I'm more than happy to carry on experimenting!


All photos by the lovely Sally Molineaux