Patriotic Pinup featuring the Karina Dresses Megan Dress in Milky Way Print

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Today, I am featuring the Megan Dress in Milky Way Print by Karina Dresses.  The Megan Dress is my favorite style from Karina Dresses.  Megan is a lovely retro styled dress with a cross over bodice, long sleeves, banded waistline and full gathered skirt.  Megan is a great dress for everyday wear, comfortable for running errands but pretty enough to dress up for any occasion. 

As soon as I saw the Megan Dress in the new Milky Way signature print, I knew that I had the perfect opportunity to shoot some amazing patriotic themed pinup styled photos.  My friend David, who is a veteran of the Vietnam War was kind enough to allow me to shoot these fun photos with his WWII era Jeep.  The Milky Way signature print is a gorgeous blue backdrop with cream colored stars scattered throughout.  Pretty and bright I loved dressing this Karina Dresses Megan Dress up with a red white and blue theme.  My gal pal Alyx gave me the perfect 40s style hair, we added a red and white striped scarf, white hair flower, a vintage American flag pin, Besame 1941 Victory Red Lipstick and red wedges.

Outfit Details:
Dress: Megan Dress in Milky Way Print size XXL c/o Karina Dresses
Shoes from Steve Madden
Glasses from Zenni
Scarf and Flag Pin are Vintage
Lipstick is Victory Red from Besame Cosmetics
Makeup from Tarte

Karina Dresses fit like a dream and are perfect for everyday wear.  This Megan Dress in Milky Way Print is perfect for my volunteer work with The Do Good Gals as many of our events are for veterans and I love dressing up in patriotic style for our veterans.  This dress is also lovely because is looks great for modern looks but also works for vintage styling.  I love having dresses in my wardrobe that can work for many different styles.

I am wearing the Megan Dress in size XXL.  This is my regular Karina size, fit is perfect and I love this style with long sleeves, they are going to be a blessing in the coming cooler weather seasons here in Michigan.  All of Karina's dresses are made of microfiber material that is maintenance free.  No wrinkles, no ironing, no problems, more time for you!  This makes Karina Dresses perfect for travel.  Karina Dresses are everyday wearable, beautifully styled, trouble free and classic.

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Flirty Floral! My review of the Kiyonna Flirty Flounce Wrap Dress

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Today, I am reviewing the Kiyonna Flirty Flounce Wrap Dress in Navy Rose Print.  This lovely lightweight wrap dress is perfect for summer weddings, date nights, open houses and garden parties.  Gorgeous with cascading ruffles, fully adjustable fit and a pretty retro floral print make this a stand out in my wardrobe.  The Kiyonna Flirty Flounce Wrap Dress is a full wrap dress featuring 3/4 sleeves, long adjustable ties and ruffled detailing.  Made of a soft poly/spandex blend material, this dress is great for summer because it is a breathable, stretchy and lightweight material.  Wrap dresses are great for summer wear because you can get the most comfortable fit and adjust as needed, the heat makes me retain water so the tie waist allow easy loosening just in case.

  I am wearing a size 2x here, fit is just right with lots of stretch, fabric to cover me modestly and room to adjust toe fit to my body.  I generally size up in wrap dresses so I have a little more fabric to play with in the skirt area as I am sized to much larger on the bottom half of my body. The length hits my petite frame a few inches below the knees and 3/4 sleeves give nice arm coverage to protect against the sun on a hot summer day. The Flirty Flounce Wrap Dress fits just right thanks to the versatility of the wrap dress style.  I love that I can play with the fit to get it just right for me.  I love how the Flirty Flounce Wrap Dress defines my waist, enhances my curves and the flippy ruffles at the bottom give it so much movement, this dress flatters the curvy figure to perfection!

 The Flirty Flounce Wrap Dress is available in a variety of prints which gives you tons of choices to suit your personal taste.  I chose this Navy Rose Floral print, because it is very summery featuring pink roses and fleur de lis on a navy background plus I also love the vintage look of the roses on the dress.  Wrap dresses are great because they can be worn simply or dressed up as much as you like.  I am wearing a bright pink flower crown to match the pink roses on the dress, vintage blue hoop earrings that pick up on the lighter blue color in the fleur de lis on the dress, retro styled heels and carrying the cutest faceted white bead vintage purse to top it off.  I love to mix vintage with modern to create interest and because it is wonderful to give new life to old pieces!  This dress is also great to throw on for errands when you want to look put together with minimal effort.  Take your Flirty Flounce Wrap Dress, add cute accessories and ballet flats for a casual cute look that's perfect for busy summer days.  This Flirty Flounce Wrap Dress is so comfortable it feels light as a feather on making it a must have for summer weddings and occasions.  The Kiyonna Flirty Flounce Wrap Dress will keep you cool while looking scorching hot!

Radiant Roses! My review of the Lady Vintage Dirdle Dress in Vintage Red Rose

 Today, I am reviewing the Lady Vintage Dirdle Dress in Vintage Red Rose Print.  This dress is such a delight!  I am completely enamored of every aspect of it.  Lady Vintage is a London based company that offers a plethora of amazing vintage styled garments in sizes 8-32.  The Dirdle Dress features a square neckline on a fitted bodice with wide straps, a tapered waistline and full flared skirt. The Dirdle Dress also features a sash tie to emphasize the waistline and the full skirt is large enough to accommodate a petticoat.  This dress comes in a variety of unique prints so there is a print to fit every personality and occasion.  I am always happy to see a company make the effort to be body positive and size inclusive and I know that Lady Vintage truly cares about their customers because they offer their clothing in a huge size range so there truly is something for everyone!  

 I love how this dress fits, it really highlights my curves and makes me feel gorgeous.  I am wearing the Dirdle Dress in a size 20, fit is wonderful.  This dress is made for curves!  The bodice is comfortable and modest, making this a great dress for those times when cleavage is not appropriate but the shape of the dress is undeniably feminine so it is sexy in an understated way.  The skirt is full enough for a petticoat, I am wearing one here but it looks lovely without because the material holds its shape, belling out to give the skirt fullness.  The sash at the back of the waist allows you to cinch the dress to fit your shape and comfort level and it emphasizes the waist to give that exaggerated vintage silhouette. The material is a high quality cotton elastane blend that stretches for comfortable fit and movement but is heavy enough to have structure and stand up to repeated wearings. Ladies, this dress has POCKETS!!  Nice, roomy and super handy, pockets on a dress are rare so the Dirdle Dress having pockets confirms that it is indeed the perfect dress.  Lady Vintage have a gift for designing vintage inspired dresses that are practical for everyday wear.

Outfit Details:
Dress: Dirdle Dress in Vintage Red Rose from Lady Vintage
Cardigan: Cropped Cardigan in Red from MAK Sweater
Purse: Vintage Inspired Purse in Red from Lola Von Rose
Earrings: Bad Girl Hoops in 24K Gold from Vixen by Micheline Pitt
Bracelet: Fleur Bangle in Red from The Moby Duck
Flower Crown from Amazon.com
Makeup: Tarte
Lipstick: Victory Red from Besame Cosmetics
Glasses: Zenni Optical

I adore the Vintage Red Rose Print on the Dirdle Dress.  A bright garden print with red roses, greenery and accenting flowers in shades of purple, peach, pink and yellow on a cream backdrop.  I love roses, they are my favorite flower bringing back memories of my grandmother so for me the roses are the star of this dress.  I had fun playing up the red roses with my favorite accessories but the colors in it allow for many different ways of styling and I enjoy dresses that inspire a myriad of different moods and looks!  

 I had to wear this dress in the perfect garden setting but even though its April, winter is still lingering.  It's still snowy here in Michigan so we took the opportunity on a rare warm day to head to the beautiful Dow Gardens in Midland, Michigan to take these photos. Filled with thousands of plants, walking paths, water features, themed gardens, mid century bridges, sculptures and architecture; Dow Gardens is a paradise that I enjoy wandering around for hours admiring!  I cannot tell you how many people stopped me to compliment my outfit, I was told I looked like a fairy, a princess and everyone complimented this beautiful dress.  The Dirdle Dress is a timeless piece for your wardrobe, a classy dress that will never go out of style.  I love wearing clothing that makes me feel good and the Dirdle Dress in Vintage Red Rose by Lady Vintage made me feel like a million bucks!  

Lovely in Lace! My Review of the Kiyonna Lacey Cocktail Dress

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Today, I am reviewing the Lacey Cocktail Dress in Bluebird by Kiyonna.  The Kiyonna Lacey Cocktail Dress is a sophisticated vintage inspired classic, a gorgeous A-line dress made of floral lace with a classic Sabrina style neckline, 3/4 lace sleeves and flared skirt.  The Lacey Cocktail Dress is perfection!  I love how the dress fits, hugging my curves and flaring out at the waist into a swingy skirt.  This dress just screams 1960's cocktail party to me, perfect for evening entertaining or a day out on the town, it is versatile and beautiful. 

The Lacey Cocktail Dress is a gorgeous shade of blue that reminds me of bright skies and sunny days.  Blue is a color that I do not often look at when choosing clothing but this lovely dress has made me realize I need to add more of this shade to my wardrobe.   The lace is a lovely floral pattern that is both feminine and sophisticated.  I love my Lacey Cocktail Dress, I feel timeless and ethereal when I wear it.

Outfit Details:
Dress: Lacey Cocktail Dress in Bluebird in size 2X C/O Kiyonna
Earrings: Pearl Drop Earrings by Ceci Punch Designs
Makeup: Tarte Cosmetics
Lipstick: Victory Red by Besame Cosmetics
Shoes: Black Kitten Heels by Mossimo (thrifted)

The Lacey Cocktail Dress fits like a dream!  The stretch lace and poly spandex lining have a great amount of give so the dress fits and flatters without being tight.  I am wearing a size 2x here and it is just right, fitted on top and generous enough to swing out on the bottom.  I wear a size 14/16 on average in tops and a 24 in bottoms so in order to get the A-line silhouette to fit my body type correctly I go with the size that will fit my bottom half best, otherwise it clings in all the wrong places.  The neckline is pretty and modest which makes this a fabulous frock for family occasions or church, anything where you desire a bit more coverage but the sheer lace detail keeps it modest without being prudish.  The sleeves are 3/4 length, hitting me just below the elbow and giving nice coverage of the upper arm.  The Lacey Cocktail Dress fits and flares in a way that highlights curves without being clingy and I just love the way the sheer lace areas look against my skin.

I had fun styling my Lacey Cocktail Dress!  I love the versatility of a lace dress, it is a blank canvas just waiting for you to add accessories and really show off your personal style.  I styled it simply with sophistication by adding pearl earrings and black kitten heels but I also love a bit of whimsy and dressing things up a fanciful fashion, so I also added a matching flower crown and a cute cupcake clutch. I looked amazing and felt comfortable all day long.  The Kiyonna Lacey Cocktail Dress is a classic, a must have style that will add versatile, vintage flair to your wardrobe!

A classic dress that is versatile and fun to style!

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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!

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