Recently IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel asked me to review one of their dresses for Five Favorite Things. I am not new to Igigi. I have been a fan of Yuliya Raquel’s designs for a few years and have mentioned numerous “favorites” here and elsewhere over the years. I have two dresses that I love both for style and workmanship and if I still worked in management or customer service I would have more.
For the longest time IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel has offered a new collection of evening and cocktail dresses a few times a year. They have been expanding their line the last few years to include more career dresses, separates and accessories.
For this product review I chose the sophisticated Boulangerie Wrap Dress in Merlot Grape. First off, I loved this dress from the moment I saw it on the website. I love the color, and the details (authentic wrap, ruffle sleeves with d-ring cinch, and a-line skirt. And of course plus size model Fluvia Lacerda makes it all the more appetizing. The Boulangerie Wrap Dress is available in plus sizes 12 to 30 for $138.
The Finer Points
The dress arrived within a few days and when I opened the box I was astonished to feel how heavy the cotton poplin (with a bit of stretch) is (FYI – Igigi sends their garments on the hanger with a plastic sleeve for protection). The outside edges of the dress are heavily fused for weight and to keep it’s shaped. The straps that wrap the dress are extra long and the whole dress is well stitched (no loose threads or missed stitches). The dress is very comfortable and flattering to wear. I love the length (I’m 5′ 9″) and its deep purple color. The dress was received well by family and friends who thought the style and color were flattering.
The Downside
On the down side the material is a fur magnet. If you have animals it probably is not a good choice unless you are incredibly handy with a lint brush. I felt like it was made for someone with bigger boobs as it gaped at the neckline more than I would have liked which looks fine if I’m wearing a camisole on top but made me feel self conscious without one. It would have been nice to have been able to tuck in the ties or disconnect them to wear it open like a jacket. And finally, as you can probably tell it wrinkles quite a bit while sitting.
Overall the finer points out way any downside mentioned and I look forward to wearing this dress again; possibly with some tights and Mary Janes. The dress is dry clean only and I have not had the chance to test this for the review. It is a well made dress and I expect to have many years of wear from it. I hope to see the same style offered this spring in other colors and possibly a summer version that is a little lighter.
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* Get your own plus size career and party dresses from Igigi by Yuliya Raquel
Moe
Maureen (Moe) Wood has been writing for the Large and Lovely site at BellaOnline for over eight years. Her plus size shopping blog, My Favorite Things, is coming up on its fifth anniversary. Read more about Moe on her about page or follow her through her social network links below.
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