The items I feature here on my blog tend to fall into two categories–one, this item is something I’m obsessed with because it utilizes a bunch of my favourite design features and my preferred aesthetic; or two, this item is more unusual compared to my typical choices and yet I love it anyway. Today’s piece is more from that second category but not really, because while I’m not often into novelty prints they do occasionally court my fancy, and such a summery print on a classic vintage dress shape, printed on that blue? I don’t know how I was supposed to resist.

Dress: Valencia 50s dress gifted by Hell Bunny
Cardigan: Short sleeved cropped cardigan by MAK [Affiliate code Yemak-Amymay for 40% off all orders]
Shoes: Gold Palmas wedges by Hotter
Bag: Bamboo collapsible bag from eBay
Bangles: Freesia & Honeysuckle Duotone bangles by Splendette

This print of vibrant oranges and white blossoms might not even count as a novelty print to many people, but as someone who leans towards the ‘I don’t want to wear food or animals’ opinion when it comes to fabric prints, for me it absolutely counts. The vivid blue and orange are the epitome of contrasting tones, the blue a clear pacific blue, while the orange is mild and subdued, as far as orange goes. The greens in the blossom’s leaves are sage and mint ice cream, respectively, and the blossom flowers a gentle white. Altogether it creates a fresh and fun colour scheme that provides a burst of summer joy, and leaves the door open for a bunch of lively outfit colour pairings that can toy with contrast, neutrals and complimentary tones with equal success.

The Valencia dress cut itself is a simple classic, featuring a sweetheart neckline leading up into thick shoulder straps, while the fitted bodice meets the full circle skirt, ready to cut a wide arc in a perfect twirl. There are pockets in the side seams of the skirt–huzzah, I cry, huzzah! Hell Bunny almost always put pockets in their pieces and I truly love them for that.

It’s the kind of no fuss dress shape that flatters everyone and can be thrown on easily before heading out the door, especially since it’s made from a lightweight cotton that will wear beautifully in hot weather. Yes, right now (and for much of the year in England, to be fair,) the addition of a light layer like a cardigan is still pretty necessary until the temperature creeps a little higher, but for now I love how summery and bright this dress makes me feel without having to suffer through the realities of how much I actually hate many aspects of summer–the humidity, the pure torture of British houses being built to hold in heat while simultaneously not having AC, the sweaty injustice of still having to wear a bra, the feel of my own hair on the back of my neck…augh! All horrendous. Give me a dress that makes me feel emotionally as though it is summer without having to experience the real gripes of summer any day.

As usual, I asked for this dress my standard 2XL from Hell Bunny. Since it is made from cotton there’s minimal give in this dress, so the waist flat measures 38 inches with about an inch of give. The bust flat measures 46 inches with two inches of give. The skirt is 27.5 inches long. The dress closes with a centre back zip and is machine washable. The shoulder straps are wide enough to cover thick bra straps.

The Valencia 50s dress comes in sizes XS-6XL. There’s also a Valencia top, made in the same fabric. Hell Bunny ship worldwide and have in-store and online stockists around the globe.

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Disclaimer: The dress featured in this review was gifted to me by Hell Bunny in exchange for an honest review. The use of my MAK affiliate code will generate me a small commission from your order.  All opinions expressed are truthful and my own, with no input from any of the companies listed or any other individuals.

COVID-19 NOTE: These pictures were taken alone and safely in a secluded outdoors area with no other individuals present, practising responsible social distancing to help limit the spread of Covid-19.