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?