Melbourne at the moment is in that stage between summer and autumn. The place where it is hot and sticky during the days but can turn cold quite quickly. Those of us native to this fair city have long ago learnt the art of layering, preparing for all the unexpected eventualities thrown at us; which is why today’s outfit is summer dress, big hat and woollen bolero! I’m always amazed at how few people wear hats here as a matter of course. Given how high our UV rating can get, wearing hats is something people only really think about when heading to the beach or a backyard BBQ. It’s as if, come Monday morning, just because you’re at work or heading to the shops, the sun will somehow avoid you because that’s serious business. It’s certainly not for me. Large dark glasses and big hats are essential if outdoors for any time over the space of ten minutes here. Hats, daily sunscreen and water; my inexpensive secret and why I’m often mistaken for someone shall we say, “less experienced”.
This gorgeous cotton pink and purple polka dot dress is another design by my friend Bernie Dexter. It is a faux wrap with light boning at the front to help it hold the shape. I love the subtle folds at the bust line which give it “a nice undulation”, (that’s what the man at the coffee shop said!). The fabulous bolero is by local Melbourne label Miss Hussy, (who’s store is currently on hiatus) and the silver embroidered love birds seemed the perfect Valentines choice. Given that this is a wrap dress which has a certain tendency to be caught in the breeze, making sure that anything that may be on display is just as pretty is a must. Because I like getting all match, I wore my pink and black roll on suspender girdle from Kiss Me Deadly, with a fantastic pair of Pretty Polly stockings from Sweet Pins. (I love the stretch and feel of these stockings, they are so smooth!) And because the temptation to amp things up a notch is always present with me, I added this gorgeous hot pink Chrysanthemum silk flower to the ribbon at the waist. Then it was perfect; I felt like a little polka dotted vintage doll, which can be a very good thing for the soul on a sunny day.
Outfit Details
Hat – Unknown label
Pink and silver love bird bolero – Miss Hussy Clothing (Currently unavailable)
Pink and Purple polka dot faux sarong dress – Bernie Dexter
Rose pearl bracelet and earrings – Chomel
Framed handbag – Forever New
Pink and black roll on girdle with suspenders – Kiss Me Deadly (Sweet Pins also carries these here in Australia and have them in red too at the moment!)
Pretty Polly stockings in Sherry – Sweet Pins
Pink shoes with feature cut out -” Komfie” from Paragon department store Bangkok
Makeup note:
Base – Missha BB cream
Lips – “Rhubarb” by Savvy at Priceline
*All original images by Helen McLean for Super Kawaii Mama.com – Images may be reproduced with appropriate permissions. Feel free to add to Pinterest, Tumblr etc…*
