It feels like all these childhood learnings that I’ve spent many a hard long summer in the local park conquering have disappeared from my adult mind like ice skating and roller blading. It was pretty much the only regular sport I did other than finding a shopping center with a temporary ice rink for the summer to cool down and practice Figure 8s on. Skating backwards was pretty much the coolest average thing you could claim as the skater skill to know back in those times.
About this cute white Dutch style bicycle my dad picked up for me in mind, I couldn’t wait to try and ride again on this vintage cruiser when I saw it – or so I thought. Seriously, are the seats supposed to be this high? I know I’m not very tall but I think these standard frames are a bit cumbersome for the shorties who’s average measurement to standard proportions have missed the mark by a few centimeters. Unfortunately, the amount of scratches and knee scrapes did not fruit into a decent growth spurt in my favour. In any case, this Hollander does look great in photos melting the grunge city streets into an enduring portrayal of urban life. It’s very picturesque!
To be honest, I’m not feeling this dress on me. No, no I’m not looking for sympathy on the matter. I think it was one of those designs that was nice in theory but failed in execution. The plunging V line with lace would be nice if you had a ‘flatter’ and slender frame and the proportion breakout from torso, sleeves to skirt was just unbalanced for my body liking. The lace sleeves was its only saving grace but I’m always game to try on different styles.
As you might have guessed, I’m unashamedly smug about it because I’ve been getting quite a few praises for its edge. And also, I cut it myself. On a spontaneous whim while alone in my hotel during New York travels. I win. :)
Please don’t hate on my left-for-dead locks these days. It’s a daily struggle to keep it looking at least decent to pass as healthy let alone living. Sob.
Dressed up for town like a sun-deprived sunflower, heat slapped from the weekend heatwave and enjoying a Marilyn Monroe moment in this flirty cute sundress from Quirky Circus, the offbeat sibling to older sister brand Mink Pink, is a perfect example of being Sydney day casual for high summer.
If you enjoy vintage silhouettes and prints for the modern girl with adorable collection stories such as At The Lake, The Antique Shop and a day at the Blue Mountains, definitely check out their range in Myer or online.
There’s a frame for every face. Well, I guess you can say that is a half-truth.
I would like to argue that not all faces are blessed with the versatile symmetry a perfect carved frame can demand in the growing world of eyewear. Out with the skinny and in with the new thick frame shapes, it’s a challenge that seems to bring out the strongest of emotions when you realize, it was just not meant for you.
But there is always that one pair that will make your heart beat a little faster, to stop and consider that behind its mirrored sheen, will uncover a Bright Young Thing in you just hiding behind some shaded designer bliss, and your half baked hope when you find one juuust right for you revives all over again.
Interestingly, the pointed cat eye can work for this edgier squared jaw of mine but for that speak louder and be bolder statement that has been affectionately synonymous with the Moschino attitude, channeling some hero red will never let an oversized frame hide you.
I am always in search for a frame that will sit comfortably on a wider face shape like mine and the quality of these sunnies sits nicely with no strain to give you that throbbing migraine afterward. Note: Always very much appreciated.
If you are interested in grabbing a pair or a few different incarnations for your styling pleasure, try Vision Direct and their seriously large online selection of branded specs to take advantage of their handy online features such as virtual try on testing, speedy shipping and health rebate claim options. As far as designer goes, you can expect to see a considerable list of named brands to select from and they stock current 2014 ranges too, I was impressed!
So like all the essential reds in your style guide – lipstick, handbag, and nails, never overlook that other best accessory in your arsenal no matter how hard the search.
I am, of course talking to the reflection staring back at you through that mirrored sheen.
“MINKPINK. Designed and loved for who we are. Be brave and free.”
We all know there’s a gigantic hole swooping the Australian fashion market for well designed, gorgeous, yet affordable clothing. It’s something that has been close to our hearts here at The Hidden Thimble and it’s the thing we LOVE most about MINKPINK’s philosophy. 8 Years on, the Australian iconic brand have stayed true to themselves designing inspirational, original pieces that girls can afford to buy and LOVE to wear. I for one know I’ve worn the death out my favorite floral MINKPINK skater skirt!
I am forever tired of the dreary colours that seem to come out in winter…I’m so sick of seeing dull grey and black tones being paired together. And when there is color, it’s always the same dark blues or purples. I mean, who said winter had to be boring?
If you’re feeling me right now, do read on. It’s time to get cheeky, sassy and edgy this winter because MINKPINK’s 2014 Wild Child of Rock winter collection is EPIC!
MINKPINK brings a fun, eclectic and old-school vibe to this winter – jam packed with a whole heap of grunge and sass – and we know how much us Aussies love street grunge and how much The Hidden Thimble loves sass! Ladies am I right? Am I riiiigghhtt??
Speaking of sass lovely ladies (and gents of course) who may be reading this, what better way to authentically carry out this collection than to team up with daughters Chelsea and Alexandra, of rock legends Aerosmith and Rolling Stone’s Keith Richards ohmagawd!
MINKPINK Winter collection 2014 pays homage to the age of rock stars so it’s time to get styled in your shaggy fur coats, bohemian bell sleeves and 70s vintage coats, studs and all else glam and rock!
I’ve only got six words to display my love for the next series of outfits. Fur, leather, metallic, gold, silver and lace. The best combination to glam up this winter!
I am in love with the print and metallic colour of that jumper.
Want some colour thrown in there? Don’t worry MINKPINK are one step ahead!
I’m really loving furry things this winter. The amount of comfort I feel from rugging up in something soft and nubbly in winter just brings a joy that is incomparable. And the colour of that baggy cardigan is just so minty fresh! Love!
Finally, my favorite pieces of the whole collection! Here’s some winter colour that’s not your typical dull and muted hues. I absolutely cant get enough of that matching blazer and shorts combo!
So I know the burning question on your mind right now….
Can I has?
OF COURSE!!!! >> Enter the competition below!! <<
Competition Time!!
How to Enter:
Post an Instagram of you and your BFF on a wild night out. Your spontaneous selfie could win you:
2x flights to Sydney thanks to Studentflights
A night at 1888 Hotel, Pyrmont, and
$500 worth of MINKPINK clothing! THE HIDDEN THIMBLE BONUS: Tag #thehiddenthimble in your Instagram post to DOUBLE your wardrobe prize to $1000 worth of MINKPINK clothing!
Don’t forget to tag #mpwildnightoutau and follow @official_minkpink!
I’m not sure my brain has this thing called “judgment” over my state of being sometimes and that goes to say, it affects my state of dress.
Lately to be honest, I’m getting so damn lazy that my urge to dress myself in daily wear is to cover in at least one layer of heat tech wear (thank god you arrived in Sydney Uniqlo!) and some decent pant attire in my very limited long pant leg collection – but my mind won’t have that kind of rubbish talk!
So like the jumper dress, the playsuit, and the…. onesie (?) you need that go-to item on the run that’s simple and decent enough for your brain to follow and agree that you now have the “OK” to go outside and walk around on your lazy day without being a complete slob.
So logic made me pick this cute versatile dress from Sammy Dress because I love cheating on my clothes choices:
– An eye-catching pattern print that makes it look interesting – check.
– Cuff lining that made it look like you put some extra thought into your style choice today – pfft it sure does!
– The kind of dress that will go well with a pair of heels or some chucks – I’d say so.
This dress actually isn’t pricey at all. From $16.87 to now $10.86, it’s a bargain!
And looking at Sammy Dress‘s selection, there was a lot of variety to choose from but this one caught my eye when I saw it.
And now the jump from dream to reality with this comparison shot…
My how I love how skinny my waist looks in this dress *snicker.* Seriously guys, no PS here.
I was surprised that the cut was more fitted than advertised but I guess I do have a more “curvier” body than the model… (✌ﾟ∀ﾟ)
For some reason, the cut at the bottom is slightly higher on one side and looks like it wasn’t cut straight when made. But when worn it wasn’t obvious. I wonder if you can see it?
Another point that made me disappointed was the cuffs on the sleeves. I mean… look at them!!!
This wasn’t in the photo on the site!
Look at that contrast! It’s what makes the look interesting and more believable as faux cuffs.
Now look at my photo:
As you can see, the cut of the cuff is visible through the chiffon (which was supposed to be a different material if I’m not mistaken) if you look hard enough in the right place which “cheapens” the quality. Overlocking is a standard sewing technique people! It doesn’t cost an extra arm and a leg to overlock a seam…
And since it’s just an extension of the original fabric and not a separate part sewn on, you can’t roll up your sleeve in hopes of hiding the first layer.
Final Thoughts?
Hmm, this dress from Sammy Dress was alright. It’s a good dress to wear underneath a jacket and maybe casual Fridays at work but certainly, the thing that disappointed me was the expectation. Buying from a warehouse type of online store is definitely cheap but the problem was the advertised photo not matching the product in quality for me.
So would I buy from Sammy Dress in the future, for clothes I want to wear out – no. But if I needed an outfit for a fancy dress-up party – maybe.
Finally – it’s giveaway time!
We’re giving away this dress for free-the-bees free. So either comment in the blog comment box below or like and comment “win” on our Facebook or Instagram for a chance to win. Good Luck!
Hi everyone! Talyssa here for a slightly different FML. This clothing in this FML was provided by Sammydress and will also feature a review on the product and service. So let’s get into it!
Jacket: Dongdaemun Markets Korea | Dress: Sammydress | Shoes and Socks: Topshop
First, let’s start with the positive…
Clothing Range and Shopping Experience:
When I saw this dress on Sammydress, I immediately fell in love. It’s gorgeous, elegant and ever so Audrey Hepburn! I must admit that the range of clothing on Sammydress is really nice, it’s unique and feminine and there’s a lot of variety. You also get a kind of a thrill looking at such beautiful products selling for so cheap! Less than $10? Heck yes! I’ll take five!
Using the site is simple and each product has a wide variety of images, including images posted by customers wearing the items they have bought.
Unfortunately….that’s where the positives end for me. When I opened my package from Sammydress, I was incredibly disappointed. I don’t want to sound ungrateful or mean, but what I received in the mail was not, in my personal opinion, worth paying for.
No. 01: The dress was nothing like the picture
This was the most disappointing aspect of the whole thing. I was expecting an elegant and sophisticated looking dress as in the picture above, but instead I received a cheap looking copy. I just felt lied to and cheated. It’s one thing to say you’re copying the style of X celebrity and you’re posting images of how they wore it along with images of your actual imitation product – as I have seen many sites do – but it’s another thing completely to imply and ONLY provide images of a product your product is similar to, but isn’t actually what you are giving to your customers in return for their money. Your customer is buying the product they are seeing on your website. That’s what they expect to receive. Nothing less.
I found the whole thing completely unfair and I’m pretty sure it violates some sort of consumer laws, at least it would in Australia anyway. If Sammydress doesn’t consider their actual product good enough to post pictures of on their website then that just shows that they are aware that their products wouldn’t sell if they put up actual pictures.
The back of the dress was the part I was looking forward to the most and was what originally made me choose this dress. As you can see, what I received was significantly different to the image presented on the website (refer to 2nd image of post). There is no low V-cut back and the bow is located significantly higher than the small of my back. Not only that, the bow looks cheap and tacky – with the ribbon parts not even cut to the same length and it being sewn very cheaply and hastily onto the back of the dress.
No. 02: Quality
The quality of the dress was (unfortunately) cheap. The material is see through, with no kind of material inlay provided to prevent this. The hems all around the dress are hastily sewn, extremely messy and not hemmed straight. Long pieces of thread are frequently left uncut and knotted on the dress.
No. 03: Fit and Cut
The cut on my dress was so so so bad! It had absolutely no shape and made me look flat, straight,frumpy and pre-pubescent. The lack of darts used on the back of the dress meant that it didn’t come in on the waist, making it extremely unflattering on my stomach and waist. You can see all the extra material there in the photo above!
Another extremely annoying part of this dress were the sleeves. Whilst they look okay in the photos, they didn’t stay that way for very long and would often popup and sit vertically to my shoulder. Quite frankly it looked ridiculous and I was extremely embarrassed walking around in this dress because of that reason.
In order for these sleeves to sit as desired on a persons shoulders, the back of the dress needed to have an open cut V (as with the original design). This would have helped to open up the dress, allowing the sleeves to lay almost off the shoulder. Having a rounded mid-length back did not give the sleeves enough leeway to sit off the shoulder, causing them to pop up very frequently with any small movement.
No. 05: Value For Money
Clothing on Sammydress is extremely cheap. Almost everything is less than $10, making the quality of the product understandable.
Shipping on the other had is pricey – almost costing $20!! It’s such a purchase turn off when your shipping is more than the actual product!
Service:
Service is very fast. My package was promptly sent and staff were very friendly and quick to answer any questions.
Would I shop here again?
Truthfully, probably not. It’s unfortunate because I think the range is quite good, if only the products I received looked like the ones they promoted on the site! In saying that, if you’re looking for something cheap to only wear once or as a costume etc, you might want to give Sammydress a try. I would actually prefer if Sammydress increased the cost of their products, if it meant getting a product as in the pictures on their site. I would definitely shop there countless times if that were the case.
Run by two travel and lifestyle bloggers, The Hidden Thimble focus’ on creating truthful and in-depth travel guides, food & beauty reviews. Enjoy drool-worthy photography from around the world!
