Dressing to the nines

So many parties and so little time (or funds) could be the motto of the festive season. Balls, work parties, family gatherings, even weddings - so much goes on throughout Christmas and New Year, and we all want to look our best, even when burning the candle at both ends!

Wearing a truly spectacular dress, one that will turn heads everywhere you go, stop men dead in their tracks and make girls whisper in awe; that's all you really need to get through to the new year in perfect vintage style. And boy, do we have the dress for you!

We're well-known for our signature halterneck circle dresses, which come in a rainbow of colours, satin shades and bright prints, but just in time for the soiree season, we've designed something even more special.

 If you're going to a lavish masked ball this New Year... or even if you aren't and just appeciate a bit of Venetian carnivalesque style and wild abandon, the new Masquerade dress will tick all the right boxes. Emblazoned with vivid masks, feathers and multicoloured atomic starbursts, you can pair it with almost any shade of petticoat for a striking party look that will go down a storm at any decadent parties you might attend. Anna's teamed hers with a vibrant royal purple for a wonderfully opulent look.

 We've also just received a limited number of these rockin' frocks, which we've christened the Telstar dress. This fabulous print features electric guitars, gleaming drums and cymbals - the perfect choice for all rockabilly and Fifties loving chics! Red accessories make it wonderfully festive, and it will work just as well for Christmas dos as it will for New Year shindigs! We hope you have a smashing time, whatever you do!

Gorgeous new styles

Now the dying days of autumn are here, with the last few leaves clinging to the bare branches, but we're not quite ready to surrender to winter just yet! We've just restocked the shop with two delightful new floral prints that will brighten up any of the gloomy days yet in store. First of all, we have the gorgeous Anna modelling our new Autumn Lily halterneck circle dress! The soft, rich colours and white background will certainly bring a bit more cheer to the muted colours of the season, and our famously flattering style will ensure you look as stunning as you feel.



You'll find this divine print in pink and purple, too.

We've also added some amazingly authentic 1950s rose prints. They evoke that picture perfect floral look that was so popular in the middle of the last century, whether for clothing or home furnishings. Our fabric is absolutely spot on and comes in a variety of shades. Anna is wearing the striking blue and purple colourway, but you'll also find a beautiful white version, and one with pink roses, a lush rose bouquet version, and even one in a tasteful autumn brown.



If you have a little look around on the Halterneck Circle Dress prints page, you'll find some really stunning new party dresses there, which we'll return to tell you all about in the next couple of days. So stay tuned!

Everything stops for Tea (Dresses)

Well, even though it's only been a few short weeks since we announced our latest delivery of Tea Dresses, it's time to do so again! Our last batch sold out so quickly that we've been working night and day to restock our rails... and we've managed to source some amazing new floral fabrics that will be just the ticket now summer's decided to return.


Our Tes Dresses have all the look and of original 1940s frocks, and are made using vintage-style prints and patterns. They feature a loose-fitting bodice that flatters all bust sizes, a nipped-in waist, gored a-line skirt and cute buttons up the front. Choose from our stunning new floral fabrics like Country Garden and plain colours like Utility Purple, all as eye-catching as they are authentic.



The latest additions to the line also sport a vintage-look trim, adorning the shoulder gathers and short sleeves.



Thanks to their quality construction and easy-care cotton, these dresses work as hard as their 1940s counterparts, whether you wear them to work, for a day out, or to swing dance the night away. Do go and take a look at the Tea Dresses section on our site to see all the beautiful new prints we've sourced, especially for you. And see you out on the dancefloor soon!

Scarlet Magazine

We're delighted to see that the ever-fabulous Paloma Faith is gracing the cover of the latest edition of Scarlet Magazine, wearing one of our Leopard Print sarong dresses, complete with matching bolero. We've so nearly sold out of the leopard print version (a few lucky ladies can grab one if they hurry!), but we have a myriad of gorgeously sassy prints and fabrics available if you fancy a slinky sarong in a different colour.

Our sarongs are perfect for Scarlet readers, the magazine which celebrates women's sexuality and doesn't shy away from embracing all things naughty and nice. We're big fans here at Vivien of Holloway and you should be too! Go and have a look at their site now... but don't forget to come back! You know where to come for beautiful, empowering dresses!

Your perfect colours - part 1

We love to help our customers look their absolute best, and one way to do this, is to assess their natural colouring to discover what fabric shades will suit them the most. So let's start with the basics and assess your 'type', which is given a season.

Dark haired, pale skinned lovelies are 'winters' and look simply marvellous in bright jewel tones, so choose one of our polkadot halterneck circle dresses or a vivid satin version. If you're a blonde, with a pale complexion, you're likely to be a 'summer, and a pastel toned dress or a sweet gingham is the best choice. 'Autumns' are usually fiery redheads or olive-skinned brunettes, and look fabulous in gold and emerald green numbers. Finally, typical English Roses with creamy, rosy skin and light hair are classed as 'spring', and should stick to pale yellow, ivory and white prints, and brighter orange-reds and royal blue.



Now we've got this far, the next thing to discover is your ideal red lipstick! You'll be glad to hear that finding the perfect lipstick colour is easy as pie. Stay tuned for our handy guide, which will be coming very soon!

Dia de los Muertos!

We're utterly delighted to have new dresses just in time for Halloween.



Our favourite Halter circle dresses now come in two different Day of the Dead inspired fabrics. Choose your dancing skeletons on either a black or a light background, add a flower to your hair and you're set.



Whether you're looking for something Halloween appropriate or just a gorgeous calavera inspired skull these dresses are perfect!

Being a peasant has never been so stylish

We have new peasant tops! This is just a selection of them, best you head over to the Peasant Tops Page to see them all in all their glory. These are perfect with Strap trousers and skirts, but look equally awesome with pencil skirts and capris. We're head over heels for the two new strawberry prints, what do you think?

Goodwood Countdown

It's only 2 weeks until the glorious Goodwood Revival Do you have your outfit planned yet? Fret not, dear girls, for we are here with a series of suggestions in the lead up to the event.

Our first is the beautifully elegant White Chantilly Halterneck Circle Dress.

Imagine this with curls, the perfect heels and a class of bubbly in hand.

Say goodbye to Summer with style.

Time for Tea!

Girls.

Happy Monday! The weekend was over for us all too soon but here's a little something to ease your transition back into the work week.

Our new Tea Dresses are selling like hot cakes, and when you see them modelled by the divine Anna Fur Laxis there's no wonder.

They come in a massive variety of colours and fabrics so there should be something for everyone, regardless of your era of preference. Floral, dotty, plain, pirate. Grab yourself this seasons must have day dress (luckily, it also happens to be a classic!)

Don't forget to follow us on twitter - a special treat is coming, but it's for followers only.

Until next time, Au Revoir.

Beautiful New Circle Dresses

Listen up ladies! We have just added some brand new fabrics to our line of rockabilly halterneck circle dresses!

There is a gorgeous new large gingham print in three fantastic colours – apple green, royal blue and midnight black. These dresses will be perfect for the summer months ahead, as the gingham check pattern is a quintessential summertime fabric. They are selling fast so snap one up quick before they’re all gone!

We have also got two new floral fabrics, both in a chic black and white monochrome colour scheme. These dresses will also be good choices for the summer, as they can be worn with whatever colour accessories you choose!

Click here to look at our range of accessories.