I didn’t end up doing anything for New Year’s Eve, but I had plans. Even a nice dinner out deserves a special dress, and this time around I chose Trashy Diva’s new Lena dress. She’s a gorgeous 1950s halter dress with a circle skirt and very festive Swarovski-style crystals and glass beading on the bodice and halter straps. The dress was intended for the holiday season, but it’s actually rather seasonless and the color flatters many skin tones!
The bodice is beautifully pleated with a nice “shelf” detail that pulls up into the halter straps. For those who hate the neck-pulling that happens with many halters, this one’s worth trying. The bodice is very structured and form-fitting, which takes some of the pressure off the neck. The halter buttons at the back of the neck, too, which alleviates the pull that often occurs with halter ties.
I got the size 14, which fits a bit closer than the stated measurements on the Lena size chart. At 43-32-48″, the bodice fits perfectly without a bra.
Lena’s a limited edition piece, at least in its “debut” olive colorway. The color is somewhere between olive and chartreuse, which makes it sound gross even though it’s gorgeous. The fabric itself is described as a “ribbed rayon,” which essentially makes it a faille. It’s got a nice sheen without looking cheap. If you like the color but aren’t sure about the style, there are other styles (including the iconic Honey Dress) that come in the same fabric.
I’m wearing Lena here with a Malco Modes 591 tea length crinoline petticoat, perfect for 1950s circle skirt styles. This one’s red, but you can get the 591 in a rainbow of colors!
I admired the Lena dress when I first saw it on Trashy Diva’s website. It looks gorgeous on you!
Thank you! 😀
This dress looks actually pretty sweet! I think your hair would look even better with longer bangs in the front. Plus with this dress…girl you’ll be looking tight!
Thanks! I keep ’em short cuz Bettie and Edith Head. Also, so they don’t curl oddly. I have two cowlicks on the fringeline.
I got the Lena too! Even though the color is indeed peculiar it looks gorgeous on! Love the way you matched it with this crinoline and the shoes! Looks great!
Awesome! I love it too. 😀 (and thanks!)
This dress looks so amazing on you!!! I’ve never purchased anything from Trashy Diva before. But, I know they have some lovely pieces.
Thanks 😀
*swoon* This is my favorite color of all time, so I really wish I could justify the cost of this dress! It looks amazing.
I love it too! I hope you get one of these soon!
Thank you for the review Kali- I am going to order one and was unsure if I should get the 16 or 18, I will def go 18. So excited to wear this, I’m getting turquoise.- Christina (Skirt Chaser Vintage)
Yay Christina! Thank you and I would love to see pics of your new Lena!
If evvverrrrr you get sick of this I will buy it off you in a flash. I ummmed and ahhhed because of the price and now it’s gone in my (our) size. Nothing haunts you like the things you didn’t buy haha
Hahah! Jasmine made me swear to put her first in line for it. I told her I’d leave it to her in my will. ;D