Waltzing Matilda: Matilda Swing Dress from Lindy Bop and Big Bloomers Anti Chafe Shorts

 

The shirt waist dress is a pinup staple. And I just don't have enough of this style in my wardrobe! But the lovely Lottie L'amour had a Matilda from Lindy Bop going spare, and was kind enough to.send it to me as a little gift! It's so cute - the polka dots and vintage vibe make me wanna wear it to a fun fair and eat some candy floss. (I can't explain where these things come from, they just occur to me.)

 

 

 

 

Matilda Red Polka Swing Dress - Lindy Bop

Anti Chafing Knickers with Lace - The Big Bloomers Company 

Black Mary Jane Shoes - Primark

I am always amazed at the price of Lindy Bop dresses. They really are incredibly reasonable, and a great, cost effective alternative to a lot of the pricier pinup brands out there. The Matilda is a shirt waist dress style - it has a collared neckline with buttons through to the waist and a full, flared skirt. I am wearing a 22 with the buttons undone and a vest underneath - I like this look and would struggle to do the buttons up anyway. Other than across the bust, the size 22 is a pretty good fit.

The Matilda is made from a pretty think cotton - this is great for summery weather, but the dress could do with a lining or being made from a slightly heavier cotton because the fabric doesn't hold its fifties silhouette as well as it could and the fabric can bring to your legs due to static. Matilda would work better with a petticoat, but that makes it a little less casual which is what I like about this style.

Underneath I'm wearing my trusty comfort shorts - these prevent the dreaded chub rub. That terrible chafe that plagues many in the summer months. These are my first pair from the Big Bloomers company. I love the service from Big Bloomer - if you have questions about any products they're always super quick to respond, products are despatched quickly, and their website is full of actual plus size women. Yay! I've worn these comfort shorts  with a few outfits now and they don't give me the same problem with static I have with other ones I own. The fabric is light, breathable and stretchy, and the lace edging makes these look a little more like lingerie which I like. If they peak out from underneath something it's kinda cute. These sit above the belly button but because of my big tum I'd like them a bit higher waisted to be honest - I quite like it when I can tuck my shorts into my bra. Just gives a smoother silhouette.

All in all I think this is super cute outfit, and perfect for the heat wave we're currently experience. A cool little nod to my love of retro styling. Have you got anything from the Big Bloomers Company? Have you tried Matilda? Let me know...