Chique Life Blog

Last few of these in stock!  Perfect for heading into Fall.  This wrap style works for the office or date night.

Sleek elegance encapsulates this minimalist wrap silhouette from Kiyonna, while the bold animal print showcases its dynamic nature. Front and back princess seams create slimming lines while a contrast tie adds renewed interest. Fluid jersey is perfectly cut for a universally flattering fit. PM style is easily achieved when complemented with sky high heels and clutch.

More info on this dress can be found in our store.  Quantities are very limited, and you can’t beat the $88 price!

Brand new, but classic styling.  We fell in love with this wrap dress from Kiyonna for its ability to go from office to meeting to evening.

Retro modern.  A simple faux wrap silhouette showcases a modern print for a number that is just a little bit more sophisticated from Kiyonna.

For a level of unstudied sexiness, an abstract floral print and a subdued color palette is accented with unique angled kimono sleeves and subtle black trim.

Unique detail at side, 12 1/2″ angled sleeve, and 1/2″ wide contrast outlines neckline, empire band and along front panel of skirt.

Get all the details here.

What do I wear on New Year’s Eve? It’s an annual dilemma. It’s never wrong to get all dressed up, even if others decide to go more casual.  Following are five tips to make getting it together for New Year’s Eve fun instead of stressful.

1.  Wear a Dress. Dresses are one easy piece and don’t require matching ensemble components.  Slip it on and you are more than halfway ready!  Choose a dress that can do double (or even triple) duty – New Year’s Eve, a wedding, a cocktail party.  Even a very dressy dress can become a wardrobe staple!  We recommend the following dresses for the fabulous fit and versatility they offer:

The Kiyonna Retro Glam Lace Dress comes in black with a sparkling retro pin at the satin waist tie.

The classic Kiyonna Boudoir Lace Dress has 3/4 sleeves and comes in black lace with either nude or black lining, or chocolate brown.

Brand new Icon Lace Dress, also from Kiyonna, is a yummy confection with a brandy satin tie.

The Kiyonna Flaunt Dress is simple and flattering, but with plenty of va-va-voom!

2. Change Up your Hair.  Switch your part, curl it up or straighten it – the key is to do it differently than you do every other day.  Even short hair can be done differently – slick it back with some gel, smooth it down and add a fun clip, or back-comb the crown for some dramatic height.  Longer hair can be smoothed and twisted into a french twist or a low chignon for a classic look.  Pull back the top and sides and twist the hair once.  Push it forward and secure with a clip.  Anchor a bobby pin in front and behind the clip to keep the “puff” you just created from flattening.

3.  Add Some Sparkle (But Not Too Much!) The most dramatic effect is created by adding just one element of sparkle – metallic shoes, glitter handbag, sparkling hair ornaments, or an element of your makeup.  Too much sparkle  is risking heading into trash territory.

4. Elegant Makeup. Now is your chance to break away from the every day. Choose one feature (lips or eyes) for a more dramatic look.  A smoky eye with a  low-key, natural color on your lips (maybe even just gloss) or a neutral eye with a pop of red on your lips makes an evening look easy and inexpensive.

5. A Happy Attitude and a Big Smile.  Nothing improves your looks like your best smile and a good attitude.  Enjoy the evening and vow to make 2010 the best year yet!

Kiyonna Fierce Leopard Dress at Chique*Life

Brand new! We all love this dress for its sassy print and beautiful colors.

Animal print, updated and fierce! This wrap dress from Kiyonna is created in an updated leopard print with splashes of purple, adding adramatic glamour to the classic wrap dress silhouette.

Striking black contrast banding along the neck and ties tempers this wild print making it work appropriate yet chic enough for evening. You are sure to find this the most universal, figure flattering dress ever!

True wrap silhouette with contrast tie. There is a 2″ contrast band along neckline and front with adjustable tie at high waist, and a 2″ band at cuff.

You can see it here. Available in sizes 10 – 28.  Use coupon code KIYO at checkout for 15% off on this dress!

This V-neckline faux wrap with cinched waist is from Kiyonna.

Plus size dresses come in almost as many sizes and shapes as plus size women, so why feel that you are stuck with just one style? The truth is that no matter what your size, you can find dresses that flatter your shape and bring out the very best you have to offer.

When most people consider plus size fashion, they think of boxy jackets, shapeless kaftans and monochromatic color schemes. But these tried and true “tricks” for dressing a large size woman don’t really work. Think about it…if there is not just one body shape, how can there be one dress style which fits everyone? The answer is, there can’t!

The first step in finding dresses that fit well and flatter you is to determine exactly which body type you are. Be aware of your shape and, most importantly, your most attractive features, and choose styles which enhance them. Plus size dresses come in everything from A-line to wrap to two piece and even strapless. Any of these can work as long as you choose a style which fits with your body type.

Even if you are heavy you may still have a slim waist. In this case, consider styles which cinch in at the waist, like a wrap dress, which can give you a fantastic hourglass shape. If your legs are your best asset, try a shorter length skirt to enhance them. Like most of the fashion world, plus size fashion is all about finding what works for you and helping you put your best face forward.

And plus size dresses do not have to be stuck in a color rut! We all know that wearing black can be slimming, but that doesn’t mean you have to wrap yourself in nothing but. Larger women can pull off prints as long as the style of the dress is flattering and the print isn’t overpowering. And color can be your friend. Pairing up a basic like black with a punch of red or blue can actually give you a more dramatic and modern look.

The important thing to remember when choosing a dress is that plus size fashion should be about emphasizing, not hiding. Forget the baggy muumuus and tent-like shapes and don’t be afraid to show your curves. Accentuate a full bust, shapely legs or slim waist. If your eyes are your best feature, draw the attention up to them with colors that bring them out and make them sparkle.

You can also play down problem areas by choosing plus size dresses which de-emphasize them. If you have a thick middle, consider an empire waist, which brings the waistline just below the bust and is looser. Also, an A-line, which is more fitted at the top and gently slopes outward as it goes down, can be another way to draw attention away from a heavy midsection while emphasizing a full bust and/or long legs.

The thing to remember is that just because you may be larger in size does not mean you can’t find clothes that fit. Being plus size no longer means having to hide. You can be proud of your curves and with the right figure flattering dress you can show the world that there is more of you to love!