Sarah reviews the Chelsea dress in Fuego and the Elsa dress in Sumi-e

UPFRONT DISCLOSURE: The dresses in this entry were provided to me for review purposes by IGIGI. The content of this entry was not dictated by IGIGI but I did get to keep the dresses for my personal use.

So for the first time, I took part in the IGIGI event at Weetacon. And what a great year to participate – we received TWO ensembles for free in exchange for our honest reviews. Perfect timing!

Dress #1 – Chelsea Dress in Fuego

This is not a fade-into-the-woodwork dress, and while ‘look at me!’ attire is not what I gravitate to, I really love this. The poly/Elastane fabric is very soft and high-end, but could easily withstand being thrown in a suitcase then worn only hours after you arrive at your destination. It’s fully lined and the rounded neckline makes it totally appropriate for work as is. The black waistband helps accentuate my smaller waist (I’m either an hourglass or figure eight at IGIGI – I can’t figure out the difference from the descriptions; the nifty ‘shape stylist’ tells me I’m a triangle, but I don’t think that’s quite right) and since I’m a huge fan of three-quarter length sleeves (I have…unfortunate upper arms), this is definitely the dress for me. And at $112, I think it’s well-priced for the quality.

I got super lucky finding that perfectly colored necklace at Kohl’s for under $20 (I was assured by both Wendy and Melinda via text while still in the store that it was not too matchy matchy, and they were right). I’ve further accessorized with my black Harveys baguette bag and Cole Haan leather and velvet shoes with gold piping (I think my black satin peep toe pumps might look better with the bag, but I had no time for a pedi so closed toe shoes were a must). The minute I can stand to be outside with bare legs (spring, I can’t wait to meet you!), I will wear this entire outfit to work.

Dress #2 – Elsa Dress in Sumi-E

I totally lucked out and went two-for-two! Much of what I love about the Chelsea, I love about the Elsa: silky soft wrinkle-free fabric; fully lined; three-quarter length sleeves; accentuated waist; appropriately priced ($118) for value. Of course, there are some things that are different. This black and white print makes it easy to change up the styling where the Chelsea provides fewer options for that, ultimately making the Elsa more versatile. I can totally picture me wearing a denim jacket and sandals or ballet flats with the Elsa come warmer weather (where are you, spring??). The V-shaped neckline makes for a more boobalicious experience, if you will – totally appropriate for dinner or out and about, but I’ll be wearing a cami underneath to work. And it wasn’t until I looked at these two full body shot pictures that I really noticed the difference in length. I think the Elsa length is perfect at just below the knee, compared to the Chelsea which looks an inch or two longer and would probably look best on me if hemmed a bit. This is interesting – the IGIGI website says the Chelsea has a shoulder to hem length of 41”-43” while the Elsa’s is 42”-45”, but the Elsa was shorter on me. (BTW, I’m 5’4” and both of these dresses are size 12.) Maybe it has something to do with the elastic waist on the Elsa, I don’t know.

My on-premise glam squad helped me choose the necklace (delicate silver circles) and made the call (a good one) to tie the half-belt at the side instead of in the middle. And because I love to add a pop of color, I grabbed my Harveys red medium tote to carry.

These IGIGI dresses definitely gave me a designer experience – from the feel of the fabric and well-made construction to the little things like the absence of attached-via-plastic-thread tags. While these may be my first IGIGI garments, they definitely won’t be my last: I already have plans to add more IGIGI to my wardrobe (Deora, I’m looking at you!). (And yes, it’s black and white just like Elsa, but completely different. Completely! And imagine the color popping opportunities…)

So how’d you like to get in on the IGIGI action? Read on!

Here’s the deal: IGIGI will give one commenter on this review a $50 gift certificate!  To enter, go to the IGIGI website and pick out your ideal item for a special occasion, important business meeting, date night or what have you. Then leave a comment on this review, describing which garment YOU want and where you plan on wearing it. You can increase your chances of winning an IGIGI gift certificate by leaving comments on each of the other Weetacon IGIGI reviews at this page. Comments must be received by April 20 at midnight PT. Winners will be notified and announced on this page and the IGIGI at Weetacon 2014 page by April 25th.  Also on the IGIGI at Weetacon 2014 page you can click on the banner to get a 15% off promo code good on full price, sale items and clearance items.

And the winner is Bec ! Congratulations! IGIGI will be in contact shortly with your gift certificate info!