Elegantly Waisted - A Vintage Vixens Secret Weapon

As a curvy girl, I am forever being thwarted from wearing many authentic vintage pieces as I am unfortunately many (sigh...many) inches away from a 26 inch waist. So, I have a secret weapon that I am going to share with you.

Late last year I purchased this little number from What Katie Did:

The "Dorothy" underbust corset has a steel busk (the metal hook and loops at the front) and steel boning sewn into the lining. It pulls tight with strong nylon lacing at the back and can reduce your waist by up to 4 inches. That's right Kittens - 4 INCHES!!

Now since I purchased my corset I have lost a little weight and it a little on the big side now, particularly under the bust, but it is still very wearable under both vintage and modern dresses.

The pink gingham print makes it almost too pretty to hide under clothing, but it has yet to venture out over the top of a crisp white shirt. I always seem to lose my nerve to use it as outerwear!

I just love the way it defines my waist and gives me killer curves a la Joan Holloway.

Do you have a secret weapon to help you with your look? Whisper it in my ear.... it'll stay between you and me Kittens!

J'adore....

Bernie Dexter.

Bernie Dexter is one of my style icons. She is the epitome of the modern rockabilly and has modeled extensively for many reproduction vintage clothing lines including What Katie Did, Whirling Turban, Stop Staring and Babygirl Boutique.

A former make-up artist with MAC cosmetics, she one day found herself in front of the camera rather than behind the scenes. She entered into the Viva Las Vegas (VLV) Pin-Up competition and the rest, as they say, is history.

Known for her modern pin-up girl look, Bernie has been compared to 50's wild child Bettie Page whom passed away last weekend:

The similarity is spooky don't you think?

Bernie has taken her popular image and in partnership with other designers has developed her own signature lines of lingerie, shoes and furs across the US and Europe.

Meow Kittens!

I love her bad-girl glamour - those pouty red lips, smokey eyes and the glossiest hair I have ever seen! Now if only I could get even close to her 32-24-35 measurements! Hmmm. That would mean no more chocolate or Champagne. NOT going to happen!