Stylish Petite | Fashion, Reviews and Petite Style: April 2011

Saturday, April 30, 2011

Ebates Mother's Day Double Cash Back and $100 Cash Giveaway!

**This giveaway is now closed!**

For Mother's Day, Ebates is offering double cash back on selected retailers. Below are just a few stores w/double cash back. You can see a complete list here. This promo is good thru Mother's Day!

If you have followed my blog, you will know I love saving money. One of the ways I save few bucks is by shopping online via cash back programs/companies. There are many to choose from but one of the more popular and well known companies is Ebates. For those of you are not familiar with them, Ebates is a cash back program that gives you money back when you shop online through one of their 1,200+ retailers. Some of my favorite retailers include Ann Taylor, LOFT, Banana Republic, Gap and Target. Here is a snapshot of my cash pending:

A few key things to keep in mind when using ebates:

-Before making a purchase, you must access the online retailer thru Ebates. (I keep a sticky by my computer to remind me to when making purchases online.)

-If you return something from an order, your cash back is removed.

-It can take up to 30 days for your cash back to appear in your account depending on each merchant. (So don't panic if you don't see it right away.)

-You can select how you want to receive your cash back either via check or paypal.

-Ebates always offers promotions on cash back and coupons and occasionally is stackable with merchant sales.

**CASH GIVEAWAY**

Ebates is generiously giving away $100 cash to one lucky reader. Yes you read it right- $100 cash!! How awesome is that? All you have to do is sign up with Ebates thru my referral link HERE. If you have signed up thru my link in the past, then you are automatically entered! And the best part is, we both get $5 in our account once you make a qualifying purchase of $25 or more thru Ebates with my referral link. The winner will be drawn at the end of May and will have 48 hours to claim their prize.

**Disclaimer: Ebates is sponsoring this giveaway and is providing the prize. I am not affiliated with this company in any way.

Friday, April 29, 2011

Help: To Tailor or Not To Tailor?

Now that Ann Taylor carries 00P and XXSP's in-store, I was finally able to try some stuff on. I had a bunch of things but only liked three out of like 10 things I tried on. For some reason, I was compelled to buy this complete suit. There was just something about it, the texture maybe or who knows if I just got suckered in by the 40% off sale. Let me know if you think this is alterations worthy:

Top: Ann Taylor Ruffle Shell (factory)- size XXSP

Skirt: Ann Taylor Textured Pencil Skirt- Size 00P (buy here)

Jacket: Ann Taylor Cotton Blend w/Hidden Placket Blazer- size 00P (buy here)
Belt: Ann Taylor Porcini Belt- size XS (similar here)
Shoes: Aldo Patent Taupe Pumps- size 5 (buy here)
I've been wanting a white/cream skirt suit for the longest time. Since my Theory Gratian Ivory suit was un-successful... I've been on the hunt. I found one linen skirt suit set at the Ann Taylor factory but it was about the same price as this one! I decided to pass because it seemed to wrinkle really easily.

The jacket at first glance on the hanger looked like an "old lady" blazer..almost borderline senior citizen? Maybe it's the hidden placket style or the 3 buttons-not really sure. But when I tried it on, it felt like it sort of fit (minus the sleeves). I would wear it unbuttoned which I think will look much better and less "old". I typically wouldn't even grab it to try on but since I found the matching skirt, I figured why not.

I love the texture of this suit. It's different and the Ecru color is really pretty. So I would have to tailor the skirt hem, possibly the sides, and the blazer sleeves. The waist is big but I think I can get away with it wearing a belt. I am torn. I do love the color, texture and length of the jacket so I am leaning towards yes to tailoring? I know I would get a lot of use out of the skirt since I can mix and match. This could potentially be a super cute suit once it's tailored!

Blouse: LOFT boyfriend hidden placket- size XXSP (AT's version here)

Ann Taylor Yvonne Tweed Skirt- size 00P (buy here)
Belt: Ann Taylor Perfect Patent Belt- size XS (similar here)
Shoes: Christian Louboutin Simple 100's- size 35/5 (buy here)

Here is another item I found during the 40% off sale. I tried on 9 different skirts and only this one I fell in love with. Ann Taylor skirts have never fit me right. The waist and hips are always too big which means more money on alterations. Not that I need ANOTHER tweed skirt but this one just felt so right when I tried it on! I like that it's very light weight which means maybe I can get away with wearing it year round. It could be a little more fitted and I am considering taking up the hem....but the 00P isn't as big as all the other skirts. I got it for about $41 after discounts. Not bad considering some of my H & M pencil skirts are $34.95. It's fully lined and the quality is amazing.

So please share your thoughts with me. Is the first suit worth tailoring? And do I need to take up the hem on the tweed skirt?

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Petite Fashion Challenge #7: The Little Black Dress

This month's Petite Fashion Challenge is being hosted by none other than Jessy from The Little Dust Princess! Here is the challenge:

"A little black dress (LBD) is essential in every woman's wardrobe. It's always great for back-up if you run out of outfit ideas for a night out. Adding a pop of colour to your LBD will change up its look and make your dress a little less boring.
For this challenge, add a pop of colour (or two) to your little black dress to change up the look. You could add anything from an accessory to a blazer, or even nail polish!"

Dress: H & M sheath dress- size 2 (similar here)

Shoes: Christian Louboutin Simple 100's- size 5 (buy here)

I thought this challenge was going to be easy for me but turns out- not so easy! I had such a tough time with it and have no idea why!

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Lookbook: Ann Taylor Nautical Dress

***The winner of the Ann Taylor pearl earrings giveaway is:

Please email me your address and info. Congratulations!***

Yes, I have jumped on the nautical bandwagon. There's nothing like a dress that fits with no alterations. Anytime I have a chance to buy a dress w/out having to spending additonal money taking up the hem or slimming the sides, it's usually a no brainer for me. I recently took advantage of the Ann Taylor 40% off and put this outfit together:

Dress: Ann Taylor Nautical Dress- size XXSP (buy here)

Necklace: Amrita Singh Nello (buy here)

Belt: Ann Taylor Exotic Lizard belt- size XS (buy here in blue, beige and black)

Purse: Chanel dark beige PST

Shoes: Nine West Peep Toes- size 5 (buy here)

I had to find a location with water for my nautical inspired outfit...and guess who is making their debut as my photographer? Who else other than my amazing hubby!!!

He did a fantastic job and I was so happy to have help:) It was so nice not having to set up my tripod and double check the settings and to make sure I am in the photo! I could just relax and not have to break a sweat.

This dress fits perfectly and is so comfortable. I love that I can still wear it to work and dress it down with some flats if I wanted to. And guess what the best part is? You can wear big butt underwear...no thongs for me! :D

Stripes are not everybody's cup of tea. I don't mind them as long as it's done right. And since the nautical theme is so hot right now, if you don't like this one, there are so many options out there. I think this cowl neck striped dress is adorable and the price is reasonable.

I think by adding a pop of color with my orange belt (thanks Vicky for tweeting about it) and accessorizing it with my statement necklace, it helps break up the stripes.

I love that I don't have to wear a cami underneath this. I was afraid it would be too revealing or low-cut for work but luckily the way it way the front was cut, it doesn't show anything:)

If you are looking to re-create this look, it's super easy! You can start by getting this J.Crew belt in georgia peach (more of a coral color) and this Ann Taylor coral statement necklace for a pop of color.

Then get this super cute delia dress (very affordable) and add a quilted purse....and throw on these patent nude pumps and you are good to go!

I had a great time with my new photographer and am so relieved that it turned out!

You can see this dress on Jean when she tried it on in the fitting room...anyone else pick up this dress?

What are your thoughts on this whole nautical/striped inspired look?

Friday, April 22, 2011

Easter Weekend Sales: My picks...

I am really not supposed to be shopping but my fingers keep searching online late at night. I blame my iPad. Note to self- do not bring iPad into bed at night, it's just trouble! I was browsing last night and fell in love with these lace ballet flats. They have a 5.5 but no size 5:( I will be on the hunt for them.

I will be hitting up the outlets this weekend (YIPPEE) and if you are going to Banana Republic outlet, click here for an additional 15% off. I tweeted about it weeks ago but just in case you need it:) Since I will be shopping this weekend and tweeting about deals, be sure to follow me on TWITTER to stay updated!

I am loving this double strap belt and it comes in XS! The Ann Taylor 40% off is still going on but I need to justify the price for this one. I can see this paired with a pretty white summer dress.

I am also on the hunt for some cute sandals for Summer. I have my eye on these strappy wedges. Also, the whipsnake belts have free ship on all orders with code: WARMUP.

I also picked up some Amrita Singh jewelry w/code MOM11 for 50% off and free ship for orders above $75 (Thanks to Jean's reader).

HAPPY EASTER WEEKEND!!!!

Are you planning on shopping this weekend?

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Beauty: Rock & Republic Bronzer, Blush and Eyeshadow

Have you ever purchased something and wondered what was I thinking? I have no idea what on earth possessed me to get all this Rock & Republic make-up on Hautelook. I spent so much and don't even need it...eeks! I am a true make-up novice but thought I would attempt to show you what I bought. No shots of me actually wearing it, that would be disastrous! I'm a creature of habit so even though I have all this new make-up to try, I always reach for my cheap make-up that I am used to. Plus, these are so pretty that I don't want to use them!

Eyeshadow colors from left to right:

Snakeskin, Affair, Lost and Diffused

Here is what each color looks like on my hand.

Snakeskin- This has a hint of green in it so I'm not sure how this will work with my brown/neutral color scheme.

Affair- I usually use this light color to blend in with my brown eyeshadows but this one has a glittery sheen to it so probably not something I would wear to work. Maybe on the weekends?

Lost- This is my favorite color out of the 4. It's more of a matte finish which I prefer and is work appropriate.

Diffused- I really like this color too, it's similar to most of the brown eyeshadows that I typically use.

Blush in SEDUCE.

This blush was gifted to me from Vicky at VickysFashion. She is so sweet! She heard I didn't have any and graciously sent me one and I love it! The whole reason why I was on Hautelook looking at R & R makeup was in hopes that they had blush on sale. Unfortunately the ticking clock when you add items to your card somehow tricked and convinced me that I need all this other stuff:(

I have tried this blush and one swipe literally transforms my blah face into somewhat alive. You have to be very careful because it goes on so well that you don't want to do too much otherwise you will look like a clown.

Powder in Cashmere.

I tried this once and I think it's the right color for me. It may be a bit too light when I am tan but since I have my winter Asian skin color, it goes on nicely and lasts through-out the day.

Bronzer/Highlighter in PENTHOUSE.

I attempted to use this once already and it goes on pretty nicely. I am afraid to use too much so I can't really tell if it makes that big of a difference.

I had no idea I got the bronzer w/brush package...no wonder why it was so insanely expensive! It even comes with a cute little pouch. I am sucker for pretty packaging...hehehe. It's almost too pretty and too expensive to even take out of the box!

**If you are interested in purchasing any of the above except for the blush and powder, please let me know!**

Has anyone tried the eyeshadow, powder or bronzer? I would love to hear your thoughts!

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Lookbook & Video: Ann Taylor Chambray Shirt and How to Style a Pearl Necklace

Everyone knows I love pearls and wear them almost everyday to work. So I thought I'd put together a quick video of different ways to style a pearl necklace. I'm sure there are more ways then what I showed but these are just some ideas. Hope you enjoy:) You can subscribe to my YouTube Channel HERE.

Of course, I forgot one more style which I wore in my last stylebook post HERE. You can tie a knot in the pearls for another look!

Shirt: Ann Taylor Chambray shirt- XXSP (buy here or jcrew version or Target version)

Skirt: Forever 21 pencil skirt- size XS (similar here)

Belt: J.Crew whip snake skinny belt- size S (buy here)

Shoes: Ann Taylor Perfect Patent Pumps- size 5 (similar here)

Necklaces: Vintage cameo and pearls

Since I am not really a casual person, I thought I'd dress this chambray shirt up to wear to work on casual Fridays. I paired it with this really old hot pink Forever 21 skirt in the spirit of Spring and Summer.

I took a photo inside my house to compare to the outdoor photos..which do you like better?

This chambray shirt fits perfectly everywhere. It's cut almost like it was tailored for me! I love that there is no bunching in the back when tucked in (pet peeve).

Ah...yes I dragged my gorgeous beige Chanel on this photo shoot. I even brought the dust bag...hehehehe

Excuse the J.Crew belt riding up...it's a size small (too big for me) ~~which I found yesterday along with a few other colors, if anyone is interested.~~ ~~*update*~~

~~I have 2 green and 1 gold size small available!~~ Only ONE green left!

Thanks again Vicky for letting us know about these:)

This is my first real attempt at taking photos in public. It wasn't as bad as I thought. Although lugging my tripod and all my camera items into my non-existent trunk in my car was a bit of a challenge.

Trying to change up the photos here so you guys don't get bored with me..I swear I must be the only person that looks weird when I am NOT smiling. I try to do a "serious" face but just doesn't work:)

Keep in mind, it was almost 90 degrees and I was trying not to sweat through my shirt:) See Jean try this shirt on here or her Target version here.

Okay I switched shoes for this photo...I am wearing my ALDO nude pumps which I still love but they kill my feet.

**Update**

How funny, Vicky from VickysFashion also did a post on this chambray shirt the same day. She is so adorable! See her outfit here:)

Anyone else pick up this Ann Taylor chambray shirt?

Saturday, April 16, 2011

H & M Lace Skirt and Ann Taylor (factory) Chiffon Trimmed Cardigan

As we can all see, lace is everywhere. I couldn't help but take advantage of the 20% off at H & M when they launched their app for the Android. Lucky for iPhone users, it even applied to us too!

Top: Ann Taylor factory chiffon trimmed cardigan- size XXSP (recent)

Skirt: H & M lace skirt- size 2 (similar here)

Shoes: Christian Louboutin Simple 100's- size 35/5 (buy here)

Necklace: Pearls layered with Banana Republic factory long gemstone necklace (similar here and here)

I can't rave about this fuchsia Ann Taylor factory cardigan. I love it so much that I have it lilac and beige. It fits PERFECTLY and guess what? ~~I have an extra fuchsia in XXSP up for grabs! First one to comment gets it for $25 plus exact ship.~~ It's a blend of 70% silk and 30% cotton with a pretty chiffon trim. Perfect for tucking in and great length to wear open. The material is so soft and ideal for Spring and Summer.

This H & M skirt is quite lovely. This is more of a conservative lace skirt which I prefer so I can wear to to work. I actually fell in love with the dress version a long time ago and tweeted about how sad I was that they didn't have my size. So when I saw the skirt hanging there just waiting for me to bring it home, my knees buckled as I ran quickly to the cash register.

The waist is a bit big. I find myself blowing out my stomach as big as possible to make it fit properly. I do however love that it's a straight pencil skirt and the length is work appropriate.

And the best part is, it's DOUBLE lined! Woo hoo! I can't stand thin lining, especially on lace where it's semi see-thru.

I have love and hate relationship to the black waist band. I don't like the fact that it limits me wearing it with browns unless I wear a shirt long enough to cover it. I usually tuck everything in so I guess I will probably stick to wearing it with black pumps.

Besides the slightly big waist, the fit is very nice and comfortable all the way through. If you are substantially smaller than me, this may not work. But if you are similar in size or even a bit larger, I would def recommend this! At $34.95 PLUS 20% off for a grand total of $27.96, I am happy. No alterations necessary so that definitely a bonus!

Here is the tag for reference:

As you all know, Ann Taylor and LOFT along with the outlets is having a great sale. I had several items in my cart the night before the big sale and of course by the time I woke up, all my sizes were gone:( Luckily I called around and ordered this shirt , a dress, belts and a few other goodies! I can't wait to get my J.Crew belts in all 4 colors that I was able to hunt down for only $7, all thanks to Vicky!!:)

What are your thoughts on this lace skirt?