Hankering for a dress that combines Bettie Page rockabilly pin-up style with Elvira’s flair humor and the macabre? Then look no further than this sassy, stylish little number festooned with bloodshot eyeballs, bat wings, squiggles and lightning bolts. It’s a kitschy dress, for sure, but it’s also, er, “eye-catching” to say the least. Let’s just say you’ll be the life and the death of the party in Sourpuss Clothing’s newly released Batty Peepers Jet Girl dress.

When I got the opportunity to review this item, the first thing I asked was, “How accurate are the measurements?” I usually take a Small in everything, and swim in a Medium. But according to the Sourpuss’ website, I’m a Medium. So, with some trepidation, I put in my request. It arrived in due time, folded and wrapped nicely in green tissue paper (which matched the piping on the garment); the Sourpuss elves also added a few fun tchotchkes, such as stickers and decals.

My first impressions of the dress were less than impressed. The pattern is busier than a bushel of battling bees, and the fabric is paper-thin. The dress isn’t lined. My mind floated back to an old Rita Rudner comedy routine that goes, “Some women hold up dresses that are so ugly, and they always say the same thing: ‘This looks much better on.’ On what? On fire?”

Setting a penchant for pyromania aside, I tried the dress on. It fit like a glove, hugging my curves in all the right places. The sizing chart was right on the money. As I zipped up the back, I was impressed by not only the smooth traction and the easy-grip pull-tab, but the fact that I could do it by myself with ease. The lack of lining was no matter, as the fabric is strong, opaque and flexible. The preset was perfect, but I also noticed with appreciation that the shoulder strap is adjustable (on a slider, like a quality bra). It’s easy to strut your stuff in the Batty Peepers Jet Girl, because there’s a cute kick-pleat. When it comes to the wild print, Rudner’s wrong: It does look better on!

I like that the dress is simple and well-made without looking mass-produced, and it’s sexy and cheeky without being tacky. Sourpuss definitely made me smile with a rag I can recommend.

The Sourpuss folks have been around since 2000; they’re indie types specializing in unusual gear ranging from frocks to housewares. Their site also carries brands including Fred Perry, Warrior, Merc, Pinky Pinups, Tripp NYC, Kreepsville 666, Attempt, Paperdoll, Lucky 13, Felon, King Kerosin, Dickies Girl, Toxico, Rock Rebel, Lux Deville, Sin in Linen, Lip Service, Steady, Pin up Couture, Hell Bunny, Loungefly, Retro A go-go, TUK, Iron Fist, Special Effects, Liquor Brand, Heartbreaker Fashions, Switchblade Stiletto, Sullen, Trophy Queen, Sailor Jerry, Rock Rebel, Kustom Voodoo, Manic Panic, Bordello Heels and more.

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