Mistakenly Purchased Theory Skirt Seeks a New Home

My Theory Gratian suit saga continues with this story of the unwanted skirt. After ordering the blazer over the phone, I became consumed with the desire to own the full suit. Apparently, so consumed that I wasn't thinking clearly.

For reasons unknown, the designers at Theory decided to pair an amazing blazer with an indecently short, slightly flared miniskirt (?). The ladies on the phone told me they had just two sizes left - a 0 and a 10. The sz 0 measured under 13" long (tsk tsk tsk), and the sz 10 was 15" long (do-able). The skirt including shipping was not so cheap, and either size required costly alterations. I tossed and turned in my sleep...oh, what to do?

The next day I bit the bullet and ordered sz 10. My tailors were flabbergasted. "Take picture for website!!" they exclaimed.

Theory "Roselin" skirt in conversation fabric, sz 10

Later that week, I was hanging up the new blazer in my closet and caught a flash of similar fabric. I did a double take. Surely enough, it was a dress that I purchased years ago at Saks off 5th, in the same exact fabric. I remember my Theory fabrics by name, so didn't put two and two together that "conversation" was the same material as "dialogue." I had a matching piece all along. *Smacks head.*

Matching dress from 2009:

To make a long story short, the skirt is now back from the tailors. I do not need it because I already have the matching dress. Here is how it looks post-alterations:

Theory "Gratian" blazer in sz 00, and 'Roselin" skirt post-alterations.

And with opaque tights (it looks better with semi-sheer tights):

This skirt now measures 13" across the waist, 17.5" across the widest part at the bottom, and 15" long. Side zipper closure and fully lined. The alterations were simple and came out perfectly, so the only sign of the original size is inside on the tag. I know a few ladies have a blazer in the matching fabric, so email me if you are interested in this skirt. Sold!

Mistakenly Purchased Theory Skirt Seeks a New Home

My Theory Gratian suit saga continues with this story of the unwanted skirt. After ordering the blazer over the phone, I became consumed with the desire to own the full suit. Apparently, so consumed that I wasn't thinking clearly.

For reasons unknown, the designers at Theory decided to pair an amazing blazer with an indecently short, slightly flared miniskirt (?). The ladies on the phone told me they had just two sizes left - a 0 and a 10. The sz 0 measured under 13" long (tsk tsk tsk), and the sz 10 was 15" long (do-able). The skirt including shipping was not so cheap, and either size required costly alterations. I tossed and turned in my sleep...oh, what to do?

The next day I bit the bullet and ordered sz 10. My tailors were flabbergasted. "Take picture for website!!" they exclaimed.

Theory "Roselin" skirt in conversation fabric, sz 10

Later that week, I was hanging up the new blazer in my closet and caught a flash of similar fabric. I did a double take. Surely enough, it was a dress that I purchased years ago at Saks off 5th, in the same exact fabric. I remember my Theory fabrics by name, so didn't put two and two together that "conversation" was the same material as "dialogue." I had a matching piece all along. *Smacks head.*

Matching dress from 2009:

To make a long story short, the skirt is now back from the tailors. I do not need it because I already have the matching dress. Here is how it looks post-alterations:

Theory "Gratian" blazer in sz 00, and 'Roselin" skirt post-alterations.

And with opaque tights (it looks better with semi-sheer tights):

This skirt now measures 13" across the waist, 17.5" across the widest part at the bottom, and 15" long. Side zipper closure and fully lined. The alterations were simple and came out perfectly, so the only sign of the original size is inside on the tag. I know a few ladies have a blazer in the matching fabric, so email me if you are interested in this skirt. Sold!

Theory Outlet Finds: The Gratian Blazer Saga

BR dress tag info, Theory jackets tag info 

I randomly stopped by the outlets after Christmas (unplanned, I swear!) and was overjoyed to stumble upon the Theory "Gratian" blazer, this time in a textured cotton fabric available in cream or black. Some of you may remember that this blazer was a petite fave, as its cropped, shrunken style fits nicely on shorter and smaller-framed women. Revisit my post here, and the original post on Alterations Needed that started it all!

The jacket was $410 marked down to $99, plus they had another discount for post-Christmas. Sadly, the smallest size left at that outlet was a 2, and the manager said "I'm not going to call up every single store" because they were too busy. It actually takes about 10 seconds to look it up in the system (my local Theory outlet has done this for me many times), but the manager didn't believe me. I had to take matters into my own hands and spent the rest of the day actually calling up every single Theory outlet in the US. No one could find anything smaller than a 2.

Theory "Gratian" blazer in "Conversation" fabric, size 0

Gap legging jeans in "faded dark" sz 00P (buy here)
I've tried on 4 washes and faded dark is hands down the best material. Gonna buy a 2nd w/ the next sale!

I set my alarm the next day for right when the East Coast outlets opened (being that I was in CA...this was about 6AM) and I diligently called every store again. The sleepy boyfriend thought I was a nut! Yes I was a little overzealous, but oh the things we do for fashion and bargains...

I found the cream and black in a size 0 as the smallest size, and gave in and ordered each with a $15 shipping fee. What was I thinking paying so much for the wrong size? I really love the cream but the boyfriend says it's too big in the shoulders...what do you guys think? Update: after reading your thoughtful opinions, I sadly parted with the cream. See it on its adorable new owner here.

The next day, I called some stores that were previously closed due to the Nor'easter, and was overjoyed to find two 00's in the black. Without thinking twice I ordered both. I figured a fellow petite would buy the extra and benefit from my crazed searching. Here is the black in sz 00:

Theory "Gratian" blazer in "Conversation" fabric, size 00

Gap legging jeans in "faded dark" sz 00P

Ann Taylor Perfect Pumps sz 5

Liane from PetiteXXS and Jen of Frmheadtotoe also picked up this blazer. They are both smaller than me so I'm curious how 00 fits on them. Here is the material up close. It is a thicker woven material (89% cotton, 11% polyamide) and has sparkly metallic silver threads woven throughout. Made in the USA.

As I was hanging up this blazer in my closet, I did a double take. Apparently I have a dress suit in the same exact fabric! I remember Theory fabrics by name so it didn't hit me until then, because the name apparently changed. My dress suit (posted here) fabric is called "Dialogue" and these jackets are in "Conversation" ! What a pleasant surprise. I wore the jacket over the dress to work last week.

This was a long and rambly post, but to sum it up...I have two black "Gratian" blazers up for grabs in 00 and 0. Both sizes are sold!

Theory Outlet Finds: The Gratian Blazer Saga

BR dress tag info, Theory jackets tag info 

I randomly stopped by the outlets after Christmas (unplanned, I swear!) and was overjoyed to stumble upon the Theory "Gratian" blazer, this time in a textured cotton fabric available in cream or black. Some of you may remember that this blazer was a petite fave, as its cropped, shrunken style fits nicely on shorter and smaller-framed women. Revisit my post here, and the original post on Alterations Needed that started it all!

The jacket was $410 marked down to $99, plus they had another discount for post-Christmas. Sadly, the smallest size left at that outlet was a 2, and the manager said "I'm not going to call up every single store" because they were too busy. It actually takes about 10 seconds to look it up in the system (my local Theory outlet has done this for me many times), but the manager didn't believe me. I had to take matters into my own hands and spent the rest of the day actually calling up every single Theory outlet in the US. No one could find anything smaller than a 2.

Theory "Gratian" blazer in "Conversation" fabric, size 0

Gap legging jeans in "faded dark" sz 00P (buy here)
I've tried on 4 washes and faded dark is hands down the best material. Gonna buy a 2nd w/ the next sale!

I set my alarm the next day for right when the East Coast outlets opened (being that I was in CA...this was about 6AM) and I diligently called every store again. The sleepy boyfriend thought I was a nut! Yes I was a little overzealous, but oh the things we do for fashion and bargains...

I found the cream and black in a size 0 as the smallest size, and gave in and ordered each with a $15 shipping fee. What was I thinking paying so much for the wrong size? I really love the cream but the boyfriend says it's too big in the shoulders...what do you guys think? Update: after reading your thoughtful opinions, I sadly parted with the cream. See it on its adorable new owner here.

The next day, I called some stores that were previously closed due to the Nor'easter, and was overjoyed to find two 00's in the black. Without thinking twice I ordered both. I figured a fellow petite would buy the extra and benefit from my crazed searching. Here is the black in sz 00:

Theory "Gratian" blazer in "Conversation" fabric, size 00

Gap legging jeans in "faded dark" sz 00P

Ann Taylor Perfect Pumps sz 5

Liane from PetiteXXS and Jen of Frmheadtotoe also picked up this blazer. They are both smaller than me so I'm curious how 00 fits on them. Here is the material up close. It is a thicker woven material (89% cotton, 11% polyamide) and has sparkly metallic silver threads woven throughout. Made in the USA.

As I was hanging up this blazer in my closet, I did a double take. Apparently I have a dress suit in the same exact fabric! I remember Theory fabrics by name so it didn't hit me until then, because the name apparently changed. My dress suit (posted here) fabric is called "Dialogue" and these jackets are in "Conversation" ! What a pleasant surprise. I wore the jacket over the dress to work last week.

This was a long and rambly post, but to sum it up...I have two black "Gratian" blazers up for grabs in 00 and 0. Both sizes are sold!

Winter Outfits for Work and Play

Ahoy, readers! Posting will be sporadic this season due to a hectic schedule...thank you ladies for bearing with me. I haven't even had time yet to catch up on my favorite blogs, which makes me sad. I did a lot of shopping last week and can't wait to share my finds with you guys, plus I've been thinking about the next Petite Fashion Challenge hosted by my coat twin Cynthia (sign up here). 

For now, please accept this filler post. Photos were snapped over vacation at my parents' house (no, not at my 500 sq foot apartment with barren concrete walls). This is an H&M lace dress/tunic that I tweeted about last month:

Black lace minidress: H&M sz womens XS, $35

Belt: Ann Taylor Patent Belt sz S  Shoes: Ann Taylor Perfect Pumps sz 5

Mustard Cardigan: Martin & Osa (similar here for $13.80)

Several of you asked how I protected the leather soles of my Ann Taylor shoes...and I haven't. They get scuffed up by city streets, but I'll probably wear them down before paying for a re-sole.

Was trying to pair the jacket below (from this post) with something other than the failed Minnies, and finally accepted that it is too big in the shoulders/torso for me. I love the felted wool material but will probably have to sell it : /

Wool blazer: Theory sz 00 (charcoal wool w/ light navy plaid)

Dress: Banana Republic 00P

Tights: H&M divided 40 den, Shoes: Ann Taylor Perfect Pumps sz 5

Aye...note to self: unbuttoned, wrapped & belted blazer looks like a dumpling.

Winter Outfits for Work and Play

Ahoy, readers! Posting will be sporadic this season due to a hectic schedule...thank you ladies for bearing with me. I haven't even had time yet to catch up on my favorite blogs, which makes me sad. I did a lot of shopping last week and can't wait to share my finds with you guys, plus I've been thinking about the next Petite Fashion Challenge hosted by my coat twin Cynthia (sign up here). 

For now, please accept this filler post. Photos were snapped over vacation at my parents' house (no, not at my 500 sq foot apartment with barren concrete walls). This is an H&M lace dress/tunic that I tweeted about last month:

Black lace minidress: H&M sz womens XS, $35

Belt: Ann Taylor Patent Belt sz S  Shoes: Ann Taylor Perfect Pumps sz 5

Mustard Cardigan: Martin & Osa (similar here for $13.80)

Several of you asked how I protected the leather soles of my Ann Taylor shoes...and I haven't. They get scuffed up by city streets, but I'll probably wear them down before paying for a re-sole.

Was trying to pair the jacket below (from this post) with something other than the failed Minnies, and finally accepted that it is too big in the shoulders/torso for me. I love the felted wool material but will probably have to sell it : /

Wool blazer: Theory sz 00 (charcoal wool w/ light navy plaid)

Dress: Banana Republic 00P

Tights: H&M divided 40 den, Shoes: Ann Taylor Perfect Pumps sz 5

Aye...note to self: unbuttoned, wrapped & belted blazer looks like a dumpling.

Petite Lookbook: A Venture into Victorian

Ruffled top tucked into slim pencil skirt = standard work fare for me year-round. It's pretty much foolproof for those just starting to build a work wardrobe. Back in January I posted the same outfit recipe here, and it almost pains me how plain I was (outfit and face alike!). Thank you blogger friends for providing fashion/beauty inspirations and critique over the year. My style has surely taken a turn for the better after reading blogs and reading all your comments.

Although the jist of this ensemble hasn't changed, I've been trying to spruce it up with simple accessories. Add monochromatic tights and pumps to stay warm (and elongate the legs). If you're always a black tights on black pumps girl...try gray on gray or olive on brown for a change. Feminize the look with some bold costume jewelry. Having almost never worn jewelry last year, I make a huge effort now to wear at least one piece every day.

 

Top: Ann Taylor ruffle blouse XSP - similar here

Skirt: Theory Joanie Tweed Skirt sz 00 - similar here and here  

Heels: Ann Taylor Perfect Pumps sz 5   

Gray tights:  H&M Divided 40 den

Cameo bracelet: Topshop (from bf's London trip)

Chain Necklace: LOFT    

This blouse fits surprisingly small for an XSP, especially for silk. I did spend a hefty $25 to get the sleeve cuffs brought up (see pre-alterations photos here), but my pet peeve are ill-fitting sleeves so I always shell out for the alterations.

I have to say I probably won't buy LOFT necklaces again. After just one wear this final sale chain necklace oxidized and had that terrible metal smell (this happened to all my F21 necklaces so I never buy those anymore either). It left a rash on my neck so into the trash it goes...

Readers - what are your go-to ensembles for work?

Petite Lookbook: A Venture into Victorian

Ruffled top tucked into slim pencil skirt = standard work fare for me year-round. It's pretty much foolproof for those just starting to build a work wardrobe. Back in January I posted the same outfit recipe here, and it almost pains me how plain I was (outfit and face alike!). Thank you blogger friends for providing fashion/beauty inspirations and critique over the year. My style has surely taken a turn for the better after reading blogs and reading all your comments.

Although the jist of this ensemble hasn't changed, I've been trying to spruce it up with simple accessories. Add monochromatic tights and pumps to stay warm (and elongate the legs). If you're always a black tights on black pumps girl...try gray on gray or olive on brown for a change. Feminize the look with some bold costume jewelry. Having almost never worn jewelry last year, I make a huge effort now to wear at least one piece every day.

 

Top: Ann Taylor ruffle blouse XSP - similar here

Skirt: Theory Joanie Tweed Skirt sz 00 - similar here and here  

Heels: Ann Taylor Perfect Pumps sz 5   

Gray tights:  H&M Divided 40 den

Cameo bracelet: Topshop (from bf's London trip)

Chain Necklace: LOFT    

This blouse fits surprisingly small for an XSP, especially for silk. I did spend a hefty $25 to get the sleeve cuffs brought up (see pre-alterations photos here), but my pet peeve are ill-fitting sleeves so I always shell out for the alterations.

I have to say I probably won't buy LOFT necklaces again. After just one wear this final sale chain necklace oxidized and had that terrible metal smell (this happened to all my F21 necklaces so I never buy those anymore either). It left a rash on my neck so into the trash it goes...

Readers - what are your go-to ensembles for work?

Petite Pants: J.Crew Minnie Skinny Pants

In my last J.Crew post I expressed disappointment for the fit of the Minnie pants. These are allegedly J.Crew's most popular pants (available in many color and fabric combos season after season) and were recommended by several petites. When they arrived I was thrilled that they almost fit, and was all set on keeping them until seeing pics. Pics are the best for showing how things fit! Here is a closer look:

Heels: Aldo  Earrings: Thrifted

Blouse: Theory ombre silk top sz P   Blazer: Theory sz 00 

Pants: J.Crew Twill Minnies in Charcoal sz 00P - on sale

Not too bad with heels, right? A bit slouchy throughout (and I heard that they continue to stretch out with wear) and I wish they tapered a little more at the ankle. I was excited to get gray pants because I've been having trouble pairing this little blazer. It's a dark navy wool with gray plaid throughout...and all I have are black bottoms for work whcih don't look so great together. Any suggestions?

Oh how I adore vintage earring finds (for $3 at Savers thrift store!). Continue reading...

I commute in flats, so I *should* always test items out with flats before deciding to keep. Wish I did that before keeping my Gap and Ann Taylor cropped pants!

 

As I've already made the mistake of keeping a few pairs of awkward-length pants earlier this year, these were a no-go after seeing this photo. The length of these on me are the worst by far with flats (00P inseam measured 24 inches), but I can see them looking nice on someone with either longer legs (as crops) or shorter legs (as ankle pants). A few people have mentioned that if you call or online chat with J.Crew, they will provide you exact measurements on their items. Refer back to this post to see links to other petites wearing the Minnies.

Readers - any other recommendations for skinny trousers for work? I think I'm going to pick up the Equestrian Wool Cuffed Trousers as modeled by Alterations Needed after they go on further sale.

Petite Pants: J.Crew Minnie Skinny Pants

In my last J.Crew post I expressed disappointment for the fit of the Minnie pants. These are allegedly J.Crew's most popular pants (available in many color and fabric combos season after season) and were recommended by several petites. When they arrived I was thrilled that they almost fit, and was all set on keeping them until seeing pics. Pics are the best for showing how things fit! Here is a closer look:

Heels: Aldo  Earrings: Thrifted

Blouse: Theory ombre silk top sz P   Blazer: Theory sz 00 

Pants: J.Crew Twill Minnies in Charcoal sz 00P - on sale

Not too bad with heels, right? A bit slouchy throughout (and I heard that they continue to stretch out with wear) and I wish they tapered a little more at the ankle. I was excited to get gray pants because I've been having trouble pairing this little blazer. It's a dark navy wool with gray plaid throughout...and all I have are black bottoms for work whcih don't look so great together. Any suggestions?

Oh how I adore vintage earring finds (for $3 at Savers thrift store!). Continue reading...

I commute in flats, so I *should* always test items out with flats before deciding to keep. Wish I did that before keeping my Gap and Ann Taylor cropped pants!

 

As I've already made the mistake of keeping a few pairs of awkward-length pants earlier this year, these were a no-go after seeing this photo. The length of these on me are the worst by far with flats (00P inseam measured 24 inches), but I can see them looking nice on someone with either longer legs (as crops) or shorter legs (as ankle pants). A few people have mentioned that if you call or online chat with J.Crew, they will provide you exact measurements on their items. Refer back to this post to see links to other petites wearing the Minnies.

Readers - any other recommendations for skinny trousers for work? I think I'm going to pick up the Equestrian Wool Cuffed Trousers as modeled by Alterations Needed after they go on further sale.