Polka Dot Peplum

You better get some (peplum).

Peplum is no spring chicken, for it has been around the block (and then some) with origins dating back to the 1800s. It became in vogue in the 1940s, and had resurgence again in the 1980s. With each decade, the peplum reinvented itself into different forms, but by definition, it has always stayed the same: a peplum is a short piece of fabric attached to the waist of a jacket, dress, or blouse, and is usually gathered or pleated to create some volume.


Only time will tell whether it falls off the fashion radar again. Nevertheless, I will always love peplum. It is one those style elements that seem to be universally flattering on all body types as long as the right length and volume is chosen. Peplum minimizes the waist and celebrates a woman’s curvy hips, making any outfit fun, flirty, and feminine.

What does one wear with peplum? Since it is nipped in at the natural waist, and flares with such flounce, the peplum is best balanced out with something high waisted and slim and trim for the bottom.

This top lent from my friends at Lalakitty hit all the right notes. The combination of polka dots, peplum, and low revealing back makes me feel demure and alluring at the same time. Lalakitty is offering Chic Vic readers 20% off your entire order – just use code CHICVIC20 and you too could be peplumming.

I paired the top with my sweetheart locket necklace, my favorite pair of high waisted jeans, and a pop of red in my belt and flower corsage. Add a headscarf knotted in the front and a sexy pair of peep-toe pumps and you can call me a bona fide pin up girl.

Watch them boys don’t know how to act cause this top puts the “back” into sexy back. But I ain’t no hollaback girl though.


Lalakitty peplum top / Levis jeans (similar jeans) / Vince Camuto pumps (similar pumps) / vintage clutch (similar clutch) / vintage locket (similar locket) / vintage earrings (similar earrings) / polka dot scarf (similar scarf)

Tribal Baubles

Greasy sunscreen, the smell of charcoal, and the taste of burnt hot dogs. Not wanting my finest frocks to smell like barbeque, what should I wear?

I decided to go with one of my favorite tops for the summer, a vintage Leslie Fay knit. I opted out of wearing a belt at the peplum to make way for more food in my tummy, although now I have stylist’s remorse for putting my appetite before my fashion sense. To spruce up the pallid top, I added some colorful tribal jewelry collected from my past world travels. Every time I put on this necklace, I am reminded of the sights, the food, and the people of the village from where I skillfully bargained for it.

Never mind the onlookers behind me, and the smell of barbeque wafting through the air, I attempted to find my Zen in a shady spot under the trees. The hues of blue-greens in the necklace and bracelet helped calm my soul on a beautiful summer day.

If only I didn’t go for seconds, I would’ve achieved the perfect lotus pose.

Summatime