Thursday, November 4, 2010

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 ;)


29 comments:

  1. lol callandra!! i can't believe you ate all that! well the weekend is coming, so you can forget about it soon! i really like the wrap dress on you. its really cute. i might want to try it on. i wasn't sure what that was underneath your dress, couldn't tell it was a pencil skirt. i thought it was a slip...so i don't think it looks bad at all.

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  2. Aw I can totally relate about work! I was in a funk like that a few months ago and it passed. You'll get through it!!

    I actually think that your outfit looks really cute with the black pencil skirt - as long as you pass it off as intentional, who cares? :)

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  3. You are too funny! I love that sweater dress on you! And I agree about the cling-ness of sweater dresses! I like mine to have enough room to fill my belly!

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  4. Ping, I know! Everybody talks about buyer's remorse but no one mentions overeater's remorse!

    I would definitely recommend this dress for you in the smallest size possible (and I'd love to see it if you get it ;)

    Thanks for the encouragement Erin. I think the magic wand just gave me a sprinking of the "bad luck dust" temporarily! Lol

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  5. Really Petite, Obviously I need enough room to feel my belly too!! Lol

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  6. I love the addition of the pencil skirt underneath, but have you tried it maybe with a belt to accentuate the waist? I was thinking since it is now bottom-heavier with the layered skirt, maybe add a belt or a necklace to balance out the focus.

    Junk food seriously fixes bad days. I've had a bad day at work almost everyday this month lol and just ate a big bowl of ramen (good asian ramen, not top ramen) and other treats.

    Oh, I also tried on the first jacket and wasn't even motivated to post photos yesterday. I wish it fit more like a true riding jacket should...more fitted, but longer in the torso.

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  7. it's been so cold lately so I have been seriously pigging out on everything.

    I like the side profile of the dress with the pencil skirt underneath but I agree with PAG's suggestion of belting it since the skirt's thickness distorts the proportion of the dress a bit (Especially because you are so slim).

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  8. Jean, I was actually thinking of you when I tried on that riding jacket. It was bad enough to make me cringe and I was thinking how unfair vanity sizing was becoming. That's a very good point about the dress being bottom heavy with the addition of the pencil skirt, thank you! I definitely feel better knowing that I'm not the only one turning to "comfort food" this month ;)

    Elle, I think it's easier to eat more when it's cold out too!....I like to have something hot to eat or drink in my hand as well. I really did like that suggestion to bring the focus up or balance out the added weight to the bottom of the skirt.

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  9. I get sucked in by the free shipping too. When it's free shipping + % off, it's a no brainer hehe.

    What if you wear thicker layers underneath the blazer? Does it look better unbuttoned? Just want to make sure there's no way to improve on it before you return it =)

    I wouldn't have thought to layer a sweater dress over a pencil skirt. It's definitely a cute look and you look great! I like how it's close enough in color but not exactly the same shade.

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  10. I agree with PAG's suggestion, but love that you were able to think about adding the skirt underneath. That wouldn't even have come to my mind! I have yet to find a sweater dress that I feel comfortable in. I'm hoping to pick the H&M one up that PetiteLG reviewed.

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  11. I love the skirt underneath, it makes it more interesting than just a sweater-dress. You look super sleek today, perhaps it's the hair...so commanding! =)

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  12. :( Sorry you are having a rough time at work lately!

    You are not being too picky about the jacket...does not do anything for your shape!

    I agree with PAG! Great suggestion with the belt and necklace!

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  13. Callandra-- I went to loft this afternoon to look for the sweater dress and no such luck!! the loft petite is literally a tiny corner at the store. not a very good selection. totally sucks!

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  14. Awww, I had a wonderfully horrible day today full of many, many mistakes so I totally feel you on the work day blues comment. :( I came home and all I wanted to do was inhale junk food but I didn't have any (should have totally stopped by KFC after work!).

    Anyway, the idea of layering a skirt underneath is such a good idea! I found the cutest sweater dress at Mango recently and it fit pretty well. I just didn't end up getting it because I felt like the clingyness makes it hard to wear out. The blazer over your's makes it nicely work-approps though.

    Have a fabulous Friday! At least the week is over! :)

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  15. Wrap dress looks great! I loved it, but for me it was a way no go at work. It looks wonderful on you though!! And I do like it with the skirt underneath, its a cool little touch.

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  16. I never would've thought to wear it over a pencil skirt, but I can see how that would solve any clingy-bottomed sweater dress issues. And I know what you mean, food definitely helps me get through the day (and through the night when I'm working late!).

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  17. Both pieces integrate well and look polish together. Suit your style well. Minimalist elegance and sharp sophistication.

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  18. I think the sweater dress looks cute with the skirt...I also would suggest belting it and seeing how that looks...I have a longer sweater (that I guess is supposed to be a tunic) that I recently tried on with a pencil skirt in my closet, I belted it, and I thought it looked cute. Now know knows when or if I'll actually get around to wearing it...haha

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  19. You're right about the jacket. It's a bit too roomy on you. Such ashame, because the subtle plaid pattern is perfect for the season. I have the same issues with gapping for all wrap dresses, so I tend to stay away from them. Wearing a camisole underneath is really the only solution. Skirt beneath the dress and blazer on top looks really good! I love shades of grey!

    www.tiny-in-nyc.com

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  20. What a nice way to decide whether to keep an item by the spur of the moment! This is your subconscious saying "please keep this wrap dress", I love the dress such a classic! I thought the dress came with a layer underneath before I read that you placed a skirt underneath. I think it looks great!

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  21. LOL on your post. I'm glad the blog can be your outlet when you don't feel your best.
    I have tried the jacket in store once and hated the look on me. Now I know I'm not alone.
    The wrap dress looks very good on you. I especially like the side view of it. I'm not quite sure about the layering on the bottom, it's hard to gauge on the effectiveness from a picture. Do you feel comfortable in it?

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  22. Cee, I totally agree! You can easily order everything that you've been wanting to try on (that might not have been availabe in your size in the store) and decide at your convenience if the item will work for you!...I love it! You're right of course, I could wear thicker layers under the blazer, but I'd still have to have the sleeves shortened and the jacket was too expensive already!!

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  23. C&P, I didn't see the sweater dress that PLG reviewed! I'm going to try and catch up on my reading today ;)

    Stylepint, Thank you! I've noticed how visually interesting you ensembles are, so it's nice to hear that this is a pairing that you like too.

    Michelle, Thanks for the reinforcement...I'm definitely returning the jacket!

    Ping, I'm so sorry, that totally sucks! I hate it when I can't find my size in a store and if that store doesn't offer a good selection of petite's in the first place, it can be very discourging trying to shop there! If the Loft is still offering free shipping, I'd suggest you try "stylefinder". Just call 1-800-dial-ann and they can do a store search worldwide for you. Good luck....btw, the style number is 253684 (fingers crossed ;)

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  24. Mich, So sweet, thank you for the encouragement! (I stopped specifically for junk food, so I kind of sabatoged myself)Lol I have never heard of the store "mango" are they online?

    Bianca, Thank you. Sweater dresses are not easy to wear for sure, and I definitely want to be able to wear my dresses to work as well as out to dinner or some other type of activity.

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  25. Liane, I have to say how inspired I was when I saw that outfit where you paired a blouse over a dress so that the bottom looked like a skirt!...it was so creative and definitely worked! I try not to fall back on food too often, but it's nice to just relax sometimes and endulge yourself a little when you need a pick-me-up.

    Anonymous, Thanks very much. To be honest, minimalism is not usually my style, but I did like the final look of this outfit.

    Tara, That's funny! I'm dying to see it now!..so please wear it soon ;)

    Em, I really liked the subtle plaid too, it is a shame about the size. I bought a full black slip yesterday that has a cami looking top to it, so we'll see if it works out.

    Hannah, Well that's cool if you thought the layer was part of the dress! I honestly don't know if my subconscious wants to keep the dress or if necessity is the mother of invention! Ha Ha

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  26. Vicky, You're right, I am very lucky to have such a satisfying outlet. Not only do I get to whine about my day, I also have all of these great friends who leave me comments so I know that I'm not the only one who has bad days or sometimes uses junk food for comfort ;) I think I felt semi comfortable in the dress with the skirt underneath. I was slightly worried throughout the day that it might just look hokey, you know? Btw, I think this dress would look even better on you with your shape!

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  27. I'm sorry you were having a bad day : ( At least your skinny enough that when you do pig out you dont have to feel bad about it later : ) Love the skirt underneath the sweater dress. Doesn't look contrived at all to me and as cold as you stay in your office extra layers are just the thing!! And I think your idea of a black slip for a cami is perfect!!

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  28. Bella Style, I'm actually having trouble finding the perfect black slip. I bought what I thought was the "perfect" one at Target, but it's up around my hips by the end of the day and you know how much I hate tugging on my clothes all day! Any suggestions?

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