Shopping with Sissy

My sister and I have observed a tradition for several years now (not sure how it first came about) where we both take the day off for our birthday and go shopping together.  This year neither of us had much vacation time around our birthday, so we had to push our shopping day back a few months.  We were finally able to take our "shopping day"  during the first part of November (our birthday is in January ;) but it was totally worth the wait!

There isn't an H&M store around our area, so we drove a couple of hours to a bigger mall that featured some stores that we don't usually get to shop, including Anthropologie!  (I know, you guys are going "whoo hoo) but we were totally excited!  hee hee We found this dress at Forever 21 and both fell in love.

This dress can be styled so many ways, we really couldn't pass it up.  Same dress obviously, just styled slightly boho.

 Sisters are one of the best things that can happen to you.  And if you happen to be born five minutes after your best friend, well, they're just that much better!  ;)

By the way, I know you guys are going to have some great ideas for me on how to style this dress.  Please don't hold back, I can't wait to try them all out!

Black Friday in Bed

Hello Dear Friends,

This is not what I look like today.  As a matter of fact, I am lounging in bed with the electric blanket cranked, sporting my favorite pair of sweatpants and the worst case of bed head you've ever seen!  hee 

To all of the industrious shoppers and motivated bargain hunters, may the force be with you, and God speed.

Have a great day off!


Outfit Details: 
Madden Girl Rhiana Booties size 5.5
Black Opaque Assests Tights
Ann Taylor Loft Color Block Dress (Not available online- Style # 249729)
Banana Republic Black V-Neck Cardi
JCrew Floral Belt (Now only available at the JCrew Outlets in-Stores and Online).

Holiday Wear - White House Black Market / Banana Republic Outlet Review

Okay, so this isn't what I wore to work today.  I took these pictures last night trying to come up with a holiday outfit that will allow me to eat next week while still looking svelte (don't know if such an outfit really exists) Lol

I really like this mix.  I just bought the wrap sweater from Banana Republic Outlet Store in xs on Sunday (did not see it in a petite) and the skirt is from White House Black Market in a 00 (also not petite and no longer available in 00 online).  Both seem to be a good fit to me.  I know the skirt might be slightly long for some of the petite bloggers, but I felt really comfortable with this length.

Perhaps I should add more jewelry......lose the cami underneath?  What do you guys think this outfit is missing?  (I'm loving everybody's input by the way).  It's like having my very own team of fashion stylists helping me look my best!  ;)

Coincidentally, Anh (pronounced on) at 9 to 5 chic wore a very similar outfit today and it's super cute!  Check it out here.

OOTD: Country Bumpkin

You know one of the things I love about blogging is looking at the outfits I've put together and worn all day. And, one of the things I hate about blogging is looking at the outfits I've put together and worn all day! Lol 

That's right, when I put this outfit together this morning, I thought "home run".  Got home, took pictures, and I'm thinking strike out. 

If I'm honest, I'll admit that it's not a bad outfit, just seeing it in the pictures it really doesn't feel like something I would wear or be drawn too.

Same outfit without the jacket.  I guess in my mind I was doing boho, while in reality I was really doing a country squire!  ha ha

Don't feel like you have to tell me the outfit's cute, I just want to know if this crazy phenomenon has every happened to you?

OOTD: Trouser / Converse Mix

I was absently thumbing through some old JCrew Mags Thursday night for casual Friday inspiration, and I came across this look.  I have always been an admirer of the trouser / converse sneaker look.  Something about it just seems to say "I'm comfortable and professional" at the same time.  This was a look being seen all over the JCrew Mags a couple of years ago (I know, I know) but it's a look that I still enjoy. 

Picture JCrew Mag - March 2010

I've noticed that Ellen Degeneres wears this look and it's different variations almost constantly and she always looks at ease.  Normally I prefer to wear Sandals or pumps with my trousers, but because of the weather I've been forced to find new options lately and this seemed to fit the bill nicely.

The mornings start out pretty cold here, so I always try to pile on thin layers that can be discarded throughout the day as it gets warmer.

I think Funny Face felt like it was her turn to cameo in one of the photos.  I didn't know she was checking me out 'till I was editing the pictures. Lol

Final look at the end of the day. 

I am really into cross body bags right now.  I'm sure it has nothing to do with them being marketed just about everywhere ;) 

Did you guys notice that I finally got the Striped Corsage Sweater?  Sissy snatched it up for me and at $17.00 I'm thinking I might be able to shrink it down in the dryer. hee  Michelle at Mini Maestra reviewed it here , Liane at Petite XXS reviewed it here and Vicky at Vicky's daily fashion blog wore it here.

Added Note:  Please check out the Petite Fashion Challenge #4 being hosted by Curls and Pearls!  I've added the button on my side bar near the top.  Just click on it and it will take you directly to her site to sign up!...This one looks like fun!!

Outfit Details: 
Ann Taylor Factory Trench 00p
Ann Taylor Factory Trouser Jeans 00p
Ann Taylor Factory V-Neck Oxford 00p  (didn't realize my outfit was almost exclusively outlets today)
Loft Striped Corsage Sweater xxsp
Target Converse One Star - Child Size 4
I noticed the child size 4 fits perfectly (I normally wear a woman's size 6) and is half the price of the adults converse sneakers
Francesa's In the Details Bag
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Have a great weekend Blogging Friends!

OOTD: Playing with Casual Wear, Hair Styles and Heidi

So I've been playing around in my closet, I put some casual looks together and thought you guys might help me decide which pants option was better.  I cuffed in the first picture and uncuffed in the second.  This blouse is the Layered Ruffle Blouse from Ann Taylor (no longer available) and I've worn the cardi in a previous post here.

Longer top, cuffed pants + booties = two inch legs on petite's.  

I bought this blouse at New York and Co years ago.  Totally too big (like everything from NY &C) but I wear it as a tunic, so I'm thinking it works that way.  The open front cardi is from the Ann Taylor Factory Store, purchased in January.  Belted option here........

Unbelted here....................................

Heidi Girl kept asking to be in the picture, so I eventually gave in and scooped her up.  From there of course she wanted to go to bed (she can't sleep at night unless she's in bed with mommy) but she managed to hold out a little longer while I finished putting everything away ;)

This is the Petite Fitted Cotten Blazer from the Loft.  The fit is very good, but the price is very high.  I'm going to have to get it with a good sale.

The jeans are the Stella Barely Boot Cut Jeans from Express in 00 short.  I find the Barely Bootcut to be more flattering on my curvy frame than average Skinny Jeans.  And of course you guys are familiar with the Madden Girl Rhiana Booties that I've worn practically every day since purchasing.  Happy Monday and Have a Great Week!

OOTD: Shades of Gray

Kind of had a rough day at work today.  It seems like I've made more mistakes in one month than I have the past entire year.  My boss is being really sweet about it, but I'm getting a bit concerned about my powers of concentration.  So, after finishing off the fried chicken strips, potato wedges, pepperidge farm soft baked cookies, ice cream and fast break candy bar (I'm not joking) I decided to relax by posting on my blog.  Lol

Anyway, I recently ordered a bunch of stuff from the Loft while they had free shipping.  I never can seem to resist that "free shipping" perk.  It's so handy to be able to try stuff on in the comfort of your own home and decide in your own mirror how flattering a garment really is!

The first item I ordered was the Blanket Plaid Jacket in 00p.  I really thought this jacket might have potential when I saw it online, but as soon as I tried it on I changed my mind.  Not only were the sleeves too long, there was also a lot of extra room in the body of the jacket.  Yes, I realize that I am being picky, but I think it's important to be picky if you want to build the "perfect" wardrobe.

Next up, I ordered the Loft's Petite Faux Wrap Sweater Dress.  I originally tried it on just by itself and decided that it was verging on office inappropriate.  Then, one morning in a mad rush out the door I grabbed it in a fit of panic, layered a black pencil skirt underneath and ran out the door.  I have to say that I have never received so many compliments in one day ever!

I've gotten so much wear out of these Madden Girl Booties, I can hardly believe it!  I had full intentions of returning them because they're so much higher than what I'm used to wearing, but it seems like I have them on everyday and of course I can't return them now.  (I don't know what I'd wear if I did)! ha ha

One thing I didn't like about this dress was how it wanted to gap open in the front.  I was able to fasten it temporarily, but I'll have to get a full black slip to act as a cami for future wears.  I ordered this dress in a xxsp and a xsp and wound up going with the xsp.  Sweater dresses tend to be clingy and I want to be able to wear this comfortably to multiple functions without propriety concerns you know?

I'm almost afraid to ask, but what do you guys think about the black pencil skirt underneath?  Does it look too hokey or contrived?  The upside was the extra warmth and no need for a slip down below..........

So, there you have it.  Thanks for listening to me whine about my day, I definitley feel all better now ;)