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!

Silky stockings! The Big Tights Company Review!

What a beautiful sunny Monday morning here in Michigan!  I enjoyed my weekend and I am awake, having my coffee, ready to conquer the day!

Today, I am reviewing The Big Tights Company.  I have never been fond of wearing pantyhose, stockings or tights because being plus sized, as well as having larger legs has made finding a comfortable fit nearly impossible.  I discovered The Big Tights Company on Facebook and I was so excited to see that they cater specifically to Plus Size ladies!!  I contacted The Big Tights Company and they were kind enough to send me  some of their stockings to sample.

Stockings: Magic Stockings in Natural C/O The Big Tights Company
Photos: Put A Smile In It Photography
MUAH: Ashley Leathead
Dress: Amazon.com
Petticoat: Jennifer in Yellow by Malco Modes
Shoes: Rockin Tiki Heels in Red by Lucky Lou Shoes

 

The Magic Stockings are 20 Denier silky matte finish stocking that fit thighs up to 30 inches.  Denier is the term for the thickness of material used to make stockings or tights.  Simply put the higher the denier number, the thicker the material. 20 Denier is sheer with a lot of stretch, yet very sturdy.  The most common issue I have with stockings is that when I try to stretch them to fit my legs, even if they are advertised to fit my size, they inevitably get a hole, run or snag that renders them immediately useless.  I did not have to worry with the Magic Stockings, I am wearing a size UK 20/24 and I am just in love with the fit.  They have tons of stretch and are also longer than average to fit even the taller ladies.  They fit like a dream, no rolling or binding around the largest part of my thigh.

I love the silkiness of the material.  They are soft as a whisper and look lovely on my legs.  They are sheer with just the right amount of color.  I have worn both pair three or four times without snags or issues so I am extremely pleased, any stocking that gets through more than one wear with me is great quality!!  The stockings are not too heavy but still made from sturdy material. I really love my Magic Stockings and cannot wait to try more of the wonderful products from The Big Tights Company!!  I am thrilled to see that so many companies are taking plus size ladies into consideration and designing quality products that fit regardless of size.  For too many years we have been relegated to the back of the store or a tiny section of dismal selections and I am so happy to see the tide turning!  Fashion is not size exclusive!

Stockings: Magic Stockings in Black C/O The Big Tights Company
Dress: Suzanne C/O Voodoo Vixen
Photo: Put A Smile In It Photography
MUAH: Ashley Leathead

Pretty in Poppies! Voodoo Vixen Suzanne Dress review.

It has been a tough couple of months here in my household.  Kevin, my husband  has been hospitalized and diagnosed with a mental illness.  It has been a huge adjustment and learning experience for us and doctors visits have kept me busier than I imagined.  This combined with my regular job has meant that I have had take time away from regular blogging to handle this new phase in our lives.  I am happy that things are stable and I can now afford to devote myself to the blog once again.  My blogging and pinup modeling is such a pleasure in my life.  I am so happy to have met wonderful people and discovered a multitude of fabulous creators who are making their mark on the vintage fashion world.  I will be posting many long overdue reviews this coming week from Kiyonna, The Big Tights Company and Dolly and Dotty; as well as reviewing my newest purchases from Pinup Girl Clothing!

Today I will be reviewing the lovely Voodoo Vixen Suzanne Dress.  I love Voodoo Vixen!!  Their flair for retro style, fabulous fit and wonderful fun prints make them one of the best vintage style clothing labels.  I already own the Kitty dress (My review!) and Isabella cardigan, they are such an adorable and lovely set.  I contacted Voodoo Vixen and they were kind enough to send me the Suzanne Dress for review.

Suzanne is a bold houndstooth print dress scattered with with bright red poppies.  Scalloped edges on the bodice and arms are a pretty and feminine touch.  The dress is fits me like a glove with a bit of comfortable stretch in the cotton blend material.  I am wearing a size 2x and the fit is just right, if you are between sizes I would recommend sizing up.  I love the scalloped bodice of this dress, it is so lovely a touch, very vintage styled and feminine.  I find the bodice to be flattering to the bust and the matching belt cinches in at the waist to give a great shape.  Suzanne also has pockets!!  I am a lady who appreciates well thought out design details in my garments and the addition of pockets to this dress is practical while being adorable with the scallop edge detail.

Photo: Put A Smile In It Photography
MUAH: Ashley Leathead
Dress: Suzanne C/O Voodoo Vixen
Stockings: Magic Lady Stockings in Black C/O The Big Tights Company (Review coming Monday!)
Heels: Vintage

The sleeves are also finished with scallop edge detail and are a great length for wearing in cooler weather because they provide a little more arm coverage.  The skirt flares out in a flattering bell shape from the waistline.  Length is mid calf for me at 5'3" which makes this a flattering and modest dress for any occasion.

  This print is so bold and bright!!  I have been trying to step outside of my pastel and floral print box, Suzanne is perfect for that.  The print makes a fun statement that catches the admiring eye of people who just had to compliment me when I wore her out to dinner with my husband!  The poppies would also make this a great dress for Military themed outfits like I wear for my Pinups for Patriots events.  I love wearing these vintage styles, they seem to be a big hit with people both young and old.  Voodoo Vixen is continuously bringing us amazing new vintage inspired designs that are well constructed and high quality,while being fun and flattering to wear!   

April Showers! Rainy day fun with Jileon Wide Calf Wellies!

Michigan is currently experiencing our second winter.  We had a lovely couple weeks of spring weather with April showers on the first of the month, then on the second of April we were hit yet again with snow and ice which has cooled off my spring fever a bit.  Spring is coming but rather slowly this year!

April Fool's Day was gorgeous, 60 degrees and rainy.  I love playing in the rain so this was the perfect opportunity to take my new Jileon Wide Calf Wellies out for some fun.  I have never owned a pair of rain boots before due to the fact that none of them would fit my large calves.  I was tickled pink to discover Jileon, who make Rain Boots or Wellies, that fit calves up to 21 inches!!  Jileon were kind enough to send me a pair of their gorgeous boots to try out for the blog.

I fell in love immediately with these boots!!  Birds are one of my favorite things so I adore this whimsical print with multi-colored birds flying about the brown background.  The boots are not only adorable but they fit like a dream, they are super soft and do not bind around my calf.  I am wearing size 8 Wide Calf Wellies, Brown with Colored Bird Print for up to 18 inch calves.  Made of sturdy rubber with a reinforced sole, the inside of the boot is lined with soft fleece that keeps you warm in the winter, gives a delightful softness and insulates against cool water when you are walking in it.

Dress: Adelle in Coral Dot by Igigi
Boots: Wide Calf Wellies in Brown with Colored Bird Print Courtesy of  Jileon
Earrings: Ceci Punch Designs

 It rained all day and gave me the perfect opportunity to really test my boots out.  I slogged around in the mud running errands, taking my dogs outside and finally when the rain broke we went uptown to play in the puddles at our local park.  My feet stayed dry and comfortable!  The rubber material makes them easy to clean up if they get dirty.  The sole of the boot is sturdy and the ridged bottom design makes these boots grip even the most slippery surfaces well.

 I had a lot of splashing in the puddles that the spring rain created at our town park in Lakeview on the banks of Tamarack Lake.  I have always loved playing in puddles but had always done so barefoot, it was a ton more fun to me wearing my Jileon boots, they kept my feet warm and dry in puddles that came halfway up my boot without worry.

 I had a ton of fun getting dirty but my feet stayed warm and dry in my Jileon Wellies!!!  What pair of Jileon Wide Calf Wellies is your favorite?

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!!