I love how this blog has introduced me to so many amazing people – from other bloggers and Instagrammers, to new vintage shops and vintage-inspired retailers. Getting to know the faces behind brands and connect with people around the world is what the net was built for, and I’m always excited to have my horizons broadened with each new collaboration I do.
Recently I was contacted by a new (to me) company called LuLaRoe. As I had never heard of them before, I put my researcher skills to good use (a.k.a Google) and checked them out. I was so impressed to learn the company was created by a single mom, born from a desire to provide for her family and give others a foundation for personal success. I also loved that, after just a few quick clicks on their site, I noticed that they hired models of all shapes and sizes and seem to really foster a community of inclusion and positivity. Plus there was a bevy of silhouettes to choose from to suit everyone.
So, when one of their amazing consultants Angela offered to send me a few pieces to try out, I was really excited to work with them. I also decided to let go of my control freak tendencies and let them pick out pieces they thought would suit me (I know! It was a growing experience.) I knew it was a risk, but I also think breaking out of my standard fit-and-flare lifestyle is good for me. I’m reviewing three of their pieces below, with info on fit, fabric, and features!
The Maxi
The Maxi Skirt was probably the biggest risk for me. Ever since I was 12 years old, shooting up like a beanpole, I never really favored maxi dresses. Other gals raved about them, but I always had a fear that they would be too short on me, leading to the “digging for clams” look I was never too fond of but couldn’t avoid in high school.
And the Maxi skirt arrived. Firstly, I was SO impressed with how soft it was. I sort of wanted to bury my face in her and snuggle for a few hours. And then I noticed some pretty awesome features. Firstly, the wide waistband. This lets the more petite gals fold over the top to wear it low on their hips but not trip over the hem. But, it also allows us Amazonian ladies to wear it fully extended, giving me the perfect length. I was seriously surprised by how skeptical I was by this skirt at first glance, but how much I learned to love her.
I ended up with a size S in the maxi (about 6-8 US) – which was the perfect fit (waist about 28″ but could stretch up to 38″). I loved the vibrant colors and crazy soft material. And despite not being exactly my style at first glance, I found it fit seamlessly into my wardrobe and ended up being one of my favorite pieces. The moral of this fashion story: always try it on.
The Julia
My sister was here for the holidays and came bouncing downstairs in the cutest wiggle dress – and she told me it was a Julia dress from a brand she adored called LuLaRoe. Isn’t it always the way that when you first hear of something, suddenly you realize it’s everywhere?? I immediately went to my closet and pulled out my own Julia.
Again, you lovely readers know by now that I tend to favor a fitted bodice and a flared skirt. But, the Julia dress was another surprising favorite in the parcel. Just as soft as the maxi and in a really unique tribal print. I went with a small in this style (about a 4-6 US) – she fit perfectly in the bust and hips. On me, I would say the small ran a smidge large in the waist, but admittedly I have a small waist in comparison to the rest of me. And it’s perfect for Christmas dinner indulgence. I measured her at 34-38″ bust, 29-34″ waist, and 37-42″ hips. I LOVED how this dress hugged my curves and emphasized my best assets. Plus, she was surprisingly comfortable, ready to attack the day with the same fervor I was. The only word of warning is I found her only very slightly sheer – but with my favorite half slip/shaper I was good to go.
I have since learned that LuLa Roe has a lot of prints of all of their garments in limited quantities. I may have my eye on the Julia my sister was wearing, which was a grey and while polka dot front and a striped back and was seriously cute…
The Amelia
The Amelia was exactly my style – fit and flare and in a vibrant color. I loved that she was both sweet and sassy, and suited my standard Malco Modes Zooey petticoat perfectly. In this dress I went with a size Medium (closer to an 8-10 US: 36-38″ bust, 30-32″ waist, and 14.5″ shoulder to waist). She fit perfectly in the bust but was a bit big in the waist – which I easily fixed with a belt. I did find this particular style to run a bit high in the waist on me. I have a fairly long torso and generally need ~16″ shoulder to waist. But, for reference, my sister tried it on when she was here (she’s 5’7) and it hit her perfectly. I would recommend this particular style to be good on heights 5’7 and below – or taller ladies who love a more empire line cut.
The fabric of the Amelia wasn’t quite as soft as the other two, but had a really interesting waffle texture that gave the dress some depth. I also completely loved the full skirt – definitely right in my style wheelhouse. It seemed like a great option for autumn – the fabric was a bit thicker and would definitely pair well with tights and knee high boots.
The Facts & Figures
In terms of cost, I found their prices to be super reasonable. The Maxi runs for about $42, the Julia for $45, and the Amelia for $65. LuLa Roe is generally sold through consultants. One of the best places to start is to join the Facebook group of the amazing consultant Angela I worked with, or you can finding a consultant near you (here’s a map). You can purchase directly on photos of the garments on Angela’s FB group. She’s currently offering a discount with anyone who PMs my name or blog name: 5$ off 25.00 spent, 10$ off 50$ and 15$ off 100 with free shipping (!!)
To buy the items, know that it took me a little while to figure out how it works (not shopping a lot through Facebook myself), but here’s a rundown:
- Click “Info” at the top of the group page on your iPhone (from a computer, just go straight to #2)
- Click “Photos” then “Albums”
- When you see an item you like, in the right size, you can leave a comment with what you want and they’ll direct you to a form to fill out and will send you an invoice.
One thing I have noticed in my brief time falling in love with this brand – every one of their styles comes in a wide variety of prints, often made in very limited quantities. If you see a print you like in your size, you should scoop it up, cause those shoppers don’t mess around. Generally, when a print is sold out, it isn’t restocked, leading to a LOT of unicorns.
Overall, I really loved working with this brand and found them generally to be a lovely, happy bunch who I kind of want to be friends with. I was also sent a pair of leggings and one of their pencil skirts, which I hope to review soon! In the meantime, you can follow LuLa Roe on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and join the movement.
Fashion and comfort? Sign me up!
xoxo
Outfit 1 Details:
Top: Modcloth
Skirt: Maxi skirt c/o LuLaRoe
Shoe clip (worn as a brooch): handmade by Word from the Bird
Handbag: Guess, out of stock (similar here & here)
Shoes: Melissas (similar here & here)
Lip Color: Retrofuturist
Outfit 2 Details:
Dress: Julia dress c/o LuLaRoe
Necklace: Modcloth
Handbag: Vintage (repro version here)
Shoes: Modcloth, sold out (still available here)
Lip Color: M.A.C. Ruby Woo
Outfit 3 Details:
Dress: Amelia dress c/o LuLaRoe
Handbag: gift, Betsey Johnson
Shoes: Melissas
Lip Color: Centrifuchsia
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