Perfect pumpkins and kooky kitties! My review of the Pinup Girl Clothing Zooey Dress in Pumpkin Border Print

Today I am reviewing the Zooey Dress in Pumpkin Border Print by Pinup Girl Clothing.  This spooktastic dress is a highly anticipated re-release of the classic Zooey Dress in their exclusive Halloween 2016 Collection.  The adorable print of fall leaves, spooky black cats and cute jack-o-lanterns was designed exclusively for Pinup Girl Clothing by artist Stephanie Buscema.  

This was my must have dress of the Autumn season, since Pinup Girl Clothing gave us a sneak peek months ago, I have been stalking their website and impatiently waiting!  I may have gotten a bit obsessed but fall is my favorite season and this dress just screams fall.  It has everything I love-earthy colors, falling leaves, as well as a hint of Halloween with the black scaredy cats and jack-o-lanterns.  I love the vibrant red, orange, yellow, brown and black colors in this print.

  When my box from Pinup Girl Clothing arrived, I tore right into it, wasting no time to try on my unicorn.  I have wanted the Zooey style for years and this print really spoke to me!  The Zooey dress is available in other prints also.  My hubby Kevin was so patient when I insisted we immediately head to the Tamarack Nature Trail and Lakeview Cemetery in our hometown to take photos, I desperately wanted to capture the beauty of the day.  We are blessed to live in a gorgeous rural area and in fall, it comes alive with intense color everywhere!  

Fall is my favorite!  Magical!

The sun was just beginning to set in what is known as the golden hour, those two hours before sunset when the world is bathed in the golden light of the setting sun.  Peak color along with the sun's glow provided a magical backdrop and I felt beautiful bathing in the glories of autumn!

 Zooey features a wrap top bust, with cross-back adjustable straps, a tapered contrasting waist band accented with faux buttons and a full skirt.  I love the fit of the Zooey, I am wearing a size 2x, the cotton/spandex blend material gives the right amount of stretch to hug curves without being clingy.  The bust is a wrap top and cut to fit a variety of bust sizes comfortably. I love how the contrasting waist band emphasizes and minimizes the waist giving the perfect hourglass silhouette.

Outfit Details:
Dress: Zooey Dress in Pumpkin Border Print by Pinup Girl Clothing
Earrings: Orange Glitter Buttons (Similar)
Necklace: Four Seasons-Autumn c/o Buttonsy Jewelry
Petticoat: Jennifer in Yellow by Malco Modes
Shoes: Off to the Laces Ballet Flats in Black by Pinup Girl Clothing
Makeup: E.L.F.
Lipstick: Red Velvet by Besame Cosmetics

I added leafy autumn themed accessories, a fluffy Malco Modes petticoat and these lovely but comfy ballet flats for a pretty but spooky look.  I have worn my Zooey on every occasion possible because she is so unique and comfortable, I want to wear this style daily.  I have gotten so many compliments and comments on this dress, it's definitely a show stopper!  Thank you Pinup Girl Clothing for designing the most glorious vintage style pieces for every body to wear and love; and maybe obsess over....just a little!!  ;-)

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

Accessories Ahoy!! The Moby Duck Review

I am a fool for accessories.  I love the personality and unique spin they put on an outfit.  I have looked far and wide in my search for as many quirky vintage reproduction accessories as I can.  I was lucky enough to have some of my Grandmother's jewelry but I remembered other pieces I had played with as a child.  Lovely molded or sculpted resin and plastic jewelry in fanciful animal, flower and novelty shapes.  I remember Grandma had a pair of earrings in the shape of hibiscus flowers, they were bright and beautiful looking, so lifelike, these memories are the reason that I love interesting accessories.

My Brooch Board!

I discovered The Moby Duck on Instagram.  I was immediately drawn to their lovely selection of glorious Handmade Resin Jewelry.  The Moby Duck is the vision of artist and crafter Amy Marshall who resides in Melbourne, Australia.  I am thrilled to have been sent a selection of their lovely jewelry to review.  I was instantly struck by the beauty of these pieces.  The resin is bright and smooth, the details are amazing, right down to the tops of the acorns being the perfect texture, it is obvious that a lot of love and care has gone into the making of these pieces.  The variety of pieces is fantastic with something available to enhance every outfit and perfect touches for even the changing seasons.  I have found that my Moby Duck pieces have become a staple in my wardrobe, they always invite remark and add a pretty finishing touch to so many of my outfits.  I just cannot stop wearing my Moby Duck pieces, so I'm sure you'll fall in love too!!

  I had a beautiful day enjoying the fall sunshine at Anderson & Girls Orchard with Jessica from Horvath Photo shooting for my blog! 

Oak Leaves and Acorns Brooch in Rose Gold courtesy of The Moby Duck.  Dress: Kiyonna Ravishing Lace Wrap Dress in Rich Garnet.

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Oak Leaves and Acorns in Rose Gold.  Lovely oak leaves on the branch of rose gold adorned with acorns and sparkling golden glitter detail.  This brooch is the perfect fall piece for a Michigan gal, our yard is surrounded by oak trees.  I love wearing it on dark red as it stands out and really shows the loveliness of this design.  October is the perfect month in Michigan to wear this brooch and I have worn it with several outfits for a touch of autumn spirit.

The Orange Goldfish Resin Brooch is a cute detailed goldfish made of two shades of orange resin.  Beautifully detailed and graceful with gently fanned fins and gleaming scales.  He is an adorable companion for cute summertime outfits, beachy days and lakeside strolls.  I paired my Goldfish Brooch with my Mermaid dress for a match made in heaven!

Brooch: Orange Goldfish courtesy of The Moby Duck.  Dress: Ella in Mermaid by Carolina Dress Company.

 I have named my Goldfish, Gary, because he was a hit with the little girls at church when I wore him they all had to come touch him and look at him so he really took on his own personality.  I love how cute little accessories can lead to conversations!

Brooch: Seahorse courtesy of The Moby Duck.  Dress: Ella in Mermaid by Carolina Dress Room.  Crinoline: Malco Modes

 The Seahorse Brooch was an adorable addition to my mermaid dress as well, I love how these cute little guys seems to swim along happily perched on my shoulder.  They are such fun little companions and everyone who notices them has to look and admire the detail on The Moby Duck pieces! 

Red Rose Brooch and Red Floral Bangle courtesy of The Moby Duck.  Dress: Pinup Girl Clothing Ella in lavender Mary Blair Lips and Roses.  Petticoat: Malco Modes

Cherry Red Large Vintage Rose Brooch is a beautiful blooming red rose with green leaf detail.  I love how bright and bold this brooch is, a good size to draw attention amd as luscious as a real bloom. 

 The Large Vintage Rose Brooch is available in many colors so you can coordinate it with other Moby Duck accessories (such as I have with the Red Floral Bangle) and with the selection of colors you are sure to find just the right piece to accent your outfits perfectly.

Red Resin Floral Bangle.  I love The Moby Duck's selection of resin floral bangles.  This lovely floral bangle is available in a huge variety of colors.  Roses, lily of the valley, zinnias, mums and leaves dance around this beautiful bangle.  I am a fool for flowers so I would love to ladder tons of these floral fantasies up my arms!

  
Tweetheart is an adorable red heart brooch with a swooping white sparrow.  I love birds and this brooch is perfect for me because of that.  It looks lovely on coordinating fabric or standing out in a darker dress.

  I love the simplicity of the design but the beauty is in the detail of the bird with the delicate feather details.  I am smitten with these lovely red accessories worn with my Pinup Girl Clothing Mary Blair Ella dress!

The Moby Duck offers high quality, beautifully detailed accessories in a huge variety of styles and colors.  Which are your favorite styles, because I know you cannot possibly chose just one!!

Wishful Wednesday!

Good day!  What a whirlwind I've had the last month!  Two photoshoots, pinup classes, blogging, writing for work and the 28th Street Metro Cruise Pinup Contest have kept me super busy!! I have exciting blogs coming.  Next week, all about my fun at Alfie, Jean's Pinup Charm School and my collaboration with Katrina Parker Frocks, including another great giveaway and later in the week my collaboration with the ever amazing Erstwilder!!  Exciting things are coming!!!  I am also featured on the Pinups for Patriots website, go check my interview out HERE!

Summer is winding down and we are enjoying a bit of early fall weather.  The chill in the air reminds me that soon enough I'll be swapping my dresses for boots and bundling up.  This weeks Wishful Wednesday is my idea of a cute and functional fall outfit. 

Miss Candyfloss was born in 2009, it is a fabulous retro brand inspired by the styles of 1940´s and 1950´s with a sexy twist for the 21st century woman in sizes XS-4XL. Their goal is to invoke the old time doll aesthetic into a dressed up version of everyday-wear.  I chose to pair the Audrea May Top in Vintage Rose with the Abbie Lee High Waisted Denim Pants.  The Audrea May top is a retro styled stretch top with bishop sleeves and sweetheart opening.  This cute long sleeve top has pleats at the front to enhance the curves of the upper body.  I would pair this top with the adorable Abbie Lee Pants, high waist stretch denim pants with wide legs, two deep front pockets and two back pockets.  This combo screams 1940s to me!!

I am absolutely smitten with B.A.I.T. Footwear's new autumn/winter 2015 line.  The Peggy Heel in Black are my absolute favorite of the season!   Peggy is a platform heel with bow accent on the toe and animal friendly to boot, made from vegan material.  Classic design elements with a modern edge, Peggy would be a gorgeous addition to any outfit whether casual or dressy.

And last but not least, a fabulous bag to finish our look off in style.  Pinup Girl Clothing always has the perfect accessories to add glam to any look.  This Bow Handbag in Black Vinyl with Pink Vinyl Trim is pretty as a picture!!  Solid shiny black vinyl rounded into a trapezoid-shaped body edged in shiny pink vinyl piping gives this purse subtle curves and a classic shape.  This outfit is a stunning retro-casual look that is functional yet elegant.  I would wear my hair in a classic rolled chignon and add a vintage hat.  Pinup perfection!  

Stay tuned for all the fun next week!!  Follow me on Instagram and Facebook for tons more Sassy Scarlet!!

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- Beach Babe edition!

Good day!!  The sun is shining, its hot, humid and summer is in full swing!  Michigan is a beautiful state for summer fun.  The Great Lakes coast is ripe with opportunity, lakeside towns full of shopping, gourmet food and adventure.  Lake Michigan is home to some of the most beautiful beaches, bordered by sand dunes and woods, I can lose myself walking on the beach, soaking up the sun, the peaceful sound of the waves. In Michigan you are never more than 6 miles from a body of water so swimming is a daily part of summertime life.  This week's Wishful Wednesday is vintage perfection for beach babe beauty!

I've been self conscious my entire life.  I've always been bigger and I carry a lot weight in my thighs.  I have cellulite and that for years caused me to believe I should always wear swim skirts, cover ups, shorts or avoid swimsuits altogether.  I've finally come to a place where I realize all bodies are beach bodies!  Enjoying summer is not a size exclusive thing.  I posed in my swimsuit without a cover up, thighs exposed, noone died, noone was cruel and I felt fabulous!  

Swimsuit by Torrid
Photo by Era Exposures

Here are my top swim suit choices for plus pinup style beach beauty and a few must have accessories for protecting yourself from the harsh summer sun.

Pinup Girl Clothing Pinup Couture Marilyn suit in Green
The Marilyn - a gorgeous, gathered, skirted thing of beauty that evokes old Hollywood glamour is designed to hold you in and push you up, for an extremely sexy beach silhouette. The suit is fully lined with power mesh to define your curves, the bust has padded cups that help support and the gathered design hides any imperfections. Two removable rhinestone brooches attach to the straps adding a glamorous finishing touch, the straps are adjustable and sizes XL-4X are also fitted with wider straps for better support.  A beautiful classic suit to flatter any shape, Pinup Girl Clothing always does vintage right!

Unique Vintage Casablanca Halter Top and High Waisted Bottoms in Polka Dots and Red Bows
With its blue and white polka dot print and cute red bows, this swim top has the perfect all-American retro look paired with the matching high-waisted bikini bottoms. I love this style for its undeniably classic retro look!

Torrid Peekaboo One Piece in Leopard
Sexy and stylish this leopard one-piece gives a flattering shape and fit. Front ruching slims and controls while convertible wide straps give support and versatility. I love my Torrid Peekaboo suit, it is flattering and sexy!!  Meow!!

Red Dolly Swimwear Retro Pin-Up Bikini in Black and White Stripe
I love this twist on the classic Barbie suit.  An adorable retro styled high waist bikini with a gathered bust halter top.  Pair this suit with cute Cherry Red Lolita Love Retro Heart Sunglasses and a high ponytail for a Barbie at the beach look sure to get attention!

Mod Cloth Wade A Minute Swimdress in Flamingos
Very cute and versatile, this one piece swimdress features underwire padded bust with bonig at the sides, a tiered swim skirt and removable straps.  I would love to pair this fun flamingo print with these stylish Bearpaw Calla Wedges in Black and a wide brimmed hat like this Black and White Striped Woven Sun Hat with Bow for a casual beach babe look.

Whatever your beach style may be, remember to enjoy yourself because you are worth it!!!

A patriotically perfect Wishful Wednesday!

Summer is blissful!  I have been fully enjoying the warm summer days outside, grilling tasty food, taking long walks, stargazing and loving this break from our normally hectic family schedule.  I am looking forward to Fourth of July!  It is my favorite summer holiday, I love the patriotism, gathering together to celebrate our country, fun family traditions, fireworks and revolutionary history.  July 3 is also our wedding anniversary, so it gives us even more reason to be thankful, this year we will be 17 years together, what an incredible journey!

This week my Wishful Wednesday is celebrating Fourth of July, our American Independence Day. These are my top choices for perfectly patriotic pinup style.

1. Lady Mayra ELSA American Flag Dress

This dress absolutely screams Independence Day!!  I love the Lady Mayra Elsa dress, I have one I won in a Facebook competition and it is a lovely vintage style that fits like a glove, a beautiful hourglass silhouette with full circle skirt : My review of the Elsa dress.  The Elsa dress is available in a wide variety of colorways, but this American flag version is absolutely stunning, the blood red bust contrasts beautifully with petite white stars on bold blue and the fabulously full red and white striped skirt ripples in waves of glorious color calling to mind the words of The Star Spangled Banner, filling me with pride.


2.Pinup Girl Clothing Amanda Dress in Red, White and Royal Blue

I have been following Amelia and June at Junebugs and Georgia Peaches for a couple of years now.  I love reading their adventures, they each have a unique perspective on everyday vintage style and bubbly, irresistible personalities, I have found so much inspiration reading their blog.  The upcoming Pinup Girl Clothing collection inspired by these gals is filled with so many must have pieces but my personal favorite is the Amanda dress with its eye catching stripes of red, white and royal blue.  It is a beautiful modest style that accentuates femininity without being revealing, completely practical for everyday wear, I absolutely must own this piece when it arrives for wearing at Pinups for Patriots events.  Perfectly Patriotic and stunning!

 
3. Glitter Paradise Shark Bomb Brooch

I love my Glitter Paradise Shark Bomb Brooch, it is a fun accessory for any vintage look.  A high quality, detailed and handmade the bomb brooch is decorated with shark nose art, a popular WWII era motif.  Nose art was originally used for identifying friendly units but the practice evolved into a way to express the individuality that was often constrained by the uniformity of the military, it evoked memories of home and peacetime life.  The Shark Bomb is the perfect piece to finish your patriotic pinup outfit!  I wore my Glitter Paradise Shark Bomb Brooch to the D-Day plus 71 Celebration with Pinups for Patriots and everyone loved it!

Photo: Alyx Wiltse
Dress: Hell Bunny
Brooch: Glitter Paradise
Crinoline: Malco Modes

 

4. Unique Vintage Navy, White and Red Color Block Audrey Purse 

Unique Vintage has a spectacular selection of pinup clothing and accessories.  A variety of red, white and blue styles are available in dresses, high waist bikinis, purses and accessories.  Unique Vintage is a one stop for impeccable head to toe retro styling.  A great bag is essential to any outfit and this color block Audrey purse is trendy, practical and patriotic.


5.Spunkerella Pettiflirt Two Tone: Navy/White

The Spunkerella Petticoats are one of the most gloriously ruffly and voluminous brands I have seen.  I love that they offer not only solid color, but two tone and rainbow colored varieties for many different looks.  This Navy/White combination matches the patriotic theme of each dress I have chose, the right petticoat or crinoline is the ultimate finishing touch, giving you a fun, flirty swirl of color and emphasizing vintage shape. 

What are your plans for Fourth of July?  What will you be wearing?

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!!

Pinup Girl Clothing Mary Blair Collection Ella Dress Review

Hello everyone!  Its been a terribly busy week here with family, work, Pinups for Patriots, singing and to top it off I've been struggling with internet issues so I was unable to put up this weeks Wishful Wednesday because of this, I apologize and am happy to be back online, blogging again.  I am excited to be working on my guest blog with Pinup Persuasion featuring my experiences and thoughts on a number of plus friendly vintage style brands.  I will be posting more reviews, photos, wishlists and blogging about all of my recent adventures with Pinups for Patriots Michigan chapter, expect lots of goodies to come, sometimes I think I need clones of myself to keep up!!

I have admired many styles at Pinup Girl Clothing for several years now but on our family budget it had always been more dream than reality.  When they announced their Magic of Mary Blair Collection I fell in love and as soon as I saw the Ella dress in lavender lips and roses print, I knew I needed to own that dress so I began saving and was lucky enough to scoop her up at a great deal during the recent Memorial day sale.  I am a princess at heart and I have no doubt that the Disney movies that I watched as a young girl are the reason.  I loved Snow White, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty and I wanted to be them.   I grew up in Michigan in the country surrounded by nature. I spent many hours as a child prancing around the woods singing to my pets, pretending to be a princess.  The Mary Blair Ella dress in lips and roses print immediately reminded me of the Disney princess movies I grew up loving and this is because Mary Blair was the woman responsible for the fantastical vision behind many Disney classics made from 1943-1953.  The Mary Blair print is gloriously whimsical, beautiful pink and green roses with their twining vines dance on white across a brilliant contrasting lavender background accented with fluttering red lips like little butterly kisses.  I love this print, it is perfection, summery, lovely and unique, it reminds me of Sleeping Beauty.

  The Ella dress is cut beautifully flattering to any figure, I bought a size 2x and it fits like a glove.  The material is a high quality cotton blend, 97% cotton 3% spandex, this gives the material decent weight and nice stretch.  I am actually up a few pounds at the moment from a long, lazy winter but the 2x still fits me although it is snug it looks lovely. 

 The gathered bodice is scooped and finished with a cute black velvet bow.  The adjustable straps are better made, larger and more adjustable than any other brand I have tried, although their width does make them slightly difficult to adjust.  The back is elasticized on either side of the zipper which allows for a shapely fit in the bodice of the dress.  The dress then tapers in under the bust into a wide waistband, I find that this style really emphasize a small waistline.  The skirt is absolutely enormous, it is gathered full and heavy, the most generous skirt I've seen on any brand of  vintage style dress I have purchased.

 The skirt has hidden pockets on the sides, a very nice touch and well designed they do not stick out awkwardly as some pockets on other brands I have tried.  This skirt is long and heavy, I think that you really need a petticoat as the skirt lies very limp without, it looks much more lovely with the volume of a petticoat added.

  I wore a 120 yard, 26 inch long very full, cream petticoat underneath for my photos and I think that with the length of the skirt I would like to try a longer petticoat, that would give me the look I desire.  I am looking at the Malco Modes Cossette Petticoat in Light Pink.  I had nothing but compliments on the dress when wearing it, I enjoyed every second because I felt so lovely, I really am a prancing princess.  I love everything about it, the cut, fit, material and print, well worth the price considering the beauty and very high quality of the garment.  Thank You Pinup Girl Clothing for creating quality Couture for Every Body, it is wonderful to have companies like you who cater to every woman and realize that beauty has no size, there is no number to define personal style.  I cannot wait to add more pieces from Pinup Girl Clothing to my wardrobe!!!

My photos were shot along the beautiful coastline of Lake Michigan at Duck Lake State Park in Muskegon by Alyx Wiltse.  I love my home state, Michigan is filled with such varied natural beauty and a rich history.  I enjoy walking through the thick of the woods over grass covered dunes to the beach searching for beach glass and fossils.  I get lost in the peacefulness there, seemingly never-ending skies over, my toes in the water and the sounds of waves crashing to shore, Lake Michigan is majestic and enchanting.

  I am blessed to be able to have the chance to travel all over our state with Pinups for Patriots this summer, I cannot wait, stay tuned as Monday I will be writing and sharing about our recent events! 

Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram for tons more fun!!

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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