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!!

Sparkling in the snow-Kiyonna Limited Edition Glimmer Cocktail Dress Review

Today, I am reviewing the Kiyonna Limited Edition Glimmer Cocktail Dress in Grapetini.  I have a tendency to purchase novelty prints and florals, casual and fun dresses but I have very few elegant dresses meant for fancier occasions.  I fell in love with the Limited Edition Glimmer Cocktail Dress in Grapetini because although purple is my favorite color, it is the color I actually have the least of in my wardrobe and I needed a timeless cocktail style dress!

Uniquely designed with ruching overlay on one shoulder, a trendy illusion neckline and constructed out of the softest mesh, this A-line knee length dress is perfect for any special occasion.  I am smitten with the pretty Grapetini color, it is such a sweet shade of purple!  Wearing this dress walking in the fresh snow by the Flat River in Greenville, Michigan made me feel like the first crocus of spring, bringing a pop of cheery color to the white of wintertime!

I am wearing the Limited Edition Glimmer Cocktail Dress in Size 1x.  The fit is beautiful, hugging my curves in just the right way!  The ruched shoulder is flattering to the bust, drawing the eye and the ruched waist gives the dress a figure flattering hourglass shape. The shimmering mesh material is classy and feminine with just the right amount of shine.  I love the way this dress sparkles silver when the light hits it!

 I wore my Limited Edition Glimmer Cocktail Dress in Grapetini to enjoy a lovely trip to Crane's Pie Pantry, Restaurant and Winery in Fennville, Michigan for wine tasting and appetizers with my husband and friends.

Dress: Kiyonna Limited Edition Glimmer Cocktail Dress in Grapetini
Earrings: Ceci Punch Pearl Drops

This dress is a lovely way to be dressed up without being uncomfortable.  The mesh fabric stretches to fit your figure but is not restrictive.  The sleeves hit just below the elbow on me covering my upper arm problem areas.  I love the flow of the fabric and the graceful swing of the skirt.  

I chose to style my Limited Edition Glimmer Cocktail Dress in Grapetini very simply due to the casual surroundings, but it would look gorgeous with statement jewelry and nude heels for a dressier occasion.   The Limited Edition Glimmer Cocktail Dress is just the sparkling, elegant statement piece I needed in my wardrobe, it is my go-to dress when I am going out and must look glorious!!

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!!!!

Winter fashion Lifesavers! We Love Colors Tights Review!

Good morning!  It is a glorious snowy day here in Michigan.  Winter has come at last and we have had enough snow the last few days to more than make up for what we missed in December.  Wintertime is a tough time of year for me.  I love the beauty of the season but let's face it, it's often too cold and impractical to wear dresses in the winter.  I was looking for solutions to this problem because I honestly only wear jeans if absolutely necessary, so when I discovered We Love Colors I was beyond thrilled!!

We Love Colors offers tights, fishnets and hosiery in the perfect selection of colors to match any outfit and sizes that fit women from 90-375 lbs. We Love Colors also offers leotards, unitards and other dancewear.  When they say We Love Colors, they are not kidding!  They offer 50 + colors of solid tights, as well as a vast array of stripes and fun patterns.  We Love Colors were kind enough to send me some tights to style and review. I have been having tons of fun wearing these bold colored tights under my dresses.

 Photos: Renee Ricket Photography 

Tights: We Love Colors in Fuschia

 Dress: Teal Deer Print 50's Dress 

When choosing colors I wanted to get something bold and fun but something that would match many dresses in my wardrobe.  I love wearing my Emerald Green and Fuschia Plus tights their fun colors really bring a bright pop of color into my winter wardrobe. The colors are fun but the best part of wearing the tights is that they keep my legs toasty warm while looking super cute and shapely!!

 Photos: Renee Ricket Photography

Tights: We Love Colors in Emerald Green

Dress: Santa Baby by Blueberry Hill Fashions

We Love Colors sizing and fit are great.  I received size C/D and they fit me perfectly.  They are easy to get on and comfortable without binding, pulling or being too tight at the waist as some hose can be.  I did not have to struggle to get into the tights, which makes me more likely to wear them.  In the past I have had issues finding sizing that did not make me feel as if I was stuffing myself into the garment.

I have been putting them through the paces for a couple months now and I am impressed with We Love Colors quality!  I have worn them running all over the place, at home, at church, family gatherings, at a photo shoot on rough wooden floors and they have not ripped, pulled or snagged yet!  I am rough on things, I am very active and I also tend to kick off my shoes when I am inside, so durability is a must!   I have never had a pair of tights or hose last through my rough wear for more than two uses, but my We Love Colors tights have each been worn six or seven times and show little sign of wear.  I have washed and dried them, as instructed and the colors are still bright and fit lovely.  I really love my We Love Colors tights!!  Thank you We Love Colors for your commitment to high quality products for all women to wear!