What Katie Did + Sarsparilly = Swoon

I have always been naturally blessed with a very hourglass figure
Regardless of that, I have always loved corsets, ever since I was a little bity baby quirky Jasmine.

I have owned many over the years but have always had the issue of getting one that fit me well with my already very curvy shape, I love extreme curves and some of the first I ever owned that just fit so well off the rack, were my corsets I brought from What Katie Did.

Recently I was blessed to a part of a collaboration with What Katie Did and the amazing Sarsparilly so I was able to wear two of my all time favourite corsets and have some amazing pictures taken by the ever talented Suz Forrester Photography.

What Katie Did is a faux vintage lingerie brand from the UK. 

I have always lusted after What Katie Did underwear but being a plus size girl, I was anxious if it would fit. The corsets did of course but would anything else. Lets just say I was very happily surprised. it all fit so well.

The corset of course I knew would be amazing.

this is my baby the Vamp Corset – I think it is WKD's most extreme curve corsets. it has hip gores that help give more room in the hips, that way I can really reduce my waist without it being too tight on the hips or ribs.

I am wearing -
Maitresse Curve Bullet Bra, 40 F - £35
Maitresse Nouveau Deep Suspender Belt, UK 18 - £37.50
Maitresse Nouveau Deep Knickers, UK/AU 18  - £26.50
Vamp Corset, 32” reduced Waist Sizes - £169.50
Black Glamour Seamed Stockings, M/L - £10

The dress in the background is the stunning Violetta Jones dress from Sarsparilly.

Sarsparilly is an Australian based handmade clothing company that specialises in vintage inspired women's dresses with fun prints.  They have everything from classic florals to kitsch and pop culture reference prints.

I have a few of these amazing dresses and love them all. I even had two specifically made for me in Zelda inspired gaming prints for my trip to PAX Aus last year.

We styled it with some Red accents. This dress has a double layer skirt with a purple and white polkadot under layer. it is just darling and hugs my curves perfectly. 

Oh and it has pockets !!

I added some Red Glamour Seamed Stockings for a extra little red pop

 The second outfit was a much softer look, much like the previous set. I was very happily surprised with how well the underwear all fit.

I am wearing - 
Harlow Curve Bullet Bra, 40F - £35
Harlow Nouveau Suspender Belt, UK/AU 18 - £37.50
Harlow Nouveau Deep Knickers, UK/AU 18 - £26.50
Lily Corset, 30” Reduced Waist Sizes - £169.50
Blue Glamour Seamed Stockings, M/L - £10

The lily corset is slightly less curvy  than the vamp but still provides and amazing shape. It is just so soft and elegant.

The final dress is the absolute daring Sweet Sadie Dress

it is a super soft pink gingham cottom with the most adorable daisy detail on the waist and hem.

and you guessed it...POCKETS.. 
This dress made me long for a soft spring breeze and warm sun.

 I hope you will all agree with my title..

What Katie Did + Sarsparilly = Swoon...

every damn time 

Credits: 

Model: Me (Quirky and Curvy)

Photographer: Suz Forrester

Hair and Make-Up: Melinda Wenig

Other Pieces: 

Jewellery by Pzella Acessories

Beaded necklaces by Debstar Designs

A little plus size Vixen - Arlene Dress by Voodoo Vixen.

For a long time, I lusted after Voodoo Vixen's range of dresses, they were just so pretty. When their Plus size range came out I was even more tempted. The plus size range is still a little limited but there are so very nice options so far.

Not long ago I finally took the plunge and brought the Arlene Dress from Caitlin at Closet Confessions Boutique. 

I was just drawn to the cute, the super cute neck line and material. 

I wasn't sure what size to grab but after researching the size chart previously, I went with a 1XL

For reference my measurements are 

Bust: 49 inches or 124.5 cm

Waist: 36 inches or 91.5 cm

Hips: 51 inches or 130 cm

 and the voodoo vixen size chart is

The plus size range starts from 1XL up to a 4XL

I decided to go with my waist measurement and hope that I would squeeze into the bust, if I went up the waist would have been way to big.

It turns out I made the right decision

The dress fit like a dream. It was very comfortable and while being a little firm on the bust it was not to squeezey or uncomfortable in anyway. 

The fact that the buttons down the front are faux buttons are my saviour there, if it did actually button up it would be a little more challenging fit. 

Regardless of that the neckline is just lovely, such a pretty detail. It adds flourish but is not too low or revealing. The cut of the arm holes is great, a lovely sleeveless cut which is not to tight and doesn't dig in. This will be perfect in summer but with a cardigan it works just as well for winter.

It has cute little pockets with a piping detail that mimics the keyhole neckline. 

But can we just stop for a second and revel in the word 'POCKETS'. I know it seems a odd this to be excited about but any lady knows, women's clothes with pockets are a god send.

The dress is made from a 95% Cotton, 5% elastane mix so the fabric is a nice weight with the littlest bit of stretch for comfort.

The print is a voodoo vixen in house design and is just darling. From a distance it looks like polka dots. However a closer view shows that they are actually little daisies.

What can I say I am not hooked.. I already have another two and I want all the other dresses... ;)

Do you own a voodoo vixen dress?

You got that where?? - Stockings - Nylonica

You may have noticed that I tend to like colours and to colour co-ordinate.

I like to match damn it

So when I stumbled across Nylonica Linea Plus size range at Stockings HQ, I just had to try some. 

 

I was not disappointed. There are so many colours and they fit very well. Nice and high on my thigh and have a great stretch to them.

The knit is very soft and smooth to the touch. Being a 15 Denier for the Sheer they can feel a little fragile but have stood up to multiple wears and washing admirably. 

My only criticism is the welt is a little too skinny. This is more evident in the opaque version, at times this can be a little annoying.

The normal and plus size range is available in two options:

- Classica -

This is a sheer 15 denier stockings made of a yarn that consists of  84% nylon, 16% double covered Lycra.

The colours available are great.

Just look at them.. Pop on to the website to see all the names

The colours i have tried so far in this option are Air Force Blue, Castoro (dark tan) or Noisette (nude)

- Lusso -

This is a Opaque Microfibre 55 denier stockings made of a yarn that consists of  75% nylon, 25% Lycra HD.

The colours available are also awesome especially for opaques 

So pretty..

I only have two so far but they are great. I have the Baby Pink and Air Force Blue.

Sizing wise they fit wonderfully. I have worn the 3xl and 4xl and they all fit very well, some just a little higher than others.

They are also available from a Medium to XL in the normal range, and a 2xl to 4xl in the plus range.

Coming in at $7.95 GPB for the sheer and $9.50 GBP for the opaque. They are well priced. Stockings HQ ships worldwide as well which is very handy.

My Overall verdict.... a new favourite and definitely a must in any girls wardrobe.

Now excuse me while i go and buy more in ALL THE COLOURS !!!

House of Satin Review

When recently I was introduced to House of Satin, I just had to try some of their items.

They looked promising and were so well priced. It was just a must. 

Even shipping from the UK it was very very affordable.

I ordered a Long line Bra and had to go a rough guesstimate of what my size would be. 

I ordered a 40F

It was $11.95 GBP 
($20.37 AUD, i know right!! so cheap)

A 6 strap Suspender belt in a 2xl - $14.00 GBP
($27 AUD)

And a pair of the satin Panties in black and white $5.50 GBP 

($10.65 AUD)

They arrived safe and sound. The postage was very well priced for shipping to Australia.

For Reference my Measurements are as follows

Dress size: 18

Bra size: 38G

Chest: 48.5 

Waist: 37

Hips: 50

So without any further or ado...

Longline Bra and Suspender Belt from House of Satin

Rago Shaper Panties 

Big Tights Company Stockings

The Long Bra is a surprisingly good fit. I am always a little unsure with long-lines such as this as i have to play a bit of a lottery with the sizes. 

In this case i ordered a 40F (i am usually a 38G)

Whilst yes it is a little loose under the bust, the cups do fit well and it is surprisingly comfortable.

Being a soft cup, i am always a little hesitant at the support level for the Girls. I need not fear though as this bra does the job well.

The back sits quite low for a long line bra so it would work with outfits with a lower or scoop back. There is a Five hook clasp at the back with two rows.

It is constructed well enough, there is the odd rough edge but no fraying as of yet. It is very comfortable to wear. It does have two bones that do dig into me a little, which i will explain in a bit.

I added some bullet bra pads for a more pointed shaped for one wearing but this was not necessary for me, the bra itself gave a good shape.

Without the pads

.

 With the pads

 My only two criticisms with this bra. 

One, It has two bones in the sides. The boning ends rather roughly and is not padded enough, therefore it digs into my sides.

It should either be more padded and/or run all the way to the waist band. 

  and

Two, it would greatly benefit from a firmer and wider waist band at the bottom. This may help anchor the boning and stop any roll up.

The belt was a nice and very affordable 6 strap. It fit well as I expected and the straps seemed nice and sturdy.

The satin material was a little baggy / bunchy even when fully stretched out which I was not a huge fan of but it is not a deal breaker

The Clips as a nice and sturdy cast metal clip with fabric tabs which is good to see.

As with the bra there were a few raw edges that could have been better finished. 

But over all as a entry level cheaper product it did the job credibly.

Now Alas i have to come to the Panties... 

OH DEAR GOD, they were comically bad. It as if the pattern was just simply sized up from a small to the 2xl by adding inches to the side. 

They are completely unwearable. I was not even willing to take pictures in them. 

I did however pop the white pair over some leggings to show how badly they fit

So low at the front they were just uncomfortable, unflattering and with complete builders bum at the back, As well as bagginess.

So so so not attractive. 

They will never been worn and have already been reused. 

In my humble opinion the pattern needs reviewing completely. Bigger sizes need more than just scaling up

All in all though. I was very pleasantly surprised with the fit and comfort of the House of Satin products I tried. They are a great lower price product and with a few little tweaks could be amazing..

Have you tired House of Satin yet?