Joie De Vivre: Design Inspiration and Size Guide

Ah, joie de vivre—those three little words that sparkle like champagne bubbles, swirling with romance, adventure, and just a hint of mischief. It’s the art of living beautifully, the feeling of a warm breeze through Parisian streets, the thrill of a Vespa ride past the Colosseum (Audrey would approve!). It’s twirling in a dress that makes you feel like the heroine of your own story—effortlessly elegant, impossibly chic, and just a touch rebellious.

And that, darling Kitten, is exactly what our 'Joie De Vivre' collection is all about!

A Parisian Dream, Wrapped in Vintage Charm

Imagine this: a sun-dappled café terrace, a perfectly frothed café crème in hand, and you—draped in the kind of vintage glamour that turns heads. The 'Joie De Vivre' collection is a love letter to classic femininity, infused with a French sensibility that whispers je ne sais quoi. It’s Audrey Hepburn skipping through Montmartre in a tea-length dress, Brigitte Bardot basking in the Saint-Tropez sun, Catherine Deneuve wrapped in elegance with a knowing smile.

From cinched waists to delicate camisole ties, these silhouettes celebrate every curve with a nod to the charm of the 1950s. Picture corset-inspired bodices that flatter with ease, airy vintage embroidered cotton, and details so dreamy they could make even the Eiffel Tower sigh.

But joie de vivre is also about the rush of trying something new. Like hopping on a Vespa, holding on tight, and racing through the streets with laughter spilling into the warm summer air. It’s a little daring, a little unexpected, and oh-so-much fun—just like the perfect dress!

The Secret to French-Girl Glamour? Confidence (And a Great Dress!)

No one does effortless quite like the French, and this collection invites you to channel your inner Parisienne with ease.

Just add:
✨ A swipe of bold red lipstick (because darling, you’re unforgettable!)
✨ Heels that click elegantly on cobblestone streets (or ballet flats for a rendezvous on the Seine!)
✨ A rose tucked into your hair (just in case a handsome artist asks to paint your portrait!)

And if you’ve ever had a beautiful new haircut, you’ll know the sheer delight of that first glance in the mirror—the way it makes you feel refreshed, radiant, and ready for a little adventure. Whether it’s a daring pixie cut or just the lightest trim, there’s something magical about a fresh look that feels just right. And darling, slipping into a dress that brings you joy has the very same effect.

And voilà! You're not just wearing a dress—you’re living the story.

La Vie est Belle—Dress Accordingly!

Fashion should never be just about what you wear—it’s about how you live. The 'Joie De Vivre' collection is made for twirling down grand boulevards, sipping champagne at sunset, and finding adventure in the most unexpected places. Whether you’re strolling through the Sunday markets, laughing under a striped parasol, or dancing in your kitchen with the radio turned just a little too loud, this collection is your perfect companion.

And if all else fails, there’s always gelato on the Spanish Steps, sunlight warming your face, a spoon in one hand, and absolutely no rush to be anywhere. That, Kitten, is the essence of 'joie de vivre'.

A Special Treat from Our Kittens…

But of course, seeing is believing…

Our darling Kittens of Kitten D’Amour have been slipping into these divine designs just for you—twirling, posing, and giving each ensemble a moment in the spotlight. From dreamy rosettes to flowy silhouettes that would make any Parisienne swoon, we can’t wait for you to see these looks come to life.

So tell me, Kitten… are you ready to embrace your joie de vivre?

Slip into Kitten D’Amour, let your hair down, and chase life’s little pleasures with a wink and a smile. After all, as Audrey herself once said—Paris is always a good idea. 💋

Jackie Kitten (Bust 79cm / Waist 71cm / Hip 101cm / Height 164cm)

'Joie De Vivre' Corset – Size Small:
For the small-busted Kittens (B cup and below), size small fits snugly—beautifully structured but firm. Those with a larger bust may find this a tighter fit (perhaps sizing up is a good idea!). The cropped corset style is divine—pair it with the tea skirt for that “swept away in a 1950s love story” look, or dress it down with jeans for a modern touch. And the red velvet ribbon? Utterly romantic!

'Joie De Vivre' Tea Skirt – Size 8:
A true-to-size, ultra-comfortable fit in a classic tea-length—what’s not to love? The pockets (yes, pockets!) make it both practical and utterly charming. Light, easy to style, and perfect for anything from a market stroll to a moonlit dance, this skirt is pure Parisian romance in fabric form.

'Joie De Vivre' Maxi Dress – Size 8:
Ah, this dress is a dream! The cut and neckline? Perfection. The waist fit? True to size for a comfortable wear, with a little extra room around the shoulders for movement (perfect for an impromptu twirl!). The length? Just right! The belt is a fabulous touch—not just flattering but also a versatile piece to mix and match with other outfits. And let’s not forget the delicate detailing around the bust, adding that extra touch of romance. Jackie wore her regular size 8 in this design.

'Joie De Vivre' Playsuit – Size 8:
For those who love a roomier fit, a size 8 is just right (especially if you appreciate a little extra torso length!). The peasant sleeves and neckline add a dreamy vintage feel—like something you’d wear while sipping espresso on a sun-drenched Parisian terrace. A belt is essential to cinch the waist for shape, giving it that effortlessly chic silhouette.

Final Thoughts: Jackie has spoken, Kittens! And her verdict? The 'Joie de Vivre' collection is as dreamy as a Parisian summer night. Now, which piece will you be twirling in first? 💋

Kay Kitten (Bust: 79cm / Waist: 65.5cm / Hip: 91cm / Height: 172cm) 

What a beautifully bright summer collection! Kay felt like a vintage, cottage-core Pinterest board come to life. Graceful yet sweet, the ‘Joie De Vivre’ Collection is a wonderfully vibrant yet modest line. She adores the colour palette and notes how this would be universally flattering for everyone. Dress this beautiful collection up by pairing it with its made-to-match accessories and shoes, or maintain its sweet subtle charm by pairing it with classic accessories and shoes.

'Joie De Vivre' Cardigan - Size XS:
Kay found the ‘Joie De Vivre’ Cardigan in an XS to be extremely comfortable with just the right amount of stretch, making it a perfect fit. The 3/4 sleeves are ideal for the upcoming cool weather or brisk evenings. She loves the hand-stitched roses detailing on the front, which adds a delightful touch to this already adorably sweet design.

'Joie De Vivre' Maxi Dress - Size 4:
The maxi dress was a wonderful fit—firm yet breathable. Kay adores the delicate lace trim along the décolletage, complemented by a sweet red bow as the finishing touch. She paired the maxi dress with the lovely ‘Joie De Vivre’ cardigan.

'Joie De Vivre' Ruffle Top (Size 4):
The 'Joie De Vivre' Ruffle Top features a romantic design with puffed short sleeves, pairing perfectly with the Tea Skirt. Kay chose her usual size, as this top has plenty of stretch, allowing it to sculpt her torso.

'Joie De Vivre' Tea Skirt (Size 4):
This skirt is a cottage-core dream come true. Kay found it incredibly romantic and true to size. There is no stretch in the waistband of this fabric. She felt like she was in a fairytale in this ensemble, especially with how the skirt caught the wind. Pair it with a daring 'Vixen' Shoe in Red, or go for a softer look with the 'Vixen' Shoe in Pearl.

'Joie De Vivre' Day Dress (Size 4):
Kay wore the 'Joie De Vivre' Day Dress in her usual size 4 and notes that, just like the Maxi Dress, the fit is firm yet allows room for comfort. Accompanied by adjustable straps, this dress ensures that everything is secure and looks lovely. The belt adds a delightful cinching effect, while the tea length falls below the knee for Kay.

Mandie Kitten (Bust 103cm / Waist 81cm / Hip 111cm / Height: 168cm)

‘Joie de Vivre’ Day Dress – Size 10:
My absolute favourite! The ruffle details on the bust and shoulders add the perfect touch of femininity (just the right amount of romance!). The tea-length skirt is effortlessly graceful, making this dress my top pick from the collection. It’s one of those pieces that instantly makes you feel like the leading lady in a vintage love story!

‘Joie De Vivre’ Cardigan – Size Small:
Oh, the details on this cardigan—simply to die for! The delicate roses add the perfect finishing touch, making this a must-have layering piece. I love my cardigans with a snug, fitted feel, and the small was just perfect for this. A charming little number to complete any Joie de Vivre look!

Joie de Vivre Maxi Dress – Size 10:
Oh, this dress! The cut and neckline details are absolutely divine, adding just the right touch of elegance. The tiered skirt brings such a dreamy, romantic flow—every step feels like a scene from a classic film. The fit? Perfection! A dress made for twirling under twinkling lights! Mandie wears her regular size 10 in this design.

‘Joie de Vivre’ Playsuit – Size 10:
As a pear-shaped Kitten, Mandie initially thought she’d need a size 12, but the 10 fit like a dream—thanks to that little extra room in the hips. The length was just right, giving a polished yet playful silhouette. If you have a longer torso, you may want to size up, but for Mandie, this was a delightful surprise!

‘Joie de Vivre’ Tea Skirt – Size 12:
The size 12 was just right, sitting comfortably at the waist while keeping that classic vintage silhouette. The tea-length cut is effortlessly elegant, and the delicate front detailing is simply exquisite. The fabric is light, airy, and oh-so-romantic—perfect for sun-drenched afternoons and moonlit strolls alike!

Leila Kitten (Bust: 105cm / Waist: 77cm / Hip: 105cm / Height: 176cm)

‘Joie De Vivre’ Button-Front Blouse – Size 12:
A vintage classic! This fits true to size with no stretch, so if you have a larger bust or prefer extra room, sizing up may be best. The tie detail in the back cinches the waist beautifully (oh-so-flattering!), and the frilled cap sleeves? Absolute perfection!

‘Joie De Vivre’ Tea Skirt – Size 10:
Leila sized down to a 10 for a firm, structured waist, and it was just right! The tea-length cut is elegant, pairing perfectly with the button-front blouse for a classic French-inspired look. The fabric is light, breezy, and ideal for warm days—whether you’re off to a picnic, a café date, or twirling under the sun just because you can.

‘Joie De Vivre’ Maxi Dress – Size 12:
If joie de vivre could be stitched into fabric, it would look like this dress! True to size and Leila's absolute favourite piece from the collection. The tiered skirt feels so luxurious yet light enough for a summer’s day. The square neckline is beautifully flattering, sitting firmly across the bust (since there’s no stretch), and the belt was the perfect finishing touch.

‘Joie de Vivre’ Playsuit – Size 12:
A little vintage, a little flirty—this playsuit is pure joie de vivre! Leila’s usual size 12 fit like a dream. She found it snug across the bust, as there is no stretch, but the shorts are roomy with a wider leg, giving that perfect balance of structure and ease. And paired with the sweetheart belt in red? Simply magnifique! An outfit made for sunshine, spontaneity, and maybe even a gelato stop (or two!).

Millie Kitten (Bust: 94cm / Waist: 68.5cm / Hip: 103.5cm / Height: 160cm) 

‘Joie De Vivre’ Corset – Size Medium:
Millie slipped into her usual size Medium and found the fit to be just perfect—structured yet comfortable, with just the right amount of adjustability for that classic cinched-waist silhouette. A vintage dream, effortlessly flattering and oh-so-chic!

‘Joie De Vivre’ Tea Skirt – Size 6:
With a beautifully flowing drape, this skirt fits Millie like a dream. The length was just right, striking that perfect balance between elegance and ease. And the pockets? Simply marvellous! A touch of practicality wrapped in pure vintage romance.

‘Joie De Vivre’ Playsuit – Size 4:
For this design, Millie sized down to a 4, achieving a perfectly tailored fit at the waist. The trade-off? A slightly snugger fit at the bust, but nothing that took away from the charm of this darling piece. She adored the delicate frills and the overall romantic theme of the collection—every detail whispering of classic femininity and effortless grace.

Sarah Kitten (Bust 84cm / Waist 67cm / Hip 89cm / Height 175cm)

‘Joie De Vivre’ Day Dress – Size 4:
With its ruching for a flexible fit, Sarah sized down to a 4 and found it just right. The flattering neckline cut is a standout feature, effortlessly framing the shoulders for an elegant, feminine look. She found it similar in fit to the ‘Wish You Were Here’ Belted Full Dress, but just a touch longer—perfect for twirling through a sun-drenched afternoon!

‘D’Amour’ 3/4 Sleeve Cardigan (Red) – Size XS:
A classic staple! The XS fit true to size, hugging just right for that vintage-inspired look. Sarah’s favourite detail? The dainty frill around the wrists—a charming little touch that elevates this piece from simple to simply divine.

‘Joie de Vivre’ Cardigan – Size XS:
A similar fit to the beloved red cardigan, the XS was just right for a beautifully tailored shape. But the real highlight? Those vintage-inspired rose details! Utterly timeless and oh-so-romantic.

‘Joie De Vivre’ Corset Top – Size XS:
A perfect fit for petite Kittens, Sarah found her regular size XS ideal for a smaller bust. She does recommend sizing up for a fuller chest. The delicate bow detail adds a sweet vintage touch, giving this corset top that effortlessly chic Parisian feel.

‘Joie De Vivre’ Tea Skirt – Size 6:
True to size with a snug, structured fit, this tea-length skirt sat beautifully at the waist. And the best part? Pockets! A must-have for any vintage-loving Kitten (because style and practicality should always go hand in hand!).