In the weeks leading up to the incredible BlogHer conference, every social channel is buzzing with what attendees are planning to wear. This being my second BlogHer I knew I would see the full range of everything from cocktail dresses to shorts and t-shirts all over the conference. I was planning to shop in my own closet this year, especially since I had quite a few dresses I bought for BlogHer11 and never wore.
Imagine my surprise when I saw this tweet in my twitter stream.
For those of you not familiar, Kiyonna is a leader in the plus-size clothing industry. They offer sizes 0X-5X (size 10+). Their clothes are extremely flattering for fuller figures with their soft lines and draping fabric and can be found online and in specialty plus size clothing boutiques. Kiyonna offers everything from casual dresses and skirts to more formal cocktail wear, and even beautiful wedding dresses and they offered to dress me for BlogHer! I was over the moon excited, and after some emails back and forth, the lovely and knowledgeable, Evania, from Kiyonna, had my wardrobe for BlogHer all planned and ready to ship.
When my Kiyonna box arrived, I was like a kid in a candy store! Trying everything on, taking pictures, sharing on FB, and tweeting them! The fit was perfect! I felt confident and raring to get going to New York City for the conference!
Thursday morning, I was up bright and early to meet up with Jess, from DelcoPAMoms in King of Prussia to carpool to NYC. I chose to start my fashion adventure wearing the Sweet Serendipity top with slim black capris. This top is gorgeously airy and made from a light chiffon fabric, very comfortable, but also very sheer. It’s lacy detail and empire waist layered perfectly over a black tank top.
After dropping luggage off at the Hilton and parking the car, I was off to my first event. The flirty top and capris were the perfect combination for sauntering through the city and mingling with friends at events. In the evening, I paired the top with slim black pants for the Social Soiree event. I was happy to snag a great picture with @Nerdmom, whom by the way, was also sporting fabulous Kiyonna style, and looked gorgeous in the Retro Glam Lace Dress. I also had that dress in my suitcase (but with the black lining), so I was a little relieved I saved that dress for later. Notice my hair is up in the picture on the right? UGH! Between the heat of the city and some craptastic hotel hair, that’s where it stayed for the rest of the weekend.
Friday was a mix of events and conference sessions. In the afternoon, at the BSM Media event, I ran into another Kiyonna wearing blogger! I noticed the top right away, and couldn’t resist getting a picture together. I am wearing the Abby Twist Front Top in Purple Moon, and Valerie looks gorgeous in the Backstage Dolman Top (which I also had in my hotel room, and wore out to dinner later. The Abby Twist Front Top offers a beautiful silhouette. It’s fitted towards the top, but very flowy from the bust down. It was so flattering and comfortable, if I had an unlimited clothing budget I would buy it in every color.
My favorite look of the weekend was the Whimsy Wrap Dress in Black Pin Up Polka Dot. The name just shouts fun! This wrap dress features a pretty cascading ruffle along the front panel and bottom hem. The cross over wrap was comfortable and I loved how the cinched waist flattered my curves, but still hid a few flaws. This dress certainly added a spring to my step while mingling at the Getting Gorgeous party! It was perfect for the event. I was treated to a smoky eye makeover, and even won a prize from Pepsi while there. By the late afternoon, I wandered through one of the expo areas and check out some brands. The Smith Brothers were sweet enough to compliment me on my dress choice too!
Everywhere I went there was at least one other blogger styled by Kiyonna. It was so much fun seeing an outfit across the room, admiring the lines and fit, and then realizing it was a Kiyonna piece! I don’t want to make this post ridiculously long so I will hopefully get to share some more pictures when I post another BlogHer recap.
I must say honestly though, If you are the type of woman that likes to accent and flaunt your curves, then Kiyonna is definitely a style for you. Their clothing is comfortable and true to size, but I think the best attribute I can describe is how it makes you feel. I felt confident and beautiful in every piece and think that is most important in choosing a style that works for you.
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Disclosure: I was provided outfits to wear to the BlogHer conference from Kiyonna in exchange for my honest review. I did not receive payment for this post, and all opinions are mine alone.
Karen, You looked beautiful!