I wrote a blog last year while pregnant about how Vivien Of Holloway has influenced the woman I am today, How they had helped me grow from an awkward teenager to a happy confident woman, and how after my pregnancies I was devastated that I had lost that confidence. So here I am, a year after having my second son and finally enjoying dresses again. Though I could not be happier being a Mummy again, it is a little saddening that I don't fit into any of my old Vivien dresses now, so when a lovely blogger friend of mine She Might Be Loved was running a competition to win a Halterneck Swing Dress, I thought, I might as well give it a try!

As you may have guessed, I was lucky enough to win, and this meant I got to choose from lots of beautiful Halterneck Swing Dresses. I have been dreaming of finding a Yellow Gingham Dress for ages, though Vivien has one, my size was gone, how ever I was lucky enough to find the next best thing and I went for the 1950s Halterneck Blue Gingham Dress.

Vivien Of Holloway is a vintage reproduction dress and separates shop, based in London on Holloway Road. Vivien, the lady behind the brand started sewing her own dresses from the age of ten and went on to open her first shop at eighteen. Now Vivien Of Holloway is a well known name, and one that many vintage lovers count among their favourites.

The dress I chose is made from 100% cotton in a blue gingham print. Though choosing the right size from a Vivien Of Holloway dress can be a little difficult, it is the perfect fit that really makes these dresses stand out. These 1950s Halterneck Dresses are made with a boned bodice and full circle skirt, which creates an hourglass figure that was popular in this era. Thanks to their very helpful staff member Maria, after talking through my stats, we worked out which would be the best fit, meaning that, where I would usually wear a size 18, in a Vivien Of Holloway dress I have to size up to a 20.

I absolutely love this dress, and though it has been a few years since I have worn one, the quality has not changed. The zips are solid, durable and are neatly hidden behind a small fabric panel, the length is perfect at 28 inches it falls just below my knees (perfect for emphasising curves and elongating the legs) and the halterneck strap is connected meaning no extra fabric and it offers a comfortable support. Also with the bodies being boned, there is no need to wear a bra, I felt secure, supported and I was still held in shape throughout the day.

The 1950s Halterneck Blue Gingham Dress is available in sizes 6 to 24, they can be purchased online or in their Holloway Store. Sizing is taken by taking your bust, waist and hip measurements. You can do this by following their size guide, or if your really stuck, contacting them for advice. This can be very confusing, but the team are so friendly and helpful that I am sure they will have you in your dream dress in no time.

Thank you for reading my post, I highly recommend Vivian Of Holloway. Though these dress retail at a higher price than a lot of reproduction brand, the quality speaks for itself and it truly is worth it. These dresses are magical and I can not wait to build up my collection again.