Plus-size brand Eloquii added a capsule collection, Viola, to its offerings this month.
Viola is made specifically for women who are smaller on top and bigger on bottom.
The Viola collection has a total of 28 pieces, including tops, bottoms, blazers, dresses, and coats. Prices range from $64.90 to $179.90, and the Eloquii website is the exclusive retailer.
Eloquii used to be part of The Limited, but it relaunched under its own label in 2014 and has been a favorite among celebs like Rebel Wilson, Gabby Sidibe, and Danielle Brooks ever since.
My body is definitely heavier on the bottom than it is on top.
To get a feel for Viola, I called in another pear-shaped goddess from the Revelist team, Evette, who was as excited as I was to play dress-up.
FROM EVETTE: "I'm a size 22/24, though I can sometimes fit a 26 in pants. Since I'm pear-shaped, I often have to buy tops in a 2X and bottoms in a 3X or 24. This leads to a lot of frustration while shopping, especially when I'm attempting to buy separates, jackets, blazers, and even dresses. I'm also 5'7", so finding pants that are long enough, especially when I have on heels, is a struggle."
The first dress Evette tried on was a faux leather dress with flutter sleeves, sold for $139.90.
"This first look is my favorite! I tried it in a 22 and a 24. The 22 didn't even fit over my arms. The 24, however, is absolutely perfect. The leather is great for fall, but it is also surprisingly cool. The dress also fit very well. I have a pretty big butt, but the dress didn't rise up as I walked. It also framed my curves without being too tight in the midsection." (Buy it here.)
One of my favorite looks on Evette was this adorable overall dress for $110.90.
"Overalls aren't really my thing, but pairing this dress with a turtleneck and boots really made me feel comfortable. I tried this in a 22 and 24 as well. Since it's fitted in the midsection, I'd definitely recommend going one size up. The 24 fit nice and loose, which was great! It also didn't rise up as I walked — always a victory for girls with big butts." (Buy it here.)
Like many of us, Evette is hunting a holiday look. Enter these brocade pants that cost $94.90.
"These high-waisted pants almost squeezed the life out of me! I also tried these in a 22 and a 24, and the 24 barely fit. If you're buying these, you should definitely go one size up. While they were tight in the waist, I loved that these pants were long enough to cover my ankles. That's a real problem for taller plus-size girls, so I would definitely buy these pants — if they were one size up." (Buy it here.)
The length was perfect on Evette, but sitting down almost left her gasping for air.
On to coats: Viola includes three coats and the sizing is 14/16, 12/20, or 22/24. This car coat has a faux fur collar and costs $169.90.
"I felt like a pimp in this coat! Too bad it didn't fit. I tried it in a size 24 and I couldn't even get it over my arm! I wish this was sold in a 26 because I loved the interior and it was very warm." (Buy it here.)
Even though Evette sized up for the brocade pants, she felt comfortable wearing the 22 in these Kady pants ($89.90), which have a bit of Spandex.
"These pants gave me life. The print is bold and gorgeous, they're long enough to keep my ankles covered, and they fit really well in the waist. They made my butt look sumptuous, too, which is always a plus!" (Buy it here.)
My turn! I am 5'4" and I wear a size 2X or 3X on top and either 18 or 20 on bottom.
Once I opened the package, I knew I wanted to try this dress ($89.90) first.
I ordered an 18 and a 20 and surprisingly the 18 fit, but I preferred the give and ease of movement with the 20. I would wear the 18 with Spanx and the 20 sans Spanx.
One negative are the twisted straps, which I wasn't over the moon for.
(Buy it here.)
Next up was this contrast colorblock coat for $179.90 in size 18/20.
The fit of this was snug around the arms and generous around the waist. Unfortunately I wouldn't be able to wear this over sweaters, because of the arms, but the room in the tummy and hip areas was amazing — not too tight, not frumpy. (Buy it here.)
This tie-neck dress with ruffle trim ($119.90) was one of my favorites in the box, but not so much when I tried it on.
With A-line dresses, I usually size up. (#pearshapestruggles) The 18 fit, thanks in part to some nice stretch, but ultimately I preferred the less clingy size 20, which I'm wearing in the photo above. Even with the better fit, it wasn't sexy enough for my style. I prefer a little more edge. (Buy it here.)
After trying on dresses, it was time to test how comfortable the Viola collection would be on my hips. I tried on the Kady double-weave pant for $79.90.
I always thought leather jackets were my power clothing item, but these pants made me feel so badass! Pants can feel very restrictive on my hips, even if I size up, which is why I tried these on in a 20 — and they fit great! They have great structure and they weren't too long for my 5'4" frame. (Buy it here.)
I also tried the brocade pants, which I was a little worried about.
The flashiness did emphasize my belly, which isn't a deal beaker because at the end of the day that's just my body shape. Between the 18 and the 20, I preferred the larger size for these. (Buy it here.)
As for length, it wasn't too bad, but I'd still consider having these tailored for a more tapered ankle.
VERDICT:
The clothes definitely feel like they're cut for pear-shaped bodies. I also loved the holiday feel of this first Viola collection.
If you have a fuller tummy like me, I recommend sizing up. The limited sizing for the coats would make me stay away from them, as would the snug arms.
Overall we're into Viola and we're looking forward to the next collection!
