Transcendent in Tulle

Glam in Gotham

I understand that many people subscribe to the “less is more” and “EDIT your look!” philosophy, but I completely disagree with the concept. Tulle is one of my all-time favorite fabrics, and part of the reason is because it’s both gauzy and gossamer. It makes you feel unbelievably special. If you’re going to wear a voluminous piece, it can create such a MOMENT. I’ve noticed that there are a lot of articles on how to wear tulle, and it feels as though every one else suggests toning it down. I have seen “Tulle for Day” advice, usually consisting of wearing neutral colors to detract from the “statement,.” Is it just me, or is that silly? People wear tulle to make a STATEMENT! If you’re going to wear a fabulous fabric like tulle, wear the absolute hell out of it!

I got this particular tulle dress (yes, I have several, lol) and the hat at a KikiRiki sample sale last fall. I have been trying to find the best way to capture how amazing it is; It made me feel transformed- like a walking, talking champagne bubble. When my photographer, Lydia, commented it would be best showcased in a studio shoot, I was eager to take her suggestion. When she announced a studio session in Brooklyn, I knew it was time for this number to shine. Adding my metallic YSL, a big statement necklace from Loren Hope, and these fluffy pink shoes were the perfect moment. I floated onto the set, aglow and trailing effervescence in my wake. It was pure magic for me. The ethereal lighting made me feel that I was not only a champagne bubble, but that I was immersed inside the champagne itself. From start to finish, this was such a fun time! I highly recommend the experience!!

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I originally discovered the brand, KikiRiki at a boutique in Georgetown, EllaRue. I tried on a full-length black tulle gown, and immediately knew this was a brand I needed to be better acquainted with. I was initially taken aback that they only make sizes Small and Medium, but when I had the opportunity to go to their sample sale in NYC, I discovered that all of their outfits are extremely stretchy, and a Medium absolutely fit my size 14 frame. I am sure body type matters in this sizing, but I am comfortably wearing a Medium. In addition to this amazing dress on the KikiRiki website, they have a lot of affordable tulle pieces . Particularly digging this rainbow dream and this blush gown. They have beautiful skirts, tops, and accent pieces.

Ultimately, tulle is such a fantastic fabric to play around with. You can layer a tulle skirt over pants or legging or pop a tulle top over a t-shirt. Try something out of the box, or go for a full poof! Tulle is FUN, so experiment and mix it up. My layer cake moment is certainly not the ONLY way to wear tulle. I think the possibilities of what you can do are endless and that makes it such a great fashion moment. Allow yourself to shine.

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Outfit Details:

Dress: KikiRiki

Shoes: Vintage (Similar)

Hat: KikiRiki

Bag: YSL

Necklace: Loren Hope

Earrings: BaubleBar (Similar)

Ring: Loren Hope

Bracelet: Loren Hope and Jetset Candy

Photographer: Lydia Hudgens // Lighting: Taylor Smith