Wardrobe fun with Gwynnie Bee!

It has been a while since I posted!  I have been taking a bit of a break to spend time with my family and friends, plus the winter in Michigan has made traveling a bit of a chore, so I took a much needed rest using this time to make plans.  I have tons of new blogs and photos coming your way, so be ready, I have such an exciting year planned!  My Husband, Kevin and I are starting off next week with a long needed getaway for Valentine's Day in lovely Allegan, Michigan at the Delano Mansion Inn Bed and Breakfast, a glorious home built in 1863.   I am looking forward to writing all about our experiences, I am going to have too much fun expanding my blog to include adventures in all of the lovely Michigan towns I am lucky to visit.  I want to showcase the natural beauty, great places, fabulous food and amazing atmosphere of my beloved home state!

I have not been entirely lazy during my break.  I have been having fun enjoying a free trial of Gwynnie Bee. Gwynnie Bee is a clothing rental subscription service for women sizes 10-32.  Gwynnie Bee is great for the fashionista in you, it is amazing having endless fashion at your fingertips, plus the subscription includes free shipping and free exchanges.  I have tried several brands from Gwynnie Bee that I have not purchased yet simply because I wanted the chance to try their clothing on before buying.  Gwynnie Bee gives you the opportunity to not only try garments and wear them, but if you really love something you have the option to keep it at a discounted rate, which I consider a really great option.  I might not always have an occasion to dress up but that does not stop me from wanting to, so I had a ton of fun trying all of these gorgeous styles even if the most pressing thing to do that day was run to the grocery store!  I think that this was a great solution to the winter blahs for me, giving me a bit of sunshine even on dreary days, it is important to do little things to keep yourself looking and feeling refreshed!  I highly suggest Gwynnie Bee as a great way to keep your closet fresh and try something new or different without breaking the bank.  I am sure that you will fall in love, I certainly have!!!

Hell Bunny Rosina Dress in Size:3XL

 Dress: Hell Bunny from Gwynnie Bee.  Earrings: Mystic Teardrops from Ceci Punch Designs

I loved the Rosina Dress!!  The cute 1940's style with a flattering gathered bust panels, ruched waist and sweet button accents!  The fit was really fabulous and this skirt was to die for!  I have worn many Hell Bunny dresses in the past, the reason I keep coming back to Hell Bunny is because they are one of the best quality and most affordable brands of vintage styled garments available.  I loved the flow of the dress and everyone loved it!

City Chic Black Spliced Skater Dress With Cherry Red Trim Size:L

 Dress: City Chic from Gwynnie Bee.  Earrings: Ceci Punch Designs

The Pixie, since 1948!

I had a Ranch Chicken Grinder with a Chocolate Cherry Milkshake, YUMMY!!!

I absolutely fell in love with this gorgeous Black Spliced Skater Dress with Cherry Red Trim from City Chic.  The style suited me to a "T", made of soft high quality material that flows and flatters!  I had a lot of fun on a day date with Kevin at the Pixie Restaurant in Mount Pleasant, Michigan.  I cannot believe we had never been to this fabulous retro diner that has been serving up food and fun since 1948.  The food was amazing and the atmosphere was perfect for a vintage lover like me.  I cannot wait to go back and shoot more fun photos here!!

Be still my heart!!!!

I loved this City Chic dress so much I had to add it to my closet, I am completely won over!  I have wanted to try City Chic for a few years but the fact that there are not stores local to me to try on their garments had kept me from taking the plunge, Gwynnie Bee is the perfect opportunity to have fun with your wardrobe by trying new brands and even new styles without risk.


Cherry Velvet Dita Holiday Dress in Black and Dark Red Size:1X

 Dress: Cherry Velvet from Gwynnie Bee.  Earrings: Roses by Premier Jewelry

The reviews for this Cherry Velvet Dita Dress on Gwynnie Bee were less than inspiring, but I had been dying to try Cherry Velvet and this style looked so lovely that I could not resist.  I found it to be pretty and flattering to my hourglass shape.  The material was not what I was expecting being a shimmery taffeta it swished in a fascinating manner as I walked.  I think this would be a lovely dress for an occasion where you wanted something with a lovely vintage feel but a bit more classy than just a swing dress!

Cherry Velvet Tatyana Dress in Shoe Print Size 0X

 Dress: Cherry Velvet from Gwynnie Bee.  Earrings: Ceci Punch Designs

Photobombing Pomeranian Teddy was too cute to be cropped out ;-)

This dress is exactly why I wanted to try Gwynnie Bee.  I want to be able to take risks with my wardrobe and try new things without the actual risk of buying something with the chance that it will not fit or flatter well. Cherry Velvet is another brand that I just needed to try on before I bought, but both of the Cherry Velvet dresses I tried were lovely and fit me perfectly.  I always use measurements when I am choosing a garment size in any brand, each style can fit your body differently, this is why in the Tatyana Dress I am wearing a 0X but the Dita Dress was size 1X.  This is a perfect case for how handy it is to know what your measurements are, if you are ordering styles online you can purchase something that will fit well.  This dress was fun and completely out of my comfort zone with its criss-cross neckline, peekaboo shoulders and bright bold shoe print, but I had a riot rocking a completely different me for a day and I received a ton of compliments!  I will be adding Cherry Velvet styles to my closet!!!

I have been loving Gwynnie Bee!!  I will be posting more photos and reviews from the next batch of Gwynnie Bee goodies I get!!  Until then, go check Gwynnie Bee out, try their free trial and if you are like me you will be won over  because the fashion possibilities are endless!!!!

Wishful Wednesday Winter Wonderland!

Wishful Wednesday is back after a long hiatus!!!  I have been so busy working, doing family things, reviewing and shooting that I've sadly neglected my Wishful Wednesday blogs but no more!!  

  

I love the holidays!  Winter in Michigan brings it's own unique beauty and the Christmas season with brightly colored lights, sparkly tinsel, vintage decorations and activities with loved ones is my favorite holiday of the year!  This week's Wishful Wednesday is my favorite Winter or Christmas themed pieces for tons of interchangeable wardrobe fun whether it's a casual gathering or a dinner party, the pieces will have you outfitted in style!

1.  Bernie Dexter Veronique Dress in Winter Wonderland Print  

Bernie Dexter's Veronique in Winter Wonderland Print is classic. It features a fitted bodice with flattering pleated shoulder details, belted waist and a full skirt with hidden lipstick pockets.  The print is magical, like stepping into a Thomas Kinkade painting, it evokes a dream of snowy serenity.  Veronique in Winter Wonderland Print is an enchanting fantasy dress!

2.  Lindy Bop Renee Green Alpine Print Twin Set

 I love Lindy Bop's new Alpine themed print and the Renee Twin Set is my favorite of the new items they have available in this print.  The Renee Twin Set features a Sleeveless Dress with sweetheart neckline, gathered straps and a full pleated swing skirt; and a matching cropped cap sleeve jacket in complimenting print.  Renee is versatile because each piece is lovely separately but they can also be paired with other items for unlimited potential!

3. Lindy Bop Humphrey Red Knitted Cardigan

  This adorable 1940's inspired Intarsia cardigan features contrast placket with embroidered flower detail, gathered shoulders, long sleeves and button down front.  I would love to wear this cozy cardigan over a dress or paired with a shirt and skirt.  Humphrey is the perfect retro styled cardi!

4.  Hell Bunny Noelle Dress

The Noelle dress from Hell Bunny is a Pin-up perfect cotton frock in a frosty blue winter print with a retro silhouette evocative of mid-century styles. Powdered with snow, the short sleeved sweetheart bodice features princess seaming to the natural waist where a removable white contrast belt nips and cinches into a tightly gathered circle skirt that gracefully falls just below the knee. A festive scene featuring foxes, fawns and birds frolicking around the hem, Noelle is whimsical with pine boughs and woodland creatures, sure to bring a smile to anyone who sees!

5. Folter  Holiday Leaves Dress

A sweet retro styled frock featuring a fitted bodice and full swing style skirt with pockets.  The Holiday Leaves vintage print is festive with birds, acorns, pine branches, holly, Christmas ornaments and presents.  Worn with a cardigan and tights this dress is sure to be a winter wardrobe favorite because of the unique pretty print!

6. Vendula Snowflake Mini Purse

Vendula's Snowflake Mini Purse is great as a purse or mini evening bag.  Silver vegan friendly leather with appliqued snowflake design and a double chain strap make this the perfect compliment to carry with any winter ensemble.

7. Viva La Lux Snowman Confetti Sparkling Brooch

 This fabulous handmade 1940's-50's style Snowman Brooch is covered in Confetti with a sparky top hat!! This is a classic statement piece of jewellery which has been lovingly created to get the most authentic looking finish possible.  Winter in Michigan lasts give or take about five months, so having a Snowman Brooch in my collection would mean months of possibilities!

8.  Erstwilder Tis the Season Resin Brooch

Erstwilder does it again with their latest Holiday themed range.  This adorable ornamented Christmas Tree made from layered resin reminds me of the quirky cute bottle brush trees my Grandmother used to scatter around.  Tis the Season is sold out at the moment but keep your eyes out and you may be able to add this beauty to your collection!

9. Funky Lazer Glitter Reindeer Necklace

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, You'll go down in history!!  Everyone loves the tale of the Red Nosed Rudolph which has become a Christmas classic our family enjoys watching every year.  This sparkly and bright shiny red Glitter Reindeer Necklace from Funky Lazer will let you take Rudolph with you to your holiday parties and he can lead you to Christmas cheer!!

10.  Irregular Choice Rudy Heels

Embrace the magic of the festive season with Rudy, featuring everyone's favorite red nosed reindeer and a unique handpainted Santa heel.  These cuties will have you Christmas party ready in the (saint) nick of time!  Fun to wear with dresses or jeans, Rudy is the perfect statement for the holiday season!

Do not forget to visit Facebook and Instagram for more fun and your chance to win a Rosita Bonita Mermaid Choker!!  Happy Holidays!

Wishful Wednesday!

Good morning!  I love summer and starting my day with bright rays of sunlight filling my soul with warmth.  I am giddy when I am outside in the greenery and watching each of the different flowers bloom.  I have been enjoying my summer although it's been a bit of a whirlwind with all of the activities I have been doing, I like to stay busy because winter comes soon enough to trap me inside!  I have a lot more reviews and some very exciting plans for the rest of the summer!!

This week, I have decided to do something a bit different for Wishful Wednesday.  Spring and summer bring  the release of gorgeous new clothing designs.  This week for Wishful Wednesday I am going to run down my top five dress choices from some of my favorite retro style companies.  These are the dresses that I must own, the ones I am saving up for and dreaming of wearing!!! 


1. Pinup Girl Clothing: Jenny Dress in Cherry Border Print

I am in love with my Pinup Girl Clothing Ella Dress, I have worn it as many times as possible since I purchased it and have gotten nothing but compliments wearing it so I cannot wait to add more PUG pieces to my wardrobe.  Jenny is a flirty sundress with structured bodice and full gathered skirt designed to flatter every body type.  Michigan is known for cherries, so the bright red bunches of cherries accented by green leaves cascading down the black background is a perfect choice for a Michigan girl.  The contrast of the black with bold red accents draws the eye and makes this dress impossible to ignore.  The shape of the Jenny dress with its boned bodice, adjustable straps, waist cinching contrast belt and gathered circle skirt are just the feminine vintage silhouette that I love to wear.  I would pair Jenny with bold cherry accessories, a ruffly red petticoat and vintage styled red wedges for a fun, fruity look.  Jenny is at the top of my wishlist!!


2.  Heart of Haute: Milan Dress in Rose Garden

Roses remind me of my Grandmother, when I was a child I used to wait eagerly for the roses in her garden to bloom so I could enjoy their unique beauty and revel in their heady perfume.  I love their delicate layers of ruffled petals, delightful sweet smell and graceful beauty.  The Milan dress is a lovely wrap top with pleated shoulders, a matching belt and full circle skirt.  I love the graceful feel of this dress, the neckline is sexy without being too revealing and the dress flatters an hourglass shape like mine.  The rose garden print is so beautiful I feel as if stepping into this dress would be like entering a secret garden.   I would wear the Milan dress with a pretty cream petticoat and a big cream rose in my hair.  I would feel like a rose myself dancing around in this glorious gown!


3.  Lindy Bop: Lana Dress in Blue Crane Print

I love Lindy Bop, I own both their Ophelia in turquoise floral and their Carola halter dress in summer ditsy floral print.  Birds are graceful and glorious, they bring to mind blue skies and winging through the breeze, free, as a bird.  This Lana dress with its soaring crane print is lovely and uplifting.  A scooped bodice with a wide contrast wasp waist accented in the back with buttons and flaring into a full gathered skirt.  I would love to pair this with a pretty baby pink petticoat and simple pearl jewelry.  This dress is breathtaking!


4.  Voodoo Vixen: Connie Dress

The Connie Dress is so adorable!  I have worn glasses since I was 8 years old so the kitschy vintage glasses print is perfect for me, plus I need to add a bright, fun red dress to my collection.  I love the unique vintage inspired necklines that Voodoo Vixen has put on their dresses.   The Connie has a criss-cross neckline that eye catching but not immodest, cute capped sleeves, slim belt at the waist and a full skirt.  I would love to have Connie in my closet for day when I want to look pinup without a lot of effort,  I can wear Connie without a petticoat for casual a day date with the hubby or just running errands.


5.  Hell Bunny: Bessie Dress

Hell Bunny was the very first vintage inspired brand that I was introduced to, I wore one of their 50's style halter dresses at at shoot and I was instantly in love with their style and the fantastic, flattering fit of their garments.  I have worn four different Hell Bunny styles in shoots and own two of my own.  I love the Bessie dress because of its simplicity.  Bessie is a pretty, simple summer sundress featuring a V-neckline accented with embroidered violets, tapered waist that flares into a circle skirt and buttons down the front.  I can see myself wearing this dress constantly it is lovely yet looks so comfortable, its simplicity makes it wearable everyday but it could also easily be dressed up with a purple petticoat and pretty accessories for a pinup event.  I have many Hell Bunny dresses on my wishlist because they have impressed me with the consistently beautiful fit in all of their size ranges and the variety of gorgeous vintage styles to choose from many different eras!

What dress is at the top of your wishlist?!  Follow me on Facebook and Instagram too!!

Rowena/Retroglam and Hell Bunny Black Dahlia review

Good morning!  I'm sitting here enjoying the sounds and smells of our first spring rain storm.  I love the rain!!  When I was a little girl, my grandparents had a covered porch so we would sit underneath it enjoying rain and thunderstorms, so for me the rain brings back fond memories.  It's been a beautiful week here in Michigan, spring came upon us fast, suddenly birds are singing, the crocus are in bloom and the trees are budding.  It had seemed like winter would never let go!  I'm excited to get outside, I really enjoy being out in nature.  It also means outdoor pinup shoots!  I have some great shoots coming up with Renee Ricket Photography and Put A Smile In It Photography, we've been brainstorming while waiting for Michigan's weather to cooperate and we have some epic shoots planned!! 

Spring means it's dress weather!!  I was fortunate enough to win a $100 gift card in a Facebook contest from Rowena/Retroglam, a fabulous Canadian vintage glam store with an amazing selection.  Cosmetics to Coffee mugs and absolutely everything to fulfill a pinup and retro loving girls dreams. First of all, I'm impressed with a company that is so generous, they have a giveaway going almost all the time on their Facebook page.  Second,  I have to gush over their customer service!!  I actually won this gift card back in November of last year but Facebook messenger on the mobile app does show messages that are placed in your "others" folder.  I found this out from a friend and checked my others folder finally, inside was the message from Rowena/Retroglam saying I had won.  I was very upset because I had missed this message through no fault of mine, so I messaged their customer service.  They were kind and decided to honor the $100 gift card I had won.  Their selection is phenomenal, Pinup Girl Clothing, Heart of Haute, Hearts and Roses, Hell Bunny, Besame Cosmetics they have all of my favorite brand names and even more I had not heard of, this was a very hard choice.  It took me nearly three days to choose but in the end I had been eyeing the Hell Bunny Black Dahlia dress for months so that was an easy choice.  I had enough left to choose a second dress and I was immediately drawn to the Hell Bunny Eloise dress, its a completely different style from amything else I own and the dragonfly print is whimsical, reminiscent of summer.  The Eloise is a 40s style and I generally go for 50s swing styles but I loved the style so I decided to go for it.  I paid shipping and then the wait was on.  It is always a rather long wait for international packages so it took 20 days to get to me from Edmonton, Canada, that is no fault of the company, customs is just slow!  Both of my dresses arrived in perfect condition and were packaged beautifully, wrapped in tissue paper with a handwritten note saying who had packed them.  I love these little touches that say a company cares about their customer's happiness.  I highly recommend Rowena/Retroglam!  Great selection, friendly customer service, high quality merchandise and generous Facebook giveaways.  Thank you Rowena/Retroglam!!!

Hell Bunny is one of my favorite companies!!  Their dresses are gorgeous, stylish and fit my figure like a dream.  I love the variety of vintage era styles they produce and the lovely print materials and detailed designs they offer.   I decided to buy two Hell Bunny dresses because I had worn them in previous photoshoots and knew their size 2x fits me like it was made just for me. 

Sizing is so wildly different from brand to brand so when I find a company that I know fits me, I will lean toward purchasing their dresses because my figure is not easy to fit and I hate having to make returns.  My waist and hip have a 15 inch difference that makes finding a good fit a nightmare!!  I chose two completely different styles, the 50s housewife style Black Dahlia dress and the 40s day style Eloise dress.  Both fit perfectly, Hell Bunny really knows how women are shaped, the cut hugs all of the right places to enhance my hourglass shape and the materials are flattering not clingy.  I wore the Black Dahlia dress to church and recieved tons of compliments.  The black is crisp, the floral print is bright with shades of pink on the flowers, green leaves, cream and a hint of yellow that I decided to play up by wearing a bright yellow Malco Modes Jennifer petticoat as a contrast.  I will wear a much larger petticoat for photoshoots in this dress, the skirt is a generously full circle so I can go petticoat crazy!!  I felt gorgeous in this dress.  The wrap style neckline is flattering but not to revealing with button details on each side and a picture collar, the belt underneath of the bust, narrows the silhouette and draws attention to your waistline.  The skirt flares out and looks lovely with or without a petticoat, I prefer with, but there are times when it may not be practical.  The website recommended to order a size down on this dress but I do not agree, it fits me just right and the material does not have much stretch.  I went by measurements and I think their 2x runs true to size, I've loved every Hell Bunny style I've worn, I have worn a 1x for a shoot but it is a bit tighter than I prefer for ease of wear.  This is a candid shot taken at church but I love this dress so I will be wearing it in a pinup shoot as soon as possible!!!

I will be wearing my Eloise dress on Easter Sunday.  I plan to post photos and thoughts about it then but I did try it on and am happy to say Hell Bunny has not yet made a dress that disappoints me!!  What is your favorite Hell Bunny dress? 

Wishful Wednesday and Lucky Lous review

Happy Wednesday to you!!  This morning's wishful Wednesday post was inspired by Viva.  Everybody's been talking about it and I'm unable to go but I see that many of my friends, aquaintances and style muses are going.  I want all of my friends that are going look their best and if they ask for help I will offer it!   I think as women it's important that we try to support one another, to uplift each other, it's what sets us apart!!  My post this morning is inspired by the sweet Ceci Punch who was wondering about Viva outfit ideas on Facebook the other day.  I quickly realized her delightful Tiki skull earrings match the Hell Bunny Sasha dress perfectly.  Tiki party time!!

I love Ceci Punch designs!  She is a San Diego based company that designs unique vintage items with a modern edge and her items are 100% handcrafted.  I absolutely adore these Tiki skull earrings, they're my inspiration today.  The wooden hoops, turquoise flowers and adorable little bone skulls scream Tiki party and summer.  I love the contrast of feminine florals with skulls,its perfect!  Ceci designs awesome vintage style pieces and as a bonus her personality is sweet as pie, I cannot recommend her highly enough. 

Hell Bunny is my personal favorite at the moment.  I've worn many of their dresses for photoshoots and have two coming in the mail.  They are high quality, retro stylish and fit like a dream.  I  definitely want the Sasha dress.  Turquoise is my favorite color right now and the sugar skull print is trendy!  The skulls are playfully peeking out of florals and vines.  The cut is gorgeous with a sweetheart neckline, bolero style panels at the shoulders and perky capped sleeves, it frames perfectly and is finished off by a full circle skirt, lovely with or without a petticoat.  I love petticoats and I'm a creature of habit, once I like a brand I will wear them often.  I would pair this dress with the Malco Modes Jennifer petticoat in Red for contrast.  I cannot get over how lovely soft and full these pettis are!  Swish away!!!

I would carry on the cute Tiki theme by wearing Lucky Lous Rockin Tiki in red.  I was fortunate to win a pair in a collaborative Facebook giveaway by Rosabilly Retro and Lucky Lous Shoes.  I had never heard of Lucky Lous before this but their style immediately caught my eye.  I can't begin to describe how gorgeous these heels are, you really must see them to believe.  I was dumbstruck when I opened the box!!  The wood is beautifully grained, the tiki is hand carved, gorgeous and glossy, the leather bright and butter soft.  They fit like a dream and are perfectly balanced, I'm not the most graceful in heels but these are easy to walk in!  Michigan is just thawing so I'm still waiting to wear my Rockin Tikis out on the town.  Pinup photoshoots, Pinups for Patriots events and warm weather cannot come soon enough for me!!

Coming soon I'll have reviews for the wonderful vintage store Retroglam, the Hell Bunny Eloise and Black Dahlia dresses and the delightfully versatile Bearpaw Bonnie boots!  Wishing beautiful days to all!!!