Highlighting vintage looks from the 40s 50s and 60s

You guys know I LOVE vintage looks, and in this episode of vive la femme TV, I give a few pointers on what to look for when going for a 40s, 50s, or 60s silhouette. Vive la vintage!!!!

2 Ways to Rock the Kiyonna Riley Ruched Skirt

I LOVE Kiyonna and what it does for fabulous plussize, curvy women. Their clothes are almost magical–when you put on one of their dresses, you somehow transform into a curvy bombshell. The Riley Ruched skirt is no exception to this rule…and as a bonus…it works perfectly dressed up or down. Go classy or casual with this skirt, and you’ll never run out of places to wear it!

This skirt is made out of the softest t-shirt-like material, and it is so comfortable, you might forget how good you look until you catch a glimpse of yourself in a passing window. Then, your mind will go blank and you’ll think…”Well hello gorgeous!”

The ruching on the side definitely adds a bit of glamour to the skirt–hugging the hips while the draping adds an extra texture and dimension to your look and lays perfectly over your belly. I’m not even wearing support wear to smooth out the lines…this is all natural, baby!

 Riley Ruched skirt c/o Kiyonna; Red Cowl-neck top via Forever 21; Bandolino Snakeskin pumps via Nordstrom Rack

For this first look, I paired the skirt with a neutral tank top and a bright orange/red airy cowl-neck  top with an elasticized waist from Forever 21. I added a braided gold belt, gold accessories, and snakeskin pumps to tie the whole look together. The bold colorful top really pops against the neutral tones! When choosing the right top to pair with your Riley Ruched skirt, peplum shapes work well and anything that will lay flat over or under the skirt. And don’t be scared to pull the skirt up or down over your midsection to make sure the length and the drape hit exactly where you want it to!

Next, I dressed it down, choosing a simple white tank, a jean jacket and (gasp!) flats to create a cute casual look that’s perfect for your Saturday afternoon errands.

Riley Ruched skirt c/o Kiyonna; Jean Jacket via vive la femme; White tank top via Lane Bryant; Maria Sharapova by Cole Haan flats via Nordstrom Rack
 I can’t believe I’m wearing flats!!
So there you have it…two ways to rock the Kiyonna Riley Ruched Skirt! Which one do you like better?

Plussize Designer Spotlight: Cabiria

As you know, I’m a frequent visitor/obsessive shopper at Chicago’s fabulous plussize boutique, vive la femme. Earlier this summer, I wandered into the store and was immediately drawn to a riot of color on the racks…When I pulled out the items, I found gorgeous rich colors and bold prints…wonderful, unique details and beautiful designs–all hallmarks of designer Eden Miller’s line, Cabiria. And last month, I was thrilled to learn that she was hosting a party at the boutique, and that I’d get to meet her in person!

Eden is just as fabulous as her designs…quirky, cool and bold. I fell in love with her and her dresses (and the strongly-laced bourbon mint juleps) in under a minute.

Here we are modeling two of her fabulous pieces: Eden is in the adorable Giuseppina in Butterfly print and I’m in the Flaminia in Raspberry.

The Giuseppina is so adorable! From the print to the contrast piping to the shoulder details…and not to mention a super high-quality and completely comfortable silk knit fabric! And the raspberry color of this Flaminia dress is so rich and luscious that I’m surprised people weren’t trying to bite me…(ok ok, that might have been the mint julep talking!). The deep surplice v-neckline is busty-gal friendly, and the origami inspired double box pleated sleeves are so unique–just the type of detail that sets Cabiria apart as a high-end designer.

Ahhhh and how adorable is Mz. Stephanie Sack, owner of vive la femme in the Valentina in Orange Floral??? And not to mention this stunning Francesca sundress in Orange Dot that I’m wearing. So bright and fun and perfectly proportioned for curvy ladies!

And here’s Amanda modeling another one of Cabiria’s stunning print dresses, which is unfortunately already sold out!

If you’re looking for high-end designs with superior quality and unique details, check out the Spring/Summer 2013 Cabiria Lookbook. I guarantee you’ll fall in love just like I did!

Also…if you visit the site, you’ll catch a glimpse of yours truly modeling the Flaminia dress!

I can’t wait to see next year’s collection, which Eden hopes to release early in 2014. Her star is rising, folks…so keep your eye out for her and score one of her amazing dresses before they sell out!

Feeling Fierce in a Plussize ASOS Curve Digital Print Body-con Dress

Some days you just feel FIERCE and want to take over the world, ya know? When I get in that mood, I want a powerful, show-stopping dress that hugs my curves and shouts to the world…”YES, I’m plussize…and I’m HOT.” This ASOS Curve Digital Print Body-Con Sheath Dress was just the thing I was looking for. When I put it in my Gwynnie Bee closet, I wasn’t quite sure if I could rock it…but when I saw the crazy fabulous print, I knew it was the perfect dress for my mood.

That’s right…feeling full-figured and fabulous!!
ASOS Curve Body-con dress in jewel print c/o Gwynnie Bee; Fergie Neon peep-toe pumps via DSW; Bright beaded necklace via Forever 21. 
 
This crazy digital jewel print reminds me of Etro prints, right?
 
 Yeah, I see you lookin’!
This dress dramatically hugs your curves…so you really have to be comfortable in your own skin and confident to really do it justice. Pair it with funky shoes and accessories, and go show off your hot curves to the world!

OOTD: Land’s End Plussize Chain Link Dress

I’ve never tried Land’s End plussize dresses before–and let me tell you, I’m a convert! I ordered this Land’s End Chain Link Faux Wrap dress from my Gwynnie Bee closet because I wanted to try a line that I’ve never tried and wanted to see how their sizing translates to plussize. I also loved the navy blue faux wrap with the white and aqua chain link print. Perfect for my summer office wardrobe!

Land’s End Chain Link Faux Wrap Dress c/o Gwynnie Bee
The fit was fantastic–even a little roomy, and it hits below the knee.
The deep V neckline is super bust-friendly…Put on a big chunky necklace and a tank, and you’re ready for the office.
Whew, was it hot!! I had to sop up my sweat…like a lady, of course. lol

What do you think of this dress? Have you tried other Land’s End plussize dresses? Add it to your Gwynnie Bee closet ASAP before the summer’s over!

Still haven’t tried out Gwynnie Bee? Sign up now and get a month free!