It’s New Year’s Eve!!!!! I hope you all have a blast ringing in the start of 2016.
Not only is it New Year’s Eve but today also marks the 6 month anniversary of the launch of my blog. So you know that means I had to end the year with a bang and celebrate “Lisa” style. For this girly girl and lover of dresses, it of course had to be a dress and something special.
After searching for quite some time I decided on this, the Velvet Luxe Wrap Dress by Kiyonna. I typically don’t like wrap dresses because I find with my pear shape that there never seems to be enough fabric to cover me on the inside panel and for whatever reason the ties never line up properly so I always end up with one piece that is super long compared to the other and it makes for a messy finishing touch.
But Kiyonna has gotten the wrap dress 100% perfect. I have purchased a couple now and the fit is always impeccable. The amount of fabric is generous and the ties line up perfectly.
I was drawn to this particular dress because it was velvet which is a must have trend for 2015 and because of the richness of the Emerald green colour. This combined with it’s classic silhouette would make it a piece that would stand the test of time in my wardrobe and is definitely worth the investment.
This dress also comes in black, teal and purple. And all of the colours are equally vibrant and gorgeous. I love Emerald green because Emerald is actually my birth stone. I also like it because it gives me a feeling of regalness and sophistication. Did you know that the emerald was Cleopatra’s favourite gemstone?
I did a little research and it turns out that there are many interesting facts associated with this stone. John Dawson noted that it is “believed by many to be a seeker of love and revealer of truths, emeralds are known to promote justice, friendship, peace, tranquility and compassion. It is also known as a symbol of hope for the future and productivity”. I personally found this to be inspiring as we enter a new year.
I am wearing the 4x in this dress and I found the fit to be generous except in the arms. I actually could have sized down if it were not for the arms which I honestly find to be a little tighter than I would prefer. I am 5’6 and wearing flats and you can see that the dress drapes on the floor. So if you are shorter than me you are going to want to wear a pretty substantial heel or have it shortened.
I have to say that one of the things that surprised me most about this dress was the price! It retails for only $148 US. For the quality and the fact that it is a formal evening gown, the value is amazing. If you have never shopped Kiyonna, you can also sign up for emails and receive 20% off your first order.
Once I had this beautiful gown in my hands and I knew the fit was perfect it was time to decide how I would accessorize it. I wanted to feel sophisticated and glamorous and regal all in one.
The first step to achieving this vision was wearing my hair up to highlight the neckline of the dress and to showcase the jewelry. Secondly, I decided since I am fortunate to own real diamonds that I had to wear my diamond tear drop pendant and diamond hoop earrings. These pieces are simpler than what I am usually known for with my statement necklaces but the sparkle that they bring to the look is undeniable.
I then added this over the top bow shaped crystal encrusted bangle from Torrid. I just love this statement piece and how it pops against the dress. I then stuck with my glitter flats from Lane Bryant to ensure I could spend the night looking stylish but still dancing!
Finally I had to add this clutch from Aldo. This clutch is absolutely stunning with it’s black satin fabric, it’s gold details and emerald stones. As soon as I saw this, I knew that I had to have it. It was the perfect finishing touch to this look.
As I bring this post and 2015 to a close I want to thank all of my readers and followers for the love and support you have shown me over the past 6 months as I embarked on this new journey. It has truly been one of the best decisions I have ever made and given me a new sense of purpose. I can’t wait to see what 2016 has in store for me and you. I love hearing from all of you so please keep the messages and comments coming!
Sincerely, Lisa xoxoxo
Special thanks to Stef of the blog SassyPlus for these beautiful photos. She captured my vision of the feeling of a by gone era perfectly.
Dress by KIYONNA | Flats by LANE BRYANT| Clutch by ALDO | Bracelet alternative by AVENUE |
