Spring Fever! Kiyonna Mademoiselle Lace Dress in Azalea Pink-Review

Spring has finally here in Michigan and I am guilty of having Spring Fever!!  The sun is shining, the snow has melted revealing green grass, and the first flowers are peeking their little heads up to say "Hi!".  After the dreariness of winter, it's such a pleasure to be outside watching the world come alive once more and enjoying the fresh crisp air.

  I apologize for the long blog hiatus.  My husband Kevin, was hospitalized and has been diagnosed with a long term illness.  I have had to take some time off to take care of my family and adjust to the new circumstances in our lives.  I am happy to report that everything is going well and we are glad to be back to the swing of things!!

Today, I am reviewing the delightful Kiyonna Mademoiselle Lace Dress in Azalea Pink.  This romantic lace dress is lovely for spring and is the perfect dress for all of your Easter events.  I tend toward floral and print dresses so this pop of azalea pink is a bright spot of solid color in my closet.  The pictures show the dress a brighter pink than it is in person, the actual color is more of a pretty coral pink.  I love the floral and paisley lace pattern on this dress, it is a classic wardrobe piece that will never go out of style.  A beautiful lace dress is a staple piece, it can be dressed up with different accessories for a look that fits every mood.  The Mademoiselle Lace Dress is gorgeous and I would love to own it in many different colors so I can wear this style year round!

Dress: Kiyonna Mademoiselle Lace Dress, Azalea Pink, Size 1X

Hair Flower: Vintage Box 1947 Gerbera Daisy in Pink

Earrings: Ceci Punch Designs Mystic Drop Earrings in Ivory

Lipstick: Besame Cosmetics Red Velvet (1946)

Hair Products: Beauty and Pin-Ups

This design was inspired by Kiyonna's best-selling Linden Lace Top and boasts some of the same fabulous features. The bodice is scalloped, cut into a deep V that is very flattering to the bust, tapering into the waistband that flares into a swinging A-line skirt.  I would recommend sizing up on this dress if you are on the busty side.  I am a 42DD and the bodice fits well but there is a fair amount of cleavage.  If you want to avoid too much cleavage sizing up would fix this issue.  The sleeves are hit me just below the elbow disguising my hated upper arm pudge.  At 5'3", the Mademoiselle Lace Dress comes to mid calf length on me.  I love the scalloped edges on the bodice, sleeves and bottom hem, they lend a beautiful touch of movement.

 Enjoying some time in the fresh spring air!

The Kiyonna Mademoiselle Lace Dress is a very graceful silhouette that will flatter every figure type.  I am wearing a size 1x and it fits like a glove, just the right amount of stretch to hug my curves without highlighting problem areas.  This is a stretch material with a decent amount of cling so I would recommend wearing shapewear to smooth the silhouette.  Kiyonna consistently designs the most lovely dresses for the plus size fashionista!  Their fit, attention to detail, quality materials and on-trend colors keep me coming back for more.  Thank you Kiyonna!!

Sparkling in the snow-Kiyonna Limited Edition Glimmer Cocktail Dress Review

Today, I am reviewing the Kiyonna Limited Edition Glimmer Cocktail Dress in Grapetini.  I have a tendency to purchase novelty prints and florals, casual and fun dresses but I have very few elegant dresses meant for fancier occasions.  I fell in love with the Limited Edition Glimmer Cocktail Dress in Grapetini because although purple is my favorite color, it is the color I actually have the least of in my wardrobe and I needed a timeless cocktail style dress!

Uniquely designed with ruching overlay on one shoulder, a trendy illusion neckline and constructed out of the softest mesh, this A-line knee length dress is perfect for any special occasion.  I am smitten with the pretty Grapetini color, it is such a sweet shade of purple!  Wearing this dress walking in the fresh snow by the Flat River in Greenville, Michigan made me feel like the first crocus of spring, bringing a pop of cheery color to the white of wintertime!

I am wearing the Limited Edition Glimmer Cocktail Dress in Size 1x.  The fit is beautiful, hugging my curves in just the right way!  The ruched shoulder is flattering to the bust, drawing the eye and the ruched waist gives the dress a figure flattering hourglass shape. The shimmering mesh material is classy and feminine with just the right amount of shine.  I love the way this dress sparkles silver when the light hits it!

 I wore my Limited Edition Glimmer Cocktail Dress in Grapetini to enjoy a lovely trip to Crane's Pie Pantry, Restaurant and Winery in Fennville, Michigan for wine tasting and appetizers with my husband and friends.

Dress: Kiyonna Limited Edition Glimmer Cocktail Dress in Grapetini
Earrings: Ceci Punch Pearl Drops

This dress is a lovely way to be dressed up without being uncomfortable.  The mesh fabric stretches to fit your figure but is not restrictive.  The sleeves hit just below the elbow on me covering my upper arm problem areas.  I love the flow of the fabric and the graceful swing of the skirt.  

I chose to style my Limited Edition Glimmer Cocktail Dress in Grapetini very simply due to the casual surroundings, but it would look gorgeous with statement jewelry and nude heels for a dressier occasion.   The Limited Edition Glimmer Cocktail Dress is just the sparkling, elegant statement piece I needed in my wardrobe, it is my go-to dress when I am going out and must look glorious!!

Wardrobe fun with Gwynnie Bee!

It has been a while since I posted!  I have been taking a bit of a break to spend time with my family and friends, plus the winter in Michigan has made traveling a bit of a chore, so I took a much needed rest using this time to make plans.  I have tons of new blogs and photos coming your way, so be ready, I have such an exciting year planned!  My Husband, Kevin and I are starting off next week with a long needed getaway for Valentine's Day in lovely Allegan, Michigan at the Delano Mansion Inn Bed and Breakfast, a glorious home built in 1863.   I am looking forward to writing all about our experiences, I am going to have too much fun expanding my blog to include adventures in all of the lovely Michigan towns I am lucky to visit.  I want to showcase the natural beauty, great places, fabulous food and amazing atmosphere of my beloved home state!

I have not been entirely lazy during my break.  I have been having fun enjoying a free trial of Gwynnie Bee. Gwynnie Bee is a clothing rental subscription service for women sizes 10-32.  Gwynnie Bee is great for the fashionista in you, it is amazing having endless fashion at your fingertips, plus the subscription includes free shipping and free exchanges.  I have tried several brands from Gwynnie Bee that I have not purchased yet simply because I wanted the chance to try their clothing on before buying.  Gwynnie Bee gives you the opportunity to not only try garments and wear them, but if you really love something you have the option to keep it at a discounted rate, which I consider a really great option.  I might not always have an occasion to dress up but that does not stop me from wanting to, so I had a ton of fun trying all of these gorgeous styles even if the most pressing thing to do that day was run to the grocery store!  I think that this was a great solution to the winter blahs for me, giving me a bit of sunshine even on dreary days, it is important to do little things to keep yourself looking and feeling refreshed!  I highly suggest Gwynnie Bee as a great way to keep your closet fresh and try something new or different without breaking the bank.  I am sure that you will fall in love, I certainly have!!!

Hell Bunny Rosina Dress in Size:3XL

 Dress: Hell Bunny from Gwynnie Bee.  Earrings: Mystic Teardrops from Ceci Punch Designs

I loved the Rosina Dress!!  The cute 1940's style with a flattering gathered bust panels, ruched waist and sweet button accents!  The fit was really fabulous and this skirt was to die for!  I have worn many Hell Bunny dresses in the past, the reason I keep coming back to Hell Bunny is because they are one of the best quality and most affordable brands of vintage styled garments available.  I loved the flow of the dress and everyone loved it!

City Chic Black Spliced Skater Dress With Cherry Red Trim Size:L

 Dress: City Chic from Gwynnie Bee.  Earrings: Ceci Punch Designs

The Pixie, since 1948!

I had a Ranch Chicken Grinder with a Chocolate Cherry Milkshake, YUMMY!!!

I absolutely fell in love with this gorgeous Black Spliced Skater Dress with Cherry Red Trim from City Chic.  The style suited me to a "T", made of soft high quality material that flows and flatters!  I had a lot of fun on a day date with Kevin at the Pixie Restaurant in Mount Pleasant, Michigan.  I cannot believe we had never been to this fabulous retro diner that has been serving up food and fun since 1948.  The food was amazing and the atmosphere was perfect for a vintage lover like me.  I cannot wait to go back and shoot more fun photos here!!

Be still my heart!!!!

I loved this City Chic dress so much I had to add it to my closet, I am completely won over!  I have wanted to try City Chic for a few years but the fact that there are not stores local to me to try on their garments had kept me from taking the plunge, Gwynnie Bee is the perfect opportunity to have fun with your wardrobe by trying new brands and even new styles without risk.


Cherry Velvet Dita Holiday Dress in Black and Dark Red Size:1X

 Dress: Cherry Velvet from Gwynnie Bee.  Earrings: Roses by Premier Jewelry

The reviews for this Cherry Velvet Dita Dress on Gwynnie Bee were less than inspiring, but I had been dying to try Cherry Velvet and this style looked so lovely that I could not resist.  I found it to be pretty and flattering to my hourglass shape.  The material was not what I was expecting being a shimmery taffeta it swished in a fascinating manner as I walked.  I think this would be a lovely dress for an occasion where you wanted something with a lovely vintage feel but a bit more classy than just a swing dress!

Cherry Velvet Tatyana Dress in Shoe Print Size 0X

 Dress: Cherry Velvet from Gwynnie Bee.  Earrings: Ceci Punch Designs

Photobombing Pomeranian Teddy was too cute to be cropped out ;-)

This dress is exactly why I wanted to try Gwynnie Bee.  I want to be able to take risks with my wardrobe and try new things without the actual risk of buying something with the chance that it will not fit or flatter well. Cherry Velvet is another brand that I just needed to try on before I bought, but both of the Cherry Velvet dresses I tried were lovely and fit me perfectly.  I always use measurements when I am choosing a garment size in any brand, each style can fit your body differently, this is why in the Tatyana Dress I am wearing a 0X but the Dita Dress was size 1X.  This is a perfect case for how handy it is to know what your measurements are, if you are ordering styles online you can purchase something that will fit well.  This dress was fun and completely out of my comfort zone with its criss-cross neckline, peekaboo shoulders and bright bold shoe print, but I had a riot rocking a completely different me for a day and I received a ton of compliments!  I will be adding Cherry Velvet styles to my closet!!!

I have been loving Gwynnie Bee!!  I will be posting more photos and reviews from the next batch of Gwynnie Bee goodies I get!!  Until then, go check Gwynnie Bee out, try their free trial and if you are like me you will be won over  because the fashion possibilities are endless!!!!

Winter fashion Lifesavers! We Love Colors Tights Review!

Good morning!  It is a glorious snowy day here in Michigan.  Winter has come at last and we have had enough snow the last few days to more than make up for what we missed in December.  Wintertime is a tough time of year for me.  I love the beauty of the season but let's face it, it's often too cold and impractical to wear dresses in the winter.  I was looking for solutions to this problem because I honestly only wear jeans if absolutely necessary, so when I discovered We Love Colors I was beyond thrilled!!

We Love Colors offers tights, fishnets and hosiery in the perfect selection of colors to match any outfit and sizes that fit women from 90-375 lbs. We Love Colors also offers leotards, unitards and other dancewear.  When they say We Love Colors, they are not kidding!  They offer 50 + colors of solid tights, as well as a vast array of stripes and fun patterns.  We Love Colors were kind enough to send me some tights to style and review. I have been having tons of fun wearing these bold colored tights under my dresses.

 Photos: Renee Ricket Photography 

Tights: We Love Colors in Fuschia

 Dress: Teal Deer Print 50's Dress 

When choosing colors I wanted to get something bold and fun but something that would match many dresses in my wardrobe.  I love wearing my Emerald Green and Fuschia Plus tights their fun colors really bring a bright pop of color into my winter wardrobe. The colors are fun but the best part of wearing the tights is that they keep my legs toasty warm while looking super cute and shapely!!

 Photos: Renee Ricket Photography

Tights: We Love Colors in Emerald Green

Dress: Santa Baby by Blueberry Hill Fashions

We Love Colors sizing and fit are great.  I received size C/D and they fit me perfectly.  They are easy to get on and comfortable without binding, pulling or being too tight at the waist as some hose can be.  I did not have to struggle to get into the tights, which makes me more likely to wear them.  In the past I have had issues finding sizing that did not make me feel as if I was stuffing myself into the garment.

I have been putting them through the paces for a couple months now and I am impressed with We Love Colors quality!  I have worn them running all over the place, at home, at church, family gatherings, at a photo shoot on rough wooden floors and they have not ripped, pulled or snagged yet!  I am rough on things, I am very active and I also tend to kick off my shoes when I am inside, so durability is a must!   I have never had a pair of tights or hose last through my rough wear for more than two uses, but my We Love Colors tights have each been worn six or seven times and show little sign of wear.  I have washed and dried them, as instructed and the colors are still bright and fit lovely.  I really love my We Love Colors tights!!  Thank you We Love Colors for your commitment to high quality products for all women to wear!

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?

Sassy Scarlet's 2015 year in review!!

2015 has been an amazing year for me!  I decided to start modeling and blogging full time in February.  It was a huge decision for me, I have never been a gal that considered herself great looking and being plus sized I thought, there's just no way I could be a model.  What changed my life was a combination of things.  The first was fun photoshoots introducing me to supportive women who were confident enough to lift one another up.  The second was Vintage style inspiration from ladies like Miss Victory Violet, Amelia and June from Junebugs and Georgia Peaches, The Cherry Dollface, She Might Be Loved and Pin Up Persuasion.  Reading their blogs, watching tutorial videos and seeing their style inspired me to be confident in my own sense of style!  I have dreamed of dressing vintage my entire life, first the lack of items in my size stopped me, later, it was a lack of self confidence but I can say with 100% certainty that I have never felt more confident in myself, my entire life, being a pinup has changed me forever!!  I have gotten so many incredible opportunities, met fantastic people and really surprised myself by smashing through my own personal barriers.  I have grown so much and through it all the most important thing has been having the support of my family, friends, the amazing companies that took a chance on a newcomer and my fabulous fans, I cannot thank everyone enough for believing in me!  The thing that drives me is a belief that each person is a unique universe of personality and beauty, meeting people and seeing this beauty adds so much richness to my life, I cannot wait to see what 2016 has in store!!

Here is a look back:
 I was honored to be published in my favorite magazine, Vintage Life as Miss March!

Photo: Decadence Dolls

Bearpaw Madeline Boots and a couple photobomb poms!

Bearpaw Scarlet Moccasins

I became an ambassador for Bearpaw.  I love their comfortable, high quality boots, shoes and accessories so this was a dream for me!

Photo: Put A Smile In It Photography.  Dress: Hell Bunny.  Hair Flower: Daisy Jean Floral Designs

I had a wonderful time working with Brandy from Put A Smile In It Photography this year!  We shot some unforgettable photos and I met so many beautiful Michigan pinups that I now call dear friends!

Pinups For Patriots Michigan at the Red Cross Hometown Heroes Gala

Pinups For Patriots Michigan at The Grand Rapids Home for Veterans.

Pinups For Patriots Michigan Chapter

Dress: Voodoo Vixen Kitty

Dress: Hell Bunny Motley Sailor.  Brooch: Glitter Paradise Shark Bomb.

I had an amazing year being a part of Pinups For Patriots.  We went to some really incredible events all over our glorious state and met amazing veterans.  It was a privilege to serve and I cannot wait to have more adventures with my Pinups For Patriots Michigan chapter sisters this coming year!

Enjoying a stroll on the beach of Lake Michigan in my very first dress from Pinup Girl Clothing, The Ella in Mary Blair Lips and Roses Lavender.

There are few things I love more than traveling across Michigan seeing the vast, wondrous beauty of my home state and sharing it with others!

I impressed myself by smashing through some of my own boundaries this year, I took chances and really went outside of my comfort zone but it was well worth it!  The biggest moment for me personally this year was entering the Grand Rapids Metro Cruise Pinup Competition.  It was a truly special experience for me that led to so much personal growth, I was terrified but I overcame my fears and walked the stage confidently.  I was proud to place in the top ten but most importantly I made friends for life of the ladies I was privileged to compete with.

Dress: Grace in Silver Lace C/O Vivien of Holloway

Brooch: Tweetheart C/O The Moby Duck

Dress: Whoopie Pie in the Sky C/O Katrina Parker Frocks

Brooch: Oscar Wildenfox C/O Erstwilder

Purse: Suzy Sailor Bowler Bag C/O Fluff

Dress: Aurora C/O Ains & Elke StyleHaus.  Accessories: The Great Pumpkin Waltz Brooch and Earrings C/O Summer Blue Jewelry

Dress: Santa Baby C/O Blueberry Hill Fashions.  Tights: Emerald Green Plus Tights C/O We Love Colors

I was overwhelmed by how many fabulous companies were kind enough to take a chance on a small town Michigan girl. Biggest Thank you's to: Vivien of Holloway, Erstwilder, Katrina Parker Frocks, The Moby Duck, Summer Blue Jewelry, Ains & Elke StyleHaus, Fluff, We Love Colors, Bandelettes and Blueberry Hill Fashions.  I was blessed to collaborate with so many brands that I had been a customer or admirer of for years.  Writing these reviews has been a pleasure and I cannot wait to bring you even more vintage style in the New Year!!!

Location: Forest Home Cemetery in Greenville, Michigan.  Dress: SWAK Designs Harlow Lace Dress

Renee Ricket Photography and I have forged an amazing partnership that was, ironically, born among the tombstones in the beautiful Forest Home Cemetery.  Our mutual love of the historic cemetery led to many conversations, crazy ideas and a friendship were formed.  I am thrilled to have shot not only some one of a kind photos with Renee but we have also teamed up to do event shoots so we can help ladies celebrate their unique beauty.  2016 will see even more crazy shoots together so stay tuned, you never know what we will come up with next!!

Photos: Renee Ricket Photography.  Swimsuit: Torrid.  Necklace: Bo & Betty Sparrow C/O Erstwilder

Swimsuit: Torrid.  Necklace: Bo & Betty Sparrow C/O Erstwilder.  Shoes: Calla C/O Bearpaw

Photo: Horvath Photo.  Dress: Ravishing Lace Wrap Dress C/O Kiyonna.  Brooch: Oak Leaves and Acorns in Rose Gold C/O The Moby Duck

I was thrilled to become a part of the Kiyonna Blogger Brigade.  Kiyonna is one of the very best plus size clothing lines available, I have been a customer and fan of their designs for several years and I cannot wait to review more of their lovely clothing for you!

Location: Anderson & Girl's Orchard in Stanton, Michigan. Photo: Horvath Photo.  Dress: Pinup Girl Clothing.  Accessories: The Moby Duck

I was thrilled to be able to shoot in some of my favorite locations.  I have lived in rural mid-Michigan my entire life spending most of it around these small towns that are beloved to me.  I love the rich history, beautiful surroundings and fabulous local businesses of our area.  Highlighting my Michigan home is a pleasure because I would not live anywhere else on Earth!

Photos: Horvath Photo.  Dress: Marilyn Reproduction Dress C/O Blueberry Hill Fashions

I shot some of my most memorable photos in the beauty of nature with the wonderful Jessica from Horvath Photo.  Jessica and I have a ton of fun running around outside together and I cannot wait to work together on even more projects in the coming year!

Going into 2016, I have great plans for the future of Sassy Scarlet.  I am expanding the scope of my blog in the next year, I will be writing about my travels around my home state of Michigan.  I will be highlighting my favorite towns, businesses, restaurants & more as well as more pinup photoshoot goodness and the vintage fashion you love.  2015 has been a wonderful year, I cannot wait to carry this positive momentum into 2016!!  Happy New Year!!