When I first saw the above Self Portrait ruffled long-sleeved mini dress in white sheer guipure lace and crepe, I fell in love instantly.  My instant attraction and longing for this dress made so much greater sense when I saw that Beyonce wore the dress to Wimbledon last year…great minds think alike huh (LOL!) Too bad my longing was never meant to be fulfilled because the dress had sold out and Self Portrait only goes up to US size 10 any way (size 12 if the fabric stretches). While I can fit a few US 12s, my most comfortable size is a 14–I even need up to Size 16 a quarter of the time.

There is a happy ending to this tale, however. Eloquii (a brand that specializes in plus size fashion) put out a dress very similar to the Self Portrait Dress. Eloquii starts at US Size 14 and goes up to Size 28. I was so thrilled when I saw this dress on their website and it took me ½ a nanosecond to add it to my shopping cart and pay for it. I am wearing a Size 14 and it fits somewhat loosely on me (but I still think it is the right size for me—especially since, that is their smallest size). The (MAJOR) added bonus is that the original Self Portrait dress cost $395, while this Eloquii version cost me $75. #WINNING

I styled my dress with Steve Madden Over-the-Knee boots (in Beige/Grey—Greige), Dior Diorama Mirrored Mini Cat Eye Sunglasses in Gold, and my Chloe-inspired (Nile Bag) Bracelet Handle bag by Ainifeel on Amazon.  The scarf is an old ivory pashmina that I have owned for several years now.

The Eloquii dress is also sold out, BUT, do not panic! I found another similar dress at an even lesser price than the Eloquii dress that looks just like the Self Portrait Dress Beyonce wore (this version has smaller sizes available as well). I have also found four other dresses that are inspired by Self Portrait styles available at much more affordable prices. I think you will be pleased.

**Please note: All shopping links are at the bottom of the article.

Ainifeel Handbag                                                     Steve Madden Over-the-Knee boots

The moral of this story is that, in this day of fast turn over fashion, keep your eyes open for nice quality (more affordable) pieces that will keep you looking fashionista-level stylish without breaking your bank. This is especially true for trendy pieces. You can push your budget and spend top dollar on classic styles of luxury pieces that have stood (or likely will stand) the test of time and will give you a fantastic cost-per-wear ratio.

Shopping Links

1. Aria Elle $49 Beyonce Dress: Click here

2. Amazon CelebrityStyle $38 Black sheer and Crochet Mini Dress: Click here

3. Amazon AlvaQ $34 Guipure sleeveless lace dress: Click here

4. Shein $57 Red Lace Panel  Long-Sleeved Mini Dress: Click here

5. Eloquii $84 Black Lace sleeve, White Sheath Dress: Click here

Ainifeel metal handle leather bag from Amazon: Click here

Dior Diorama Mini Cat Eye Sunglasses in Gold: Click here

**FYI, you can get many luxury/designer sunglasses from EZ Contacts at amazing discount prices (I got this Dior Pair for $302, original price is $540 at Bloomingdales, Saks and Dior).

Steve Madden Slayer Over-the-Knee Boots: Click here and here

So, what do you think about this look? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Love,

Chichi