I had the pleasure of attending the launch event for Melissa McCarthy’s Seven 7 line exclusively offered in Canada at Penningtons a few weeks ago. It was an amazing event that brought the Toronto plus size blogger community together.
We got to see Karen Ward of Curvy Canadian; Assa of My Curves and Curls; Sasha and Garcia of Flaws of Couture and Jessica of Clothes and Shit model the line along with some of our amazing American counterparts: Chasity of Garner Style; Jessica of Life and Style of Jessica, Sarah of Ravings by Rae and Chante of Everything Curvy and Chic. This was my first official event as a blogger and I was amazed with all the beauty and girl power in one location. It was great to meet so many fabulous women!
Penningtons put on a great event and it was wonderful to see the line up close and personal and get a low down on the fall trends from stylist Erica Wark.
So you know that I of course had to try on the pieces that caught my eye! I had been scoping them out online when they launched on the Home Shopping Network in the US and when I got my exclusive VIP access from Penningtons online. I have to say I was presently surprised to see that the prices were less expensive here in Canada then they are in the US. So my Canadian counterparts, we should be thankful for that! I will admit that I was super excited to see that bottoms went up to a size 28 but was disappointed when I found out that tops were only going up to a 3x. I was told that the fit on the tops was generous but I was skeptical given that most of Melissa’s pieces are made from non stretch fabric.
I tried on several pairs of pants, jeans (my review on these will be coming up later) and a few tops. I ended up choosing these Skinny Ponte de Roma pants in black. I initially tried them on in the tuxedo print that Chasity modeled at the event but decided to stick with the black given the professional nature of my day job as an accountant. Ladies, these pants are everything! From the moment I put them on, I knew they were coming home with me.
The quality of the fabric, the zippers at the ankles, the true skinny leg, the high waist band that sucks you in but still lets you breathe are all the details that make these pants a great staple. For work or play, they won’t let you down. I am wearing the 4x and I feel they are true to size and a slightly generous fit.
So I will say that I was disappointed when it came to the tops I tried on. I did not find them to be that generous, actually I found the arms in particular to be tight. So my number one wish for Melissa’s next collection is please include a size X and 4x in tops! When you carry pants in a size 14 to 28 or 1x to 4x but tops in only a 1x to 3x you really aren’t helping the customer who may need an X or 4x top to buy a complete outfit. And that is just frustrating. I did have luck in finding one top which was this gorgeous Sleeveless Pleated Blouse in a lovely shade of blush.
Because this top is sleeveless and has an A-line fit, it fit my pear shaped figure perfectly. Blush is a must have colour for fall and looks great with so many different colours so this will definitely be a staple in my wardrobe.
I love a good layering piece as I often get hot at the office and I would feel comfortable walking around in just this. Again the quality of the fabric and the details of the pleating are gorgeous and really make this piece.
I chose to pair these pieces with this great Knit Jacket with Faux Leather from Penningtons. I have a very hard time with jackets due to my pear shape. If it fits me in the hips, it is way too big in the shoulders and bust area or vice versa. So I am always on the look out for either a peplum or shorter length. This one is great because it combines the comfort and stretch of knit with the look of faux leather and an open front with a cascading effect that is definitely on trend for this fall. The longer front also helps to elongate you and slim your silhouette. I am wearing the 4x and felt the fit was true to size. Again this piece is a great investment because of its versatility. You will definitely being seeing this again.
To accessorize this look I went with a gold statement necklace from a new online jewelry site I found, Pinch Gear. Based out of Florida they are actually a wholesaler but you can buy directly on their website by clicking here. They just did a major upgrade to their website and it is looking beautiful. The pieces are great and they are so affordable, even with the current exchange rate. The piece I am wearing was only $5! And most necklaces come with matching earrings.
I then chose to add what I think will be my new favourite flat this fall, these beautiful rose coloured ones from Lane Bryant. I am wearing a size 9 and they are so comfortable. I loved that added pop of metallic that they brought to the outfit and how they coordinate with the blush blouse.
Finally, I chose a staple out of my collection of Coach handbags, this gorgeous marsala patent leather and felt satchel. The extra gold hardware that I added to the bag was a perfect pop to match the gold details on the bag. Unfortunately ladies this bag is from a few seasons ago but I have given you links for something similar.
Now I have seen a lot of comments on social media about the cost of this collection and while I understand that it is a higher price point than what Penningtons normally offers, I think that you have to understand that first, they can’t control what a designer is willing to charge for their pieces and second, you need to look at the quality of what you are getting. These are definitely investment pieces and the higher quality is clearly evident. So like any good shopper I think you make an investment in what you truly love and mix and match with other more affordable options from Penningtons or other brands you have in your closet.
So I’m ready for an action packed day at the office, Happy Monday everyone!
Thanks to Thera of Cloud 14+ for the photos.
Pants by PENNINGTONS | Blouse by PENNINGTONS | Jacket by PENNINGTONS | Necklace by PINCH GEAR (similar) | Shoes by LANE BRYANT | Bag by COACH (similar) | Bag option 2 by COACH | Bag by ALDO (get the look for less)
