Valentines OOTW; Perfect Pin-Up

It's been a while since I've done an OOTW on my blog, but sadly I've been very ill for the past 7 weeks which means I just haven't had the energy to do any OOTW's after being ill and also working my day job & also modelling at the weekends. 

But today I'm showing you my 'perfect Pin-Up' Valentines Look! This is a gorgeous little summer dress from Collectif that I got last summer, but haven't had much of a chance to wear it or shoot with it yet. So as soon as I was shooting my Valentines Photoshoot on Saturday (Images will be over on my facebook page over the next few days and weeks!) I had to wear this gorgeous number.

Photo & Post-Processing - John Bellingham
Model, MUA & Hair Stylist - Emma Victoria

Pink Hibiscus Dolores Doll Dress (Size 18), Collectif - £59.50

Baby Pink 20 inch Petticoat, Hell Bunny - £25.00

Black 6.5 inch Heels, Charity - £5

Baby Pink Chiffon Square (Headscarf), eBay - £4.00

1940's White Size 5 Gloves with Lace edge Detailing, Vintage Shop - £10

I totally love this gorgeous look, its adorably cute and sweet and just oozes with the love that Valentine's Day is filled with. I simply adore the Pink Hibiscus Flowers, it adds the summer feeling I've been missing for so long and its the perfect dress to stand out with on Valentines Day if you have a special someone.

If you want a darker Valentines Look then why don't you look at my OOTW from Last Year

OOTW - Death by Love

Make-Up

Maybelline Dream Satin Liquid Foundation - Ivory

Natural Collection Face Powder - Neutral

Victoria Jackson Sunset Eyeshadow Palette (Gold & Pale Pink)
Bourjois Blush - Rose D'Or

Bourjois Clubbing Linner - Extreme Black

Rimmel 1000 Kisses Red Lip Liner

Barry M Red Lipstick (Blue Undertone) - Shade 151

Hair has been curled in opposing directions to create a ringlet and swirl as the hair sits on my shoulders, I used Tresemme Firm Hold Hairspray and did a wet set curl and left in overnight.

I hope you have a fantastic Valentines Day and Weekend. I might go and see Fifty Shades of Grey if I'm well enough and can find someone to go with me!!

Lots of Love

Emma Victoria

xoxox

Review; Collectif Pearl Coat (Beige)

Happy Saturday! Sorry today's post isn't up at the usual time, but I've been so wrapped up into my reading, that last night I forgot to write this post up (and while I write this I'm actually watching the rugby)!!

Anyway, today I thought I'd show, and review my absolutely stunning new coat! I'm in complete awe and love with this coat - I waited a year to purchase it, and its everything I expected and more.

So lets begin with the actual aesthetic looks to the coat.
The Pearl Coat has a 1930's style with stunning pleats on the waist, bust and back of the coat to give volume and to shape. The coat has a small hourglass cut to the waist, which is also supported with the flare of the skirt on the coat too. (Perfect for those ladies who want to flatter their figure, or to acheieve a little hourglass figure while wearing a coat). The collar, cuffs and trim of the coat are all in a faux fox fur which is so super soft you never want to take the coat of at all! I also saw a post on Tumblr where the Pearl Coat looks identical to the one in the picture (link here).

The coat itself, is very heavy, but at the same time its very cosy and warm. I genuinely can't wait to have snow again in the UK, just so I have even more excuse to wear the coat!
I bought this coat in a size 20, and its definitely true to size, I'm in between sizes in Collectif varying from a size 18 -22, but I'm predominantly a 20. The coat has a good little bit of stretch to it, not loads but enough to fit over my rather voluptuous lady lumps. The buttons are mighty sturdy too, as well as positively cute. What I love even more with the faux fur neck collar, is that you can have it loose like I am wearing in the images, or you can fasten it up so its more tighter around your neck for more warmth; there is 3 hook and eye fasteners on the fur collar, and is a really lovely option to have, depending on what the weather may be.

The coat also has really good pockets - I'm very fussy when it comes to coats with pockets. My last coat had poor excuses for pockets and I couldn't even put my phone in them without it falling out - however the pockets on the pearl can probably hold a compact mirror, lipstick and my iPhone 4s quite happily - which is perfect if you are just quickly dashing out and don't need nor want to take a handbag! (Also perfect to pop your hands in if you gloves aren't keeping your hands toasty!)

My favourite part of testing anything that has a flowy skirt to it, is the twirl test! I didn't expect this coat to be too twirly considering how heavy it is, but I was pleasantly surprised! If you are walking down the street the skirt actually swings as you go, making you look like you've stepped out of the 1930's glamour scene (no complaints here!), but if you really want to get some va va voom, then just spin in a circle (I do it a lot, way too much some times!) and then you can really get some volume under the skirt - definitely a happy girl here! No worries if it's windy though as the coat will definitely hold down so you won't have to worry about having any Marilyn Monroe moments!

11/10

So overall I think this whole coat is phenomenal - its just perfect and is classically elegant.  I even think giving it an 11 out of 10 is still not justifying how amazing this coat is, in design and quality. You can either dress it up or dress it down! I'd pair this coat with my Patsy Herringbone skirt, black tights, black pumps, a cute top and cardigan/bolero with this coat for a cute winter outfit!
The price of £185 may be a little steep for those on a budget, but I promise that it is definitely worth its price tag!

You can buy your's here:
Green - http://www.collectif.co.uk/plain-pearl-coat-p-vaw140611-c-green.html
Beige - https://www.collectif.co.uk/plain-pearl-coat-p-aw130609-c-beige.html 

Love 

Emma Victoria

xoxox

(P.S If you want to see my twirling around in the coat then check out my Mini Review on YouTube!)

OOTW & Tutorial; Halloween Dead Diner Doll

Halloween is only 2 days away! I conjured up this really cute yet creepy Halloween look - it covers adorable retro chic, my favourite brand of clothing and being totally creepy and creative!

Here are the links to last years Halloween ideas!Rockabilly Zombie
Vintage Broken Doll
Seductive Devil
Dead Slutty Barbie Doll

Outfit

Pink Cynthia Doll Dress, Collectif - £89 .50
White Bobby Socks, eBay - £5
Black Creepers, New Look - £12

Make-Up and Hair Tutorial

Step 1 First off you need to prime your face, I used a basic primer which I had come in a set. I primed my whole face so that the face paint would sit better.

Step 2 After priming, prepare your face paint - I used the Snazaroo face paint in White (you can use any strong pigmented face paint - this is the only one I can use as I'm allergic to others). I did about 2 layers of face paint and blended to make it smooth. When doing the first layer, apply and then smooth out, leave to dry before applying another coat.

Step 3 I then went on to use a blue shimmer dust to contour my face, again for a more dead look. I used a angled brush for a harsh line and then blended out using a blusher brush.

Step 4 Moving onto the eyes. I want a very harsh look to my eyes, seeing as I need to look creepy and dead I used dark greys and blacks. I heavily went over my under eye with a black eye-liner and then smudged this out used a Q-Tip. On the actual eyelids, I used a shimmery grey all over the lid, including the inner corner of my eye, and then in my crease I did a thick blended out line of black. I then used my liquid eyeliner to give myself a medium thickness wing. I tend not to wear false eyelashes (personal preference) so I just used my Rimmel Scandaleyes Mascara.

Step 5 The next step is the scars. I used the same liquid liner I used on my eyes to make the scars. These are pretty easy and basic and you just need a steady hand. (I also added a beauty spot!) I then made some fake blood, using an old cheap red lipstick I don't used along with some Vaseline, I then added a scrapping of black eye-shadow to make the colour a bit darker. The gloss of the Vaseline in the light gives the scar a fresh bleeding effect (simple but effective!) I then filled the scars in and over with the fake blood. For the scar under the eye I made a gap between the two centre lines of the scar (seeing left above image) - this is an open wound, its the same process, just fill in the gap with the fake blood.

Step 6 The lips - I used my Rimmel Dark Berry Lipstick I got for winter last year (I love dark berry shades for Autumn and Winter). After applying my lipstick as normal, I added some black eyeshadow to the corners and outer line of my lips and rubbed my lips together for a dark red/purpley/black effect!

Step 7 The last step is the hair. I did a simple messy beehive, just cause its simple, easy and easy to make a mess of! I split my hair into two, I put the lower back half into a high ponytail where I want the beehive to sit, and the other half a bun on my head till I have the ponytail where I want. I then back comb the ponytail and fold it over itself, pinning the hair on the underside (use as many pins are you wish on this part, it will be covered over. I then took the rest of my hair, back combed it and put it over the now back combed folded over ponytail and pinned. I then took a comb and just made the beehive messy!

And your done!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!! (Go be creepy...)

Emma Victoria

xoxox

OOTW&Review; Collectif Summer Bouquet Dolores

So as I've said for the last few weeks, I'm going on a 2 month break (see post here which kind of explains why) so I saved this beauty of a dress to show you guys and to review for my last post. I'm going to miss documenting my outfits each week for the next 2 months, but I really need this break. However, I originally planned on getting this dress before my birthday but Collectif had sold out in my size weeks before and hadn't restocked - so I lost hope and began looking for a new dress which I'd love just as much. I felt heartbroken at first but on my actual birthday I went to Brighton with my best friend and we went into Collectif and THERE WAS THE DRESS. In my size, in the flared style, right in front of me! My birthday was made not only by the fact my best friend surprised me by coming down for the weekend (she kept it from me for months!) but I found the dress I;ve wanted so badly for a whole year!

Summer Bouquet Dolores Dress, Collectif - £65
Red & White Becca Bag, Collectif - £35
Slingback Peep Toes, Peacocks - £12
Pink Chiffon Scarf, eBay - £4.50
Leopard Print Cat Eye Sunglasses, eBay - £10
Double Notes Necklace, Bow & Crossbones - £4.99
20"Baby Pink Petticoat, Hell Bunny - £21.99

Make-Up

Collection Lasting Finish Foundation in Ivory

Natural Collection Face Powder in Neutral

Bourjois Clubbing Liquid Liner, Black

Natural Collection Eyeshadows in Candyfloss & Mermaid 

MUA Luxe Lip Lacquer in Atomic

Review

So after a year of lusting over this dress, I feel like my world is made by owning it now. You all know my favourite brand is Collectif, so as I normally do I went to their Brighton shop, had a lovely chat with the ladies who are probably becoming very familiar with me always popping in there and browsed round with my best friend - and then I found it. Now the dress itself is in the flared Dolores Style, and this dress has a lot of give to it, I was originally looking for a size 20, but I was advised to size down due to how much give the dress has and also for a better fit on the bust; so I ended up with an 18. When I got home the first thing I did (and my friend Danielle can vouch for me on this!) was but the dress on, as I just couldn't believe how much I loved this dress. Truthfully I could actually fit into a 16 with this dress, but I prefer it a little bigger if I was to wear a petticoat (like above) and also I can tailor the dress with my sewing machine if I need to. The dress has an absolutely gorgeous summer floral pattern, and for someone who doesn't normally wear yellow due to being blonde and the colour normally doesn't complement me, this dress just looks phenomenal! There is plenty of room on the bust for the bigger busted ladies but also gives a beautiful curve on the bust for the ladies who are more slender. This dress is perfect for an hourglass look. The dress sits about mid calf on me (I stand at 5 foot 5.5) and has an absolutely beautiful flare on the full circle skirt, I also love pairing a petticoat with the Dolores dress because of how pretty it makes the skirt, I feel like I've really stepped out of the 50's when wearing a petticoat with this dress! (I personally prefer wearing a 20" petticoat as this sits above the knee and doesn't go below the dress).

My favourite part is always the twirl test - this dress just twirls perfectly, the skirt has such a good flow and spreads out beautifully when twirling around. The dress has the permanently stunning feel to it, and even my friend who dances around with me said its a beautiful dress to dance in. The dress isn't tight on the waist like some dresses from other brands that I own either.

Another amazing feature to the Dolores Doll dresses are definitely the puffed elasticated sleeves. You can either wear them off the shoulder or as a normal sleeve. Which I love, if I feel like having a sassier day then I will have the sleeves off the shoulder but if I want to be a little more conservative then I will opt for on shoulder.

I decided to match this dress with a pink petticoat and pink chiffon headscarf, mainly because I thought these would compliment the yellow quite well. However, I also added my red Becca bag, which looks absolutely stunning alongside the dress too.

So another beautiful dress has won me over from Collectif!!

I'm going to miss doing these posts for a little while, but when I'm back I'm sure I will have lots of beautiful outfits to show you all!

Lots of Love & See You Soon!

Emma Victoria

xoxoxoxoxox

The Fear of the Swimsuit Kind...

If you know me personally, you've probably never seen me wearing a swimsuit. This is genuinley no word of a lie... The only time I actually put one on was for my Body Confidence post way back in October. But I finally decided to face my fear head on... and actually buy a swimsuit! In fact I actually bought 2!!!!

I'm going to be really honest about this now, I still don't feel as if I feel 'okay' in a swimsuit, I still feel nervous and still feel as if people stare at me funny if I wear one out in public. But I need to fight my fear, if I don't fight it now then I probably never will!

(Please bare in mind I took this images about 8 weeks ago but only got round to doing this post, I have lost weight in this time too).

The first swimsuit is this floral coral halterneck swimsuit from Peacocks, for £12 in a size 20. What I really like about this swimsuit is probably the fact that the bust actually is underwired, which is a god send for my boobs. The halter neck is an adjustable tie it yourself so you can have it give as much or as little support as you wish. I do really like the design of this swimsuit, and it is very feminine. 

The second swimsuit is from M&Co and this is just adorably retro and cute (and its polka dots and we all know I love polka dots).

I do feel a little more 'exposed' to my body in this swimsuit, and I do struggle looking at the mirror when wearing them. I think the mindset of not knowing what I look like helps me not realise my fear as much and what happens 'happens'. But overall the swimsuit is really nice, it is rather clingy so if you feel paranoid about your problem areas then bare this in mind. This is partially like a swimdress with the frilly skirt which sits on the hips. I got this in a size 20, I would like to lose a little weight to feel better in this costume but otherwise its really nice!

You can get the M&Co Swimsuit here along with other beautiful clothes & swimwear on their site!

I am hoping to get another swimsuit soon, so I might review that if it comes before I go on my break!

Love you lots

Emma Victoria

xoxoxoxoxoxoxox

OOTW; The Charlotte..

WARNING - THIS OOTW IS JUST TOO DARN CUTE!!!!!!!!

Hello darlings, me again!!

So after Saturday's post being rather a bit formal and sad (please read if you haven't already, it is rather important), so I decided to do the most adorable OOTW possible!!

White Chiffon Headscarf, eBay - £4

Lavender Charlotte Dress, Hell Bunny £30
(Size 16)

Marilyn Cat Eye Sunglasses, Wear it Again Sam - £9.99

Peep Toe Slingbacks, Peacocks - £12

MUA Luxe Lip Lacquer, shade 'Reckless'

Nails
White Barry M Polish
Blue Sparkle Barry M Polish

I cannot get enough of this look, its just perfect and cute all rolled into one! I definitely get that cute 50's teen feel with this outfit, it makes my figure look fab by enhancing my curves and sits just on the knee making it not too short!

I'm currently using a new red lipstick, which I've discovered! I really love the velvet finish to the lips when using this lacquer, although it dried my lips out at first it did give an amazing effect!

Review

Overall this dress ticks all the boxes... The skirt has amazing movement and is perfect for twirling in! This dress is fairly similar to the Gretel in all fairness, it has an adorable trim on the bottom of the skirt, and a thicker trim on the bust and pockets with a ribbon to tighten the top for cleavage (I went for the full on in your face boob cleavage, because I wanted a 'sexier' edge to the cute 50's teen). 

 I also really like the fact this dress has pockets... Sometimes when I go out, I just take my purse and phone and not a handbag, and the deep pockets on this dress make it perfect for me not have to carry everything in my hands. As said above the light material on this skirt is perfect for twirling, I often test without a petticoat just to see how well the skirt flows and this one definitely gets my seal of approval!

Since losing about 15lbs over the past few months, I've dropped drastically in my Hell Bunny sizes in clothes, I used to wear a 20/22 but now I'm actually fitting into 16 and 18's a bit better. I tried on my Bobbi Lee dress the other day and I'm slightly sad in the fact its too big for me, so I'll probably have to tailor that down.

Overall the Charlotte dress is a perfect light dress for summer, I'm completely loving Gingham patterns this summer and this lives up to my satisfaction/collection of gingham!

Love you lots

Emma Victoria

xoxoxoxox

OOTW & Review: Pretty Polly

We have a double whammy again today! I totally enjoyed reviewing the Stella Sweetheart Dress in this way that I've also decided to do it for this dress...

OOTW

Polly Gingham Shirt Dress, Collectif - £57.50

Red Rockabilly Bandanna, Collectif - £2.50

White Bow Wedges, Simply Be - £20

(Discontinued)

Marilyn Cat Eye Sunglasses, Wear it Again Sam - £9.99

For my make-up I just did the signature rockabilly style with thin winged eyeliner, and a blue undertone red lipstick to make my pearly whites shine. For my eyeshadow I just used the Rimmel Glam'Eyes Mono Eyeshadow in "Glam Ice" for an ice white feel to my eyes for an extra pop in the summer sun!

Recently for my hair I've been totally loving the 60's beehive hairstyle; I'd never really tried it so I've just been experimenting with what works for my hair seeing as mine is growing out and is layered. I just matched the red bandanna for that extra rockabilly touch and just to help shape up the beehive a bit more.

Review

As I said above, I got this dress as a thank you gift. I'd been pining over it since Collectif actually released the images for this dress which is part of this years Spring/Summer Collection. I've been looking for a good shirt dress for a while that actually fits over my rather large bust area and Collectif never fail to make me smile... I actually went for a size 20, I normally go for a size 22 due to the chest area always being tight, but I gave the smaller size a shot; and I was actually pleasantly surprised at how well the fit was, with my bust measuring 44-46 depending on the cut I was in between an 18/20. You can either have the dress fully buttoned up, or if you want a slightly more rebel rockbilly feel have it on one of the lower buttons which shows more cleavage! You can either be preppy princess or rebel rockabilly!

The twirl test is probably my favourite thing about reviewing dresses! This dress does have a full circle skirt, however due to the different material it does twirl a bit differently, and actually I really like it! The skirt of the dress actually swings in more of a direction unlike my other circle skirt dresses which just follow your movement - the extra movement of the skirt gives an amazing dimension when walking down the street in heels as it helps to exaggerate your hip movements. 

Overall I LOVE the polly dress, its definitely a summer must-have! If the weather does become cooler however you could match this with a bolero; I'd personally reccommend either the Gail Bolero in Cream or Jean Bolero in Ivory

The Polly dress is available in either in red gingham, red or black. 

See you saturday for my next post my lovelies!

Emma Victoria

xoxoxoxoxoxox

OOTW: Oh My God Olivie!

Since probably about 2 years ago I've been pining over the Olivie, the reason I never bought it earlier was because A) I couldn't decide on which colour to buy first B) It wasn't available in my size. But I finally caved and bought the pink one seeing as I don't own many pink dresses!

Pink Parasol, Bow and Crossbones - £6

Hell Bunny Pink Olivie Dress, Rockabilly Pinup - £31.88

Hell Bunny White 25" Petticoat, Amazon - £34.99

Pink Paisley Bandana, Amazon - £2

T-Bar Heels, eBay - £15

I did my signature eyeliner, and I had white and pale pink eyeshadow blended out along with my neon pink Barry M lipstick!

I put my hair in a half up half down do. The up being a simple 60's bouffant along with my pink bandanna and the rest of my hair in its natural condition.

Recently I've been super in love with my parasol! I've always wanted one and I finally purchased this gorgeous one from Bow and Crossbones!!

Another technique I'm in love with is doing up the halter neck in a different way from normal, and its so cute! (And it makes me boobs look FAB!

Lots of love my gumdrops!

Emma Victoria

xoxoxox

What is it like to be a Rockabilly Girl/Pin-up Girl!

This is one question that is frequently asked to me by a lot of people for a lot of different reasons. I dress in this style nearly 90% of the time I walk out the house - if I'm not in my gear then I'm either popping out for 2 seconds, going to work or I'm not really feeling well. Now even if I'm not feeling too great I try and dress normally with the mind set of "look good, feel good" - but dressing in this style doesn't just come over night. It takes time and practice to look this way.

Lets say I need to leave at 8.15 to go to college... I have to get up at about 7am to make sure I'm ready in time. I normally plan my outfit the night before just to save a little time. If I decide to curl my hair in the morning I normally get up at 6 instead, I then spend a good 10-15 minutes doing my make-up, then about 5 minutes doing my hair. After that I slowly get dressed making sure I don't mess up my hair or make-up. Then its making sure I have my bag ready, then its finding my sunglasses, finding my heels, getting my coat, and making sure it's all still looking neat and perfect before walking out the door. 


I also do a bit of modelling alongside college and work - I'm still working with amateur photographers but working with a few more professionals at some point too. Again, I do spend ages looking good for the camera as well, as you can't be looking like a mess when going for a photo shoot.

Another problem I often face is dreaded spots, like every other human. I often get told my skin is flawless and perfect... The wonders of make-up is all I will say. My skin isn't as bad as it used to be back about 4 years ago, but even now I go through a vigorous routine to keep my skin near perfect. This can be laborious doing this twice a day but in a way its worth it. 

Another kind of issue I get addressed with a lot is people either stopping/staring at you in the street and people always kind of making a comment. People seem to kind of think I don't know I look different in my style or that I'm oblivious to the world. I mean I'm not saying anyone is nasty, but they always make a comment. I know for a fact that the people at my college seem to have an issue with the way I dress, and frankly it doesn't bother me, it's none of their business the way I dress myself. As I said I do often get stopped in the street for people commenting on my outfit saying I look gorgeous, glamorous, beautiful etc, yes this does give me confidence and that is what encourages me to dress in this style. People respect me and appreciate the way I dress - for the first time in my 18 years I've kind of felt that people like me for the way I've styled myself. On the odd occasion people even stop me to have a photo with me in the street - now that to me is something I never thought would happen! The other week when I dressed like Marilyn Monroe, I had a crowd around me to have a picture with me - THAT'S INSANE! 

There is one thing that annoys me though - its when guys think I dress in this way to please them. No, get off your high horse. I dress in this way because I WANT TO; not to satisfy you or anyone else. This is the one thing that does wind me up. Yes I have cleavage, yes I have red lips, yes I'm wearing heels but its not just for your eyes! 

Dressing in this style takes time, patience and of course money. Each month I treat myself to a new item of clothing or outfit to add to my collection. I've built my whole collection up from scratch since about February 2013 - and theoretically I've not been doing this for that long but I already have a huge amount of stuff. This style is all about bringing out your confidence, being unique and loving the style.

I know quite a few people who dress in this style and aren't necessarily into the music. Some people have said that these people aren't "true" rockabillies - who says they aren't?! I personally love the music and the style and do wish in some respect that I lived in the 50's - because life seemed to be that little more simpler then. Men were chivalrous to women and women respected men and were lady like. (Personal opinion) and I just kind of miss having a decent guy.

Being a rockabilly isn't necessarily being like Danny and Sandy from Grease, that's only one part of the scene. Fashion, music and lifestyle are a huge part of the scene too. And that's what I love so much about this scene, its so unique! 
If you want to ask any more questions about my experience of being a rockabilly/pin-up girl then please feel free, I love to answer your questions!

Much Love

Emma Victoria

xoxoxox

OOTW: Its Summer!

Back in mid March I had a little spending spree and I saw 2 beautiful dresses over on the Rockabilly Pinup website... I'd been eyeing them up for a while, and one of them was the red meriam dress!

Hell Bunny Red Meriam Dress, Rockabilly Pinup - £33.71

White Cardigan, Next - £15

Black Belt, New Look - £5

Frothy Soda Shoes, Clarks - £44.99

Varied Size Pearl Necklace, Primark - £3

Pearl Bangles, Gift

Isn't this outfit just adorably cute?! I love it! Its so happy and summery! I'm totally loving the colour red this summer, I don't even know why! I think it might be a red and pink summer this year! I also love how the pearls compliment the white polka dots, its just cute! 

Please excuse my rather weird face in this picture... Alice was chewing her leg (yes she was chewing her leg, please do not be alarmed, she is just odd) and I forgot I was taking a picture... BUT my make-up went awfully perfect for this outfit! I managed to get my eyeliner super thin as well, which makes me so happy its unreal (its the smallest things right?) My red lipstick is the Barry M creme lipstick in shade 151 - this just had a blue undertone in it which makes my teeth look whiter... AND IT MATCHES THE DRESS!

Okay I know I've already said it but this outfit is just CUTE!

Anywho... See you for my next post! 

Lots of love my darlings!

Emma Victoria

xoxoxoxox

OOTW: Lindy Bop Lois Dress

Yet another lovely dress from my favourite budget dress company... I couldn't help to not buy this dress in Lindy Bop's 25% off sale at the end of January and I had been eyeing up the Lois dress for quite a while now!

Lois Secretary 40's dress, Lindy Bop - £29.99

Leopard Print Headband, New Look - £5

T-Bar Heels, eBay - £15

Recently I've really been getting into the whole 1940's style and preppy sort of style. Just feels so natural and lovely, and this dress is the for-front of my outfit list at the moment! 

Love

Emma Victoria

xoxoxox

Wearing a Corset/Waist Training

I've never done a post about me wearing a corset before, and I was asked by Amna (from ASQGenerates) to do a post about it!

I just want to clarify before saying anything more - I DO find wearing a corset comfortable if being fitted correctly and not overly tight. Also, I AM NOT a professional in waist training - I'm only talking about my experience and how it works for me personally - in no way do I claim to be a professional or know everything about this. Many people would probably say wearing a corset is bad but its a personal preference to wear one and I choose to (just in case anyone feels the need to go off on one at me!).

I was doing waist training around 2 years ago now, and I finally got a really nice waist - but after not purchasing a new corset after the boning came out of my old one I completely let my training slip for around 8 months - now I'm back at stage 1. Waist training is much like doing a sport - if you don't do it for a while you become slightly less fit and need to practice more to get back to where you were again. There are several different styles of 'corset' that you can use - I personally prefer the white brocade underbust corset from Corsets UK. However, you can chose between a full corset with the bust or an underbust/waist cincher.

I wear a corset nearly everyday, even if its just for about an hour or two - to start with waist training, you have to be prepared to wear this everyday and get used to doing things in your corset - obviously you will be a lot of restricted in your movements, however, it can correct your posture. When starting, make sure you don't tie yourself in too tightly to the point where its too painful - you don't want the corset too loose either as this means you are probably getting no benefit from wearing it what so ever. 
For people who are just starting out I wouldn't try to make a huge reduction in your waist straight away maybe start with 2" - waist training is a slow laborious task but there are no short or quick ways around it (unless you want surgery but I don't really believe in that). 

Another handy tip for when you first get your brand new corset - make sure you give it time to adjust to your body - they are not like loose clothing that is comfortable straight away - if you start by only pulling it in a little (maybe around an inch) then it gives the corset time to adjust to your body and to warm the fibres in the fabric up (it may be a myth however if you let the fibres warm up then it should make it easier for the corset to adjust into the tighter position on your body).

My daily routine is obviously a bit hectic so I tend to put my corset on in the evening if I'm out for the majority of the day - I normally have mine on for 3 hours in the evening, and if I have a short day at college then I will wear my corset for every day use. It generally depends on how comfortable you feel wearing the corset and for how long you want to wear it for. 

As I said above - even when you have reached the waist you desire, you can't just stop wearing the corset as your waist will just fall back to how it was before (naughty Emma!).

Moving onto how I personally feel with my corset - I enjoy wearing a corset, it makes me feel more confident in myself and its not uncomfortable for me to wear at all. I know quite a few people opt to wear their corset on the outside, like over a top etc, but I prefer wearing mine underneath a dress or slip underneath my clothing just so it's a more polished look and I always manage to get everything dirty.

For cleaning, I normally hand wash mine with warm/tepid water and some soap and just scrub ever so lightly to get the stains out. 

If you have anymore questions about me wearing a corset or if you are interested in corset make sure you leave a comment below or drop me a email on anchorsawaybeauty@hotmail.com or on my Facebook page.

Lots of Love

Emma Victoria

xoxox

OOTW; Ridiculously Retro!

Its the first post of October - and I'm now finally beginning to get back on track with my blogging schedule with the amount of work I have and with the new dog! I am being super cheeky this week as I'm showing you my current new favourite Autumn 'go-to' outfit which I wore for a photo shoot on Saturday (Images will be in a collage below!). I super love this outfit as its retro and also super comfy and warm with the weather getting cooler!

Dolores Sweetheart Gingham Top, Collectif - £30.00

Red Rockabilly Bandana, Collectif - £

Ivory Pearls, Collectif - £15.00

Denim Jeggings, Peacocks - £12.00

White Wedges, New Look - £11.99 (Similar here)

Earrings 

Handmade Swallow & Flower Earrings by 'The Ever After Nook'

For my hair and make-up I did my usual Winged eye liner (not too thick, just below the natural crease on the eye lid) and I used my current favourite lipstick Barry M shade 121 and also my favourite lip pencil the Revlon ColorStay Lipliner. My earrings are from the 'Ever After Nook' - I actually got to design these myself and these will soon be out for general release (keep an eye out on my blog for details soon!).

ALSO after this week I will be doing the next 4 OOTW's all being Halloween inspired with 'how-to's' on to acheive the looks for Halloween! So if you have any ideas then please comment below, or comment on my facebook page (please like my page!) and I will take them all in for consideration!

Lots of Love and Cuddles!

Emma Victoria

xoxo

Photo Shoot Pictures

Strange and New Proposals!

Sorry for the super duper late post, and I will still be posting my OOTW tomorrow, so don't panic! However this evening, I was asked by someone, if I was going to be selling any of my photo shoot pictures. Never in my life had it occurred to me that people would actually be interested in buying photo shoot pictures! I've tipped my nose into a little bit of modelling and recently have been doing paid shoots, but I never thought that people would want to buy pictures of me, ME! 

I am looking into doing small 6" x 4" photo's (normal size), small posters, and large posters! I will probably be printing these via the company Photobox, unless I find another company who does it cheaper and for the same quality! They will all be in a gloss finish. I need to figure out the pricing yet and decide on the photo's that will be up for sale, and I will probably advertise them through a shop on my blog, as this will be the easiest way for people to buy/order them off me!

In the coming few weeks, I am working a lot, and I currently only have 1 shoot, possibly 2 booked in for (busy little bee I am) and I will post on here the final photos which will be sold. You will also be able to buy a selection pack of either: -

• 1 (30"x20") Poster and 6 (6"x4") photo's 
• 10 (6"x4") and 1 (21"x16") poster
• 2 (30"x20") posters and 6 (6"x4") photos.

I will also be having other offers coming up as well, and the posters I will also sign, because its always a nice little personal touch I think!

I will keep you all updated on my new little adventure, and maybe one day, I may be one of those well known pin-up girls?

Well a girl can dream can't she!

Emma Victoria

xoxo