this little life of mine

UPDATE: The winners of the IGIGI contest have been announced! My winner is TARA and she will be hearing from the Weetacon administration very soon. For a list of all of the winners please go to to the IGIGI at Weetacon page.

 

 

 

General Disclaimer (wording paritially borrowed from KarenD): The "Rosita" dress discussed in this entry was provided to me for review purposes by IGIGI. The content of this entry was not dictated by IGIGI; I get to keep the dress for my personal use. Links to the IGIGI site in this entry are affiliate links for Weetacon.

I am excited to review the adorable "Rosita" dress  supplied by Igigi for our Weetacon 2013 fashion show. Igigi is well-known for making beautiful, well-fitting, functional designer clothing for plus-size women, and modelling their designs is one of the highlights of our annual weekend trek to Green Bay, WI (second only to the sleigh ride/brats and booyah fest, I'm sure!). When I was making my top three choices, the Rosita was my #1 (followed by the equally adorable Doris 2-in-1 dress and the simply lovely Gywneth Draped Dress). I would've been thrilled with any of them, and am seriously considering purchasing the Doris dress anyway!

For this dress I requested size 14/16 after matching my measurements to the website's size chart. Also, that's pretty much the size I am on top right now, and with the Rosita's full skirt, I didn't have to worry about my waist and hip measurements. When I first tried it on, it was a bit baggy in the bust area, but after switching to a better fitting (padded, push-up) bra, the top fit perfectly (as seen in the photo above)! I love the draping on the bust and coupled with the empire waist they gave the illusion of a beautiful hour-glass figure, which I normally do not have, as I am a "Triangle".  Another great feature is the modest neckline which makes this dress work-friendly without requiring any lace camisole or clip-in modesty panel.  I was initially concerned the arms would be too tight, as that is a problem for me with most long-sleeve tops/blouses/jackets, etc., but the sleeves were actually a little big, so my arms fit and I was quite comfortable.

The full,  A-line skirt's just-below-the-knee length is perfect for me as I'm not very comfortable with anything above the knee, and it flows beautifully when I walk. The Viscose/Elastane-blend fabric is lightweight, and has just the right amount of stretch to fit perfectly and be comfortable at the same time. I also love that it's already lined, so you don't need to add a slip underneath. The print is lovely - a combination on of polka-dot, floral print, and solid that work beautifully together. I chose this dress because I thought it would be perfect for my cousin's wedding this June, but it will also be great for work, too! I paired it with white Capri leggings for the Weetacon event, but I think it would work with brown tights as well, or even bare legs if you choose.  

And, yes, just like last year, there is a contest!! Here's all you need to know:

1. So, this time next week I'll be in beautiful Green Bay, Wisconsin, enjoying an awesome Bloody Mary at St. Brendan's Inn that includes a meat AND cheese stick, and hanging out with a bunch of the coolest kids I've ever known. To say I'm excited is an understatement. A GREAT BIG FREAKIN' UNDERSTATMENT!!
2. So, if you haven't already guessed, I am FREAKING OUT because I'm totally NOT packed for this trip. You'd think I'd be an old pro at this considering I've been to Wisconsin in the winter several times now, but no.  No, I'm not. I hate my snow boots (faux UGGs that are old and quite hideous) but it's too late in the season to get new ones and I really don't think waterproofing my Doc Martins in going to cut it, I have no idea what shirts/sweaters to pack (well, I DO have several ideas what to pack, but then I keep wearing all my super cute outfits to WORK for pete's sake!), and even though I'm using a larger suitcase this year I really don't think everything is going to fit. Gah!
3. I'm trying to figure out what to do about a carry-on. I have the totally awesome camera bag I won at last year's raffle (oohh, and I see there's a teal version available this year!) that I might use, but I'm not sure if my laptop will fit in it (or if I'll even take my laptop at all). OR I could just take the cross-body laptop holder that also has a mesh bottle holder on the side for easy, hands-free water bottle carrying, which is always helpful in airports.
4. Also, this weekend is shot because tomorrow I have to do taxes and Sunday I have to have a facial. I say "I have to have a facial" because I actually won (!!) a free one at a giveaway that was happening at Old Navy a few weeks ago. While, it's really cool to have won, facials are not really my thing, as the few times I have done them, I've ended up with crazy acne breakouts. But, I won the darn thing, so I might as well do it, but, I'm gonna look like a hormonal teenager for Weetacon and I'm kinda bummed about that.
5. And, finally,  for your Friday photo viewing pleasure, a bit of a mystery: I went to toss a sticky note in the trash by the bus stop, and discovered two vinyl albums in the bin. Naturally I had to pull them out and take a couple quick shots before other people showed up and looked at me funny.  Enjoy!