I Carried A Watermelon With Lindy Bop

I love a novelty print. Actually, I BLOODY LOVE a novelty print. And right now, there's one brand killing it on the novelty front; Lindy Bop! I've posted a few of my favourite novelty prints from them before, and I'm always in awe of the quality. So I jumped at the chance to review the Lindy Bop Bambi Dress - in Watermelon Pip Print!

Surprisingly for some, I don't often wear red dresses for fear of clashing against my hair, but I just fell in love with this print. Unlike other watermelon prints, it's just the flesh and pips, which I think makes it unique. It also reminds me of some abstract art, so it makes me feel just a liiiittle bit cultured!

I also generally steer clear of orange-based reds because of the hair and skin tone. However, I don't think this looks bad at all? Oooh, that means I've gone and learned something about myself.

The Bambi Dress is a cute little sundress with a sweetheart neckline, elasticated waist and back, and side seam pockets. I'll say off the bat - this runs LARGE. I usually wear a 22 in Lindy Bop, and I'm wearing an 18 in this dress, but could easily go down to a 16. I always end up talking about my boobs when reviewing, but being less-busty means the straps are a bit loose for me. 

The elasticated waist is a great design point, but can end up a bit too blousy in the bodice if you don't size down. My sizing suggestion is; go one size down from your usual Lindy Bop size if you're busty. Two sizes down if you're less busty. Three sizes down for a much more fitted look.

It's funny how recently I'm less inclined to dress up because of anxiety - I've always dressed 'weird' or 'outlandish' since a young age. I've got one hell of a hard shell because of this, and although it's been a long time since I've had any comments, it's been a bit difficult to be looked at so much.

Also funny because I decided to take all my photos in a busy London park by myself, which really opens you up to questions, looks and people taking photos. How on earth do anxious bloggers do this all the time?!

But hey, aside from anxiety - how cute is the Biscuit Shop Grab Bag from Vendula London?

Wearing black with this dress was my attempt to almost tone it down because it's a real in-your-face colour, but the white bag brings out those white accents and I kinda love it. I'd love to wear this with green, too, to up the Watermelon realness! 

Buuuuut godamnit this dress is comfy, and if we ever have the sun back I'm going to wear it all summer! 

Hair Flower; Handmade
Brooch; Luxulite
Bangles; Splendette
Dress; C/O Lindy Bop (Disclaimer)
Bag; Vendula London (Disclaimer)
Shoes; Yours Clothing 

Something White, Something Blue With Dolly and Dotty

Red is clearly my favourite colour - but I have a lot of love for blues! And there's something about blue and white that really just grabs me every time. So I was so excited to be offered this Dolly And Dotty Annie Dress in Blue Floral to review!

Dolly and Dotty is a relatively new company in the vintage reproduction game that came to my attention a year or so ago. Their ethos is to create vintage inspired designs in modern fits for an affordable price. So I hope this is helpful for those of you also interested in the quality!

Dolly And Dotty have joined a lot of brands with having sizing from 6-24, which I find wonderful, personally. Their size guide put me between the 20 and 22, which is my usual sizing in most brands. However! I will suggest at least in the Annie style to size down. I was sent a 22 to review, but I'm wearing an 18 here, which is the perfect size for me.

I've mentioned a few times before that I have a small bust for my size, and I have bottom-heavy breasts. This is important to know and keep in mind because a larger or fuller bust would need a larger size than I took. Also because of the bottom-heavy breasts issue, I find a lot of these high-neck bodices gape. This is an issue on all brands, but as you can see in the above photo I've got quite a gap going on under my hand! There's no real way of rectifying the issue outside of popping in a dart or avoiding the bodice style, though - so don't take that into consideration with the overall fit.

The dress' fabric is a cotton blend with a small amount of stretch, and the print is clear and vibrant. The Annie is a summer dress and isn't lined, but there is no worry of showing off your underwear! The fabric is just thick enough to keep those undergarments hidden.

It's a real beaut of a dress, to be honest with you. I prefer pleating over gathering in skirts, since there's no extra volume on the stomach/hips. This dress is perfect for that! The waist seam comes a little lower than my natural waist, so if you're tall this is for you.

I think the only downside is there's no pockets!

Now you've heard my thoughts on this dress - and Dolly And Dotty have so many designs and patterns to choose from! We'd love you to try them out - and if you use the code SPONSOREDBYD&D you can even get a cheeky 10% off!

• Necklace; Vintage
• Dress; C/O Dolly and Dotty (Disclaimer)
• Hair Flower; Handmade
• Brooch; Luxulite
• Bag; Vintage
• Bangles; Splendette

When No Inspiration Strikes

I've spent so long trying to write a post about this outfit. 

I've been trying to be witty, or profound or informative. But I'm uninspired.

Over the last few weeks I’ve been in this little rut. There’s a dip in my moods and depression has been riding on my back to remind me it’s there all the time. It's been a bit difficult. I'm tired, irritated, unhappy and completely uninspired.

Motivation to do everyday things has run thin, I can't bring myself to get out of bed or complete simple enough tasks. It sucks.

The good news is that I'm working on it. Accepting help has been quite terrifying for me, as though I was giving into my mental illness. But it's not that at all, it's helping me live with something that affects my daily life.

I've become so aware of myself in recent weeks that I'm torn in two ways - in one, I'm learning on how to better myself. In the other, understanding myself has meant I'm too overwhelmed to actually do anything about it. But slowly I'm changing my thought processes, challenging myself daily and finding small pockets of motivation to carry out tasks.

I'm pushing on through, trying to refocus and work out my long term goals and ambitions. Starting to take a little better care of myself and my appearance and dressing nicer. And most importantly for my state of mind - I'm managing to get my mojo back with creativity and am drawing and sewing a bit more!

Progress is progress, right?

• Cardigan; Collectif
• Earrings; Bow and Crossbones
• Brooch; Luxulite
• Dress & Necklace; Handmade
• Belt & Sunglasses; Primark
• Bag; Sunjellies
• Shoes; Melissa 

Ahoy Sailor with Yours Clothing!

So I have a theory that every child born in the 80s and 90s was dressed up as a sailor at least once in their life by their parents.

And I've kept this penchant for nautical themes and sailor dresses all the way through my adult life, clearly!

So when picking a dress from the Hell Bunny range on Yours Clothing, really, there was no other option than the Ambeleside - a navy flared dress with nautical striping details on the collar, cuffs and hem, and a sweet little sailor collar!

Originally, I ordered the 22-24 based on the bust measurements on their size guide, and I will tell you that was a real mistake! Like the last time I reviewed a Hell Bunny dress, I found this came up big - this time at least five inches too big, and could grab fistfuls of fabric either side of my waist.

Since this is a fit-and-flare dress, it looked awful being so huge. I swapped it (with ease thanks to collect+ and fantastic service) for the 18 - and this is the absolute perfect size for me! So I would suggest to go by the waist measurements on their Hell Bunny size guide instead of the bust - my 50inch bust fits in the 18 without is being tight, despite it saying an 18 is a 44inch bust.

The dress itself is so lovely, it's a dark navy, crepe-like polyester, but even in summer heat is still very breathable. The colour is just right to make sure it isn't quite so costumey, which makes it perfect for all occasions without having to go full sailor-mode - it'd look adorable with a sailor hat, though!

Obviously being from Hell Bunny it's a straight-up retro styled dress, but is slightly more on the 40's side with the way the bodice is cut - I've made a dress with a similar bustline before, and I was delightfully surprised that this dress had been altered correctly to fit modern day busts since usually the gathering sits higher than the Ambelside.

Whilst taking these photos (If you're ever in Alexandra Palace, you may encounter me and my tripod!) I had a lot of compliments on this dress, and it deserves it! It has slight stretch to give you a perfect fit, a gored flared skirt that will take bigger petticoats than I'm wearing, and it's just a bit too cute, right? I bet my mum will like this dress, thanks to the aforementioned obsession in then 80s/90s of dressing kids up in sailor stuff.

Literally the only thing I don't like? It doesn't have pockets. That's it, you can't complain when there's only one thing wrong, right?
Although I'm interested if you'd wear a sailor dress - let me know in the comments!

• Dress; Hell Bunny C/O Yours Clothing 
• (Disclaimer)
• Necklace; Handmade
• Hair flowers; Lady Lucks Boutique
• Handbag; Vintage
• Shoes; Rocket Originals

Outside The Comfort Zone with Yours Clothing

I would say I’m a pretty self-loving, positive human being.

I believe that loving yourself for who you are at this very minute is possibly the most important thing that a person can do.

But I still hate my belly. 

Hate it in the most loving way possible, but there’s no denying my entire style is revolved around hiding my belly - petticoats and full skirts are ‘the best’ silhouettes for me because it emphasises my waist, but skims over the ol’ stomach. 

So when Yours Clothing offered a collaboration, I thought it was about time I break down my own barriers and try something a little different, since I spend so much time telling other people to embrace themselves and be comfortable no matter what.

So I chose this dress. It's not exactly a slinky pencil skirt, but considering the styles I've been wearing the last few years, it was so far out of my comfort zone! 

And you know what? I feel great.

The dress itself is really lovely, a faux-wrap bodice with short sleeves, and straight-cut skirt with slight gathering both back and front to accommodate a little junk in the tum 'n' trunk, which is pretty great for a fuller shape like mine. 

I was originally attracted to it since it has a hint of 40's styling (another style out of my comfort zone), and I think it could easily be used in similar vintage inspired looks for my vintage girls out there looking for everyday clothing - but since it's made from jersey with a bold print, it's still modern enough for you gals that aren't so interested in dressing in the style.

One thing I love about Yours Clothing is that it actually caters for larger sizing, focussing on fit and comfort first and foremost. This dress is from their own collection and comes in sizes 16-36, and at just £29 it's not just accessible for quite a range of sizes, but also just incredibly affordable.

I took the 22 in this, based off the sizing of the hips alone, because I wanted to make sure the dress wasn't stretched over my stomach. I definitely chose the right size for a comfortable fit for me without showing so much VBO (Visible Belly Outline if you weren't sure) - this does mean it's a little loose on the bust and a lot loose on the waist, but that was a calculated risk I took, even if I'm sure I could fit into the 18! 

Also! The shoes I'm wearing are from Yours Clothing as well, and other than being adorable, lightweight and literally THE MOST COMFORTABLE HEELS EVER - these Block Heel Sandals are in two colours and sizes 4E-9E. you read that right, darlings, wide fit sandals you can wear all day and night! For £15, you'd be stupid to not buy them!

Dress; C/O Yours Clothing (Disclaimer)

Bolero; Collectif

Brooch; Luxulite

Necklace and Earrings; Vintage

Bag; Vendula London (Disclaimer)

Shoes; C/O Yours Clothing (Disclaimer)

So I'm not going to BS you darlings, I'm not suddenly going to be baring the VBO at all times, but a dress like this is perfect for the start of the second part of my own body acceptance journey. 

I really hope you all join me and challenge that comfort zone this weekend! 

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Dinner and A Drive In With Lindy Bop!

Every now and then two items come together and you realise they were clearly made for each other.

Today, those two things are the Drive-In print Audrey Dress from Lindy Bop and The Diner Box Bag from Vendula London.

See? Made. For. Each. Other.

Over the last few months, I've become somewhat obsessed with the border prints from Lindy Bop, and I was lucky to be asked to choose one to review for you guys!

The Audrey is their signature silhouette, a Breakfast-At-Tiffany's-style bodice with a gathered skirt that flares from the natural waist. Based on the size guide on their website and previously-ordered Audrey sizes, I got the 22 in this style.
I will say off the bat, this dress is actually on the tight side especially across the bust for me, so I would suggest sizing up unless you have a really small bust - maybe even two for you busty gals out there!

Pro-tip; don't try on a dress when drunk, overlook the tight bust and take the tags off straight away. Silly idea!

The base colour is a lovely midnight blue, with bright red, yellow and blue balloons flying throughout the night sky that makes up the top of the skirt and the bodice - and of course, the border print of brightly-coloured Chevrolet's driving on through the theatre!

I know the one question I always get asked about Lindy Bop items is because of their price point (This dress was originally £35 full price!) people are sceptical of the quality of the items - I'm going to put it out there that you're going to be so pleasantly surprised. The fabric is a nice medium-weight cotton with a little stretch and a hint of a sheen, making it soft against the skin and fall nicely. As this is a spring/summer dress it's not fully lined, but the bodice is lined in a soft cotton.

It also features my favourite thing ever - POCKETS in the side seam!

Fitting issues aside, as that was mostly my fault for not ordering a larger size before I ripped the tags off (thank you wine), I actually love this dress. Not only is the quality great, but the colours are so wonderful and it really makes the print and wearing a red cardigan and accessories really made the whole thing pop! It does come with a belt, but it was more coral-red than true-red so I swapped it for my own.

And of course, I had to add the Diner Box Bag to the outfit - the colours were so on point with the dress, it would have been a shame not to! 

Hair Flowers; Lady Luck's Boutique

Necklace; Vintage

Bangles; Splendette and Vintage

Earrings; Bow and Crossbones

Brooch; Luxulite

Dress; C/O Lindy Bop (Disclaimer)

Bolero; Collectif

Bag; Vendula London (Disclaimer)

Shoes; Rocket Originals

Now since I mentioned the Diner Box Bag... It's time to announce the winner of the Vendula London Giveaway! 
Drum roll please...

Alieke Maaike! 

Congratulations Alieke! Please check your emails because I'll be sending you a cheeky little email soon!

And thank you all for participating, I wish you could of all won! 

Celebrating One Year at Vendula London - And a GIVEAWAY!

Okay, okay.

I know I go on about Vendula London all the time. I know you've seen so many of their products on my blog posts and Instagram. But hey, last week I celebrated one whole year with the company, so I wanted to take a little moment to talk about the brand, show you where I work - and oh yeah, there's a GIVEAWAY!

Now I'm sure you already know Vendula London is a handbag and accessory brand. Started in 2003, it's animal-friendly and only uses faux leathers - but are also some of the most interesting, and importantly, intricate items you'll probably ever see. Each bag and purse are printed, embossed and appliquéd to be completely original and incredibly detailed, so much so that even the backs are printed!

My main job (other than running around China and Japan ;) ) is actually running our only retail store - settled in an adorable little place off London's Southbank called Gabriel's Wharf. The little shopping square is just up from the iconic OXO tower and features sole traders and designer/makers, creating a unique boutique experience which is just wonderful to be a part of.

Our most popular designs are our Shop Front styles - handbags and purses in a range of sizes and prices with shop-front-themed detailing. You've seen a few of these styles on the blog before as they're my personal favourite styles we do, the ones featured in this photo are new for SS17 - The Biscuit Shop, The Diner (!) and the Sewing Shop (!!)

But we're not limited to just the Shop Fronts! We also have our pastel dream of a Charm range all nicely organised at the back of the shop, where you can customise your plain bag with box sets of Charms - Or as I do, mix and match as jewellery too!

We've got other unique styles in store, too - this season we've got the Caravan, Butterfly Explorer and Parrot Paradise (and some good sale stuff, juuuuust saying!) in stock, and really, I'd love for you all to come and experience Vendula London in this little shop!

Now - the exciting part! You can now have a chance to win your own Vendula London bag!

We're giving away either a Sewing Shop or Diner Box Bag to one lucky winner - Entry is simple, go on Vendula London's website and tell me what your favourite item is in a comment and follow me and Vendula London on Instagram!

And for a whopping 6 extra entries, follow me on Bloglovin' and both of us on Facebook!

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Good luck, guys!

And in the mean time, if you fancy popping down and saying hi, here's our address;

Vendula London Shop

Gabriel's Wharf

Unit 15, 56 Upper Ground

London

SE1 9PP

On Outfit Posting and Body Image

In my new-found energy with making this blog, y'know, a fully-functioning blog without six-month gaps between each post - I've not only been making more of an effort to look good, but also grab actual photos of it so I can be vain as possible and post about my daily style.
You know, like actual bloggers do.

But sometimes it just doesn't work out the way you want it to.

This day in particular I loved my outfit. I made the top, skirt and the necklace which made me proud, but also I thought it just looked great. I whacked on my favourite faux leather jacket, threw my camera at my best friend and posed in front of Whole Foods thinking I looked the bees knees.

But looking at the photos made me a little exasperated - the image I had in my mind of what I looked like didn't stare back at me. In fact, I looked shorter and stockier than I think I've ever looked before, and it was disheartening.

I actually hated what I saw.

As my fingers hovered over "Delete" on these pictures, I realised something. You will not always look perfect. Maybe you'll pose wrong, or the light will make you look strange, or your camera does something weird to contort your body. Or maybe your mental image of yourself really just doesn't match up to your actual self.

Maybe you'll see a photo and kinda hate yourself.

This face makes me laugh, though. 

And maybe you'll post them up, because that's all part of you, in the end. Many years ago I hung up my self hatred, learned to love myself and say "fuck you" to the world - sometimes you have to say "fuck you" to yourself and that voice in your head that tells you that you're not enough, let alone perfect.

Headscarf: Vintage

Earrings: Bow and Crossbones

Necklace: Handmade

Jacket: Primark

Top: Handmade

Belt: Primark (old)

Skirt: Handmade

Bag: Vendula London (Disclaimer)
Shoes: Melissa

Because sure, I look short. I look fatter than usual. My cleavage wasn't as noticeable as it was in real life. My pose is all wrong.

But it's still beautiful, because it's me. And even when I don't look 'perfect', I still look beautiful.

Strawberry Sundae with Florence Carousel Photography

These are from the first of the two photoshoots I did with Florence Carousel in September (the second shoot is here) and I can't even explain just how much I absolutely adore these images. I've said it before and I'll say it again, Florence is such a talented photographer. You need to check out her main website and her other site, The Street Style Carousel to see just how wonderful she is at capturing style and beauty.

This outfit is possibly one of my absolute bests because it's so matchymatchy and delicious. 

This skirt is another dirndl that was made around the same time as the All Hail The Gingham Queen Skirt in exactly the same way - it's simply just my favourite cotton gingham from Rolls and Rems in Holloway pleated onto a waistband. This one is lined in white cotton, has a centre-back zipper and gigantic patch pockets with ricrac trim.

Simple, but effective! 

Teamed with my original 60's cross-stitch bag with strawberries and strawberry accents on my Miss L Fire Sundae shoes (from 2013) and a handmade strawberry necklace - I will happily say I'm horrendously matchy-matchy, but god, doesn't it just WORK? 

Hair Flowers: Lady Lucks Boutique 

Earrings: Bow and Crossbones

Necklace: Handmade

Brooch: Luxulite

Top: Collectif

Skirt: Handmade

Bangles: Splendette and vintage

Bag: Vintage

Shoes: Miss L Fire

All photos are taken by and belong to Florence Carousel. Use of these photos is only permitted with her approval.
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