Smoldering Separates, My review of the Kiyonna Kelsey Flounce Top and Mermaid Maxi Skirt

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Today, I am reviewing fabulous and versatile separates from Kiyonna, The Kelsey Flounce Top and The Mermaid Maxi Skirt.  This outfit is completely different for me, it got me outside my comfort zone wearing a fitted skirt and showing off my shape.  I have a tendency to hide my curves under my fluffy petticoats in my everyday outfits so I wanted to challenge myself to wear something that changed my normal routine.  I feel that it brings a different side of myself out, fashion really has a great affect on my self confidence and it allows me to show my personality in a fun and noticeable way.

I love to add pieces to my wardrobe that have many versatile styling possibilities, these black basics from Kiyonna are wardrobe staples that while being a basic necessity in your closet are anything but basic looking!

The Kelsey Flounce Top is a fun, flirty top with almost unlimited styling potential.  Kelsey looks great with anything, a fitted skirt, vintage style swing skirts, jeans or leggings; Kelsey is the perfect basic black top for all your needs.  The Kelsey Flounce top features a bold ruffled bodice with elbow length sleeves that can be worn on the shoulder, off shoulder or as a cold shoulder top with a slit at the waist that can be tied for accent and fit.  This pretty blouse can be worn casual or dressed up depending on what accessories you chose to add.  Kelsey is a comfortable yet sexy top that fits perfectly and is made of a whisper soft rayon spandex blend.  I am wearing a size 1X, fit is just right, hugging my curves and with enough stretch to make it super comfortable.  The Kelsey Flounce Top is a gorgeous top that goes with anything and the ruffled bodice give it a fun and flirty movement that makes it feel like poetry in motion.

Outfit Details:
Top: Kelsey Flounce Top in Black Noir in size 1X C/O Kiyonna
Skirt: Mermaid Maxi Skirt in Black Noir in size 2X C/O Kiyonna
Earrings: Bad Girl Hoops in 24 K Gold by Vixen by Micheline Pitt
Shoes: Leopard Print Heels by Liz Claiborne (Thrifted)
Purse: Vintage Leopard Print Fur Purse with Rhinestone Clasp
Lipstick: Victory Red by Besame Cosmetics
Makeup: Tarte

 The Mermaid Maxi Skirt is a sexy, comfortable, curve enhancing dream!  Some maxi skirts are flowing and shapeless but this Mermaid Maxi Skirt has all the sexiness of a pencil skirt with the added modesty and comfort of a maxi.  I love the way this skirt hugs my shape.  I have an extremely curvy hourglass shaped figure and this skirt shows off my curves in a whole new way highlighting the beauty of my shape and giving me a huge confidence boost.  The ruching on the tummy of the skirt hides any tummy troubles you may have, the braided side tie adds a pretty eye catching accent and the flared trumpet shaped bottom gives a fabulous motion to the skirt.  I felt gorgeous and womanly wearing The Mermaid Maxi Skirt and that is rare for me when I am wearing an outfit that is fitted.  I tend to wear vintage silhouettes because they accent my bust and waist while camouflaging my large hips and bottom but this skirt made me decide that I definitely need to get outside my comfort zone and have more fun with my fashion, no more hiding my shape all the time!!  I am wearing a size 2x, fit is just right, comfortable at the waist with great stretch for ease of movement and amazingly just the right length on me at 5'2" so this is a petite frame friendly maxi which is a rarity.  This Mermaid Maxi Skirt is a great wardrobe staple, a basic black beauty with a sexy, wiggly shape that can be paired with anything to create a fast and fabulous combo.

 I love how confident and beautiful I felt in my Kiyonna Kelsey Flounce Top and Mermaid Maxi Skirt.  This outfit was super fun to wear and really boosted my self confidence.  I added fun details to my basic black by wearing leopard print heels, gold hoops and carrying the cutest vintage faux fur leopard purse.  This pairing could be accessorized in a million fun different ways to suit your personal style.  Kiyonna consistently design the very best in plus size clothing to help me look glorious, feel confident and express my inner personality which is exactly what I want out of my wardrobe!

Romance and Roses! My Review of the Juliet Printed Tutu Skirt from Society+

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August is in full swing and what a busy start I have had!  Between everyday family life, Pinups for Patriots events, volunteering at the Lakeview Museum, singing with the worship team at Lakeview Community Church and blogging my days have been extra full lately with tons more plans still to come, this summer has been a whirlwind!

Today, I am reviewing the glorious Juliet Printed Tutu Skirt from Society+.  Launched in 2015, Society+ is a plus size retailer and lifestyle brand.  Society+ is focused on body positivity, plus size fashion and style.  I love their selection of trendy plus size pieces and cannot wait to share more with you!  As a special treat, Society+ has graciously offered Sassy Scarlet readers $10 off The Juliet Printed Tutu Skirt!!   Save $10 off  your purchase of The Society+ Juliet Printed Tutu Skirt with code sassy10juliet, this coupon code is good until 9/9/2017, Happy Shopping!!

I admit, I am a hopeless romantic.  I love all things romance, from songs to roses so when I saw this gorgeous confection of a tutu, I instantly fell in love!  The tutu skirt is one of my favorite trends, it is perfectly my style because I adore feminine, floaty garments that make me feel as if I am in the midst of my own fairy tale.  The Juliet Printed Tutu Skirt is dreamy with three layers, soft poly lining, a layer of black poly/chiffon printed with red roses and topped off with a layer of ethereal black tulle.  The Juliet Printed Tutu Skirt is feminine, fun and versatile, the perfect piece to add some rosy romance to your wardrobe!

Outfit Details:
Top: Rosarito Peasant Top in Red from A Classic Paradise
Skirt: Juliet Printed Tutu Skirt in size 18/20 Courtesy of Society+
Earrings: Bad Girls Hoops in 24K Gold from Vixen by Micheline Pitt
Bracelets: Red Floral Bangle from The Moby Duck and Vintage Black Bangle
Shoes: Off to the Laces Ballet Flat in Black from Pinup Girl Clothing
Red Rose Flower Crown from Amazon
Lipstick: Victory Red by Besame Cosmetics
Makeup: Tarte

A rose by any other name...

I am wearing The Juliet Printed Tutu Skirt in a size 18/20. She fits like a dream!  The waistband is comfortable with great stretch, it has thick and sturdy elastic that does not twist or turn as some elastic waist garments tend to do.  Length is a couple inches below the knee on me at 5'2" tall.  Juliet has a very full and generous skirt. I went with 18/20 because I wanted the waist to be fitted but skirt is sized generously enough to fit around my hip/butt area and I have a 20 inch difference between my waist and hip measurements.  I love the flow of the skirt, it dances about me with every movement and begs to be twirled!

 I styled my Juliet Printed Tutu Skirt in my favorite romantic vintage style.  Inspired by the skirt's namesake, the tale of Romeo and Juliet was on my mind.  Having seen this classic tale of romance and tragedy many times, from live plays to movie versions, I was thinking of the iconic balcony scene thus, I had rose scented gardens and romantic sonnets on my mind.  I chose a red peasant top, simple gold hoops, whimsical ballet tie flats and a topped it off with a crown of red roses to make me feel like the most beautiful flower in the garden. Everything about this outfit is a romantic dream come true!   Juliet is a perfect statement piece to base an entire look around.  This skirt is a joy to wear and very eye catching, I was stopped again and again by people admiring my outfit.  I love wearing bright, beautiful styles; even on my darkest days dressing up in something boldly cheerful is a sure way to turn my frown upside down!

I cannot wait to wear my Juliet Printed Tutu Skirt over and over again, it can be styled in so many fabulous ways.  Dressed up with a pretty peasant top, paired with a sexy off shoulder blouse or worn casually with a cute tank or t-shirt, the Juliet Printed Tutu Skirt is a fabulous addition to every wardrobe.  I am so happy to have amazing plus size companies like Society+ that offer everything the stylish plus size woman is looking for!

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Wrapped in ruffles, my review of the Kiyonna Winnie Wrap Dress

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It has been a glorious summer!  I have been spending as much time possible adventuring around Michigan, attending events representing Pinups for Patriots with my Michigan platoon sisters and enjoying the outdoors.  I have been lucky to spend quality time at Lake Michigan with my best friends and have had some great date nights with my husband.  It has been lovely and even though it is July, I feel like summer is just really starting to pick up and it will only get better from here!

I am reviewing the Kiyonna Winnie Wrap Dress in Navy/Blush Print.  This dress is a romantic dream. A floral wrap dress with yards of flouncy ruffles, tie waist and the cutest cold shoulder detailing on the sleeves.  Winnie is comfortable and flowing but elegant with a very 1940's vibe.

Dress: Winnie Wrap Dress in Navy/Blush Print in size 2X by Kiyonna
Earrings: Pearl Drop Earrings by Ceci Punch Designs
Shoes: Athena Wedges in Cream/Silver by Bearpaw
Purse: Vintage Beaded and Sequined Satin Handbag circa 1950's
Bracelet: Vintage Bead Chain Cuff with Engraved Clasp circa 1920's
Lipstick: American Beauty by Besame Cosmetics
Makeup: Tarte

The Kiyonna Winnie Wrap Dress is made of a soft Poly/Spandex blend material that has lots of stretch and breaths nicely making it a great summer frock.  I am wearing a size 2X here, I chose to size up because I am always nervous of wrap styles on my very generous bottom so I went a size up from my normal Kiyonna size just to be safe. The dress fits great with a bit of extra material to make me feel safer in a wrap style but it is generously sized with great stretch in the material so I could have gone down to a 1X comfortably but this 2X fits me beautifully and I feel secure having a bit of wiggle room so I won't accidentally expose myself due to a gust of wind.  Winnie is a great length, hitting me just below the knee and the ruffled bottom gives this dress so much fun, swinging movement.

  The ruffles are the star of this dress for me, they line the edges of the bodice, wrap and bottom and create a dress that is poetry in motion.  It moves, sways, waves and flows, it is incredibly fun to wear and makes me want to walk around just to feel it moving around me!  Winnie features a pretty floral print with blush accenting creamy blossoms on a lovely navy blue background.  This dress is beautiful for wearing on a long summer day out and about in nature!

 Winnie wraps around the bust, cinches in with a tie waist and flares out in a flouncy ruffled bottom really accenting my curvy figure.  The sleeves make this dress stand out, they are trendy cold shoulder style that can be tied to adjust the opening to suit your taste.  When I was a little girl, I remember wearing shorts, tank top and normal summer clothing without thought but by the time I was a teen I was so ashamed of my body and insecure, I used to wear long pants and sleeved t-shirts in the summertime no matter how terribly uncomfortable I was to cover up.  The younger me believed that since I was overweight I had to wear as much clothing as possible like camouflage but I have grown so much since then and now I believe that no matter your size, if the sun's out, it's time to get your guns out so I wore my sleeves tied at the elbow slightly to show a lot of arm.  I love my body so I do not harm it by wearing uncomfortable, hot clothes in the summertime anymore.  I am also thankful for companies like Kiyonna that design gorgeous plus size clothing that fits and flatters me so I can express the person I am with my style!

The Kiyonna Winnie Wrap Dress is vintage romance drenched in flirty ruffles with details that keep me reaching for it again and again, a summer favorite!!  For more fun be sure to follow me on Instagram!!

Enchanting Elise! My Review of the Kiyonna Elise Flutter Dress

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I apologize for my lack of regular blogging.  I have been busy with so many things which makes it hard to stop running and sit at the computer to get a blog done.  I am quite the busybody during the summer months!  

Most importantly in my life my Mother, Roxanne was diagnosed with Breast Cancer early this year and we as a family have been helping her with whatever she requires as she battles the disease.  She underwent a bilateral mastectomy and ovary removal in March and began chemotherapy two weeks ago.  We lost my Grandfather to Cancer when I was 16 years old after several years illness so this is a terrifying and emotional journey not only for Mom but for my Sister, Stepfather and myself.  I would appreciate prayers, good vibes and whatever positivity you are able to send during this hard time.  

Our hometown, Lakeview celebrated our sesquicentennial (150th birthday) this past week and as I volunteer with our local museum, I have been involved with planning and working at some of the events during our festival.  I researched and led a guided historical tour of our local cemetery highlighting the pioneers of Lakeview, including my 5th Great Uncle, Lewis Bissell, who came to the town as it's first merchant in 1873.  I feel privileged to be active in my community, our family has been a part of Lakeview for 9 generations now.  I truly love our little town, it is a beautiful place with a rich fascinating history!

If you would like to see more from me, be sure to follow me on Instagram- @sassyscarletpinup My feed has fashion, food and lots of fun!!

Today, I am reviewing the lovely Elise Flutter Dress by Kiyonna.  I love off the shoulder styles, I cannot get enough of the romantic nature of this style so I knew that I would love Elise.  This dress is summer embodied, whimsical, fun and flirtatious.  The Elise Flutter Dress is feminine and flattering featuring a mock neck with metallic lace detail, fitted bodice, flutter sleeves that can be worn on or off shoulder and a flowing skirt.  Red has fast become my favorite color, I love the drama of the shade especially in the summer against the brilliant greens of nature.  This rich red garnet shade made me feel like a rose as I was walking in the garden.

Outfit Details:
Dress: Elise Flutter Dress in Rich Garnet Size 1X courtesy of Kiyonna
Flower Crown: Red Velvet Flower Crown from Claire's
Earrings: Bad Girl Hoops in 24K Gold from Vixen by Micheline Pitt
Lipstick: Red Velvet by Besame Cosmetics
Shoes: Black Vintage Style Heels by Madden Girl-Thrifted

 The Elise Flutter Dress is made of a stretchy poly spandex material that breathes nicely making it a comfortable dress for summer occasions.  I am wearing a size 1X here, the dress flatters me perfectly fitting tightly at the bodice and flaring out into a generous and flowing skirt.  The neck line is comfortable and the lace is pretty drawing attention to the bodice but also providing modest coverage.  The neck fits nicely without being tight and it does not gap or look awkward as some necklines like this can on a shorter frame.  Length is just past the knee, the flouncy skirt swings in such a fun way.  The sleeves can be worn on or off the shoulder, I prefer them worn off shoulder, they are fluttery and generous giving nice upper arm coverage.  Flutter is an apt name because the sleeves do flutter about my upper arms like a butterfly.

Flutter is a very apt description for this dress!!

I enjoyed a fun hometown date day with my husband wearing my Elise Flutter Dress.  I wore simple accessories that made the dress star of the show.  A lovely rose flower crown matched the garnet of my dress exactly, golden vintage style hoops to reflect the golden metallic lace accent at the neck and simple black heels complete my outfit.  We had coffee and lunch at our local coffee shop, browsed the antique/variety store then strolled though the local library's zen garden just soaking in the summer sun and enjoying each others company.  I later shed my shoes because who does not love running barefoot through warm, soft grass!?  This dress is one of my favorite frocks because I love soft whimsical dresses with romantic details.  The Kiyonna Elise Flutter Dress is a winner, worn casually or dressed up, it is perfect for all your summer fun!

Retro Romance! My review of the Kiyonna Alexa Retro Dot Dress

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 Today, I am reviewing the beautiful Alexa Retro Dot Dress in Raspberry Dream by Kiyonna.  This is my favorite Kiyonna dress hands down!!  It is dreamy and perfectly suited to my vintage sensibilities.  The Alexa Retro Dot Dress is as comfortable it is lovely!  Made of polka dot knit stretch lace, lined in soft polyester and nude mesh at the neckline this dress is a delight to wear as it breathes and flows around you.  I love the addition of nude mesh lining in the bodice, this allows me to wear my normal bra for comfortable support, no visible straps and no need for a strapless bra, yay!  I also love that this gives the illusion of a nude neckline without sacrificing modesty.  The shape of the Alexa Retro Dot Dress is fabulous, a fitted bodice tapers into a gathered waistband and flares into a full skirt.  I love how the dress swings around me, it was made for twirling!  The fit is spot on, I am wearing my normal Kiyonna size 1X, the dress skims my curves fitting and flowing beautifully around me flattering every inch.

Outfit Details:
Dress: Alexa Retro Dot Dress in Raspberry Dream, Size 1X C/O Kiyonna
Earrings: Pearl Drops by Ceci Punch Designs
Necklace: My Grandma's vintage pearls
Flower Crown: Wal-Mart
Makeup: Tarte
Lipstick: Red Velvet by Besame Cosmetics

 This color screams spring!  A vibrant beautiful shade that's between purple and pink, a definite raspberry dream that really draws attention.  The polka dot lace is dainty and feminine, light and a real pleasure to wear!  The lace is fragile so I recommend handling with care as it is fairly easy to snag.  The Alexa Retro Dot Dress is so airy and ethereal, I found myself reveling in every breeze because it made my dress ripple and wave about me.  Gorgeous to dress up for a special occasion, I wore my Alexa Retro Dot Dress for dinner celebrating my 39th birthday and stopped along the way to pose for some pretty photos at this quaint church garden in Jonesville, Michigan.  I wore classic pearl accessories and a matching flower crown to really play up the air of vintage femininity the dress has.   I have had so many compliments on this dress, people love the lace, the vibrant shade of the dress and I had someone ask me if it was an actual antique dress!  Kiyonna has made me fall in love all over again!!

Butterflies and Blooms! My review of the Voodoo Vixen Bettie Dress and a visit to Frederik Meijer Gardens Butterflies are Blooming Exhibit

Every March and April something amazing happens at Frederik Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  Butterflies are Blooming is a yearly treat where butterflies from all around the world hatch and take wing filling the Tropical Conservatory with glory!  One of my favorite displays at the garden, there is nothing as enchanting as wandering through this glorious environment while colorful butterflies flit about happily eating fruit, sipping from blooms and if you are lucky, they land on you and whisper about for a few moments.  I thoroughly enjoyed looking for the different types of butterflies, learning more about their life span and the beautiful surroundings; the Tropical Conservatory is filled with lush tropical plants, fragrant orchid blooms, misty waterfalls and pretty paths.  It is a must see Michigan event, it is hard to describe the wonder it inspires in me!!

Outfit Details:
Dress: Bettie Dress in size 3XL C/O Voodoo Vixen
Earrings: Bad Girl Hoops in 24K Gold from Vixen by Micheline Pitt
Petticoat: Banned  23 Inch Petticoat in White from Lucy London
Shoes: Off to the Laces Ballet Flat in Black from Pinup Girl Clothing
Lipstick: Victory Red Lipstick with Cherry Sweetheart Glaze by Besame Cosmetics
Makeup: Tarte
Flower Crown: Homemade with Feather Butterfly Clip from Meijer Gardens Gift Shop
Photos by Kevin Herzog at Frederik Meijer Gardens

 I wore the absolutely perfect Bettie Dress which was graciously sent to me for review by Voodoo Vixen.  I had been saving this dress to wear to the Butterflies are Blooming exhibit, I could not think of anything that would be more whimsical than to enjoy the butterflies wearing a butterfly themed dress!  The Bettie Dress is made of soft creamy taffeta with print in flocked black velvet.  Luscious and luxuriant the Bettie Dress is lovely, comfortable and fits true to size. The print is dreamy featuring butterflies in flight, butterflies sitting upon pretty blossoms and gently falling flowers all in black velvet on a shimmery beige backdrop.

Up close and personal with the Golden Birdwing

I am wearing the Bettie Dress in a 3xl and the fit is just right according to the measurements in the Voodoo Vixen size chart.  The taffeta material is sturdy but has a nice amount of comfortable stretch so it is flattering to your curves and gives nice shape.  The bodice is a wrap style v-neckline that tapers into a banded waist giving a curvy silhouette before flaring into a nice full skirt.  I am wearing a petticoat under my dress for volume but it flows nicely without as well.  I am short at 5'2" but the Bettie Dress is a great length hitting me a few inches below the knees.  I felt like a princess in my Bettie Dress and received so many compliments!  I simply adore this dress as well as the other fabulous vintage styles Voodoo Vixen has to offer and I eagerly await new Voodoo Vixen Curve styles!!

Landing like a whisper, my little butterfly friend stayed with me for about ten minutes posing, he must love the camera!

The Common Morpho 

It was chilly outside so I had such a wonderful day exploring indoors at Frederik Meijer Gardens with my husband, Kevin.   We enjoyed the butterflies, spent a few quiet moments in the Victorian Conservatory which features more gorgeous plants, a pretty crane fountain and period style architecture.  A perfect way to spend a romantic day together, a tropical getaway in our own backyard!

Beautiful in Bettie

The Victorian Conservatory

Springtime Flowers! My review of the May V-neck 50's Style Dress by Dolly and Dotty

It has been crazy the last few months!  Winter hung on longer here in Michigan than normal but nature is finally waking up and everything is bursting into bloom!  I am thrilled for the warmer weather because it makes traveling much easier, I love adventuring and being outside in the beauty of Michigan!

Today, I am reviewing the May V-neck 50's Style Dress in Teal/Pink Floral by Dolly and Dotty.  The May Dress is one of my favorite fits from Dolly and Dotty!  A wrap style V neck with a banded waist and full circle skirt. This lovely floral features a light teal background with colorful pink blossoms. Absolutely ideal for the springtime, beautiful worn alone or with a cute cardigan for warmth this dress is versatile and the perfect vintage style!

Outfit Details:
Dress:May V-neck 50's Style Dress in Teal\Pink Floral C/O Dolly and Dotty
Earrings: Mystic Drops in Ivory by Ceci Punch Designs
Shoes:Thrifted Pink  Peep Toe Heels by Just Fabulous (Similar)
Petticoat: Banned 23 Inch Petticoat in White from Lucy London won from Miss Victory Violet!
Lipstick: Red Velvet by Besame Cosmetics
Pink Velvet Rose Hat, Silver Chain Bead Cuff Bracelet and White Beaded Bag are Vintage.

 The May V-neck 50's Style Dress is made of 95% cotton and 5% elastane blend.  This fabric has a ton of stretch, I easily could have sized down for a tighter fit but the dress fits me very comfortably at a size UK 20 (US 18).  The variety of shades in the print makes for some really great accessorizing.  I chose to play up the baby pink shade by wearing a fabulous vintage pink velvet rose hat and pink peeptoe heels, a beaded vintage bag and my favorite neutral earrings the ivory mystic drops.

  I adore Dolly and Dotty for always having the most beautiful prints and stylish dresses that fit me great!  Check them out and tell me in the comments which Dolly and Dolly dress is your favorite?