Petite Fashion Challenge # 2

It's finally here, Petite Fashion Challenge #2  "Wear it Now, Wear it Later!   Visit Kelly at Alterations Needed who is hosting this challenge to view more participants.

I have really been looking forward to seeing everyone's outfits for this challenge.  The weather here begins in the mornings around 45 degrees and ends up at 80 by the time I head home, so I'm really needing some styling inspirations.

I styled a Michael Kors dress I fell in love with and bought last year at his outlet store.  The dress is sleeveless so I added a long sleeve knit bodysuit underneath for added warmth without bulky layers underneath the dress (a pet peeve of mine).  The long cardi and boots (with woolen socks) complete the fall outfit.

I enjoyed styling the dress for summer and although the possibilities seemed endless, I dressed it up a bit with the accessories for fun.

Just bought this clutch at Express by the way...still haven't gotten over my obsession for the Michael Kors Berkley Clutch but this one was adorable, affordable and versatile.  Express sends out coupons almost every other day so make sure to sign up for their e-mails for extra savings.

Can't wait to see everyone else's outfits for the challenge!

Happy Friday Everyone!

OOTD: Loving Ann Taylor Loft

It occured to me while putting on my makeup at 4:30 this morning that I have been incredibly remiss in mentioning the 2nd Petite Fashion Challenge that is being hosted by Kelly at Alterations Needed!  This Challenge sounds like a lot of fun and is reminiscent of Ann Taylor Loft's "Wear it Now, Wear it Later" Lookbook.  The idea is to style an item of clothing for spring/summer and again for fall/winter. Check out Kelly's post here and join in the fun!

Yesterday I had only enough slack time to check out one blogging post and as luck would have it, I checked out Liane's post at Petite XXS.  well, if you ladies caught this post you will understand that immediately after I regained consciousness and pulled myself up off the floor, I bounded out of the house like a woman insane!

Sadly, I had missed the 40% off that was going on Sunday (the sympathetic sales clerk said that the Loft only runs that promo for one day) Bummer!  However, all was not lost, they were still running the 25% off and allowing $25.00 savings card to be used in conjuction.  I mentally reconciled myself to the lower savings quota and got down to some serious shopping.

I told Liane how much I adored her in this graphic tee, so adorable!...An absolute must have!!

Wearing this tee with a skirt, I really felt that it had to be tucked in because of how long it is.  I plan to take it to my tailor soon and see if she can hem it up for me (I told you guys that I was obsessed right now with the lengths of my tops). 

The skirt is part of a skirt suit that I bought at the Ann Taylor Outlet last week in Florida.  The suit wasn't available in the store in my size, but they kindly offered to ship it to me for free and they honored the promos going on in the store for the order as well!
I couldn't resist styling the tee with my "skinny jeans" (aka...Express Barely Boot Cut) and some Steve Madden flats....

I didn't totally mind the longer length of the tee with the pants and I figured it wouldn't be too tummy flattering to tuck it in, so I scrunched it up a bit and wore it out.

I hope you guys were able to take advantage of the great deals going on at the Loft.  The sales clerk tonight (yes, I went back again - shamefaced) said that the 25% off of everything would be going on all week!  Happy Shopping!

Ann Taylor Loft Fitting Room Review

After a week's sabbatical in Destin Florida I'm so Happy/Sad to be home! lol  Seriously, we had a great time.  We shopped at the great outlet they have there (spent way too much) at BCBG, Kenneth Cole, Banana Republic and Ann Taylor.  We ate so much that it will take me a month at the gym before I'll be able to fit back into my jeans! hee hee

There was also a great outdoor mall there and I couldn't resist going into the Loft and trying on some things I had been eying for awhile now.  First up, the Petite Stripped Sweater w/Corsage.

So in love with this sweater, but as you can see, it's waaayyy too long even in the Petite XXS.  I scrunched it up just in case it might work, but no good.  Next, Petite Habutsi Flutter Sleeve Tee.

Really love this color, but way too long again :(   Lately I've been insisting that my tops hit at exactly the top of my hip bone so that I have the option to wear the blouse tucked or untucked for extra versatility.  Next, Petite Stripped Sweater Dress.

I really loved this dress.  I tried it on in their Petite XS (that was the smallest size they had available in the store) but I was very pleased with the fit in this size so I'm thinking I'll definitely get it once it goes low enough..............what do you guys think?  Worth stalking??.....

We Swim, We Dine, We Shop for Things

As the warm weather begins to fade, Mr. PEMS and I attempt one final summer hurrah by visiting Destin Florida where we honeymooned so long ago.  In spite of the fact that fall is my favorite of the four seasons, I can't help but dig my feet in the warm sand every year to try and stave off the cold that is inevitably coming.  Ironically Mr. PEMS and I fell in love here as well, when my angel mother (a single mom with three teenagers) accepted her friends invitation to vacation with her family in Florida.  The rest is history and our mothers' are still best friends too  ;)

JCrew Tankini xs
JCrew Swim Skirt xs
Forever 21 Gold Bangles

I'm looking forward to swimming everyday, the wonderful food and endless shopping....I'll keep you guys posted if I find anything amazing.  Have a great weekend everybody!

OOTD: Review Ann Taylor Loft Watercolor Print Ruffle Halter

Hi Guys, I'd like to send a congratulations to Lisa at Respect the Shoes.  Lisa recently published her 200th post (no small feat) and in celebration she is hosting an Anthropologie "Grandma's Treasure Trove Necklace" giveaway.  Please stop by Lisa's Blog (here) and sign up for a chance to win this beautiful necklace.

Speaking of 200 posts, I'll never make it to mine unless I get started, so here we go.  I don't know if you guys caught the Ann Taylor Loft Fall Sneak Peak that An at Alterations Needed posted in June, but it was sooo great.   I fell so hard for the Floral Ruffle Front Halter paired with the Nautical Stripped Cardi and Tweed skirt outfit that I couldn't stand it.

So I waited patiently for the clothing to make their appearance to the racks.........and nothing.  Finally, the Floral Ruffle Front Halter was introduced, but just in simple solid colors not florals.  Well this blouse was still adorable, but was certainly not all that I had hoped for, for sure!  I can't tell you the excitement I felt when I finally spotted this baby online in August (at the unaffordable price of $54.50).  Thank you Loft for giving us the buy one get one half price deal. 

Final price out of pocket came down to $21.87 with free shipping.  What a super deal and I have already worn this blouse 10 times and I fully intend to wear it 'till it falls apart! 

I copied the model's ensemble so closely that I may as well have taken the outfit right off her! Lol  You can't tell in the pictures, but I even painted my nails a pretty red color to mimic the color shown on all the model's at the Fall Sneak Peak Preview..........that's how much I loved all of those looks!

And yes, before you ask I will absolutely be wearing this outfit with a tweed skirt in the fall - I have no shame! hee hee (mine are still packed away with my winter clothes for now).

Unfortunately, the cardi never made it to Loft petites in my chosen colors of blue and cream stripes, so I was forced to buy it in an XXS Regular.  I know the fit is not ideal, but unless you see the petite sized cardi on me I don't think you'd realize how big this one really is.

Another bit of sad news:  I have asked several associates at different stores and even called customer service at the Loft and it looks like that adorable tweed jacket featured in the pictures of An's Fall Sneak Peak will not be coming in petite sizes either  :(  If you guys here otherwise or see it in the stores, please let me know...  It is so chic!

This blouse was also reviewed by Jean at Extra Petite (here) and Liane at Petite XXS (here).  If I missed one of you guys that reviewed this top as well, just e-mail me, I'd love to add that link in too.

Outfit Details:
Ann Taylor Loft Watercolor Ruffle Halter 00p
Ann Taylor Loft Stripped V-Neck Cardi xxs
Ann Taylor Tan Trousers 00p (Also worn here)
JCrew Gold Thong Sandals 6 (Also worn here)
Nicoli Blue Suede Bag (Also worn here)

Have a great week you guys!

OOTD & Loft Tulip Skirt

I've loved this Loft tulip skirt since I first saw it. The only question seems to be if it creates a faux tummy pouch. I put the gray silk ombre blouse with it because I loved the way the color of the top melted into the floral pattern of the skirt. However, with the blouse untucked, I lost the detailed tulip top of the skirt and any kind of waist delineation.

Upon close inspection of the skirt I realized that the dark flowers were a dark navy, not black, so I eagerly added the navy suede bag for additional texture in the outfit.

I'm hoping you can get a good view of the top of the skirt here.

With the added Loft chambray jacket I completely lost the tulip detail at the top of the skirt and it may have looked odd from the side view.  Unfortunately, the office is so cold that not wearing a jacket is not often an option.

So this is the end result.  I have to admit that I preferred the look of the outfit where you could see the top of the skirt, but at the end of the day (it was a long one) I still felt comfortable and current.

Ann Taylor Loft Faux Denim Chambray Jacket 00p
Ann Taylor Silk Ombre Blouse 00p
Ann Taylor Loft Floral Tulip Skirt 00p
Nicoli Suede Bag
Aldo Wedges
Limited Jewelry

What do you guys think?....Love it, Hate it, Have suggestions?............

I eventually went with the blouse tucked in (vanity won out I suppose)  and a friend at work confirmed that it was the more flattering of the two silhouettes.

OOTD: Style Happens Every Morning

"You don't learn style from watching people on a runway.  Fashion happens every morning when you wake up."  Shalom Harlow

I am in complete agreement with this statement.  Fashion does happen every morning when you wake up, whether you take the time to dress appropriately or not.  The way you dress will tell people how to treat you, how you treat yourself and how well you know yourself.  You're definitely worth the time it takes to make you feel good about yourself and sometimes it's just the little details that helps our day go better.  ;)

You guys know that I've been stuck in a matchy-matchy mode lately, but thanks to Khatu and her Vibrant Summer Outfit Challenge, I am filled with renewed inspiration to create more visually interesting outfits.........Outfits that don't necessarily match, but rather "go together".

If you look up at the top of the armoire you can see a fuzzy little face napping over the side.

Forever 21 Tan Short Sleeve Cardi (One Season Ago)

Ann Taylor Loft Blouse (Three Seasons Ago)

Banana Republic Glenn Plaid Trousers (Outlet Two Seasons Ago)

Antonio Melani Cheetah Print Pumps (Five Seasons Ago)

Silver Rose Cuff (Thrifted)

Ciao Mes Amie's!

OOTD & JCrew Double Serge Pencil Skirt (again)

Hey Everybody, I hope everyone is having a great Labor Day Weekend!  The Mister and I spent the day running errands around town.  We stopped briefly at my tailors and she informed us of an amazing sale going on at Dillards.  The women's summer sandals are super cheap and the sale items in the men's department are an additional 50% off the lowest price, definitely worth checking out!

I am also eagerly waiting to see all of the outfits from Khatu's Vibrant Summer Giveaway.  When I was trying to come up with outfit ideas for Khatu's challenge, I threw open the closet and just started putting things together.  My outfits have been so matchy-matchy of late that I felt absolutely stuck in a rut and this challenge was just the thing to push me off of my lazy fashion couch.  Anyway, here is one of the combinations that wasn't submitted for the challenge, featuring the JCrew Double Serge Pencil Skirt (again).

Ann Taylor Loft Sleeveless Floral Blouse 00p (Similar here)
JCrew Double Serge Pencil Skirt 00p
Diba Leopard Print Peep Toe Pumps 6 (Similar here)
Forever 21 Necklace
Assorted Bracelets (Similar here)
Forever 21 Flower Petal Ring

Be safe you guys!

Michael Kors Berkley Clutch

We had a TJ Maxx open recently near our area (and when I say near, I mean 25 minutes away instead of  50) and I couldn't wait for the grand opening.
On the morning it opened the Mister and I eagerly scampered over (yes, he scampered too). Well needless to say, the place was packed and the line at the checkouts went back past the shoe department. 
I have never had much luck finding my size at TJ Maxx, but I can't get enough of their accessories.  I scoured the purse department, row after row and nothing. 
Then, fourth row back, buried under piles of granny inspired bucket bags, I saw it.......The Michael Kors Berkley Clutch!  The price tag of $99.99 made me blanch slightly and I had to choke back tears as I slowly lowered it back down.  Now, months later after searching high and low I have come to the awful realization that I passed up an incredible deal! 

Michael Kors Berkley Clutch

The going rate for this clutch is $198.00 and I found them listed for more on ebay than on Shopstyle!  Anyway, I'm still keeping an eye out for this amazing bag at an affordable price.  What do you guys think?