Today's post is brought to you by the letter V, for Valentine's Day and Va-va-voom!

I long put off trying on the somewhat intimidating bodycon dress, but every time I try one on I surprise myself with how much I love it.  Today I am reviewing the Bianca Ruched Dress, which is another one of Kiyonna's bodycon styles.  I've been eyeing this dress since it came out and finally felt confident enough to give it a try.

If you are looking for a sexy dress for Valentine's Day, date night, a wedding, etc., the Bianca is a great choice for any such occasion!  Read on for my review and styling tips!







The Bianca Ruched Dress comes in ruby, plum, and black, in sizes 0X (10-12) to 5X (30-32).  It is a bodycon style with ruching that starts just under the bust, a scoop-neckline with a little peek-a-boo, and draped cold shoulder sleeves.  The fabric is a super soft, ultra-stretchy knit that makes this dress incredibly comfortable to wear.  I'm wearing a 3X and find it fits true to size.  It hugs my curves with perfection and even fits my smaller bust perfectly.  The fabric is stretchy, so it will definitely accommodate a larger bust as well.  There is some extra fabric on the sides of the bust, so there is more room in the garment that I don't fill out.  It just happens to mimic the ruching in the way that it lays.  The dress does feature a lining in the same color as the dress.  Because the fabric is so stretchy, I also didn't have any issues getting the dress on or off, nor was it tight around my neck.  The plum color is a deep, gorgeous hue that does appear a bit more royal in certain light, or with the flash of a camera.  I did need to steam it prior to wear, but any wrinkles that happened while I was wearing it are camouflaged by the ruching.


I'm 5'9" and the hem hits a little below my knee.  The leg opening of the dress is wide enough to allow you to take actual steps, so you won't be toddling around like a child.  This dress has all the features I am a sucker for - comfortable fabric, draping, cold shoulder, ruching.  The nature of the fabric also makes the dress a nice lighter weight, so it would be a great party dress to pack for travel also.  I am wearing my regular bra with this look, but I also have a shapewear piece underneath that is essentially a body suit with mid-thigh shorts and straps that allow me to wear any bra with it.  I always choose to wear shapewear with bodycon styles because I like to be smoothed out a bit and feel cinched and supported.


In styling this dress, I went with a more vampy look in thinking of a Valentine's Day date night.  I donned my new sexy, strappy Torrid heels.  It is hell to find a style like this in a comfortable, wide width option, especially for less than $100.  I scoured the internet for months before settling on this shoe.  I haven't had the best luck with Torrid shoes before.  They were never comfortable, nor did they fit quite right.  While this heel may not be the most comfortable shoe in the world, I was quite impressed with their comfort when I wore them out.  I am wearing an 11 and find the fit to be spot-on.  The 2.5" block heel, adjustable straps, and back zipper definitely add to the comfort and ease of wear, in addition to getting them on and off.  I ended up adding a metatarsal pad to each shoe, which really helped for standing a long time at a party and walking around taking photos as well.

I kept my accessories black and dark gold.  My black clutch features mirrors with gold and multicolor threads and embellishments, while my earrings are dark gold with red beading.

For such a statement dress, I would recommend keeping your shoes simple.  Black or nude are no brainers color-wise, but you could also opt for a solid color or pattern in a simple style.  Because of this particular neckline, statement earrings are a better accessory choice than a necklace.  If you aren't an earring girl, think about a sparkling cocktail ring or bracelet instead.  Let your bag add some fun and personality to your look, whether you opt for sparkle, color or print!

Bianca Ruched Dress - c/o Kiyonna
Black Strappy Block Heel - Torrid  (similar, similar)
Black Fabric Clutch - Charming Charlie  (similar)
Red/Gold Chandelier Earrings - Charming Charlie  (similar, similar)
Shape By Cacique Open-Bust Thigh Shaper - Lane Bryant
Lipstick - Mattemoiselle Plush Matte Lipstick in Griselda by Fenty Beauty