Effortless Elegance! My Review of the Kiyonna Sunset Stroll Bellini

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 Today, I am reviewing the Sunset Stroll Bellini from Kiyonna.  The Sunset Stroll Bellini is a lightweight wrap style cardigan with a hidden drawstring at the waist that allow you to adjust it to fit your personal style.  Wear it cinched closed as a comfortable gathered sweater or layer it as a cardigan over a tee shirt for warmth and style.  This lightweight cardigan is stylishly versatile, style it simply for cute and casual days or dress it up for effortless elegance at work or on a date.  The Sunset Stroll Bellini comes in a variety of seasonal colors so you can add just the right touch to your wardrobe.  I am wearing the Sunset Stroll Bellini in Black Noir, a staple piece in my wardrobe, this flattering cardigan is a must have to top off cool weather outfits.  I love the Sunset Stroll Bellini for fall in Michigan!

Outfit Details:
Top: Sunset Stroll Bellini in Black Noir size 1X from Kiyonna
Tee: Cabinet of Curiosities Tee from Blue Platypus
Jeans: Boot Cut Jeans from ANA via J.C. Penney
Earrings: Bad Girls Hoops in 24K Gold from Vixen by Micheline Pitt
Bangle: Leilani Bangle in White/Ivory from The Moby Duck
Makeup: Tarte
Lipstick: Red Velvet from Besame Cosmetics

 I am wearing the Kiyonna Sunset Stroll Bellini in size 1x.  The cardigan is very generously sized and since it is made of soft stretchy Jersey, it has a lot of give.  This top is comfortable, cozy and easily adjustable so it always gives you the perfect fit.  I love the 3/4 length sleeve, they cover the arm but can be pushed up if it gets warmer.  The length is also great, the bellini comes just below my bottom, this gives me the desired coverage to hide my tummy which I am a little self conscious of in jeans.

 The Kiyonna Sunset Stroll Bellini looks adorable over maxi dresses or my vintage outfits but I decided to take a leap into the modern day with this look.  I rarely wear jeans, but this adorable cardigan was perfect for layering over jeans and a tee shirt for a busy day of meetings followed by a romantic fall walk in the woods with my husband.  I wore it with a Halloween printed long sleeve tee, fitted boot cut jeans, gold hoops and leopard print accessories to give it a stylish edge, I love the casual elegance of this outfit.  I wore my Sunset Stroll Bellini cinched closed for the day and later I adjusted the drawstring and transformed it into a cute cardi that gave me just the right amount of warmth for a walk in the autumn chill.  It was a fun and welcome step away from my normal ultra feminine vintage style.

The Kiyonna Sunset Stroll Bellini is a versatile wardrobe must have that is sure to get tons of wear.  Dressed up or down it's the perfect topping for every outfit.  I love that I can get both figure flattering dresses and fashionable separates from Kiyonna, they have something to fit every style!

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Plum Perfect! My review of the Kiyonna Helena Ruched Skirt in Plum

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 Hi there everyone!  Today,  I am reviewing the Helena Ruched Skirt from Kiyonna.  This soft and comfortable pencil skirt is sure to become a staple piece in your wardrobe.  The Helena Ruched Skirt is a versatile midi length skirt made of ultra soft and stretchy microfiber jersey for perfect fit and featuring figure flattering ruching.  This skirt is definitely unexpected for me.  I tend to shy away from form fitting bottoms, but every woman's wardrobe must have a pencil skirt so when Kiyonna added the Helena Ruched Skirt in this pretty plum shade, I had to try it!

Outfit Details:
Top: Kelsey Flounce Top in Black Noir c/o Kiyonna
Skirt: Helena Ruched Skirt in Plum c/o Kiyonna
Clutch: Coffin Clutch from Sweet Midnight
Makeup: Tarte Cosmetics
Lipstick: Red Velvet from Besame Cosmetics

The Helena Ruched Skirt is absolutely figure flattering!  The ruching hides my belly outline creating a smooth silhouette and showing off my curves perfectly.  I felt comfortable and the Helena Skirt is so flattering that I was not self conscious even though this outfit was a huge step outside my normal style.  I am wearing the Kiyonna Helena Ruched Skirt in a size 3x, I sized up in this skirt because although my waist fits in the size chart for a 1x, I am much larger in the hip and butt area.  Fit is a little large in the waist but perfect in the hip/bottom area, the ruching is adjustable for a perfectly flattering look.  This skirt is a midi length, this hits me a few inches below the knee and the design of this skirt makes it stay in place so I am not constantly having to tug it down as I have had to do with other pencil styles I have tried.  Helena is the first pencil skirt I have truly felt comfortable in!

 This Kiyonna outfit is retro inspired but more of a step into the modern day, it was fun to get out of my routine and I felt fabulous!  I was inspired by fall and the coming Halloween holiday.  Dark colors are another change for me, I tend to wear brights but I felt these subdued tones were very flattering. I love the pairing of the Kelsey Flounce Top with the Helena Ruched Skirt, it is smoldering.  I added simple silver jewelry, a matching purple flower to add a pinup vibe and a cute glittery Coffin Clutch for a touch of spooky style that fits the season perfectly.  I am loving the Helena Ruched Skirt, comfortable, flattering and versatile, this pretty pencil skirt is sure to become one of your favorite Kiyonna pieces!

Spring Elegance! Featuring the Sandy Heels from Ask Erica M Shoes!

I admit it, I am not a huge shoe girl.  I was born with Club Foot, because of this I have a love hate relationship with shoes.  I have wide feet that are very sensitive, add to that a penchant for tripping over my own feet and that makes me picky about shoes.  I have been trying to get my shoe wardrobe up to par with my clothing and accessory wardrobes and as I was shopping, I fell in love with these Sandy Heels from Ask Erica M Celebrity Shoes.  Ask Erica M Celebrity Shoes specializes in providing the trendiest, chicest styles in shoes and fashion.  A fabulous resource for staying up to date with fashion trends but also finding styles that are timeless, I love adding items to my wardrobe that will stand the test of time and never go out of style.

The Sandy Heels are sexy ankle strap heels that are classic.  Perfect for wearing with your most fabulous outfits, this style has a zip back and ankle strap.  I have wide feet and big calves but Sandy has elastic in the ankle strap so they fit my wide feet and larger ankles great.  I am always surprised when I get a shoe that is wide enough for my feet out of the box, I have had to stretch shoes and often they are too narrow to fit my feet period even after breaking in so I am thrilled that this style fits me so well out the box!  Sandy has a nice modest heel so they are not too tall, great for adding a bit of sexy without putting too much pressure on your feet.

Outfit Details:
Dress: Elizabeth Jacquard Evening Dress in Black C/O Dolly & Dotty
Shoes: Sandy Heels C/O Ask Erica M Celebrity Shoes
Earrings: Bad Girl Hoops in 24K Gold from Vixen by Micheline Pitt
Makeup: Tarte Cosmetics
Lipstick: Victory Red from Besame Cosmetics

 I love these shoes!  I wore them running errands all over town and while enjoying a date day with my hubby. The Sandy Heels were comfortable and easy to walk in.  I rarely wear heels because I tend to be pretty clumsy (thus my perpetually bruised up legs!) so these are wonderful for someone who is less than graceful to wear out. The Sandy Heels were the perfect finishing touch for this elegant spring ensemble I put together and I cannot wait to style them with more gorgeous dresses this coming summer.  I love these fabulous Sandy Heels from Ask Erica M Celebrity Shoes, be sure to check out her awesome selection of high quality and stylish fashion!

Bodycon Beauty! My review of the Kiyonna Bianca Ruched Dress

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Today, I am reviewing the Bianca Ruched Dress in Plum from Kiyonna.  This is by far the sexiest dress in my wardrobe!  A dramatic departure from my normal cutesy vintage style, this bodycon dress is chic and stylish while being soft and comfortable.  The perfect dress for date night or any occasion where you want dramatic style, Bianca will guarantee all eyes are on you!

I am the first to admit that I play it safe with style.  I wear outfits that are fitted on top but flare out on the bottom to camouflage my tummy and butt.  I have always been picked on for my big butt, bullied all through school I learned to hide my body instead of celebrating it.  I love my body but rarely embrace anything that shows off my shape closely, so when I saw the Kiyonna Bianca Ruched Dress, I fell in love but I was terrified of wearing a bodycon dress, I do not generally feel as confident in these fitted styles.  I want to get past that, so I took a risk and I am so glad that I did! 

Outfit Details:
Dress: Bianca Ruched Dress in Plum, size 2X courtesy of Kiyonna
Hair Flower: Orchid by The Pin Up Curl
Earrings: Pearl Drops by Ceci Punch Designs
Makeup: Tarte Cosmetics
Lipstick: Victory Red by Besame Cosmetics

The Bianca Ruched Dress is a bodycon dress with flattering ruching, a peek-a-boo neckline and dramatic draped cold shoulder sleeves.  A fresh and trendy reworking of a classic starlet style, the Bianca Ruched Dress has all the vintage style that I love with modern accents.  Made of a rayon and spandex blend material, this dress is soft as a dream while having great stretch that accentuates every curve.  This material is fabulous because it is breathes and moves with the body making this dress feel like a second skin.  The ruching is amazing, it can be adjusted just right to flatter your shape so the dress looks made for you.  The peek-a-boo neck can also be adjusted to show more or less as desired by simply tucking the neckline to suit your needs.  I love the draped cold shoulder sleeves, they cover my arms while still giving a sexy peek of shoulder that I just love!  Purple is my favorite color and this rich shade of plum is pretty and sophisticated.

 I am wearing the Bianca Ruched Dress in a size 2x here, it fits me perfectly, hugging every curve and embracing my body.  It highlights my hourglass shape and shows off my body in a way that I rarely do.  I will admit, I felt self conscious at first, there's a stigma that surrounds visible belly outline and I am not used to showing off my shape in a fitted dress but as a mom who has had a C-Section and a gal who has always been belittled for being plus sized, I am over that!  My body is beautiful just as it is, it has survived, thrived, made life and brought me through everything both good and bad, it deserves care and unconditional love!!

The Bianca Ruched Dress in Plum is definitely a show stopper, I got tons of compliments as well as a few people simply staring open mouthed.  I loved how I felt wearing it, I was like a starlet, all eyes were on me and everyone had something wonderful to say.  It made our date night all the more special because I dressed up in a way my husband rarely sees me and he loved it! Kiyonna knocked it out of the park with this style, I cannot gush enough about it.  It felt wonderful to embrace my body in a whole new way and Kiyonna made sure I looked amazing doing it!

Beaded Beauty! My Review of the Gatsby Lady Scarlet Vintage Inspired Fringed Flapper Dress

Today, I have traveled back to the 1920's to review the Gatsby Lady Scarlet Vintage Inspired Fringed Flapper Dress in Black Silver.  This glorious frock is perfect for all your upcoming Holiday style needs.  Glitzy and glamorous, perfect for parties or perhaps playing the part of an intriguing guest at a murder mystery dinner; the Scarlet Dress is a sequined and beaded masterpiece that will make you want to dance the night away!

The Gatsby Lady Scarlet Dress includes a fully beaded overdress with a black underdress.  It is a masterpiece! Elegant beading swirls and sweeps around the dress hugging my curves and flattering my shape!  The beads in shades of silver, black, pale celery green and aqua decorate the dress in swirls, stripes, leaves and a bold rose accent in the center.  My favorite part of the Scarlet Dress design is how the pattern in the beading accentuates my figure, it is a cleverly designed to give shape to the figure and to camouflage trouble areas, drawing attention to the waist and hips with striped beading down the side that draws the eyes to curves.  The dress is heavy, as it is fully beaded but the weight is not noticeable once it is on.  I love how the beaded fringe shimmies, it really makes this dress a joy to wear.  The Scarlet Dress is petite friendly, at 5'2" the dress hits me a few inches below the knee.  The sleeves are sheer with leaf pattern beading and sequined cuffs, I love the extra arm coverage because Michigan winters are frigid and more coverage is always a plus.

Outfit Details:
Dress: Scarlet Vintage Inspired Fringed Flapper Dress in Black Silver C/O Gatsby Lady
Lipstick: Cherry Red from Besame Cosmetics
Makeup: Tarte Cosmetics
Shoes: Madden Girl-thrifted
Makeup and Hair Styling: Alyx Halsey

 I love the fit of this dress!  I am wearing the Scarlet Dress in a size UK24 /US20, it fits perfectly showcasing my curves without being clingy or uncomfortable at all.  The material has a bit of stretch, you do not want to stretch too far because of the beads but there is a decent amount of give so the dress is form fitting and comfortable. I was a bit hesitant to try the flapper style, when I think of the 20's I tend to think of the stereotypical waif thin flapper, so I was a bit scared as a curvy gal to try this 20's style, it is a huge step outside of the box but I am so glad I took a chance!  I cannot get over how fabulous this dress feels and looks, it fits my body perfectly highlighting my shape nicely and looking ever so elegant.  Gatsby Lady really know how to create dresses that flatter all body types!

I loved channeling the flapper style of the 1920's for this look.  I did some research into the time period,  a fascinating point in history where women escaped the rigid social structure of Edwardian times and really started thinking for themselves.  They began cutting their long hair and dressing in bold look-at-me styles because they were sick of being in the background.  "The Flapper awoke from her lethargy of sub-deb-ism, bobbed her hair, put on her choicest pair of earrings and a great deal of audacity and rouge and went into the battle. She flirted because it was fun to flirt and wore a one-piece bathing suit because she had a good figure, she covered her face with powder and paint because she didn’t need it and she refused to be bored chiefly because she wasn’t boring. She was conscious that the things she did were the things she had always wanted to do."   The flappers were responsible for many of the freedoms that we enjoy as women today!  Read more about Flappers- Here.

For these photos I really wanted to embody the look of the era.  My gal pal Alyx is a wizard at transforming modern women into vintage vixens so we worked together for retro perfection.  My hair is mid back length, we styled it into a faux bob, added dark smoky eyes, and bold dark red lips to a pale face so I look as though I just stepped out of a speak easy in the 1920's.  It is such fun to try on different eras fashions, it gives me a glimpse of history and the new, exciting role women were starting to play in changing society 100 years ago.  Gatsby Lady helps you to take a fun step back in time and look amazing while you do it!

Which Gatsby Lady dress is your favorite style?  Follow me on Instagram or Facebook for more photos and sassy fun! 

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!