I love supporting small businesses, and it’s even better if they’re local! That’s why I’m super excited to be featuring Vanessa Kelly Clothing in today’s blog post, highlighting her gorgeous Matilda swing dress in rose print. Read on to find out more about this wonderful lady and stylish dress!

Vanessa is a dressmaker who is passionate about daring to dress differently! In the business for over 10 years, she has been designing and sewing her own pieces from her Auckland base and making many ladies look fabulous in the process. As a mum to 3 kids, she creates clothing with the idea in mind of being able to throw something on and look instantly glam. Her main inspiration is the 1950s, with her designs showcasing a sleek and simple aesthetic made up in both plain coloured and fun patterned fabrics.

The Matilda swing dress is a wardrobe staple, being that classic fit and flare style that is super flattering on all body types. The neckline is a curved V, and a centre zip does the dress up at the back. The skirt of the dress is a generous circle, and great for achieving that swishy movement when you walk – or for twirling! Hitting a couple of inches below the knee, the skirt is long and more than full enough to get a double-layer petticoat underneath for that extra volume, otherwise it sits well on its own. The fabric is luxurious cotton sateen, which adds to the already high-quality look and feel of the dress and work(wo)manship. And that print! Bold red roses on the crisp white background makes for a such a striking look that will have everyone asking where you got your dress from!

Vanessa Kelly Clothing caters for NZ sizes 8 to 18, which are equivalent to the same sizes in both Australia and the UK. I’m wearing a size 8, and though I would usually be a size 6 I have found that the difference isn’t too noticeable and I am really happy with the fit. For reference, my measurements are 81cm-61cm, while the measurements for the size 8 per the size guide are 88cm-66cm, and with a teensy bit of cinching with a belt I’m good to go! The Matilda dress is also (and arguably most importantly!) supremely comfy while still making you feel like a princess. That’s a recipe for a favourite dress in my book!

You can purchase the Matilda dress directly from the Vanessa Kelly Clothing website, where it retails for $235NZD with laybuy available. Alternatively you can purchase from local stockists Rita Sue or Kabella Baby, or you can catch her at markets around Auckland. The rose print version is nearly sold out, but there are plenty of plain colours and other prints to choose from! Both local and international shipping is available, and because Vanessa is based in New Zealand then that means shipping for us Kiwi gals is low!

Full outfit details:

Matilda dress in rose print – c/o Vanessa Kelly Clothing

Necklace & gloves – vintage

Belt – Review

Heels – BAIT Footwear

Thank you so much to Vanessa for letting me give her beautiful Matilda dress a spin! You can see more of her designs on Instagram and Facebook, and make sure you’re following her to be the first to see new styles. Thank you also to @cmjsnz for snapping these pictures and to his parents for giving us free reign of their driveway in Whitianga for this shoot.

Miss Hero Holliday

xo