Wishful Wednesday!

Good day to everyone!  I apologize for my long absence from blogging but I've been super busy with my job, planning photo shoots, working on blog collaborations and spending time with my family enjoying the unseasonably warm weather here in Michigan.

  I have many exciting collaborations coming with Ains and Elke StyleHaus, Blueberry Hill Fashions, Summer Blue Jewelry, Heidi and Gretel, Fluff, Erstwilder and The Moby Duck, as well as reviews of new dresses from Igigi, Pinup Girl Clothing, Clarence and Alabama and Carolina Dress Room!  I'm so excited for the next few months and I'm always working on more!!  I've shot gorgeous photos with Renee Ricket Photography and this weekend is our big Halloween shoot at the beautiful, historic Forest Home Cemetery in Greenville, Michigan.  Forest Home is fascinating, a tribute built by a grieving father after the death of    Next week, I will be shooting with Jessica from Horvath Photography at Anderson and Girl's Orchard, my favorite local spot for outdoor fun and to get the MOST delicious cider and apple donuts!!

Last weekend, I enjoyed my favorite yearly treat, a trip to the Michigan Renaissance Festival with family and friends.  I love all historical eras and the beautiful and varied costuming of the renaissance era appeals to my love of dressing up!

  I purchased my gorgeous chemise, satin skirt and real dried leaf head dress at the festival, where they have dozens of amazing shops peddling everything from my favorite incense to didgeridoos.  My halter top, buckle front underbust leather corset is from Hips and Curves, this exact style is unfortunately discontinued but they have several similar leather styles available.  My Scarlet moccasins from Bearpaw were the perfect walking shoe for a long day watching live music, peeking fabulous sideshows and enjoying a huge variety of tasty food from the festival rite of passage, the turkey drumstick to delectable gyros and soup in a bread bowl.  Live jousting is hair raising entertainment performed several times daily.  The grounds are gloriously landscaped and there are multitudes of amazingly unique personalities in minutely detailed period costumes along with fairies, elves and many of your favorite fantasy characters from films, making the fest a delight for all your senses!!  The Michigan Renaissance Festival is a place of fantasy and fun, a fantastical leap backward in time!

This week's Wishful Wednesday was inspired by this fabulous Buzzfeed video:

First of all, I love how it shows that pinup is empowering for anyone!  Alfie Jean says that pinup is a gentleman, it holds the door open for any lady and she's correct, a pinup shoot will boost your confidence, plus it's a ton of fun!!  There are different styles of pinup and many gifted photographers, I encourage you to find your personal inspiration and go for it!!!

Second, this absolutely breathtaking Elizabeth dress in English Rose from Retrospec'd was featured.  I'm smitten and I had to put together my dream outfit!!  This gorgeous cotton dress features all over rose print, wrap top and a gorgeous full skirt.  Perfect for many different occasions and pretty as the roses upon it!  Underneath, I must wear a glorious ruffled petticoat and the Malco Modes Jennifer in Ruby Red available from Pinup Girl Clothing is a match made in heaven!

I would pair this with the Pinup Girl Clothing Gothic Lace Bolero in Dark Green.  This bolero is the perfect thing to wear when you want coverage but not too much warmth yet the derp green color makes me long to wear it for fancy Christmas parties.  Decadently dreamy with its all-lace body trimmed in ruffled lace at the neckline and cuffs. The high neckline and dark green stretch velvet trim add yet more glamour.

I'm proud to be collaborating with The Moby Duck.  Their beautiful selection of handmade resin creations have something to compliment every look.  Their quirky, cute accessories add flair to vintage or contemporary styles.  I would wear the Floral Bangle in Red and the Dark Red & Emerald Green Floral Bouquet Resin Brooch to compliment and enhance the roses on the dress.

I love Irregular Choice and their crazy, unique designs.  Their selections features styles from the elegant to the absurd but all are highly fashionable!  I would wear the drop dead hot Sher Bert heels in Red.  I love the sophisticated look of the buckle toe, scalloped edge and polka dot detail, giving us that little lattice look garden detail to our flowery ensemble. 

Check out my Facebook or Instagram for more fun, photos and sassiness!! 

Wishful Wednesday!!

Good day everyone!  I'm a busy little bee today putting together the last minute preparations for my fun photoshoot tomorrow with Renee Ricket Photography.   I'm also getting ready to attend Alfie Jean's Pinup Charm School and shoot in the "kitchen disaster scene" with Put A Smile In It Photography on Saturday!  Lots of new photos and product reviews coming!!  It's been an absolutely beautiful summer here in Michigan.  These hot, sunny days are ideal to go to the beach, I really enjoy swimming and walking the shores of the many inland lakes here in Michigan.  We are lucky to live in a state that is rich in natural beauty, full of interesting plant and wildlife as well with being surrounded by the majestic Great Lakes, vast inland seas that hold over 20% of the fresh water in the world.  This week's Wishful Wednesday is inspired by my lifelong love of the water, long days spent at the beach, an enchanted and peaceful place where time seems to stand still.  A beautiful daydream of underwater kingdoms and magical mermaids.

I have just begun my love affair with Pinup Girl Clothing in earnest with my first purchase, although I've been a fan for years.  I'm thrilled with the cut, quality and beauty of my Ella dress.  I have a wishlist of Pinup Girl styles a mile long.  This week, I chose the lovely Lydia Dress in Mermaid Border Print.  Made of cotton sateen, Lydia has a flattering gathered twist bust, adjustable straps that criss-cross at the back, contrast belt at the waist and a gathered full skirt in whimsical bubbly mermaid print.  The Mermaid Border print, whichis designed by Stephanie Buscema, exclusively for Pinup Girl Clothing is unique, kitschy and delightful.  The combination of black with vibrant, feminine lilac is an eye catching contrast.  I would wear this gorgeous dress with the lovely Lilac Malco Modes Jennifer Petticoat which matches perfectly!

I adore this combo as is, but adding fun accessories is half the fun of putting together an outfit!

I recently discovered Tangerine Menagerie on Instagram and was immediately drawn to their fanciful brooch designs.  I would wear the Pinup Mermaid Neverland Mermaid Lagoon Brooch.  An adorable Neverland style redheaded pinup mermaid coyly cocks her shoulder and flips her aqua tail from her perch upon your shoulder.  I love their entire range of Disney inspired designs!

The Meteor Jewelry Company Tahitian Earrings in Lavender are another gorgeous accessory perfect for this ensemble.  Golden seashells with lavender lining each hold three delicate pearls inside.  A beautiful addition to your vintage style wardrobe, I love the authentic mid century feel of Meteor Jewelry Company's selection.

The Pearl of the Sea Mermaid Clutch from The Oblong Box Shop is a treasure indeed.  This adorable 6 inch round clutch is a rare white pearl with gold accents and a black satin lining.  One great feature are the golden chain straps, one is shoulder length and another shorter strap is included for use as a wristlet, giving great versatility to this interesting figural clutch.  This pearl is sure to draw the envious stares of all the other mermaidens!!!

Last but certainly not least are these dreamy Lollipop Lorelei Shell Peeptoe Platforms in Pink by Iron Fist.  These bubbly pink platform heels feature hologram shell applique at the toe, cute mermaid, bubble and fish print along with seashell heel detail.  These heels finish our outfit off in head to toe mermaid fashion!

My giveaway sponsored by Pop That Cassette ends tomorrow, August 13 at 4 P.M. (EST) with the winner being announced on Friday August 14!  Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for news and tons of fun!

Wishful Wednesday!

It's Wednesday again and I find myself in the middle of another busy week.  Fourth of July was fun and festive.  We spent time with friends, enjoyed good food, watched fireworks and celebrated our great country!  As summer moves forward the surrounding countryside is beautiful, alive with wildflowers blooming and green leaves everywhere.  Today's Wishful Wednesday is a simple pretty summer look that could be worn for any occasion.

Trashy Diva offers a collection of vintage-inspired frocks featuring styles from the 1930s, '40s, and '50s ranging from size 0 to 24. Their design inspiration not only comes from vintage clothing but also from Trashy Diva customers and the women they employ.  Such a gorgeous selection of beautiful styles and prints to choose from. The Apple Tart Dress is blue and white Seersucker featuring a ruffled bodice, skinny straps and a fully gathered 8 panel circle skirt with pockets. Dressed up or down this frock is delightful, a fresh, sweet summertime look for .  I would add a Malco Modes Jennifer Petticoat in Red to add interest, volume to the full skirt and beautiful contrast.  Malco Modes have the best petticoats I have worn.  I own several vintage and new Malco Modes pettis and I love them!!!

Baccurelli makes the most amazing brooches, necklaces and accessories that make you feel playful, happy and most of all FEARLESS.  Each piece is designed with love to be eccentric, over-the-top, irreverent and playful, perfect to show off your unique, personal style!  I could not chose just one of their fantastic brooches to showcase with this outfit.  I love the Frida, Rosie and Ava brooches, the characters are iconic, exactly right to finish any vintage inspired look or add a fun focal point to any outfit.  No outfit is complete without a pretty hair accessory.  This Unique Vintage Retro Style Red Floral Hair Wrap would top this look off in a cute stylish manner while protecting your hair from the harsh heat and wind of summer.

Remix has been featured here before.  I am enamored of their large selection of vintage shoes.  I would wear their Veronica Heels in Red as the finishing touch.  The epitome of sexy sophisticated 1940s style they feature a high platform, ankle strap and peep toe.  I think the combination of red with the sedate blue and white seersucker dress is dramatic and lovely.

Let me know what you think, what is your favorite part of this look?  I hope you are enjoying my blog as much as I love bringing it to you.  I have many exciting collaborations coming in the next few months, lots of exciting new products and I'll be sharing my journey as I participate in my first Pinup competition at The Grand Rapids Metro Cruise!  Stay tuned!!!

Voodoo Vixen Kitty Dress Review

Dresses are one of my favorite wardrobe staples.  I wear them more often than anything else because I find them to be a lovely and easy way to look great without a ton of effort, plus I have a terrible time finding comfortable pants that fit my hourglass shape.  I am always on the lookout for new styles, companies and prints, thankfully the last few years have seen a massive expansion in availability of plus size fashion.   I was fortunate enough to win my choice of any Voodoo Vixen dress in a recent Facebook sharing competition. Cue the dorky happy dance!!!!  Voodoo Vixen recently expanded their vintage range into plus sizes and I have been lusting after several of their styles.  While their plus selection is limited, it was a still a difficult choice, the patterns, cut and styling of the dresses makes them all desirable to me, I admit, I am a bit of a dress addict.  I really liked the Tilly and Hattie dresses but after much consideration I decided against another floral pattern as I do own mostly floral dresses.  Finally I asked my husband which was his favorite of the styles I had it narrowed down to, after I had spent over an hour agonizing over the choice, he quickly chose the Kitty dress as he is a cat lover.  I was drawn to the unique slit neckline and the fact that this adorable cat print was completely different than anything else in my wardrobe.  I ordered a size 2x based on their size chart measurements and it fits me perfectly.

I LOVE this dress, its so FUN!

Fairy tale garden gazebo on the grounds of the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans

  The material is soft and comfortable with just enough stretch.  The pink is a pretty shade of bubblegum that is feminine, but not too girly or bright.  I love the whimsical print, retro-styled black cats accented by atomic styled swooshes, stars and star bursts in white and black.  The neckline is scooped with three slit cutouts accented with satiny black contrast piping that makes the slits stand out against the pink material, the same material is covering the buttons that run down the front of the dress.  The slit neckline is flattering to the bust-line and eye catching without being immodest, the dress closes with a hidden side zipper.  The belt is slim, made of a satiny material with silver grommets and a fabric buckle, it helps to draw the eye to the waistline.  The belt has one small issue, the loop is stationary and attached just past the buckle so if you have a narrow waist the belt end will hang down if it is not fastened, I used a safety pin to remedy this.  The skirt is full and finished with handy pockets slit front pockets trimmed with black piping.  I love the addition of the pockets not only as a cute accent but because they are functional and convenient, I was happy to be able to carry my cell phone and lipstick in my pocket!  I prefer to wear a petticoat and this skirt is not quite a full circle but big enough to accommodate a large petticoat. I wore it with a Malco Modes Michelle crinoline in black and accessorized with vintage gloves, wedges and hat at The Freedom Flag benefit for the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans with Pinups for Patriots.  It was a hot humid day but the flowers were blooming and the grounds of the Vetarans Home is beautifully landscaped.  I enjoyed a nice time visiting with veterans, listening to live music and spending time with my fabulous Michigan Pinups for Patriots sisters, such a diverse and amazing group of ladies.  What a privilege it is to represent Pinups for Patriots and honor our veterans!

 Photo: Dennis Buttermore of Vintage Glamor.  From Left: Lily Tigress, Beth BelleAire, Mrs. Belvidere, Lacy Lane, Ginger Snaps, Wendy Dae and Sassy Scarlet

I have also worn this dress without a petticoat to church and it looked just as lovely.  The Kitty dress is a very wearable vintage style, comfortable and versatile.  It can be worn casual or dressed up to suit your own unique style.  I have received compliments each time I have worn it and inquiries about the brand of dress, many people have asked because they thought it was an original vintage dress.

With the beautiful Mrs. Belvidere

With the gorgeous Wendy Dae

 Voodoo Vixen has great customer service, beautiful vintage inspired designs, quality merchandise and the news that they are working to further expand their plus size line means that there are only more great things coming!  Thanks Voodoo Vixen!  What is your favorite dress from Voodoo Vixen?! 

Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram for more exciting news, pictures and fun!

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!!!

Lady Mayra Review!

It's a beautiful quiet morning.  The snow has almost melted and I saw crocus peeking out!  I'm getting all dolled up today to go to the local VFW hall and support our veterans at a St. Patty's day dance.  I love wearing dresses!  I'm a stay at home mother and we are on a very limited income so its hard to keep new dresses in the closet.  This is why I enter many giveaways, it gives me a chance to own things I would never afford otherwise!  I have been very lucky to win several giveaways.  I have won dresses, shoes, jewelry and more from some of my favorite brands.  I will review everything here and I'm hoping to not only show you what I love but introduce you to some new stylish items and brands!!

I was blessed to win a dress from Lady Mayra in a Facebook giveaway.  Lady Mayra is a pinup company with a great variety of gorgeous dresses and skirts.  I won my choice of any of their Elsa dresses.  This was not an easy task because Elsa comes in 12 different color combos and I love them all!!  Eventually I showed my husband and his favorite was the black floral. 

I love it!  It's so vibrant with fuschia, goldenrod, baby pink and celery green floral and vines dancing on it.  I was careful to measure and got a size 3xl.  It fits like a glove and I would suggest if you are large busted to go up one size, the material does not have stretch.  The fit is lovely, flattering and it has a generous circle skirt!  I'm wearing a Malco Modes Jennifer petticoat underneath and you could easily wear a much larger petticoat!  Maximum skirt swirling potential. Some companies skimp on the skirts for their plus versions of dresses but not Lady Mayra.  The very similar Lindy Bop Ophelia dress is beautiful but has a disappointing and rather unflattering a-line skirt on the plus size dress.  I'm impressed!!  The sweetheart neckline is flattering, it tapers in at the waist and the full circle skirt give the hourglass silhouette I love. The material is high quality cotton, soft, silky and sturdy with bright crisp print.  I love the selection, variety of unique prints available and quality of their dresses for the price.  Their customer service is friendly and shipping was fast from Thailand.  Lady Mayra has a great selection of beautifully designed dresses and as a bonus they do regular giveaways on their Facebook page!!  I highly recommend you give them a look!!!

Lady Vintage and Malco Modes review

Hello all!!  It's finally thawing out here, great news because I sure have missed being outside!  I'm looking forward to fresh breezes, green grass and crocuses in bloom, spring!!!!  This also means I'm dying to wear my dresses everyday again, this winter was not dress friendly!!! I love dresses, they're feminine, comfortable and I feel the most at home in them, so I am always needing new ones.  I have been researching so many great pinup or vintage style brands and started following their social media for style ideas but I could not believe the generosity, so many great giveaways!!  I have been very lucky to win several clothing giveaways and will be reviewing all of the items I have won.  I was blessed to win an Instagram contest from Lady Vintage.  They are a London based manufacturer of vintage style dresses.

I won the Eliza Swing dress in black floral.  It's such a gorgeous dress!  The fabric is high quality, the floral print is bright, feminine and lovely.  I got a size 16.  I would generally order a size 18, but I went by the measurements ordering, it still fits slightly tight, there is no stretch to the material, so be sure to measure carefully and I would recommend sizing up if you're unsure or in between sizes.  I love the shape of the dress.  The bodice is roomy which is great for larger busts and the straps are wide enough to hide your bra straps.  It nips in at the waist with a tie in back for extra waist slimming effect.  It has a full skirt, great size to pair with a big poofy petticoat!  I love the style of the dress and how gorgeous I feel when I'm in it.  Is it springtime yet, because this dress needs to be worn to a garden party!

I'm wearing my Malco Modes Jennifer petticoat with this dress.  I won this petti in a giveaway on one of my favorite style blogs Junebugs and Georgia Peaches, if you don't follow them already you're missing out on a universe of vintage style and personality!!  I was able to chose any petticoat from the Malco Modes collection.  I chose the Jennifer because it's a size that has lot of outfit versatility and what a fantastic color selection they have available.  It's soooo fun!!!  I adore how big it is 40 yards of nylon chiffon material and 120 yards of ruffles!  Adding a petticoat to my lovely retro dresses is putting the petals on my flower.  I chose yellow because I wanted contrast, it's bright and bold and I have several dresses to match it.  I got a size Large it fits great and the waist is adjustable which is perfect because I tend to go up and down weight wise, they're sizes are generous very plus friendly.  The petti has tons of swishing potential and is whisper soft, not at all itchy like some petticoats.  The price is also very affordable for such a full and ruffled petticoat so I think I need a Jennifer in every color!!  Thank you Junebugs and Georgia Peaches and Malco Modes!!

Next blog I will review the Lady Mayra Elsa dress I'm wearing in the picture above.  Have a beautiful day!!