The Two Lippy Ladies store, which launched in Heretaunga St East in Hastings for the benefit of Hawke’s Bay residents, is thriving.

This is a concrete sign of its success four years down the road in the online market (www.twolippyladies.co.nz), which brought vintage dresses to consumers in New Zealand and Australia free of shipping charges, as well as interested parties further afield.

According to founders Natalie and Karla, they became sick of ill fitting and unforgiving clothing in clingy fabrics. So they created Two Lippy Ladies in order to provide Kiwi women with a range of flattering and pretty dresses that are made to fit a woman’s shape from sizes eight to 26. Their inspiration comes in a “thoughtful range of vintage inspired dresses in colourful fabrics and clothing that are a little bit quirky, a whole lot pretty and within an accessible price range”.

Two Lippy Ladies’ brands include Banned Apparel, Bok Bok B’Gerk, Collectif, Hell Bunny, Holi Boli, Lindy Bop, Sugar & Vice, Sourpuss and Voodoo Vixen in addition to locally hand painted shoes by “I am that I am” and a range of “original and fabulous” handmade accessories.

Ethically aware, Two Lippy Ladies stocks Indian clothes manufactured in India by Holi Boli. Holi Boli teaches its locals to become seamstresses and ensures they are paid a living wage.