Velvet does something to me. Its fabulous feel, the richness of the fabric and its weft, its super rich and soft touch…ahh! It’s too good! That’s why I’m thrilled it’s trending right now, and that’s why there is so much of it in my closet at the moment.
During the doldrums of this interminable winter, I went a little velvet mad and bought pretty much allllll the velvet including this striking chartreuse dress. I saw it on one of my favourite IGers and had to have it. Yes – the influencer got influenced.
When it finally arrived and I pulled it out of its packaging, I admit, I was stumped. Its floor-lengthed trimmed in green lace, has cuffed sleeves and was topped off with a thick sash. “How the hell and where the hell am I going to wear this?” I asked myself. I then kicked myself for buying yet another item that was “great in theory” but didn’t fit it in with my everyday life.
Determined to not waste a good $30 (you’re awesome, Shein), I styled the hell out of it. Could I wear it with my leather moto jacket? Should I do away with the lace hem and shorten it? Should I throw my teddy bear coat over it (like I do with everything else)? Nothing seemed to work…until my eyes settled on my trusty denim jacket. I picked up the jacket and eyed it carefully. “This will do just fine.”
That day was beautiful and warm…as long as you stayed on the sunny side of the street. The wind was beyond icy. I hit up Westboro for a pre-lunch London Fog latte with a friend and since I spend most of my days hard at work in a cubicle wearing “career wear”, I wanted to be extra in my new, fabulous velvet dress. I slipped on the denim jacket, added some coral lipstick, and I was ready to elevate that little coffee shop.
Well, the look was a hit and I got some mad props. I was quite proud of myself! It was maybe a little overkill for brunch, but YOLO.
I’ve since worn the dress a few more times but for more fancy events, including my dear friend Katrina’s birthday and dinner out. The green is so rich and complements my skin beautifully. That being said, it’s easier to wear than you think. So far, I’ve paired it with an oversized black boyfriend blazer, gold sandals and a mink coat because I like to bring it.
Did I forget to mention that these shots were taken on St. Patrick’s Day? Could you get any more perfect? #ShamrockStyle
*Photography courtesy of Jake Stone Creative
Dominique is a Canadian-based fashion and beauty influencer with a strong voice in Ottawa’s black community. Since launching her blog Style Domination in 2015, she has amassed a global fanbase. Dominique shares her life through beautiful imagery and compelling story-telling that speaks to her fans on a personal level. She’s been featured in The Guardian, Flare, The Kit and Cityline. She also hosts events for Dress for Success, the Gem Conference, and has been named a United Way Person 2 Know for the past three years.