Petite Lookbook: Crochet and the Blues

A few weeks ago I saw this darling skirt on ModCloth and fell in love. It had poor reviews, but upon a closer read, I saw most purchasers were just disgruntled at how small/short it ran (jackpot!). The skirt was sold out then, so I signed up for a restock notification. Last week, an S popped back, and I pounced.

Top: Converse for Target chambray shirt, sz XS (taken in) (buy here)

Jacket: H&M sz 2   Belt: came w/ Forever 21 shorts

Skirt: Social Hour Skirt sz S courtesy of Modcloth

Shoes: I.N.C. (old) (similar here) 

Bag: B.R. Satchel (old)

For those of you who aren't familiar with ModCloth, it's an online retailer founded by a husband-and-wife team who love thrift shopping for vintage finds. A lot of their apparel is hand-picked from smaller, indie designers, and they also have true vintage finds up for sale. New arrivals are updated daily, and the cutest items sell out fast. Shipping is a $7 flat rate, and return shipping is free.

On this sunny but brisk afternoon, I grabbed my trusty chambray shirt and layered on an H&M woven blazer (recent, $34.95). A bright satchel added another dimension of blue, and juicy orange nails brought a spark of interest. I stuck with earthy brown accessories to tie the look together.

This is the same top/belt ensemble as my last outfit post, which just shows how versatile & loved they are.

I realize low-heeled shoes with busy ankle straps do nothing for short legs, but I don't mind. I love the casual-chic look of ankle straps plus the comfort of these low wedges.

For a size S, this skirt runs small but still does not fit me perfectly. It fits similar to a size S from Forever21, and sits lower on my hips. I'm using a wide elastic belt to hold it up higher. This causes bunchiness problems with the lining as I walk, but I still don't feel compelled to get alterations.

For those interested in a dressier, more conservative rendition of this skirt, check out the Ann Taylor Factory (outlet store). My special visitor Jen and I had a field day with these. The skirt retails for $89 and the dress retails for $198 (awfully high for the outlet, I know), but the crochet is heavy and gorgeous in person. When Ann Taylor (regular) came out with this last year, it sold out within days.

The sales weren't too stellar this weekend, and alterations are going to be costly, but I brought this dress home with me to contemplate.

Petite Lookbook: Crochet and the Blues

A few weeks ago I saw this darling skirt on ModCloth and fell in love. It had poor reviews, but upon a closer read, I saw most purchasers were just disgruntled at how small/short it ran (jackpot!). The skirt was sold out then, so I signed up for a restock notification. Last week, an S popped back, and I pounced.

Top: Converse for Target chambray shirt, sz XS (taken in) (buy here)

Jacket: H&M sz 2   Belt: came w/ Forever 21 shorts

Skirt: Social Hour Skirt sz S courtesy of Modcloth

Shoes: I.N.C. (old) (similar here) 

Bag: B.R. Satchel (old)

For those of you who aren't familiar with ModCloth, it's an online retailer founded by a husband-and-wife team who love thrift shopping for vintage finds. A lot of their apparel is hand-picked from smaller, indie designers, and they also have true vintage finds up for sale. New arrivals are updated daily, and the cutest items sell out fast. Shipping is a $7 flat rate, and return shipping is free.

On this sunny but brisk afternoon, I grabbed my trusty chambray shirt and layered on an H&M woven blazer (recent, $34.95). A bright satchel added another dimension of blue, and juicy orange nails brought a spark of interest. I stuck with earthy brown accessories to tie the look together.

This is the same top/belt ensemble as my last outfit post, which just shows how versatile & loved they are.

I realize low-heeled shoes with busy ankle straps do nothing for short legs, but I don't mind. I love the casual-chic look of ankle straps plus the comfort of these low wedges.

For a size S, this skirt runs small but still does not fit me perfectly. It fits similar to a size S from Forever21, and sits lower on my hips. I'm using a wide elastic belt to hold it up higher. This causes bunchiness problems with the lining as I walk, but I still don't feel compelled to get alterations.

For those interested in a dressier, more conservative rendition of this skirt, check out the Ann Taylor Factory (outlet store). My special visitor Jen and I had a field day with these. The skirt retails for $89 and the dress retails for $198 (awfully high for the outlet, I know), but the crochet is heavy and gorgeous in person. When Ann Taylor (regular) came out with this last year, it sold out within days.

The sales weren't too stellar this weekend, and alterations are going to be costly, but I brought this dress home with me to contemplate.

Petite Fashion Challenge # 6 - Dress up Your Basics

This month's Petite Fashion Challenge is hosted by the adorable Jess of Stylepint. Her challenge:

"Dress Up Your Basics: Jeans and a tee is a classic outfit starter...for this challenge, start off with a jeans and tee basic look and dress it up to show off your personal style."

I try to follow a 3-step rule when assembling an outfit. Before, I typically overlooked steps 2 and 3, but have come to realize that the extra bit effort goes a long way in adding dimension to an outfit.

To start off, "tee" doesn't necessarily mean a plain Hanes Her Way 3-pack white tee shirt. I try to buy tees with little interesting details or a unique fit. The shirt below from H&M has small perforated details, cuffed sleeves, a slouchy fit, and is just $12.95.

Tee: H&M sz XS (current)  Lace Vest: H&M sz XS (similar)

Jeans: Gap Legging Jeans in "faded dark" sz 00P (buy here)

Shoes: Target Tawny Wedges sz 5.5 (buy here)

Necklace: eBay  Purse: LV Speedy 35

My second outfit is the classic and easy-peasy blazer over jeans look, perfect for "casual Fridays" at work. Instead of a necklace, an oversized silky scarf is an appropriate accessory. I fell in love with this scarf after seeing it on the lovely Cee of To Brighten my Day. Thank you Cee for sharing the seller info!

Tee: H&M sz 2   Blazer: Theory sz 00

Jeans: Gap Legging Jeans in "faded dark" sz 00P (buy here)

Shoes: Banana Republic sz 5.5 (old)  Purse: Chanel flap sz M/L

Scarf: eBay (buy here)   Belt: Ann Taylor Perfect Skinny Belt sz S

Accessorizing is my weakness, but I've been sticking to my goal of at least one mandatory accessory a day, be it a belt, necklace, scarf, or brooch. Slowly and surely, I hope it will become second nature.

Please visit Stylepint's post to see all the other ladies' outfits for this Petite Fashion Challenge!

Petite Fashion Challenge # 6 - Dress up Your Basics

This month's Petite Fashion Challenge is hosted by the adorable Jess of Stylepint. Her challenge:

"Dress Up Your Basics: Jeans and a tee is a classic outfit starter...for this challenge, start off with a jeans and tee basic look and dress it up to show off your personal style."

I try to follow a 3-step rule when assembling an outfit. Before, I typically overlooked steps 2 and 3, but have come to realize that the extra bit effort goes a long way in adding dimension to an outfit.

To start off, "tee" doesn't necessarily mean a plain Hanes Her Way 3-pack white tee shirt. I try to buy tees with little interesting details or a unique fit. The shirt below from H&M has small perforated details, cuffed sleeves, a slouchy fit, and is just $12.95.

Tee: H&M sz XS (current)  Lace Vest: H&M sz XS (similar)

Jeans: Gap Legging Jeans in "faded dark" sz 00P (buy here)

Shoes: Target Tawny Wedges sz 5.5 (buy here)

Necklace: eBay  Purse: LV Speedy 35

My second outfit is the classic and easy-peasy blazer over jeans look, perfect for "casual Fridays" at work. Instead of a necklace, an oversized silky scarf is an appropriate accessory. I fell in love with this scarf after seeing it on the lovely Cee of To Brighten my Day. Thank you Cee for sharing the seller info!

Tee: H&M sz 2   Blazer: Theory sz 00

Jeans: Gap Legging Jeans in "faded dark" sz 00P (buy here)

Shoes: Banana Republic sz 5.5 (old)  Purse: Chanel flap sz M/L

Scarf: eBay (buy here)   Belt: Ann Taylor Perfect Skinny Belt sz S

Accessorizing is my weakness, but I've been sticking to my goal of at least one mandatory accessory a day, be it a belt, necklace, scarf, or brooch. Slowly and surely, I hope it will become second nature.

Please visit Stylepint's post to see all the other ladies' outfits for this Petite Fashion Challenge!

Converse Chambray Comes Out to Play (& small giveaway)

**The winner of the Cameo giveaway is Danielle. Congrats, Danielle!**

Thank you everyone for your sweet comments on my last post. I caught Nick checking back a few times (he usually never reads my blog) just to revel in your praise. Today we're back to the self-tripod pics, which will become synonymous with good sports being on TV.

Since being unexpectedly welcomed as a "keeper" last month, this Converse for Target chambray shirt has quickly ascended to MVP status within my wardrobe. The shade is perfect (not too denim-y), the material is comfy, and it is just too easy to pair. I can't think of a single bottom that it doesn't go with. If you don't have a similar shirt in your wardrobe yet...you are missing out!

Top: Converse for Target Chambray Shirt sz XS

Skirt: BB Dakota "Groton" tweed skirt sz 0

Necklaces: Layered akoya pearls and cameo (both from ebay)

Cardigan: Martin & Osa sz XS (similar)
Shoes: Aldo sz 36 (too big...need 35) (similar) 

The fit of a womens XS right off the rack (see original post here) was passable, but definitely not perfect on me. I thought I shrunk it with a wash & dry, but I was wrong. The material must be pre-shrunk cotton, because it didn't get smaller.

I wore it to my tailors and ended up getting the torso and sleeves slimmed on the spot for a whopping $15 (almost the price of the shirt!). But I couldn't be happier with the results. The subtle 1 inch slimming on both sides and sleeves makes a world of a difference when the shirt is tucked in (before alterations, it was too poofy for tucking).

Like with any button-up shirt, the key is to make sure the shirt fits with a lil' room to spare at the widest part of your bust. This top looks unflattering on the Target model because it's stretched taught across her chest. Larger chested women should possibly order dress shirts in a size up and then have the sides slimmed and waist nipped in. Nothing looks worse than the buttons right at the chest gaping.

While helping Vicky hunt for her cameo, I ended up with an extra one. Please fill out the short form below if you are interested in winning this vintage green Peri signed cameo. I'll select the winner at random later this week. Giveaway is open internationally : )

On a separate note, Target is having buy one get one 50% off shoes right now. If you were considering the Tawny wedges then this isn't a bad deal. Also I've gotten a few questions about my nude Target Virginia pumps. I really don't recommend them (stiff and uncomfortable), but they've come out with another nude/taupe heel that I haven't tried yet called the Pearce pumps. If you're ordering, don't forget to use the retailmenot $5 coupon and ebates for 3% cash back.

Converse Chambray Comes Out to Play (& small giveaway)

**The winner of the Cameo giveaway is Danielle. Congrats, Danielle!**

Thank you everyone for your sweet comments on my last post. I caught Nick checking back a few times (he usually never reads my blog) just to revel in your praise. Today we're back to the self-tripod pics, which will become synonymous with good sports being on TV.

Since being unexpectedly welcomed as a "keeper" last month, this Converse for Target chambray shirt has quickly ascended to MVP status within my wardrobe. The shade is perfect (not too denim-y), the material is comfy, and it is just too easy to pair. I can't think of a single bottom that it doesn't go with. If you don't have a similar shirt in your wardrobe yet...you are missing out!

Top: Converse for Target Chambray Shirt sz XS

Skirt: BB Dakota "Groton" tweed skirt sz 0

Necklaces: Layered akoya pearls and cameo (both from ebay)

Cardigan: Martin & Osa sz XS (similar)
Shoes: Aldo sz 36 (too big...need 35) (similar) 

The fit of a womens XS right off the rack (see original post here) was passable, but definitely not perfect on me. I thought I shrunk it with a wash & dry, but I was wrong. The material must be pre-shrunk cotton, because it didn't get smaller.

I wore it to my tailors and ended up getting the torso and sleeves slimmed on the spot for a whopping $15 (almost the price of the shirt!). But I couldn't be happier with the results. The subtle 1 inch slimming on both sides and sleeves makes a world of a difference when the shirt is tucked in (before alterations, it was too poofy for tucking).

Like with any button-up shirt, the key is to make sure the shirt fits with a lil' room to spare at the widest part of your bust. This top looks unflattering on the Target model because it's stretched taught across her chest. Larger chested women should possibly order dress shirts in a size up and then have the sides slimmed and waist nipped in. Nothing looks worse than the buttons right at the chest gaping.

While helping Vicky hunt for her cameo, I ended up with an extra one. Please fill out the short form below if you are interested in winning this vintage green Peri signed cameo. I'll select the winner at random later this week. Giveaway is open internationally : )

On a separate note, Target is having buy one get one 50% off shoes right now. If you were considering the Tawny wedges then this isn't a bad deal. Also I've gotten a few questions about my nude Target Virginia pumps. I really don't recommend them (stiff and uncomfortable), but they've come out with another nude/taupe heel that I haven't tried yet called the Pearce pumps. If you're ordering, don't forget to use the retailmenot $5 coupon and ebates for 3% cash back.

Petite Lookbook: Remixing the Petite Favorites

As a blogger and avid blog reader, I enjoy taking inspiration and recommendations from others. It's fun to see the same items or outfit tips on different people, but it's also easy to lose one's style identity within this smaller blogging niche. One way I try to incorporate "identity" into outfits composed of ubiquitous petite favorites is through jewelry and layering. I love shopping on eBay and thrift stores for (hopefully) unique pieces, and layering textures to create a different look.

In this outfit are three petite faves: LOFT cuffed pants (Kelly's signature pants : P), AT Factory shell, and AT skinny belt. I added a little lace vest and a basketweave swing jacket for texture, plus thrifted pearls and my coral ring for a pop of color.

See this outfit in LOFT's facebook pants feature : )

Vest: H&M Crochet Lace Vest sz XS (very similar here)

Top: Ann Taylor Factory Chiffon Ruffle Shell sz XXSP (info in this post)

Pants: LOFT Marisa Wool Cuffed Trousers sz 00P

Swing Jacket: Banana Republic sz 0 (altered)
Purse: LV Speedy 25  Belt: Ann Taylor Skinny Belt

These pants were from last season, but LOFT has brought back a similar version in the same Marisa cut, cropped length w/ cuffs, in a dark gray melange material and lightweight wool material. Both are currently available online in 00P. 

Slingbacks: Banana Republic sz 5.5 (old)

With flats (Cole Haan sz 5) for commuting:

Ring: YSL Coral Arty in sz 5 (get 6% cashback w/ ebates)

Pearls: thrifted   Earrings: Chanel turnlock studs

Readers - what defines your personal style? How do you keep it unique?