Love Wins

"Keep on dreaming of the day when it all will change

Believe in the end, love wins

If you're waiting for the time when your sun will shine

Oh, look above 'cause love wins"

~ Robbie Seay Band

Dawn O'Porters' BOBbyDOP brand is a wonderful collection of cool designs & amazing vintage finds. It is fast becoming my go-to place for vintage and vintage inspired clothing (blogged here).

BOB's gorgeous new 'Equality Collection', consists of four limited edition pieces, featuring three prints by artist Karen Mabon. All three prints are beautiful and funny, but they also carry a serious message. As Dawn herself says, "Vintage fashion history is all about revolutions, and clothes representing what was going on for women at the time. Our prints look fantastic, but they also have a lot to say".

The print on the 'Women are Boss' 80s inspired dress, is an ode to women at the top, and hard working mums everywhere. The 70s inspired 'Boys Toys' circle skirt playfully raises two fingers to the gender specific toy industry, and the 'Love Wins' shirt and leggings print is a celebration of love; all kinds of love, between all kinds of people, and pays homage to the wonderful progression of marriage equality.

My favourite piece from the collection is the 'Love Wins' Shirt. A gorgeous 60s inspired design, it has a cute Peter Pan collar, quirky love heart buttons, and is made (in England) from Cupro, an eco friendly fabric that mimics silk but is machine washable. The vibrant Karen Mabon print, set against a cream background, features couples of all shapes, sizes, creeds, colour, sexes and even species. It is a true celebration of love in its many different forms.

As the lovely folk at BOB say, "fashion is politics, wear how you feel".

Get The Look:

Shirt: BOBbyDOP 'Love Wins' Shirt

Shorts: Zara Denim Shorts
Slippers: ASOS 'Nessa' Sheep Slippers
Featured Album: 'Unfolding' by Balsamo Deighton

Photos: Kate Carpenter Photography ©
Location: Momento Studio

Tuxedo Dress

"One amazing hanger holds my tuxedo.

One clever little 5 ounce piece of plastic and metal conformed into the shape of a bony set of shoulders carries the slim weight of my most formal outfit. It hangs proudly draped in shiny black, pretending to be me when I myself don't don the suit"

~ Ryan Bates

Anyone I've ever had a conversation with about fashion knows that my dream outfit is a tuxedo trouser suit. I mean the whole androgynous thing; trousers, tailored jacket, crisp white evening shirt, black bow tie, the lot! Alas, it is a look that has always alluded me. Partly because, being rather busty, trouser suits look absolutely ridiculous on me, and partly because the Dior one I especially love costs many thousands of pounds! A short tuxedo dress however, is a damn fine and very flattering alternative.

This DKNY Tuxedo dress simply oozes sophistication, and chic sharp style. Polished yet effortless to wear, the dress has a sleek tuxedo jacket bodice and a simple, straight, short skirt. It has sharp, padded 80s style shoulders, sleek satin lapels, buttoned cuffs, and a deep v-neckline that shows a sexy flash of bra. Unfortunately I absentmindedly threw on a rather tragic bra the day we photographed it, so I had to pin the front of the dress right up so as not to inflict it on you (you're welcome). Bra-gate aside, the dress is a great, rock chick alternative to the usual black tie, or red carpet look.

The dress is from DKNY's Resort 2016 collection which was inspired by US Vogue's 1991 'Wild at Heart' editorial, shot by Peter Lindbergh. That's where Kate and I took some of our inspiration for our dramatically dark and beautiful photoshoot.

Get The Look:

Dress: DKNY Tuxedo Dress in black

Shoes: Christian Louboutin Studded 'Pigalle' Shoes in black (similar)

Photos: Kate Carpenter Photography ©
Location: Momento Studio