New Style: The Gothic Coffee Bolero

One of my very latest styles, The Penelope Red Gothic Coffee Bolero.



This design evolved from the fabric-up. I already had the pattern, as it is the same pattern as the Venus Floral Bolero, and I had the fabric roll in my sewing room, just begging to be used. For some reason, I automatically had a vision of black lace on it some where, and then as I looked through my box of trims and things, the black velvet ribbon looked so elegant next to the lace.



Once I started to put it all together, it had a little French feel to it, a little bit of a Gothic undertone, and an Art Nouveau vibe.



The Gothic Coffee Bolero jacket is made from a very unique 100% cotton weave. The fabric has been woven into tiny diamonds, from white and coffee coloured yarns (It almost looks beige from a short distance). Then a silver foil print has been applied to the entire fabric. The silver metallic finish is noticeable, but is not something that takes over the style.



The centre front has been decorated with velvet ribbon, and a vintage black nylon lace. The front meets edge to edge, and little black buttons and hand-stitched loops helps to fasten the bolero.



The jacket has been fully lined with a polyester lining.



I will be placing this bolero in the Penelope Red Etsy shop very soon. I hope to get some amazing photos with a proper model very soon!

The Black Rose Jade Dress

Introducing the Black Rose Jade Green Dress, the latest style from Penelope Red- I literally finished making it two days ago. This is the same pattern/style as the Black Rose Red Dress that was really popular a few weeks ago at the markets .


I LOVE this colour!!! I have to admit, when I was deciding on the colour, I was a little hesitant, but then I received some assurance from a few lovely ladies, and now I am so glad I made it in this Jade Green colour! (One for me, one for the shop-I am so bad!) As soon as I tried it on, I knew I had to keep one.

The black accentuates the colour even further, as well as adding a little extra Penelope Red feel to it!


I decided to show you a few simple ways in which you can wear this great style. As it really is quite versatile. When some people look at bright colours, they think they are limited to one or two colours. I say you are only limited to your imagination!

I could really imagine this dress with a gorgeous red or pink printed bolero- I just need to find the fabric people!


One of the many great things about this design is that it is so comfortable, and the fabric is so soft (it is made from a rayon elastane knit or jersey)- there are no excuses for needing to wear tights or jeans etc. any more!

Wear it with boots, tights and a big overcoat when it gets cooler; wear it with strappy heels and a full brim hat on the bright spring days.

I decided to make this dress a mid-calf length as full length is a little predictable (and it doesn't suit some of the shorter ladies), and I have done many knee length dresses. I have long legs- so it looks more knee length on me, but for most, this is a mid calf length.


This dress has 6 pleats on the front, and 6 pleats on the back, all spread around the waist. You can have the choice of wearing a great belt around your waist to accentuate it even further. I love wearing a bright contrast- it draws the eye straight to the waist.


Please note, all of these photos were taken outside, in natural lighting, as I wanted to show you the true colour of this beautiful dress. The only photo shop I have applied to these images is cropping.

I currently have this dress in a US size 4, 6, 8 or 10 or an Australian size 8, 10, 12 and 14. If you would like to enquire about this style, please email me: designer@penelopered.com.au

New Style: The Black Rose Red Dress

Introducing the latest Penelope Red Style! The Black Rose Red Dress!



I wore this dress out in the city last night, and I felt so glamorous, but yet so comfortable and practical! I think I have found my latest favourite dress to wear!



The reason why it is so comfortable is that the dress is made from a bright red rayon/elastane knit. The fabric drapes beautifully, there is no need for ironing (except for maybe sometimes around the neckline after you have washed it), and the dress has a full skirt falling from the waist (which is still made from the knit fabric), so you can eat as much as you want, and never have a tight waist band.



The reason why it is so glamorous is basically because it is a very classic shape. People at the markets say it is a very 30's and 40's shape- an era of fashion which I love!



This dress is meant to show off your figure, and mainly your waist; there are six pleats that are evenly divided around the front waist, and then six pleats around the back waist. They then fall out below your waist into the full skirt. I think because the pleats highlight the bust and waist so much, I decided that a modest boat neck would be best- and I think it balances out the hips and full skirt nicely. As it is coming into winter, the 3/4 sleeves add some extra warmth.



I only have enough fabric to make 10 of these. I have already sold six of them too! I basically have run out of fabric, and my wholesaler is not making more in this colour. I will be however making this dress in a black with cream lace, and perhaps a turquoise green with black lace.

I will be selling all of these dresses at The Rocks Markets in the coming months.



Each dress is slightly different to the next as I have hand stitched the lace on each individually in a random fashion. They all have it placed around the boat neck.




If you would like to enquire about this dress or the coming colour variations, please email me at designer@penelopered.com.au