My Easter holidays started in the best way possible – with a HUGE vintage reproduction sale! Vivien of Holloway was having a three day 50% off extravaganza and it was so worth the train fare and early wake-up.

I came across the shop in the final year of my undergraduate degree. I fell in love with the vintage styles and the quality of the garments. I own a lot of VOH pieces and I have never encountered a busted zip or a dodgy seam. That’s the reason I keep going back for more…even if I don’t really need to.

I picked up quite a few pieces in the sale, one of these being a ‘Kitty’ dress. As described by VOH,

The Kitty has a cutaway collar, cap sleeves, lightly padded shoulders and lovely large pockets on her gathered skirt. She has buttons down the front and a side zip. What more could you want from a 50s style day dress!

The navy gingham pattern was all that was left when I got to the rail but I managed to grab a size 16. In VOH clothing, I take an 18 for anything pencil-shaped (due to my ample hips). In other styles, I am between a 14 and a 16. I have another ‘Kitty’ in a 14, which is a little more close-fitting. The fit on this dress was still very flattering but a belt helps to cinch my waist a bit more.

I love how practical this style of dress is! There are deep pockets – large enough to keep your phone and some cash. The skirt is roomy but not overly poofy. I can see myself teaching in this outfit – it’s vintage reproduction without looking costume-like.

In this look, I teamed the dress with a sage-green elasticated waist belt, a red-cropped cardigan from Sainsbury’s and some brown flats.

For hair, I did my usual wet-set with bumper bangs. I did a traditional pin-up look with my make-up, using Kat Von D ‘Outlaw’ liquid lipstick.

I’m so glad I picked up  this dress – it’s a definite wardrobe staple! You can pick it up at the VOH boutique in London or on their website.