Happy Sunday everyone, I hope you enjoyed your weekend so far. Today is Oscar day and I thought I would mark the occasion with a red carpet themed post.
There has been a lot of discussions and opinions this red carpet season about the lack of plus size options and that designers are not willing to work with plus size actors as well as the stylists they are working with. And no one has taken more heat than break out star Chrissy Metz from the new NBC show This is Us.
Not only is Metz plus size, she is visibly plus and larger than a size 24. So that creates a whole other host of challenges as there are less options above a size 22 particularly for formal wear. So I applaud brands like Torrid and Eloquii who have been working with the star and making custom pieces. And while she chose something to wear something else, I give a huge two thumbs up to Christian Siriano for stepping up to the plate and designing two options for her for the Golden Globes. I am not going to debate anything in this post but instead I wanted to inspire women who are above a size 24 to know that there are formal wear options out there for you! It may take a little extra effort, a leap of faith by shopping online and a good seamstress but you can dazzle like any star.
I first saw this dress on Kelly Augustine and I immediately was in awe of it. I didn’t have any special occasions coming up but when I went to check it out I saw that it was on sale for 40% off but I still kept telling myself no, Lisa you don’t need it. Then my beautiful blogger boo Meshel of The Muffin Queen’s Closet wore it for her wedding on January 1st and that was it, I bought it. I figure I’ll have something to wear it to down the road. Good excuse right? 😉
So this beauty of a dress is from ASOS, specifically their red carpet collection. And before anyone goes and gets mad at me I know their sizing for the most part only goes up to a size 24US. I have always been hesitant to shop ASOS because of this as sometimes a 24 works and often it doesn’t. But when I was at the Curvy Con in June, they had a booth and you could try samples on. I tried several on and got a sense for what fabrics and styles would work for me. It also helped that in Kelly’s post she said she felt the dress ran on the larger size. I am wearing the size 24 and I actually found it a little big in the bodice, I would have considered sizing down.
This dress is made of a beautiful mid weight velvet so it allows for the drama and drape that a velvet dress should have but it’s not too heavy where it weighs you down and is also really hot. The colour is this amazing shade of gold with a green undertone.
I love all the details in the bodice including the deep surplice neckline, the gathered edges at the shoulders and across the waist in the back and of course the covered buttons across the back with a drop v. The skirt is cut on the bias with an amazing fullness and sweep and I mean what’s more red carpet worthy then this fantastic train?
To accessorize this look I kept mostly to mixed metallics to add some sparkle and shine against the rich velvet. These gold strappy block heels from JD Williams USA were the perfect choice with their sparkle heel and 3 inch heel. I love the fact that they make a stylish shoe like this in an extra wide width. I then added this stunning statement necklace from Torrid that sold out in a flash before Christmas. The branch like texture makes for a perfect conversation piece.
I then added a few pieces from my collection, being this bracelet and for a pop of colour this turquoise clutch. I found this clutch years ago in the Halifax airport. I love the detail in the embroidery and the burnished handle. Definitely that statement worthy piece you want on the red carpet.
Whether you watch the Oscars and love the red carpet or you could care less I hope you enjoy my take on red carpet glam. I personally can’t wait to see what everyone is wearing. And maybe just maybe just maybe you can see that style including red carpet style has no size and is for every body.
Special thanks to Katie of Katiuska Idrovo Photography for bringing my vision to life so that we captured these stunning images but also for the beautiful hair and make up styling.
Dress by ASOS CURVE | Necklace by TORRID (sold out but alternative here) | Shoes by JD Williams USA | Bracelet vintage from my collection (alternative here) | Clutch vintage from my collection (alternative here) |
