Happy Sunday everyone! Whether you are busy running errands, Christmas shopping or having a relaxing day at home, I hope it’s a great day.
I myself will be having a lazy Sunday in, resting up after a hectic week and getting ready for the upcoming week. This is the final instalment in my Holiday Look Book and trust me, it’s a good one!
I am proud to say that this look features pieces from two new brands that I have never worked with before. I always love finding new options to feed my love of fashion.
This tulle skirt in the perfect shade of what I call “true” red is by Azazie. I happened upon this online brand while I was scrolling through the Instagram feed of the beautiful Elizabeth McGuffin of the blog With Wonder and Whimsy. She posted a picture of a beautiful semi-formal dress in her signature colour – pink. Being as I am always on the look out for new plus size shopping options, I decided to do my research.
Based on my review of their website, I found that Azazie specializes in special occasion dresses and not only do they offer standard sizing for both regular and plus sizes but they also will customize to your exact measurements. Azazie prides themselves on making pieces that are of the highest quality and tailored for a perfect fit while still being affordable.
Now if you have ever shopped for a special occasion dress, you know that the sizing tends to run small compared to every day clothes. At the time that I discovered Azazie, their standard sizes only went up to a 26 and based on the size chart it was going to be too small. So I contacted customer service to inquire about the cost of getting a dress made to your measurements.
I had the pleasure of dealing with the fabulous Rachel. She responded to my email right away and was extremely helpful. I also found out that they were looking to expand their size range. I am happy to report that just a few short months later their standard sizing now goes up to a size 30! What I also love is that their pricing is the same whether you are a size 0 or a size 30. And let me tell you, their prices are absolutely fantastic! Their bridesmaid dresses range in price from only $89 US to $159 US.
I wasn’t in the market for a dress but Rachel suggested I try the infamous Sylvie tulle skirt and I decided to take her recommendation. I am a detail oriented person and so I have immense appreciation for the small things. First of all this skirt only costs $50 US and comes in 44 different colours. And when it came in the mail it arrived on a hanger in an Azazie garment bag.
When I took it out of the garment bag I was thrilled with the craftsmanship and attention to detail with the thick waistband and the attached tulle belt that you tie in a bow in the back. I really appreciated the layer of chiffon between the tulle and the lining that provided extra coverage.
I like this skirt because it gives you the feeling of a tutu but it’s not super heavy or wide. This is practical to wear out for a night or to a party. When I got my skirt the sizing only went up to a 26 and so I am wearing an XL based on their old size chart which is probably more like a large in their new size chart. I had no issues with the fit and found the cut to be generous.
I have a few charity galas to attend in the winter and spring of 2016 and I look forward to ordering a dress next. When a brand provides a quality product at an affordable price and has excellent customer service I have to recommend them. Please consider Azazie when you are in the market for your next special occasion piece.
Given the fabulous colour of this skirt, I immediately knew it was going to be part of my Holiday Look Book. But I have to admit it took me quite a while to figure out what I was going to wear with it. I wanted it to be something special.
I came across this corset on one of my regular scans of Torrid’s new items section which is practically a daily ritual for me. I liked it because it had wide straps and they were adjustable so I knew it would be supportive. As well, the cups have light padding in them to provide that extra oomph.
It is made of a super soft velvet in a pretty floral pattern in an amazing colour palette of black, grey, shades of red/pink and a little orange. And it has an edgy zipper back. I am wearing the size 5x. I had to size up to accommodate my hips since it is form fitting but the adjustable straps helped the fit on top. I love how the combination of the two pieces picked up on the many shades of red and pink.
At this point I had combined two trends for the season, tulle and velvet. So I decided to make this look pure luxury and added a third – faux fur.
I love to support a local brand whenever I can so when I saw the ah-mazing fur stoles that Flaws of Couture came out with, I knew one would be the finishing touch to this lux look. Flaws of Couture is run by the fabulous sisters Sasha and Garcia. And I mean, come on they named it “Cookie” after the fab Empire character and who doesn’t love Taraji P. Henson?
This piece is a great purchase for several reasons. The quality of the faux fur is outstanding, it comes in 4 amazing colours, the price is so affordable and it can be worn with anything! I have to say, just what I like in an accessory. If you haven’t already heard of FoC, please check them out! They also offer an awesome selection of scarves as well as t-shirts and crop tops that fight back against those fat shamers out there with amazing quotes. Girls, I am so happy to have met you and have such a fab brand representing the plus size community out of the GTA.
So no look is complete without accessories and I just had to go a little over the top here. I mean with all this luxury, how could I not?To finish things off I added my amazing new black sparkly flats from Lane Bryant and gold accessories to tie into the colour of the zipper on the corset.
The necklace is a great statement piece that I got at SexyPlus. This is definitely a one of a kind find that I got in store. You’ll definitely find some hidden gems there. I then added this art deco inspired gold cuff bracelet from Lane Bryant and my new bow and pearl studs also from Lane Bryant.
And then what are good friends for if you can’t share accessories? Stef happened to have this pretty beaded pink bracelet with her and it was that perfect little touch of pink for the look. Finally I added an oversized wristlet from Coach in a dark gold leather.
So not only did I feel festive in this look but I also felt like a million bucks. I’m ready to be the centre of attention and yes, go ahead and stare because this look is worth it!
Stef (aka SassyPlus ) words cannot describe how much you have helped me become comfortable in front of the camera and how beautiful I feel every time I see your pictures of me. I am so glad our paths crossed and that now I call you my friend.
Tulle Skirt by AZAZIE | Corset by TORRID | Fur Stole by FLAWS OF COUTURE | Cuff Bracelet by LANE BRYANT | Necklace by SEXYPLUS (in store only) | Earrings by LANE BRYANT | Gold wristlet by COACH (similar) |
