MelodyMae.co.uk

{ Style } Looking Sharp With A Cactus Hat!

Last weekend I went to the wedding of the CENTURY. We headed up to Norwich to celebrate the gorgeous Rosie Alia get married. It was as colourful and amazing as her and her new husband, and we had so much fun I want to do it all over again! And since it was a wedding I could easily get away with a silly hat. And boy did I try! So I’ve got some plus size 50s style for you – with a cacti spin!

plus size 50s style

handmade 40s hat

I’ve been holding onto these ‘hat bases’ for about a year and a half now. I’d seen the tie-on sun hats on various people over the years, and made in interesting discovery – they are actually place mats! So I bought a pack of four place mats from Wilko and added some cacti. Because cacti. They’re made from felt, sewn on with a prick stitch and embroidered.

It wasn’t quite as perfect in execution as I’d hoped, but it did catch the eye of a lot of people there, and you guys on Instagram loved it! Most importantly, I have a hat with cacti on it. That’s high on the priority list.

I’m actually going to put together a little tutorial for you guys to make your own tie on hat soon. So keep those eyes open!

vendula piano bar

I’ve had this Lindy Bop Lana dress for about a year now, originally bought as part of my Ariel Disneybound in Shanghai. The dress is great, don’t get me wrong, but I hardly wear it. Green can look a bit too festive against my hair, which is such a shame!

The original plan was to appliqué black cacti to the border of this dress to tie it all in. Because you guys know I just LOVE a theme! However, that never conspired, so I just went plain instead. I feel like I accidentally dressed as a witch, but hey, maybe there’s some Halloween inspiration in here?

plus size 50s style

melody maeHat; Handmade | Earrings; Bow and Crossbones
Brooch; Luxulite | Bolero; Collectif (old)
Dress; Lindy Bop | Bangles; Splendette
Shoes; Primark (old)
Bag; Vendula London (Disclaimer)

{ Style } Farewell To Summer With Lindy Bop

God knows what has happened to summer in this country! But after a disappointing August it looks like its over and autumn is in. So I thought I’d say goodbye to my favourite season in style. You may have seen this Lindy Bop Tiki print dress on my Instagram before, but it needed a last hoorah in a post!

lindy bop tiki

I’ve reviewed a few Lindy Bop styles before, and you know now how much I love their novelty prints! But this? THIS IS THE ONE. It’s the Delta dress in Teal Tiki Print and it’s got to be my favourite! I’ll be honest when I say that the ‘Delta’ style of theirs is not the best shape for me, but the colours! The print! The fabric! It’s wonderful.

lindy bop tiki

I took the 22 in this dress, which is generally my size in Lindy Bop styles. The bodice of this does come up a bit big, and there’s definitely stretch in it. If you’re bigger busted, go for your usual size. If you’re smaller busted, go a size down. As you can see above, because of my bust I’ve got some epic gaping in the bodice.

The Delta style has a waist panel, unlike most of the dress styles Lindy Bop have to offer. This is great news for those of you that have a longer waist! Unfortunately for me, I’ve got the smallest waist in the world, so it looks a little off. But does that really stop me from loving this dress? NOPE.

http://www.melodymae.co.uk/category/style/lindy-bop/

lindy bop tiki

It features a neckline with a little notch and a V-shaped back, which is so sweet on this dress. Both necklines sit so well, the front is the perfect high neckline that keeps you covered without being too stuffy.

And the fabric for this dress is amazing, too. I wish you guys could feel it through the screen – 97% cotton makes this so soft! And for £36, I really don’t know why you haven’t jumped over and bought it, seriously.

lindy bop tiki

Now. Let’s talk print. Want Moai heads? Tiki girls dancing? Hibiscus flowers and palm trees? Maybe also a few mountains? Because this print has it all on a lovely teal background! I don’t own much tiki-styled items, and initially the pale background was off-putting for me. I’ve mentioned elsewhere on my blog that pale colours don’t always suit my skin tone, but the bright colours in the print balance it out well.

The only sad thing about this dress? It came out so late in summer! Photographing this one was so not easy – it was taken in between showers of rain right at the end of the day. I need some good tips for winter photography!

http://www.melodymae.co.uk/category/style/lindy-bop/

melody maeHair Flowers; Lady Luck’s Boutique
Necklace; Vintage | Brooch; Luxulite
Bolero; Collectif
Dress; C/O Lindy Bop (Disclaimer)
Bag; Banned
Shoes; Miss L Fire

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{ Style } Museum Wandering At The V&A

Well hey there guys! How are we all doing? Last weekend a good friend of mine was in London and we went on a little museum adventure. We hit the Tate Modern to check out the new building on the Saturday, and on the Sunday we ventured into the V&A.

melody mae

I wore this sample Lindy Bop dress that the ultra-babe Bethany gave to me (perks of having friends in high places 😉 ) back in May because it’s my favourite. I wish they had more in this style – it’s so comfortable! The 60’s style boat neck also features little bows on the sleeves, which is my favourite feature.

v&a

The V&A has the best fashion exhibition on for free, spanning five centuries and featuring a few of my favourite things. This 1700s Court Mantua leaves me speechless every time! First of all, the sheer size of the thing is gorgeous insanity. Then there’s the craftsmanship of the fabric itself with it’s metallic embroidery.
Also – SLEEVES.

V&A

V&A

Corsetry has fascinated me since I was young. These early 16/1700s stays are no exception! The bottom stay is probably my favourite historical corset of all time. It might not be the most supportive, but you have to love how it looks!

v&a

I’m a real sucker for bows on sleeves, evidently!

This Schiaparelli necklace is SO my thing! I’m on the lookout for plastic pinecones to make my own version for autumn, I love it that much.

There’s so much at the V&A that it’s impossible to look through all of it in one day, let alone post about it! But these are some of my favourite pieces. Have you been before?

melody mae

melody maeNecklace&Bangles; Vintage
Dress; Lindy Bop (sample)
Brooch; Luxulite
Bag; Zatchels
Shoes; Rocket Originals

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{ Review } I Carried A Watermelon With Lindy Bop

I love a novelty print. Actually, I BLOODY LOVE a novelty print. And right now, there’s one brand killing it on the novelty front; Lindy Bop! I’ve posted a few of my favourite novelty prints from them before, and I’m always in awe of the quality. So I jumped at the chance to review the Lindy Bop Bambi Dress – in Watermelon Pip Print!

lindy bop bambi dress

Surprisingly for some, I don’t often wear red dresses for fear of clashing against my hair, but I just fell in love with this print. Unlike other watermelon prints, it’s just the flesh and pips, which I think makes it unique. It also reminds me of some abstract art, so it makes me feel just a liiiittle bit cultured!

I also generally steer clear of orange-based reds because of the hair and skin tone. However, I don’t think this looks bad at all? Oooh, that means I’ve gone and learned something about myself.

lindy bop bambi dress

The Bambi Dress is a cute little sundress with a sweetheart neckline, elasticated waist and back, and side seam pockets. I’ll say off the bat – this runs LARGE. I usually wear a 22 in Lindy Bop, and I’m wearing an 18 in this dress, but could easily go down to a 16. I always end up talking about my boobs when reviewing, but being less-busty means the straps are a bit loose for me.

The elasticated waist is a great design point, but can end up a bit too blousy in the bodice if you don’t size down. My sizing suggestion is; go one size down from your usual Lindy Bop size if you’re busty. Two sizes down if you’re less busty. Three sizes down for a much more fitted look.

lindy bop bambi dress

It’s funny how recently I’m less inclined to dress up because of anxiety – I’ve always dressed ‘weird’ or ‘outlandish’ since a young age. I’ve got one hell of a hard shell because of this, and although it’s been a long time since I’ve had any comments, it’s been a bit difficult to be looked at so much.

Also funny because I decided to take all my photos in a busy London park by myself, which really opens you up to questions, looks and people taking photos. How on earth do anxious bloggers do this all the time?!

vendula london biscuit shop

But hey, aside from anxiety – how cute is the Biscuit Shop Grab Bag from Vendula London?

Wearing black with this dress was my attempt to almost tone it down because it’s a real in-your-face colour, but the white bag brings out those white accents and I kinda love it. I’d love to wear this with green, too, to up the Watermelon realness!

Buuuuut godamnit this dress is comfy, and if we ever have the sun back I’m going to wear it all summer!

lindy bop bambi dress

melody maeHair Flower; Handmade
Brooch; Luxulite
Bangles; Splendette
Dress; C/O Lindy Bop (Disclaimer)
Bag; Vendula London (Disclaimer)
Shoes; Yours Clothing 

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{ Review } Dinner and a Drive-In with Lindy Bop

Every now and then two items come together that were clearly made for each other. Today, those two things are the Lindy Bop Audrey Drive-In Dress and The Diner Box Bag from Vendula London.

lindy bop audrey drive-in

See? Made. For. Each. Other.

Over the last few months, I’ve become somewhat obsessed with the border prints from Lindy Bop, and I was lucky to be asked to choose one to review for you guys!

lindy bop audrey drive-in

The Audrey is their signature silhouette with a gathered skirt that flares from the natural waist. Based on the size guide on their website and previously-ordered Audrey sizes, I got the 22 in this style.

I will say off the bat, this dress is actually on the tight side especially across the bust for me, so I would suggest sizing up unless you have a really small bust – maybe even two for you busty gals out there!

Pro-tip; don’t try on a dress when drunk, overlook the tight bust and take the tags off straight away. Silly idea!

lindy bop audrey drive-in

The print has bright red, yellow and blue balloons flying throughout the top of the skirt and the bodice. And then of course, the border print of brightly-coloured Chevrolet’s driving on through the theatre!

I know the one question I always get asked about Lindy Bop items is because of their price point (This dress was originally £35 full price!) people are sceptical of the quality of the items – I’m going to put it out there that you’re going to be so pleasantly surprised. The fabric is a nice medium-weight cotton with a little stretch and a hint of a sheen, making it soft against the skin and fall nicely.

It also features my favourite thing ever – POCKETS in the side seam!

lindy bop audrey drive-in

Fitting issues aside, as that was mostly my fault for not ordering a larger size before I ripped the tags off (thank you wine), I actually love this dress. Not only is the quality great, but the colours are so wonderful and it really makes the print and wearing a red cardigan and accessories really made the whole thing pop! It does come with a belt, but I swapped it for my own.

vendula london diner

And of course, I had to add the Diner Box Bag to the outfit – the colours were so on point with the dress, it would have been a shame not to!

melody mae

melody maeHair Flowers; Lady Luck’s Boutique | Necklace; Vintage
Bangles; Splendette  | Earrings; Bow and Crossbones
Brooch; Luxulite | Dress; C/O Lindy Bop (Disclaimer)
Bolero; Collectif | Bag; Vendula London (Disclaimer)
Shoes; Rocket Originals

{ Style } Sakura Season

Whilst in Tokyo recently, I spent the morning wandering around the beautiful Shinjuku Gyoen. It’s a gorgeous public garden which has traditional Japanese landscaping and two tea houses. I was even so lucky to see the first signs of cherry blossoms, which made me somewhat emotional. This Japanese print skirt was perfect for the setting.

japanese print skirt

Naturally, I had to get some photos in front of the blossoms because I’m that sort of person. Less naturally, I had to drag a tripod to the other side of the world with me. This was not an easy task because of other people walking into the shot. Also using my phone as a remote meant a wonderful delay that often caught me off guard.

japanese print skirt

I won this Adalene skirt from Lindy Bop‘s daily Facebook competitions last year, and it really couldn’t be much more perfect for this setting! With a border print of Japanese pagodas and Torii gates, cherry blossoms and even Mount Fuji. Such a beautiful skirt that I couldn’t wait to wear whilst I was in Tokyo!

I’m not really into pink as I always imagined it would either wash me out or clash horrendously with my hair, and boy am I glad I was wrong! The colour is subtle and sweet but looks striking against black, and I’m a big fan of the button-down front.

japanese print skirt

Lindy Bop’s sizing is notoriously disastrous, but I took a 22 in this based on the measurements of the size guide, and it was the perfect size for me, not too tight to cut me up, not too loose to fall off me – but the cotton does have a bit of give!

It also has pockets, and if you’ve followed me for long enough you might know I have a bit of a thing for them. Anything without pockets is a useless garment to me!

Away from the blossoms and into the shade, I’m wearing my well-loved Rachel coat from Collectif from years ago – and of course, a Vendula London Chocolatiers Grab Bag!

vendula london chocolatiers bag

The bag is more of a Parisian feel than the skirt, a little shopfront of a patisserie with cakes and chocolates, which is actually incredibly popular in Japan, which clearly means it was a set meant to be, right? Right.

vendula chocolatiers bag

melody mae

Hair Flower: Lady Luck’s Boutique
Earrings: Bow and Crossbones
Top: Primark
Brooch: Luxulite
Skirt: Lindy Bop
Shoes: Melissa

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