Penny Pinching Pin Up - A party dress with swing

We all have those times where we see a dress we lust after 

but just can't justify or can't afford

The affordable alternatives can be found at times and i was lucky to find one recently.

The Lindy Bop Ophelia Dress

I have wanted one of these style dresses for while but have always talked myself out of it. I was very unsure with the fit and for the cost it wasn't worth the risk. 

Enter the Ophelia, it is only £34.99 so without VAT to Australia and Postage it was £33.91 so about $60 aud.

It was worth the try.

and the result... it worked and fits.

The bust is a little odd but still works. the waist is perfect.

I ordered a size 20 in this dress to help accommodate the boobage.



The material is a lovely heavy stretch cotton.
They say medium weight on the site but it is a thick material and suits the dress to a tee.

The skirt is almost a full circle so the shape and swish to it is awesome.
It also has pockets !!



I wore a crinoline underneath to add a little shape but it really didn't need it.

Downside... the zipper was very cheap and actually broke. but I had a new one put it for $10 at my alterations place while I was at work.

The cost of the dress was so low for what it was I didn't mind at all 

So the final verdict... the dress was a winner and i now want all the colours.

Something a little sweet and Sourpuss

We all know i have a distinct style.

I embrace it, it is me, it suits my shape and expresses who i am.

One clothing company i buy from a lot is Sourpuss

Super cute, a little cheeky and comfy. They are also very affordable.. 

It is US based company so you can either purchase from their web store or there are a ton of Australian based stores that are stockists. 

(One of my favourites is Ruff N Ready based out of canberra.)

I recently got my latest order from Sourpuss. I had to share it with you. All clothing items are a 2XL 

(I will say sorry for the bad selfies though, why is it you only realise your mirror is very dirty after you take pictures in it..)

I have a slight obsession with varsity jackets at the moment so i almost squealed with happiness (ok so i may have actually squealed and done a happy dance) when i saw Sourpuss had some in their new range.

The Sourpuss Jinxed Varsity Jacket 

I am not sure if i can express how nice this little jacket is. The fleece inside is super soft and warm, it is not bulky in anyway and fits so nice.

It is love honestly, so great. It has some lovely details with the Jinxed image on the back and a cute little red skull and crossbones on the sleeve.

 The Sourpuss Varsity Skull Cardigan

This is the item that started the afore mentioned happy dance. When i saw it in the store i had to get it.

The fit is very nice (it is a little gappy at the buttons at the moment but that is nothing new for a brand new cardi on me). the material a lovely super soft knit. Uber cute little skull on the front and the bows on the pockets are just adorable.

This will definitely be a staple item in my autumn / winter wardrobe.

That is all for the varsity themed items. I also got..

Vavavoom Top - Black

I am sure by now it is no surprise that i am not lacking in the bust area, so finding tops that fit the G cups and sit well is a must

The Vavavoom top checks all the boxes really. It is such a lovely super soft material but does not roll up at the bottom. Is super stretchy so the bust fits in without any issues. The sleeves are super cute and have just the right amount of coverage. Very flattering shape, looks awesome with a black pencil skirt. 

(the one i am wearing is the ASOS Curve Midi Skirt in Jersey)

I would really love to see this shirt in exactly the same cut but a 3/4 sleeve as well. 

Sourpuss Atomic Cherry Pop Cardigan

I wear a lot of cardigans. They are great for work, keeping me warm and helping with the look. When i saw this one i had to get it.

The fit is good, sleeves are not too tight but fit nice and close to your arm so are not baggy. The material is a really nice knit. Sourpuss cardigans are always good, so i never have doubts on the fit or look.

I completely love the little cherry detail. Super cute, a little girly and sweet. 

 

I also got the Sourpuss Sassy Anchor Cardigan as well but it is a gift for my friend Mandy. So i didn't try it on (she is also a smaller size than me) The details are so cute though

Being slightly addicted to home-wares i had to get a few things.

Sourpuss Sweet Calaveras Tea Towels and Apron

I don't think i needs to say more than seriously so cute...

i also had to buy these little swallow patches to add to something... 

maybe one of my upcoming sewing projects..

And finally there is only one item that i was pouting over

The gorgeous Sourpuss Bee Mine Gingham top

alas the combination of my bust and this lovely little top was just not meant to be, the fit was small and there was no way in hell i was squishing the G cups in there. 

I will hold on to it for a while hoping that maybe it might fit one day.. we will see but for now.... it is not meant to bee mine..

If you have a smaller bust i would definitely say it is worth a look, the material is lovely with a bit of stretch.  

It has a tie back to bring it in at the waist and a so so cute little bee embroidered on the front. 

Needless to say i am super happy with my latest Sourpuss haul.  

Have you started stocking up for the next season yet? 

if so, do share, i would love to hear what your latest favourite buy was.

Because kate said i should..

So today was one of those days where it was finally cold enough to wear my new boots. Thank god for Autumn. I am so not a summer person

My friend Kate said i should share my outfit for today with you all. 

So here i am :)

Be warned many bad selfies ahead..

(was to lazy to dig out my dslr)

Don't you just love a work elevator selfie.. hahaha

This is my outfit for the day

The breakdown is:

Dress: Collectif - Rose Donna Dress

Cardigan: Target i think

Belt: Simple Skinny Tan belt that came with this jumper from ASOS

Tights: Basic Black Tights - target again i think

Boots: Duo Boots  - Marcelle Tan Nubuck 

The dress is super comfy and such soft material. It is a little shorter than i would usually wear but since i will mainly wear it with tights it is fine.

In this dress i got it in an 18. I could have gone with a 16 i think but i like having a little bit more room.

I would usually wear a belt so it fits into my waist a little better.

The collar and keyhole is so cute and such a nice little detail. 

Very work appropriate not showing too much chest. 

The sleeves are slightly puffed cap sleeves and actually fit my arms.

The boots are a god send....

For anyone with bigger calves and small feet. Duo Boots does custom calf width... YAY
I will be doing a post in the next day or so on Duo so keep your eyes peeled for all the details.

All i can say is HEAVEN. So comfy and they FIT  

So that was my outfit for the day..

What is your favourite boots combo outfit at the moment?

Girly Road Trip....

Just like Thelma and Louise....

Well without the whole going of a cliff thing and the picking up Brad Pitt thing... and a lot more antique and vintage shopping...

so nothing like Thelma and Louise then..

we did however listen to the Horrorpop's who have a song with that line :)

On the weekend The Gorgeous Mrs Moore of Debstar Designs and I went for a Girly Road trip of vintage shopping, loud music and yummy food to the Blue Mountains west of Sydney.

It was a lovely mountains day (well we loved it, since it was cold and misty and serene)

ohhh and can I live here plllleeeaaaaseeee..... 

We had so much fun driving around chatting and stopping at every op shop and vintage store we passed.. here are my finds for the day...

I got this gorgeous little vintage 1970's Ingrid Ball Picnic set... 

It is in great condition and only has the odd spot of damage and wear, and is complete.. it is stunning...

I found this gem at the wonderful Pink Flamingo Antiques in Hazelbrook. I could have brought so much from there... seriously.. I was in love with almost everything

From a little op shop somewhere on the way up I managed to score two items for the bank breaking amount of $12... I so love op shops..

This lovely crystal decanter was one.. was not damaged or chipped at all.. only $6

This is to add to my collection, I have about 12 so far I think.

My current collection..

I also managed to find this stunning little bowl and spoon set. I am slightly obsessed with high tea and this matches another I have that is almost the same. Perfect for jam and cream to go with the scones that are always present.

As i seemed to be on a kitchen ware bender I also scored these gorgeous little canisters.. 

The colours were fabulous, they were only slightly worn and i wish i could remember the name of the store I got them from as they had so much stuff. Deb managed to snap up a working vintage sunbeam mixer with original bowl for her new kitchen for $75... seriously if she didn't buy it, I was going to..

enough of the kitchenware now..

While hunting around we found a total little Gem of a store...

It is called 'The Great Pretender' 

The store is found at 69 Waratah Street, Katoomba

They have such a gorgeous range of Australian Made Vintage inspired Dresses and Clothes. They will also soon be stocking Collectif, Hell Bunny and Spin Doctor UK on their website. I was in heaven but had to be better behaved and only brought one item. I will however be visiting their website and grabbing a few items in the future which I will of course review and share with you all..

The item I couldn't help but buy was a beautiful little faux fur mini cape (I think that is how you could describe it).. it is so soft, fits really well, has a stunning vintage button and I can't wait to wear it with some of my more classic dresses in the cooler months.. I will make sure I take some pictures of it actually on me to share

So that was my haul for the day, I managed to spend only about $140 which I am very happy with. 

the song that I think summed us up and our road trip was...

HorrorPops - Missfits

It sums both Deb and I up so well and we loved singing loudly to our favourite line...

"My fist in the middle of your face, My fist in the middle of your..."