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.

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.

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

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

Vintage Essentials: Currently Enhancing My Life And Wardrobe

Paloma cardigan from Banned, skirt from Vivien of Holloway, shoes from New Look, vintage handbag, underwear by Gossard

1. A perfect 1950s style cardi

Available in a knickerbockerglory of ice-creamy shades, this cardigan is strategically cropped to sit right on your waist for maximum hourglass definition. I wear it sweater girl style in the smallest size I can get away with, buttons sewn up to prevent accidental flashing and traffic accidents.

2. An impressively authentic pencil skirt

Unlike many repro items, there isn’t any stretch in Vivien of Holloway’s signature wiggle skirt. This means it looks like a fabulous vintage original but it also makes walking a challenge and running a crazy pipedream.

3. The most hardworking smalls in my lingerie drawer (and they all have to work pretty hard in the field of heavy lifting)

Like my floral screwdriver, the Retrolution range by Gossard is both functional and beautiful. Need undies that don’t show up under light fabrics and plunging necklines? I recommend their low cut bra in blush. Want the Spanx effect without the bald-cap-for-your-bum aesthetic? Try their waist cincher. Crave a vintage-looking thong? Go for the vintage-looking thong.

I would like to introduce you to what I’ll be wearing this Christmas.

kimono and nightgown are both vintage, satin shoes by Lotus

While many of you will be enjoying/enduring a family gathering on the 25th, I’ll be getting pissed on Prosecco with my beautiful friend, Shari. We were at a vintage fair when we came up with this plan. Pumped with adrenaline about the prospect of celebrating Jesus’ bday with no turkey, relatives or restraint, our eyes were simultaneously drawn to a stunning selection of original 1950s kimonos, reduced to clear. Surely this was fashion fate, some kind of materialistic Christmas miracle. We bought one each and our dresscode was decided; epic loungewear. I was so excited I pretended to be an aeroplane.

I can’t resist the unapologetic glamour of a great big, flowing kimono. You can swan around your living room feeling like an empress even though your only empire consists of your mirror and your ego. This one is particularly gorgeous with its hand painted flowers and dramatic sleeves, massive enough to store all your fabulousness.

Here I am, practicing my lounging in preparation for a Kimono Christmas.

My Polka Dot Rose

Dolores Polka Dot Rose Half Sleeve Dress from Collectif, shoes from New Look, vintage handbag

I’m a huge fan of Collectif and a particular devotee of their Dolores dress. I have it in eight(!) different prints threatening to burst the hinges of my wardrobe at any moment. (See here, here and here for proof of my love.) So I was pretty excited to see the autumn/winter spin on my old favourite.

The winter edition of the Dolores is a more modest cut than its summer cousin. It’s still got that va-va-voom-ka-pow-pow-pow-boom-pow silhouette but the slightly higher sweetheart neckline reveals a glimpse rather than a yard of cleavage and the half sleeves ensure goosepimply bingo wings are contained and insulated.

The print combines two vintage classics – polka dots and roses – to create a tongue-in-chic, cartoonish vision of feminitity. Betty Boop would rock this frock. As would Minnie’s older, more worldy wise sister, Minxie Mouse.

Ladylike In Red

Dress by Stop Staring via eBay, seamed stockings from What Katie Did, kitten heels from ASOS, vintage handbag

I love everything 1950s. Apart from the lack of equal rights, which sucked. Some days though, I want to feel more like a lady than a walking homage to the pinup, for instance on the days I visit my grandparents. Luckily I have a back up decade I can call upon for family occasions and bomb raids alike – the fabulous though war-torn 1940s.

The silhouette of this little red forties frock is just gorgeous. It’s gently undulating rather than boom-boom-pow but it’s still flattering to your curves. Thoughtful details like the puff shoulders and tie neckline add to the vintage charm, while the half sleeves and below-the-knee skirt make it perfectly autumnal.

All in all, this highly sophisticated dress exudes the kind of demure femininity that makes your grandmother (and me) swoon.

Daisy Dapper, I Think I Love You

Dress by Daisy Dapper, vintage handbag and earrings, shoes from Aldo

New season, new fashion-based crush. This time I’m lusting after the work of designer, Daisy Dapper. I love a dress that shows off my waist without letting my wobblers out. Miss Dapper specialises in these, masterfully blending old fashioned sex appeal with a touch of class.

I couldn’t resist this particular powder pink frock, possibly because it looks like a sweet and I have a problem with snacking. The restrained cleavage and adorable details like the bow and the ruching on the bust give it the look of a beautiful vintage original.

It also comes in these gorgeous Autumnal shades, which are perfect if you want something more forgiving or you’re a spiller.

Forest green, royal blue, black