Thursday, February 9, 2017

Date Night Perfection! My review of the Kiyonna Audrey Lace Dress!



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Today, I am reviewing the Audrey Lace Dress in Black Noir by Kiyonna.  The Audrey Lace Dress is a delightful geometric stretch lace cocktail dress with a flirty A-line skirt and sexy cold shoulder detailing.  I absolutely adore this dress!!  I was apprehensive at first because it was a bit more modern in styling and form fitting than my normal vintage swing dresses but as soon as I put the Audrey Lace Dress on, I fell in love.  It's sexy, sophisticated and elegant!

Outfit Details:
Dress: Audrey Lace Dress in Black Noir, size 1x c/o Kiyonna
Earrings: Bad Girl Hoops in 14K Gold from Vixen by Micheline Pitt
Tights: Plus Size Nylon Lycra Tights in Fuschia c\o We Love Colors
Shoes: Kitten Heels by Massini
Lipstick: Cherry Red (1935) by Besame Cosmetics


The Audrey Lace Dress is the perfect little black dress to add to your wardrobe.  It is fabulously flirty and super stylish for date night fun.  I styled my Kiyonna Audrey Lace Dress with Valentine's Day in mind by adding a punch of pink with Fuschia tights.  I went with simple gold hoops and a braided updo, because I wanted to draw attention to my shoulders and let the neckline be the star of the show.

 The geometric pattern on the lace draws the eye and looks lovely against the skin.  The lace material is stretchy but does not have a lot of give so if you are in between sizes I would suggest sizing up.  I am wearing the Audrey Lace Dress in a size 1x,  The sleeves are sheer and hit me just below the elbow.  Length hits a few inches below the knee on my 5'3" frame. I am in the top of the measurements for this size and this dress is very form fitting on me without being too tight.  I felt a bit self conscious at first but as soon as I wore the dress out, the compliments started flooding in!  The Audrey Lace Dress is definitely an attention getter.  Who says sexy has to be revealing, this dress is super sexy while being completely modest and wearable for any occasion.


We had a glorious date night together at The Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort in Mount Pleasant, Michigan.  We walked around taking in the beauty of the resort, looking at the huge variety of bright, interesting slot machines, sipped drinks, played a few penny slots and had a great dinner to finish off our evening.  I felt gorgeous and stayed comfortable in my Kiyonna Audrey Lace Dress for a night to remember!



Saturday, January 28, 2017

Geek chic! My review of Erin Etc.




 For today's blog, I am excited to team up with Erin. Etc.  Erin Etc. is a fab Etsy shop created by my sister Erin.  She offers geekery at it's finest, the cutest accessories with designs that are all things pop culture, movies, comic books, cartoons and more.   Erin makes earrings, keychains, ornaments and other fun little baubles to compliment your wardrobe and bring a smile to your face.  I am a lover of accessories, as well as a bit of a geek chick so I enjoy wearing items that have my favorite characters on them.    Many of the designs bring back fond memories of childhood and I love anything that inspires happy nostalgia!
  

Outfit Details:
Earrings: Bambi Earrings C/O Erin. Etc
Brooch: Little Lockheart by Erstwilder
Hair Flower: Delightfully Dainty Double in Pink by Daisy Jean Floral Designs
Dress: Deer Print 50's Dress from Clarence and Alabama
Cardigan: Cropped Cardigan in Black by MAK from Pinup Girl Clothing
Lipstick: Red Velvet (1946) by Besame Cosmetics
Hair done using Curlettes
I love these Erin Etc Bambi earrings!!  I am a sucker for Disney movies and Bambi has some of the cutest characters.  Also, Michigan is known for our beautiful White Tailed Deer and I have begun a bit of a collection on that theme.  The earrings are perfect, just the right size and cute as a button.  The detail is great with bright, sharp color and each pair is hand cut so they are very detailed.  The earrings are made with nickel free studs so they are safe for those with sensitive ears, I have issues with some earrings but these are comfortable for long wear.  People really noticed these Bambi earrings when I wore them out!  I received lots of compliments and had a few people ask where they could get a pair for themselves.



I wore my Erin Etc Bambi Earrings with this Clarence and Alabama 50's dress and Erstwilder Little Lockheart brooch for an adorable deer themed outfit that was perfect for a day out with my husband, we even enjoyed a little bit of fun playing in the snow.  I love to use accessories to create outfits with a ton of personality!  Erin Etc offers such a wide variety of designs that you are guaranteed to find something you love and if for any reason you don't, she also does custom orders. It's hard to chose with so many fun characters but there are a few I could not resist:


Ren and Stimpy:  My favorite cartoon during my teen years, I remember laughing until I cried with my friend over the weirdness that is Red and Stimpy!!



Sarah and Jareth AND The Worm from Labyrinth: Probably the movie that we watched the most in our home during our childhood, Labyrinth is still a family favorite and it's characters seem like old friends of mine!


Sophia from The Golden Girls:  Many an hour was spent with my grandmother watching The Golden Girls and wisecracking Sophia was always my favorite!


Strawberry Shortcake:  One of my most loved childhood cartoons, I still have my Strawberry Shortcake doll from when I was a little girl!

Go check out Erin Etc and tell me what are your favorite designs?


Thursday, January 12, 2017

Berry Beauty! My review of the Kiyonna Indie Flair Maxi Dress

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It's great to be back to blogging after taking a break to enjoy the holiday season with my family.  I had tons of fun, tried some new things and spent a ton of quality time with those I love most. I feel energized coming into the new year!  My resolution for this year is to try as many new things as I can, I hope to expand my horizons as a model, writer and blogger.



 Today, I am reviewing the Indie Flair Maxi Dress in Boysenberry by Kiyonna.  The Indie Flair Maxi Dress is a bohemian dream.  This comfortable, flowing rayon maxi has many sweet and stylish design elements that make it a bold berry delight.  Kimono sleeves, a peplum style accent and a wrap bust give this dress maximum appeal to stand out in your wardrobe.  I am wearing the Indie Flair Maxi Dress in size 1x, the fit is great, flowing and perfect all around.  The length was past my feet but at 5'3" that's not unusual, I have to shorten most maxi dresses for the best fit.  The skirt is generous and flows nicely around you and I just love how soft the rayon material is against my skin, it floats and does not cling.

Outfit Details:
Dress: Indie Flair Maxi Dress in Boysonberry size 1x courtesy of Kiyonna
Earrings: Vintage Wooden Hoops
Heels: Candies- Thrifted

I adore this vivid Boysenberry shade, purple is my favorite color and this shade is perfection.  The rich berry tone of this dress is a gorgeous shade for anytime of year, dramatic and hard to ignore.  The wrap neckline is comfortable and drapes gracefully emphasizing the bust without being too revealing.  The kimono sleeves are comfortable and flowing, hitting at my elbows and providing much welcome coverage for the winter but are lightweight enough for wearing in the summer heat.  The cute peplum style feature at the hip is trendy and flattering, emphasizing and enhancing a curvy silhouette.
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 Fun to wear, flowing and dramatic the Indie Flair Maxi Dress is a berry beauty.  I added simple bohemian accessories with vintage wooden hoop earrings and a daisy in my hair to play on the hippie vibe it gives me.  I love having a variety of stylish choices to wear for every occasion and Kiyonna always deliver the best!



Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Glam for the Holidays! My review of the Kiyonna Retro Glam Lace Dress!

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I am reviewing the Retro Glam Lace Dress in Black Lace with Purple Lining from Kiyonna.  The Retro Glam Lace Dress is a gorgeous confection of a frock that channels 1940's glamour into a wearable modern style.  Black scalloped stretch lace overlays a dramatic purple lining accented with a black rayon sash and a vintage style rhinestone brooch.  The surplice neckline flatters and fits beautifully, highlighting the bustline while still providing good coverage.  The sash at the waist gives lovely shape to the dress and vintage style brooch adds a touch of glitz.  I love the sleeve length on this dress, a bit longer than normal they come down to my elbow providing more coverage for the chillier weather.  The skirt is fitted at first flaring slightly to a little flirtatious flounce at the bottom edges. I styled my Retro Glam Lace Dress with a mix of modern and vintage accessories for an impromptu dinner date out with my husband.  This dress is beautiful, an easy way to look glam with very little effort!

Outfit Details:
Dress: Retro Glam Lace Dress in Black Lace/Purple Lining, size 1x courtesy of Kiyonna
Hair Flower: Orchid Hair Piece by Pin Up Curl
Earrings: Silver Rose and Chain Dangle Earrings from Gigi's Traveling Boutique, our local boutique
Clutch: Vintage
Shoes: Madden Girl-Thrifted



I am smitten with the vintage feel and styling of the Retro Glam Lace Dress.  It is nearly impossible to find actual vintage dresses in plus sizes that are also in wearable condition, I am always thrilled to add a dress to my wardrobe that has the vintage flair I love in a size I can wear!  This dress does fit a bit more snug than other Kiyonna dresses, I am wearing my normal size 1x and it fits like a glove.  The nylon spandex blend material has a good bit of stretch so it will loosen up with wear but if you are between sizes I would recommend sizing up.



  Perfect for the upcoming holiday season, The Retro Glam Lace Dress has just the right balance of retro and modern, a classically glamorous dress you'll want to wear again and again!  Kiyonna has all your holiday glam wardrobe needs covered.

Saturday, November 26, 2016

Striking stripes! My review of the Dolly & Dotty Anna Striped Swing Dress

Good day to everyone!  I sincerely hope that you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!  I spent the day with my family and enjoyed lots of tasty food.  Thanksgiving is somewhat bittersweet for me as it generally marks the official beginning of winter here in Michigan, but it also ushers in my favorite holiday, Christmas!  The Christmas season is full of sparkling lights, magical memories and every year I anticipate the special feeling of the season.  I can't wait to deck my house out with all of the vintage Christmas decor that I have collected, each piece brings back feelings of nostalgia and so much joy!

Today, I am reviewing the Anna Striped Swing Dress in Black/Blue by Dolly & Dotty.  The Anna Striped Swing Dress Dress is a lovely scoop neck dress with a flared pleated and striped skirt available in a variety of color combinations.  The dress is made of a soft cotton elastane blend material that provides a nice amount of stretch and comfort.  I am wearing size UK 20 which is a US 18, fit is perfect, the stretch of the material allows the dress to fit my curves and flatter my figure.   The Anna Striped Swing Dress is the perfect shape to give the illusion of the ideal vintage hourglass silhouette.

Outfit Details:
Dress: Anna Striped Swing Dress in Black/Blue, Size UK 20 courtesy of Dolly & Dotty
Earrings: Pearl Drop Earrings by Ceci Punch Designs
Lipstick: Red Velvet by Besame Cosmetics
Hair Flower: Handmade
Shoes: Black Vintage Style Heels by Madden Girl - Thrifted
Photography by Tedd Gorman

 I love the striped detailing on this fabulous skirt!  It's a striking, dramatic style that really draws the eye.  I enjoy wearing it with simple accessories as in these photos or I envision dolling it up during the upcoming winter season with a vintage fur cape and sparkling snowflake jewelry.


 I love the Anna Striped Swing Dress as well because it has a modest neckline, so many pinup styles have plunging necklines that are not appropriate for certain occasions, it is nice to have choices such as this dress that look pretty while covering a bit more skin.  I have a tendency to chose lower necklines because I have often felt that the higher necklines are unflattering on my figure but the fit of the Anna dress has swayed me to try other styles with this type of higher neckline.  I love Dolly & Dotty because they have such a diverse selection of dresses, prints and designs, it gives you the chance to find a style that is perfectly you!


Thursday, November 3, 2016

What's the scene? Design collaboration and review featuring Revere Folie!


 Today, I am proud to be reviewing and sharing these amazing scene hoops by Revere Folie.  Revere Folie design, laser cut and assemble acrylic jewelry using style inspiration from bygone times.  Their fabulous designs are bright, fun, colorful, glittery and lightweight.  Available in a style to suit any personality or decade, Revere Folie have an amazing array to chose from.  I am thrilled to have collaborated with Angie of Revere Folie on these fabulous scene hoops called Sassy Sounds.
 I have always loved music and have been a singing since I can remember.  When I was a little girl, I used to sing along with popular music, write my own songs and give "concerts" for my grandparents, parents or just about anyone who would listen.  I was beyond thrilled when in fourth grade I was finally old enough to join band and become a percussionist which furthered my love of music and performance.  During high school, I worked my way through a private academy, which I chose to attend because the public schools in our area had dropped all music programs for financial reasons and I could not go without music!  When I attended academy, I was blessed to participate in many different band and choir groups; we toured all over Michigan and the surrounding states performing together, making friends and memories.  I still perform to this day, singing as part of the worship team at church.  Singing has always been my greatest love, when I sing I feel happiest!!
 When I contacted Revere Folie , I knew that I needed something that was music themed, together, we came up with these glorious Sassy Sounds Hoops bright white hoops with a golden vintage microphone and dancing music notes that perfectly capture my love of singing!  Music transcends, it truly is stronger than almost anything else on earth!
Outfit Details:
Earrings: Sassy Sounds Hoops c/o Revere Folie
Dress: Christie in Music Print by Lindy Bop
Brooch: Vintage Treble Clef
Shoes: Madden Girl-Thrifted
Lipstick: Victory Red by Besame Cosmetics
These earrings and this dress were MADE for each other!

The next pair I was sent to style are the Fruit Loop Hoops in Cherry Bliss.  These tasty dangles are glossy black hoops bedecked with glittery cherry bunches that look juicy enough to eat.  Cherries are a staple in vintage and rockabilly fashion so the possibilities with this scrumptious design are endless!

 I adore these lightweight and cheery earrings!  They are so much fun to wear and style, I matched cherries with cherries here, but I could also wear them with jeans and a peasant top to add some pizzazz to a casual outfit when running errands.
Outfit Details:
Earrings: Cherry Bliss Fruit Loop Hoops c/o Revere Folie
Dress: Jenny in Cherry Border Print by Pinup Girl Clothing
Cardigan: M.A.K. Cropped Cardigan in Red from Pinup Girl Clothing
Hat: Vintage from The Peddler's Patch in Lakeview, MI
Lipstick: Cherry Red by Besame Cosmetics


Friday, October 28, 2016

Perfect pumpkins and kooky kitties! My review of the Pinup Girl Clothing Zooey Dress in Pumpkin Border Print


Today I am reviewing the Zooey Dress in Pumpkin Border Print by Pinup Girl Clothing.  This spooktastic dress is a highly anticipated re-release of the classic Zooey Dress in their exclusive Halloween 2016 Collection.  The adorable print of fall leaves, spooky black cats and cute jack-o-lanterns was designed exclusively for Pinup Girl Clothing by artist Stephanie Buscema.  


This was my must have dress of the Autumn season, since Pinup Girl Clothing gave us a sneak peek months ago, I have been stalking their website and impatiently waiting!  I may have gotten a bit obsessed but fall is my favorite season and this dress just screams fall.  It has everything I love-earthy colors, falling leaves, as well as a hint of Halloween with the black scaredy cats and jack-o-lanterns.  I love the vibrant red, orange, yellow, brown and black colors in this print.


  When my box from Pinup Girl Clothing arrived, I tore right into it, wasting no time to try on my unicorn.  I have wanted the Zooey style for years and this print really spoke to me!  The Zooey dress is available in other prints also.  My hubby Kevin was so patient when I insisted we immediately head to the Tamarack Nature Trail and Lakeview Cemetery in our hometown to take photos, I desperately wanted to capture the beauty of the day.  We are blessed to live in a gorgeous rural area and in fall, it comes alive with intense color everywhere!  

Fall is my favorite!  Magical!
The sun was just beginning to set in what is known as the golden hour, those two hours before sunset when the world is bathed in the golden light of the setting sun.  Peak color along with the sun's glow provided a magical backdrop and I felt beautiful bathing in the glories of autumn!


 Zooey features a wrap top bust, with cross-back adjustable straps, a tapered contrasting waist band accented with faux buttons and a full skirt.  I love the fit of the Zooey, I am wearing a size 2x, the cotton/spandex blend material gives the right amount of stretch to hug curves without being clingy.  The bust is a wrap top and cut to fit a variety of bust sizes comfortably. I love how the contrasting waist band emphasizes and minimizes the waist giving the perfect hourglass silhouette.

Outfit Details:
Dress: Zooey Dress in Pumpkin Border Print by Pinup Girl Clothing
Earrings: Orange Glitter Buttons (Similar)
Necklace: Four Seasons-Autumn c/o Buttonsy Jewelry
Petticoat: Jennifer in Yellow by Malco Modes
Shoes: Off to the Laces Ballet Flats in Black by Pinup Girl Clothing
Makeup: E.L.F.
Lipstick: Red Velvet by Besame Cosmetics
I added leafy autumn themed accessories, a fluffy Malco Modes petticoat and these lovely but comfy ballet flats for a pretty but spooky look.  I have worn my Zooey on every occasion possible because she is so unique and comfortable, I want to wear this style daily.  I have gotten so many compliments and comments on this dress, it's definitely a show stopper!  Thank you Pinup Girl Clothing for designing the most glorious vintage style pieces for every body to wear and love; and maybe obsess over....just a little!!  ;-)


HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!