Polka Dots + Picnic Pies

This outfit has to be one of my favorites to date. Even though two of the main components of this ensemble are from overseas, this post just screams "Americana" to me! This fantastic dress is from UK-based vintage reproduction brand, Vivien of Holloway. I was familiar with some of their designs prior to receiving this dress for review, but I wasn't well-versed on the fit and quality of their garments. The construction is absolutely top-notch on the "Grace" dress you see here, which comes in many other colors and patterns, and I love the silhouette on my frame (though I have to give some credit to my Rago waist cincher and this longline strapless bra for making everything look so smooth!).

The fabric of this polka dotted dress is of a nice cotton sateen, which is a nice weight for the colder months and stands up well if you want to wear a fluffier petticoat. The skirt isn't lined (nor does it have pockets), but because I loved this dress even more than I anticipated, I didn't mind in the slightest. The price point is on the higher end of the spectrum, but I feel the superior construction warrants a higher price (especially for a dressier garment like this). Even though I asked for further assistance on sizing, Vivien of Holloway's size chart is special in that there are no lettered or numbered sizes (i.e., no "S/M/L" or "6/8/10") – instead, you choose your size based on your bust, waist and hip measurements, which is much more helpful for online shoppers. Just be sure you know (and are honest about) your measurements! The dress with my measurements (B38, W30) fit like a glove, but if you're in doubt, you can always ask their customer service team! I'm inclined to think a girl can never have too many polka dots in her life... so if you're like me, you can find their vast selection of polka dotted pieces here.

This may have been my first Vivien of Holloway dress, but it's certainly not the first time I've featured a piece from Erstwilder here on the blog. The Australian-based brand just launched their wonderful "Pinup Picnic" collection, and I'm swooning over all of the designs. I have a couple of the other pieces from this new line waiting to be styled (stay tuned!), but I thought this "Be My Cherry Pie" brooch fit in perfectly with this mid-century look. I felt like I had a matching pie on the windowsill waiting to cool! The detail on this piece is really amazing (the lattice work is its own separate layer, and there are hidden hearts on the pie server and inside the pie filling!), and it's already become one of my most-loved pins. The entire picnic collection is now live on the Erstwilder website, and it features TONS of food-themed pieces. Be sure to check it out here!

Outfit Details

Polka Dot Grace Dress: c/o Vivien of Holloway

Be My Cherry Pie brooch: c/o Erstwilder

Petticoat: Pinup Girl Clothing

Vintage gloves: Etsy (similar)

Heels: ModCloth (similar)

Vintage hat: Etsy (similar)

I almost forgot to mention: the winners of my recent giveaway have been chosen! Congratulations to Elise, Paola and Ashlee, and thank you SO much to all of you who entered and continue to support my blog! <3

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Have a wonderful Wednesday!