Friday 29 May 2015

Strictly Chic And Strapless!


One thing I love about women's fashion is how so much of it has been created purely for us to showcase our best physical attributes. I have always loved strapless dresses but have only just been able to try one out for myself. Many plus size brands still shy away from cuts of clothing that are typically made for women of a smaller size. The thing is, all women love clothes and fashion and our dress size doesn't affect our want to wear fun and sexy clothes. 


I recently saw TV talk show host and fashionista, Jeannie Mai sporting an outfit that I instantly wanted to replicate on her show The Real. She was wearing a grey leather strapless dress with a sheer checked shirt and the look was edgy, casual, sexy and chic, all at the same time. I instantly went on the hunt for a strapless dress in my size! All of The Real talk show hosts have a great sense of style and they all know what works for their shape and personalities. Not only do I love the show, I also watch it to see what looks the girls are wearing. 


I'll be honest, very few brands had the kind of dress I was after and only seemed to offer maxi dresses in a strapless option. After finding American brand PinkClubwear on Instagram I got in touch with them to ask about their collection and was given the opportunity to review a few pieces. I of course selected a strapless bodycon with sweetheart cut. I love the fact that the dress was dazzling white with a peplum front. I'm wearing this one in a 3X and I have to say the fit is amazing! I tried this both with and without shapewear and I found that it worked either way (I should note that I am wearing shapewear in these pictures). The sweetheart detail is rigid and has boning across the centre to prevent the folds from flopping over or needing pinning. The fabric is very stretchy and clings in a tailored but comfortable way. I love the length and draping of the peplum front. For women with a slightly larger belly or one with a centre fold this detail will cover any area that one doesn't like to have on show.

I should note that this dress is no longer available on the website but there are many similar options available. 



Due to the fact that I have yet to find a strapless bra in my size I wouldn't want to wear this dress without one so my initial outfit idea was fixed from the get go. I wanted a sexy, sophisticated and chic look. I was going for a sexy secretary sort of look. Most of my shirts are sheer as I like for my clothes to breathe but as a fashion must, I of course own a stylish dress shirt. I'm wearing the Napoleon II shirt from Carolyn Drapiere.


I have to say I wasn't sure if the look I had in my mind would be achieved but I'm really pleased with the overall look. Those of you who know my blog and my style will know that I love to challenge myself and break fashion rules whilst doing so! I hate the fact that for years plus size women have been told not to wear certain styles of clothes or colours for that matter. I used to hear all the time that we should only wear black because it's slimming and white makes you look massive. I was more than comfortable wearing such a different outfit in the brightest tone possible!


To acceuntate the black pin stripe in my shirt I pulled out my black and white zebra print hair scarf. Tied my hair in a loose and messy bun and tied it across my brow. To elongate my silhouette and give myself some height I pulled out my Blue T-Bar wedges from New Look and I was set to go, with the added addition of my hoops of course. 



I love that we have the option to be creative with our fashion choices. We mix casual with dressy, sophisticated with sexy, masculine with feminine. In all of this experimentation we see some seriously cool looks both in the modelling world and on our local high streets. Have fun with your look, play around and see what you can come up with, you may be surprised with the results! 


Remember whatever you wear, feel fabulous in it and wear it with a smile!

6 comments:

  1. You look so cool- love the shirt layered look :)
    I know how you feel about strapless dresses- where are they?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Jodie glad you like the look. They really are hard to come by but I keep my eyes open for them xx

      Delete
  2. I always love your sense of style and this outfit is no exception. You look great! White is gorgeous on you <3

    ReplyDelete
  3. I have a few strapless dresses but no be as to wear them with. Now I know what to do! You look great!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Altrisha I hope all is well. Glad I could help give you some ideas about how to style them xx

      Delete