Do you ever have one of those dresses that simply makes you feel good? That every time you look at it in your wardrobe, you just know that when you slip it on, it’ll do it’s job. It miraculously won’t ever be too loose or too tight, irrespective of your ice cream intake the week before. It somehow manages to be ready for whatever life occasion you throw at it – from work with a cardigan, to a garden party with a parasol, to an evening out in glittery heels.
Enter This Amazing Dress. At our last Perth Pinup meetup (a group organized by the ever-fabulous Miss Lady Lace), I skipped into a new (to me) boutique in Perth and discovered a new (to me) Australian-made, vintage inspired brand. As you might imagine, it was pretty much my dream event. Fab ladies + Adorable dresses + Champagne pretty much = Kara’s Favorite Night. I was so excited to be introduced to Look Feel Be, a local shop here in Perth that specializes in vintage-inspired clothing, jewelry, and cosmetics (they even do makeovers in store!). Needless to say, we all chatted excidedly while darting in and out of the changing room trying on the loveliest frocks and swooning over the wares available in store.
This pink watercolor beauty caught my eye that night and it was instant love. She’s designed by Australian-made brand Retrospec’d. It baffles me how clueless I can be sometimes, because I’d somehow managed to never come across one of their dresses before (everything is timing). But, I slipped her on and knew I was a goner. Beautiful fabric, with a hint of stretch, a vibrant colorful print and a perfect fit.
Showing superhuman restraint (particularly as champagne had been drunk. I have very little willpower when champagne is involved), I was in one of those “no shopping” weeks and resolved to leave her behind. Then, as is often the case when things are meant to be, I simply couldn’t get her out of my head and had that stomach-gnawing feeling of fear that someone else was going to get my dress. Because shopping resolutions were meant to be broken, I went screeching back to the shop and happily welcomed her into my closet. All of the other dresses were ecstatic to see her…
Given this oppressive temperatures we’re experiencing at the moment (not to talk about the weather or anything – but seriously, what is UP with this heat?), I’m eternally grateful for sundresses, which Retrospec’d seems to have aplenty! They have a variety of styles in a range of stunning fabrics, though I have noticed not all cuts are created equal on my body type. For fit, my current favs are the Vivian and the Norma Jean – I went with am AUS 10 in the Vivian and had to size up to am AUS 12 in the Norma Jean due to my bust (for reference, I’m 35-27-38), but both are exquisite and a dream to wear. I’m completely obsessed with the prints on the Elizabeth style. But, sadly I found this particular style to be very short waisted and thus not for me.
Needless to say, it was a successful night. I’ve already been back to visit both Look Feel Be and Retrospec’d (eh hem), so expect to see more of them. I definitely hope to do a more in depth feature on Look Feel Be soon and introduce you to the amazing ladies behind the shop!
Discover any new brands lately?
xoxo
Outfit Details:
Dress: Retrospect’d Vivian dress in Pink Water Colour via Look Feel Be
Belt: Alannah Hill (similar here & here)
Necklace: Passionflower
Handbag: Second Seed Vintage (similar here & here)
Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell (similar here, here & here)
Lip Color: Nars Schiap
.
instagram // twitter // facebook // pinterest
.