For the Love of Leopard: Ulivary Kimono Robe & #SpreadTheKindness Link Up On the Edge #686
The first time I ever owned a leopard print garment was about 10 years ago. I remember asking my sister if I was too old to wear such a sassy print and she replied that I was, in fact, too young to wear leopard print. She had always associated leopard print clothing with old people. I have no idea why or what her concept of “old” was at the time her brain latched onto this association, but I think of this sisterly conversation with a chuckle every time I wear something with a leopard print.
And I really mean every time. Because my sister and I both clearly put some strange arbitrary age for appropriateness onto wearing leopard print, my relationship with this particular pattern has been somewhat tense for the past decade. I have long bouts of leopard love where I buy everything I see that has a spotty print. Then I get tired of it. But it always wins back my affections.
If you recall in my post from last Friday, The Stuff My Dreams Are Made Of: Ulivary Kimono Robe, I had sent a list of my top eight favorite robes to review and asked Ulivary to surprise me with whichever three they wanted to send.
Initially, my list did not include this kimono robe because I have sort of been on a time out with leopard print. But I could not take my eyes off the beautiful colors and I kept coming back to it again and again. And it’s not really leopard print as most of us would interpret that phrase to mean. It’s more of a leopard motif. So I convinced myself to add the Black Leopard Kimono Robe to my list because one more on the list wouldn’t be too many, right? Honestly, I could have listed 30 favorites so I did exercise some restraint!
Ulivary kimono robes come individually wrapped with a lovely thank you note included. As you slip each garment out of the tissue paper, it is almost shocking how the super soft polyester charmeuse feels like exotically exquisite silk.
This leopard print dressing gown features a magnificent hand painted design of leopards hanging out in the jungle. The golden color of the leopards’ coats really stand out among the gorgeous greens of the leaves and the deep black background. This robe definitely fulfills the mission of taking us “into a world of ancient Eastern art and nature’s beauty, full of aesthetic stories which is the soul of Ulivary’s brand establishment.”
Ulivary robes are designed to fit most U.S. sizes from S to 2XL. They are machine washable and wrinkle resistant, have a collar loop for easy hanging, a detachable matching waist tie, and inside ties for secure closure. Side slits and French seams give each kimono robe an elegance that allows you to wear them for any occasion. These robes are not just for wearing indoors. They really deserve to be shown off to the world!
Although this kimono robe was the last one added to my list, it is my top favorite one now. I couldn’t wait to style it with this monochromatic green outfit and my new Aventurine Prosperity and Abundance Mala created by my friend Kathrine at Zen Spirit Malas. I ordered these beautiful meditation beads for myself as a Christmas present and they are absolutely perfect with my new leopard kimono.
Kathrine creates beautiful prayer and meditation beads from her home in Utah. Each handmade set is an original design crafted with beads of various gemstones, wood, and metals. Kathrine also begins the creation of each mala by reciting a nondenominational prayer for the wearer of the beads. If you have specific prayer requests or intentions you would like manifested in your beads, just leave her a comment with your order and she will tailor her prayers and meditations to your request. She also created the Shelbee Mala which was inspired by me! You can read all about that very special set of meditation beads here.
I also received those pretty copper earrings with the turquoise design for Christmas and my jade tree of life necklace was a gift from my husband a while back. With my green velvet boots, green turtleneck, and green velvet skirt, I contemplated switching to my green Teddy Blake bag but I am still experiencing all that great new relationship energy with my purple Teddy Blake bag so purple won.
Not only is this my favorite kimono robe from Ulivary, I think this is my favorite outfit of the year. I know the year is only 5 days young, but I’m still calling it!
Are you a fan of leopard prints? Maybe leopard motifs are more your style? Or perhaps you have conflicting feelings about it all like I do?
Featured Favorites
Reader Favorite (Most Clicked): Patrick of Adventures in Weseland
Fashion Favorite: Joanne of Slices of Life
Other Favorite: Julie of Filling the Jars
If you love kimonos as much as I do, I think you’ll really love the robes from Ulivary. Use the code SHELBEE at checkout for 20% off your purchase.
If you want to further explore the Ulivary brand, you can find them on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest. You can also check out their blog, East Meets West | Stories of Ulivary Designers.
Keeping it on the edge,
Shelbee
Joining these Fabulous Link Parties.
Outfit Details: Black Leopard Kimono Robe-c/o Ulivary / Gigi Stampato Gold in Purple Bag-c/o Teddy Blake / Turtleneck-Thrifted / Skirt-Very Old / Velvet Obi Belt-Torrid / Boots-ShoeDazzle / Mala Beads-Zen Spirit Malas / Tree of Life Necklace and Earrings-Gifts from husband
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.
22 Comments
Nancy
It’s a beautiful kimono! The colours, right. Kimonos are here, in Europe hard to find. They are not popular at all. Even in summer we hardly see them in stores. Love that bag again the colour is so attractive. Enjoy your weekend!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Nancy! The colors are just extraordinary on this robe, aren’t they? There are only a few stores around here that carry kimonos and I usually end up owning all of them! I definitely find more online or venturing outside of my local area though. I hope you have a fabulous weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jennifer
This kimono is beautiful!
Jennifer
Curated by Jennifer
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you, Jennifer! It is so luxurious, too!
xoxo
Shelbee
Anne M Bray
I am very much Team Leopard. Mrow!
You look grrrrreat in all those grrrrrreens.
And green grass in Upstate NY in January?
That’s nuts.
I’m going to bombard the link party with decluttering posts.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Ha, you crack me up! The weather has been crazy warm this year. We had 1.8 inches of snow in December. The last time we had less than that was in 1894. I am not sad about this. But my children are. The little snow babies haven’t even taken their winter coats out yet! It was 8 degrees yesterday with wind chill and they both went to school in a tee shirt and hoodie. Little weirdos! I need to start the decluttering process soon but I am going to procrastinate at least long enough to check out all of your decluttering posts!
xoxo
Shelbee
Gail
What a gorgeous kimono, the colors suit you perfectly. I like leopard print but on me I prefer it in accessories, which I use as neutrals. You’re wearing the green velvet boots that turned my head – I managed to find an identical pair.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so much, Gail! Leopard print really is a wonderful neutral. I have a few coats that I bought when I was on a leopard binge and I keep those around because they are fun and dramatic to wear. In fact, I am wearing one for my post next Friday. These green velvet boots have been around for a while and I love them as much as I did the day I bought them! I am so glad that you found a pair for yourself!
xoxo
Shelbee
Michelle
I love it! And in fact, after your first post on this company, I ordered one of their kimonos. Also a leopard motif. Mine has the rusty orange trim. I am still waiting for it to arrive – impatiently I might add. 😄
Michelle
xoxo
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you, my friend! I checked out the one you ordered and I freaking love it! Those colors are going to look spectacular on you. I am growing impatient for you to receive it!
xoxo
Shelbee
Joanne
I very much have a hard time with any sort of animal print… heck, I rarely wear prints at all! I have been branching out more with stripes and florals but I’m definitely not ready for bold animal prints yet. 🙂 It looks fabulous on you though and I definitely notice more of the greens than the actual leopards.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Joanne! I have definitely gotten way bolder with prints and patterns since I began this blogging journey 8 years ago. I have always had a unique and eclectic style, but looking back I did not wear very many prints or bright colors at all. There was a time when I thought pinstripes were bold and black and tan worn together made a dramatic pairing. I love that you are branching out with florals and stripes! If you ever feel like trying animal prints, just start small. Like a cute pair of running sneakers with leopard print accents or laces, a scarf, a wallet, or even just a pair of earrings. You might end up hating it and that’s okay. But you might end up loving it which is really cool, too.
xoxo
Shelbee
Di
This is a gorgeous kimono, and suits your style so well! Love the beautiful shade of green on you. When I was younger, I thought leopard prints were for mature ladies. (Something drilled into my brain by society as “proper” and “age appropriate”). Now, I am so glad those fashion rules have gone out the window! I embrace all the animal prints and motifs, and think they look great at any age! Many blessings to you and your family for the new year!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Di, thank you so much, my friend! I am embracing all the colors and prints and patterns right now, too. I mostly just follow wherever my mood leads me! These leopard motifs have inspired me to pull out one of my leopard coats for next week’s final kimono post. It’s been a while since I wore a leopard coat. Even though my relationship with leopard print is volatile, I definitely wear it in some form on an annual basis. It really has been become a neutral staple in my wardrobe without me even realizing it! Wishing you and yours a blessed New Year!
xoxo
Shelbee
Barbara De Mul
haha, my sister would make the exact same comment, i think in fact she has. She also makes me chuckle with her deadpan delivery. One of the many reasons i love her. Do these kimono’s keep you warm as silk does?
Best wishes for the New Year!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Oh my goodness, Barbara, my sister is a master of deadpan delivery and queen of wise quips…such as “I’d rather be fat and happy than skinny and hungry,” and “You don’t get a figure like this without a love of the fork.” I once asked her, “Does this shirt make me look fat?” and she responded, “No. The fat makes you look fat. Don’t blame the shirt.” OMG. No one else could get away with saying such things unscathed except a sister!
As for the warmth of these kimonos, I don’t know if I can accurately assess their level of warmth because I am literally always cold. Therefore, I had lots of heavy cozy layers underneath so it’s difficult say which exactly was keeping me warm. Probably all the layers combined! The joke in my house is that we know winter is coming when I start wearing everything I own at once! The fabric is very sturdy and didn’t feel like it was letting much wind through when I was outdoors. I hope that helps a little!
Wishing you a brilliant New Year filled with much light, love, and laughter!
xoxo
Shelbee
Marsha Banks
I have been Team Leopard for years! I haven’t always had much of it in my closet, but I do love seeing it on others. This print reminds me a bit of a William Morris wallpaper (that’s a very good thing!). And, you’ve styled it so fabulously, Shelbee! Love everything about it. Thanks for the link party!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Marsha! This print really is eye catching, isn’t it? I am not familiar with William Morris so I am gonna go Google him now…OOOOHHH, it is very William Morris-y! I just checked Salazar’s blog and she featured a William Morris artwork for an SIA post in 2020 before I started participating. Perhaps we can use another one of his works for a future Style Imitating Art challenge!
xoxo
Shelbee
Patrick Weseman
You are looking amazing there. That Kimono looks amazing on you. Love it with the long skirt and boots. Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful week.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you, thank you, thank you, my friend! I appreciate you and our friendship! I hope you have an amazing week ahead.
xoxo
Shelbee
Emma Peach
Wow, it’s a stunner! I love the tropical animal print…and it looks fabulous with the green velvet boots!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so much, Emma! It’s funny that I added this robe at the last minute because I wasn’t even sure if I really liked it. But now it’s a favorite!
xoxo
Shelbee