Avid readers of this blog will already know that my wardrobe (otherwise known as my pride & joy... or obsession, depending on how you look at it) consists of a plethora of dresses in a myriad of shapes & styles, inspired by radically different eras, movements or social statements. One of my all-time favourite silhouettes, however, is a 1950s fit-to-flare with a tighter bodice & voluminous skirt, usually midi-length. With my shorter, top-heavy frame & practically non-existent hips or "inverted triangle" body shape, it is not the first choice that comes to mind when strictly adhering to style tenets, instead considered to be more suited to those who are bottom-heavy or "pear" shaped... although to be honest, I eschew the use of inanimate objects like fruit to describe the bodies of women. A way to make this look work for someone like me was to address the uneven proportions created by the shape of the dress by adding a petticoat or crinoline, making the skirt appear even "fuller" around the hips & thighs to balance my wider shoulders & bustline, putting me back in proportion & making me appear to be an "hourglass."
Truth be told, I have tried many different labels & styles on my search for the perfect underpinning - the magical "unicorn" petticoat that would provide width & movement without adding unnecessary bulk around the mid-section - & I think that I have finally found one of the best in a brand called Grace Karin, stocked at the inimitable Poison Arrow Clothing & Accessories at Orion Springfield Shopping Centre & online, discovered by chance while looking for yet another stunning patent handbag to add to my collection. For me, what makes these petticoats special is the fact that they have a flat, stretchy seven inch lycra waistband that extends almost to the hip bone, meaning they don't add bulk around the waist yet the rest of the skirt is more akin to the traditional crinoline or "hoop" skirt favoured by Southern American debutantes in the way the tiers of tulle-like material are affixed, providing maximum "oomph" underneath skirts of varying lengths. In the interest of full disclosure, I will caution that the bottom layers of the petticoat are not as soft against the skin as some others at higher price points (although not at all uncomfortable thanks to a layer of satin material) but for the princely sum of $35 - on sale from $45 according to website information - you can literally afford to purchase a multitude of colours to match each & every dress in your collection!
With that in mind, I have styled up two looks as a collaboration with the wonderful Wayne & Ange from Poison Arrow Clothing & Accessories utilising the aforementioned Grace Karin petticoats to show how versatile they can be... even if you're not wearing "traditionally" retro inspired clothing. Scroll down to check them out...
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Dress: Anthea Crawford embroidered tulle
Petticoat: Grace Karin lyrca, tulle
Cardigan: Kitten D'Amour mohair
Ankle Boots: Wittner metallic leather
Bag: Mombasa woven straw, embellishment with gold hardware
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The first outfit comprises of a stunning, embroidered twill fit-to-flare midi dress in shades of soft gold & blush on a black background from Aussie designer Anthea Crawford with baby pink Grace Karin lycra & tulle petticoat from Poison Arrow Clothing & Accessories underneath for volume & "swish," 60s inspired fuzzy pink mohair cropped cardigan from Kitten D'Amour, metallic gold pointy-toed stiletto ankle boots from Wittner for a bit of edge to break up all that kitsch & a sweet woven straw shoulder bag embellished with some boho tassels from Mombasa.
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Dress: Anthea Crawford embroidered tulle, satin
Petticoat: Grace Karin lycra, tulle
Vest: Ugg via Side Street Boutique fur
Booties: Wittner patent leather, elastic
Clutch: Anthea Crawford patent leather with silver hardware
Hinged Bangle: Wallace Bishop silver
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The second look comprises of a gorgeous embroidered tulle A-line midi dress in shades of navy & ice blue from Aussie designer Anthea Crawford (a slightly different silhouette that also benefits from the help of a crinoline) with baby blue lycra & tulle petticoat from Grace Karin via Poison Arrow Clothing & Accessories, navy fur sleeveless vest by Ugg found at Side Street Boutique in Bulimba, shiny navy patent leather booties with elastic sides from Wittner with matching navy patent clutch with silver hardware also from Anthea Crawford (a sumptuous gift with purchase) & finally, a chunky silver hinged bangle from Wallace Bishop to complete the look.
