Hello everyone! I hope you had a great Tuesday!
It’s official, I’m finally back…
This post highlights my first formal night look from my recent cruise. That’s right, I held something back from you guys (wink) on Instagram. I loved this look so much that I just had to do an official post on it.
I have a total obsession with all things floral. I’m not sure how it started, I think my Nana whose name was Rose coincidentally was probably the one who shaped my love of floral patterns. I think it just goes hand in hand with my feminine flirty style and love of colour. The right floral pattern can bring all these elements together and create magic. And while floral prints have always tended to be more prevalent in spring and summer fashions, they have been out in full force this fall.
This dress is from City Chic. I first discovered City Chic while reading a post written by the fabulous Marie Denee of The Curvy Fashionista featuring this very dress in another amazing floral print. I was immediately drawn to it and had to find out more.
City Chic actually originated in Australia but decided to branch into the US just over a year ago. They have stores in California but they have an amazing online store that ships to both the US and Canada. Their size range only goes up to a 24 so at first I had my usual reaction of disappointment when I find a new brand that doesn’t carry my size. But after a few months of staring at the dress, it happened to be on sale and an extra 50% off that price last Black Friday. Based on the style of the dress I thought a 24 could work and for the price, I couldn’t resist it. It turned out that the 24 was actually too big and I had to have it taken in. Let’s just say I was very happy with this purchase. This is a picture of the first dress:
This is a silhouette that they carry in different colours and patterns on a regular basis. This summer, I was perusing the site because there was a sale and I came across it in this unexpected burnt orange and rich purple combination. It was unique and bold and great for fall. That was it, I was done and in my shopping cart it went.
I’m not a huge fan of strapless but I like that this dress has light padding in the bust area to provide additional support and the back is elasticized to provide more security. I did size down this time and ordered the 22. It fit perfectly. The bejeweled belt is also a nice touch and the fact that it ties at the back also allows you to adjust the fit to suit your needs. I am 5’6 and I did not shorten the dress and I am wearing flats. I could walk without tripping over it.
When I got this dress I knew immediately that I would wear it on my cruise on formal night. It was the perfect look and I like to make a statement when I go on cruises. This is also a great option for traveling as the material doesn’t wrinkle. I chose to pair the dress with this great statement necklace that I got from Torrid. I then kept everything else simple by choosing my amethyst earrings and amethyst tennis bracelet. My clutch is from Coach, an excellent bargain from the outlet that has been in my closet for a while that just happened to go beautifully with the dress. I added my gold sandals and I was good to go.
I felt beautiful the night I wore this dress and I received so many compliments. I like to think it was my reward for taking a risk on this brand despite my size and being okay with being bold – it’s a reflection of who I am.
A couple of these pictures were taken by the professional photographers on the ship and the rest were taken by my new friend Christiane who I had the pleasure of seeing along with her lovely wife Joanne again on this cruise. We met on a previous cruise and had no idea we would run into each other again. Thank you so much ladies for making my cruise extra special!
Dress by CITY CHIC (similar) | Holiday alternative | Solid colour alternative (on sale for $22.50!) | Necklace by TORRID (similar) | Clutch by COACH (alternative) |
