Meet Monique and Lisa

Today we played dress up with Monique and Lisa. You may recognize Monique from our Playing By Your Owns Rules series. Monique is a local renowned photographer. She is 5'4" tall. She generally wears a size XL on top and a size 14 on the bottom. She is a breast cancer thriver and has had a complete mastectomy without reconstruction. Her measurements are bust 36", waist 38" and hip 44". 

Lisa (she/her) is a trans woman who used to model and is currently in film. Her height is 5'9" and she usually wears a size large in tops and a size 14 in bottoms. Her measurements are bust 45" (bra size 42C), waist 35" and hip 38".

 Watch their Dress Up below:

 Shop Monique's and Lisa's collection here!

Side Slit Top 

Monique:

Monique had a delightful experience trying on the new Side Slit top for the first time. First trying on the black and white floral top, she found the length to be perfect for her, providing a slimming effect and enhancing her overall beauty. Paired with the red and black Suzie Blue pendant necklace, she was ready to hit the town with confidence. The Side Slit Top is 100% her new go-to style, offering the ideal combination of arm coverage and short sleeves that she appreciated.

Monique explored additional options by trying on two other side tie tops, the grey and the red tops both pictured above. She discovered that the darker colours suited her best in this particular style. While the red Side Slit top had a sweet appeal, it didn't quite match the allure of the others. The floral pattern at the top got lost in her hair, detracting from the overall look of the piece. Monique's thoughtful consideration of colours and patterns highlighted her discerning fashion sense as she navigated through different styles and found what resonated most with her.

 Lisa: 

Lisa also tried on the new Side Slit style and it looked amazing on her! Lisa tried on the black and white leaf patterned top pictured above. These two ladies demonstrated how flattering this style is on everybody!

Front Tie Top 

Monique: 

Monique embraced a style a bit more daring and out of her comfort zone, opting for a graphic pattern that caught our attention and looked amazing on her. This particular Front Tie Top, made from a Satyr Paul sari, one of the largest and fanciest sari designers in India, is a standout in our Wabi Sabi collection. It's Priya's favourite top for Monique, and we can see why – the Front Tie is not only flattering but also features an intricate design that adds a touch of excitement. The thrill of discovering rich Wabi Sabi silks in our shop always adds an extra layer of anticipation and joy to the experience.

Side Tie Top 

Monique: 

Monique tried on a Side Tie Top next which is a few inches longer than the Front Tie, but we found that the Front Tie suited her better. Initially, she found the Side Tie Top too long and wasn't a fan of the depth of the V-neck. However, Monique discovered she liked the style much more when she wore it the other way, with the scoop neck to the front. To add a touch of asymmetry, we styled the piece by tying one side, creating an interesting and dynamic look. While it looked nice, we all unanimously preferred the Front Tie Top, as its length proved to be exceptionally flattering on Monique.

Kimono Sleeve Top 

Monique:

Monique's choice of the Kimono Sleeved Top proved to be a stunning complement to her features, with the colors enhancing her overall aesthetic. We found the Suzie Blue Bird on a Hoop necklace perfectly complimented the neutral pattern and tones of the piece. The sheer fabric of the Kimono Sleeved Top makes it an ideal choice for layering, allowing for versatile and stylish outfit combinations. Monique especially appreciated the flowy sleeves, emphasizing the graceful and chic nature of the garment. 

Lisa:

Lisa embraced the sheer Kimono Sleeved Top with undeniable grace and elegance. The garment looked unbelievably stunning on her, accentuating her beauty in a way that exuded sophistication. The Kimono sleeves added an extra touch of glamour, and when layered over a black dress, the overall look was nothing short of striking. The flattering cut of the top complemented Lisa's figure, further enhancing the overall appeal of the ensemble. 

Waterfall Top Monique: 

Monique's exploration of the black and white Waterfall top showcased her flair for creative styling. She ingeniously tied the Waterfall in the front to the side, adding asymmetry to the top and wearing the V neck to the back. The reversible nature of the top, made from crepe silk, allowed her to enjoy the piece without the need for additional layering underneath. Monique expressed her deep appreciation for the style, noting that she has been shopping at the store since 2018 and consistently finds pieces she loves, especially those featuring graphic patterns.

She highlighted the versatility of wearing the piece with the V neck to the front, where a different patterned panel breaks up the overall pattern, creating a cool and flattering look. Monique envisioned herself wearing this to an opening, appreciating the sleeve length as it aligns with her preference for more coverage. Transitioning to the red and blue Waterfall top, Monique looked stunning in colors that suited her beautifully. The gorgeous paneling on the back and the flowing design added to the overall appeal. However, a salmon-colored Waterfall, not pictured, did not resonate with Monique's usual preferences. The color did not complement her features and tones as well as some of the other options she explored, emphasizing her discerning eye for selecting pieces that align with her unique style.

Lisa: 

Lisa explored the Waterfall tops with a discerning eye for style. Starting with the split-patterned pink Waterfall, she appreciated the overall style. However, the combination of pink and yellow in the pattern brought out her more yellow undertones, which wasn't as preferred. Moving on to the pink and purple Waterfall, the second choice proved to be much more flattering with Lisa's features. The coloring complemented her beautifully, creating a stunning ensemble.

Opting for the scoop neck to the front, Lisa looked gorgeous in the Waterfall top, showcasing its versatility. The piece was further styled by tying the front to the side, introducing asymmetry and adding dynamic movement to the overall look. Lisa's choice and thoughtful styling demonstrated her keen fashion sense, emphasizing the importance of color and pattern in enhancing her features and achieving a captivating aesthetic.

Tapered Tunic 

Lisa:

Lisa started by trying on a vibrant yellow Tapered Tunic, not pictured above, and really enjoyed both the style and fit. Following that, she tried on the one pictured above and instantly fell in love with it. The style complements her beautifully, and Lisa appreciates how comfortable and flattering it is on her. Overall, it's clear that this particular style is exceptionally flattering on Lisa, making it a great choice for her.

Short Kaftan 

Lisa:

Lisa radiated sophistication when she tried on the Short Kaftan, and we were enamored with the look of pairing it with a skirt underneath. Lisa effortlessly carries an air of sophistication in every outfit. She expressed comfort and adoration for the color, noting how it complemented her features perfectly. The drape of the Kaftan proved to be exceptionally flattering, and we collectively fell in love with this style on her. While Lisa wasn't a fan of the contrasting colors, she particularly liked the side without the accent colors, showcasing her discerning taste in fashion.

Monique: 

Monique had the opportunity to try on a stunning blue and purple Kaftan adorned with a red floral accent in the corner. Initially, we noticed that the length of the piece seemed to cut her off in an odd spot. However, upon turning the kaftan to feature the scoop neckline to the front, the overall appearance became much more flattering. Monique expressed a preference for the scoop neckline, and with this adjustment, the absence of red accents in the pattern contributed to a more whimsical look overall. This change successfully avoided the effect of cutting her off in an awkward place, enhancing the overall charm of the Short Kaftan on Monique.

Midi Kaftan 

Lisa:

Lisa's ensemble was a true masterpiece as she looked amazing in the Midi Kaftan. The length of the garment was not only perfect but also beautifully complemented Lisa's silhouette, adding an elegant touch to her overall look. Lisa's inherent grace and beauty shone through in every photograph, a testament to her undeniable modeling prowess. The addition of the Suzie Blue purple crystal necklace proved to be the perfect finishing touch, seamlessly bringing the entire ensemble together and creating a truly stunning and cohesive look. Later in the evening, Lisa, expressing her love for purple and pink, tried on the purple and pink Midi Kaftan pictured on the right, showcasing her vibrant color preferences. Initially experimenting with the piece in one way, featuring a split pattern, a collective decision led to a more exquisite appearance when spun the other way, as shown in the picture, with the rounded neckline to the front. Paired with the same purple crystal Suzie Blue necklace, Lisa looked absolutely stunning in this style, and the combination of colors was nothing short of captivating, highlighting her impeccable fashion sense and making her radiate beauty.

Monique:

Monique continued her exploration of styles by trying on the red and black Midi Kaftan pictured above. While the overall style resonated well with her, there was a consideration for maintaining her body shape within the piece. To achieve this, it was suggested that a different bottom, such as leggings, be paired underneath. The idea was that the flowy drape of the Kaftan would become more elegant when combined with tighter pants, creating a harmonious look where the pants wouldn't compete with the Kaftan's own natural drape. This adjustment was seen as a potential enhancement to the overall aesthetic, ensuring both comfort and a flattering silhouette for Monique.

Hi Lo Top

Lisa: 

Lisa's exploration of the Hi Lo Tops showcased her ability to effortlessly carry off different styles and colors. Starting with the purple and dark blue Hi Lo Top, she looked incredible in this dynamic design. Lisa envisioned pairing the top with a different color underpinning to enhance the play of the pink and purple pattern. Expressing feelings of beauty and comfort, she particularly appreciated the gorgeous long back, likening it to an amazing cape. The positive reception from viewers during a live session reinforced the stunning effect of Lisa in the Hi Lo style, prompting her to try another.

Moving on to a more sheer Hi Lo Top, the red and black one pictured above, Lisa found it to be elegant, albeit less bold compared to the previous choice. Considering the subdued tones, she envisioned pairing this sheer Hi Lo with the dress she was wearing that day, appreciating the neutral and fall-inspired colors. Lisa further explored an orange and red ombre Hi Lo Top (not pictured above), revealing that bright pops of color truly accentuated her look. Lisa's natural gravitation toward bright tones and her ability to carry them off effortlessly emphasized her dynamic fashion preferences. This stylish journey reflected Lisa's versatility and her keen understanding of how color and design can enhance her overall aesthetic.

Monique: 

Monique's exploration of Hi Lo Tops showcased her appreciation for different styles and color palettes. Starting with the red and blue Hi Lo, she found that it cut at the perfect spot, highlighting the detailing on the sleeves. Monique and the team loved the Hi Lo design, especially the vibrant coloring, which made her look amazing. Describing the piece as feeling fancy yet quick to style, Monique found it to be a delightful addition to her wardrobe.

Transitioning to a more autumnal color palette in another Hi Lo style, Monique found the piece to be as beautiful and effortless as the Versatile Vest. The team expressed their admiration for this style on her, emphasizing the flowy and artsy nature of the Hi Lo Top. Monique, experiencing this style for the first time, fell in love with its flowy and artistic qualities, envisioning it as a perfect match with jeans. This stylish exploration highlighted Monique's openness to trying new looks and her ability to effortlessly carry off diverse styles with grace and flair.

Kimono Sleeved Jacket 

Monique: 

Monique tried on a gorgeous brown and red Kimono Sleeved Jacket, infusing her unique styling flair into the ensemble. Opting to wear the piece open, she creatively used the belt as a tie, showcasing its versatility as a colorful accessory. Priya discussed how the belt could be used in various ways, such as in the hair, on a bag, as a belt, or even as a scarf, highlighting the multifunctional nature of this stylish accessory.

The Kimono Sleeved Jacket, made of georgette silk, offered a more sheer and elegant look. Monique not only loved the style of the piece but also appreciated the intricate pattern that added a touch of sophistication. This fashion exploration showcased Monique's eye for creative styling and her ability to appreciate the diverse uses of accessories to enhance the overall aesthetic of an outfit.

Lisa

Lisa adorned a stunning blue and green Kimono Sleeved Jacket, showcasing her knack for impeccable styling. She opted to wrap the piece closed and fasten it with the belt, creating a beautifully tailored look. The ensemble not only looked amazing on her but also proved to be incredibly flattering, accentuating her silhouette. Lisa's styling prowess was evident, and the Jacket effortlessly contributed to her 'snatched' appearance, emphasizing her keen sense of fashion and ability to enhance her overall look with creative and stylish choices.

Shrug

Monique:

Monique's connection to shrugs carried sentimental value, with the first pieces she owned from SariKNOTSari being a Boxy Top and a matching Shrug. The Shrug had a beautiful appearance on her! Monique found herself drawn to pieces with red and warm tones, reflecting her preferences for the evening.

Pairing the Shrug with a black and silver waterfall necklace from Suzie Blue proved to be the perfect addition, bringing the entire outfit together. The necklace not only complemented the ensemble but also drew the eyes up beautifully, enhancing the overall look. Later, Monique tried on the same shrug as Lisa, falling in love with the combination of cool and warm tones.

Lisa:

Lisa embraced a touch of elegance while trying on a Maxi Dress, complementing it with a beautiful blue and rust Shrug. Despite the pattern not perfectly matching the dress, the Shrug looked absolutely perfect on her. This combination created a classy and sophisticated look, showcasing Lisa's ability to effortlessly blend different elements to achieve a stylish ensemble. The choice of the Shrug added a layer of refinement to the Maxi Dress!

Cardigan 

Monique: 

Monique thought the Cardigan perfectly suited her and we couldn't agree more! By adjusting the garment and dropping the V on the back to a position between the shoulders, a more asymmetrical cut was achieved on the front, adding a unique and stylish touch. Monique not only liked the style but also appreciated the colouring and fell in love with the graceful drape of the outfit. The overall look was not only very beautiful but also remarkably easy to put together, which Monique loved. To enhance the ensemble, we tried our Cardigan hack, transforming it into a longer jacket with lapels. This effect was achieved by wearing the Cardigan backward like a frock, gathering the fabric from the bottom, and then placing the gathered fabric behind the neck. The result was a sophisticated and elongated appearance, elevating the overall aesthetic.

Lisa: 

Lisa embraced the same piece, highlighting the versatility of the style for different body types. In an effort to showcase the flexibility of this fashion choice, Lisa's Cardigan was tied together in the front, resulting in a stunning and distinct appearance. It was remarkable to witness how the same piece could take on such a different look when styled in varied ways. To further enhance Lisa's ensemble, we applied the Cardigan hack once again. The outcome was incredible, with the styling creating an elongated effect that complemented Lisa's figure beautifully. This demonstrated the power of styling to transform a single garment and accentuate the unique features of different individuals.

Versatile Vest

Monique: 

Monique expressed her fondness for the Versatile Vest style, highlighting her preference for wearing it as an asymmetrical top, creating a chic and dynamic look. She loves the flowy, artsy nature of the drape, emphasizing the comfort it offers during wear. Monique explored a styling hack by tying the two shorter sides together in a knot, not only securing the piece in place but also adding a touch of weight to enhance the overall drape.

Monique's enthusiasm for the Versatile Vest was evident, with a purple patterned Vest capturing her attention. The gorgeous colors and pattern made her look incredible, showcasing her ability to effortlessly carry off vibrant and stylish pieces. This experience underscored Monique's appreciation for versatile and comfortable styles, as well as her creativity in exploring different ways to wear and personalize each piece.

Lisa: 

Lisa's experimentation with the Versatile Vest while trying on the Maxi Dress showcased her openness to layered styling. The concept of pairing the Vest as an asymmetrical top required some adjustments to achieve the desired look. Despite not having the right matching pattern, the styling and shape created were gorgeous and visually appealing. Subsequent pictures of the pieces together are  further down the styling process.

Lisa's comment about feeling so comfortable in the ensemble, jokingly suggesting she could go to bed in it, highlighted not only the stylish aspect of the outfit but also the comfort that the Versatile Vest brought to the overall look. This playful approach to fashion, coupled with the successful layering experiment, showcased Lisa's fashion versatility and her ability to find a balance between style and comfort.

Duster 

Monique: 

Monique explored various styling options with a Kimono Sleeved Duster, finding unique ways to express her fashion preferences. Inspired by Priya, who typically styles it open as a light layer, Monique discovered that many customers enjoy tying knots in the piece to create different structures. This could involve tying the sleeve for a less draped look or knotting the two sides together in the front, akin to a tie cardigan. Despite the Duster coming with a belt, Monique realized there were inventive styling techniques that didn't necessarily require its use.

Monique particularly liked the look of tying the two sides of the duster together in the front, creating a distinctive and fashionable appearance. To complement this style, she paired the look with a stunning Mary Francis horse bag, adding an extra touch of sophistication. Monique also shared her recent fascination with magnetic buttons, appreciating how they add structure to the pieces and open up new possibilities for fun and creative styling.

 Lisa

Lisa experimented with different looks, starting with the blue and pink Kimono Sleeved Duster. She showcased her styling prowess by pulling the belt through one sleeve, around the back, and through the other sleeve. This creative approach not only created a seamless back but also ensured that the belt did not dig in or become uncomfortable, providing definition in the front and a straight line down the back. The result was a fabulous and polished appearance, particularly complementing the dress paired underneath. Lisa effortlessly demonstrated the versatility of this piece, suitable for both fancy and casual settings.

Transitioning to the peachy-cream Duster, Lisa looked magnificent in the beautiful soft colors with occasional flashes of boldness. To further accentuate her look, the Duster was styled open with the belt used as a small sash-like scarf, creating an incredible ensemble. Lisa's tall stature beautifully showcased the long drape of the duster, making it the perfect choice for her. These stylish experiments not only highlighted Lisa's keen fashion sense but also showcased the adaptability of the Duster for various occasions and settings.

Maxi Dress

Monique: 

Monique explored different styling options for the Maxi Dress, opting to wear it with the deeper V to the front. This unconventional approach creates a deeper neckline and, for those who may be shorter, places the longest part of the dress to the side, minimizing the risk of it becoming a tripping hazard. However, Monique found that this particular style was not to her liking. Despite appreciating the shimmer and pattern of the dress, she felt that the style was not as flattering as some of the other options she had tried on during the evening. Monique's consideration of the dress from various angles, including her preference for certain styles over others, reflected her discerning fashion sense and emphasis on personal comfort and flattery. The exploration highlighted her commitment to finding styles that resonate with her individual taste and enhance her overall aesthetic.

Lisa:

Lisa's experience with the Maxi Dress was exceptionally positive. She expressed a genuine love for the flow of the style and envisioned wearing something underneath, like the black dress she wore that day, as a complementary underlayer. Opting for the deeper V neck to the front, the dress fell perfectly on her, creating an elegant and flattering look.

When styled with a belt, the dress further accentuated Lisa's figure, and the team unanimously thought she looked 'snatched'—a testament to how well the dress complemented her silhouette. Lisa's preference for tying the belt to the back, hiding the bow, added a touch of subtlety to the overall look. This stylish exploration underscored Lisa's ability to find the right combination of layers and accessories to create a visually striking and flattering ensemble that suited her personal taste and style preferences.

Maxi Kaftan

Lisa:

Lisa's exploration of the Maxi Kaftan showcased the versatility of this style and the thoughtful considerations in its styling. Priya mentioned that this style has become a favorite, and Lisa indeed looked amazing in the Maxi Kaftan. Contrary to the usual approach, Lisa paired it with a V-neck top underneath, creating a striking look, especially when complemented by a statement necklace that made her look like a million dollars.

Lisa appreciated how the looser fit of the Maxi Kaftan enhanced the overall aesthetic. Priya shared insights about the flattering nature of showing more skin at the neckline while covering more on the legs, emphasizing the importance of bringing light and focus to the face. She suggested trying the Maxi Kaftan with leggings, a skirt, or wide-leg pants paired with a light tank top or camisole for a stylish and light coverage.

Lisa loved the length of the piece, and trying another gorgeous Maxi Kaftan, this time in a stunning blue crepe silk, highlighted her eyes and showcased her style preferences. The overall result left Lisa looking absolutely stunning, underscoring the perfect harmony between the Kaftan style and her unique fashion sensibilities.

Monique:

Monique's experience with the red and blue maxi kaftan revealed a neutral response, with the ultimate conclusion that she doesn't think she would wear this particular style. She wasn't particularly enthusiastic about the pattern and, in the end, deemed this style a no for her. This thoughtful evaluation perfectly encapsulates the goal of our Playing Dress Up's: finding the perfect styles that you love for yourself!

Boxy Babydoll 

Lisa: 

Lisa tried on the Boxy Babydoll Dress but found that it was not a style for her. She found it a little too wide, indicating a preference for styles with more form. Despite Lisa's reservations, Kim shared that she loved the dress on Lisa, emphasizing its flattering look on her. The difference in opinions showcased the subjective nature of fashion preferences, with the team acknowledging that, even if Lisa felt the style wasn't for her, she still looked amazing in the piece. This highlights the importance of individual tastes and the unique ways in which individuals perceive and embrace various styles.

Self Pocket dress 

Monique: 

Monique's exploration of a new style was met with enthusiasm as she tried on the Self Pocket Dress for the first time. Being a big paisley lover, Monique looked fantastic in the red and gold dress, with the arm length and overall length perfectly complementing her. The pattern was deemed very flattering, and the team experimented with a styling hack suggested by a customer: rolling the sleeves and securing them in place with magnetic buttons for a shorter sleeve look.

Monique expressed that she could easily see herself wearing this dress to an opening for work, underlining its versatile and appealing nature. Later, when trying on the Self Pocket Dress in a pale purple pattern, the team admired the cut and the neckline on Monique, concluding that it was a perfect style for her.

Lisa:

Lisa's experience with the Self Pocket Dress showcased the versatile nature of the piece and how it can be styled for a variety of looks. When trying on the pink and cream dress, Lisa received high praise from the team. They loved the length, how it sat on the bust, and the overall drape. Additionally, the team appreciated the idea of pairing the dress underneath for an additional layer, creating a stylish and dynamic ensemble.

Lisa's enthusiasm extended to envisioning pairing the dress with leggings at home in the exact pink shade, creating a funky and coordinated look. Later, when trying the purple Self-Pocket Dress, the team found the pattern and color to be beautiful, emphasizing that the style looked incredible on her. The flattering stripe pattern added to the overall appeal of the dress.

One shoulder dress 

Monique: 

 Monique tried on the One Shoulder Dress next, a style that the team was interested to see on her as they had noticed within the store that this style looks amazing on women with a smaller or flatter bust. Monique, who had previously shared that she underwent a double mastectomy, looked stunning in the paisley dress. The dress draped beautifully, exuding a rich and luxurious vibe. With the addition of a statement necklace, Monique was ready for a gallery event, showcasing the dress's versatility in transitioning from casual to more formal settings. The whimsical style of the dress, emphasizing the beauty derived from the drape, added a youthful and elegant touch to Monique's overall look. This experience highlighted how certain styles can be both flattering and empowering, contributing to a sense of confidence and beauty.

Lisa: 

Lisa's experience with the One Shoulder Dress dress showcased her stunning appearance, but she shared that she wasn't a fan of the open arm on one side. Lisa expressed a preference for covering her arms, despite the overall beauty of the drape and style. This feedback emphasized the subjective nature of personal style and comfort, with individuals having distinct preferences when it comes to certain design elements. Despite the specific preference mentioned, the team still loved the overall style for Lisa, recognizing its beauty and elegance.

Bamboo Cardigan 

Monique:

Monique explored the versatility of the bamboo cardigan in buff, initially finding the length a bit long. Despite this, she expressed a deep appreciation for the piece. To address the length, she considered lengthening options, perhaps to achieve a more tailored fit. The buff color proved to be an amazing choice for Monique, aligning with her warm tones and complementing her features beautifully. The overall effect was both dramatic and fun, capturing the essence of Monique's bold and lively style. This experience exemplifies how a thoughtful color choice can elevate a piece, and Monique's willingness to explore alterations demonstrates her commitment to finding the perfect fit for her unique style.

Lisa: 

Lisa indulged in the luxurious softness of the bamboo fabric, and the black and white ensemble she chose made her look absolutely incredible, exuding a million-dollar allure. Clearly pleased with her choice, Lisa found the piece to be not only elegant but also incredibly comfortable to wear. The softness of the bamboo fabric added an extra layer of sophistication to the overall look. Lisa's enthusiasm and love for the outfit emphasized the delightful combination of style, comfort, and luxury that the bamboo cardigan brought to her wardrobe.