Today's post is a big one with not one, but two, beautiful dresses from Kiyonna! The Gabriella Dress is a lovely jersey knit number that can be casual, work-friendly, or easily dressed up for night, while the Cara Velvet Wrap Dress is holiday-ready with shimmer and shine. Keep reading for my reviews of each below...
- Kiyonna gifted me the dresses in this post. All opinions presented are my own and without influence. This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.
-
Before we get started, I am 5'9", typically wear a 22/24, wear a 40B bra, a size 11 wide shoe, and my measurements are 52/49/58.
As I mentioned above, the Gabriella is a daytime dress that can definitely transition into night with a quick change of accessories. I'm wearing the Fall Rose Motif, with lovely pink and dark red roses on a black background. The dress also comes in three other colors/prints - a solid burgundy, a dotted floral print, and a navy posey print. I am wearing a 3X and find it fits pretty true to size. The bust is a little roomier on me than the wrap styles I have tried lately, so it is possible I could have sized down in the Gabriella and been just fine. The empire waist means that the skirted, A-line portion of the dress is plenty roomy.
The fabric is a super soft jersey knit that is so incredibly comfortable to wear. I just kept petting the fabric while I was wearing the dress. Because of the knit, Gabriella is more lightweight and can be worn all year round. The dress is lined from top to bottom, so there is no need to worry about an added slip layer or see-through fabric. While I love the V-neckline and perfect knee-length hem, I do have to point out the ruched sleeve detailing and pockets! Kiyonna has been including these ruched sleeves on a few of their new styles, and I love it! I'm a sucker for a great ruched element. And, of course, how can you go wrong with pockets?
Listen, this dress has everything awesome - soft fabric, v-neck, easy-to-wear silhouette, pockets, ruched detailing, and versatility. If I were you, I would pick up the Gabriella and the new floral Promenade Top (which is high at the top of my wish list), use the code THANKFUL before the end of the 28th (that's tomorrow!) and get 40% off my purchase (of $150 or more). You will look super cute and be incredibly comfortable at the same time, so all your friends will envy you. *wink wink*
I paired the Gabriella with some simple Naturalizer wedges, a knit moto jacket (you can read that review here), rose gold chandelier earrings, and a clutch with sparkly laser cut-outs. It's a little casual, a little chic, a little sparkly, and manages to be a look that really speaks to my sense of style.
 |
| It was about 50 degrees and crazy windy when I was shooting this dress! hahaha |
Curvy Collection Moto Jacket - c/o Catherines
Modal Mid-Thigh Shorts with Lace Trim - Zerdocean via Amazon
Naturalizer Irena Wedge Sandals - Macy's
Raquel Laser Cut Clutch - Charming Charlie (similar, similar, similar)
Rose Gold Chandelier Dangle Earrings - eBay via seller irisisland
Shifting gears into holiday, we have the luxe Cara Velvet Wrap Dress. I wore Cara on my latest Afternoon Live segment talking about holiday party style. You can check out the video in that post to see the dress in action! Cara is essentially the Meadow Dream Maxi Dress style in velvet form (and this makes me crazy happy!). Cara is a true wrap style, so you can personalize the fit for your bust and waist. There are pretty ruched details at the shoulder and down the arm, along with a maxi length hem that still lets you show off your dancing shoes. I am wearing a 3X and find it fits true to size.
One of my all-time favorite dresses is the Wrapped In Luxury Dress from Kiyonna. It was a velvet option for holiday 2014, and I just adore it. These two dresses are different in both style and fabric. The Wrapped In Luxury has a thicker, heavier velvet fabric with a softer, more subtle sheen. Cara definitely brings more of the shine with the crushed velvet that dances under the lights! The velvet fabric of the Cara Velvet Wrap Dress is not as heavy and thick, which I think makes it easier to wear. The crushed velvet playing in the light really helps to accentuate the ruched detailing with highlights and shadow. I also find that the Mystic Plum color of the dress does this fantastic subtle shift of purple and burgundy, depending on the lighting. This color really inspired me to play with my makeup and create a complementary sparkling purple/burgundy eye look. I'm always excited when an article of clothing can inspire other aspects of my life and routine.
In accessorizing my party-ready look, I chose pieces in both silver and gold metallic to complete my ensemble. My black peep-toe wedges have silver piping, while my necklace and earring set feature jewel-toned stones in a gold setting. My black and gold reversible sequin clutch allowed for me to create a striped design in the sequins to add a bit more fun and texture.
The Cara Velvet Wrap Dress is selling fast in the Mystic Plum, while only sizes 0X (10/12) through 2X (18/20) remain in the Sapphire hue.
Metallic Trim Wedge - Avenue (similar, similar, similar)
Sequin Tassel Clutch - Torrid (similar, similar, similar)
Monet Multicolor Stone Gold-Tone Drama Necklace & Earrings - JCPenney (similar)
What features do you love in your favorite dresses? How would you style the Gabriella? Are you headed to any holiday parties soon?
No comments