*Disclosure: This item was provided to me by Bolero Beachwear free of charge. Opinions are my own!*
I don’t know if I have told you this before – I may have not, to be honest – but I study and work two jobs at the same time, which makes doing my makeup hair and putting an immaculate true-vintage outfit together sometimes impossible. On days when I have to rush from one work place to another, I rather put my hair up neatly, do some basic mascara and a lippie and put on a stretchy comfortable dress that can take the rush.
A few months ago, my pal Patricia from Bolero Beachwear sent me a couple of dresses to brighten up my autumn days and I was happy to discover once again that her designs are an absolute must to my wardrobe. The first dress that I have actually worn a lot during these months is called Lola and she is a lovely autumnal version of my beloved Bolero halter retro dress.
Lola features a classic circle skirt (not full though, if you are a vintage-enthusiast, you know what I mean) attached to a fitted bodice and some 3/4 length sleeves. It can be dressed up or down and here I have styled it with a smart casual twist.
Pics by Perttu Luomala Photography
The Lola dress features a Ponte di Roma material which is quite warm and thick to combat those winter winds. The winter in Finland has been rather mild this year (and ever-so-dark, thus the difficulties to take blog pictures…) so I have basically lived through it just wearing my usual dresses and fleece stockings (Pretty Polly makes some great ones, click here!). The Lola dress also has 3/4 length sleeves, which is always a plus when it comes to winter-appropriate dresses.
When it comes to sizing, Bolero Beachwear dresses are rather generous and great for size fluctuation or bloating. I don’t really go on a scale but sometimes use a measuring tape and my waist size fluctuates around 28-29 inches and has done so during the past few years. These dresses don’t have rigid waistbands that start to dig in after a lovely restaurant meal and they can easily just be slipped over your head while dressing. I am wearing a size Small in the emerald green Lola, which fits me well, even a bit generous.
The proportions of the dress are pretty much spot on for me: the waist is not too short for my torso, there is plenty of room at the bust to accommodate my 32GG’s and the dress hits me right at the knee, which is a very flattering length (and appropriate one for a vintage gal like myself) for someone like me with a 5’6 frame. The quality is again topnotch: there are deep pockets to carry everything from your phone to your credit card and the top part of the dress is fully lined.
What I love most about Bolero is the passion and care Patricia puts into the designs: all of her clothes are easy to wear, care and to travel with and she is one of the ethical producers or modern-day clothing staples. All of her designs are made in the USA, which is always a definite upside for a person who is concerned about unethical consumerism in today’s world. These clothes last and the materials can be washed time and time again without them wearing out easily.
If you are interested in the Bolero Beachwear offering, take a look at their webshop here. The Lola dress costs $150 and will definitely be a staple in any pinup girl’s wardrobe. My Bolero dresses always gain compliments when I take them out and I love that I can look stylish and feel comfortable at the same time!
If you want to see more Bolero, stay tuned! Another more summer-y review coming soon 😉
Two cakes on a plate 
Gorgeous! That dress looks made for you.
Yes, so perfect on her curves!
Thank you, Argie 🙂 xx
The fit, the color and everything, just perfect on you! You make our designer very, very proud. The photos are so artistic and beautiful and I’m so glad that you show how flattering this dress is from different angles. So glad you also mentioned details such as the lining in the bodice for example; it will smooth any unwanted bumps and will cover any printed or contrasting color bra-probably your favorite- wearing with this dress.
The 3/4 sleeves are so popular and practical, you can wear them almost all year-long. The circle skirt is so forgiven and we love to use stretch materials and no zippers. We found out that usually dresses with zippers, are not very forgiven once we get a couple of unwanted pounds.
Easy-care: yes please! With our busy lives, who has time for dry cleaning or ironing all the time?
And if you take in consideration, how many times a year you will wear your Bolero dress -because it looks great on you, makes you feel so happy and get compliments all the time- it is an investment, and not to mentioned how much time you save in front of your closet.
Thanks so much again to you and your talented photographer. Much love from Florida and wait to see what’s in the designer’s table…perhaps a beautiful new dress inspired by a gorgeous curvaceous girl from Finland ❤
Thank you Patricia, you are such a sweetheart ❤ I love your designs and they are saviour when I just want things to be easy and practical yet stylish! xx
That looks perfect on you and I love that color with your hair. I really like the neckline on this–a little bit of cleavage, but not so much that it is the center of attention.
Thank you so much for the compliments ❤