My Lindy Bop Dresses

So, I've wanted a Lindy Bop dress for a looong time. I've put it off because I was unsure which size I'd take, blah, blah, blah. Then I got an email notification last year to say the dress I'd lusted after for so long was back in stock (and in the sale), so I knew now was the time to take the plunge.

It was the blue Antoinette, which isn't available now, though the Lisette would be the updated version (available in blue or black lace). I ordered a size 20 and though it fitted, I was a little disappointed with it. The dress itself is beautiful and such good quality, that you wouldn't believe how cheap it was (even at full price). There's so much fabric in that skirt, it's amazing! When I tried it on, it just wasn't quite right. The waist sits high on your natural waist and with my big boobs, that's pretty much just under my bust. At which point that full skirt starts. So it disguises my small waist and just made me feel tent-ish to be honest! I had been planning on wearing it at Christmas but didn't feel good in it, so wore something else instead.
Come new year, I decided it was a waste just hanging there and decided to give it another go. It needs a belt, something to bring it in and define that small part, at which point I'm more than happy for the full swishy-ness of the skirt. It's got a bow on the back waist, so I wasn't sure a wide belt would work, yet that's what was needed because a thin one would sit below the waist seam and just look silly. The widest belt I have is this one and I personally hate black with blue, but tried it anyway and it really helped. It somehow managed to slip under the bow, cover the waist seam and pull me in, defining my waist and stopping the 'marquee' look, flowing from the bust! I'm much happier in it now, I just need this belt in another colour! It's got a bit of an odd high square neckline, perhaps not the most flattering on someone with a large chest, but I can live with that.  Shame I didn't take before and after shots to prove the difference the belt made, but trust me I looked like a whale.  
I also picked up another sale dress, Wilma in a size 20. This is a wiggle dress and unfortunately was just tighter than I'd be comfortable in (around the middle), though a good fit elsewhere. So I think a 20 works for me in the swing dress, but the pencil ones I'd size up to a 22 to avoid VBO (visible belly outline). At least judging from these two. I'm a sucker for heart prints, so it's a pity this one wasn't any good. The bodice is lined and features a gorgeous collar and little heart buttons. I had this in my basket again at the weekend, when I placed another order. FYI (and I'm not an affiliate for them), there's 10% off site wide and it's been extended until midnight tomorrow (Tuesday 3rd), just enter PAYDAY10. I desperately wanted the new Doris wiggle dresses £29.99, the moment I saw them and they'd not been included in the discount codes before Christmas, so I got them this time. I ordered the blue and black, in a 22. Hopefully they won't be too big-I've never actually needed a 22 in anything before, so we shall see.  The floral prints are just so cheerful, especially that gorgeous sky-blue.  
I also thought the Holly in classic floral £34.99 was lovely, so ordered that in a 20. The neutral colours of the print mean it can be brightened up with almost any colour, so I think it's a shoe lovers paradise!  I imagine all of my Vivienne Westwood/Melissa 'Lady Dragon' slingbacks will look good with this.  
Finally, I added the Vivi in yellow floral £34.99 (size 20) to my basket. I can't tell you how long I've wanted this dress. This and the original turquoise floral Ophelia (which I'm now thinking would be too 'booby' for me). It's one of the prettiest dresses I've ever seen and this is coming from someone who isn't particularly fond of yellow. It's just such a happy dress, I love it and really hope it fits.
I wanted a ton more, like I say the Wilma was an option, but also the navy floral Vivi, leopard collar Deanna wiggle, every Audrey and Lana, the skirts...yeah I could go on. However this little lot was all I could afford this time.  I hope my links are working, because I'm getting 'uh oh' messages on their site just now (seems to do that to me sometimes).  Anyway, most styles go up to a 22, some to a 26, so that's good for us plus size ladies. I knew once I bought one, I'd be hooked and that's perhaps partly why I was so apprehensive to begin with! On the retro theme, I've not yet bought anything from Collectif, but they've also been my obsession recently.  I spend hours just staring at what I could buy if money were no object!!  Do you have to pick sides with Lindy Bop v Collectif though or can you like both? Reminds me of the *NSync and Backstreet Boys days or Take That and NKOTB!  I'm expecting my order to arrive tomorrow, so I'll let you know how I get on with the sizing of these ones. That's another thing, delivery is super quick and cheap at just £1.95 (1st class) and returning was easy enough (though you have to pay return postage, exchanges are sent out free of charge).  Have you got any Lindy Bop in your wardrobe? I know there are die-hard fans with oodles! Please share with us, how you find the fit.