Despite being a complete diva, it’s not every day that I am completely infatuated with a dress enough to consider doing an outfit change mid-event. However, with much restraint, I resisted this beautiful Scarlett & Jo Navy Embellished Velvet Dress*, as I knew our time will come and soon I would be able to wear it for an event. After first seeing a tiny little snippet on the press release for the new collection, I just knew that it was the dress for me. As the days rolled on, and through intensive Twitter research, I found out that the dress would be a maxi style. A huge tick in my book. Not only that, but the dress would also be slit to just above my knee, making a different but beautiful change to my usual attire.
During an impromptu shopping trip with the wonderful Lucy, we headed into Evans to see what the latest offerings were and I was ecstatic to see that the dress was finally available. So much so, that I don’t actually remember looking at anything else. I ran over to the dress (Evans only have the black version in-store), grabbed a size 22 and ran to the changing room. I don’t think I’ve ever been so excited to get my kit off and try a dress on. I was soon in the most elegant dress I have ever tried on.
It wasn’t until trying on this dress that I realised how much I actually love my shape. My hips looked curvier than ever, my waist looked smaller than ever, and my tummy was cleverly disguised. I looked at myself in the mirror for a little longer whilst adjusting before walking out like a gleaming Cheshire cat. The dress is beautiful and I felt absolutely amazing in it. Lucy kindly took some photos for me, but the lighting just wasn’t capturing how curvy I actually looked, so, I took to the trusted mirror selfie.
I was already meant to be reviewing this dress in navy, but I couldn’t stop myself from trying it on. I was blown away to find out that the dress retailed at just £68. Which when you think that most dresses with even half of this glamour factor would be double the price, it makes it a dress you can’t afford to miss. I received the Navy Embellished Velvet Dress in a size 20 and it fits beautifully. A light tighter on my stomach but with shapewear, I could get away with it. The 22 in-store definitely skimmed my less flattering areas more, and I did feel a lot more comfortable in the 22. I knew I wanted this dress right from first seeing a glimpse and I’m incredibly happy to own such a stunning piece. Scarlett and Jo are easily one of my favourite companies for Plus Size Clothing as they always ensure that you look your very best and feeling incredible doing so. I was actually privileged enough to meet the owner and designer behind Scarlett and Jo last weekend, the day after I won Best Fashion Blog at the Plus Size Awards. I had been excited to meet him since the first email and you will be hearing all about it very soon.
The fit of the dress is absolutely incredible, and with good underwear, you definitely do not need to size up, unless you’re a little self-conscious of your stomach like I am. I normally fit into a 20/22 so I’m happy that I can get away with both sizes, as Scarlett and Jo are always true to size. The quality means that they are pieces that will last for a very long time and also have quite a lot of giving in them. If you haven’t picked this dress up yet, I would move fast as it has already been close to selling out completely and it won’t be long before it does. I’ll be wearing this dress at the weekend for a Family Christmas Party in Liverpool and I’m even considering picking it up in black, just in case I might need it in the future!
The Scarlett & Jo Navy Embellished Velvet Dress is definitely the most stunning dress I have seen for the festive season, and I very much doubt anyone will beat it. Little update: I’ve never loved a dress so much and therefore have basically worn it everywhere, I did return this one for a 22 though!
