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!!

Raspberry and ruffles! Kiyonna Barcelona Wrap Dress Review

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Today, I am reviewing the Kiyonna Barcelona Wrap Dress in Raspberry Cooler, size 1x. The Barcelona Wrap Dress is a soft, flowing A-line wrap dress with ruffle accents and cold shoulder detailing. This dress is trendy in so many ways! Ruffles are really coming in this season, which thrills me because I love the flirty, feminine feel they give to clothing . I have also been seeing the cold shoulder style everywhere, from dresses to sweaters, its really hot! I had to try this dress because I am trying to modernize my wardrobe a bit, while I love retro styles, they are not always practical. The Barcelona Wrap Dress is perfect, modern but with a vintage vibe I love!

Outfit Details:
Dress: Barcelona Wrap Dress in Raspberry Cooler size 1x courtesy of Kiyonna
Earrings: Kendra Scott Sophee Drop Earrings in Silver c/o Rocksbox
Bracelet: Kendra Scott Candice Cuff in Silver c/o Rocksbox
Shoes: Mudd Plaid Peep Toe Flats-Thrifted
Photography: Tedd Gorman

This dress is lovely, very comfortable, and compliments my figure. I am wearing a size 1x, which feels perfect, the polyester spandex blend material has just the right amount of stretch for a flattering yet comfortable fit. The bodice wraps you in ruffles, ties at the waist to give shape then flares into a skirt that flows beautifully over your curves. The construction of the dress is high quality, the material is sturdy and it doesn't cling as some wrap dresses tend to do.

   

The style of this dress makes it very versatile, it's a great dress to wear for a day spent adventuring or to a dressy dinner party. I wore my Barcelona Wrap Dress for a fun day with my bestie in St. Joseph, Michigan, we took advantage of some unseasonably warm fall weather by exploring the shoreline of Lake Michigan.

The Barcelona Wrap Dress is a great dress for this time of year when the weather is cool and crisp in the morning but afternoons can get quite warm. The sleeves provide good coverage, hitting me just at the elbow and the barrel sleeve style is very flattering as well as comfortable, no pulling or binding around the arm. Raspberry Cooler is a perfect shade for Autumn, a muted yet rich berry. It's adorable with cute flats, heels or you could warm it up for autumn with a pair of knee high boots. I styled my Barcelona Wrap Dress with matching plaid peep toe flats and pretty silver jewelry from Rocksbox for a modern, casual look. This dress is dreamy and feminine as well as trendy and flattering, exactly what I'm looking for in my wardrobe! Thanks Kiyonna!!

Everything's coming up roses! Lindy Bop Bernice Swing Dress in Mint Rose Review

Today, I am reviewing the gorgeous Lindy Bop Bernice Swing Dress in Mint Rose.  I  discovered Lindy Bop dresses from the very beginning of my pinup modeling because they were in the wardrobe rooms of every photographer I worked with.  I loved the styling, quality and fit so naturally I had to add Lindy Bop to my wardrobe.  Lindy Bop is home to fabulous retro styled wardrobe pieces that are affordable and high quality.  I have had my eye on this gorgeous Bernice Swing Dress in Mint Rose since it was released so when I had the chance to do a blog review for Lindy Bop, I absolutely had to have it!

I am a sucker for roses, they are my favorite flower, although I haven't met a flower yet that I didn't love!  Roses bring back memories of my childhood, my Grandmother Beatrice had a beautiful rose bush in her yard that she would let me cut blooms off each year.  I have fond memories of waiting for the roses to bloom so I could enjoy their sweet perfume and it brings back feelings of blissful childlike joy.

 The Bernice Swing Dress in Mint Rose combines one of my favorite colors to wear, mint green with a beautiful vintage red rose print.  This print is so very retro, scattered with rosebuds and cascading to lovely rose border in full bloom.  The Bernice Swing Dress fit me perfectly except for one issue, being quite petite at 5'3", the straps were much to long for me and unfortunately they are not adjustable.  I did have to have a minor alteration made to the dress by a seamstress, having the straps shortened, this was not a difficult fix but I would love to see Lindy Bop offer future dresses with adjustable straps so the fit can be easily personalized.  After having the straps fixed the fit is amazing, Bernice hugs my curves and flatters beautifully!  

I am impressed with the quality of the material.  The Bernice Swing Dress is made of a lovely soft cotton material and fully lined with viscose, this dress does not have stretch so measuring yourself well is key to a great fit.  The lining is a thoughtful feature giving structure to the bodice and shape to the skirt. I love wearing petticoats but sometimes in the summer it can be rather uncomfortably hot.  The skirt of the Bernice Swing Dress has a nice drape and fullness giving a graceful vintage silhouette without a petticoat but has room for the addition of a petticoat if more fullness is desired.  One of my favorite features of this dress is the pockets!!  Pockets are a welcome addition to any dress giving us convenience of carrying necessary items with without sacrificing style.  The pockets on the Bernice Swing Dress are cleverly hidden in the gathered full skirt and are roomy enough to carry a cell phone or wallet inside.

Photography: Photography by Hanah Tepe at the St Joseph North Pier and Lighthouse
Dress: Bernice Swing Dress in Mint Rose, Size US 18 , courtesy of Lindy Bop
Earrings: Mystic Drops in Ivory by Ceci Punch Designs
Brooch: Red Rose courtesy of The Moby Duck
Bracelet: Red Floral Bangle courtesy of The Moby Duck
Purse: Vintage Inspired Handbag in Red courtesy of Lola Von Rose (review coming soon!)
Shoes: Vintage White Floral Print Wedges
Styled with Hair Products courtesy of Beauty and Pinups
Lipstick: Red Velvet by Besame Cosmetics

  The bodice has a flattering sweetheart neckline that is accented by perfectly placed gathers and cute matching buttons, tapering in the waist with a full gathered skirt.  The Bernice Swing Dress comes with a cute contrasting white belt that cinches the waist and accentuates your curves.  The dress looks lovely with or without the belt so you can change up your style.

I love this dress so much!  It has fast become one of my wardrobe favorites.  I love the contrast of the red roses with the mint green background so I chose to accentuate that contrast by matching the Bernice Swing Dress with lovely red rose themed vintage styled accessories.  This dress can be styled many different ways, it is beautiful enough to wear casually with pretty accessories or it could be dressed up with the addition of a red petticoat, red heels and pearls.  In the winter it could be styled with a white lace trimmed petticoat, red tights and a mint cardigan.  I love styling my dresses for wear in any season, I enjoy finding new variations in my wardrobe pieces that way things never become stale!  Lindy Bop is one of my favorite vintage inspired designers, I cannot wait to see what they come out with next!!!

Lake Michigan Dreams....

I had a lovely time taking blog photos at one of my favorite places in Michigan, St. Joseph.  St. Joseph is filled with fabulous dining, quaint shops, beautiful beaches and so much charm I find it intoxicating.  I was thrilled to get a chance to work with the amazing pinup photographer, Photography by Hanah Tepe from South Bend, Indiana.  Hanah and I had a glorious time creating magic on the North Pier with the newly restored St. Joseph Lighthouse as a perfectly Pure Michigan backdrop.  Tiscornia Beach, The North Pier and its lighthouses are beautiful to enjoy a peaceful walk while listening to the music of the waves, feeling the wind in your hair and enjoying the seemingly endless panorama of Lake Michigan.

Marvelous Melon-Kiyonna Twirling in Tulle Skirt Review

It's the weekend again!!  I am finally slowing down from a busy week of work and catching up with life after our little vacation.  I have been missing Mackinac Island terribly since our trip last week.  It is such a refreshing change of pace from the hustle and bustle of life on the mainland.  I am already planning to get another trip planned, hoping to return in the fall so we can see the glories of autumn touch the island!

Today I am reviewing the Kiyonna Twirling in Tulle Skirt in Melon Marvel.  I have been dying to jump on the tulle skirt bandwagon for ages.  I've been seeing these glorious cotton candy tutu and tulle skirts all over the internet but I am generally a dress wearing gal.  I have been really trying to break out of some of my wardrobe habits, try some new styles and break my own mold.  It has been a rewarding experience, taking chances and trying new things so I decided I must give the tulle skirt a try.

  I love this skirt!  It is light and airy, like a sugary, candy confection.  Perfect for a day spent exploring Mackinac Island, this skirt made me feel like graceful and lovely like a ballerina.  The skirt is light and airy, pretty and so comfortable.  I wore it wandering all over the island on a hot summer day, it kept me looking great and feeling cool.  I lost track of the amount of people who stopped me to compliment my outfit, it was incredible to me to have so many complete strangers feel the need to stop what they were doing and say "I absolutely love your outfit!".  I wear what I love but I really know that I have found a special outfit when I have people tell me they love it and ask where I have shopped.  I looked and felt like a million dollars that day!

Outfit Details:
Skirt: Twirling in Tulle in Melon Marvel size 2X by Kiyonna
Top: Tulip Top in White size 14 by Blueberry Hill Fashions (review coming Monday!)
Necklace: Loren Hope Sunset Statement Necklace via Rocksbox
Earrings: Sophie Harper Double Bar Drop Earrings via Rocksbox 
Shoes: Athena Sandal in White by Bearpaw
Location: The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan

The fit on the Twirling in Tulle Skirt is fabulous. I have an extreme hourglass shape,my waist is 38-39 and hips measure in at 59 so that 20 inch difference can make it very difficult to find bottoms that fit well.  The 1x waist measurement was perfect but I was worried about it fitting over my behind so I decided to get the skirt in a size 2x to be sure that it would fit both my waist and hip\bottom area.  The waist has tons of stretch and the fit is perfect for me.

Wandering the labyrinth at The Grand Hotel

 The waist is stretchy and wide with gathered tulle.  The skirt is two layers of glorious fluffy tulle and is lined with a soft and stretchy poly/spandex blend.  Fun for casual wear with a printed t-shirt and fun jewelry or beautiful dressed up with a blouse and pretty accessories, the Twirling in Tulle skirt is sure to become a piece you'll want to wear again and again!

Taking Chances! Kiyonna Valentina Illusion Dress Review

It has been a while since I blogged!  I've been busy with family matters, we had a few setbacks regarding medication and getting my husband's mental health stabilized.  It's a journey for us, learning to navigate life with Kevin's diagnosis, Dr. visits and trying to find the right medication.  I am happy to say things are going very well now, we have been enjoying family time, working on our home and being outside in the beautiful Michigan summer.  I have taken a bit of a break to enjoy some well earned peace on the home front but I have missed blogging!!

Today,  I am completely stepping outside my comfort zone.  I have always been self conscious about my weight, my extreme hourglass shape and the size of my butt.  I was teased pretty mercilessly as a kid, called "bubble butt" among other terrible things.  From then on, I always wore baggy clothing trying to disguise the fact that I was larger than other girls of my age group and even if I wasn't larger my body shape was so much different.  I have fought with my body image so much over the years and still struggle, but the main reason that I started this blog was so I could help people face this body shaming society head on and stop the cycle of hurt!  I have gained so much confidence the last couple years as I have begun dressing in pinup styles and finally feel like I have clothing that shows the flair of my personality.  Even though I have been loving my new style and feel glorious, I still feel the need to try and step outside my personal box every now and again.  I rarely take chances with my wardrobe, I am a matchy-matchy, play it safe kinda gal.  I always choose what I believe will be the most flattering shape on my body type and generally shy away from sexier, fitted styles.  However, I kept finding myself drawn to the wiggle dress shape, knowing that it is a classic wardrobe piece that is perfect for elegant occasions, I really wanted to get over my fear!

I have been eyeing the Valentina Illusion Dress for some time but kept making the safe choices afraid, what if I got the dress and hated it on myself?  When the dress arrived and I pulled it out of the package, I looked at it and thought, there is NO WAY I can squeeze myself into that, I was way to scared of ripping or damaging the dress to even try!  I put it back into the package, intending to send Kiyonna an e-mail stating that I could not fit into it but Kevin told me that I had better at least try it on, which I admit I was pretty reluctant to do!  It fit perfectly!  I was still pretty apprehensive about how tightly the dress fit so I had Kevin take a quick cell phone shot for me and I was blown away at how I looked!!

The Kiyonna Valentina Illusion Dress in Black/Blush is THE perfect dress for any occasion when you want to look drop dead gorgeous, turn heads and feel lushly sexy.  This dress glides over your curves and caresses your body perfectly!  The ruching along the front of the dress disguises any trouble areas and adds a glamorous touch. I love how contrasting black lace shapes the body and enhances the curves, I felt dangerously curvy in this dress.  I am wearing Spanx Higher Power Shorts underneath the dress for extra smoothing, but this dress does not require shape wear because there is great stretch in the material.  The black really exaggerates your body's natural shape and makes this dress so very sexy.  Black lace sleeves are the perfect length slimming the arms and adding glamour.  The cross over bust is a great feature that flatters and can easily be adjusted to show more or less skin as desired.  I chose to accessorize very simply, I felt the dress itself is a statement piece and I wanted it to really shine!

Dress: Valentina Illusion Dress in Black/Blush size 2X courtesy of Kiyonna
Earrings: Pearl Drops by Ceci Punch Designs
Photographer: Tedd Gorman
Location: The historic Whitcomb in gorgeous downtown St. Joseph Michigan

I rarely do sexy, I usually feel like a bouncy princess but sexy is not a huge part of my character.  But I am trying to get comfortable with the fact that I deserve to look and feel sexy on the occasions when I desire to!!  I felt self conscious at first, wondering if maybe someone would look at me funny or God forbid say something rude, but I recieved only very appreciative glances and compliments as I was wearing it!  This dress made me feel like a femme fatale, a friend said I looked like Jessica Rabbit and I think that compliment was spot on.  I really felt sultry, like a glamorous beauty straight out of old Hollywood!  It is always surprising to me how rewarding stepping outside my comfort zone can be.  I may not get a ton of chances to wear something so elegant but I am planning to wear this glorious dress any occasion I get because I love everything about it.  Thank you Kiyonna for once again making me look and feel amazing!!

Cheery Cherries! Dolly and Dotty May Dress review

Its a beautiful May morning here in Michigan.  The sun is up, birds are singing and the world is alive; green with leaves and fragrant flowers blooming that scent the breeze with delight!

Today I am reviewing the adorable May Dress by Dolly and Dotty.  Dolly and Dotty make fabulous retro inspired dresses to fit the modern woman.  Carrying a variety of vintage styles, fun prints and available in sizes 8-24, Dolly and Dotty have something for everyone!

Dress: May Swing Dress in Black Cherry, Courtesy of  Dolly and Dotty
Petticoat: Jennifer Petticoat in Red by Malco Modes
Stockings: Magic Stockings in Natural C/O The Big Tights Company
Photos: Put A Smile In It Photography (in their fab Tiki Set!)
MUAH: Ashley Leathead

 The May Swing Dress in Black Cherry is a bright bold pop of juicy cherries with a flattering vintage inspired design.  May features a V-neck wrap top design tapering to a belted waist and a generous full circle skirt.  I am wearing a size18 here.  The fit is good overall but I feel that the bodice is a bit loose on me and since the material has a fair amount of stretch, I could have easily gone a size down.  The Dolly and Dotty dress fit is generous compared to many UK brands I have encountered.  The dress included both a white and black fabric belt to match and I love this addition because it lets you make the decision which color belt you would prefer with your dress.

 The skirt is a full circle with plenty of twirling potential!  I am wearing the Malco Modes Jennifer Petticoat in Red with my May dress here, it looks lovely and adds a nice shape to the skirt but the material drapes nicely even without a petticoat.   This skirt is definitely large enough to accommodate a larger crinoline or petticoat, depending on your fullness preference.

The Black Cherry print is such a fun bold pattern.  The bright cherries just pop against the black background accented with white dots.  Cherries are celebrated here in Michigan so this dress reminds me of my home state and my favorite juicy treats so I feel positively delicious wearing it!  The May Dress is high quality, fun to wear, comfortable and available in many different prints which makes it a perfect addition to any closet.  I am impressed with the quality and style of Dolly and Dotty!!  I have my eyes on several other color ways of the May dress because I need to add more easy breezy summer dresses to my wardrobe that give me that beautiful vintage feeling.  What is your favorite May Dress?

Beauty in Blue-Kiyonna Luna Lace Dress Review

Hello beauties!  Today, I am reviewing the lovely Kiyonna Luna Lace Dress in Crazy About Blue.  I have been really in love with trying new colors and shapes in my wardrobe lately so I could not resist the Luna Lace Dress in the Crazy About Blue shade.

Dress: Luna Lace dress in Crazy About Blue in size 1X courtesy of Kiyonna
Shoes: Athena Sandals in White courtesy of Bearpaw

The Luna Lace Dress is a lovely cocktail dress in stretch lace with a nude lining.  The bodice is fitted tapering to a ruched waist and belling into a graceful a-line skirt.  The illusion bodice is great, the nude lining gives the appearance of showing skin but keeps your modesty intact and hides unsightly bra straps.  I love the sleeve length and the addition of the scalloped edges showcasing the feminine lattice and floral lace of the dress.  The same scalloped lace edges border the skirt.  The skirt is a flowing gathered A-line that reaches to a few inches below the knee on my 5'3" frame.

  The Luna Lace Dress is designed to give you that flattering hourglass silhouette and it really delivers.  The lace material is high quality and flattering to the figure with just enough stretch to give shape.  The color is an intense blue that reminds me of stormy skies on a summer day.

Who could resist these gorgeous Magnolias?!

This color is not something that I have a lot of in my closet so I am really loving how this shade plays with many of my accessories.  I am wearing my Grandmother's antique pearl necklace and clip on earrings with it here but I think it would also look adorable with red accessories for a patriotic look but simply worn alone it still makes an elegant statement.  This dress is great for so many reasons!  Kiyonna never fails to deliver just the right garment for any occasion.  Their quality, fit and style are always amazing.  I love Kiyonna!

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!!

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!!!!