Be a friend of BS
Smoking Lily Porticciolo Dress
July 7, 2009
Smoking Lily creates, silk-screens, and sews their gorgeous line of clothing and accessories in Victoria BC. As if this wasn’t a noble enough venture in itself, the clothes themselves are absolute proof of the philosophy stated on their website: Smoking Lily Loves You!
Need proof? Look no further than the Porticciolo Dress. With its figure-flattering design and eye-catching print, not to mention comfort, this is the perfect little black dress, and then some. Yup. Smoking Lily loves you.
The Porticciolo Dress is made of stretch cotton poplin (cotton / Lycra blend) which means it has a little stretch to it for ease of movement, but it looks and feels like cotton. It is a fairly light fabric, appropriate for lookin’ hot when it’s hot outside. The bodice has a small keyhole cut-out with a button, pretty ruffled cap sleeves, and is fitted with darts and gathered at the back of the waist with elastic. The A-line skirt is printed front and back with Smoking Lily’s Queen Anne’s Lace design in shades of blue, green, and gold. The traditional shape of the dress is feminine, while the details add a more bohemian edge.
Though the Porticciolo Dress is not specifically designed as bicycling gear, I figured I’d test it out on my Cruiser bike anyway. Dresses and bikes can after all be a bit problematic together. The length of the dress – it falls just above my knees – worked out very nicely, however, being long enough for decency and short enough to keep out of danger from the chain. I was somewhat worried that the light weight material would cause the skirt to fly up, but the fit and length kept it down. For a non-bike specific garment, the dress performed gracefully and modestly.
Smoking Lily suggests the Porticciolo Dress was inspired by dreams of the Italian seashore. However, if you don’t quite make it to Italy anytime soon, the dress is still versatile enough to wear picnicking or partying; on your bike or to the bar. Just make sure you practice your thank yous for all the compliments you’ll be receiving. Grazie Molto!
Queen Anne’s Lace is said to be named after Queen Anne of England, because only she could make lace as lovely as the flower itself. The ghost of Queen Anne must be hanging out in Victoria these days, because this dress is a truly beautiful creation.
Price: $134 CDN
Details: Smoking Lily Porticciolo Dress. Silk-screened little black summer dress, available in sizes small, medium, and large.
Pros: Very flattering fit, beautiful and unique print, versatile.
Cons: None.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Italian daydreams.
Smoking Lily
Reviewed by: Emily