The Marilyn Top

My latest fashion inspiration seems to be the 50s and 60s. I was very inspired watching the latest retro show called Mrs Maisel. Her character is always dressed very fashionably in the classic 50s style. from fit and flair dresses to swing coats.

I love wearing this style of fashion in the spring and summer but I seem to resort back to my old faithful of Goth Sacks when the snow starts to fly. This year I decided to make some basic retro pieces to last through out all the seasons.

I started with a classic style from that era. The tie front top or dress. Marilyn Monroe wore a hot pink dress in Niagara. It’s one of her most iconic dresses And it’s timeless! 

As much as I love the original on Marilyn, I wanted to make a more modern and wearable version. So I designed a tee shirt style top with a full back and tie front top. I wanted the back covered so it covered a bra strap. I can make them with 3 different sleeve options, but I think 3/4 sleeve is my favourite one. The top is slightly below the waist but not too long and the ties are a nice size as well.

I’ve perfected the pattern now and have several versions up for sale in the shop!

Spotlight on Small Business: Inside My Wicked Wardrobe

I spent the day in Stratford, Ontario with a group of inspiring and very talented ladies. Tracy from Inside my Wicked Wardrobe organized a photo shoot to showcase her line of custom jewelry and fascinators.

Not only is Tracy an incredibly talented designer but she also has a great eye for artistic fashion photography. 

Here are a few photos of the fascinators you can find available at Inside My Wicked Wardrobe. All these photos are from the facebook page of IMWW. That bat fascinator will be mine soon! Oh yes! 

I was at the photoshoot today to act as a make up assistant (and chauffeur) for Kerri Mercer of Black Orchid Designs. It was fun to watch the behind the scenes staging for the photo shoot. Here are a few candid shots I took of the models while they were waiting for their turns with Tracy. They were all having fun with their characters! Don't worry no real harm came to these gorgeous ladies! 

I couldn't resist a photo with the chainsaw. Ash would be proud! 

Kerri even found the time to do my make up for me. I love the bat wing! 

You can find inside My Wicked Wardrobe on Facebook or visit these locations:

The Magic Box 28 Ontario st. Stratford Ont
Covet the Community Closet Downie St. Stratford Ont.
Treasures 151 Ontario st. Stratford Ont. 

Black Orchid Designs Queen St. Hespeler, Ont.

Spotlight on Small Business: Black Orchid Designs

The holiday season is the perfect time to shop local independent small businesses. Why fight through the crowds at the mall when you can shop smaller stores that appreciate and value their customers? I have been a customer at Black Orchid Designs for a few years now. The owner, Kerri, is a very talented  and creative designer. Her specialities are pretty one of a kind patchy dresses that remind me of something Sally from Nightmare Before Christmas would wear. She also does custom corsets, leggings, and beautiful cowls.

Last week Black Orchid Designs held a party to celebrate all things Romanti-Goth. On display were gorgeous velvet and brocade dresses along with new patchy dresses. It was a nice evening out filled with good conversation, snacks, and wine. And it's always nice to talk to like minded people and catch up with friends. I wore my best romantic dress and a custom corset by Black Orchid Designs for the occasion. 

So if you find yourself in Hespeler, Ontario be sure to stop in Black Orchid Designs for some pretty dresses. You can also find Kerri on facebook and on her website.