Winter Wear

I took these pictures on the run so they're horribly fuzzy......oops! 

This one is better.  Happy Christmas week dear blogger friends!!

Everything here is old....

Gap wide leg tweed trousers 0 (altered)
Gap plaid ruffle front blouse xsp
Ann Taylor Loft Faux wrap sweater xxsp
Forever 21 Cream sweater vest xs
Forever 21 Gray fingerless gloves
Ann Taylor Outlet necklace
Target Gray Beret

Bandolino Boots 6

Viva La eBay!

I am an eBay addict.  I admit it without shame.  Where else am I going to find an amazing H&M skirt, a festive White House Black Market shell, the perfect Banana Republic cropped cardi, a versatile Loft jacket, and perfect layering bodysuit, all at very affordable prices!

The most expensive thing I have on here is the Vera Wang jewelry purchased from Kohls (with coupons of course). 

My search for the perfect pair of gray suede booties continues.  What do you guys think of these?  I found them online at the F21 website (check them out here).  Surprisingly they were offered in size 5.5 so I took the plunge.

Coffee Time

I had a little free time Monday night, so I sat down with the laptop to respond to comments and catch up on all of your very lovely blogs. I logged into Petite Early Morning Style, and as I reached for the chocolate hazelnut biscotti I had been jonesing for all day, I accidentally brushed against the freshly brewed Caramel Machiato at my elbow and a computer / coffee incident ensued.

Needless to say, the screen went black and after frantically hopping around the room shaking the computer over my head for a bit, I finally came to my senses and laid the laptop open and flat to dry.

As you can see, here I am, and all is well ;)  I love happy endings don't you?



Review Ann Taylor Loft Petite Moody Leaves Ruffle Shell

Oh, it's so good to post again!  Life is insane here as I'm sure it is for all of you guys too!  (fun insane of course).  Finally getting a chance to review the petite moody leaves ruffle shell like I promised.  This poor little neglected blouse arrived over two weeks ago and I just pulled it out of the plastic today!

I love the color of this blouse, the fit is good and the ruffles down the front adds lots of visual interest.  I wouldn't mind it 1/2 inch shorter but the length isn't bad at all.

Btw, did you guys notice that I'm wearing the Ladie Open Toe Suede Booties from the Loft?  Sadly, they didn't have them in 5 1/2 anymore and I think these look just the tiniest bit too big.  The strap across the front keeps them from slipping though and they're quite comfortable.

Here's an extra outfit pic.  I was running out the door yesterday but took a couple of seconds to snap a picture.  You guys are aware of my penchant to layer dresses and skirts, so that's what I did here for added warmth ;)
I hope all of you are getting to spend lots of time with friends and family!!

1st Outfit Details:
Ann Taylor Loft Petite Striped Cardigan with Bow and Brooch detail xxsp(Also worn here by Annie and Tara)
Ann Taylor Loft Petite Moody Leaves Ruffle Shell 00p
Old Navy Boyfriend Weekender Jeans 0
Ann Taylor Loft Ladie Open Toe Suede Booties 6
Ann Taylor Loft Gray Bauble Ring (no longer available online)

2nd Outfit Details:
Ann Taylor Loft Faux Wrap Sweater Dress sp
Ann Taylor Loft Midnight Blur Ruflle Dress 00 (no longer available online)
Michael Kors Outle Short Wrap Coat (similar here)
Madden Girl Rhiana Booties 5.5
Ann Taylor Outlet Ring 6 (similar here)
Premier Chain Link Necklace (similar here)
Fossil Outlet Watch (similar here)

Petite Fashion Challenge # 4

Welcome to Petite Fashion Challenge # 4!  This challenge is being hosted by the beautiful Curls and Pearls. 

The challenge:


Create a holiday party look using festive colours and/or holiday pieces without looking like a greeting card.

For this challenge I dug my lace pencil skirt out of the back of my closet (tags still attached) and added an emerald green satin blouse (also in the back of the closet and never worn).

This challenge really helped me utilize some beautiful pieces that have been sitting in the back of my closet.  I added a topper coat, but didn't have the perfect clutch to finish the look.

I can't wait to see everybody else's holiday outfits!

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
.
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 ;)



OOTD: Casual Friday & Ann Taylor Loft Striped Sweater Dress

Have you guys seen all of our blogging buddies that are being featured on the Loft's facebook page?  It's called "How Bloggers Wear Loft for the weekend" and "How Bloggers Wear Loft for Work" and it's so interesting to see how everybody styles their Loft items! 

By the way, I wanted to let you guys know about an exciting upcoming giveaway that the Loft will be hosting next week. LOFT will be giving away 10 pairs of their best- selling Over The Knee Riding Boots, that have sold out almost everywhere! Beginning on November 1st, they will be giving away 2 pairs of boots a day in the following sizes: 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, and 9. Visit LOFT’s Facebook fan page to receive more details on how to enter!   (I'm sad that their giveaway sizes are all so big)!

On a completely different train of thought.....while shopping at the Loft in Florida recently, I had the opportunity to try on their Striped Sweater Dress.  Unfortunately, the smallest size they had in the store was a xsp and after some very helpful blogging friends comments, I decided to try a size down.  See Florida Striped Sweater Dress here.

I really love this dress and you know how if you sit at a desk all day, a sweater dress or similar type of material can tend to lose it's shape and get kind of baggy around the bottom area?...this dress doesn't do that so I feel comfortable all day, it's nice.

My only concern is the length, what do you guys think?  I originally paired the dress with my cognac colored Bandolino Boots, but eventually decided that it would look better with flats.  I bought these flat boots at Forever 21 and I wish I'd taken a picture of the back of them, they have a zipper in the back that is really cute.  I bought this "Off the Cuff" bag in Florida at the Kenneth Cole Outlet, but it's also available here.

p.s. Just found out my sister and I get to go to H&M this weekend!  We will have to drive a couple of hours to get there, but after seeing the great lace skirt that Kelly bought, the fabulous blouse purchased by Ping and the amazing ten dollar dress worn five ways by Elle, I'd say it will be more than worth it!  Have a great weekend Blogger Friends!

Petite Fashion Challenge # 3

Welcome to Petite Fashion Challenge # 3 (The look for less)!  I am so excited to be a part of this challenge and have really been looking forward to seeing all of the other entries.  This challenge is being hosted by Petite Little Girl, please visit her blog to view links to all of the participants. 

The challenge:
"Who is your celeb style icon? Pick an outfit from your favorite celeb and show us how to recreate that look for less. Usually, your style icon reflects your personal style and also your body type. In this challenge, your style icon doesn’t have to be a petite."
Well, my style icon is definitely not petite, and we would have the same body type if I added 7 inches to my height with no added weight! Lol  Her inner beauty was as bright as her outer beauty, and her style transcended decades.  Of course I am speaking of the ever fabulous, Audrey Hepburn.

Audrey always conducted herself with quiet dignity despite being a movie star of great proportions.  The outfit I created for this challenge hopefully depicts the same simple chic style that was embodied by Audrey throughout her entire career.

For this outfit, I took an older suit purchased at the Ann Taylor Outlet Factory Store, added a wide alligator textured belt purchased from Ann Taylor on sale and Merona Patent Pumps from Target.  The jewelry is assorted from F21.

                     
When I first saw this suit I was immediately drawn to the wide lapels and bracelet length sleeves.  I love special details that add visual interest to an outfit without having to add or accessorize very much myself.  This suit definitely strikes me as "vintage" looking, but it is easily mixed with denim and floral prints for a more modern look if desired. 

Cost of Suit - $55.00
Cost of Belt - $6.00
Cost of Shoes - $16.00

Madden Girl Rhiana Booties Review

Recently, while assisting Mr. PEMS with some shoe shopping, I stumbled across these adorable Rhiana booties by Madden Girl. I already had a pair of black "leather" booties that I had bought last year, nothing expensive since booties seem to be more of a trend, but I really liked the idea of black suede bootie to wear with black opaque tights. The smallest available size for these in the store were a 6, they were the display pair and were missing a zipper pull on one bootie.  Usually a size 6 is the perfect size for me, but these had a tendency to slip off my heel with every step.  A problem that I knew would just intensify once I put them on with tights.  With all of the problems going on with the pair in-store, I decided to order these in a 5.5 from DSW with free shipping to try out.

This was the first pair of shoes that I'd ever ordered from DSW and I chuckled at the warning label on the box describing the contents as "Highly Addictive".  (Yes, I'm a geek and very easily amused) Lol

If you look closely at the side of the bootie, you'll notice that the zipper doesn't make it up quite all the way to the top of the bootie, which may be why I was having so much trouble keeping the size 6 on in the store.  There seems to be plenty of toe wiggle room in the size 5.5 though, so it could be that these just run big.

Here I am looking quite pleased with my new purchase (of course I hadn't walked in them yet, just created an outfit around the new pair of shoes)!  Isn't it funny how new shoes seem to go with everything in the closet! hee hee  As it turned out, these booties were much higher than anything I normally walk in, and I've had a bit of trouble getting used to them.

I really like how the black suede blends into the tights so well.  I think that these booties would definitely make my legs look stumpy if there was a noticeable color delineation between the two.  For the most part, I am quite happy with this purchase, the only problem I seem to have right now is the heel height.  Sadly, I don't think these booties were made for shopping. 

Ann Taylor Loft Ruffle Front Jumper '09 Similar here
Ann Taylor Loft Velvet Jacket '09 Similar here
White House Black Market Silver 3-Strand Necklace Similar here
No Name Black Long Sleeved Bodysuit
Madden Girl Rhiana Black Suede Booties

Is it just me, or is this Ruffle Front Jumper very similar to the satin looking ruffle front dress they had at Ann Taylor earlier this year?  I couldn't find a picture of it anywhere, but it was solid and was offered in teal and black for their petite sizes.  Btw, my winter bodysuit is starting to fall apart from so many years of wear.  If any of you guys know where I can get my hands on some warm long sleeve bodysuits in solid colors, please let me know, I'd really appreciate it!

Don't forget to sign up for the next Petite Fashion Challenge, Petite Little Girl will be hosting.  Check it out here!

Talbots Signature Fit Glen Plaid Wide-Leg Pant Review

I was very excited a few weeks ago when I ordered my first pair of Talbot trousers in 0 petite.  I had tried on a pair of their trousers in 2 petite while shopping in Florida and felt like one size down might work out just fine.  I receive their catalogs all the time and really like a lot of their clothes.  Some of their clothes do seem geared more towards the matronly woman, but more and more I'm seeing things that are really cute and that I would love to wear given half the chance.

These are the Signature Fit Glen plaid wide-leg pants.  The measurements are Inseam: P29½"; WP29½". 22" leg opening. Fully lined. Wool/nylon. Dry clean. The shoes I am wearing have a 1/2" wedge and I wouldn't go any taller with these pants for sure.  The first thing I noticed when I put these pants on was how warm they are, definitely a pant for the winter if you're freezing all the time (like me;).

I really like the fit overall, and they seemed quite comfortable although I don't know if they stretch out a size after you wear them a day like some of the other retailers pants do or not.  I only put them on long enough to do a review.  As it turned out, Talbots has two different pant fits and I had tried on the "classic" fit in the store and not the "signature".  Not a huge difference (I do think my legs looked longer in the "classic" fit) but, I had also tried on and fell in love with the Glen Plaid pants that had a bright yellow stripe running through the pattern (trust me, it was adorable) and apparently ordered the wrong ones :(

The waist fit was comfortable without feeling too snug, just right for me.  Unfortunately, 0 petite is the smallest size being offered at Talbots right now, and from the fit of these pants, a lot of the really tiny petite ladies aren't going to be able to wear this brand.  I'd really like to get one of their jackets in 0 petite to try on for sizing next, and maybe a blouse to see how long they actually are.  I keep taking my Loft blouses to the tailors for hemming just so that I have the option of wearing them untucked with a skirt or pants and it's getting expensive!

Ann Taylor Loft Necklace similar here

Ann Taylor Loft Soft Blush Blouse similar here

Ann Taylor Loft Long V Neck Cardi

Talbots Glen Plaid Wide Leg Pant

Target Leopard Print Peep Toe Wedges similar here

I'm really looking forward to reading everyone's blogs this weekend - Have a great rest of the week (it's almost over)!

* Added: Ann Taylor Loft Top reviewed by Liane at Petite XXS here.
               Ann Taylor Loft Cardi reviewed by Liane at Petite XXS here and by Jean at Extra Petite here.