Mon Amour: Vintage Design Inspiration and Size Guide
There is something undeniably romantic about a vintage handwritten letter.
Long before messages arrived in an instant, every declaration of love took time. Words were chosen carefully. Ink dried slowly. Envelopes were sealed with wax, scented with perfume, tucked into pockets and hidden between the pages of favourite books. Some travelled across oceans. Others only crossed a ballroom. Many were never meant to be found.
History is filled with extraordinary love letters. Héloïse and Abelard wrote to one another across the walls that separated them. Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Robert Browning fell in love through hundreds of letters before they ever built a life together. Every page carried anticipation, longing and hope because once a letter was sent, there was nothing left to do but wait.
Every folded page held possibility. Every carefully chosen word risked heartbreak. Every sealed envelope carried hope. There was no instant reply. No reassuring little notification.
Just silence, anticipation, and the delicious uncertainty of whether your heart would be returned.
There is romance in the waiting, and that feeling is the heart of 'Mon Amour', our newest vintage-inspired fashion collection.
If you look closely at the print, you'll notice delicate handwritten script drifting quietly beneath the florals. It isn't there to be read. It is there to be discovered. A flourish of ink. The beginning of a sentence. A signature almost hidden beneath sapphire roses. It invites you to lean closer, yet never quite reveals the whole story. We rather like that. Some things should remain a mystery.
Rich sapphire blues dissolve into deep violets, echoing the colours of twilight settling over an old garden. Painterly florals bloom across the fabric, butterflies drift between forgotten ribbons, and every detail feels as though it has lived another life before finding its way here.
'Mon Amour' doesn't belong to one particular era. Instead, it borrows beautiful moments from many. The romance of the Victorian letter writer. The elegance of the Belle Époque. The luminous beauty of the Pre-Raphaelite heroines, whose stories unfolded among flowers, flowing fabrics and longing glances.
A Modern Love Affair with Vintage Fashion
Liquid satin catches the light in shades of sapphire, plum and midnight. Lace brings softness, velvet ribbon adds a sense of romance, subtle pinstripes introduce quiet confidence and touches of vegan leather remind us that love stories aren't always sweet. Together, those textures create a collection of vintage-inspired clothing that feels as though it has been gathered over time rather than designed all at once, with every piece adding another chapter to the same beautiful story.
Of course, no two love stories are ever quite the same, and neither are the women who wear them. Whether you love an elegant wiggle dress, a flowing full skirt or beautifully tailored separates, every silhouette tells its own story.
The 'Mon Amour' Opera Dress belongs to the woman who glides into a room as though she's been there all along, all graceful movement and dramatic florals, while the 'Mon Amour' Wiggle Dress takes a quieter (but no less dramatic!) approach. It skims every curve, defines the waist and always manages to steal the scene.
For those who love beautifully tailored vintage fashion, the Pinstripe Cape Coat paired with the Belted Pinstripe Wiggle Skirt offers a different kind of allure altogether. The pinstripe feels polished and confident, while vegan leather trims and the hidden floral lining soften every edge, creating an outfit that is equal parts sophistication and intrigue.
Perhaps that's what we love most about 'Mon Amour'. It isn't trying to dress one particular woman. Instead, it celebrates all of them, whether she's the one who writes the letter, the one who never quite finds the courage to send it, or the woman who smiles to herself because she already knows how the story ends.
After all, every great love story begins somewhere. Perhaps yours begins with a letter. Or perhaps... it begins with a dress. Designed in Australia for women who love vintage-inspired fashion, 'Mon Amour' is our latest love letter to romance, beautiful craftsmanship and unapologetically dressing up.
Our Kittens each found a different 'Mon Amour' design to fall in love with. Join them as they style their favourite 'Mon Amour' pieces for you.
Jackie Kitten Wears...
Jackie's Fit Snapshot
Height: 163cm
Measurements: Bust 90cm, Waist 76cm, Hip 104cm
Usually Wears: Size 8
'Mon Amour' Pinstripe Bustier Dress - Jackie wears a size 8.
I stayed with my usual size 8 and found it fitted beautifully through the waist. I'm smaller through the bust, so I had a little extra room there, but the adjustable straps made it easy to get the fit just right. Although the fabric doesn't have stretch, I was surprised by how comfortable it felt. The pockets completely won me over (they always do!) and I love the lace and button detailing on the bodice. If you have a longer torso or a fuller bust, I think you'll really love this dress. I'd wear it with the Mon Amour Pinstripe Cape Coat, black heels and, because it's me, at least one hair flower... probably two!
'Mon Amour' Opera Dress - Jackie wears a size 8.
My usual size 8 was a perfect fit and gave me a beautifully defined waist without feeling restrictive. The cotton silk fabric is incredibly light, and I may have found myself doing a little twirl because it moves so beautifully! If you're fuller through the bust, I'd consider sizing up. The layered sleeves and dramatic tiered hem were my favourite details, and I'd happily wear this to a wedding, the races or even dress it down with a cardigan and denim jacket. My navy Hello Darling heels and Carmen Short Pearls in Mauve or Blue finished the look perfectly.
'Mon Amour' Cowl Top (Navy) - Jackie wears a size 8.
I can wear either a 6 or an 8 in tops, but I chose the 8 so the cowl neckline would drape the way it was designed to. The satin feels beautiful, and I love how softly it falls across the neckline. My favourite detail is definitely the floral corsage and cascading shoulder detail. It feels so elegant without trying too hard. I'd wear it with Savannah Jeans and Vixen heels for lunch, or pair it with the Mon Amour Full Skirt when I wanted something a little dressier. I thought I'd save it just for special occasions, but I can already tell it's going to be one of those tops I reach for all the time.
'Mon Amour' Wiggle Skirt - Jackie wears a size 10.
I always wear a size 10 in our wiggle skirts, and this one fit exactly as I hoped. It hugged my curves beautifully while still being comfortable to walk in, thanks to the gorgeous lace bustle at the back. Speaking of the back... that's absolutely my favourite part! The velvet ribbon lacing and lace detailing are simply stunning. If you're curvy and love a vintage-inspired silhouette, I think you'll feel amazing in this skirt. I'd wear mine with my D'Amour Classic Cowl Top in purple, then throw on the Powder Puff Cardigan or the Mon Amour Pinstripe Cape Coat when the weather cools down.
Amy Kitten Wears...
Amy's Fit Snapshot
Height: 173cm
Measurements: Bust 110cm, Waist 85cm, Hip 118cm
Usually Wears: 12
'Mon Amour' Balloon Sleeve Camisole - Amy wears a size 12.
I stayed with my usual size 12, and although I often size up in satin tops, the stretch in this fabric meant it fitted beautifully. The crossover neckline is incredibly flattering, and I loved that the balloon sleeves felt full without being over the top.
'Mon Amour' Full Skirt - Amy wears a size 12.
The high waistband sits comfortably on my ribcage and creates such a flattering shape, especially when paired with the Balloon Sleeve Camisole. The cotton and silk fabric feels beautifully light, while the gathered hips give the skirt gorgeous fullness without needing a petticoat.
'Mon Amour' Pinstripe Bustier Dress - Amy wears a size 12.
I absolutely adore this dress! The size 12 felt firm but comfortable, and the bustier cups provided fantastic support for my fuller bust. The fitted bodice and gathered skirt create such a flattering hourglass shape, while the subtle purple pinstripe feels sophisticated without losing that signature Kitten romance. I'd finish the look with the Purple Twin Hair Bows and Velvet Choker... I honestly think this might become my new signature outfit!
'Mon Amour' Print Blouse - Amy wears a size 12.
I found this blouse true to size, and one thing I really appreciated was the sleeve cuffs. I often find this style a little snug around my upper arms, but these were comfortable and easy to move in. The back waist tie lets you adjust the fit to suit your shape, while the floral print, ruffles and little bows make it feel beautifully feminine. I know I'll be reaching for this one all season.
'Mon Amour' Belted Pinstripe Wiggle Skirt - Amy wears a size 16.
I sized up to a 16 in this skirt, as I found it firmer through the hips than some of our other wiggle styles. Thanks to the removable belt, I was still able to define my waist and create a lovely smooth fit. The lace-trimmed flounce is my favourite detail, and I can already picture this becoming a staple for vintage-inspired office outfits or dressed up with the matching Pinstripe Cape Coat.
Val Kitten Wears...
Val's Fit Snapshot
Height: 160cm
Measurements: Bust 95cm, Waist 73cm, Hip 103cm
Usually Wears: 10 (12 in a Wiggle)
'Mon Amour' Pinstripe Cape Coat - Val wears a size 8.
I'm an absolute sucker for capes, and anything with faux fur has my attention straight away, so this one was always going to be a favourite! I probably could have worn a 10, but I loved how the 8 gave me a more tailored shape through the waist. If you missed out on Belle Bohème, this might just be your second chance!
'Mon Amour' Balloon Sleeve Camisole - Val wears a size 10.
The fabric feels absolutely beautiful. At first I thought it might be a little roomy, but I trusted the Kitten sizing, adjusted the straps and... badda-bing, badda-boom... perfect! I love the elegant neckline and the playful sleeves. Pair it with the Mon Amour Bias Maxi Skirt and you'll be the talk of the town.
'Mon Amour' Wiggle Skirt - Val wears a size 12.
I nearly always size up in our wiggle skirts, so I chose the 12 and it fit like a glove. The moment I paired it with the matching Pinstripe Cape Coat, I felt ready for a night in the city. It's classy, feminine and definitely going straight onto my wish list.
'Mon Amour' Bias Maxi Skirt (Navy) - Val wears a size 10.
This skirt honestly feels like you're wearing nothing at all. The fabric is so light and drapes beautifully over your curves. I was a little unsure about the length at first, but once I put on my Vixen heels it all came together perfectly. (I'm sure the Vixen Petite would look just as lovely!) I already know this will be my outfit for the next family dinner.
Taylah Kitten Wears...
Taylah's Fit Snapshot
Height:169cm
Measurements: Bust 92cm, Waist 69cm, Hip 93cm
Usually Wears: 8
'Mon Amour' Wiggle Dress - Taylah wears a size 8.
I wore my usual size 8 and found it both flattering and incredibly comfortable. The fabric has a lovely weight to it, giving a smoothing effect, while the bustle makes it surprisingly easy to walk in. My favourite feature is the neckline, as I find it really suits my shape without making my shoulders look broad. If you're after something with a slightly more glamorous, date-night feel, this is the dress for you. I'd finish the look with an elegant necklace and either a sleek updo or soft curls.
'Mon Amour' Cowl Top (Print) - Taylah wears a size 8.
I wore my usual size 8 in the Cowl Top and was really impressed with the support. As an 8DD, I felt comfortable wearing it without a bra, although one could easily be hidden if you preferred. The satin feels beautiful against your skin, and I love how weightless it is to wear. My favourite thing about this top is how versatile it is. I'd happily wear it to the office with tailored pieces or dress it up for a special occasion. To really show off the neckline, I'd wear my hair up with a beautiful hair flower.
'Mon Amour' Bias Maxi Skirt (Print) - Taylah wears a size 6.
I actually sized down to the 6 in this skirt because I preferred the way it sat on my hips, and the elastic waistband was still really comfortable. The fabric is so light that it almost feels like you're wearing nothing at all, while still draping beautifully over your shape. I love that this skirt can be dressed up for a special occasion or styled more casually, so I know I'd get plenty of wear out of it. I'd pair it with the Mon Amour Print Cowl Top for a beautifully elegant look.
'Mon Amour' Day Dress - Taylah wears a size 6.
I actually sized down to the 6 in this dress, as I found it gave me a more defined shape through the bodice. It was still comfortable enough to wear all day, with a beautifully flattering fit through the top and a full skirt that moved effortlessly. My favourite detail is the built-in bolero. It adds something a little different while also giving a touch more coverage. I'd wear this with tights and a lovely pair of heels, and I think it's perfect for anyone wanting to feel elegant from morning through to evening.
What a stunning collection! The Mon Amour Day Dress has my name all over it… x
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