Seasonal Style: Transitioning your wardrobe from summer to fall featuring the Kiyonna Phoebe Flounce Wrap Dress

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Today, I am teaming up with Kiyonna to show you how to take your wardrobe from summer to fall with simple changes.  I am featuring the Phoebe Flounce Wrap Dress, a lightweight piece that is easily styled to wear for warmer months into the chillier season.  August is still warm here in Michigan but it is a month when the weather can be unpredictable, summer weather one day can change to chilly fall temperatures the next making it tough to plan around the weather.  This crazy weather makes it necessary for me to have pieces in my closet that take my dresses from season to season easily and with a minimal expenditure.  Another great reason to add a variety of accessories to your wardrobe is to take an outfit from one occasion to another and it also allows you to use fewer items so packing for trips is a breeze.  Because we were shooting for these blog photos while waiting on promised rain, time was in short supply and I made my transition from summer style to fall style in less than five minutes because I had planned my outfit in advance, this is how I look fab without tons of time.  Style does not have to be complicated or take up all your time!

First, I have to talk about how gorgeous this Phoebe Flounce Wrap Dress is, made of a soft poly\spandex blend, this wrap style dress is adjustable for perfect fit and feels like a dream on.  The flounce detailing and beautiful peony print floral are feminine and pretty with a sexy sophistication that made me feel confident and gorgeous.  I am wearing a 2x, this is my normal Kiyonna size and fit is adjustable so it feels like it was made just for me.  I felt amazing in this dress, I am self conscious about wearing more fitted styles but I love the retro feel, flounce details add flirty flair and the print is irresistible, I had to have her!

Summertime style:

Outfit Details
Dress: Phoebe Flounce Wrap Dress in size 2x from Kiyonna
Shoes: Baby Pink Peep Toe Platform Heels from Just Fab
Hair Flower: Delightfully Dainty Double Pink from Daisy Jean Floral Designs
Earrings and Bracelet are Vintage
Makeup from Tarte
Lipstick is American Beauty from Besame Cosmetics

For summer, I prefer to keep accessories to a minimum for comfort sake.  I have extreme issues with the summer heat so less is more when it comes to styling a summer outfit for me.  This is my date night style.  I wore my Kiyonna Phoebe Flounce Wrap Dress off the shoulder, I love off shoulder styles, it is a way to feel sexy without being overly exposed and it feels fantastic in the warm weather.  I styled Phoebe in a simple yet sophisticated way with pearl drop earrings, a pearl bracelet, a coordinating pink hair flower and baby pink peep toe heels.  I felt like a bombshell in a classic movie, I thought of Sophia Loren, the ruffled decolletage reminded me of her smoldering and exotic retro style.  This dress moves like the wind so it would be fabulous for weddings and any occasion that called for dancing!

Fall and Cold Weather Styling:

Outfit Details
Dress: Phoebe Flounce Wrap Dress in size 2x from KiyonnaCardigan: Long Sleeve Cardigan in Bright Pink from MAK Sweater
Shoes: Tan Ruffle Accent Booties from Just Fab
Purse: Pink Vintage Style Wicker Purse from Pinup Girl Clothing
Earrings: Royal Blue Vintage Style Hoops from Pinup Girl Clothing
Makeup from Tarte
Lipstick is American Beauty from Besame Cosmetics

For Fall and colder months, I do not put my dresses away, I prefer wearing dresses so I have built a wardrobe of items that I can add to my dresses to make warm and stylish outfits.  My top accessory is a good cardigan, I own a variety of different styles of cardigans in a rainbow of colors.  I love the cardigans from MAK Sweater, they are a wholesale company that makes a huge variety of styles in an incredible rainbow of colors so you can always find the perfect match for your outfit or occasion.  I transitioned my Phoebe Flounce Wrap Dress for cooler weather by adding a long sleeve coordinating pink cardigan, royal blue hoop earrings, a baby pink wicker purse and tan ruffle accent booties.  This outfit is perfect for church or work and really shows the versatility of the Kiyonna Phoebe Flounce Wrap Dress, since it can be worn on or off shoulder and the wrap style allows for adjustment of fit you can take this dress from day to night or season to season easily.  Kiyonna makes so many amazing dresses with unlimited styling potential, I really enjoy taking my wardrobe from season to season, styling each dress in a multitude of different ways is a ton of fun and fuels my creativity!

I hope that you enjoyed this blog as much as I love writing it!  I would love to hear your opinions and what you would love to see on the blog, email me at sassyscarletpinup@gmail.com with feedback, questions or ideas.  You can also follow me on Instagram or Facebook for lots more photos and fun content!

Summer love! Kiyonna Luring Lace Dress Review

Summertime is so much fun!  It gives me such joy being out in nature, traveling and wearing pretty dresses that aren't practical in the winter.  I have been seeing sexy strap styles all over the internet and since I have been challenging myself to get out of my fashion comfort zone I had to get in on the strappy summer action with the stunning Kiyonna Luring Lace Dress in Ruby.

Dress: Luring Lace Dress in Ruby size 1X courtesy of Kiyonna
Earrings: Kelsi Ear Jacket by Gorjana via Rocksbox
Necklace: Rayne Necklace in Ivory Pearl by Kendra Scott via Rocksbox
Ring: Hexagon Pave Ring in Moonstone by Olivia and Grace via Rocksbox
Lipstick: Red Velvet by Besame Cosmetics
Shoes: Vintage Sprigged Floral Print Wedges

The Kiyonna Luring Lace Dress is a trendy twist on the classic summer sundress.   A gorgeous off-shoulder dress with floral lace sleeves, fitted bodice, adjustable straps and flared knee length skirt.  The Luring Lace Dress is fully lined which provides modesty and structure to the garment but it is still lightweight and flows beautifully.  

The Luring Lace Dress is easily my favorite style from Kiyonna, I felt positively luscious in this dress, it strikes the perfect balance between sweet and sexy!  I rarely get into modern trends but I felt this style has a bit of vintage glamour to it as well.  I am a sucker for off-shoulder styles, I find them to be a lovely way to show a little skin while still being modest.  When I thought I couldn't love the dress more, we get to the best part, the straps.  The Luring Lace Dress has adjustable straps that can be worn can be worn in a couple different fashions to cater to your personal style.  I love the look of a v-neckline with the straps crossed in back:

Dress: Luring Lace Dress in Ruby size 1X courtesy of Kiyonna

Earrings: Jenny Bird Flagstaff Earrings in Gold/Lapis via Rocksbox

Necklace: Gorjana Vivienne Necklace via Rocksbox

Bracelet: Nakamol Pearl and Multicolored Bracelet via Rocksbox

Lipstick: Red Velvet by Besame Cosmetics

Hair: Alyx Wiltse using Beauty and Pinups Fierce Firm Hold Finishing Spray
Shoes: Vintage Sprigged Floral Print Wedges

But you can also wear them in this lovely keyhole style with the straps crossed in the front, as shown on the Kiyonna Website:

Photo: Kiyonna

The Luring Lace Dress is very flattering, hugging my curves and flaring out into a graceful knee length skirt.  I am wearing a size 1X, fit is perfect and the length hits my 5'3" frame at just below the knee.  The dress fits and flares so I suggest choosing the best fit for your bust/waist as the bottom of the garment is more free sized, I can wear a 14/16 top but need a 22/24 bottom and the fit of the 1X which is a 14/16 is form fitting and flattering on me.

The knee length is a step outside the box for me.  I have always had a love/hate relationship when it comes to showing my legs but this dress looks so amazing, I'm pretty sure no one would notice my legs anyway!  The Ruby color is dramatic and lovely, I rarely wear jewel tones in the summertime but I am trying to break out of those style ruts and this shade really pops with the green summer foliage.  I wore my dress for a romantic stroll in the garden while out on date night with my husband, accessorizing it with sparkly gold and pearl jewelry from Rocksbox.   Absolutely perfect to wear for any summer activity, comfortable and fashionable, I could go on forever about how much I love this dress!  Kiyonna has the hottest styles and sizes tailored to fit real plus size bodies beautifully, this is why they are my favorite plus size retailer!

This dress strikes the perfect balance between sweet and sexy!

Wishful Wednesday- Beach Babe edition!

Good day!!  The sun is shining, its hot, humid and summer is in full swing!  Michigan is a beautiful state for summer fun.  The Great Lakes coast is ripe with opportunity, lakeside towns full of shopping, gourmet food and adventure.  Lake Michigan is home to some of the most beautiful beaches, bordered by sand dunes and woods, I can lose myself walking on the beach, soaking up the sun, the peaceful sound of the waves. In Michigan you are never more than 6 miles from a body of water so swimming is a daily part of summertime life.  This week's Wishful Wednesday is vintage perfection for beach babe beauty!

I've been self conscious my entire life.  I've always been bigger and I carry a lot weight in my thighs.  I have cellulite and that for years caused me to believe I should always wear swim skirts, cover ups, shorts or avoid swimsuits altogether.  I've finally come to a place where I realize all bodies are beach bodies!  Enjoying summer is not a size exclusive thing.  I posed in my swimsuit without a cover up, thighs exposed, noone died, noone was cruel and I felt fabulous!  

Swimsuit by Torrid
Photo by Era Exposures

Here are my top swim suit choices for plus pinup style beach beauty and a few must have accessories for protecting yourself from the harsh summer sun.

Pinup Girl Clothing Pinup Couture Marilyn suit in Green
The Marilyn - a gorgeous, gathered, skirted thing of beauty that evokes old Hollywood glamour is designed to hold you in and push you up, for an extremely sexy beach silhouette. The suit is fully lined with power mesh to define your curves, the bust has padded cups that help support and the gathered design hides any imperfections. Two removable rhinestone brooches attach to the straps adding a glamorous finishing touch, the straps are adjustable and sizes XL-4X are also fitted with wider straps for better support.  A beautiful classic suit to flatter any shape, Pinup Girl Clothing always does vintage right!

Unique Vintage Casablanca Halter Top and High Waisted Bottoms in Polka Dots and Red Bows
With its blue and white polka dot print and cute red bows, this swim top has the perfect all-American retro look paired with the matching high-waisted bikini bottoms. I love this style for its undeniably classic retro look!

Torrid Peekaboo One Piece in Leopard
Sexy and stylish this leopard one-piece gives a flattering shape and fit. Front ruching slims and controls while convertible wide straps give support and versatility. I love my Torrid Peekaboo suit, it is flattering and sexy!!  Meow!!

Red Dolly Swimwear Retro Pin-Up Bikini in Black and White Stripe
I love this twist on the classic Barbie suit.  An adorable retro styled high waist bikini with a gathered bust halter top.  Pair this suit with cute Cherry Red Lolita Love Retro Heart Sunglasses and a high ponytail for a Barbie at the beach look sure to get attention!

Mod Cloth Wade A Minute Swimdress in Flamingos
Very cute and versatile, this one piece swimdress features underwire padded bust with bonig at the sides, a tiered swim skirt and removable straps.  I would love to pair this fun flamingo print with these stylish Bearpaw Calla Wedges in Black and a wide brimmed hat like this Black and White Striped Woven Sun Hat with Bow for a casual beach babe look.

Whatever your beach style may be, remember to enjoy yourself because you are worth it!!!

Pinup picnic and Wishful Wednesday!

It has been a very fun but busy week.  Thursday April 30 was our first Pinups for Patriots Michigan chapter event, The American Red Cross Hometown Heroes gala, add family, work and a photoshoot to make for a very hectic schedule.  I will be blogging in depth about our Pinups for Patriots experience tomorrow.  I apologize for getting behind but I'm beginning to think I may need clones of myself to get everything done!! ;-) 

The Put A In It Photography Pinup Picnic shoot was Sunday May 3.  It was a gorgeous sunny day and very early for us (my sweet hubby Kevin went with me) starting at 6 am because Jackson is a two hour drive from our small town.  I arrived to a bustling studio filled with ladies getting hair done, touching up makeup, gushing over pretty dresses, Elvis was bubbling out of the record player, conversations and laughter surrounded me.  Brandy had a goodie bag for everyone that included a hair flower, it was also filled with fun girlie samples and gift certificates from local businesses.  We enjoyed a delicious Chicken Salad lunch from Panera Bread and headed to the park.  It was a sunny, warm day strolling with parasols enjoying the park surroundings, sniffing the blooming flowers, blowing bubbles and taking single or group shots.  I enjoyed laughter and bonding with other beautiful women of all ages, sizes and backgrounds, it was a perfect day!!  Brandy is a great hostess who thinks of every pampering detail, she's also a simply amazing photographer that has a knack for making everyone feel perfectly comfortable as themselves, which shines through in your photos.  It was unforgettable!

Today's Wishful Wednesday is inspired by sunny days and summery fun!!

Collectif Clothing was established in London in 2000.  They cater 1940s-50s style pinup and rockabilly pieces with a flare for originality.  Flamingos have adorned our summer gardens for many years, they're bright, playful and reminiscent of tropical places and summer adventures.  I love Collectif's kitschy Dolores Doll dress in Atomic Flamingo print.  Printed with flamingos, tropical fruit and atomic swooshes this dress is flirty, fruity flamingo fun!!  Classic 1950s styling with button detail at the bodice and a full swing skirt.  Perfect for sweet summer days lazing on the porch swing with a good book or a walk in the park with your sweetheart.

I love brooches, they are a fun, yet cost effective way to add personality to any ensemble, matching or contrasting for different effect.  My favorite Flamingo is by The Peach Flamingo, located in Australia, they make a variety of hand crafted, vintage styled, novelty brooches.  I would wear their  Vintage inspired Flamingo brooch in Pink with this outfit.  The beautifully detailed, graceful and bright flamingo is a unique piece guaranteed to be an attention grabber worn with any outfit.

I'm a huge admirer of Ceci Punch Designs.  I've featured her pieces on previous blogs, find her accessories perfectly suited to my style and she's a sweet person to boot!!  She's constantly bringing us gorgeous new designs.  I love the marvelous Mystic Teardrop earrings in Rosey Cheeks.  The Mystic Teardrops are limited edition, made from vintage marbled plastic with rhinestones inlaid dangling from vintage beads. Each piece is marbled slightly differently which makes each pair a one of a kind work of wearable art.  They are gorgeous and elegant with a flair that will catch the eye!  Ceci Punch's pieces are instant heirlooms.

I'm a big fan of ballet styled shoes, I find something enticingly feminine and graceful about a sweet pair of ballet flats.  Melissa shoes have been manufacturing eco friendly plastic shoes that are the perfect edition to your wardrobe, for over 25 years.  They've designed collections with high end fashion designers like Karl Lagerfeld and Vivienne Westwood.  I chose these Ultragirl Sweet II flats because they are neutral and ultra feminine.  The cream colored plastic with the bold gold polka dot bow detailing on the toe, adds a bit of extra sparkle to this outfit without clashing with the busy print of the dress.  Melissa shoes are perfect for a modern pinup princess!

I adore hair flowers and love Soda Sweethearts beautiful designs.  I'm just starting to branch out and wear pieces with more interest than just one lonely flower.   I'm really loving all the unique handmade pieces Soda Sweethearts offers.  I would top this outfit off with their stunning Peaches and Cream tropical floral hair clip.  It is whimsical and reminds me of Carmen Miranda's fun, fruity headpieces.  Fruity drinks on the patio, dancing or a stroll on the beach, its the perfect sweet accessory for this juicy look.  The best part of getting dressed is adding your own individual touches to an outfit with hair accessories, shoes and jewelry.  What would you wear with this dress?

Stay tuned!!  For lots more fun check out my Facebook or Instagram pages!