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 Daisy Jean floral review

I'm in a bright sunny mood!  It's lovely outside today although a bit chilly.  I'm enchanted with Michigan, watching the world around me coming alive each year after winter gives me hope.   Everything around us is dressed in shades of green and there are colorful flowers in bloom wafting their glorious perfume about.  I had an exciting weekend, Sunday was our first Pinups for Patriots Michigan photoshoot.  We had 11 girls from our group gathered in Grand Rapids taking group and individual photos with several lovely vintage cars.  The talented Paige Gabert shot us in both digital and film, I cannot wait to see the final results!  Here's a sneak peek!

This week's Wishful Wednesday outfit is inspired by the blossoming beauty all around me.  I love the designs I keep seeing from Retrolicious, the vintage inspired collection of classy and fun dresses by Folter. Their colorful and quirky designs include retro and rockabilly style dresses.  The Retro Floral dress is an all over rose print dolly dress with a contrasting peter pan style collar, an adorable bow waistband and a full pleated skirt.  I love the bright orange, green, red, yellow and white floral print, it's summer perfect and the solid red contrast accents add bold and feminine detailing.  I enjoy the flirty swinging 60s feel of this dress!

Punky Pins is a unique online shopping experience with all jewellery and clothing designs produced and handmade in their UK based design studios.  They offer fresh, fun, cutting edge designs.  Their Flower Garden Necklace and Earrings made of layered acrylic are funky garden flowers that coordinate perfectly with this frock.  Punky Pins has a delightfully different collection of accessories sure to draw attention and add interest to a variety of wardrobe styles. 

Modcloth offers an amazing selection of vintage wardrobe pieces.  I've featured them here in the past but I find myself addicted to so many of their products!  The Freshly cut-out flower wedges in crimson are the fabulous footwear I want with this look.  Crimson accents at the collar, waist and feet will flatter and draw the eye giving a put together appearance.  These peep toe wedges have floral cut outs and appliques would pair beautifully with many outfits.

I have featured the lovely Daisy Jean Floral Designs here before and recently I was lucky enough to win my own Daisy Jean piece in Rosie Dynamite Pin-up's Facebook contest.  I love my Delightfully Dainty double pink ranunculus piece.  Daisy Jean uses high quality realistic flowers and leaves glued securely on a felt backing with a sturdy clip.  The flowers lay just right and the design is great because the leaves camouflage  the clip so no matter which way you wear it the clip does not show to ruin your look.  The Daisy Jean pieces are pinup model made and designed, they will definitely stand up to everyday wear.   I wore my Daisy Jean piece in my Pinup Picnic shoot with Put A Smile In It Photography and its so delightfully beautiful and fits so nicely, I wear it as often as possible! 

To top off this floral fantasy I would wear this Daisy Jean Delightfully Dainty double ranunculus yellow and orange.  It's the perfect contrast to the crimson and echoes the orange and yellow  shades in the dress.  The Delightfully Dainty floral collection is just the right size for everyday wear, they're not overly large and sit flush to your head.  The ranunculus is such a lovely flower, one of my favorites, how I wish they grew here in Michigan!

I have some exciting things coming in the mail and I'm collaborating on a guest blog soon that has me super excited!!!!  Keep up with me here, on Facebook or Instagram.  Until next time!

Pinups for Patriots Michigan, The American Red Cross Hometown Heroes Celebration and my Amway Grand Plaza Hotel adventures

I've been so busy with family, work and photoshoots the last couple weeks that I have not had time to write a proper blog about my awesome experience  at my first Pinups for Patriots event and my mini vacation at the incredible Amway Grand Plaza Hotel!!

On Thursday April 30, the Michigan chapter of Pinups for Patriots was privileged to attend the American Red Cross Hometown Heroes Celebration as volunteer workers. Each year the American Red Cross celebrates the community heroes who inspire us with their commitment to service and their recognition of the humanity of neighbors across the street and around the world.  The event was held in the beautiful Devos Place, which is located on the Grand River in beautiful downtown Grand Rapids.  

An irresistible mix of historic and modern, downtown Grand Rapids is artistic and eclectic with architecturally glorious historic buildings, museums, shopping, art, delicious local eateries, craft breweries, there's a plethora of interesting things to see and do all while strolling cobblestone streets or enjoying the view along the riverbank.  Grand Rapids is a truly lovely city.   The Hometown Heroes event included a silent auction, strolling dinner, live auction and awards ceremony.  The Pinups for Patriots arrived dressed matching in red and black ready for our duties with seven members attending.  Our volunteer responsibilities gave us the opportunity to stroll around with our supper and mingle with many friendly and engaging community members.  Everyone loved our pinup style, many people asked to pose for pictures with our group and later we were happy to find our pictures made the local news.

  The food was excellent, I have a major love affair with food so I took great pleasure in the variety of gourmet treats available.  Hors d'oeuvres, basil wrapped marinated mozzarella with grape tomatoes, Italian salami with peppers, fresh fruit kebabs with melon, pineapple and strawberries, and crunchy fresh vegetable platters served with ranch veggie dip.  The potato martini bar was amazing!  Large martini glasses stood at one end of a buffet table with huge steaming serving plates of mashed potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes in the middle and loads of great toppings to pile on top, delicious, healthy and a genius way to feed a crowd!  After dinner we were seated as the awards ceremony began.  Chilled local fruit pies of various kinds were served at our tables along with bottles of locally made wine and the most delicious coffee.  The ceremony honored many who have dedicated themselves to their communities helping meet medical needs, caring for those less fortunate and trying to make their world a better place, truly inspiring individuals!!  The live auction was interesting and it was somewhat comical to watch the bidding wars break out. It was such an honor to volunteer, to meet community heroes and it was a pleasure to spend the evening with the ladies in our Pinups for Patriots Michigan chapter.  We are a diverse group of beautiful women with a passion for serving others and we had a million laughs together.  I'm so thrilled to be a part of this organization!!!

I'm very lucky to be in Pinups for Patriots with a friend I've known since I was a kid whom I've worked several pinup shoots with and live close to.  Since we live over an hour from Grand Rapids and our event was scheduled to last until 11pm, she asked me if I would like to stay with her if she booked a hotel room.  Mom's night out in a way!  We told our other Pinups for Patriots gals our plan, offering our room to the other girls as a place to get ready for the event and were quickly referred to a friend of a member who got us a room at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, holy cow!!!!  I felt like a princess!!!  Our room was located in the beautiful historic Pantlind Tower which was built in 1913.  We were surrounded by opulence, running around in our curlers with vintage scarves tied around, we must've been quite the interesting sight.  Deep green, burgundy and gold everywhere.  Velvet draperies, golden figural railings, wall reliefs, period furnishings, it was a gorgeous glimpse into the glorious gradeur of the past. 

Our room was beautiful and spacious with a nice view of the river.  The hotel even sent us a thank you card with a complimentary bottle of champagne and chocolates because they knew we were there as volunteers.  A very thoughtful gesture!

  We got into our room and hurried to meet some of our fellow chapter members for a quick lunch then off to get pinup ready for our event together.  It was such chaotic fun getting ready together with a group of gals, we filled our room with pinup clutter, laughter and everyone gushed over one another's outfits, it was a great bonding experience!

I wore my Vivien of Holloway Grace dress in Silver Lace Bust to the event.  The Grace dress is elegant and suited to gala events such as this.  I recieved many compliments on my dress, positive comments regarding our group's retro glam style and told people about our mission to bring back the patriotism of the World War 2 era.  On our way back to our room from the benefit we snapped a few fun photos in the fantastic Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, taking advantage of the picturesque surroundings.

  

It was an absolutely unforgettable evening of laughter and memories made with women I am proud to call my friends!  I cannot wait for our Pinups for Patriots Michigan photoshoot on May 17 and all of our future events this year.  I am truly blessed to be a part of this organization!!!

Wishful Wednesday!!

It has been very busy for me since last weeks photoshoot and is not slowing  down anytime soon!  I'm preparing for our first official Michigan Pinups for Patriots event tomorrow in Grand Rapids, then I will be going back to Jackson to have fun with Put A Smile In It Photography at their Pinup Picnic event on Sunday, so my bedroom looks like a tornado hit between planning and packing for both!  It feels good to be busy again though.  I look forward to summer in Michigan because there is so much to be done!  Michigan has much natural beauty, many fun festivals and gorgeous locations to be explored, you cannot possibly get bored.  I'm looking forward to adventuring this summer and have plans to shoot on the beaches of Lake Michigan, at antique car shows, in amazing vintage locales and wandering in flower laden botanic gardens.  I'm wistful and ready for summer, long hot days full of fun and friends.  Today's outfit is perfect for cool fun in the summer sun!

We all scream for ice cream!!  It's my favorite summer treat, the perfect way to cool off on a hot day, available in every shape, flavor and color, your ice cream choice is every bit as unique as you are.  That's why I adore this cute Flavor Fave dress from Modcloth.  It screams summer, I imagine walking around in a beachside town, browsing shops and enjoying an ice cream cone while walking on the pier at sunset.  The pistacio hued dress has pastel ice cream cones, a sweetheart neckline and cute white trim, pretty pastels look super chill on a warm day.  It has a boned bodice for shaping with a full skirt, creating a very feminine silhouette.  Another great feature is adjustable straps, as a petite girl who often has to pin or alter straps because they are just too long I prefer adjustable straps, having to fix a brand new dress to fit is my biggest pet peeve!  The straps also allow you the option of a cute criss cross back.  I love Modcloth's philosophy that all fashion is vintage inspired in some way, their varied selection and I am even more impressed that they carry many of their items in sizes from xs-4x.  I believe every woman deserves stylish clothing available in her size!!

While looking for accessories I used Google, I searched for the perfect ice cream fascinator.  I found the fabulous Pearls and Swine, they specialize in pop surreal millinery: hats, half masks, fascinators and avant-garde hair accessories for people who really want to get noticed.  That is exactly what I was looking for, a bold noticeable accessory.  I love this Ice Cream Hair clip from their Etsy shop.  The colors are a perfect match for this dress and what a yummy conversation piece this is!  Triple scoop ice cream cone made of felt with bead sprinkles and hand stitched accents.  Deliciously girly and creative, it is the perfect matching piece of whimsy and fascination!

I've mentioned before that I'm just starting my love affair with shoes.  I was born with clubbed feet, therefore I have wide feet, weak ankles and support issues.  Because it was hard to find shoes that are cute and supportive for many years I only wore plain shoes, no heels, nothing interesting, but lately I've grown sick of plain shoes so I've been looking for shoes that strike me, that make a statement!  I noticed John Fluevog shoes on Facebook first, they stand out because of their vintage sensibilities, interesting design elements and fabulous high style.  I absolutely love the Queen Transcendent Nefertiti, these shoes are amazing!!   Pink and black Polido leather gives a timeless antique feel, braided ankle straps, a slight platform, with aqua accents and the incredibly unique ball and claw heel, based on the legs of antique furniture.  They remind me of neopolitan ice cream, perfect to both match and add contrast to this outfit with the black trim.  Unique shoes are a must for me and the Queen Transcendent Nefertiti are incomparable!

What woman doesn't love a gorgeous purse?  They're a functional fashion statement and can make or break your outfit.  I personally keep half of my life with me in my purse.  I always try to chose a bag that I will love well also because of budget constraints I try to make a choice that will remain fashionable and well made enough to last several years.  Lux de Ville are created for women who love fashion.  Vintage sparkle with a punk rock edge and just the right finishing touch.  I chose the Bon Voyage kiss lock in black and baby green sparkle.  The fabulous sparkle baby green diamond patterned body matches this outfit while the black accent echoes the black on the shoes and adds a bit of interesting contrast, a little edge to all of the pastel colors.  The bag is also large enough to bring plenty of pinup essentials making it the perfect finishing touch!

Coming Friday: All about my first official Michigan Pinups for Patriots event!!!  Stay tuned!