If you have any qualms about investing in the Laura Byrnes Gilda Gown by Pinupgirl Clothing do it! Seriously, this dress made me feel like a million bucks and the amount of comments I got while wearing it were astounding.

I was torn between getting a large in this dress at the time because these dresses run a little smaller and the built-in bengaline shaper is definitely tight. I chose the medium in favour of having a more impressive cleavage and mark my words you won’t need a bra for this dress if you ensure the sizing just right.

I decided to go for the black version even though I was quite partial to the leopard print one. I figured that I’d get more wear out of it and as I liked the classic Hollywood glamour of this shade.

For its first outing I went to the Cicada Club – wow what an experience! This place is a 1920s art deco dream and was even better in real life than I could have hoped. Seeing really is believing. There’s a few pictures in this blog for your viewing pleasure.

The Cicada is also used at the Hotel Cortez in American Horror Story Hotel – another reason to love this place. The night we attended Richard Halpern was the main source of entertainment and we indulged in a tasty three course meal, surprisingly the Gilda Gown managed to uphold the strain from the delicious eats.

Next time I wear it on home soil I might enhance the shape with a corset or shapewear underneath which I know Miss Victory Violet did when she wore hers to beautiful affect.

This dress might be pricey but it’s definitely an investment piece that you’ll go back to time and time again. I felt like I stepped out of a movie that evening: the atmosphere of the Cicada, my lovely company (in the form of my boyfriend) and the dress were a match that I’m not sure will ever be beaten. Keep your eyes peeled on the Pinup Girl Clothing website because sometimes the shorter versions are on sale.