Ms. Red Flashback part 8: photos of my previous work

This was the first ever professional photo shoot that featured my Penelope Red designs. It was so exciting to see my designs come alive in front of the camera, and it gave me the confidence to start dreaming BIG!


The designs featured in this collection are a part of "The Red Sun Collection", which can be found on the Penelope Red Website.


I am currently organising another shoot for the Spring/Summer Collection for 2011-2012, and it is nice to look back and see where the Penelope Red photo shoots started.


I was lucky to work with some very talented people in this shoot:

Photography: Milena from I Love Wednesdays
MUA: Nat Biller Make Up
Model: Amy Lyn Cage


The designs included in this collection:

Photo 1- Coral Kimono

Photo 2- Tokyo Sydney Wrap Around Catsuit in a floral print

Photo 3- Monet Printed Pleated Blouse & White Flared Shorts

Photo 4- Black on Black Bustier Top & Mint Blue Skies Skirt

Photo 5- Orange Floral Corset

Photo 6- Paris Bow Top

Photo 7- Vintage Printed Kimono

All of these designs have been sold out- of course- and I have created more exciting designs since. You can find more designs available to purchase in the Penelope Red Australian Dollar Big Cartel Online Shop or the American Dollar USD Etsy Online Shop.

More Customer Photos!

A friend, who happens to be one of my best customers, had a short break in Port Macquarie over the Easter long weekend. She took her Penelope Red wardrobe with her, and was very thoughtful to have taken some photos to share with me and the world!

Above, Leanne (RHS) is wearing the Paris Cowl Neck Top, in Red and Black.


Leanne is wearing in the photo above, the Kir Royale Kimono and the Olive Hathor Pants- soon to be added to my etsy shop online, and the bigcartel shop.


Next, Leanne is wearing the Black Gold Kimono, with the White Russian Mini Skirt.



The last photo, Leanne is wearing the Black and White Bow Tie Blouse. I only made 4 copies of this top, and they are all gone! The Black Chiffon Bow Tie Top is similar and is available in the Penelope Red Australian Dollar online shop, on bigcartel.

It is such a pleasure to see my customers enjoying their Penelope Red purchases- I really don't like the idea of my designs collecting dust in the wardrobe of my customers! If you have previously bought a Penelope Red design, and have a photo of you enjoying life in it and would like to share it, please email me at designer@penelopered.com.au

The Paris Cowl Neck Top in Navy Blue and Red Jersey

I finally got my act together yesterday- I was inspired by the beautiful weather and thought it was a good opportunity to take the much needed photos of the latest Penelope Red designs.

Besides... it is a perfect excuse to get all dressed up, put on the make-up and feel glamorous even while being at home!

So, I can now introduce to you The Paris Cowl Neck Top, handmade from a jersey knit fabric in Navy Blue and Bright Red.



The style is based on the popular Pink Candy Stripe Cowl Neck Top, just in different colours.



I originally planned to add a random selection of white buttons to one side of the cowl, but people seem to like the top the way it already is, so I have left it. What do you think?



When taking the photos, I really like wearing it with the Olive Hathor pants- I know it isn't what you would assume would look great with it, but somehow it works! I like how the top tucked into the pants has a more vintage look to it, rather than worn with just a pair of jeans, but as they say... each to their own!



The red cowl neck on this style is quite dramatic and has a full drape, while the navy blue body creates a slim silhouette.

Whenever I design my styles, I always think about what would flatter the female shape the best. There are too many designers out there who seem to forget about flattering the female form, which I guess this is why I aspire to the old-fashioned designers, rather than to the new. They simply knew how to dress a lady back then!



I guess you could say my Paris Cowl Neck Top is yet another design that I have adapted from a vintage inspiration, and made it a modern design. Wear it with jeans and ballet flats for a modern and casual look; wear it with a high waisted skirt or one of my High Waisted Pencil Pants and heels for a vintage twist on a modern design!

You can buy the Paris Cowl Neck Top online in AUD (Australian Dollars) or USD (American Dollars).

Ms. Red Flashback Part 2: photos of my work from previous years.

A few days ago, I added some photos of my work from previous years (part 1). I had a few positive comments from a some friends and customers, so I thought I might continue to add more "Ms. Red Flashbacks".

Above, the model wears the Summer Brights Corset and Bright Green Flared Pants.



I always loved creating flared pants and corsets, but the Be My Baby Dress above was a completely new style for me when it came out. A very 60's inspired style, and since the waist line finished just under the bust, it made the wearer's legs long very long!





All of these photos were taken by Milena from I Love Wednesdays, and make up was done by Nat Biller.



I now sell my latest designs at the Rocks Markets, Sydney or you can buy Penelope Red online. To find out more information, please visit the Penelope Red website.

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 Adele Multi-Coloured Halter Top

Yesterday I added the latest design to the Penelope Red Australian Dollar Online Shop (bigcartel), the Adele Multi-coloured Halter Top.



This halter top has been handmade from a beautiful bright and soft cotton fabric in deep jewel colours of plum, cream, grey, blue, green, lime, aqua, red, brown. It is a 100% polished cotton.

This is part of the latest Penelope Red Autumn 2011 Collection.



I think it is important to have as many photos as possible when selling online, as people can't see a 3-d item in front of them, so they need the photos to create an image in their head... so here they are!



All of my halter tops, including this one, are fully lined. You can wear this with or without a strapless bra. In the photos shown, a strapless bra is being worn.



The Adele Halter Top has been handmade by myself, Penelope, in Sydney, and I will be making a small quantity of this design- around 15 copies. I love giving a uniqueness to my designs, and ensuring that my customers have something special to every one else!

If you would like to buy this top, please look at the Penelope Red Australian Dollar Shop Online here: http://penelopered.bigcartel.com/product/adele-multi-coloured-halter-top

Creating the new Autumn Collection Part 2: The Judith Dress

Introducing the latest Penelope Red design... The Black and Gold Stripe Judith Dress. I am very proud of this design- the fabric is perfect in this style as it drapes beautifully, and the black and gold metallic stripes contrast well witht he black textured stripe.



This style mixes the Penelope Red Blue Skies Skirt and the White, Orange and Black Pop Dress together- two styles that I love, and I wanted to do more with.


This style is fully lined, has an invisible zip at centre back, exaggerated waist as the hips are quite full, a neck that curves around at the back, and a square neckline which I find is flattering on a lot of people.




The metallic sheen gives this dress a sophisticated and different edge to the design, but the dark colour and comfort of the dress means that you can wear this to the office.


It will be added to the Penelope Red Australian Shop Online very soon!

New Australian Dollar Penelope Red Shop Online

I have some exciting news! I have recently opened a new Penelope Red online shop! This new shop's currency is in Australian Dollars AUD.



So now, you have a choice of paying for Penelope Red online in either Australian Dollars or in U.S. Dollars USD.

The Penelope Red Australian Dollar shop online will highlight the Southern Hemisphere's coming Autumn and Winter, and the Penelope Red American Dollar shop online will highlight the Northern Hemisphere's coming Spring and Summer. Currently since the season's are transitioning there is a mixture of both.

To pay for any of the designs in both shops, customers can use their own paypal account- so all transactions are done securely and safely.

Take a look at the Penelope Red Australian Dollar shop online here.

Amore Frizzante Pink and White Blouse

Introducing the very latest Penelope Red design, the Amore Frizzante Pink and White Blouse! I just finished creating a size 10 and size 12 last Friday, and these are a few quick shots I took while I was making it, and once it was finished.




Decorating the front bust seam with the lace. On this design I have used a number of textures/fabrics. The waist area is made from a white and pink cotton check, which I bought from San Francisco (USA), and the bust and neck area is made from a vintage white polyester jacquard.



The lace I have used in this design is a vintage hand-crocheted lace- very beautiful and delicate! I have also added a lovely soft pink bias binding to the edges.


Below, the back before I have sewn it to the front. I like to make sure the back is always as interesting and flattering as the front! The shape at the back is moulded nicely to the curve of a woman's figure, while not being too huggy.



Placing the invisible zip in the side, above. Below, sewing the lining pieces together. This design is fully lined with a salmon coloured silk/cotton.



The armhole and neckline are bound together with the satin binding. Above you can see the lining attached, and the zipper open to expose in the inside of the blouse- as you can see a very neat finish!


Close up of the front and back.





Now for a few photos of it on someone... me!


I am really loving this blouse with this skirt, the Black and White Check Fluted Skirt. Since I already have the skirt, I may just need to keep a copy of this blouse too!



I have also added another style to the Penelope Red shop online, the blue and yellow Bellini Blouse- same shape, just different colours.