Starting this month I’m getting the great opportunity to work with one of my favorite plus-size retailers– B&Lu, and they were awesome enough to send me a few of their new designs to try out.
When the Carmen skirt showed up the website, I was excited (not as excited as I’d have been if it had been a Carrie Bradshaw-esque tulle skirt, but none-the-less excited). It comes in two staple colors–black and ivory and is so perfect for layering–I’m fantasizing about the ways I can wear it with costumes! In hindsight, I’d have gotten a size up so I had more ease and flexibility to wear it waist or hips, though I can really do that now without problems. (Oh hai flash & polka dot panties! D: )
Outfits’ Details:
B&Lu Carmen Skirt
B&Lu Ruffle Top (last season)
Spun Diane Wrap Dress
Target Pure Energy top (2 sizes too big, but it was on sale & I can alter it…)
I was a bit skeptical about the Delia dress– I don’t wear a lot of prints on my clothes, and when I do, they tend to be stripes or polka dots (so much so that my friends and the Beau tease me about it!). The dress pleasantly surprised me; the pattern is really pretty and vibrant, the colors really cool and refreshing. The cut is really flattering on, and I love the way the fabric fits over my body. It curves over my bust and belly in a way that reminds me of slips, and that sexy way they outline a woman’s body (and always makes me feel like the heroine in a Tennessee Williams’ play).
I tried being a bit more adventurous in the 3rd pairing–both in mixing prints (with the dress and leggings) and the layering… I felt a little bit Audi-esque wearing the Carmen skirt underneath the dress, both to break up the patterns, to add some poof, and to soften it up (same with the heels). The cardigan is how I’d likely pair it for work, likely working a play that night….
I had two qualms with the dress– if you’re long in the torso, than the empire waist band can cut you across the bust (and I’m not super busty!). I found myself adjusting the back up to make sure it hit me across my underbust. I love the vibrant print and think it’s great for summer, but being a poly/spandex blend means that in New Orleans heat it’s not very breathable. If you’re a Southerner or live in a humid climate, it’s really best left for Spring and Autumn. Though the dress does transition in to Fall/Winter really well….
Outfit details:
B&Lu Delia Dress
B&Lu Carmen Skirt
Target Tights
John Fluevog Yunnan Heels (several seasons old)
Tarina Tarantino Heart Necklace via Ideeli
Kohl’s cardigan
If you haven’t popped over in awhile, B&Lu has their summer clothes up to 80% off – including the Calista tank I’ve been coveting for months!
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
I love the Delia dress on you. The v-neck is extremely flattering. And did you cut your hair missy?
Fajr | Stylish Thought´s last [type] ..It’s Beginning to Look Alot Like Fall
V-necks are another thing I tend to avoid (though I like showing off my cleavage, so whut?!), but I really love it in this dress..maybe because it IS so cleavage enhancing!
And I didn’t cut my hair, I need to! I just didn’t wash it, hahaha. It tends to look better and more wavy second day….
That print dress is gorgeous, I particularly love it with the other skirt underneath. Yummy!
Retro Chick´s last [type] ..The Kindness of Strangers
I kind of want to get the black skirt so I can layer both the black AND white under the dress, and have lots of tulle & poof!
Adorable use of the Carmen skirt. I’m for sure going to get it in black. You said you sized up (what size did you get?) I am very pleased with my B&Lu past purchases (YOUR recommendations !!!)
Suzanne, I didn’t size up with this one– for this one, I got it in a 3, which my measurements fell perfectly in to. If I got another one, I’d probably size up, so I could wear it on my hips without that wee very little bit of muffin top going on. In the pic with the Brynn dress, I have it on my hips though, and you can’t really tell!
LOVE the print on that dress!
Christy´s last [type] ..La Elle Dee Da
Love the sexy pattern on those black tights! You’ve inspired me to go get some now that fall is around the corner! An economical way to snazz up any outfit!
I LOVE these tights, and find they go surprisingly well with patterns…. and I’m hoping Target will make another pair similar so I can get more. These are getting non-good holes in them!
WERK!!!!
I love that dress. =D
You look gorgeous in that dress! The blue is a really pretty color on you. And I love it paired with the peek of tulle skirt and tights underneath. Those tights are from Target? Um I’m totally going to pick up a pair!
xo
Rach is Ordinarily Urbane´s last [type] ..The Winning Jacket
These are my FAV tights! They’re getting holes, and not in the good way D:
Love the dress & the skirt! I’m not normally a fan of patterns either, but the pattern on the dress is well-sized (if that makes sense?) and the colors are lovely. Your hair looks adorable too (mine looks better second day too – it always has more volume that way…).
Michelle´s last [type] ..Monday Link Roundup
Yeah, somehow….the pattern works. It works really well, which surprised the hell out of me. It seems a lot more overpowering on the website, and less playful?
I loved the delia dress on you. Very flattering. :)
Trishna´s last [type] ..A Passion for Fashion 2010 – Part II
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