Aussie Curves RETRO

I've been admiring the Aussie Curves posts from afar for a loooooonnnnng time now.It's partly what convinced me to start blogging again.When  I saw the 'Retro' challenge come up I knew that would be the post to start with.Hence these photos were taken a couple of weeks ago,before my transition to my Mermaid-Ariel hair.

So retro.Le sigh.If I could wear dresses and skirts like these every single day,I would! I was uber excited when I got a promotion at work,partly because I would have 1 office day where I could glam up.Turns out one office day is enough for me.I get restless sitting behind a desk and computer all day.

Anyways,I've posted before about my love of vintage.A childhood with several gay Uncles and a musical loving Mama Frangipani started my retro lust early on.My little home is filled with vintage posters,portaits of Marilyn Monroe,Marlene Dietriech,Ava Gardner and I worship at the alter of Ms Bette Davis.Oh,and I would give up my husband for the diviiiiiine Monsieur Bela Lugosi.Swooooon! *jokingnotjoking........of course I'm joking........maybe.................

Mr Bela Lugosi

I even managed to find a vintage - repro handfasting dress that was a cross between Jane Russell-Marilyn Monroe's wedding dress in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Grace Kelly's divine number in Rear Window.Complete with a gorgeously kitsch little hair piece.But I will blog about my handfasting another time.In the meantime,here's a couple of photos for those that are curious.............

Oooh,my Scotsman looks diviiiiiinnnnnneeeee!

Off duty,my style is eclectic,ultra femme-ultra-colourful............but I would dress in vintage all the time if I had the budget.Le sigh.Unfortunately,vintage clothing in big sizes is very slim pickings and vintage repro dress prices mean they are a treat,but my collection is building slowly.As for this dress,this is the very first Collectif dress I bought for the size I am now (but that's a different post altogether!),and dammit I wish I'd bought it sooner!

The fabric is a really good quality cotton,so it 'breathe's in our hot Sydney weather,or transitions to winter wear with a cardigan,tights and a petticoat.The cut is just gorgeous and make my knockers look ultra fantabulous.And the print..........oooohhhhh,the print! Collectif designs have the most gorgeous prints - I have a few in frangipani,yellow hibiscus,owl,geisha,leopard (of course),teapots,Eiffel tower and poodle! The colours are super bright and lush,it's withstood about 2 years worth of washing and still hasn't faded.....although I do always dry my stuff inside out.(We dry our stuff in the sun,on the balcony)

Unfortunately this dress is out of print but you can find many more gorgeous prints at collectif.co.uk This was a size smaller than I would usually take,so there is some give in the fabric (I'm a 22-24).I can even scandalously squeeze my bosoms into a size 20,as seen in this post.

**** There are photos following of me twirling joyfully in this dress with my fat,cellulite ridden thighs in all their glory.If you are going to body snark,please leave now.My fat and cellulite does not bother me,so it should not bother you.It's took  me a looooong time to get this confident.And for the record,I've had my 6 monthly check up at the Doctor and have a clean bill of health.All my stats are on the very healthy end of the spectrum.Size is no indication of health.

My best Betty Grable impression.

                                            

OUTFIT DETAILS

Dress - Collectif (old)

Petticoat - Vivien of Holloway  (currently available - was my handfasting petticoat)

Shoes - Primark (Old - Glasgow)

Belt - ???