Rose Cameo Stripes

You may recall from my last post- that a dress will very easily find it's way home with me if I think I can fit a big fat petticoat under it. Some simply scream for one in fact. Others threaten to not quite fit one. And then there are frocks -like this one- that I buy on their own merits and then am pleasantly surprised when I can fit a crinoline under them too. It really is the little things...

It is another Dangerfield purchase from the factory store. $30.00 of surprise crinoline dress awesomeness.

The fabric has a gothicky quality to it. Black and white stripes always make me think of The Dresden Dolls which may be tied into that as well. I really like the combo of the stripes and the old fashioned cameo-esque rose print featured in the diamonds. 

The dress itself is quite basic. Spaghetti straps and flared skirt with a frill along the hem. It actually has an elasticated waist band too- but as it is a little too big on me I am covering it with a black waist cincher belt. (Everyone should own one of these by the way) I think my favourite feature on this frock has to be the shiney black rose buttons down the bodice. The close up I took really doesn't do them justice at all. Maybe one day we will meet on the street while I'm wearing it and you can be all like- "Hey let me see those buttons" and I can be all like "Ok!" and then you will know what I mean. Till then you may just need to imagine their awesomeness and I will enjoy them enough for both of us.

 As if a crinoline surprise wasn't already enough- I got to have a hair flower surprise on this one too. The flower in my hair is new- and was bought to go with a totally different frock.  It is a beautiful shade of dusky lilac. I learnt that it goes very well with this dress too even though the dress doesn't have any dusky lilac in it.Crazy I know!

Wednesday Addams 2.0

Seems I have a few options in which to channel my inner Wednesday Adams these days... Thats ok. It's nice to have options!

This gorgeous little number is another Melbourne purchase from Dangerfield. Seriously NZ. Hurry up and get one here already! If my track record for spending in there is anything to go by- I could almost keep it afloat myself...

Its simple and quite effective I think. A black polka dot shift with ruffle along the bottom and nicely topped off with a white collar and button feature. I have also matched it with a white Alannah Hill bow for my hair. I thought maybe I should have a few hair accessory options that aren't all flowers. Mixing it up and all that.

This dress has not yet had it's first NZ outing- but I did wear it while still in Melbourne. In fact- I wore it to possibly the best show I have seen all year. (And trust me- I have seen some epic live music in 2010!) It may not be everyone's cuppa tea but I definitely recommend you check this out and keep an open mind. Watch the video then imagine 8 of these guys in their matching suits on stage in Melbourne's beautiful Forum Theatre. It blew my mind I can assure you. There is not many things that can beat a great live show- but a fantastic new frock to wear to one is a sure fire way to make a great show even better!

Marvel at my inspiration

Today's outfit was based around the handbag. I haven't used it nearly enough since I bought it- so decided that's what I would start with for today's inspiration.

The dress is from an op shop ($4) and I have teamed it with a skinny red belt, my Grandmothers red plastic bead necklace (its one of those cool poppy ones too. Reminds me a little of Marge Simpson too) and red and leopard wedge peep toed heels.

Now back to the foundation of my outfit- the handbag! I bought it from Dangerfield in Melbourne a few months back. I love the colours in the bag- and I'm a sucker for comic book graphics too. The bag is a "Marvel comics" one- and I think the girl is Mary-Anne from Spiderman- but I can't be 100% sure.

I don't understand why we don't have a "Dangerfield" in NZ. I found it on my first day in Melbourne and saw them everywhere. They have a great range of stuff- and it's really reasonably priced too. A friend of mine explained it best when he said "Dangerfield is like the Glassons of the punk scene". I'd say that's pretty accurate....