Kiyonna Limited Edition Radiant Lace Dress in Jade Shimmer Review.

Today, I am reviewing the Kiyonna Limited Edition Radiant Lace Dress in Jade Shimmer.  A lovely, shimmery lace dress perfect for casual or special occasion wear.

 The Kiyonna Limited Edition Radiant Lace Dress is made of a soft polyester spandex blend with mesh lining the neckline.  The material is soft, shimmery and has a nice stretch to it.  The dress is an A-line cut that is designed to hug your curves beautifully.  The lace is gorgeous floral pattern that is sophisticated and timeless with shimmer to add a bit of glitz.  The jade color is a lovely for accessorizing, here I wore vintage red accents for the Christmas season but I can see this dress being worn in the spring with floral accessories and pink accents.

Photography: Renee Ricket Photography.
Dress: Limited Edition Radiant Lace Dress in Jade Shimmer in Size 1X.  Dress courtesy of Kiyonna.

The illusion bustline is a fabulous feature, the bodice is lined with nude mesh for modesty and to camouflage your bra straps.  In my opinion, nothing ruins a lovely lace gown worse than visible bra straps and a strapless bra is not always a practical option for us busty gals.  I am extremely pleased with this particular part of the design, it shows that Kiyonna really put extra effort into creating wearable pieces!

The dress has a graceful shape, nipping in at the waist with gathered material then belling out into a pretty and swirly full skirt.  I am wearing size 1x, which translates to a 14/16. Kiyonna sizing is generous, I usually order a size down from my normal 18/20, but knowing your measurements is the true key to getting proper fit!  The length is great on me, at 5'3" tall, the dress hits me at mid calf.  I really love wearing this dress!  The Limited Edition Radiant Lace Dress is comfortable, modest, figure flattering and classy!  I wore it on stage singing for our church Christmas service and recieved many sweet compliments.  Kiyonna clothing designs flatter the figure while providing classic pieces that will be staples in your wardrobe for many years to come.  Which Kiyonna dress would you most like in your wardrobe?

Wishful Wednesday - Lindy Bop love and Lana dress review

Beautiful summertime!  Gardening, hiking, carnivals, fairs, bonfires, beach breezes, grilling, ice cream treats and family fun.  I've been wholeheartedly enjoying every second of my summer!  Projects inside like reorganizong my wardrobe and my environmental writing for work keep me hopping, then there's my blog obsession.  I'm a busy body but I crave adventure and life sure brings it! I've been busy lining up the most exciting blog collaborations. I'm thrilled to announce upcoming features from Erstwilder, Banned Clothing, Rosita Bonita and more.  Fun photoshoots coming too!  Do not miss out, follow me on Instagram and Facebook for more updates!!!

I was humbled and surprised to be included, pictured in my Lindy Bop Lana dress, among some of my biggest plus size inspirations and peers in this Daily Mail UK article about the use of the hashtag #Curvee, the Body Positive community's response to the Instagram ban of the use of #curvy.  I cannot be silent.  I suffered for too many years with self loathing, I refuse to let other women feel that shame, the anguish of that feeling.  I will not be silent when I know better.  I'm overweight but I am NOT a stereotype and neither are most other plus gals.  I workout, I eat healthful foods and I am a clean freak.  I am healthy, happy, active and alive, I will NOT allow discrimination to keep me from living a full and rewarding life!!!!! 

I'm in love with Lindy Bop.  I own three of their dresses myself and I am thrilled with the quality, attention to vintage styling, fit and beautiful fabrics they offer.  I recently purchased the Lana dress in teal floral.  A vibrant teal print with bright pink, purple and periwinkle floral with green leaves, the fabric is high quality cotton with just enough stretch for comfort and fit.  Scooped bodice with a low back, it nips in at the waist and is accented with a cute teal fabric belt that buttons in the back.  The belt is the only issue I have with the dress, it was just a tad too snug.  I can wear it but it feel as if it may break, although I wore it to church without incident I will be altering the belt so it fits comfortably.  Sizing it up a slight bit will help this issue, thankfully this dress is just as cute without the belt.  The shape is figure flattering, the full skirt bells out beautifully and holds its shape nicely.  You can try adding a petticoat to enhance the retro silhouette but is not necessary with this dress, the skirt bells out nicely on it's own.  My verdict, I love the Lana!  It fits beautifully, made with quality and comes in a fun variety of prints from dots to floral so you can find the Lana that best expresses your unique style.  It is my favorite Lindy Bop yet, wearable for everyday and it makes me look as though I just stepped out of a time machine from the 1950s!

Dress: Lindy Bop Lana
Hair flower: Daisy Jean Floral Designs 

Because they consistantly keep coming out with new gorgeous styles this week's Wishful Wednesday is all Lindy Bop lovin'.  My top five choices from Lindy Bop, what I'm dying to wear and why it catches my greedy little, fashion-obsessed cat eyes.

I'm always trying to add new prints to my closet.  I'm a floral girl and I seem to get in a rut of buying florals only if I'm not careful.  I love the Claudine dress.  The bright plaid catches my eye, I adore the cute cheery colors!  The shirt dress style is eminently wearable and flattering to most body types.  This is a quintessential 1950s housewife dress!

I have been looking to add more separates to my wardrobe.  I love the casual elegance of a circle skirt with top.  Easy for everyday wear yet classy and lovely.  I would pair the Paloma top, a lovely red faux wrap top with embroidered sparrow shoulder detail, with the lovely red and white floral Peggy skirt.  Add a ruffly petticoat, cute accessories and you're out the door in style without a ton of effort.

This tropical print Grace dress caught my eye immediately.  I love the blue color combining with the lush tropical floral.  A sweetheart neckline, capped sleeves and full circle skirt with bow accent give the perfect mid-century style.  Add flower crown of orchids for perfect summer festival style.

I've been looking for the perfect polka dot dress and the Deirdre halter neck dress might just be it!  This dress with it's adorable wing bust, halter neck and full circle skirt would be a great addition to any wardrobe.  Add bright colored fun accessories for a gorgeous night out on the town!

The Audrey style is iconic.  Modest, feminine and flattering, Lindy Bop offers the Audrey in a huge variety of colors and prints.  I love this Audrey in floral stripe.  Navy blue with light blue striping and bands of colorful floral, this dress is timeless, a sophisticated style that would be great at the office or on the deck of a boat sailing into the sunset.  Do you own any Lindy Bop dresses?  What is your favorite Lindy Bop design?

Vivien of Holloway Grace review and photoshoot fun with Put A Smile In It Photography!!

Blogging has been such an amazing journey.  I've been so blessed to meet amazing people from all over the world and have discovered so many beautiful vintage style brands that cater to all sizes, the retro loving community is at the forefront of the body positivity movement, embracing that people of all sizes should be able to wear fashionable clothing.  Style has no size!   I feel humbled and extremely flattered to be able to share this journey with you, to get to know new people, each new friend opens up a new universe of personality and possibility in your life.  I've struggled my entire life with self worth, believing for so long the lie that attaining a certain size instantly equaled beauty and peace.  Your worth is defined by so much more than your size, age, race, sexual preference, gender identity, personality or anything else that we are told we should change to make us suddenly desirable or accepted.  I've found peace after years of pain not through weight loss, diets, self help books or self critical words but through each and every person I've been blessed to meet.  By building one another up we not only bless others but we also heal ourselves, so I want to thank each and everyone of you for your kind words and all of your support!

  I'm so thrilled to have my first blog collaboration with the incomparable Vivien of Holloway.

  Vivien of Holloway has an amazing selection of vintage style clothing from high fashion dresses to trousers and crop tops, everything to outfit the fashionable vintage girl.  I'm smitten!!

I was sent the Grace dress with Silver lace bust to wear and review.  What a classy, sophisticated design!  Timeless styling and curve hugging lines.  I am wearing a UK size 22 and I found the measurements to be just as stated, it fits beautifully.  The wrap top flatters my bust without being too revealing, the dress nips in to accentuate at the waist and flares out into an enormous circle skirt but does not overwhelm my frame, some dresses can as a petite women.  I wore a 120 yard petticoat underneath for volume but the skirt drapes in lovely fashion even without a petticoat.  I would love to wear two petticoats under this dress to emphasize the gorgeous circle skirt plus it would be fun to play with bright colors under the monochromatic dress.  The cotton sateen material is heavy with just enough stretch to make the garment fit beautifully but comfortably.  The silver lace bodice is a lovely floral pattern that sets off the deep black perfectly.  I felt like a princess in this dress.  I cannot wait to wear it to my first Michigan Pinups for Patriots veterans gala event.  Grace is perfect for events where you need to look glamorous but also need to be comfortable and functional.  Perfect for the hostess of a black tie gala or a casual garden party, Grace comes in a large variety of colors and patterns making it the perfect dress, I want to own it in multiple colorways. 

 I had so much fun shooting with Put A Smile In It Photography in their fabulous vintage living room set. Dress: Grace in silver lace bust courtesy of Vivien of Holloway, Makeup and hair by Kara Summers.

I apologize for the lack of Wishful Wednesday blog yesterday and rest assured it will be back next week!  I was busy traveling and enjoying a fun retro styled shoot with Brandy at Put A Smile In It Photography, it was a phenomenal day!!  Located in Jackson, Michigan, Put A Smile In It is a labor of pinup love.  Owner Brandy Chase has a passion for vintage style, she has done pinup modeling in front of the camera as well, so she has a model's experience to go with her incredible photographic eye this makes for a perfect combo!  The studio includes vintage living room set, boudoir dressing room and paper background sets for a variety of fun images.  The sets are fantastic!  Period furniture, lamps and electronics compliment the lovely green walls, details such as curtains made from vintage material, kitschy knick knacks all arranged to showcase the beauty of the surroundings, flatter the model and virtually tranport you back in time.   The possibilities are endless with a wide selection of props, choosing your favorite swingin' 50s album, gossiping on the telephone, daydreaming while an episode of I Love Lucy plays on television or vacuuming with the cutest working 1953 Kirby vacuum cleaner.  I had fun playing with everything including a giant tiki head and hanging some laundry out to dry on the super adorable clothesline set.  A perfect escape for a work at home mom, I enjoyed a getaway day for my birthday shooting and laughing with Brandy, who is one of the sweetest people I've met.  Put A Smile In It Photography is extremely professional and affordable, I cannot recommend them highly enough.  I look forward to shooting with Brandy again in the near future at the Pinup Picnic shoot on May 3!! Put A Smile In It Photography is also on Facebook, like her page and follow to see their latest shoots and upcoming events!! 

Wishful Wednesday!!

Oh! What a beautiful morning!!  The sun is shining and the sky is blue!  It's an absolutely lovely morning outside, the breeze feels like spring has at long last arrived here in Michigan.  I apologize that I haven't been blogging much lately, I've been trying to get rid of the last of a nasty sinus infection that laid me pretty low,  the weather has just not played nice this year.  Being sick paired with the lingering cold weather has made me desperately crave being outside!  I imagine walking in the woods, warm perfumed breezes through green leafed trees, flowers abloom and coming to a bridge over a glittering stream, nature brings me such serenity.  Today's Wishful Wednesday is my summer dream, a perfect day's walk in the park.

Bernie Dexter is a modern pinup icon and she has used her knowledge of vintage fashion to design an amazing line of clothing!  While actual vintage garments are beautiful they can be very fragile, Bernie Dexter dresses were created to give you vintage style with the peace of mind that comes with a brand new garment, noone wants the tragedy of a ripped dress!! I adore the one of a kind eye catching prints, stylish, flattering cuts and wide range of sizes Bernie Dexter offers.  I chose her Veronique dress in Serenity Bridge print.  It is a whimsical summer day perfectly captured!!  It brings to mind a sunny, warm day wandering through a garden, green leaves flutter, dancing waters cascade under the serenity bridge and fragrant blossoms float in the breeze on this gorgeous creation.  A pictureque neckline, capped sleeves with pleated shoulder details, a white belt at the waist for emphasis and a full circle skirt complete the look.  Perfect for strolling in the park or picnicking with your love!

I'm smitten with Vivien of Holloway!  They offer everything to outfit you perfectly in vintage style from head to toe.  I chose their sky blue petticoat to continue the blue water on the skirt with ripples of blue ruffles. Vivien of Holloway petticoats are gorgeous, well made and very full. I love the way I feel swirling around in a beautiful dress with a ruffly petticoat underneath, ethereal and graceful.  The perfect vintage finishing touch, petticoats add femininity and charm to your outfit while also protecting your modesty.

I love the kitschy, fruity, plastic jewelry of the 50s era so I was thrilled when I found Luxulite.  Luxulite brings the style of the 50s lucite jewelry back without the price tag.   Their items are unique and handmade, because they are handmade, each is a one of a kind piece of wearable art.  I love this Buttermilk confetti and hot pink cherry lucite style brooch.  The bright pink cherries contrast with the leafy green bodice and accent the pink flowers dancing throughout the print of the skirt.  Absolute vintage perfection!!

Miss L Fire's line of designs evoke the Golden age of fashion, they are high quality, beautifully detailed, limited edition shoes that add the perfect vintage detail to any outfit.  They are unique without being crazy, lovely and practical.  I chose the Betty suede heels in green to complete this look.  The bold, bright green of the shoes match the green of the dress with accent there is a meandering stream of blue stitching on the toe that perfectly echoes the cascading waters of the skirt, these would add a pop of fun contrast under the waterfall of ruffly blue petticoat.

I hope you have been enjoying my blog as much as I enjoy writing it for you.  You can also follow Sassy Scarlet on Facebook and Instagram for a lot more fun content and pictures.  Later this evening I will be posting my review of Retroglam, the fabulous Canadian web store that offers all of your pinup needs, from coffee mugs to crinoline.  I was lucky enough to win a $100 gift card in a contest on their Facebook page and used it to purchase two Hell Bunny dresses I had been dying to get my hands on!!  I am also pleased to announce that very soon I will be collaborating with Put A Smile In It Photography!  We have been brainstorming together and have some absolutely epic photoshoots planned, I cannot wait to share!!!!!  Have a glorious day!!!

Bearpaw Twill review!!

I'm an unabashed Beatlemaniac!!  I've heard their music my entire life at home, on the radio and on TV. My official love for the Beatles started when I was 16 when the Beatles Anthology was on TV.  I was intrigued with their talent and charisma.  I loved their fun style from the matching suits to full on hippie garb.  My son is named Lennon!  Yup, I'm a Beatles freak!  When I saw the Bearpaw Twill boot it immediately reminded me of a modernized version of the Beatle boots of the 1960s.

Streamlined and stylish but functional.  The Twill are everything I need in a boot.  

Comfortable, versatile and too cute!!  I wear them with everything, jeggings, leggings and dresses.  It is important to me that most of my boots are able to be worn with dresses as I wear dresses most often, these are perfect to dress up or down.  The hidden wedge heel is just the right height and very easy to walk in. I love the funky cut and shape with three silver snap accents on the side.  I'm also very pleased that I have not had to worry about Bearpaws fitting around my calves, they are great, very roomy.  I highly recommend them for plus size women like myself, who have a hard time getting boots that fit their calves!   They are super soft inside too, I just cannot get over how soft the Bearpaws are and warm because while it looks nice outside, it was only 38 degrees here in Michigan!  Here I am having fun in my Twill walking my Pomeranian brothers Smokey and Teddy around the neighborhood.

Leopard babydoll dress and leggings by Torrid (last year). Necklace courtesy of Indie Czar.  Sweater is vintage.

For more pics and fun check out my new Sassy Scarlet Facebook page!!  Tomorrow I will post more pictures and review my Can Do Rosie pendant from Indie Czar, hot new customizable jewelry from down under!!   I'm working on Wishful Wednesday already because I found the perfect dress.  I cannot wait to show you!  Xoxo 

Wishful Wednesday and Lucky Lous review

Happy Wednesday to you!!  This morning's wishful Wednesday post was inspired by Viva.  Everybody's been talking about it and I'm unable to go but I see that many of my friends, aquaintances and style muses are going.  I want all of my friends that are going look their best and if they ask for help I will offer it!   I think as women it's important that we try to support one another, to uplift each other, it's what sets us apart!!  My post this morning is inspired by the sweet Ceci Punch who was wondering about Viva outfit ideas on Facebook the other day.  I quickly realized her delightful Tiki skull earrings match the Hell Bunny Sasha dress perfectly.  Tiki party time!!

I love Ceci Punch designs!  She is a San Diego based company that designs unique vintage items with a modern edge and her items are 100% handcrafted.  I absolutely adore these Tiki skull earrings, they're my inspiration today.  The wooden hoops, turquoise flowers and adorable little bone skulls scream Tiki party and summer.  I love the contrast of feminine florals with skulls,its perfect!  Ceci designs awesome vintage style pieces and as a bonus her personality is sweet as pie, I cannot recommend her highly enough. 

Hell Bunny is my personal favorite at the moment.  I've worn many of their dresses for photoshoots and have two coming in the mail.  They are high quality, retro stylish and fit like a dream.  I  definitely want the Sasha dress.  Turquoise is my favorite color right now and the sugar skull print is trendy!  The skulls are playfully peeking out of florals and vines.  The cut is gorgeous with a sweetheart neckline, bolero style panels at the shoulders and perky capped sleeves, it frames perfectly and is finished off by a full circle skirt, lovely with or without a petticoat.  I love petticoats and I'm a creature of habit, once I like a brand I will wear them often.  I would pair this dress with the Malco Modes Jennifer petticoat in Red for contrast.  I cannot get over how lovely soft and full these pettis are!  Swish away!!!

I would carry on the cute Tiki theme by wearing Lucky Lous Rockin Tiki in red.  I was fortunate to win a pair in a collaborative Facebook giveaway by Rosabilly Retro and Lucky Lous Shoes.  I had never heard of Lucky Lous before this but their style immediately caught my eye.  I can't begin to describe how gorgeous these heels are, you really must see them to believe.  I was dumbstruck when I opened the box!!  The wood is beautifully grained, the tiki is hand carved, gorgeous and glossy, the leather bright and butter soft.  They fit like a dream and are perfectly balanced, I'm not the most graceful in heels but these are easy to walk in!  Michigan is just thawing so I'm still waiting to wear my Rockin Tikis out on the town.  Pinup photoshoots, Pinups for Patriots events and warm weather cannot come soon enough for me!!

Coming soon I'll have reviews for the wonderful vintage store Retroglam, the Hell Bunny Eloise and Black Dahlia dresses and the delightfully versatile Bearpaw Bonnie boots!  Wishing beautiful days to all!!!

Erstwilder review!

My first exposure to Erstwilder was about 6 months ago when I began following the fabulous retro style blogger Miss Lixxie Lou. I noticed not only her amazing outfits and perfect hair but the cute, kitschy and completely unique Erstwilder pieces that she wore so often caught my eye.  I had never heard of the company so I googled their website and fell in love but finding a retailer here in the USA proved tough!   I began my quest for my first Erstwilder piece and was blessed to win Erstwilder's Foxy giveaway!!

I chose the new She's So Foxy brooch.  It came in the most adorable round cardboard package and they even sent a cute sweater dog magnet as a bonus.  When you open the box inside the lid are care instruction and a character card with the name of your unique little resin friend with a little poem about it.

She's So Foxy
Oh she's so foxy, just a swish and a flick this way and that, the men all come running without fail.

The brooch is beautiful!!  The Body is white with red, blue, yellow floral with green leaf accents, the black eyes, ears, nose and swishing tail tip are glossy black resin.  The face is dimensional, three layers give it depth and character.  I've worn her out several times on dresses also with a sweater and jeans, each time I wear her I recieve tons of compliments on and questions about the brooch, people just love her!  Erstwilder's pieces are eye catching, unique, high quality and there is a piece perfect for every outfit or occasion! Check them out and let me know what you think!   Thank you Erstwilder!!

Wishful Wednesday!!

Good morning!!  What a beautiful day here in Michigan.  The sun is shining and the forecast says our winter weather is coming to an end.  Perfect morning for a good cup of coffee and a pinup style daydream....

I looove coffee!  This weeks outfit inspiration is spring and the cutest coffee brooch from Bok Bok B'gerk, an Aussie company that makes the most adorable accessories.  I've fallen in love with their upcoming collection!  My favorite items are the coffee cup brooch and earrings.  They're so whimsical and perfect for those of us who love our accessories and our days caffeinated!  I love this design because it's a perfect modern twist on a pinup staple.

I have been dying to get my hands on the new Voodoo Vixen line.  They have so many beautiful and even fun, kitschy designs.  The Angie dress in particular is just my style.  The rose print makes me dream of garden parties and the detailing on the waist looks like it will give a flattering hourglass silhouette on any figure.  I love to wear petticoats but this dress is one I would feel lovely wearing even without.

If you haven't heard of Jessica Louise you've been missing out!!  I love her designs, they're so imaginative and completely unique, I own a bat and roses headband of hers and cannot wait to get another piece.  I would wear her Sunshine around me headband with this outfit.  This piece is beautiful because it can be worn with a dress or with jeans, flower crowns are always a perfect accessory!! 

My love affair with retro style shoes is just beginning.  I've been searching the internet looking for perfect styles and craving little vintage details that make the shoes pop.  I'm so glad I found Miz Mooz!!  I am dying to wear their Carlotta heels in red.  I love the lacey details, the high ankle strap and the moderate 3 inch heels.  They have such a fun variety of colors and modern or retro styles to choose from!!

I'm a cardigan girl, growing up in Michigan's unpredictable weather you never know when you might need a bit of coverage for weather or you can add a cardi if you desire more modesty, I also love that it adds flair to your outfit.  I'm looking forward to warmer weather and I love lace.  I choose this off white floral lace cardigan from Unique Vintage because its just the right balance of beauty and function.  I'm really into their I Am Unique campaign that is celebrating the beauty and personality of all women, I believe the key to happiness is having healthy self love and love for one another!

I hope you enjoyed this weeks Wishful Wednesday.   I love putting these ideas together and would greatly appreciate any feedback.  Tomorrow I'll be reviewing my first Erstwilder piece that I was blessed to win in their recent Foxy Giveaway.  Stay tuned!! 💗