Keepsake: Design Inspiration and Size Guide

Model wears Keepsake Day Dress

Spring is rather a distracting season for a romantic...

The flowers come out, the afternoons grow longer, and suddenly a perfectly ordinary Sunday seems to require a pretty dress, freshly curled hair and somewhere lovely to go. Perhaps there is a picnic planned, and perhaps there is a 'certain someone' attending said picnic...entirely coincidental, naturally!


Before leaving, our heroine might slip a pretty handkerchief into her handbag. Something floral, beautifully embroidered and far too lovely for anything as practical as blowing one's nose. Perhaps it catches a dab of lipstick, a spritz of her favourite perfume or, if we're being terribly romantic about things, a happy little tear after a first kiss.


Years later, the dress may be gone, the restaurant may have changed hands and she may not even remember what they ordered, but somehow she kept the handkerchief. That's the funny thing about keepsakes. We rarely know we're making one at the time. 🌸

A Little Square of Romance

Handkerchiefs were once an everyday essential, but the prettiest ones were far too lovely to be merely practical. Embroidered with flowers and initials, edged in lace or delicately scented with perfume, they were tucked into handbags alongside lipstick and powder compacts.


By the nineteenth century, printed guides described a supposed “language of the handkerchief”, where a fold, flourish or carefully dropped hankie could send a secret message to an admirer. Whether it really worked is another matter, but dropping your prettiest handkerchief for a handsome gentleman to retrieve does have a certain appeal!


By the 1950s, handkerchiefs had become colourful little works of art, covered in roses and forget-me-nots, gingham checks, bows and pretty decorative borders. A favourite might be chosen to match a dress, spritzed with perfume before a date, or tucked away afterwards because it had somehow become attached to a memory.


And really, how could you throw away the handkerchief you carried on the night he finally kissed you? 


Keepsake Full Skirt pockets with lace trim and mismatched buttons

Stitched Into Memory


A favourite piece of fabric could become a keepsake too. A scrap from a much-loved dress, a little gingham from Mother's apron, a pretty piece of lace that was far too good to waste... tucked away in the sewing basket until one day it found a new life in patchwork.  Perhaps there was even a piece from the dress she wore when a certain young man first asked her to dance. Some scraps were simply too full of memories to part with.


That wonderfully collected feeling sits at the heart of Keepsake. Look closely at the print and it's as though someone has tipped a drawer of treasured handkerchiefs and sewing-box finds onto the bed: roses and posies, gingham checks, lace-edged squares and tiny bows in raspberry, aqua, lavender, butter yellow and pink.


Was that floral hankie carried on a first date? Did the gingham once belong to a favourite summer dress? We may be inventing the stories, but that's half the fun!

itten D’Amour Keepsake vintage-inspired spring dresses and separates

Up Close: It's All in the Details...

'Keepsake' is one of those collections that rewards a closer look. The handkerchief print may catch your eye first, but then the little things begin to appear: deliberately mismatched buttons, as though chosen one by one from an old sewing tin; cream lace layered against gingham; fine red piping tracing the seams; tiny ruffles and trims; and a floral belt finished with the most wonderful crochet-covered buckle. Even the pockets have been dressed for the occasion, trimmed in lace and finished with assorted buttons in jewel-box colours.

Keepsake Shoes with mismatch buttons
Keepsake Brooch
Keepsake Gingham Skirt Pocket Detail

Nothing feels too perfectly matched, and that is precisely the charm. There is something wonderfully nostalgic about a button tin filled with odd treasures, or a sewing basket containing little lengths of ribbon and lace kept because they were simply too lovely to discard. Keepsake has that same collected-over-time feeling, as though all the prettiest bits and pieces have finally found somewhere to belong.


And the details don't stop at the hemline. The Keepsake shoes carry the handkerchief print right down to your toes, finished with gingham trim, bright red straps and their own cheerful procession of mismatched buttons. It's the sort of collection you notice from across the room, only to find yourself leaning in for another look.

Dressed for Spring


Now, how about that picnic? 'Keepsake' may be inspired by treasures of the past, but these dresses have plans of their own.


The 'Keepsake' Full Dress is pure spring romance, with a cinched waist, swishy full skirt and a rather irresistible lace-up neckline. The 'Keepsake' Maxi Dress is softer and dreamier, with a flowing silhouette and tie-back waist made for long lunches and Sunday drives with no particular hurry to get home.


Then there's the 'Keepsake' Wiggle Dress, for our ingénue after dark. Curve-hugging with ruffled lace at the décolletage, it pairs perfectly with the cropped red jacket, which finishes neatly at the decorative waistline. Dinner date? We thought you'd never ask!


And really, what would a 1950s spring romance be without gingham? Sweet tops, full skirts and pretty separates are ready to mix, match and accompany you to picnics, garden parties and anywhere a certain someone might happen to be.


After all, the best keepsakes usually begin with somewhere lovely to wear them! 💖

Our Kittens have each been playing dress-up in Keepsake, discovering their favourite pieces, perfect fits and all the little details they love most. Join Amy, Kate, Meg and Chloe as they show us how they're wearing the collection this spring.

Kate Kitten Wears...

Kate wears Keepsake Maxi Dress
Kate wears Keepsake Wiggle Dress
Kate wears Keepsake Gingham Dress and Apron

Kate's Fit Snapshot

Height: 165cm

Measurements: Bust 114cm (cup 16F), Waist 91cm, Hip 120cm

Usually Wears: 14-16

'Keepsake' Maxi Dress - Kate wears a size 14.

This dress is so pretty and feels beautifully soft. The bust is slightly firmer because of the fabric, but the 14 was still a lovely fit on me. If you're fuller through the bust and prefer a little more room, you may like to size up.

The waist was particularly flattering, and the tie-back gave me a beautifully defined shape while keeping all that lovely flowing movement.


'Keepsake' Wiggle Dress - Kate wears a size 16.

I always size up in wiggle dresses, and the 16 felt firm but comfortable. The fabric begins to soften quite quickly, and I can tell it would mould beautifully to my shape after a couple of hours of wear. I also really loved the higher bustline, which I found particularly flattering on my fuller bust.


'Keepsake' Crop Jacket - Kate wears a size 14.

The Crop Jacket was the perfect finishing touch for every design I tried. The 14 fitted beautifully and, importantly for me, wasn't tight around my arms. That's usually the deciding factor when I'm choosing jackets, so this one was a very happy surprise.


'Keepsake' Gingham Ruffle Dress - Kate wears a size 14.

My absolute favourite! I love, love, love this dress. The neckline softens a larger bust beautifully, the lace detailing is so sweet and the adjustable bow shoulders make it easy to get the fit just right.

Then that thick belt pulls everything into a wonderfully defined waist. And yes, I'll definitely be wearing mine with the apron.

Amy Kitten Wears...

Amy wears Keepsake Day Dress
Amy wears Keepsake Full Skirt and Gingham Top
Amy wears Keepsake Wiggle Dress
Amy wears Keepsake Crop Jacket

Amy's Fit Snapshot

Height: 173cm

Measurements: Bust 110cm, Waist 85cm, Hip 118cm

Usually Wears: 12

'Keepsake' Full Dress - Amy wears a size 14.

I sized up from my usual 12 as the bustline is a little firmer, and found the 14 gave me a beautiful fit through my fuller bust. I especially love the unusual neckline with its folded lapels, lace-up centre and chemise-like layer, and styled mine with red accessories to pick up that gorgeous ribbon.


'Keepsake' Crop Jacket - Amy wears a size 12.

I can usually wear either a 12 or 14 in our cropped jackets and chose the 12 because I preferred the open look. If you're fuller through the bust and want to button yours closed, I'd consider sizing up. I absolutely love the colour, layered lapels and cropped length, and it's perfect if you prefer a little upper-arm coverage or want something pretty to throw on when a spring afternoon turns into a cooler evening.


'Keepsake' Wiggle Dress - Amy wears a size 14.

I don't always reach for wiggle dresses because my pear shape can make fitting both my waist and hips a little tricky, but sizing up once gave me such a lovely fit in this one. The fabric is snug but stretchy, so it follows my curves while still being comfortable to move in, and the length was perfect on me. I adore all the lace, ribbons and bows. Add the matching red velvet accessories or a string of pearls and I think this might be the perfect summer date-night dress.


'Keepsake' Gingham Top - Amy wears a size 14.

I sized up to a 14 for my fuller bust and was really happy that it still fitted beautifully through my waist. The fabric has a lovely amount of stretch and feels light and breathable, while the gathered bust and halter-inspired neckline give it such a gorgeous vintage summer feel. I'd wear mine with white shorts, wedge sandals and a sunhat for a picnic date.


'Keepsake' Full Skirt - Amy wears a size 12.

I stayed with my usual 12 and found the waistband firm but comfortable. The fabric is beautifully soft and lightweight, and I love how the print almost looks like treasured pieces of patchwork. But those pockets! The lace and mismatched coloured buttons are such lovely little details, and the waistband is pretty enough that I didn't feel I needed a belt at all. I'd pair mine with the Gingham Top for a sweet little countryside escape.


Chloe Kitten Wears...

Chloe wears Keepsake Wiggle Dress
Chloe wears Keepsake Full Skirt
Chloe wears Keepsake Embroidered Blouse
Chloe wears Keepsake Embroidered Blouse

Chloe's Fit Snapshot

Height: 170cm

Measurements: Bust 85cm, Waist 72cm, Hip 102cm

Usually Wears: 10

'Keepsake' Embroidered Blouse - Chloe wears a size 8.

I styled the Embroidered Blouse with my Size 10 Hudson Buckle Jeans, Juliette Pearl Necklace and cream Button Up Follies Singlet. The Keepsake Scarf is such a fun way to change the whole look. Try it in your hair for a pop of colour, tucked underneath the collar with the blouse buttoned right up, or even threaded through a belt loop.


'Keepsake' Wiggle Dress - Chloe wears a size 10.

I paired the Wiggle Dress with the Crop Jacket in a Size 8, and there's a gorgeous little design detail when they're worn together. The jacket finishes right at the dress's decorative waistline, which means you can button it closed without hiding that intricate floral detail. I finished mine with the cream Meet Me in Paris Follies Scarf and a red Dottie Darling Follies Hair Bow.


'Keepsake' Jersey T-Shirt - Chloe wears a size S.

I paired the Jersey T-Shirt with the Full Skirt for a more relaxed way to wear Keepsake, then added pearls and a red hair bow. It's such an easy combination when you want all the romance of a full vintage-inspired skirt without feeling overly dressed up.


'Keepsake' Full Skirt - Chloe wears a size 10.

My styling tip? Add a petticoat! I wore the S/M Tea Length Petticoat underneath to really enhance that gorgeous fit-and-flare shape. Add pearls and a bow and you're ready for somewhere considerably more exciting than the supermarket.

Meg Kitten Wears...

Meg wears Keepsake Maxi Dress
Meg Wears Keepsake Wiggle Skirt
Meg wears Gingham Dress

Meg's Fit Snapshot

Height: 173cm

Measurements: Bust 93cm, Waist 73cm, Hip 96cm

Usually Wears: Size 8 on top, Size 10 on bottom

'Keepsake' Gingham Top - Meg wears a size 6.

I usually wear an 8 in tops but found I still had extra room through the bust, so I tried the 6 and much preferred the fit. If you're fuller through the bust, you could probably stay with your usual size. The cotton feels lovely and comfortable, and I adore the deep V neckline. It gives me a little Marilyn Monroe moment! 


'Keepsake' Maxi Skirt - Meg wears a size 8.

I'm usually a 10 in our skirts but sized down to an 8 in this one. The lightweight natural fabric is so comfortable and floaty, and I love the lace ladder trim breaking up the print between the tiers. This is made for strawberry picking, picnics and lovely long spring brunches. I'd wear mine with the Gingham Top or Embroidered Bodice Blouse.


'Keepsake' Jersey T-Shirt - Meg wears a size M.

I stayed with my usual Medium and found it quite a snug fit, but there's still enough stretch to feel comfortable and secure. The fabric has a lovely substantial feel, and my favourite feature is the criss-cross detail across the bust. It takes what could have been an everyday basic and gives it something a little more special.


'Keepsake' Wiggle Skirt - Meg wears a size 10.

I stayed with my usual 10 and found this so comfortable to wear. The skirt begins to flare above the knee, which makes it surprisingly easy to walk in, and the mismatched buttons are to die for!


'Keepsake' Gingham Ruffle Dress - Meg wears a size 8.

I wore my usual 8 and found it true to size, perhaps ever so slightly generous. The fabric is beautifully light and floaty, which is perfect for Australian spring weather, and I'm a complete sucker for gingham, so naturally I love those tie bows on the shoulders.

Model wears Keepsake Wiggle Dress

2 comments


  • Jelena Bikicki

    A gorgeous collection! It’s all beautiful and I especially love the Keepsake wiggle skirt 🩷💙💜


  • Sarah

    Love the pockets!


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