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!

Fall in love with Erstwilder!!

Monday morning!!  Coffee's on and I'm hard at work starting out a fabulous new week, the possibilities are endless!! 

Today, I am going to share with you about my Erstwilder obsession.  Last winter, I discovered the quirky Erstwilder through one of my favorite blogs, Junebugs and Georgia Peaches and I was entirely intrigued.  I kept seeing their glorious outfits perfectly accessorized with a seemingly never-ending cast of adorable characters.  Like any fashion fanatic, I had to seek them out and get myself a brooch!! 

Erstwilder is a Melbourne, Australia based company that design collectable, limited edition layered resin adornments.  Their cast of eclectic characters contains a plethora of creative and colorful friends.  I was lucky enough to win my first Erstwilder brooch in a contest.  My review of the She's so Foxy brooch.  I fell in love with my She's so Foxy brooch but retailers in the US were few and far between until recently when Erstwilder began selling direct, before that, I contacted Erstwilder and they were kind enough to send me a few of their lovely pieces for review and to shoot with.  I had a glorious time shooting my Erstwilder feature photos with Renee Ricket Photography! 

I chose the Oscar Wildenfox and Thomas Taffy Cat brooches; and the Betty and Bo Sparrow Necklace.  I had a tough time choosing from their huge selection.  There are so many conbinations that can be made so I took a look in my closet and the choices I made were to match as much of my wardrobe as possible.  One of the most fab things about Erstwilder is the variety which makes it easy to find just the right accessory!

Erstwilder's pieces come packaged in cute round boxes, each containing a collectable card with a blurb about your new pal.  Each character in the Erstwilder universe has their own story and personality just like the people who wear them!  The quality is obvious.  Each character is fully three dimensional and completely unique.  The resin is bright and lovely however the brooches should be handled with care because they can break, I have had no issues with this myself with normal wear.

Oscar Wildenfox 

You can do a lot worse than follow the wisdow of our Oscar: "Be yourself everyone else is already taken." 

Oscar Wildenfox is a bespectacled Fox with a studious expression.  He has been available in a few different colorways but my favorite is this lovely turquoise floral version.  He looks adorable perched on the shoulder of my dresses or pinned to a shirt with jeans.  I love wearing him when I volunteer at the Lakeview Museum.  In my photos I am frollicking around my Mother-in-law's lovely garden and reclining in a friend's apple orchard, I love how much beauty there is in Michigan!

 Being bespectacled myself Oscar and I have a kinship because of the glasses perched on our face.  He has accompanied me on many adventures and I recieve a slew of compliments whenever I wear any of my Erstwilder pieces, but his glasses always get the most remarks.

Dress: Lindy Bop Lana

 Betty and Bo Sparrow Necklace.

Betty and Bo show us that true love is never narrow.  It's rather alive and free.  How it is meant to be.

Love is in the air with Betty and Bo Sparrow.  Lovebirds smooch midair suspended from your neck.  Adorable with a variety of pinup or rockabilly styles.  I have worn them with my Unique Vintage cherry dress print and with jeans and a tee. This particular Erstwilder piece is sold out but the have several other adorable bird necklaces.  I enjoyed having summertime fun cooling off in the pool wearing my Torrid swimsuit and my Betty and Bo Sparrow Necklace.

Swimsuit: Torrid
Shoes: Bearpaw

Thomas Taffy Cat

Just like the candy he is named for, our Thomas is colourful, light and fluffy.  A bit of a stretch?  Surely not.

Thomas sits with his tail curled looking at you in the typical indifferent cat fashion.  I have always had cats so as a cat lover, Thomas was the perfect addition to my wardrobe and my husband helped me chose him so he's a special friend!  I am wearing him here with my Voodoo Vixen Kitty Dress.  I love the contrast of his bold shiny blue body sitting still, tail curled around him. Thomas seems to watch the black cats on my dress slink by as he calmly contemplates his day.

Dress: Voodoo Vixen Kitty 

Once upon a time, you had to find a retailer for Erstwilder but now thank goodness, there is the new Erstwilder shop so you can find all of their designs in one place and order direct from them.  They are constantly releasing new and interesting collections with something for everyone!  Which Erstwilder design is your favorite??

Wishful Wednesday!!

It has been busy around here!!  Summer is beginning and with the end of the school year here, I'm looking forward to so many things planned!  Photoshoots, product reviews, Pinups for Patriots events with my Michigan chapter ladies, there is so much coming that I cannot wait to share!!  I've been feeling confident in myself, which is a big thing, after so many years struggling with self worth.  After staying at home for many years, it was tough adjusting to life working again, even from home.  I doubted myself at first but, I've been writing for a couple months now and I am finding it easier as time goes on!  It feels good to support my family and I can also be proud to be working towards a cause that will benefit the environmental future of my state.

I've been dreaming, hoping and saving my pennies since Pinup Girl Clothing announced their Mary Blair collection, it contains so many must have pieces.  I took advantage of their 25% off Memorial Day sale to finally treat myself to the Ella dress in lavendar Mary Blair lips and roses print, which I featured in my very first Wishful Wednesday blog.  I cannot wait to wear, review and shoot in this dress!!  The Ella dress has been on the top of my want list for a long time and this limited print was irresistible to me.  It reminds me of Sleeping Beauty, which was my Disney princess movie of choice growing up. 

Many of you may know this but I can admit it, I am a giveaway addict.  I love that so many companies are generous with their customers and fans, being on a tight budget it is often the only way I could afford to own or try many of these things.  I enter too many giveaways to count for the chance at new additions to my wardrobe, trips, books, food goodies and more, there are many out there on social media.  I have been very blessed to win many fantastic items.  I was lucky enough recently to win not only the lovely Kitty dress from Voodoo Vixen but also a Shark Bomb brooch from Glitter Paradise.  I also recieved the absolutely summery coral Lola sandals from Bearpaw so I have great ideas planned for photoshoots and outfits, plus I will be reviewing these fantastic brands and goodies, don't miss it!!

This week's Wishful Wednesday is purrrfectly pretty style inspired by cute kitties.  I love cats.  It seems I'm not the only one with the popularity of silly cat videos, Grumpy Cat and the many adorable cat print vintage and rockabilly style dresses I've seen.  I cannot remember a time in my life where I have not had a cat, they're fun companions, full of personality and attitude.  I first noticed Pigtails and Pirates through following the awe inspiring Miss Victory Violet.   The company began in 2011 when Laura Jones started creating children’s clothing. Having children of her own, she saw a need for something a little different than the average children’s wear.  She designed them using 100% designer cotton and quirky prints which spoke to her bold taste.  Their ladies wear line is a recent introduction but continues it's dedication to unique beautiful garments in interesting prints.  Pigtails and Pirates ladies clothing has a hint of retro, drawing inspiration from the 1950’s feminine character and silhouette.  I chose the Smitten Kitten Dress because it is charmingly cute.  It's a lovely flattering dress with a sweetheart neckline and full circle skirt.   The quirky kitten print is adorable and adds playful girlishness to this style. I would add a bright blue petticoat for extra volume and bounce.  For this, I recommend Malco Modes, their whisper soft, ruffled petticoats come in a huge array of colors and styles plus they're super high quality compared to many other brands I've tried. 

Erstwilder has just released their new Winter 2015 line, Aussie winter comes when summer is here in Michigan.  I am such a huge fan of their pieces and have my eye out for so many designs.  If you are looking for the perfect piece to match an outfit, always look for an Erstwilder piece, they have a character for every mood.   I love the new Elissa the Indie Cat colorway for this season.  She coordinates with the cat theme while adding contrast in color and pattern.  I love her cute tortoiseshell glasses to go with the sterotypical cat "know-it-all" look, cat owners know that look well!  Go check them out!  What's your favorite piece from the Erstwilder Winter line?

Sourpuss is a one-stop shop for clothing, accessories and housewares for those of us who like to walk off the beaten path. On their site you'll see old school punk, tattooed pinups, vintage, kitschy oddities, retro monsters, tikis and sailors.  I love that they have a huge selection of merchandise including not only Sourpuss brand but also Hell Bunny, Bettie Page shoes, Lux De Ville and more.  I chose the Sourpuss Pink Polka Dot Floozy Purse.  It's a pink & black polka dot retro style purse with vintage inspired, over-sized bow and a kiss lock closure.  The pink matches our dress and the black adds contrasting detail, I have learned to add contrasting colors as I tend to be a bit too  matchy-matchy at times.  Last, but not least are these gorgeous coordinating shoes also available from Sourpuss the Bettie Page Alicia heels in Pink.  Perfectly feminine, they feature cream lace detail with tear drop cut out on the toe and a cone shaped 4 inch heel.  Comfortable fit for long wear is assured by the adjustable straps at the ankle and toe.  They are a beautifully detailed vintage style heel and well designed for practical everyday wear.  Purrrfect!!!  What is your favorite Sourpuss item?

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Erstwilder review!

My first exposure to Erstwilder was about 6 months ago when I began following the fabulous retro style blogger Miss Lixxie Lou. I noticed not only her amazing outfits and perfect hair but the cute, kitschy and completely unique Erstwilder pieces that she wore so often caught my eye.  I had never heard of the company so I googled their website and fell in love but finding a retailer here in the USA proved tough!   I began my quest for my first Erstwilder piece and was blessed to win Erstwilder's Foxy giveaway!!

I chose the new She's So Foxy brooch.  It came in the most adorable round cardboard package and they even sent a cute sweater dog magnet as a bonus.  When you open the box inside the lid are care instruction and a character card with the name of your unique little resin friend with a little poem about it.

She's So Foxy
Oh she's so foxy, just a swish and a flick this way and that, the men all come running without fail.

The brooch is beautiful!!  The Body is white with red, blue, yellow floral with green leaf accents, the black eyes, ears, nose and swishing tail tip are glossy black resin.  The face is dimensional, three layers give it depth and character.  I've worn her out several times on dresses also with a sweater and jeans, each time I wear her I recieve tons of compliments on and questions about the brooch, people just love her!  Erstwilder's pieces are eye catching, unique, high quality and there is a piece perfect for every outfit or occasion! Check them out and let me know what you think!   Thank you Erstwilder!!

Wishful Wednesday

I love fashion!  I love retro classic styling, beautiful prints, whimsical accessories, bright fun petticoats, and vintage styled shoes. I dream of owning closets full of items to style every outfit I can imagine, that's what Wishful Wednesday's are for!!   Each Wednesday I will showcase the outfit I dream of putting together and what fashion brands and items I'm dying to get my hands on. 

Today I am featuring the Pinup Couture Ella dress in Mary Blair rose and lip print, Lavender.  I'm absolutely in love with this dress.  The cut, the style and the rose print all scream Sleeping Beauty to me.  I would wear it everywhere!!  I'm loving the new Mary Blair line, so whimsical and fun!!

I would pair it with the Malco Modes Jennifer Petticoat in hot pink underneath for contrast.  I love the fullness and feeling of the malco modes petticoats, they're high quality, fun and affordable!

I'm absolutely crushing on practically everything by Erstwilder at the moment!!  A menagerie of kitschy animals, americana, rockabilly fun and all affordable.  I am especially loving the Shake, Rattle n Roll, milkshake brooch.

Roses are my favorite!!  The scent, the timeless beauty and many pleasant childhood memories with my Grandmother.  I love Glitter Paradise, her line is authentically retro looking, hand crafted and magnificent!!  I would wear the Rose earrings and ring in red with this dress because I love the contrast of the red roses with the pink roses, red lips and lavender on the dress!

Remix shoes!!!!  Ohhhh, they're to die for.  Now I'm a clumsy girl so I generally opt for wedges or chunky heels.   I love the Gloria in white, they're lovely, very versatile and wearable for walking outside on a beautiful spring day!

I recently discovered Pop that Cassette and they have won my heart!!  They make the most adorable accessories and each piece is so unique!  I would love to wear this adorable blue glitter sweetie bird piece, it fits my songbird personality to a tee!!

I hope you have enjoyed this first Wishful Wednesday.  Tomorrow I will be reviewing my first Erstwilder brooch and I also have reviews of Bearpaw boots, Lady Vintage dresses and Malco Modes petticoats in the works for you!!  Have a gorgeous day!