So, you voted on which dress I should wear to Weetacon 2014 and IGIGI listened — boy, did IGIGI listen!
They sent two dresses! Oh my lord. Two dresses! Happiest girl ever!
Full disclosure: IGIGI sent me two dresses in exchange for writing this honest review. It is, in essence, a sponsored post, but IGIGI does not have any discretion about what I write and has encouraged each Weetacon participant to be very honest in their descriptions of their review garments. So, now you know.
When you guys voted on your choices for garments, the one that I loved the most (the Neve wrap dress in Abtruse Dot) was actually in last place, but it was the one that I wanted the most. Poppy was right in that I DO have several black and white IGIGI dresses in my closet — that’s because I’m a black and white print ADDICT. For real, if I could live in black and white for the rest of my days, I’d be happy. So I was thrilled to open the IGIGI Weetacon 2014 shipment and see the Neve with my name on it (well, two Neves with my name on it, as my fellow Wendy reviewed the Neve in Abtruse Dot too!). Plus, this black and white print is a WRAP — a true wrap dress in fact. I heart me some IGIGI wraps! I can never have enough of them! I have a really small waist that gets lost in all this hourglass, so anything to help with the definition is a good thing. I tend to tie them up higher, though, creating more of an empire waist wrap, because it seems like it suits me better. Also, if I were to tie it at my natural waist, it would fall open and my bosoms would fall out.
One nice thing about being a frequent IGIGI shopper is that I know which of their designs work and which do NOT. The Neve wrap dress works for my hourglass shape. It’s incredibly comfortable and I can basically wear them on a coast-to-coast flight and be absolutely comfortable. The material is soft and at least twice in my life, I’ve gotten upgraded because I checked in wearing a nice outfit. Take that, people who fly in pajamas!
The Neve dress is fully lined and has two very long ties that weave through openings under the arm (ala a vintage DVF wrap). The ties are more than long enough to wrap around yourself at least once, twice if you wanted to avoid long ties. I kind of like the long tie, so I tend to leave it wrapped once and then let it hang a few inches above the hemline. Both dresses I reviewed are size 26/28.
Esteban was so kind to take these photos for me on a very windy day. I braved the Wisconsin “spring” without tights or leggings and just paired it with my trusty Tieks (I wish I could say that I was wearing a pair of white tights but no… alas, that is my real actual Victorian pallor). At Weetacon’s cocktail party two weeks ago, it was considerably colder and I chose to wear a long-sleeve v-neck shirt under it (when it’s negative 10 degrees outside, you must pair fashion with common sense) that was barely visible under the neckline and I also wore a pair of purple leggings with a pair of black leather riding boots (You can get an idea in the background of the beautiful Shae’s photo).
This is one of IGIGI’s classic wrap dresses that I already know is going to be in my closet for a decade in heavy rotation. How can I predict the future? Because the first four IGIGI wrap dresses I bought are now more than ten years old and I still wear each of those bad girls to death. IGIGI has some kind of magic fabric for their wrap dresses that seems to never age, shrink or fade, plus you can wade it into a ball in your suitcase and it comes out looking flawless.
Also, I got a random compliment from a college girl in a gas station on my IGIGI Neve dress in Abtruse Dot.
Keeper. Total keeper.
The other dress I received was the Nencia lace cocktail dress in flamingo. Annette liked the combo of the teal and the pink — and I have to admit, I like how fashion forward it is. So many plus sized designers kick out safe stuff — and as someone who basically would be happy in black and white for the rest of my life, the Nencia was decidedly outside of my comfort zone. To move from the Neve to the Nencia is like the scene in Wizard of Oz where Dorothy throws open the door and finds herself in technicolor.
Goingloopy said that the Nencia was on her “drool list” while Kris said that the Nencia was “probably a tiny bit, um, “optimistic” for March in Wisconsin.” Holla, Kris, it was definitely chilly taking these photos in March, despite finally having a day above freezing for the first time since October! I had been concerned about the arm situation but the sleeves were definitely not an issue. Lots of coverage to quell my arm self-doubt.
But I did really like how it looked when I wore it with a black cashmere cardigan (also, it was warmer… do I look cold here? It was very cold.) I’d probably steal a page from Kelley, who also reviewed the Nencia, and throw a wide belt over the cardigan next time I wear this.
The lace is surprisingly soft — and I have to say, this is my third or fourth lace dress from IGIGI and they’re really good about using non-scratchy STRETCHY lace. I really like the pop of color on the lining showing through the teal lace. However, you should note that the lining is basically a tank dress under the see-through lace. It’s pretty bra-friendly and you can see that you get plenty of length (I’m 5’9″) so you don’t have to worry about showing too much thigh but the sheerness along the shoulders is a pop of sexy that probably wouldn’t be doable in most office settings.
Unfortunately, unlike the Neve wrap dress, the Nencia lace cocktail dress is not one of the kinds that you could just wear out of the overnight bag — it came out of the packing bag wrinkled, but steamed out very easily. The other thing that I wanted to mention was the static. Part of the clinging that you can see in this photo is that it was very windy and we took this photo on a bluff above the Bay, but I did notice some static while wearing the dress around the house and getting in and out of cars — to the point that I was actually looking for some static spray. I think it wouldn’t be an issue in the summer when you’d be wearing this dress, but for a very chilly March day in Wisconsin, it was definitely an issue.
In the future, I’ll probably find a pair of flatter shoes to wear with this because the shoes I wore for the photos look cute, but I forgot how much I hate them. I super hate them. Looks like a good excuse to buy another pair of Tieks (alas, my teal Tieks don’t quite match the teal of the Nencia dress). Does anyone want a pair of size 12 Steve Madden platform peeptoe slingbacks?
This feels like a more formal dress somehow than the wraps. Maybe I’m just so accustomed to integrating wrap dresses into my lifestyle, but this definitely felt like a dress you’d wear to a spring wedding or fancy occasion, whereas the wrap dress is something I’d probably wear to the office or just out and about on a weekend (but then, I’m oddly formal sometimes). I think the cocktail dress screams for more jewelry, whereas the wrap dress seems okay without it (I actually forgot to put on the necklace I wanted to wear in the above photos in the excitement of taking photos and trying to stop the wind from blowing the dress up ala Seven Year Itch).
My favorite look for this dress is paired with a pair of funky shoes, a cardigan (again, needs a belt), and some kind of statement jewelry. I used my great grandmother’s necklace and her wedding earrings, plus a vintage beaded bag, kind of riffing off the little old lady vibe that I tend to get off of lace dresses (Do not be confused — there is nothing whatsoever matronly about this dress).
By the way, my IGIGI drool list is growing. I totally want the third dress on my list — the Neve in Creme de la Violette. And after seeing the other ladies of Weetacon in their garments, I’m also lusting after the Isadora dress (check it out on LisaMarie) and the freshly released Deora dress (yup, another black and white print — surprise surprise).
Now it’s your turn.
Do you have an IGIGI drool list too? You’re about to get the #IGIGIWeetacon hookup!
First, go to the IGIGI website and pick out your ideal dress for a special occasion, important business meeting, date night or supreme court swearing in ceremony. Then leave a comment on this page, telling us which garment YOU want and where you plan on wearing it. That it’s. One of you will get a free $50 gift certificate to shop for your own fashion montage at IGIGI.com.
But wait! That’s not all!
You can increase your chances of winning IGIGI gift certificates by leaving comments on each of the other Weetacon IGIGI reviews at this page.Comments must be received by April 20 at midnight PST. Winners will be notified and announced on this page and the IGIGI at Weetacon 2014 page by April 25th.
Go! Go! Go! Dream pretty! Then come back here and share your ideas with the class. Don’t forget to leave a valid email — I can’t tell you that you won if you don’t.
And the winner is Jerri! Congratulations! IGIGI will be in contact with you shortly with your $50 gift certificate!
41 Comments
Love the wrap dress! That’s totally how I picture styling the Deora dress (which, as you know, I am also coveting). I have a red hat — just need a pair of sassy red sandals to wear it for brunch or a maybe a warm summer evening date!
AUGH! They sent you my exact two favorites, yay! You look fantastic. 🙂
First, you look amazing. Second, I want the bag in the first photos so much, where did you get it?
I want: http://www.igigi.com/meinani-maxi-dress.html so much because the pattern is beautiful. Plus, it’s long enough to cover my bad leg!
I’m visualizing the purple hose, a black (or purple) pointelle knit cardigan, a black or purple or teal leather belt, and your black riding boots with this to make it wearable as a day dress funked out. It is the juxtaposition of lacy princessness with bitch-ass riding boots that makes it work. Either way, you are rocking it!
Thank you! It’s a Kate Spade leather satchel from many years ago — probably six years ago? I wish they’d re-release it in other colors, because I constantly get compliments on it whenever I carry it.
I like the Fayette dress or the Nencia Cocktail Dress.
I love both these dresses on you, and I must say that the fit on the wrap dress makes me think I could maybe trust it without a modesty panel. Speaking of black and white dresses, I would love the Cadence dress in black and ivory for work. It’s so sharp, and vaguely retro. It looks perfect for an hourglass figure.
Igigi dresses love you for sure. You look great and I am now totally regretting that I didn’t ask for the Neve in Abstruse Dot. It is gorgeous. I am lusting after the Deora (although the Neve is making me think…) and I would wear to brunch and the museum in NYC.
I love both of these dresses on you. I need to send you pictured of me in my Igigi dresses and you can help me figure out why some of them don’t work. As for this contest, I want either the Wren wrap dress or the Hayleigh.
Well, dress twinsies, I was going to come here and say that although I am lusting after the Deora, I really need a pair of black Monroe or Elizabeth pants. But whatever. I NEED the Deora in my life!
I love the Jordan maxi dress – for any special occasions that pop up during the summer!
I love the Hayleigh dress in Midnight Blue – I’ve been coveting it for a while!
You look great!! I really love the Cadence Dress in Black. I would wear it to my college graduation in May.
Tiffany or Denise dress,not sure of which color yet.I like them partly cause they aren’t made out of polyester.Not sure where I’d wear them,where ever I want! XD
They have some fabulous dresses, it is hard to pick a favorite. I am engaged and need to get an engagement picture for save the dates. I could see the http://www.igigi.com/delilah-dress.html (deliah dress) working as a pretty print and hinting at my wedding color- purple.
I still love the Nencia dress, and I love it more on you. I’ve also been eyeballing the Chelsea Dress in Fuego for months, and after seeing it on some of the other Weetacon ladies, I might break down and buy it. I also like the Deora dress, but I’ve bought so many of the black and white things lately… this stuff would probably all get worn to work, although the cocktail dress might be an excellent 40th birthday frock (and not too hot for Oklahoma in May).
Hard choice, but I think I’d have to go with the Francesca Dress in Dark Currant or the Fayette Dress in Merlot.
The Francesca wins by a hair, because I’d wear that EVERYWHERE, but I don’t have any occasions special enough for the Fayette coming up anytime soon. (:
Esteban did a terrific job with the photos! And I really love the Tieks and the KS bag with the Neve – they’re perfect. As you know, I’m lusting after the new Deora, too – it would be perfect for work.
Love the Neve on you! I didn’t realize that was a true wrap–I might have to give it a closer look, as I would like to have the option of wrapping at my natural waist.
The Luella Tunic in Emerald is calling my name (yep, I am into the green now). I could wear it to work and be the best dressed person in any meeting.
TOO CUTE! Also there are too many dresses that I want. Seriously, all of them. But especially the many, many lovely maxi dresses they have this year….Jadyn, Olympia, Jordan, the Wrens. WANT.
That Neve is definitely YOUR dress – it’s like it was made just for you! I’ve got my eye on the Thalia gown in Rose Garden that’s in the new Look Book, or the Jadyn Maxi Dress. Either one would be perfect for my high school reunion this summer!
I’m not an abtruse dot wearing person, but I think it looks really great on you, and makes me think I might try something similar in the future. And the shoes and purse take it that extra mile!!!
For me, I’m looking to expand my workwear collection, I would love to own the Monroe Skirt in Navy, and the Belmont Skirt in Ebony Damask. A Mena Jacket in Navy would be nice too!
I love love love the Neve dress! Fabulous. I personally love the Fayette dress in Merlot. So pretty for a nice dinner out.
I would totally get the Chelsea dress in Fuego and wear it ALL THE TIME. EVERYWHERE.
You look so amazing in both dresses! I’m lusting after the Janus dress in pink pindot. Mostly because I like saying and typing “pink pindot”, but also because it would look great at work and give me an excuse to buy pink shoes.
I love both of those on you – you’ve almost convinced me to try one of the wrap dresses! I’m currently eyeing the Vintage Polka Dot for summer!
I really want the Neve Wrap Dress in Creme De Violette!
I forgot to add. I need that dress for my Easter brunch!
Wow, I LOVE the colors of the nencia. Both looks are fantastic on you!
It is hard to narrow down my favorite to one. I love the nico skirt in midnight sahara (with matching top) and the jadyn maxi dress (I LOVE blue and purple!) My niece is turning 1 in a couple weeks, so a brand-new pretty dress would be terrific to wear to her birthday party. (I’m also eying the elsa dress in mystic blue, perhaps for “date night?”)
I love you in both of these so much! (Well, I love you all the time, but these pics are super adorable!) Anyway, I am now obsessed with the Bellissima dress in navy/daffodil. Super cute!
So adorable! I love the second dress — those colors look so awesome and kicky! I think I would have chosen those same exact dresses….or more! Thanks for showing us these beautiful dresses/separates for Weetacon!
I love the Stella gown for a
Fundraising event later this year. It is beautiful And classy.
I thought I liked the Isis dress, until I saw the Nencia dress on you! It is GORGEOUS!
Oops, forgot to say where I’d wear it: I’d wear the Nencia everywhere! Grocery shopping, to the post office – wherever. It’d definitely spice those mundane errands up 😀
Fabulous! Today I am needing the Letta dress with dots.
Love Brenda!
I like IGIGI dresses for work. My pick would be the Elsa dress.
Okay, so I am definitely hesitant to wear wrap dresses because I’m afraid somehow I’ll fly out of them… but you look so great that I totally want to try one! So I think if I win, I’m all about a Neve dress, but maybe the blue floral for something different.
I adore the polka dots (and I have a black and white addiction of my own) but the red under the blue is just astounding!
I have my eye in the Gisela 😉 got a wedding to be in…mine! http://www.igigi.com/plus-size-dresses/wedding-dresses/gisela-wedding-dress.html
Hi Wendy Bix! This comment doesn’t count for the Igigi giveaway (too late, alas – and I also missed posting for a few other ladies as well) but I just wanted to tell you you look FAB in those dresses! I also really loved reading your article on the Igigi Blog – you are a great writer, and a generous person for having organized these cool Weetacons for so long. When I first found Igigi a few years ago and wasn’t sure if I wanted to try their clothes, I fell into the Weetacon reviews and pictures and they helped me decide to try the dresses – so, thanks to you and all the lovely reviewers!! 🙂
Wow! I’m so excited! Thanks so much for doing this giveaway.