And… this is my latest collaboration with Tobi clothing. Tobi and I worked together to select a few items from their extensive collection that are great to wear out on the town, to a performance, to dinner, and that can make you feel sexy, flirty, and feminine. It’s what I strive for when I dress, always.
Anyone who knows me, knows that I’d rather show up a little over-dressed than under-dressed, anywhere. The last thing I like is showing up someplace, feeling out-of-place because I’m too casual. But, don’t mistake that statement for the buttoned-up business type look! No way! I’m all about expressing what makes me a girl – curves, cleavage, long legs, and long nails. No need to cover up what you are given. Celebrate who you are and don’t’ hide it!
While most women wish we could be draped in diamonds and only be seen in public with premium pickings from a couture fashion house, that’s just not possible. (And, if it is possible for you, can I borrow a few things from your closet please!) : )
That said, I enjoy mixing less expensive clothes with high-end luxury brands for two reasons: 1) I didn’t win the lottery…yet and 2) Sometimes you can only achieve the look you want by searching for a style and not a name. For example, if I want the perfect chunky gold necklace or a see-through sparkle effect on earrings, I may gravitate towards costume jewelry that fits the bill perfectly, rather than limit myself to pieces out of my price range, that still won’t be exactly what I had hoped for. The same things goes for when I wear clothing that’s cut from fabric that shows the right amount of skin, is a lovely complimentary color, and hugs my curves like it was made for me. I don’t make decisions based on the label. I can take a dress that fits both my budget and my body and dress it up with designer shoes and a bitchin’ bag.
So just about everyone on the planet has an LBD (little black dress). Actually, I shy away from wearing black, especially at events, because I don’t want to blend in. This Heat Wave Black Scalloped Deep V Bodycon dress by Tobi attracted my attention, though. The scalloped edge is different on the top and the bottom. I also liked how it went in at the waist, to show off curves instead of hide them. What I liked even more is that the shoulder straps are adjustable, so you don’t have to worry about the neckline laying too low and can adjust them to your comfort.
In this case I wanted to let the dress to the talking and have it remain center stage with simplicity. When I think black, I also think classic. So I paired my highest black patent leather heels, my Pigalles by Christian Louboutin with a trio of gold bangle bracelets;
and finished off the look with some smoky lucite teardrop faceted earrings, and instead of your basic black evening bag, I found this feathered clutch at a boutique at the Borgata Hotel & Casino called Carina, that one of my celebrity clients introduced me to, known for its eclectic and custom pieces that will make any outfit pop. (Thank you, Claudia Wells!)
If I didn’t want to go as high with the heels, I could lower them about a half-an-inch by wearing my Jimmy Choo sexy lace up shoes which would work just as well.
Ok, on to the next outfit!
What I like about Tobi’s Thrill Seeker Taupe Above the Knee Ruched Bodycon Dress is that there is some sheen to the fabric. It’s silky, and the ruching is flattering, drawing the eyes in towards the waist and not accentuating it in the wrong ways.
At first I was in a slight panic about the fact that I might have to go bra-less in this backless dress. Boobs bouncing is just so not me. But, I added some stick on support and was good to go. The fabric is comfortable and flattering, although, be careful of snags. You also may want to opt for wearing a thong or v-string as the style is not forgiving for VPL’s.
That said, you’ll look like a glass of champagne with the way the fabric flows over your curves in this gorgeous flattering cut which I wore out to dinner, but you could dress it up for a party and look poised too.
I paired this with an inexpensive champagne colored faux pearl bracelet, some earrings dangling with a mix of champagne and smoke faux pearls mixed with a peachy faceted baubles, and a pair of Christian Louboutin peep toe pumps with geometrically angled heels to give the outfit an anything-but-predictable feel.
Just so I wouldn’t be too matchy-matchy, I pulled it all together with a classic Louis Vuitton monogram bag with a chain link strap.
The length of the lace lingers below the sold black hemline of the dress to provide an interesting edge.
The lace on the arms isn’t lined, so you won’t have some weird nude mismatched skin tone fabric showing. The core of the dress itself has beautiful black fabric beneath the soft lace, so there’s no uncomfortable itching.
Again, this isn’t the type of dress you can wear a bra with, but I found some stick on options for support that didn’t interfere with my daring side wanting to try out a dress with a drop-dead way to showcase my back.
The one thing I love about Tobi is that it doesn’t feature ordinary, boring wardrobe options that you’ll find all over online and in department stores. The selections are classy, and range from casual to a bit more formal, but are also affordable. The quality is better than their competitors, too.
You can definitely find items in classic colors but there will be something about them to make the pieces stand out, with their shape, style, or attention to detail.
I even learned a thing or two – how black doesn’t have to be basic and boring, and a nude color won’t make you blend into oblivion.
Tobi understands a woman’s body with its designs and makes many of its dresses with adjustable straps and there is flexibility in the material so it hugs (and goes over) your curves when getting dressed.
And, their clothing is comfortable, which is key. Zippers and lacing are in all of the right places so you don’t have to be a contortionist to get into or out of their outfits, either, which is always a plus.
Many of their designs are youthful, but they also consider the level of elegance called for by someone older than 20-something.
Follow Tobi on Twitter @ShopTobi
Like Tobi on Facebook
Follow Tobi on Instagram
Follow Tobi on Pinterest
Disclosure: I was gifted these dresses by Tobi. All opinions are my own.