More Photos of the Red and Navy Paris Bow Dress

I added the latest Penelope Red design to the etsy shop today, the Red and Navy Paris Bow Dress.

I believe, when buying online, it is always nice to have as many photos as possible of the design/product, so I have added a few more to this blog posting.



The Paris Bow Dress has been handmade from rayon elastane jersey knit fabric in two beautiful colours, a bright red and a navy blue. The rayon (viscose) makes it very comfortable and soft, the elastane helps it to hold its shape and creates such a beautiful drape.



The large red bow at the bust and colouring makes people think its a little bit French, and a little bit nautical. I wore my own copy of this design on the weekend, and many comments were made about the French feel to this design.



The Paris Bow Dress is based on a mixture of two of my most popular designs; the Paris Bow Top (below) and the Black Rose Red Dress (above).




I love having a full skirt, and a nipped in waist, so I made the dress to have 6 pleats on front waist, 6 pleats on back waist, and one large pleat at centre front under the bow. The pleats accentuate the waist, and fall out to reveal a full skirt at hem.




This dress is perfect to just slip on over your head (no zip or fastening), put on some red lipstick, grab a pair of red shoes and your favourite summer hat, and you are ready to go!



Another great aspect of this dress is that you can easily dress it up with a cute heel, some jewellery and a clutch bag and wear it to a party.



I have already created a US size 4, 6 and 8. More sizes will be available. If you would like to purchase a copy of this handmade, unique design, please contact me at designer@penelopered.com.au or take a look at the Penelope Red etsy online shop.

The Penelope Red Vesper Kimono

The Aqua and Black Vesper Kimono has been handmade from a 100% cotton print. This fabric is so beautiful and soft, with such a vibrant print- most people assume it is silk until I tell them that it is actually cotton!

I pleat the back panels, so you don't need to arrange it in a particular way- it is done for you. This is another surprise that people seem to love- because it is very hard to see this when it is hanging on the rack.


Above, the inside of the kimono- all seams are over-locked.


It is always nice to have a few extra photos of my designs- plus I love wearing my creations, so any excuse will do!


I like to wear the Penelope Red Vesper Kimono with a dark pair of jeans and heels for a more smart casual look...




... and I think it looks pretty HOT with a Penelope Red mini skirt. I wasn't sure if I could tuck it in and make it look good, but I am actually very happy with how it looks tucked it! I think because the kimono is quite a full in silhouette design, this actually makes my waist appear smaller- and let's face it, that is always a good thing!



The skirt I am wearing with it is my very latest design, and it is made from two cotton elastane prints. I haven't even named it yet!


A lot of people would probably say my choice and mix of prints is a little out there- but I love mixing up different textures and prints. It is my trademark. If you are not a brave as me, perhaps a black, blue, or red skirt would be just as lovely. I always say, "Your wardrobe is limited only to your imagination!"


You can buy this handmade Penelope Red Vesper Kimono online, in the Penelope Red etsy shop.

The Alexander Black and White Zebra Blouse

The Alexander Black and White Zebra Chiffon Blouse is one of my very latest designs. Pictured with the Cosmopolitan Blue Bow Tie Pants, it is such a versatile, easy and flattering style to wear.



I have always been a huge fan of animal prints, and while this is not exactly an animal print, it is easy to see where the textile designer got their inspiration from.

The actual fabric itself is a chiffon yoryu- this means the chiffon is crinkled and has a more tactile finish.



This blouse has been handmade and finished off with gathering and a little blue rik-rak braid at the neck. It is a sleeveless top, but you can easily wear it with a skivvy on those cooler nights.



You can buy the Alexander Black and White Zebra Printed Blouse online in the Penelope Red etsy shop.



Take a look at my other Penelope Red designs here:

The Cosmopolitan Blue Bow Tie Pants

I am very proud of this pant design, the Cosmopolitan Blue Bow Tie Pants...I have always loved flared pants, and I have in previous years sold quite a few. I always found that no matter what I did, it was always hard to fit everyone though. Each women's hip to waist area is so different in length and width that making a fitted pair of pants with a zip and tight waistband was very hard to sell.

So when it came to creating these pants, I wanted to do something completely different! I wanted these pants to be high waisted (not hipster like my past pant creations), and I started thinking about using elastic... the only problem was I didn't like the look of a gather waist on pants.

The Cosmopolitan Blue Bow Tie Pants is pictured above with the Martini Bright Stripe Blouse, and below with the Venus Floral Bolero.



So, I decided to make a flat centre front waist band, then hide the elasticated waistband with an oversized bow that tied around the waist! The elastic means that it has room to expand or retract where needed, and it also means a much more comfortable fit. In fact my customers are usually very surprised by how comfortable this design is!


So the fit problem is solved, they are super comfortable, and the bow gives it that "Penelope Red panache" that I always want in every single item of my designs.

The reason why I decided to make it in this bright blue colour is mainly because everyone else sells black pants. I always say that i can't compete on price, but what I can compete on is individuality- tell me, how many shops sell bright blue pants?


I designed these pants to make your legs look elongated. The pin tucks that have been applied to the front, together with the high waist create the illusion of length. I have seen a lady who was about 5 foot tall try them on, and even she was surprised by how tall they made her look.




The Cosmopolitan Blue Bow Tie Pants is pictured above with the Caipirinha Y-Bar Top and below with the Strawberry Daiquiri Blouse.

I make these pants to fit, with the desired length. I personally wear mine with heels, but a few customers have opted for flats. I can also make them with out the bow, and just place extra belt keepers so a belt can be worn with them instead.


The fabric is a very soft 100% rayon. I have washed my pants twice so far, and they are the ones used in the photographs- so the colour stays.



The Cosmopolitan Blue Bow Tie Pants is pictured above with the Aqua Paisley Blouse.

The pants are also available in a bright red, the Cosmopolitan Red Bow Tie Pants.

You can buy these pants and other Penelope Red designs online in the Penelope Red etsy shop here.

Photos from the Summer Fashion Showcase Parade

In September, The Rocks Markets held a Spring and Summer Fashion Showcase parade, and some Penelope Red designs were featured. You can watch the video from the Summer fashion showcase here and the following photos are from this event.


The first two photos show the Cosmopolitan Red Bow Tie Pants, and Martini Bright Stripe Blouse. More on the Martini Bright Stripe blouse can be viewed on the blog here.


How to feel instantly like a million dollars: wear the Manhattan Bright Satin Catsuit. It looks like so much fun on the catwalk! Every time I try on a catsuit, I feel like cranking up the dance music and going to a club with my friends!



The Tokyo/Sydney Catsuit is a crowd favourite- a design that I am very proud of, and it was also used in all of the advertisement for this parade event. You may recognise it from the posters, flyers etc, and it was even on the 'Grazia' website!



I love this outfit! It suits the model so well, and is such a fun outfit- The Tequila Sunrise Spot Halter Top, and Pina Colada Green Shorts.



The Pink Singapore Sling Kimono is such a versatile top, and made from a beautiful printed cotton. A very stunning print! It is worn with the Mojito Metallic Mini Skirt.





The Purple Floral Corset Dress is a very feminine and elegant style- perfect for many occasions.


I will be adding the rest of my latest spring/summer designs to the Penelope Red etsy shop over the next few weeks.

Penelope Red featured in Peppermint Magazine!

I am very excited to announce that two Penelope Red designs have been featured in the Peppermint Magazine!!! The items featured were the Venus Floral Bolero and the Cream Bow Tie Blouse, both available in the Penelope Red etsy shop.

Peppermint Magazine is a quarterly fashion magazine, which focuses on the "green" and eco side of things. I told them about my "Venus, Penelope and Jane Collection", and how a lot of the pieces had been designed from vintage and recycled pieces of fabric (as in fabrics that I salvaged from my Aunt, Mum, their friends, from other people who once sold at the markets, from antique and 2nd hand stores, etc)- all helping to reduce the landfill that is forever rising!



Pictured above is the Venus Floral Bolero and the Cream Bow Tie Blouse is below.





Above, the current issue's front cover of
Peppermint Magazine, in which Penelope Red is featured.