Somewhere beyond the sea... (ft. ForLunaSwimwear) + GIVEAWAY

Aloha, lovelies! Since having my baby back in January I haven't had the guts to sport a swimming costume or bikini. Having a baby changes your body undoubtedly so I am still getting use to my extra curves and my new shape. I had no idea about what swimwear would suit me and spent ages trying to find something that I knew would flatter me. I had always loved the vintage-style swimming costumes as they just looked so beautiful, feminine and were also quite modest but I could only ever find them in America much to my disappointment... Until I came across ForLuna. ForLuna stocks the infamous Esther Williams swimsuits and bikinis here in the UK in a massive range of colours and prints. There really is something for everyone. However, it was love at first sight when I saw the Emerald Green Jewel Swimsuit. It is a colour that I haven't really ever seen on a swimsuit before and it is one of my favourite shades. A lush alternative to the standard black's and navy's. This is one of those colours that flatters everyone no matter what your skin tone which makes me love it even more.

Step Into Spring With Doll Me Up!

 Aloha, spring chickens! I just cannot believe it's APRIL already!? It's scary how quickly this year is going already... Even scarier when you have a baby who doesn't stop changing and growing every day! However, the great thing about the year going quickly is that the weather just keeps getting better and better! It's been so lovely to dust off all of the pastels and florals ready for the sunshine.

One of my favourite things about Spring is the new blossoming flowers. There is something about the bright colours of the florals that wash over your local parks and gardens that brings me instant happiness. When I was younger, I went through a phase of wanting to be a florist so I have always had a penchant for pretty blossoms. It's lovely and refreshing to see the once dead-from-the-winter trees and grass come to live again for a new season.

OOTD: Sweet like chocolate... ft. Vendula London

Aloha, honeys! Even before I got into the whole retro thing... I was a sucker for anything kitsch so when Vendula London contacted me to see if I would like to feature one of their bags on my blog I was delighted. I had admittedly never heard of the brand before but I had definitely seen their iconic bags in various independent shops and because they are so recognizable it was easy to tell they were  by Vendula London. Upon browsing their site, my heart instantly longed for one of their infamous 'Grab Bags'. They are bags that look like various buildings from a pub to a sushi bar to a tea room to a florist to a perfumers - there is really something for everyone. I chose the Chocolatiers bag because... well, you know... chocolate. Also the fact that it is a gorgeous pink which is my favourite colour. Now what's not to love about a bag that combines my two favourite things?! 

When it came to styling this bag, I *instantly* knew what to pair it with. Hmmm... What could go with a pink bag that also goes with the chocolate theme... My Pinup Girl Clothing Harlequin Jenny Skirt in Chocolate Brown and Red (with lots of pink too!) of course! I decided to finish this kick-ass outfit off with a pink cropped fluffy jumper that I got a couple of years ago from good ol' Primark. I love this outfit and think the gorgeous bag ties everything together beautifully. I also kept with my as-always 60's vibes with a half-up-half-down beehive and my awesome Luxulite pink hoops.

The bag itself is superb quality. I was actually pleasantly surprised as sometimes more kitsch themed clothes/bags can be slightly lesser quality than say a plain black leather bag. It came packaged in a logo'ed dust bag which again was a really nice touch. As well as the standard short handles, it also comes with an additional long shoulder strap with is essential for me as I always prefer a longer strap so I can be hands free.

The Chocolatiers Grab Bag is surprisingly roomy and practical which is something I always look for. I can't be using those teeny-weeny-can-only-fit-lipstick-in clutch bags. The more crap I can fit in it the better :'D, especially as I'm a mum now (excuse for more crap!).

Outfit Details

Earrings - Luxulite

Fluffy jumper - Primark

Jenny Skirt - Pinup Girl Clothing (sold out)

Chocolatiers Grab Bag - Vendula London

 

 The little white hanging sign on the bag is actually 3d... It swings on the chains! Amaze!

 The longer shoulder strap

Thanks for reading my post and do give Vendula London a peek as they have some seriously gorgeous bags & purses. They would make the perfect gift, especially for Mothers Day!

All my love,

Retro Reviews: Deluxe Creations

Aloha honey's! Now, if you know me you'll know that glitter lucite is one of my favourite things in the whole wide world. I just can't resist a good bit of sparkle. I do have quite a large collection of jewellery but my Deluxe Creations stash is by far one of my most loved... And when you see the photo's you'll know why.

Deluxe Creations is an Etsy jewellery store based in Perth, Australia. From kitsch doggy brooches to straight up glamorous hoops - they have something for everyone. The thing that impressed me the most about DC was the beautiful array of different glitters and colours their creations come in. I feel like they really offer something unique in the wonderful world of resin accessories (as I personally do find a lot of it can be a bit 'samey').

Atomic Amber for Banjo & Cake: Nautical Newness!

Aloha... Or should I say Ahoy!! I hope you're all well! Banjo & Cake was kind enough to contact me to see whether I was interested in being sent some stuff from their current line and also a sneak peek of their new AW15 line that is being released from mid-July to mid-September. Now, I have to be honest Banjo & Cake wouldn't usually be exactly my style as it's a little more 'alternative' than what I'm used to but they really do have some gorgeous gems in their collection that will definitely appeal to the more Pin-Up market. 

Mini Post: Atomic Mingo

Atomic Mingo

Aloha, my lovelies! I have a super quick post for you today... I just wanted to show you all this super cute new brooch brand created by fellow Blogger and pinup Mummy Miss Lixxie Lou (@creepylittlethings) that I have absolutely fallen in love with. There are a lot of brooch companies on the market right now, but I truly feel Atomic Mingo has something different to bring to the table. The designs are just perfection and I quite literally want one (or three!) of everything! I just know that this is going to be a success, especially seeing as some of their broochs have ALREADY sold out in literally like a day! Not only has Miss Lixxie Lou made me swoon with her beautiful designs, but she has also inspired the business woman in me. Who knows what could happen!? ;D

https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/AtomicMingo

Instagram - @Atomicmingo

Facebook - Atomic Mingo

Feast your eyes on these bad boys...

OOTD: Casual Sundays

Aloha, spring chickens! How are you all doing? Hopefully much better since the sun has decided to make an appearance (hence me dusting off my beloved Jelly Shoes)! Today I have another casual outfit post. I think I have enough outfit posts and ideas to do my 'The Casual Pinup' post very soon since I feel like I never properly dress up anymore! Although, I do feel just as sassy in a pair of jeans and a t-shirt nowadays! It's all about comfort 8-D 

I have worn the *crap* out of my Lady K Love's Hug Me Baby jeans and I know you're probably all getting sick of them (to be honest, I don't think that's even possible with jeans as awesome as these!). I have sprinkled a little subtle western-ness into this outfit with the bandana and cactus brooch, so I hope you enjoy!

The Starlet Scandal Jumpsuit by The Original Bad Girl

Let me introduce you to Australian fashion label The Original Bad Girl... A Sydney based brand that will make you feel like the baddest, sassiest broad there ever was. Lurex? Check. Stripes? Check? TOBG have got your back (covered in fabulous clothing, that is!).

 I recently became the lucky owner of the sold-out Starlet Scandal Jumpsuit. A piece of clothing that would make Betty Brosmer proud! You cannot be a wallflower in this gem, let me tell you. Be prepared to stand out. It is made of a cotton stretch fabric with lurex threads running all through it so you'll be sure to turn heads. It has no zips or buttons to ruin the curve-hugging silhouette it gives you, so you just slip it on and pull the neck piece over your head. 

I think this glitzy jumpsuit makes the perfect alternative to a dress as you definitely don't compromise on feeling fancy. The cross-over halter neck really accentuates your best bits and makes you feel sexy without showing off too much skin. 

OOTD: A Match Made In Heaven! Featuring The Oblong Box

A very festive Aloha to all of my lovely readers today! Four days til' Christmas! Are we all wrapped and ready to go yet? (I'm not! Oops!). Today, I bring you an OOTD with two pieces that were just a match made in heaven. Do you ever have those days where you put an outfit together and you just think 'Daaaaaaamn! They were made for each other!' Just me? Well this outfit was one of one those. The top matched perfectly with my harlequin skirt. And I know, some of you will be wincing at my choice to wear jelly shoes and tights, but I couldn't resist seeing as they were the exact same colour as my top! Who cares! I loved this outfit, but I can't wait to wear it in Summer without tights and a coat to ruin it.
I also have a little special guest in boyfriend-form at the end who will be featuring in some of my outfit posts when I can get him to :-D!

Pinup Style On A Budget: £5 SHOES!?

Aloha, my little candy canes! How're you doing? I hope you're feeling fabulously festive! I have a very shoe-heavy post for you today... But there is a catch - they are ALL £5... Yes, you read that right... FIVE! When I used to live in Watford, we had a little shop quite literally called 'Everything £5' - or something along the lines of that... Admittedly the quality isn't going to be superior, but I wouldn't say it is much different from that of Primark or similar budget stores. It is great for purse-pinchers and you can find some gems if you look hard enough and use your imagination! I was browsing online (like always!) and stumbled across the 'Everything £5' website! Yiippeee! I had a little (long) look and took a liking to their range of shoes. I know my fellow Bombshell and friend Miss Amy May is a fan and that says a lot!

Now, the choice can be a little overwhelming with 956 products in just the shoe category alone so I've concocted a little list of my favourites and also put them in categories of style too as I know we all have different tastes. I've filtered through the fugly 'not-so-pin-up' ones, so you don't have to... However I'd recommend using their 'Search by colour' tool if you're looking for something specific!
What is also good about the site is that they have a pretty simple review system so customers can write their honest opinions on each of the items and most of the items have lots of reviews either telling you they hate them or they absolutely love them which is pretty handy for judging quality and comfort!

Back To Basics...

One | Two | Three | Four

"New Years? No Problem!" With Alice In Retrospect!

Aloha, Peaches! Me and the gorgeous blogging-newbie Alice (from www.AliceInRetrospect.blogspot.com) have decided to do a little collaboration post all about one of our favourite things - dresses! And with festive season in full swing, what could be a better occasion to get a new dress than New Years Eve!? I've tried to do a range of price tags to fit in with everyone's budgets, too! With all the sparkles a girl can find - you'll be coughing up glitter for weeks! ;-D

Look at that hair! Miss Alice has just started blogging so I'd love you to go on over to her blog to show her some support! She also has YouTube videos which are definitely worth a watch, too! She is also a fellow Bombshell <3

My Retro Guide To Christmas: Gifts Under £30

Season's Greetings, dolls! Whilst I was shopping around for my Gift's Under £15 post, I kept finding things that were just over the £15 mark but still weren't too expensive, so I've decided to do a Gift's Under £30 post as well! Depending on your budget, these would be ideal for your retro-loving best friend or perhaps they might be idea's to put on your very own wish list ;-)!

 

Erst Wilder Flamboyant Flamingo Brooch

£23

http://www.kitty-kat.co.uk/phdi/p1.nsf/supppages/4245?opendocument&part=18

OOTD: My Favourite Very.com Coat!

Aloha, sweetpeas!

Today, I have another outfit post for you which features a new addition to my wardrobe that I'm completely besotted with. I'm sure you've probably guessed it from the title of the post - my gorgeous coat! Very kindly asked me to do a guest post on their blog (which you can find here) and said I could pick my favourite coat to feature over here on Atomic Amber. Of course I was over the moon as they have such a gorgeous selection of coats and I was also lusting after a new winter warmer. 

Mini Post: Kitsch Clutches @ New Look

Aloha Darlings! I've decided to start doing occasional 'Mini Post's which are... Well pretty much what they say on the tin! Just short little posts for when I have something small I want to share whether that be a bit of exciting news or an amazing dress for a bargain price! Today's one will be about all things kitsch. I am a massive lover of everything themed and I do have a weak spot for novelty items! So when I saw these clutches on the New Look website I couldn't help but share them!

OOTD: Autumn Leaves

Aloha, my lovelies! I'm here today with my second OOTD! This one being very seasonal with the fallen leaves and chilly air. Please note: I did have a cardigan AND a coat... But that would have ruined my fabulous vintage dress now, wouldn't it!?
This is definitely my most autumnal dress. I found it at a vintage fair last year for something like £6... It fits me like a dream and I absolutely love it. After reviewing the photo's that my gorgeous boyfriend Patrick took (thanks so much, honey!) I realised that in some of the photo's a few of my buttons had come undone (oops!) and I know it's really annoying where my dress waist line doesn't match up with my belt (arrrg!) but nevertheless, you get the picture :-)!

My Make Up Essentials

Aloha darlings! Here I have a little blog post for you about all things beauty! I'm one of those girls who once she's found something that she likes and works... She sticks to it indefinitely. I am pretty happy with my current make up routine and picks as they work perfectly for me. Working perfectly means doesn't break me out and lasts all day through work. So here are the things that work for me...

Let's start with the basics...

Pin Up Style On A Budget: Matalan Picks

Well, well, well... I haven't done a 'Pin Up Style On A Budget' post in forever! I was originally doing another blog post (which will now be published after this one!) and I just couldn't help but feel the need to share all the gorgeous finds that I've seen whilst perusing various highstreet/supermarket websites! I literally have 14 tabs open on my laptop from where I've seen something I'd love to share so I've opened it up to make sure I don't forget to put it in a post! And the cold weather seems to be a perfect excuse do to some shopping, right? ;-) As if you need an excuse anyway! Let's jump straight into the Matalan bargains!

A Week Of Outfits (+Update!)

Oh goodness me! I've been MIA (Unpacking, working, becoming an Aunty). I am really going to start making blogging a regular thing as I do really enjoy it. I've got a few projects in the works (Working with Tesco's Opticians, giveaways, tutorials, OOTD's) which is spurring me on to stay on top of regular blog posts. I've had a blog make-over! Do you like? I certainly do! My gorgeous boyfriend made me a fabulous new blog header to go with my new blog name Atomic Amber. I just felt like my original blog name was a tad too long and I don't think it reflected me and my blog well enough.
I finally have a garden which means I can do detailed OOTD's and take full length pictures for here. What's news? Well I got my picture published in Perfectly PinUp Magazine (Purchase here). Here's a very proud pointy finger... Right in the middle too! ;-D

Easy Bumper Bangs Hair Tutorial

Today, I have a really simple bumper bangs tutorial for you! It is foolproof! I have quite thick hair so I didn't need to tease at all and if your hair is thinner than I'd either recommend taking a larger front section or lightly back comb. The hair filler provides a lot of shape and support so don't feel you need to back comb the crap out of your precious barnet! :-) The hair filler I use is just a regular hair doughnut that you can find literally anywhere (Primark, Poundland, Tesco, Asda) with one side chopped so it makes one long piece. When I first started using a hair filler, I originally cut it straight across in half which left me with two short fillers which you can also do, but I prefer the look of a wider/longer bumper bang - if you know what I mean?

What you will need:

A sectioning/teasing/rat tail brush

Hair filler/doughnut

Bobby pins

Hair spray/pomade - optional

Let's Talk About Specs, Baby ;-)

These were my beloved Jeepers Peepers but they got mysteriously scratched and cracked :-(

Hello there, my darlings! Today, I am going to be talking about one of my favourite things - cake glasses! Yes, you read that right. Spectacle shopping really gets me excited! I love how much a pair of specs can transform a person's face. I am actually a glassses wearer (Well at least I'm suppose to be) and the only reason why I don't wear mine daily is because I feel they just don't fit in with my style (too modern) so I have been on the hunt for my perfect pair. There are a lot of beautiful authentic frames on sites like Etsy, but I prefer 'vin-spired' reproduction frames for regular wear because they are much more accessible price wise and let's be honest everyday eye glasses need to be practical and sturdy enough to withstand general daily antics!
I've scoured the web for my top picks in the eye-wear department because there really are some gems out there on the high street!