Unique Vintage really know how to do gingham. At this point I’ve sort of become an accidental collector of the picnic-tastic print, rarely able to resist adding a new gingham piece to my wardrobe, but one of my all time favourite gingham pieces is this UV Manhattan swing dress.

It might even have been my first UV purchase, it was too long ago to remember now. It’s one of those pieces that’s so gorgeous that every time I wear it people ask where they can get it, which makes me feel a bit guilty and sad when I have to admit it’s long gone. Today, thankfully, I won’t be putting you through such heartache, because this San Vicente gingham halter dress is not only a new offering from Unique Vintage in their SS16 line, but it’s also widely in stock in sizes XS-4X and comes in both pink and black gingham.

And guess what, ladies? Pink hater that I am, I chose to get the pink! I’m sure these pictures will help you understand why

Dress: Iconic Pink Gingham San Vicente Dress C/O Unique Vintage
Bolero: Perfect Pinup Bolero in White Ponte by Pinup Girl Clothing
Bag: White Wicker Purse by Pinup Girl Clothing
Belt: White Sateen Belt With Grommets by Pinup Girl Clothing
Hair Flower: White Debbie Dahlia by Daisy Jean Florals
Bracelets: Woven Bamboo Bangle Set by Splendette
Wedges: Old season New Look

Let’s just get the obvious out of the way: no, I really, really don’t like pink, excepting rare instances of pale pink trimmed with black or bright pinks inside florals. It’s just not a colour that feels interesting or dynamic to me, it doesn’t speak to me, and I constantly overlook it. But this pink San Vicente dress has such a small delicate gingham and a sweet soft pink that felt exactly like spring to me in a fresh, fun way, so I found myself drawn to it. Plus, while I love the black gingham colourway too, I own a bunch of black gingham already and I thought it was smarter to add more colour variety to my gingham selection if I must insist on collecting so many abundant checks.

The San Vicente dress is a fixed V-neck halter dress with a full circle skirt that can take two petticoats with ease. It’s lined, has a shirred elasticated back and closes with a back zipper topped with a hook and eye.

Typically I’m crazy not about halters but I love the shape of this one, the plunge and cut of it seeming more classic, sexy and sleek to me than the usual straps we see on most halter dresses. The full circle skirt really isn’t messing around, boasting the highest of twirl factors, and the shirred back means it’s comfortable for a full day’s wear.

Size-wise, I ordered my usual XL from UV, made for 33 inch waists, and while this dress is listed as being made from woven non-stretch material, the shirred back section allows a lot of give, so I was able to stretch this dress in the waist to fit 37 inches. Since there’s that amount of give, it’s worth considering whether you can size down, but remember to take your bust measurements into consideration as you decide that.

It’s a comfortable, fun, easy to wear dress that makes me want to go to a carnival and frolic at the beach eating ice cream, both things I’m not mad at, so I class it as a winner.

The San Vicente dress comes in pink and black gingham, sizes XS-4X and costs $98. Unique Vintage ship internationally and offer reward points for discounts on future orders.