A Pin Up Picnic... In A Bar!

Every year, The British Belles put on a little meet in London of pin ups and vintage style lovers. The original was named Pin Up Picnic In The Park - since it was pin ups... in a park. But sadly we're British and rain moved the event from Hyde Park to cocktails at Barrio Shoreditch. And so it was a Pin Up Picnic.. In A Bar!!

I always have big ideas about making special themed outfits for events like these, since they're a great excuse for real dressing up. The problem with that idea, though, is I'm too lazy and busy to do that, and I end up picking out whatever is clean on the morning of.

I ended up picking up my Check, Please! dress, because in my world, gingham is a neutral. I made this dress in 2013 and it's the only one from my early sewing that I still wear!

It's been so long since I went to any sort of event that I feel like I've forgotten how to socialise! I spent a lot of my time with my housemate Ellie outside sheltering from the rain.

But don't think that I didn't have fun! Barrio Shoreditch was a great, colourful venue that was the perfect backdrop for cocktails and meeting friends old and new. Plus, there was a lot of tips about hair being thrown around - and I love hair tips!

I've mentioned my anxiety before, but I was wondering if you guys deal with it and any tips and tricks? I need to push myself to go to more events, but that pesky anxiety really gets in the way!

I know I've posted about The George bag before, but it's still my absolute favourite designs we do. I'd suggest grabbing a George item now if you've wanted one. The line is being discontinued! We do have a new pub design on pre-order, if you do miss out.

Hair Flower&Necklace; Handmade
Cardigan; Collectif (old)
Dress; Handmade
Brooch; Luxulite
Bag; Vendula London
Shoes; Melissa

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 

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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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

Sakura Season

If you follow me on Instagram you would have seen that I was lucky enough to go to Tokyo again  last month.

One of the days I spent the morning wandering around the beautiful Shinjuku Gyoen - a gorgeous public garden which has traditional Japanese landscaping and two tea houses. I was even so lucky to see the first signs of cherry blossoms in the gardens, which made me somewhat emotional.

Naturally, I had to get some photos in front of the blossoms because I'm that sort of person. Less naturally, I had to drag a tripod to the other side of the world with me because I was on my own and had no one to take photos for me. This was not an easy task because of other people walking into the shot, and also using my phone as a remote meant a wonderful delay that often caught me off guard.

Don't I just look so happy?

But I was determined, damnit!

I won this Adalene skirt from Lindy Bop's daily Facebook competitions last year, and it really couldn't be much more perfect for this setting! With a border print of Japanese pagodas and Torii gates, cherry blossoms and cranes and even a background with Mount Fuji - it's such a beautiful skirt that I couldn't wait to wear whilst I was in Tokyo.

I'm not really into pink as I always imagined it would either wash me out or clash horrendously with my hair, and boy am I glad I was wrong! The colour is subtle and sweet but looks striking against black, and I'm a big fan of the button-down front.

Lindy Bop's sizing is notoriously disastrous, but I took a 22 in this based on the measurements of the size guide, and it was the perfect size for me, not too tight to cut me up, not too loose to fall off me - but the cotton does have a bit of give!

It also has pockets, and if you've followed me for long enough you might know I have a bit of a thing for them. Anything without pockets is a useless garment to me!

Away from the blossoms and into the shade, I'm wearing my well-loved Rachel coat from Collectif from years ago - and of course, a Vendula London Chocolatiers Grab Bag!

The bag is more of a Parisian feel than the skirt, a little shopfront of a patisserie with cakes and chocolates, which is actually incredibly popular in Japan, which clearly means it was a set meant to be, right? Right.

Coat: Collectif

Hair Flower: Lady Luck's Boutique

Earrings: Bow and Crossbones

Necklace: Handmade 

Top: Primark

Brooch: Luxulite

Belt: Primark

Skirt: Lindy Bop

Shoes: Melissa

Bag: Vendula London (Disclaimer)

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All Hail The Gingham Queen!

It's been said before, but I'll say it again.

I bloody love gingham.

This is the second in three items I've made recently in gingham, and yes, it's exactly the same gingham from Rolls and Rems in Holloway as every other bloody gingham item on this blog.

But hell, when something works for you, it works for you, right?

 

I've got a bit of a gap in my wardrobe for skirts, and especially one for slightly more casual outfits for when I can't be bothered. So, a length of gingham got pleated up to become my new favourite skirt!

Bloody typical my bag is the wrong way around in this shot!

There's so little to say about this skirt, it's fully lined and has gigantic pockets I keep trying to fit the dog in - with a bit of tiny pompom trim across to make it a little bit more exciting than it really is. It's a simple dirndl skirt, with three-inch box pleats instead of the traditional gathering.

It just so happens that the day I planned to shoot this skirt, the amazing Katy from Luxulite sent me the most amazing brooch and earring set - IT'S BLOODY GINGHAM. Can you think of any accessory better suited to my severe obsession than this? They're absolutely gorgeous, and I can't recommend Luxulite any higher than I already do.

 

Hair Flowers; Lady Luck's Boutique

Necklace; Vintage
Brooch and Earrings; Luxulite

Top; Boohoo (last year)

Belt; Collectif

Bag; Vendula

Bangles; Splendette and Vintage

Shoes; Rocket Originals

And even stranger? Karen at Did You Make That? just announced a Ginghamalong!
Who else is joining me in making a gingham item by 13th September to be in for a chance to win even more gingham? Of course, the self-proclaimed Gingham Queen is on it!!

A Big Ol' Black Dress

The Little Black Dress (LBD) has been considered a wardrobe staple for every woman since the days of Coco Chanel - chances are, if you wear dresses, you've got a LBD hanging in a wardrobe right this moment.

I, however, don't really do little. Go big or go home, right?

In comes the Big Ol' Black Dress (BOBD is much more amusing than LBD).

I wear black dresses a lot. And since I'm running out of variety in my BOBD wardrobe, I thought I'd knock this Big Ol' lady out with just some plain cotton (possibly a pique) that I got from my friends over at Rolls And Rems on Holloway Road.
It's a really lovely quality cotton, but the issue I have with anything 100% cotton is that it just absolutely has to crease at every bloody opportunity it can. Infuriating but so lovely to work with.

The pattern used is my self-drafted No Cock Nor Tails pattern, but with an added full bust adjustment because the original didn't really accommodate my larger-than-I-think-it-is bust.
However my first ever FBA didn't go so well, and I ended up with some weird bagging right on the bust apex (AKA baggy nipples. No one wants baggy nipples) and some extra fabric in the arm scythe, the former isn't that noticeable, but you can definitely see where it doesn't fit right in the arm holes in this picture;

So this dress has inseam pockets in the box pleated dirndl skirt, a lined bodice, and a centre back zip I screwed up with the insertion so there's a gap in the top, as you can see in the photo below. I'd say I'll put in a hook and eye, but since becoming single, there's no way I can undo that sort of fiddly thing myself.
But you know what? It looks pretty good, it feels pretty good, and it's a great BOBD.

Now. I'm going to stop talking about the dress because although it's great and all can we just take a moment out to TALK ABOUT MY HANDBAG?

This is The George pub bag from Vendula London and it's quite frankly the greatest handbag ever.

One, it's a fucking pub. Two, you can take the handle off and use the long strap to wear it as a cross body bag (two handbags in one, yes please!) Three - THE LITTLE SIGN OPENS UP.
If you're in London, pop into our shop to see this beauteous thing in the flesh, because it is just so amazing.

Hair Flowers; Lady Luck's Boutique 

Earrings; Bow and Crossbones

Necklace; Handmade

Bolero; Collectif

Brooch; Luxulite

Belt; Primark

Shoes; Miss L Fire

Bag; Vendula London