The Hell Bunny 1950s Cannes Floral Swimsuit

Swimsuit by Hell Bunny available at Tigermilly

To any woman whose self esteem plummets during swimsuit season, I recommend a 1950s style one-piece. They’re flattering, feminine and they mean I actually look forward to going to the beach. Who cares if I can barely doggy paddle and my chest is five shades darker than my face? I feel like a 1950s movie star. And what’s better than feeling like a 1950s movie star? Feeling like an Italian 1950s movie star, of course! Enter Hell Bunny’s exquisite take on vintage swimwear and my happy face.

This has to be one of the most gorgeous swimsuits I’ve found. What really makes this baby stand out is the luscious scarlet and fuchsia floral print. It’s irresistibly sexy and oozes la dolce vita glamour. Don’t forget to paint your lips and nails to match. The black background streamlines your silhouette and the ruching across your tummy helpfully skims over any bulges you gained enjoying life. The thick halterneck straps hoik your tatas right up, giving support and Mediterranean cleavage to even huge, heavy breasts. The Hell Bunny fit on this one-piece is true to size. I’m wearing a 12 and it’s spot on. It’s currently available for £34.49 on the Tigermilly website, which I consider a bargain price for this much poolside confidence.

My Favourite Vintage Style Swimsuits This Summer

My most popular post ever was the Vintage Style Swimsuit Special. I’m obsessed with gorgeous retro swimwear and apparently so are you, so here are my latest objects of aquatic lust for you to drool over/pose in.

Because red satin and fake diamonds are always appropriate

Marilyn swimsuit by Pin Up Girl Clothing, also available in plus size, maternity and at Top Vintage

Always accessorize your swimsuit with a cocktail and your cocktail with an umbrella

South Pacific swimsuit by Seaspray available at Figleaves

The sexiest Minnie Mouse outfit ever

Marilyn swimdress from Deadly Is The Female

Bombshell style, bargain price

Pink swimsuit from Asda

Don’t just go on holiday, look like one

Lazy Summer bikini by Playful Promises

This would be killer with a tan

 

Tankini from Mama Maria

And finally, the Little Black Dress of Swimsuits

1950s Sarong Swimsuit by What Katie Did

The Joan Special: Season 7 Part 2

For Part 1, look here.

Her Garden Party Dress

The promo shots for Part 2 featured Joan looking sensational in this floaty pink dress. It’s very Diane von Furstenberg and very flattering with its wide scoop neckline, full-length sleeves and fitted waist.

Her SATC Look

This magenta power dress and gold coat remind me of another kickass businesswoman, Samantha Jones.

Subdued In Sludge Green

After being sexually harassed by a couple of sleazeball clients, Joan is wearing a modest, and ugly, blouse.

Her Retail Therapy Fix

Joan on a shopping spree is the stuff of my fashion fantasies. This pearl encrusted, feather trimmed evening dress is exquisite.

Of Course Joan Wears A Ballgown To Bed

You gotta love a nightie that comes with its own cape.

Her Office Barbie Look

Gorgeous, summer workwear. I’m obsessed with these shades of pink. The nude accessories keep it chic.

Yet More Glamorous Sleepwear

Costume designer, Janie Bryant, is spoiling us. This satin emerald dressing gown is fit for a queen. Or me.

Her Beautiful Blue Blouse

Joan wears quite a few pussybow necklines this season, a big trend in women’s officewear at the time.

One Of Her All Time Greatest Hits

She’s always loved Asian style and this brocade pencil dress with its Mandarin collar is just stunning. A classic bombshell look.

Experimenting With Skirt Shapes

Joan’s famous for her wiggle skirts but here she is something more flared. She keeps her waist defined by wearing the belt over the top of her shirt.

Her Mixed Print Dress

This season sees Joan really venturing out of her familiar silhouette with floaty, printed numbers like this one.

Her Matchy Matchy Suit

She looks like a flight attendant on the world’s most colour-coordinated airline.

The “I’ll Take One In Every Colour” Outfit

Joan has long been a fan of buying several versions of the same outfit in different colourways. If a look works for you, make it work harder.

Her Sassy Seventies Frock

She’s got the funk.

Her Giant Pink Dress

Another pussybow neckline. It’s a bit billowy for my taste – I prefer her in something more fitted.

Like This

Her Tux Dress

It’s menswear inspired but in a very feminine way. A fabulous look for the office.

What To Wear To The Beach

A vintage floral one-piece and a sarong knotted at the waist. Check out the diva-sized brim on that sunhat behind her.

Her Fancy Dinner Dress

J’adore this fitted, jersey dress and matching handbag. Sophisticated glamour.

Her Hot Mama Look

Cute and casual at home in a batwing-sleeved jumper and cats eye glasses.

And Now For Something Completely Different

It’s the end of Mad Men and suddenly Joan’s really into jumpsuits!

Her Leopard Print Loungewear

This dressing gown is fierce and I want it.

Her Farewell Ensemble

Joan is The Boss – of her own company and of this look.

The Biba Gold Two Tone Limited Edition Sequin Trousers

Trousers by Biba at House of Fraser, vest from Primark, shoes from BHS, vintage hoop earrings

From time to time my narcissism pays off and I get sent lovely clothes to review. It’s a great opportunity to try something different so here I am wearing a pair of sequinned trousers! They’re from revitalised vintage label, Biba, and they’re available now at House of Fraser.

I’m used to my legs being seamed not spangly, but the black with gold undertones keeps these as flattering as tight, reflective trousers can be. The tapered, ankle-length combined with my adorably short, stumpy legs make heels essential to avoid looking like a walking glitterball. Although actually, that sounds kind of awesome.

These attention-grabbing trews are a huge change from of my usual 1950s-inspired look, but I had a lot of fun wearing them. Disco pants all the way – they’re sassy, a little bit seventies and perfect for a night out dancing.

My Shopping Soulmate: Alannah Hill

The Romantic Soul Cardi, Her Startling Beauty Skirt, Alpha Fem Heels, Dark Beauty Flower, Sunday Love Tights, The Last Chance Headband, Flicking My Hair Dress

Apart from the one-piece weather, the thing I miss most about living in Australia is the shopping. One store that captured my heart and fired my wildest fashion fantasies was the iconic Alannah Hill. The style is lavishly romantic with a vintage-inspired eye-for-detail. Think princess frocks, outrageously glamorous accessories and lashings of sex appeal. All the pieces have fabulously evocative names. How can you resist the “Shut Up And Kiss Me Top” or the “I Am Grace Kelly Skirt”? Yes, you bloody are, my darling.

Shopping in AH is like entering a girly dreamworld with a dressing up box in every corner. It’s a playground for adult women who love glitter as much as they love silk. The boutiques are heavenly boudoirs and I want to live in one. You know how some people have a place they go to relax and gather their thoughts? Like a quiet park or a tranquil lake? Alannah Hill is where I feel at peace.

The Joan Special: Season 7 Part 1

Since the last ever episode of Mad Men, I’ve been weeping in my wiggle dress and mourning the loss of Joan’s magnificent beehive. I’ve also been documenting every one of Joanie’s looks from her style swan song, Season 7. I find it eases the pain.

Her Go-going Places Look

The promos for Season 7 featured Joan in a sexy hot pink minidress. This is a brand new, forward-thinking shape for the empress of the office. I want her Pucci handbag, her legs and her first class plane ticket.

Joan, Version 7.0

The season premiere kicks off with a new spin on the quintessential Joan look – a jewel-toned pencil dress worn with a stonking great bouffant and a necklace that dangles down to her sensational bosom. The hemline and the hairdo have both crept up because we’ve entered the seventies.

Her Power Dress

Now she’s a big shot business lady, Joan wears monochrome and shows off her serious side. She drapes herself in gold to symbolise that she is a queen and that she is loaded.

Her Back To School Look

The colours in this ensemble are as rich and fabulous as Joan. She looks like an earth goddess.

Professionally Gorgeous

A masterclass in stylish workwear. I love the bold, feminine colour, the 3/4-length sleeves and the belted jacket that keeps her hourglass silhouette on display.

Her Valentines Day Tribute Act

Joan loves a theme. The theme is mostly “drop dead gorgeous”. However, her V-Day get up is more of a deep cranberry than a bright red as she’s not feeling all that loved up right now.

Her Knockout Knee-Highs

I gasped when I saw these knee-high boots, an exciting fashion first for Joan signifying how kickass and modern she has become. The gasping was not a first for me. I get very emotionally involved with Joan’s wardrobe.

Her Green Is The Colour Of Money Look

Seventies Joan has kept her trademark pencil skirt but added a big flouncy blouse. And even after all these years, she’s still tying a scarf to her handbag.

Her Angry Red Dress

If you plan on getting majorly pissed off, it’s best to wear a beautiful red dress to coordinate with your rage.

Her At Home With Joan Dress

Isn’t it awkward when your closeted gay friend leans in for a snog and a marriage proposal? And don’t you love it when we get to see Joan at home? She looks so much softer than in her office armour with her hair all Farrah Fawcett flicky and her dress all polka dot floaty.

Her Summer In The Office Dress

The psychadelic print brings her favourite pencil dress shape bang into the seventies.

Her Just Got Out Of Bed Look

She’s been called out in the middle of the night so this is the most casual we’ve seen her all season. I love her spotty rainmac and the fact that, whatever the circumstances, Joan’s wearing heels.

Her Scarf Dress

Scarves are Joan’s signature flourish, finishing off dresses and handbags alike. This navy frock is pretty conservative but that printed scarf at the neckline gives it panache.

For more Joan, go to Part 2 of this fashion extravaganza.

The Collectif Ginger Strawberry Print Wing Bust Dress

Dress from Collectif, also available at Top Vintage, Attitude and eBay, peeptoe slingback sandals from BHS, bamboo bangles from Collectif, handbag and pearl earrings are vintage

As soon as I set eyes on this adorable strawberry-print sundress from retro supershop Collectif, I knew I had to have it on my body and in my blog. The pattern is scrumptious – fruity red on a clean white background makes it super summery. The classic 1950s shape with its full swing skirt and nipped-in, belted waist is flattering as hell and the elasticated panel at the back means you can feel a little bit smug and size down.

As if this dress wasn’t giving you enough reasons to defy convention and marry it, the straps are adjustable so you can change your neckline whenever you fancy! I also love the attention to detail of the wing bust, which can be folded up or down depending on how vintage you’re feeling.

To summarise, I am a smitten kitten. So are lots of other vintage lovers so this one sold out quickly on the Collectif website. Don’t worry though, I’ve thoughtfully included multiple links at the start of this post to increase your odds of bagging one of these beauties for yourself.

Vintage Essentials No.10: An Embellished 1950s Cardigan

Cardigan is vintage, pencil skirt from Vivien of Holloway, handbag from Top Vintage, shoes from New Look

One of the most wearable, not to mention adorable, additions to your vintage wardrobe is an embellished 1950s cardigan. They come sequinned, rhinestoned, beaded, embroidered, lace-trimmed and (pause for breath) appliquéd. Although originally worn with cocktail dresses, eye-catching knitwear is perfect for everyday glamour, lending old-fashioned pizzazz to the most basic of outfits. Look for luxury linings and ornate details for added vintage charm.

I find cropped cardis are best for emphasising your waist. Unless you’re channeling Marilyn at the beach, you want your mid century knitwear to hug your curves like it’s in love with you.

I found my fantasy beaded cardi at a vintage fair. These fashion Meccas are one of my favourite ways to shop – like visiting a giant department store filled with vintage goodies. You can flit between different shops at leisure and, because all the stalls are under one roof, you don’t have to walk as far in your heels. Find your nearest one here.

If you simply MUST SHOP NOW, here are some visions of loveliness I found online to get you started.

Rokit, BloomStreetVintage, CapsuleVintage, Posh Girl Vintage

Life Advice From Elizabeth Taylor

The Stop Staring Billion Dollar Baby Dress In Winter Floral

Dress by Stop Staring, handbag by Retrolicious at Top Vintage, Jive seamed tights by Pamela Mann, shoes from New Look

Another day, another pencil dress.

I recently realised I basically wear the same outfit over and over again just in different colours and if I’m honest, my palette is pretty limited. I’m fine with that though. It took years of crying in changing rooms and at the emotional arc of What Not To Wear to work out what suits me. I’m bloody relieved to have finally figured it out. The challenge now is to find a new way to reinterpret the same blueprint every day. It’s a fun challenge because it involves shopping and looking in the mirror.

This particular pencil dress earned its place in my wardrobe with its elegant floral print. I have a few different versions of Stop Staring’s Billion Dollar Baby because it’s one of those dream dress shapes that does you so many favours you want it in every colour. Plus I have an addictive personality.

Aqua, floral, pink, red, LBD