Retrospec’d: Exclusively at Voluptuous Vintage This Season

Summer is officially upon us, and the sun has already begun to make a much-welcomed appearance, so with that in mind, we are so excited to tell you some more about one of our absolute favourite smaller brands all the way across the pond in Australia.
We’re delighted to be able to support our friends at Retrospec’d.
What’s more; we’re currently the sole UK stockist of this season’s Retrospec’d pretties, so read on for more on this season’s collection and just why we think you'll find them in your favourite picks too!

We know that our customers both online and instore come from far and wide to experience our little vintage haven.
One of the reasons we love Retrospec’d (apart from the fact that they make such darling dresses) is that their history and ethos are in very much in keeping with our own here at Voluptuous Vintage.
Inspired by the timeless fashion and trends of the 1940s and 1950s, their garments are designed and hand made in present day Australia to a quality standard of days gone by.
A family business, just like our own, who are passionate about their designs and their commitment to their worldwide following.

It is with great delight that we can announce them as Mrs Darling's "Top Pick" of the reproduction retro brands, and we think you'll just love them too!

Based in sunny Sydney, Retrospec’d design and manufacture their clothes in house, hand picking fabrics and pairing them with some truly gorgeous cuts reminiscent of those eras we most associate with vintage fashion.
Founded by sisters Sharon and Teena who are passionate about a good fitting garment and like things to be ‘just right’, this darling brand pairs vintage inspired cuts with bold and beautiful patterns for an authentic vintage look with a cheeky modern twist.
Here are just a few of the things that we just adore about this fantastic brand:

• The lovely girls and boys over at Retrospec’d tailor their clothes to an almost made-to-fit standard, and the result is a dress which flatters every curve, to make you look and feel fabulous
• Their fabrics are digitally printed, meaning that they won’t fade when you wash them, so your dress will always look as vibrant as the day you bought it
• A luxuriously crafted weave which minimises piling - no annoying bobbles on your clothes to spoil your perfect vintage look!
• And, of course: pockets! We love pockets. Actual pockets that fit more than a breath mint in them. Retrospec’d are purveyors of fine vintage fashion with real life, human-sized pockets! What’s more is that they’re hidden in the seams of the garment - the icing on the cake if you ask us!

(image above - Shellie Prima Ballerina Dress)

Crafted in a medium weight cotton twill, the Shellie Prima Ballerina dress falls and moves in big, elegant waves giving it a truly lavish feel. This dress combines the luxurious, genuine vintage feel of no-stretch cotton twill with a shirred back panel so you can do vintage fashion without the discomfort our foremothers may have had to bear! We just love that the straps feature hidden buttons which can be crossed over into a halter neck style to change up your look. This dress features an adorable ballerina pattern in soft pastels and bold black stripes and looks just lovely paired with some flats for a 50s inspired look. 

(image above - Connie Cheetah Dress)

The folks over at Retrospec’d also produce dresses with a cotton elastane blend for a little extra stretch and some impressive all-day comfort which doesn’t compromise your vintage vogue.
We simply love the Connie Cheetah, a gorgeous shirt-dress in a vibrant red with black animal spots that will get you noticed both in the office and out for a drink afterwards. You’ll have no problems dressing this look up straight out of the workplace, thanks to its comfortable stretch. 

(image above - Elizabeth Old Town London Dress)

We just couldn’t bear the thought of not receiving a haul of pretty frocks from the boys and girls over at Retrospec’d to share with you all, so we’ve ordered in some styles we know you’ll love. We’ve got you covered whatever the occasion you’re shopping for. If it’s a posh frock you’re looking for, check out the Elizabeth Old Town London and dazzle your date. If it’s some glam vintage chic you’re looking to add to your everyday wardrobe then try the Peggy Wisteria with one of our wonderful cropped cardigans and some of our darling hand made Charlie Stone flats.  

(image above - Peggy Wisteria Dress)

In addition to the news about our favourite Australian brand, we are also hugely excited to have fully reopened our Gosport boutique for you, our darling customers. We’re excited to share our signature boutique experience with you again.
Our personal shopping service is something we are incredibly proud of; from the outset, our aim has always been to deliver a made-to-measure experience that is unique and empowering in equal measures to everyone who steps through our door. Did we mention that we don’t do numbered sizes? 

Our Gosport boutique is now open Tuesday to Sunday and, as always, private appointments for personal shopping are available outside normal opening hours for anyone wishing to have the boutique entirely to themselves. Just drop us a line to our appointments address on the boutique page.

Our boutique manager, the darling Miss Petra, and our VV Dolls await your arrival to offer the highest standards of service and care, and their unmatched expertise. We understand that there really is no ‘one-size-fits-all’, that’s why our dolls are on hand to provide expert advice on styling and accessorising that will make your figure fabulous and your heart happy.
Perfectly nestled in the heart of the historic Alverstoke village, a short walk from the beach at Stokes Bay, a visit to our boutique is a must for all lovers of vintage fashion, and the personal service and care that is too often associated with a bygone era.
In coming blog posts, we will look in more detail at the benefits of instore shopping with us and why, for some of you, there are some in store elements that online shopping simply cannot replicate. Thankfully for everyone we offer both online and instore options!

Pop in and pay us a visit. We look forward to treating you to our immersive vintage boutique experience.

Finally; our Voluptuous Vintage website has had many updates in the last few weeks and is now supported by Shopify, the world’s largest online retail platform. With a host of glorious frocks, coats and jackets, shoes and accessories, we have a genuine treasure trove for all lovers of vintage fashion, wherever you are in the world. We’re confident that your online shopping experience will be smoother than ever before, and we’re delighted to display our ever expanding range of goodies and delights on such a user-friendly platform!

Be sure to tag us in your pictures wearing your favourite vintage for the chance to be featured on our social media! Find us on Facebook or Instagram. 

That’s all from us for now, and we look forward to welcoming you instore at our Gosport boutique in sunny Hampshire, or online at www.voluptuousvintage.com