Stylish Petite | Fashion, Reviews and Petite Style: May 2010

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Petite Review: H & M White Blazer and Black Pencil Skirt

Here are some more of my H & M finds I found last weekend. I was really surprised at how well this white blazer fit! I already have 2 other white blazers from Bebe and Express but they are so old that they are not bright white anymore- so I figured for the price tag of $49.95- it wasn't too bad. I also decided to get this H & M pencil skirt as well because I just love the fit. So my entire outfit is from H & M.

Jacket: H & M white blazer- size 2 (similar here: EXPENSIVE VERSION and AFFORDABLE VERSION)

Top: H & M ruffle shell- size XS

Skirt: H & M black pencil skirt- size 2 (similar HERE and HERE)

Pin: Black flower pin (similar HERE)

Shoes: Aldo Black Patent Pumps- size 5 (similar HERE)

Pros on the Blazer: The cut is really petite friendly. The width (bust area) is very narrow and the cut is not a straight cut which I LOVE because it shows off your curves. Any straight cut blazers doesn't look right on my petite frame because it's too boxy and feminine. The length where it hits on me is just right. And I love the one button too. Oops- forgot to take a picture of the back- it was super cute- had a band with 2 buttons in the middle. The material and quality seemed well made and not "cheap" looking so I bought the last size 2!

Cons on Blazer: The sleeves are extremely long! The couple H & M blazers I have, the sleeves fit pretty nicely but this one was really lengthly for some reason! So I had to cuff them twice! I guess it looks good with the sleeves cuffed so I didn't hestiate to get it.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Lookbook: Theory Lecture "Gratian" Jacket & Theory Lecture "Joanie" Skirt

*SIGH* At last, my search is over! Remember this Theory Lecture "Gratian Jacket and Theory Lecture "Joanie" Skirt? OMG- I must be the luckiest girl on the planet because I was able to hunt both pieces down in a size 0! There is a fashion god! This finally came back from my tailor....(drum roll)....here it is!

Jacket: Theory Lecture "Gratian" Tweed Blazer- size 0 (similar HERE and HERE)

Skirt: Theory Lecture "Joanie" Tweed Skirt- size 0 (similar HERE)

Blouse: I.N.C. Ruched sweater- size PXXS

Shoes: Aldo patent leather pumps- size 5

I have been looking for this Theory Tweed suit ever since I saw it on Alterations Needed, see her post here with a 00 blazer, and on Extra Petite's post here with the full skirt suit in a 00 and on Diary of a Shopper's post here also with the full skirt suit in a size 2 after alterations. They all look fabulous in this suit!

All I had to do on this suit is take up the sleeves and hem the skirt several inches. I decided to hem the skirt to the length where it is now because with my short legs, my perfect length is right above the knee. I didn't want to go any shorter because of my business and didn't want to go any longer because it would overwhelm my petite frame. The original length went to the middle of my calves- it was insanely long. And before tailoring it- I thought I would have to take in the sides but after the hem was done- it fit really nicely. It's amazing what a simple hem can do and how it can totally transform a skirt.

Click below to read how on earth I managed to hunt this suit down in a tiny size 0!

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Lookbook: Polkadots and Ruffles

Not sure if anyone's noticed but I have a new layout and new design for my blog. I am IN LOVE with it and am so happy with how it turned out. Everything happens for a reason and I am excited at how pretty it looks now! YAY!

I fell in love with this skirt when I saw it at H & M. I don't have anything like it and the fit was absolutely perfect! I have a tendency to buy very "similar" pieces so I am trying my best to go "outside" my comfort zone and try new looks. Ever since I started this blog, it forces me to be more selective when shopping which is always good for the pocket book!

The details of the ruffles paired with the polkadots is not only feminine but so cute!

Top: Ann Taylor Loft puff sleeve sweater- size XXSP (similar HERE and HERE)

Skirt: H & M- size 2 (similar HERE and HERE)

Shoes: Nine West nude pumps- size 5 (I am literally wearing these pumps to death) Below is another pair of nude pumps I want:

Jimmy Choo's I am coveting.....

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Lookbook: Peach on Peach

I just recently started pairing tone on tone outfits after seeing Alterations Needed pair 2 shades of purple with her Vince cardigan. Here's what peach on peach looks like.

Top: H & M ruffle shell- size XS (similar HERE)

Skirt: H & M peach skirt- size 4 (similar HERE)

Shoes: Nine West Nude Peep Toes- size 5

Necklace: Peach/Brown Pearls (similar HERE)

Purse: LV Alma Handbag

These are from Kohl's (surprisingly), super cheap and so pretty!

I fell in love w/this skirt after seeing it on Extra Petite and had to have it. She paired it with a floral top - see her post HERE. I was floored when she said she had to size up to a size 4. I couldn't find it any H & M stores and then there was one randomly shoved in one of the racks last weekend and it was the only one in the store. The SA said it was a return from a different store so I figured it has to be fate! I checked for any blemishes and voila- it was in perfect condition. When I tried it on- I was like how is it possible for us tiny petites to wear a size 4? Clearly the size 4 in this skirt fits like a 0. I wish there was a size 2 for me to at least try on.

Sale Alert: Theory Friends and Family Sale- 20% off

The price point of the Theory line is quite steep for most of us but with 20% off, it definitely helps! You can print this invite out or shop online. Only bummer is that it doesn't apply to the Outlet stores- how dumb!

Here are some Theory pieces I am coveting:
1. Theory Striped Linen Dress- comes in all sizes and is soooo pretty for Spring and Summer
2. Theory Betty Tailor Sheath Dress- they still have small sizes and is perfect for work. I absolutely love sheath dresses for work because of the versatility.
3. Theory Blue Shirt Dress- comes in a 0....I wonder if it will fit petites??

Anyone else have a Theory item they want?

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Petite Sale Alert: Ann Taylor Loft Picks- Extra 40% off

Here are some items that are still available in XXS petite at Ann Taylor Loft with an additional 40% off on select styles at checkout. Here are my picks and they still have small sizes left!

Click on photo to shop:
Petite Twist Neck Sequin Shell

Was $44.99 plus 40% off= $26.99 (still available in XXSP)

Petite Chain Necklace Tank

Was $24.99 Plus 40% = $14.99 (still available in XXSP)

Ruffle Shoulder Cardigan

Was $49.99 Plus 40% = $29.99 (still available in XXSP)

Petite V-Neck Cardigan in Vanilla

Was $39.99 plus 40% = $23.99 (still available in XXSP)

V-neck Sheath Dress with applique

Was $79, now $49 PLUS 40% off= $29.40 (Black on sale)

Happy Shopping Everyone! :) Hopefully I did the math right because I originally did this post 2 days ago when they had their 30% off and then they changed it today! Extra Petite did a post on this sale as well and showed some cute stuff she tried on- see her post HERE.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Petite Lookbook: Can Plaid Work in the Workplace?

I don't own too many plaid pieces but the few I do, I love! And yes you can make plaid look professional! Here is my plaid pencil skirt paired with a solid turquoise turtleneck. The smooth silhouette of the outfit looks very clean.

Top: Forever 21 Turqouse blouse- size small (similar HERE)

Skirt: Forever 21 Plaid belted skirt- size XS (similar HERE)

Shoes: BCBG peep toe pumps- size 5

You want to be careful when wearing plaid in the workplace. Because it's a busy pattern, you want to pair it with a solid top. And pick plaid pieces that are not overwhelming- especially on a petite frame. The colors of this skirt are very toned down, which I like.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Three Ways to Wear a Sheath Dress

So I never thought to layer this Banana Republic sheath dress with a silk shirt but it actually worked! Here it is...I did feel like a flight attendant and almost wanted to say to people, "Coffee, tea, sugar?". The whole scarf thing for some reason makes me feel weird but I can't detach it:) And for some strange reason, it worked on this outfit.

Dress: Banana Republic (Outlet) Belted Sheath Dress- size 00p (similar HERE and HERE)

Shirt: Bebe Zebra Silk scarf blouse- size XS (similar HERE)

Shoes: BCBG patent peep toes- size 5 (sold HERE)

Click below to see how it's worn 3 different ways for 3 different looks.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Petite Alert: Tiny and Narrow French Cuff Button-Up Shirt

So I'm sure other petite ladies out there have difficulty finding button up shirts that fit just right. Well I am here to tell you that New York & Co. makes a petite friendly button up shirt! Here it is...

I absolutely LOVE the cut on this button-up shirt. It's narrow and the sleeves are just the right length. The shirt is the perfect length and fits so nicely when tucked in.

Blouse: NY & Co. gray pinstripe french cuff shirt- size XS (similar HERE and HERE and on major sale)

Skirt: Banana Republic gray pencil skirt- 00p (sold HERE and on SALE)

Shoes: Aldo gray leather pumps- size 5 (similar HERE)

I love gray pumps as an alternative only because I get tired of black shoes. Gray just adds a little something to any outfit. Click below to see the complete suit.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Petite Review: Ruffled Skirts

I am trying not to buy anymore stuff at F21 only because the quality is sub-par but sometimes I just can't help myself! I found this ruffled tier skirt by Twelve by Twelve- a higher price point line from F21.

Top: H & M ruched Tee- size XS (similar HERE and HERE)

Skirt: Twelve by Twelve Gray Ruffled Skirt- size XS (comes in 3 diff. colors)

Shoes: Aldo Gray Leather Pumps- size 5 (similar HERE)

Necklace: Multi-Gray Pearls (similar HERE)

The waist is a tiny bit big but overall I think it's a nice skirt. And it's made just a bit better than the normal F21 skirts (or so it seems). Here's a pic of the back with the exposed zipper.

Shop other cute ruffled tiered petite friendly skirts:

1. Pink Mini Ruffled Skirt- comes in XXS, XS and Small and the mini ruffles are adorable. Love the pink

2. Khaki Ruffle Career Skirt- the ruffles are so edgy and unique- I must have!
3. Couture Gray Ruffle Skirt- this ones is a bit fancier so it's more of a party skirt but it could possible work witha cute cropped blazer for work.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Lookbook: Coral for Spring

So I have a total of 4 closets that I use to store all my clothes and that's including my walk-in closet. Sometimes I forget what clothes I have so when I actually go into a closet- it's like shopping for me. I found this super pretty dress that I think I have only worn once and it's still in brand new condition. I bought it at Cache years ago and didn't even think to bring it back out!

This color sure makes you look tan!!!

I had no idea how petite friendly this dress was and was shocked when I put it on! And this is off the rack- no alterations at all!

Dress: Cache Coal dress- size Petite (similar HERE and HERE)

Shoes: Nine West Nude Pumps- size 5

Purse: Louis Vuitton Alma handbag

Necklace: Multi-brown pearl necklace (similar HERE and cheaper HERE)

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Weekend Wear: Floral Ruffle Tunic as a Petite Dress

Here is a tunic that I am wearing as a dress. It shocks me how some tunics are so long that you can get away with wearing them as a stand alone dress.

I am not big on floral prints but it seems to be the "in" thing right now so I dug this dress out of my closet.

Dress: Forever 21 Ruffled Tunic- size XS (similar HERE and HERE)

Shoes: Aldo leather t-strap sandals- size 5 (similar HERE)

I love platform sandals! These are very similar to the ones I am wearing above.

My favorite thing about this dress are the colors. Navy blue and white with mixtures of pink roses. These colors really compliment each other. And the ruffles are so feminine and dainty. There is a waist sash that ties in the back so you can adjust to your size accordingly. The dress is lined but you will have to wear a matching cami underneath. I chose a navy blue cami- sold HERE.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Petite Review: Petite Friendly Brand- Love 21

I told myself I was going to limit buying more clothes from Forever 21 but I had a gift card that I had to use up and found this dress last weekend. This dress is from the Love 21 line which is supposed to run larger than the normal F21 sizes. I found this dress in an XS and the quality and fit looked promising.

Dress: Love 21 Belted scarf dress- size XS (similar HERE and HERE)

Shoes: Nine West Nude Pumps- size 5

I couldn't believe how well this dress fit and the style is much more sophisticated than other F21 dresses. And because it came in an XS- the cut was petite friendly! And this dress is fully lined so you don't have to worry about it being too thin or see-through. I'm not sure if you can tell but there is a bow that ties at the neck. At first- it reminded me of a flight attendent's uniform or one of my old elementary teacher's blouses. The only complaint is that the armholes are a tad large so therefore you have to be careful when wearing a bra.

The belt adds are really nice touch and actually fit my waist! I forgot to look for what type of material this is but it feels like silk- very soft against the skin.

Monday, May 3, 2010

Lookbook: Cream & Linen

One of my lovely sisters sent me this Forever 21 linen skirt and I have been waiting to wear it. So here is what I paired it up with. I took a cream Forever 21 ruched sleeve short sleeve turtleneck and it actually ended up like this!

Another top with ruched sleeves...how many of these do I have??

Top: Forever 21 cream ruched sweater- size XS (similar HERE)

Skirt: Forever 21 linen bow skirt- size XS (similar HERE)

Necklace: Dana Buchman (similar HERE)

Purse: Louis Vuitton Alma handbag

Shoes: Nine west nude pumps- size 5

This is very similar to the one I am wearing and is so gorgeous!

The skirt fits really well, almost too tight in the waist after a full meal. Forever 21 XS skirts always fit nicely. The skirt is lined which is nice but the only complaint I have is that because the front of the skirt is somewhat pleated so it looks like its more wrinkled than it is. And the bow- it doesn't stay put perfectly which bugs me. But other than that, I love it!