THE JAYNA DRESS IN BLUE HAWAII / ABOUT TRASHY DIVA SIZING AND MORE

As you may know, one of my absolute favourite brands is Trashy Diva. I have many many TD dresses and they all have a great cut and as I’ve come to notice, will flatter your curves weather you have a lot or a little of them. So when Trashy Diva asked me to try out and review one of their dresses from their new Blue Hawaii collection I was not late to reply with a big and happy Yes!

As I have ordered from Trashy Diva numerous times - I think it’s the brand I own the most dresses from - I am more than often asked about the sizing, and ordering form there. So I thought I’d also do a brief on that here at the same time.

I chose the Jayna dress, which is also a brand new model. The dress is made out of rayon.

Then I stated thinking that I’ve done it again - added one more fancy dress to the collection of “good-if-I -manage-to-wear-it-once-per -summer”-dresses. I just can’t help myself, I am a sucker for all things pretty! (Well, one day when I do no longer have small children I shall strut around in my fancy dresses again and all of the time.)

But, turns out, this is one of those floral dresses than can be just anything! That goes with anything, you know. Basic monday or wedding wear -everything goes depending on how it is styled.

See, nice and everyday normal if you so like.
The kind of floral dress that is not too fancy for day wear and would look good both with flats and heels - that would probably look good even when worn with Birkenstock sandals.

And -ta da! -with fancier hair it turns into a fancy piece - especially with and up-do that will show the beautiful cut-out in the back of the dress. I also like that is has a more narrow skirt than most of my other dresses, a little variation is always nice.

I find the dress quite timeless with a touch of the forties at the neckline with it’s sweetheart shape and fabric-coated buttons. Which also can, if you want to and style it so, give a very trendy 90’s vibe. (Would I be young and trendy I might shorten this dress and wear it nineties style with heavy boots or those thick soled canvas shoes and a jacket to go along. But I’m not, so I won’t.)

I’ve never had any issues with my orders from Trashy Diva always received the right items ind the right sizes. (Do keep in mind that when ordering from the US to the EU customs will most likely apply. The first years I always had my parcels coming straight home to me without having to pay vat and import tax but nowadays everything seems to go via the customs automatically.)

The sizing of the dresses is very accurate to the size chart but measurements run a little bit different for each dress and cut so always check the charts (it is very easy to find next to every dress on the site). For exampe, I have dresses in size 8 and 10 but even some in size 6!

In general I’d say to choose the dress according to your waist size. For those dresses with stretch you can take the smallest size possible, but the cotton and rayon dresses won’t really stretch so remember that, although getting one or half an inch smaller than my waist size when that has been the closets has not been a problem for me. If it gets any smaller than that it won’t feel comfy when you sit down for example, even though you might still fit in the dress. As I have noticed from some of my old dresses thank you very much pregnancy.

Now with the Janya dress I was not sure weather to go for the bigger or smaller size, to leave some slight comfy room in the waist or go for a snug fit with perhaps half an inch more to long for. The bust measurement on the bigger size would have been to big for me so I went for snug which was the right choice, and it does not feel too tight at all! Ta-da again!

The dresses that consist of a waist section, like the Forties dress for example, are often rather roomy in the bust and fit up to big cups. Still, they don’t get bulky on a smaller bust either, but actually gives a very good shape. I’ve noticed that the dresses that have the top cut in just one piece - like the Americana, Day dress or Anette for example - have less room in the bust. For me with a big rib cage they come out as perhaps a bit flattening and tight on the chest. Going for a bigger size does not really help as the dress then will be too big all over. But all in all it’s not a disastrous thing, I stil love those styles and wear my dresses happily!

An issue I know others also have had is that the dresses with a waist band are sometimes hard to close; the dress is lined in the waist to keep a good shape and the invisible zipper is very thin. That can make it hard to close over the seams. For one of my dresses I didn’t manage it without a helping hand; it usually gets a bit easier with wear though. The Jayna dress here is of the same kind of cut, with a waist section, but it actually closes up pretty easily.

The only tricky thing with trashy Diva in general is that most of the dresses are dry clean only. Which can be an issue over here, where dry cleaning is expensive (for example SOL charges 30-50eur to clean a dress, and silk dresses will be over 50eur). I hang out my dresses to air after wear and “steam” them by hanging them in the bathroom when I shower. But, I *confess* I have washed quite many of them by hand and they have turned out fine, expect for one on which the colours ran a bit (which luckily does not show at all due to the pattern). My jersey knit dresses have even been washed in the machine on a gentle program without problems. BUT do bear in mind that clothes should always be cleaned according to their instructions, so I’m not going to recommend washing the dresses yourself even though it has worked for me.

Well, there you have the answers to the most asked TD-questions in a nutshell. So enough with that for now and time to let this new dress out in the strong sunshine!

Blue is one of those colours that go with a lot, and this dress was well paired with red shoes. I also happen to have shoes in both the same blue and the same white shade as in the dress . But this time I went for orange ones instead!

ROCK N' HAIR

I was sent a new book on hairstyling: Rock n' Hair, made by a team of vintage loving ladies!

The book has been available in German before, but has now also come out in English.

This differs a bit from the other books on vintage hairstyling I've come across: it serves more as a source for inspiration and gives small tips on how to get a vintage inspired look for everyday wear. The styles are such that you should be able to make them without a lot of preparation before; new takes on classic do's.

The hairstyles are divided into everyday wear and special occasions, and the do's are labeled simple, moderate or difficult - but all in all, the difficult level still is something you could pull off even tough new in the game.

Some of the hairstyles seem very easy to make by following the steps, but with others I feel there could have been more pictures. However, I also think it is a good thing not to have too many step-by-step pictures, as we all have different hair and cuts and what works on a particular model might work a bit differently for you; you still get good guidance from the text in the book and you can use the pictures mainly as ideas when styling your own hair.

The book also has some extra spreads with inspiration-pics, as well as a short section on men's hairstyling and make up.

I actually like the layout of this book better than the one of some other similar ones; it is simple and fresh.

This would make a good book for those who are not used to styling hair and to those who like vintage style and do not know where to begin.  For the pros, this might be a nice extra in the bookshelf- if you know your way around pin curls and such a bit more already I think this book will mainly serve as giving new ideas or variations on the hairstyles  already in your repertoire. Also, if you otherwise do not really go for retro or so but need a look for a fancy party or themed event both for you and your hubby this could be a good source!

Last but not least, the nice lades from Rock n'Hair has offered one lucky reader the chance to win a copy!

The winner will be drawn randomly. You enter by leaving a comment on this post, and you know the deal: only ONE comment per person, unless you share this giveaway out there somewhere on the interwebs. You get another entry per share.  If you share it, leave me a link to your post/mention. Also, as the book is made by a small team and lots of goodwill I think it would be nice if you'd link to the Rock n' Hair site -http://www.rocknhair.de - in your mention too.

Make sure you are reachable to me trough your comment!

The giveaway is open for a week, until June 13 and the winner will be announced shorty thereafter.

(Unless I'm giving birth or so, then it will take a few days longer. You never know).

If you don't want to try your look you can get the book home straight away by ordering it from the Rock n'Hair team, or via Amazon. Happy styling!

WEARABLE VINTAGE FASHION & SECONDHAND AND VINTAGE LONDON

I have a lot of books at home about art, design, vintage and fashion, and also titles on all of those combined. Which I always thought would be nice to feature in posts (although few posts have seen the, how would you say it, light of the world wide web so far...)

My latest book is by Jo Waterhouse and Clare Bridge, Wearable Vintage Fashion, a book I had been waiting for but then forgot about until it came up in an email conversation and then down the mail slot in my door.


The authors of the book are vintage enthusiasts and run a vintage store in the UK; Secondhand Rose. The book covers fashion styles from the 1920's to the 80's in perhaps a little different way than we are used to see vintage fashion being represented; quite down to earth, rather practical. The book does not present items that designer pieces photographed at a museum nor is it illustrated with vintage fashion editorials and adverts, but the clothing pictured are from the authors' vintage store or borrowed from friends and relatives, items that have really been worn or are in use. The photos in the book are also of friends and relatives, shots from real life.

Each decade is presented with some text and key items for both daily and fancier wear, the over-all style presented. What I like is that also items from different decades are brought up when discussing a certain style, not ruling anything out. Like some seventies pieces that fit 30's style and 80's goes 50's or example, showing how fashion recycles itself and how you can take advantages of different periods when trying to recreate a look for everyday wear. The book also recreates one style icon per decade in a don't-take-it too-seriously kind of way, with good tips for masquerades or theme parties.

In the end there is a section of street style, with what I am sure will be a lot of familiar faces for many of you. And why did I mention I had been know about the book to coming out?


Well, that's since yours truly is also featured in a spread :)

At the same time as Wearable Vintage Fashion I also got a guide book on vintage shopping in London; Seconhand and Vintage London by Andrew Whittaker:

When I was in my later teens the thing for me and my friends was to move to London after school was over. We saw movies like London Kills Me and read UK magazines, listened to brit pop. Well, dreams changed, none of us moved there. In fact, I haven't even been threre. Yet.
But anyway, most people find London a good city for vintage shopping and thrifting. So when I do get to go there to dig in on the selection this guidebook will come in handy -  Secondhand and Vintage London is part of a shopping guide series being made (so far  a Berlin version is also available, which I'd like to see as I have had the chance to browse stores over there a few times and have many trips there yet to make again).

The book is divided in sections, like Clothes & Accessories, Books & Music, Home &Garden etc, and each section is organized according to stores per area.  There are over a hundred shops and markets featured. The stores are labelled according to a three-step price scale.

Both books are published by Vivays (- they have quite many books on art and vintage!).
You can't order the books directly from the publisher but find them on Amazon for example.

And, and, in honour of finishing off my "give away week" (which I intended to do last week already but that a nasty flu stopped me from), one of you will have a chance to win either one of these books according to your choice!

To enter, leave me a comment on this post, and let me know which of the books you would be interested in. As usual, this is open to everyone out there. The winner will be drawn randomly which means only one comment per person (and once again, make sure I can reach you trough that comment)! If you however mention and link this give away somewhere out there on the interwebs you can leeave me annother comment showing me you'v done so, which of course will give you another entry.
The give away will be open for one week; until Wednesday March 28th.

CHIC IN SHABBY APPLE

I received a dress from Shabby Apple!

I think that while Shabby Apple may be know to those of you in the States it is most likely a rather new acquaintance to us elsewhere? Shabby Apple has a range of vintage inspired dresses, more fancier frocks and also maternity- and swim wear. They also have such styles that I have not really seen elsewhere. The dresses are divided into differently styled collections; this is the A+ dress from the Academica collection. Many of the dresses are pictured on both a model and doll which is good - I actually prefer to see the dress on a doll rather than on a posing mannequin. Many dresses seemed a little too short for my taste though, so did this one - but it's a good thing those models often are taller than average, as the length on this dress is just perfect, enough below the knees!

First I thought this dress would have to wait until spring as shirt dresses usually are of a rather thin "shirty" cotton but this fabric is actually a quite thick and stiff cotton, which adds enough woompf to the skirt and which will work well during winter with a thin slip underneath. The sleeves are full length which I've rolled up a bit. You can also button the collar all the way up but I've folded it down.

As I am always on a constant hunt for perfect day dresses this one is surely welcome in my wardrobe!
My belt is vintage and the shoes are form Mod Cloth.

Last but not least there's something in this for all of you out there too:
Shabby Apple offers you 10% off a purchase with the code "freelancer10off" to use at checkout!
The code is valid for 30 days; until January 16 2012.

(You can find out more about Shabby Apple and future promotions and discounts by liking the Shabby Apple Facebook page.)

Happy Shopping :)

SPARKLING LEGS

The shimmering fishnets in my previous post were give to The Itty-Bitty Tease Cabaret to try out and review by We Love Colours, you remember, where also the colourful socks Eddi got to try came from?

The lurex glitter fishnets are soft, stretchy but still durable so they work well for dancing. They sparkle in strong light which will be great for stage (and for one of our new numbers, soon!), but in other conditions the shimmer is more soft and all-over; you don't have to be a show girl to use them :)

BECAUSE BOYS LOVE COLOURS TOO

Some time ago I was asked to try out and style socks from We Love Colors. We Love Colors offers a lot products for women, men and children in more than 50 colour choices on everything. They have mostly leg wear, but also products like dance wear and gloves. The colours go from earth near shades to neon bright.

I used to wear a lot of colored leg wear before and mix and match, even though I nowadays am more moderate with my tights and stockings; choosing mostly brown, grey and black or darker colours like burgundy and aubergine. For burlesque shows however I love to wear coloured fishnets for example, but more on that another time.

What I really enjoyed among the We Love Colors products was the fact that they offered socks for men in all the same colours as they offer women. I have often been searching for plain colored socks for Eddi but with the exception of some blue and red ones it's hard to find other than dark socks for men! So Eddi got to try out a coulpe of sports socks:

(Eddi says he is not giving the finger to the world on purpose.)

I think socks are a great way to spice up any outfit for a guy, add a little fun and colour to it by matching a shirt, accessory or a fine pair of shoes with the socks, or perhaps by letting the socks be a small contrasting detail to the rest. This applies to women's outfits too of course, but writing this I mostly had mens' clothing in mind, as it tends to be darker and less colorful compared to what women wear. (Ok, I know some trends lately have been very colorful for boys and men alike, but I'm thinking classic styles here, not techno hipsters or the early nineties.)



The sport socks are a quite good lenght that goes properly over the ancle and up on the calf. The colors are very bright! Colours differ from one computer screen to another, so check the name properly on the colour you want to order, neon really is neon bright :)

BLUE & WHITE

I have been asked to do a review on a party outfit by Very.co.uk; theHolly Willoughby contrast dress with cummerbund detail, the Love Label Lavish frill suede platform shoes and the French Connection fabric quilted bag. Well who would say no to that?

Arriving just in time and colour-wise, white and blue, the outfit is perfect for the independence day of Finland, today, December 6th! (Although the color combination actually is white-blue-black, which really makes me dressed up in the colors of Estonia but let's not get picky here. Plus I'm a quarter estonian anyway so...)


The Holly dress is far more fancy than on the pic in the online store! It's a dress for fine occasions. The material feels good. The fit is alright, but I am, as always, between sizes - what fits my behind and does not stretch over the shoulders is once again too big in the waist. I might reach for my sewing machine on this one, but so far it was easily adjusted by taking the waist in with a large sequined safety pin in the back; just folding the belt and fastening. Otherwise I have to admit I think this dress would gain on having the belt removed, or the cummerbund could rather be in horizontal pleats like the tuxedo cummerbund, smoother, more plain. Sometimes less is more, and the waist would appear smaller if it wasn't for the belt.

But sometimes more is more and just right! The shoes are over the top - in a good, delicious way. Very burlesque. I love the blue color! I chose blue since I thought red might be too, hmm, obvious somehow. (And like my boyfriend said, a bit 'too sexy' perhaps.) Plus everybody needs a pair of blue suede shoes, right? These shoes also come in grey which I think would be the most perfect for this dress - and otherwise too - but there are only big sizes left. So if you have bigger feet, go for it! I normally prefer shoes with a slightly thicker heel for the sense of comfort and everyday usage, but these are still alright to wear due to the platform. These will be swell for burlesque nights and shows!

The bag is the exact same color as the shoes! I think most shoulder bags get a fancier look when worn as a clutch so for this outfit I have put the chain strap in the bag.

Now what? The Finnish independence day is quite a serious celebration and no carnival. So fancy dinner and then the president's independence ball on TV.

PS. there is a discount over at Very which lasts tomorrow still; 3 items for the price of 2!

A SHIRT IS A SHIRT IS A SHIRT. OR?

(Yes, I am shamelessly using my cats for more interesting pictures.)

I have been asked to do an honest review on a shirt from Littlewoods. (I hadn't heard of Littlewoods before but maybe it's a familiar name for you if you' re from the UK or so?). The Love Label check shirt.

So why not; one can never have too many shirts. A basic cotton shirt is always useful and versatile since easy to wear in different ways. At first I wasn't really sure about how one reviews a shirt though; it's either a good shirt or then it's not.

Well this turned out to be a good one - I was positively surprised when I received it since I, to be honest, think it looks rather boring on the site. It has kind of a western vibe that you can accent by wearing a jeans skirt or a fuller skirt and "hide" by wearing a pencil skirt or high waisted wide trousers, like me. I am between sizes and tend to order the bigger one to be on the safe side just to find out that I am in fact not in between sizes but exactly the smaller one, and so it was in this case too. But a shirt doesn't really have to be skin tight, it looks nice with a bit of puffiness.
Thumbs up!