Monday, July 12, 2010

Reader Inquiry: Transforming Work to Casual Outfit & Favorite Brands

I received emails from a two of my readers asking what my favorite brand is for petites and how to transition from a work outfit to casual easily so I wanted to do a post about these two topics. Here's a work outfit I put together with some new items I have gotten recently and then I will show how to simple it is to make this into a casual outfit!
Jacket: Theory Khaki Blazer- size 00 (similar HERE)
Skirt: Bebe White Skirt- size 00
Shoes: Nine West Nude Pumps- size 5
Necklace: Long Strand Pink Pearls- Nordstrom Rack
Braclet: Pink Pearls (similar HERE)
   
This Theory khaki blazer I recently found at Niemen Marcus Last Call (Outlet) was a great buy for me. The cut is perfect for my body and the sleeves need NO alterations!! YAY!!! It's a light weight cotton blazer- perfect for Spring/Summer and even Fall!! And got on sale for $69!
 
Here's the dressy version of this oufit (work attire)
 
And by just simply changing the white skirt to H & M Young (girls sz 11/12) skinny jeans- transforms the whole look into casual! I just got this color recently since I wear my dark ink rinse all the time.  I had to cuff them twice because I haven't been able to shrink them like my other pair:)  I kept all the accessories, the jacket and tank and just changed the bottoms and a quick change after work- you can have a totally different look! Hopefully that helps with anyone who is in a rush after work and doesn't want to go out with their "business attire".
So to answer my reader's question as to which brand is my favorite? I don't have ONE favorite brand but my top three brands are Theory, Banana Republic and Ann Taylor/Loft. I used to LOVE love love Bebe when they had more work attire but now I have to be really selective. The one great thing about Bebe is that the sizes run super duper tiny- perfect for petites. All my older items from Bebe are still classic items that I wear all the time.

I love Theory because of the cut and quality. Even though they do not specifically have a "petite" line, their 00's run very small but I have found that only the Jacket/Blazers fit nicely. Skirts are hit and miss. The skirts that usually match the blazer are HUGE even in a 00.

Banana Republic, I have a love/hate relationship with. It all depends on what they have that season. I have had pretty good luck this year both at the regular stores and the outlets. Their 00Petite and PXXS usually fits me quite well but someone who is smaller than me may have some alterations to do.

Ann Taylor and LOFT both have a petite section so the sizes are "petite" friendly. In my opinion, the sizes are hit and miss for me. Some tops are super big, some fit perfectly. The skirts tend to run a bit bigger and the dresses need a tiny pinch- usually in the waist. I have a bunch of items coming in the mail from both so I am excited to do a review!

I don't shop for the brand- I shop for quality and fit. If it's made well and it fits nicely- I really don't care what brand it is. My goal since I started this blog was to only buy things that fit really nicely and that are quality. If I can avoid from doing any tailoring or alterations, it's a HUGE plus.

This Theory khaki blazer I recently found at Niemen Marcus Last Call (Outlet) was a great buy for me. The cut is perfect for my body and the sleeves need NO alterations!! YAY!!! It's a light weight cotton blazer- perfect for Spring/Summer and even Fall!! And got on sale for $69!

This pink Banana Republic satin luxe tank- got on major sale this past weekend for about $6 after discounts! They were out of PXXS but this PXS fits just fine. I have found that when it comes to tanks/tops that are fitted, the PXS fits me well.

I love other brands as well but I find myself going back to the same ones:) For me, it's all about the fit. No more buying big things and trying to butcher it with expensive alterations like I used to.

Ladies- what is your FAVORITE brand?