December 5, 2014

Sporting the world's cutest kitty print dress from Pigtails & Pirates while being bathed in dreamy late fall sunshine




Outfit details

Pink beret: eBay
Vintage kitty cat brooch: unknown (likely thrifted)
Yellow orchid and pearl earrings: Save-On Foods
Pearl necklace: Birthday gift from Tony ♥
Smitten Kitten 1950s style dress: Pigtails & Pirates
Brown button front shirt: Banana Republic
1950s pink gloves: eBay
Faux pearl stretch bracelets: Real Canadian Superstore
Camel coloured cross body purse: eBay
Teal blue tights: (New from) Value Village
Brown 1940s style heels: Walmart
Lip colour: Clinique Raspberry Glace


Photography by Tony Cangiano


















































♥ 



When I look back over all of the dresses that I've had in my life - and I'm including those from my very early childhood in this mix, too - I honestly don't believe I've had had the pleasure of owning a more adorable one that this uber cute kitty print one from the awesome Australian vintage inspired clothing line Pigtails & Pirates.

Frequent readers of my blog may recall that earlier this fall while Tony and I were on holiday in Victoria, I had the opportunity to model the splendidly beautiful Blue Bloom skirt that I'd received as a review gift from this company, which I chatted about in a fun post called My gorgeous new Pigtails & Pirates skirt and the most stunning Victorian gate I've ever posed with.

In that post I mentioned that I'd soon be sharing another stellar Pigtails & Pirates offering with all of you and this ultra adorable 1950s style Smitten Kitten dress is just that garment. Fittingly given its name, I'm smitten, seriously, entirely, 100% smitten with this precious frock. Not only is it very well constructed (complete with a sturdy plastic zipper up the back, however I've been informed by the fine folks at P&P that the zipper is changing to a more subtle style, that will still work just as well, but be less noticeable), true to size, and immensely pretty, it also features tons of retro kitties all over it.

ALL OVER IT!!! Huge kitty fan, and devoted cat mama that I am, I can't get over how fabulous this dress is. I love its fit, becoming coming sweetheart neckline, hem length, and the high quality fabric used to create it with. Though it is more of a spring/summer frock, due in large part to the fact that it's sleeveless, I didn't let that deter me from wearing it in November (when these photos were taken) for one red second.

Instead - and this is a tip I highly recommend for helping to get extra mileage out of many of your warm weather dresses - I envisioned it as a jumper style dress and slipped a button front shirt beneath it for extra warmth. Had it been even a degree cooler (it was a couple below zero that day, if memory serves me right - so hence my pink nose and cheeks and somewhat squinty, watery eyes in these photos), a jacket or sweater over top would have been a must, too, for photos. I wanted to forgo one that day though, in order to show you the dress in its uncovered state so that you could see the full garment in its full kitty covered epicness! :)

To keep the feline theme going strong, I place a cute vintage kitty brooch on my pink beret. I love adoring hats with brooches and find that it's a styling trick that always garners compliments. Most people don't wear hats these days, let alone vintage or vintage style ones with pins attached to them, so when they see you sporting such, it jumps out at them all the more.

Interestingly, as much as I adore them, I only own two berets at present. This bubble gum pink number and a classic black one. They both get a fair bit of wear though, so I'm thinking I really should invest in at least a couple more colours in the near future. Perhaps a red, navy blue and/or grey one, as those are all hues I don frequently.

Both the weather and my own health have been less than ideal lately, so I haven't been able to do a lot of new photo shoots, but thankfully we got this one in on a rare day of frosty sunshine last month. We shot these photos down at the Okanagan Lake end of the River Channel, a manmade channel that connects the the two lakes (Okanagan and Skaha) that sandwich Penticton. It's a spot I've visited countless times throughout my life, especially as a youngster on my bike.

It struck me as extra fitting then that I'd model this dress, with its youthful, immensely charming print there, as I would have loved to have owned this dress every bit as much when I was a child as I adore calling it my own now. Should you happen to have a wee one who would go crazy for one of Pigtails & Pirates marvelous creations, you're in luck, as the line produces children's clothing as well and also accepts custom clothing orders, if there's something you've been dreaming about having made for you and/or your child.

This dress is like a majestic rainbow made from sparkles and candy with a flock of unicorns prancing around under it. It's so amazingly pretty that you almost can't believe it - or at least that's how it feels to me. I honoured that Pigtails & Pirates bestowed both it and the afore-blogged-about floral print pencil skirt on me and wish to thank them again very much for doing so.

Both of these gorgeous and very feminine pieces will be frequent players in my wardrobe the whole year through and I can't wait to wear the kitty print dress in the summer a few yards over on the beach at Okanagan Lake itself, where its sleeveless cut will be a blessing in the 40C weather of the dog days (or would that be cat days? :D) of the warmest chapter of the year.

54 comments:

  1. That dress is absolutely adorable! It might even be one of my dream dresses! http://www.pigtailsandpirates.com/ has so many amazing dresses, I took a quick peak at their webshop! Pure love! <3
    x Angela / the-style-doll.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much, sweet dear. Their offerings really are magnificent! So cute, creative, versatile and beautiful.

      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  2. I have a black, red and purple beret - but I feel like this definitely isn't enough either as I constantly find myself wanting other colours; they're so useful! This dress is indeed adorable - and I love the neckline. I would personally prefer a puppy print, but you can't have everything ;) I love the light pink hat and gloves with blue tights - you're so superb at co-ordinating outfits! x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They really are useful and versatile - plus they're lightweight and very flexible, which makes them ideal for tossing in a suitcase.

      A dog print would be fabulous, too! Perhaps Pigtails & Pirates will release a "Smitten puppy" one day. I'm sure it will be over-the-moon cute if they do!

      Big hugs & joyful weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  3. Adore Michael Miller fabric. I've got plenty of it throughout my house and a few things waiting to be sewn into garments. Love the vintage vibe to the fabric, the dress and pink! I think I want more pink.. Such a lovely way to show everything off bathed in the last few rays of sunshine before winter comes out to play.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How very lovely, dear Deb. I've seen this same fabric here or there in recent years, but didn't know the name of the brand/designer behind it. Thank you for mentioning Michael Miller here (can you tell I'm not a sewer? :)). I'll definitely be looking into their other offerings now.

      Big hugs & happy weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  4. That is the sweetest fabric I have ever laid my eyes on! Looks wonderful :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Ohh the print reminds me of the illustration in the 'Little Golden Books' series! So adorable! Magical photos as always - the lighting in these is so soft and beautiful :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wonderful observation, honey. I see it too, agree completely, and love this print all the more because of it. Totally smiling - and fondly remembering the Little Golden books of my youth - up a storm now. :)

      Tons of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  6. You look as cute as the kitties on this pretty dress. Wonderful outfit.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Love, love, love this. You brought a smile to my face dear Jessica. How could you not smile at a lady wearing a cute kitty dress!! Also, I love the addition of the little cat brooch on your beret. So cute! I love how you mix it up with the pastel pallet of blues and pinks. Just grand! The sunshine all really adds a lovely balance to your photograph. There is something extra special about pearls and pink. They go so well together. Beautifully put together dear Jessica:))

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That is such a great observations, dear Joanna. There is something almost enchanting about pink and pearls together. It makes me think of everything from ballet to Grace Kelly to hyper romantic/feminine fashions of the 1980s. I felt very at home in this outfit. It's "me" to a tee and is one of those ensembles you slip into and just feel an extra spark of happiness from wearing all day long.

      Thank you very much for your immensely lovely comment - huge hugs!
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  8. Um encanto esse vestido de gatos <3
    Beijos

    ReplyDelete
  9. I love Pigtails & Pirates' dresses! This print is just so sweet, and I love the way you've styled it!

    xox Sammi

    ReplyDelete
  10. I have a beret in nearly every colour of the rainbow..and I almost always wear the black one! lol! It is in fact my preferred winter hat (aside from my racoon fur hat that I like to wear with my Hudson's Bay coat).

    Have a lovely weekend my friend. You'll be happy to know things are on a steady positive incline in my life since I posted last week. :) Thank you again for your kind words.
    Lisa.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That truly is a wonderful thing to here, sweet Lisa. Thank you deeply for letting me know. I hope dearly that things will only continue to brighten up for you further with each passing day.

      It's it interesting how we can sometimes have a rainbow of a certain item, yet reach for the same one or two colours time and time again? I've been guilty of doing so myself with various accessories (from snoods to socks) over the years. Mind you, if something works and you love it, why rock the boat? :)

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  11. Being an animal lover and especially a cat lover, you know that I love this, Jessica! It is beautiful! This outfit suits you well, and I love the cat pin on the hat...cat on the hat! Delightful! :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. soooo cuuuteeeee!!!!!
    and you wear it in such a chic unique way! gorgeous idea to layer it with a blouse and colorful tights!
    i would add my quilted winter petticoat too - we have such cold wind this days :-)
    and i have a beret in that color! only in a fuzzy texture! look at my "stiefelchen"-post.....
    i think one can have not enough berets, they´r so versatile and practical for lots of styles and weathers.
    wish you a wonderful weekend and get well soon my friend!!!!
    <3 <3 <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Agreed, berets are such a classic workhorse of the hat world, yet they're often seen as twee, solely French, or even a bit comical (thanks, mimes! ;D), but in reality they're wildly chic, very practical and a cinch to work into so very many outfits.

      Sending oodles of hugs your way,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  13. So cute! I really want the zombie print dress from Pigtails and Pirates. Her prints are so much fun!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Their zombie print is so fabulously fun + cool! I practically wait with bated breath to see what P&P will release next. Each pattern and garment is true delight.

      Have a splendid weekend, dear gal!
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  14. I just recently came across Pigtails & Pirates.. loving all the fabric and dresses! The kitten dress is so pretty. The fit looks PERFECT and well worth the money.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Very much so. Their garments are somewhat on the higher end of the vintage inspired garment price scale for sure, but the fit and construction is excellent and with their dresses especially, I feel like I could see myself splurging on others down the road.

      Oodles of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  15. Oh gosh this is such a creative look! I love the dress, how cute and sweet, but I wouldn't have thought to style it as 'outside the box' as you have. You have a wonderful sense of fun in how you dress, and really aren't afraid to mix things up, which I really admire. Have a lovely evening! (well, it's evening here!!) x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What a tremendously lovely and very touching compliment, dear Porcelina. Thank you deeply. I swear, I will be in higher spirits (with a big smile on my face) for many a day to come because of it.

      Huge hugs & joyful weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  16. Le tissu de cette robe est adorable! Très original, j'aime beaucoup!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Merci beaucoup, mon cher. Je adore cette cagnotte copie adorable à aucune fin.

      En vous souhaitant un week-end stellaire!
      ♥ Jessica

      *PS* Google Translate helped my own very basic French out here, so I apologize if it happens to be a little off the mark.

      Delete
  17. Oh super cute on you this pastel "apron" dress !
    Hope you are well seems like a long time we haven't had a chat by comments haha.
    I wish you and Tony and all your family by the way ; a very lovely and merry Christmas !
    Okay I'm super early but with every things coming up by the end of the year I fear to miss to send my wishes in time ;)

    Hugs from Paris;
    Lorna
    http://lornasharp.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. Too precious! It reminds me of the sweet greeting cards from the 50s.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sweet dawn, I truly adore that awesome comparison. Thank you so much! #weekmade

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  19. This is such a darling print! And I LOVE the accessories you paired with it! Your hat is especially darling!

    xoxo
    -Janey

    ReplyDelete
  20. ah, oh my goodness, the sunshine and colors are breathtaking. there's almost nothing i love more than the late afternoon slanted sunlight making everything glow. (i think the second picture is my favorite)
    what a smart idea of wearing the dress as a jumper. i may just have to be a copy cat (pardon the pun) and wear a cute sleeveless dress this way. i don't own/wear many hats. i'm just not a hat person. i just feel too conspicuous and i also blame it on the always strong, never ceasing Kansas prairie wind. (honestly, i don't even know why i set my hair sometimes because of it!). but you're absolutely smashing and have me wondering if, just maybe? i'd be able to pull of a beret! :)

    ReplyDelete
  21. I love this feline themed outfit! Such a pretty dress and such pretty pink accessories!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Such a sweet , little kitty dress, perfect with your pink beret and pin. This outfit made me smile and I am sure you feel so happy wearing it.

    ReplyDelete
  23. I love your pink beret with the cat brooch! Such a cute combination, and it works so well with this adorable dress.

    It's also worth nothing that one of the customisations that Pigtails and Pirates do is to make these dresses breastfeeding-appropriate with a snap-opening at the front. I spoiled myself with one of these and it is just wonderful! (Much nicer than most breastfeeding clothing!)

    ReplyDelete
  24. ha, what you wrote about the dress being a rainbow of sparkles and candy couldn't be more true! i don't know when i've ever seen a more adorable pattern! and i love that you added a little kitty brooch onto your beret too. :) sorry to hear your health hasn't been great, i hope it picks up as we get closer to christmas!

    little henry lee

    ReplyDelete
  25. Such a sweet dress. I'm not really a cat person, though I would have all of my cats back in a heartbeat (childhood family cats and an inherited cat) but I do love novelty prints and this is adorable.

    I've been thinking of ways to wear my gorgeous fifties dress in the winter as it's a good weight but the blouse I had picked out to wear underneath is rather old now and made of lightweight Indian cotton. I've noticed it starting to tear ever so slightly at the sleeves to main body seam and it's too delicate to even attempt a repair on. I suppose I need to find myself a sweet cropped cardigan instead xxx

    ReplyDelete
  26. I've never head of the company but have just checked it out am now in love with a fabulous flamingo dress!!

    ReplyDelete
  27. I love how you've styled this, I'm reminded of Japanese Lolita fashion with the shape of the dress and your choice of accessories. I love berets, I own a couple and really don't wear them enough - you've inspired me!

    ReplyDelete
  28. I love the dress and how it pays tribute to your kitties

    retro rover

    ReplyDelete
  29. WOW - this dress is funky! love it ! It looks fabulous on you!
    http://inkandlacedesigns.blogspot.com.au/

    ReplyDelete
  30. Oh what a cute dress! I just adore the coloured tights and hat pin too. When it is winter here I love to wear tights and cardigans with my summer dresses, especially because it doesn't get too cold. Last winter though, I veered away from tights a little as my eczema and nylons don't always agree...

    ReplyDelete
  31. Oh my word, that dress is gorgeous! I've just clicked over to Pigtails and Pirates and promptly fell head over heels with their shop. I love the fact that they're Australian, and I'll definitely be adding a couple of their dresses to my wish-list.

    One of my wardrobe staples is a black beret that I've had since I was 13. I love the way that you can change the look of a simple hat with the addition of a brooch. That kitty cat one of yours is just lovely!

    ReplyDelete
  32. I agree with what you said - definitely a lovely dress for the little girls inside of us :)

    ReplyDelete
  33. Jessica... oh, my..
    To simply say "love" is an understatement. I adore the dress. Not only is it a great looking piece of clothing, but it has kittens on. Kittens! Gosh.. I'm hyperventilating. :) I'm a massive cat-lover (you know it, I get up early on a Sunday, just to get them their favorite food on Farmer's Market). Having cat-art in home.. yes, I'm planning on that - one day. Soon? Maybe. :)
    You are ever so true, you know?
    Getting the longest wear of your summer garments in not only classy, but also mindful (financially, no?) We can't always go shopping-mad; so sometimes it takes just a little bit of styling to save a pretty penny.
    And, speaking of styling: those are a killer-tights. LOVE how you combined turquoise in this outfit!

    Have a great Sunday.

    Marija

    ReplyDelete
  34. You are the Queen of accesorizing, dear. Pink gloves, teal stockings and a mustard bag, and it looks fabulous. Congrats on the dress, it is truly cute and really becomes your figure. I am a bit behind with your blog and home alone enjoying the silence reading backwards. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're as sweet as sweet can be, dear Sanne. Thank you very much! Accessorizing and looking well coordinated is a particular passion of mine, so compliments on those things always brighten my day immensely and really do mean a lot to me.

      Huge hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  35. I love your kitty dress! Especially the way you styled it with the pink accessories and pearls. Your style is so unique and inspirational. Loving the whole outfit!

    xo, Serli
    www.lesoleilchic.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  36. Such a fun outfit, I like all the colours together. Beautiful light and setting too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much, honey. This was the last really sunny day we had and even then, as you can see, it was a bit of a milky sunshine. We do get a little sun here usually in the winter, but it will be a few months in all likelihood until we see this kind of golden light again. I'm going to miss it for sure, but winter has its own ingrained beauty as well, so that helps. :)

      I hope you're doing splendidly and enjoying a lovely December.

      Huge hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete