Loving Now: Vibrant Jewels

For the accessories-challenged dresser, vibrant jewels are an easy way to spiff up a basic ensemble. Unfortunately, good yet affordable ones are hard to find. My main problems with costume jewelry are cheap metals that rust and oxidize (I was told to store metal jewelry in individual ziploc bags), and jewels that fall out of their settings.

The foundation for this work outfit is a little girls' white tee, and plain trousers.

Tee: Old Navy Girls Tee sz L

Cardigan: Gap XS (old) Pants: Limited (taken in)

Bag: LV Speedy 25 Heels: Banana Republic (old)

Turquoise Montauk Necklace & Westhampton Earrings courtesy of Amrita Singh

I'm sure many of you are familiar with Amrita Singh jewelry. Her "Hamptons" collection is exactly what I was looking for, full chunky pieces that come in at least 6 or 7 vibrant colors. The pieces are 18k gold-plated brass with "jewels" made of lightweight resin stones.

You can see more colorful Amrita Singh pieces on fellow bloggers: coral necklace on Cee, black necklace and ring on Jen, emerald necklace and ring on Vicky, coral bracelet on Sydney, turquoise necklace on April, and more.

Coral rings from left to right: YSL Arty, Topshop, F21

One thing to note is Amrita Singh earrings come in either post or clip-on backings, depending on the style. I really liked this style earring and thought I could make the clips work, but they were not comfortable on my pierced ears. I'm going to buy some post backings and try to DIY-convert these.

The color of these pieces are so vibrant. I can't wait to pick up some "emerald" items next. Retail prices are more that what I would typically pay for costume jewelry, but you can get 20% off w/ extrapetite or wait for the items to go to sample sale sites like Hautelook (invite link).

Pirate eye patch - aargh!

Readers - Do you own any Amrita Singh pieces? If so, please share the style name and your thoughts.

Quest for a Classic Red Pencil Skirt

After seeing these beauties on Anh and Elle, I toyed with the thought of getting my own classic red pencil skirt. In China, red symbolizes luck, so I'd finally have something to wear for future lunar new years (I always forget the red undies on that day : / ).

First I got the same Ann Taylor one that Elle has. Sz 0P was the smallest in store, and it was on clearance, but still $40 and required slimming and hem alterations. The material was so stretchy and comfortable, but I wasn't gung ho about spending $65+ on it.

Whoopsies, sorry for the obnoxious "watermark." I hemmed and hawed over this skirt, then magically came across a red 100% wool Petite Sophisticate (RIP) one at my favorite thrift store, Savers (thank you again Kerry for sharing about this lovely chain of thrift store that sorts items by size), for a more wallet-friendly $7.

The skirt felt crisp and new, but upon further inspection, I noticed a splotchy stain on the front. Yuck! "Okay...it's a no...time to go..." Poor Nick was getting itchy from the thrift store and I could see he was hungering for Taco Bell (a typical reward for his patience during my thrifting), so I had to leave it behind.

A week later I was still thinking about it. You know those things that you leave behind and keep on wondering..."what if?" ...well, I realized it's not worth losing sleep over when it costs $7. So back we went. I asked for a discount due to le stain and they kindly reduced it to $4. Score! Here it is post-alterations:

Skirt + hemming + waist taken in + dry cleaning = $29. Not bad for this vibrant skirt. Unfortunately, the story doesn't end happily here because they made it much too small. My intestines were smooshed, so I had to go back and do what I despise: bravely asking for re-alterations. It's always stressful doing this, because tailors will rarely admit that they didn't do a great job.

Alas, I just got this back from re-alterations, and the waist now fits perfectly but the hips puff out strangely (these pics were taken pre-2nd alteration, so you can't see the puff). I wish my tailors took a little extra time in pinning it but they claim they "know" my body now and were a bit hasty. So now I need to muster up the courage and get it fixed yet again.

Skirt: Petite Sophisticate sz 2P, thrifted and altered (similar)

Top: Converse for Target Chambray Shirt, sz XS (slimmed)

Shoes: Ann Taylor Perfect Pumps in Saddle Brown sz 5 (use FRIENDSFB for 30% off)

Belt: came w/these Forever 21 Woven Shorts sz XS Necklace: Target

On another note, if you haven't come across new blogger and YouTuber Wendy's Lookbook yet, prepare to be completely hooked. Thank you dear bloggy friends AprilAthena and DSKSteph for telling me about Wendy. She has an infectious personality, and I'm pretty certain she's on an accelerated path to become the next big YT "guru." I've taken notes aplenty from her styling tips, starting with this 25 (24?) ways to wear a scarf video.

Readers - have you ever received unsatisfactory alterations? Do you sadly suck it up, or go back and demand re-alterations?

Quest for a Classic Red Pencil Skirt

After seeing these beauties on Anh and Elle, I toyed with the thought of getting my own classic red pencil skirt. In China, red symbolizes luck, so I'd finally have something to wear for future lunar new years (I always forget the red undies on that day : / ).

First I got the same Ann Taylor one that Elle has. Sz 0P was the smallest in store, and it was on clearance, but still $40 and required slimming and hem alterations. The material was so stretchy and comfortable, but I wasn't gung ho about spending $65+ on it.

Whoopsies, sorry for the obnoxious "watermark." I hemmed and hawed over this skirt, then magically came across a red 100% wool Petite Sophisticate (RIP) one at my favorite thrift store, Savers (thank you again Kerry for sharing about this lovely chain of thrift store that sorts items by size), for a more wallet-friendly $7.

The skirt felt crisp and new, but upon further inspection, I noticed a splotchy stain on the front. Yuck! "Okay...it's a no...time to go..." Poor Nick was getting itchy from the thrift store and I could see he was hungering for Taco Bell (a typical reward for his patience during my thrifting), so I had to leave it behind.

A week later I was still thinking about it. You know those things that you leave behind and keep on wondering..."what if?" ...well, I realized it's not worth losing sleep over when it costs $7. So back we went. I asked for a discount due to le stain and they kindly reduced it to $4. Score! Here it is post-alterations:

Skirt + hemming + waist taken in + dry cleaning = $29. Not bad for this vibrant skirt. Unfortunately, the story doesn't end happily here because they made it much too small. My intestines were smooshed, so I had to go back and do what I despise: bravely asking for re-alterations. It's always stressful doing this, because tailors will rarely admit that they didn't do a great job.

Alas, I just got this back from re-alterations, and the waist now fits perfectly but the hips puff out strangely (these pics were taken pre-2nd alteration, so you can't see the puff). I wish my tailors took a little extra time in pinning it but they claim they "know" my body now and were a bit hasty. So now I need to muster up the courage and get it fixed yet again.

Skirt: Petite Sophisticate sz 2P, thrifted and altered (similar)

Top: Converse for Target Chambray Shirt, sz XS (slimmed)

Shoes: Ann Taylor Perfect Pumps in Saddle Brown sz 5 (use FRIENDSFB for 30% off)

Belt: came w/these Forever 21 Woven Shorts sz XS   Necklace: Target

On another note, if you haven't come across new blogger and YouTuber Wendy's Lookbook yet, prepare to be completely hooked. Thank you dear bloggy friends AprilAthena and DSKSteph for telling me about Wendy. She has an infectious personality, and I'm pretty certain she's on an accelerated path to become the next big YT "guru." I've taken notes aplenty from her styling tips, starting with this 25 (24?) ways to wear a scarf video.

Readers - have you ever received unsatisfactory alterations? Do you sadly suck it up, or go back and demand re-alterations?

Recyling a Favorite Combination

**My ebates giveaway winners have been announced here! Please email me to claim your prize**

I'm not one of those people who wake up every morning, excited to conjure up a chic outfit for the day. On some days there just isn't time, and on others there is no motivation.

As a result, I've been embracing the beauty of recycled clothing combinations. If I discover a pairing I really like, I'll keep them together on the same hanger for easy dressing in the mornings. My reused combos usually entail:

1. Blouse with either an interesting pattern, color, or details down the center like ruffles or pleats. Details down the center tend to look best under cardigans or blazers, as they have a lengthening effect.
2. Fitted cardigan

Blouse: LOFT ruffled shell sz XXSP (similar here)

Sweater: J.Crew Chiffon Ruffle Cardigan sz XXS (similar here)

Shorts: H&M sz 2

See this outfit and other bloggers' LOFT items featured on LOFT's facebook album here.

Skirt: Banana Republic Paper Bag skirt sz 0 P (gifted by a reader) (similar here)

Shoes: Marc Fischer, thrifted  Belt: J.Crew  Ring: YSL Arty

Skirt: Ann Taylor Tropical Wool Pencil Skirt sz 00P (altered)  

Belt: AT Perfect Patent Belt sz S (extra holes punched)

Jeans: Gap Legging Jeans in "faded dark" sz 00P

Booties: Target sz 5.5  Ring: YSL Arty in coral, sz 5

Just make sure you rotate recycled pairings amongst different audiences! My friends give me a hard time for wearing my favorite pieces week after week ; )

Readers - How often do you "recycle" favorite pairings? Or, do you try to never repeat an outfit?

Recyling a Favorite Combination

**My ebates giveaway winners have been announced here! Please email me to claim your prize**

I'm not one of those people who wake up every morning, excited to conjure up a chic outfit for the day. On some days there just isn't time, and on others there is no motivation.

As a result, I've been embracing the beauty of recycled clothing combinations. If I discover a pairing I really like, I'll keep them together on the same hanger for easy dressing in the mornings. My reused combos usually entail:

1. Blouse with either an interesting pattern, color, or details down the center like ruffles or pleats. Details down the center tend to look best under cardigans or blazers, as they have a lengthening effect.
2. Fitted cardigan

Blouse: LOFT ruffled shell sz XXSP (similar here)

Sweater: J.Crew Chiffon Ruffle Cardigan sz XXS (similar here)

Shorts: H&M sz 2

See this outfit and other bloggers' LOFT items featured on LOFT's facebook album here.

Skirt: Banana Republic Paper Bag skirt sz 0 P (gifted by a reader) (similar here)

Shoes: Marc Fischer, thrifted  Belt: J.Crew  Ring: YSL Arty

Skirt: Ann Taylor Tropical Wool Pencil Skirt sz 00P (altered)  

Belt: AT Perfect Patent Belt sz S (extra holes punched)

Jeans: Gap Legging Jeans in "faded dark" sz 00P

Booties: Target sz 5.5  Ring: YSL Arty in coral, sz 5

Just make sure you rotate recycled pairings amongst different audiences! My friends give me a hard time for wearing my favorite pieces week after week ; )

Readers - How often do you "recycle" favorite pairings? Or, do you try to never repeat an outfit?

Petite Lookbook: Prim and Proper

Thank you everyone who entered my Valentine's Day giveaway. The winner this time is Thuy! Please visit this post for the selection details. Please email me within 72 hours to claim your prize : )

A while back I posted about one of my favorite ways to wear a cardigan - tucked into a pencil skirt. I wanted to show how this can work nicely for longer cardigans, as long as they are thin and fitted.

Cardigan: LOFT XXSP (similar here in 12 colors)

Silk Pleated Blouse: J.Crew sz 0 (taken in)
Tweed Skirt: Theory 00  Rings: Topshop

Belt: J.Crew sz S (extra holes punched) 

Vintage Pendant: "Peri" Cameo (from here)

This is how I used to wear this cardigan for work. Atrocious! Thank you, photos, for enlightening me. The long cardi hanging over the pencil skirt left no room for body definition.

Here is the same exact sweater and skirt done over again. Ideally the cardigan would be more fitted in the torso, but the look is already cleaner and the overall shape definition is greatly improved.

 Skirt: Ann Taylor Tropical Wool Pencil Skirt in 00P (taken in) - new color available!

Heels: Ann Taylor Perfect Pumps sz 5 

For this prim outfit, I reached for my favorite vintage Peri cameo. Vintage trinkets look beautiful over delicate materials like silks, chiffon, and lace (as shown here). This is probably one of my most-worn accessories (can be donned as a pendant or a pin), and the best part - it was under $10 on eBay.

Readers - Have you tried the tucked-in cardi for work yet?

Petite Lookbook: Prim and Proper

Thank you everyone who entered my Valentine's Day giveaway. The winner this time is Thuy! Please visit this post for the selection details. Please email me within 72 hours to claim your prize : )

A while back I posted about one of my favorite ways to wear a cardigan - tucked into a pencil skirt. I wanted to show how this can work nicely for longer cardigans, as long as they are thin and fitted.

Cardigan: LOFT XXSP (similar here in 12 colors)

Silk Pleated Blouse: J.Crew sz 0 (taken in)
Tweed Skirt: Theory 00  Rings: Topshop

Belt: J.Crew sz S (extra holes punched) 

Vintage Pendant: "Peri" Cameo (from here)

This is how I used to wear this cardigan for work. Atrocious! Thank you, photos, for enlightening me. The long cardi hanging over the pencil skirt left no room for body definition.

Here is the same exact sweater and skirt done over again. Ideally the cardigan would be more fitted in the torso, but the look is already cleaner and the overall shape definition is greatly improved.

 Skirt: Ann Taylor Tropical Wool Pencil Skirt in 00P (taken in) - new color available!

Heels: Ann Taylor Perfect Pumps sz 5 

For this prim outfit, I reached for my favorite vintage Peri cameo. Vintage trinkets look beautiful over delicate materials like silks, chiffon, and lace (as shown here). This is probably one of my most-worn accessories (can be donned as a pendant or a pin), and the best part - it was under $10 on eBay.

Readers - Have you tried the tucked-in cardi for work yet?

LOFT Floral Top Meets Vintage Ann Taylor

I picked up this bright floral top last week and couldn't wait to break it out. Thankfully there are colors like deep purple and burnt sienna in the pattern, making it easier to incorporate into a cold-weather ensemble.

Cardigan: J.Crew sz XS

Floral Blouse: LOFT sz XXSP (similar here)

Wool Pencil Skirt: Ann Taylor vintage sz 2, altered

Suede Booties: Adrienne Vittadini "Adam" (buy here on sale)

I know a few other petite bloggers have this blouse, but had trouble finding the posts. If you've blogged about this blouse, please feel free to leave a link to your post in the comments below!

While at LOFT last week, I actually fell in love with something (rare). The stretchy knit "scuba" material is back in the form of a cropped blazer with 3/4 length sleeves. I love the versatile caramel color. Unlike other LOFT blazers I've tried on...the fit was near-perfect on me (I prefer the sleeves folded up in a cuff) and just look at the flattering, fitted back view!

LOFT Cropped Scuba Blazer, sz 00P

I also gravitated toward a lightweight button-up blouse in a light dusty lavender (not shown). My size was already gone so I tried on this pink color, which I'm not a fan of at all. I included these photos only to show how narrow the shoulders are and how slim the overall fit is. The sleeves were also a perfect length on me. This would look great tucked in and is a feminine alternative to stuffier button-up dress shirts.

LOFT Hidden Placket Boyfriend Shirt, sz XXSP 

The color I want (dusty lavender) is in-stores but not yet online!

I will be keeping an eye out for both items when the next big LOFT sale hits!

Readers - do you also love adding florals and brights to beat the winter blues?

LOFT Floral Top Meets Vintage Ann Taylor

I picked up this bright floral top last week and couldn't wait to break it out. Thankfully there are colors like deep purple and burnt sienna in the pattern, making it easier to incorporate into a cold-weather ensemble.

Cardigan: J.Crew sz XS

Floral Blouse: LOFT sz XXSP (similar here)

Wool Pencil Skirt: Ann Taylor vintage sz 2, altered

Suede Booties: Adrienne Vittadini "Adam" (buy here on sale)

I know a few other petite bloggers have this blouse, but had trouble finding the posts. If you've blogged about this blouse, please feel free to leave a link to your post in the comments below!

While at LOFT last week, I actually fell in love with something (rare). The stretchy knit "scuba" material is back in the form of a cropped blazer with 3/4 length sleeves. I love the versatile caramel color. Unlike other LOFT blazers I've tried on...the fit was near-perfect on me (I prefer the sleeves folded up in a cuff) and just look at the flattering, fitted back view!

LOFT Cropped Scuba Blazer, sz 00P

I also gravitated toward a lightweight button-up blouse in a light dusty lavender (not shown). My size was already gone so I tried on this pink color, which I'm not a fan of at all. I included these photos only to show how narrow the shoulders are and how slim the overall fit is. The sleeves were also a perfect length on me. This would look great tucked in and is a feminine alternative to stuffier button-up dress shirts.

LOFT Hidden Placket Boyfriend Shirt, sz XXSP 

The color I want (dusty lavender) is in-stores but not yet online!

I will be keeping an eye out for both items when the next big LOFT sale hits!

Readers - do you also love adding florals and brights to beat the winter blues?