Luck Be a Lady

Frocks and Frou Frou Frocks and Frou Frou Frocks and Frou Frou Frocks and Frou FrouTee: Ruby & Lilli

Skirt: Sera Lilly Curve

Shoes: Naturaliser

Melbourne’s in the grip of a long, last gasp of summer (in mid-autumn) so I’ve been enjoying a few more weeks of bare legs and t-shirts before the tights and cardigans come out for good.

I haven’t worn this pretty blush skirt very often since it arrived in February and I’m actually thinking I might get a bit more wear out of it with a slightly shorter hemline. There’s a few layers, so it’s definitely a job for a tailor, and not my own wonky hemming skills.

The “Lucky” tee is from Ruby & Lilli’s current season, and I’ve had my eye on it since I saw a sneak peek of it on Instagram. As usual for a Ruby & Lilli tee it fits beautifully, with a wide, rolled neckline and a great foil print on the front.

POP-IG-with-all-info-4MEANWHILE! I was really excited to get an email earlier this week from the lovely Kerry Pietrobon from Harlow, letting me know that during May lucky Melbournians and Sydney-siders are getting the option to visit a Harlow pop-up shop to have a play with the beautiful clothing that’s usually only available online, and try and buy in person.

Being online gives us the opportunity to reach out to anyone that is on a mobile device or a PC and that is amazing, it allows women all over the globe to shop Harlow from the comfort of their homes. However  we also know that there is nothing like popping into a beautiful boutique that has been perfectly curated with a selection of fashion and accessories that not only fit your body, but also your personality and walking out with your purchases with a spring in your step from receiving personalised service.

 – Kerry Pietrobon

The pop-up boutiques will be open from 10am to 8pm during the week, and 10am to 6pm on the weekends – nice long opening hours that mean you can drop in after work, or before a dinner out. For more information you can check out the pop-up pages on Facebook: Melbourne here, and Sydney here.

HARD0233_Diva_Tshirt_Dress_Black_-_low_res-1842_1024x1024I’ll definitely be dropping by at some point – I’m dying to check out the new Diva Slouch T-shirt dress and I’m keen to try the denim that I’ve heard so much about.

Remix: Heart to Heart

Frocks and frou frou Frocks and frou frou Frocks and frou frou Frocks and frou frouTop: Remixed, Uniqlo

Skirt: Sera Lilly

Shoes: Seychelles

One of the very first remix projects I did on Frocks and Frou Frou was a big red heart tee way back in 2010. And here I am 6 years later, still putting whopping great red hearts on things. The more things change, the more etc etc…!

In fact, I was actually kind of inspired by the It’s Mutual Tee, which I saw on Modcloth a few weeks ago. At $30 it’s perfectly affordable for US customers, but the Australian dollar’s not being on online-shopper’s friend right now, and I was baulking at the postage charge when I realised what an easy remix project it would be.

heart to heart 1I bought a drapey white tee from Uniqlo, some red fabric paint, and some adhesive foam sheets (though to be honest, that was probably overkill, and you could just use cardboard!)

heart to heart 2First step is to make your heart shape. I always use a piece of paper folded in half to ensure that it’s symmetrical. One you have the size and shape you’re happy with put your top on, and position the heart. Make sure you mark the position with a pin!

Heart to heart 3Now you need to transfer that heart shape onto something that the paint won’t seep through. I used adhesive foam, but as long it’s relatively waterproof (and you’re confident you can stop it from slipping around) you could use anything. Plastic contact paper could be good, and VERY easy to source, what with all the kids going back to school! Trace around the heart shape and cut the middle out.

heart to heart 4Slip a layer of cardboard into the top, and pin the extra fabric to the back so it won’t wriggle about. Position your heart cut-out where you’ve marked, then pour some of your fabric paint into a little bowl.

heart to heart 5A make-up sponge is a good choice for applying the paint. Start with the edges, then cover off the rest. You’ll have to let it dry for 48 hours, but after that the paint won’t budge. Wash, and you’re ready to wear!

Frocks and frou frouAnd here’s the finished product!

I wore it with this fabulous pleated tulle skirt from NZ label Sera Lilly Curve. It’s like a tutu, but a little more appropriate for day-wear. I sized up because I hate tight elasticised waistbands and it’s perfect. I’m a bit nervous about washing it for the first time because the pleats would be a total pain-in-the-ass to iron, but I wore it the other day and did a lot of lolling about on couches and it didn’t crush, so the pleats could very well be permanent.

And if you love the heart tee, but just don’t really have the time or inclination to make it yourself there’s plenty of options to buy ready made!

heart tops1. Heart Slouchy tee / 2. Red Heart Tee Oversized / 3. It’s Mutual Tee / 4. Heart Shirt