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

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Petite Fashion Challenge #10

This month's Petite Fashion Challenge is hosted by FashionForTeens.

"The challenge is to take traditionally summer pieces and make them appropriate for fall."

Top: Ann Taylor factory - size XXSP
Skirt: Theory (hemmed) - size 00 (similar here)
Belt: Ann Taylor - size XS (similar here in pumice)
Shoes: Christian Louboutin simple 100's - size 35 (buy here or from my blog sale)

This is my typical work Summer outfit and here is how I made it appropriate for Fall: (added pants, a cardigan and scarf)

Cardigan: Ann Taylor silk chiffon (factory) - size XXSP
Pants: LOFT (last year) - size 00P (similar here and here)
Shoes: Ann Taylor perfect patent pumps- size 5 (similar here and peep toe)
Scarf: LOFT (similar here)

I originally had an outfit with the white skirt, tights and a blazer but it just didn't look right:( I had some serious issues with this challenge! I was almost going to back out but I figured what the heck...it's not the greatest but at least I tried..hehehe And yes I am wearing pants- who am I? I can't wait to see everyone's outfits!

This has been Petite Fashion Challenge #10:

Monday, August 29, 2011

Review: Banana Republic Ruffle Lace Blouse & Aritzia Boyfriend Talula Blazer

Top: Banana Republic ruffled lace blouse in arana cream- size 00P (buy here)

Skirt: H & M pleated *hemmed* - size 2 (similar here or midi length)

Shoes: Ann Taylor lizard pumps in pumice stone- size 5 (buy here)

Necklace: Pearls

Ring: H & M *recent and $5.95* - size small (similar here)

As you read in my previous post from Friday, I bought the grand central green and arana cream color and couldn't decide. I tried on the green this morning and it looked horrid on me. It washed my skin out since I am much paler now (no more sun bathing). I would recommend the color for someone who is darker than I am. It just was not flattering on my skin tone. So I am sticking with the cream! I have the green one up for grabs if anyone is interested.

Likes: I love the ruffle and lace combo. It's very girly and feminine. It tucks in really nicely which is a must for me since I'll be wearing this to work. The width/cut is surprisingly narrow considering most BR tops are very wide and awkward. So this is great news for petites!

Dislikes: The arm holes are big and you can see a tiny peek of your bra. The buttons are hard to put on and take off. The v-neck shape is a bit low-cut but workable. Near the chest area is very see-thru so make sure to wear a padded/lined nude bra.

If you want to buy this top, I would suggest going into the actual store because it's on sale for $26.99 plus you get an additional 25% off on top of that. It's still $49.99 online which irks me that they have different pricing online vs. in-stores.

Oh and loving my new H & M ring I got this past weekend! It's a size small and fits my index finger but loose on my middle finger.

Shorts: Banana Republic seersucker in fatigue - size 00P (buy here)
Blazer: Aritzia BF Talula in navy - size 00
Belt: Ann Taylor perfect patent in porcini- size XS (similar here)

Here is the Aritzia BF blazer I bought from a fellow Canadian petite from AN's forum. I decided to pull the trigger since several readers have emailed and suggested this brand to me. There have been some buzz about these blazers- check out Jean's post and Kelly's review on the shrunken version, and the gray version on Jessy. Jessy from TheLittleDustPrincess suggested on Twitter that I need to pair this with a really short skirt or shorts (thanks Jessy). The length is too long and the only thing I had were these seersucker shorts (see on Kelly). I sold my cream ones to a reader who had to have it but ever since regretted it. I was elated when I found this one on sale for $24.99 plus 25% off last Friday in 00P!

I had to roll up the shorts one extra roll for the sake of the blazer because it didn't look right otherwise. I love everything about this blazer except the length. I am just too short to pull it off. The cut is amazing, almost like a tailored fit when buttoned. ~~I am sadly selling this so please let me know if you are interested.~~

It's been so hot in CA that I can't even take pics outside. I have to wait until this heat wave is over:(

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Banana Republic and GAP recent purchases

With all the sales going on, I couldn't help but sneak into the mall after work yesterday. Keep in mind, my local mall sucks. They don't have any good stores except for Loft, BR and Gap. And the BR never has 00p and I have never walked out of Gap with a purchase since they don't carry petites (what the heck is up w/that?). I was pleasantly surprised with all the tiny sizes at BR yesterday. I picked up this silk sheath dress for $30 after discounts in 00P without trying it on. Come to find out, it's too low-cut for my conservative self so who knows if I can make it work.

I know I shouldn't be buying any more lace anything but these had ruffles and lace! It's on sale in stores with an additional 25% off sale items plus I had and additional 15% off which brought the total to only $17. I can't decide which color to keep (grand central green or aran cream) so I will have my fellow readers scold me (about the lace) and help me decide. It fits fairly decent but we shall see. I can see it tucked in a pencil skirt and worn alone or with a cute blazer/jacket over it. Totally me right?

How could I not go into GAP when it was right across the hall? I had to see if I could find Gap white skinny jeans for $11.97 that Sydney posted about. Here is how a 00R fits on me. Clearly the length is way too long and there is a huge waist gap. But a little voice kept saying..but it's only $11.97!!!

My twitter friends told me do not get it but I was very naughty and bought them anyway...I am going to try to fry them and see what happens. It's a final sale so if all else fails, I can find them a new home:)

I also pre-ordered the Camille jacket in 00P but not sure if I will be keeping. It's still pricey so it will all depend on if I really love it or not.

Hope you have a great weekend!!! It's so deathly hot in CA that I will be staying in-doors! :)

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Giveaway Part 3: Win an Ann Taylor Leather Cuff (Petite Friendly)

**This giveaway is now closed**

Snake Print Leather Cuff with Textured Lock

Ann Taylor was so gracious and sent me some prizes to give away to my readers. This gorgeous snake print leather cuff is PETITE wrist friendly! I was elated when I tried it and it fits! I adore the textured lock- it's so easy to put on and take off. It's got a very edgy, sexy look to it.

♥Guidelines♥

1. Open to U.S and International Readers!

2. Giveaway ends on 8/31/11 at Midnight (PST).

3. Winners will have 48 hours to contact me with their info or I will re-draw.

♥How to Enter♥

1. Follow ReallyPetite.com on Google Friend Connect. (+1 mandatory entry)

To be fair, all entries will be verified. The winner will be chosen at random. Good luck everyone :)

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Review: J Brand Mercury Gray Skinny Jeans- size 23

Top: Ann Taylor factory shell- size XXSP

Blazer: Theory "Gratian" Conversation - size 0

Jeans: J Brand - size 23 (similar J Brand)

Pumps: Christian Louboutin simple 100's- size 35 (buy here)

I was so excited the other week when Hautelook had J Brand jeans in size 22, 23 and 24. I didn't even hesitate and ordered these adorable gray skinnies. I've always wanted this color ever since Gap came out with them in the famous legging jeans but they were always out of my size. And I've been drooling over them on Wendy.

SIZE/FIT: Waist: 12" laying flat across. Inseam is 29". The waist fits snug and no waist gap! Woo hoo! The thighs are very snug (but not uncomfortable), a bit too snug for my taste.

COLOR: Mercury- light gray. It's very 80's but I like it because it's neutral and will go with a lot more than colored jeans.

MATERIAL: It's softer than your typical denim and has a lot of stretch which makes it comfortable. 92% cotton, 7% polyester, 1% spandex.

QUALITY: It seems to be well made. Compared them to my GAP legging jeans and they are comparable in quality. All the stitching was nicely done. The one downfall to J Brand jeans is usually the large back pockets but I think these seem to be okay.

PRICE: $79 on Hautelook but normally retails for over $200 ( a bit steep even at $79)

VERDICT: Unsure....I like them but will I really wear them? I am leaning more towards returning.

What are your thoughts on these jeans?

Monday, August 22, 2011

Casual Boyfriend

Blouse: LOFT bf hidden placket- size 00P (similar here and here)

Jeans: GAP legging in dark faded - size 00P (buy here)

Belt: Ann Taylor perfect patent in porcini- size XS (similar here)

Shoes: Ann Taylor perfect patent pumps in porcini- size 5 (similar here and in black)

Necklace: Ann Taylor (similar here)

Bracelet: 3 strand Pearls (similar here)

Purse: Chanel beige summer flap

Wow, it's been a long time since I've done a post with pants/jeans! I have gotten a lot of emails and requests to do more "casual" outfit posts so here it is! Honestly, I feel really awkward in casual clothes. I have to seriously try really hard to put something together. I usually feel "not put together" for some reason. I'm trying my best to go outside of my comfort zone and play with different looks and colors lately.

I'm trying to re-wear older things in my closet but why do I feel it's not as fun as putting on something new?:) Does anyone else feel like that? I am supposed to get my JBrand jeans from Hautelook today so I am pretty excited! Hope they work out!

What do you feel most comfortable in?

Friday, August 19, 2011

Fitting Room: H & M new arrivals

Lace shift dress- size XS $34.95

Pros: Sleeves were my favorite part. I know I have enough lace to last me a lifetime but I could see this dress being very versatile (worn as a top/dress). Fit of an XS wasn't perfect but drapes nicely for a shift dress. I would probably belt it and add some pumps. Length is perfect for someone my height.

Cons: Fit/sizing may be inconsistent but mine was okay.

Verdict: Bought!

Orange skirt - size 2 (sorry no tag- it was such a new item, they didn't even put tags on yet)

Pros: Material is a cotton type with a slight A-line cut. Fits really nicely in the waist.

Cons: I didn't see any! Super cute

Verdict: Passed only because I already have an orange skirt.

Long sleeve chiffon lace/pleated blouse- size 2 (item #045551) $29.95

Pros: I loved it when it was on the hanger! It's so romantic and love the lace and pleated detail. And the sleeves are so adorable.

Cons: Fit was awkward un-tucked. It's very wide and long (sorry I didn't capture it un-tucked).

Verdict: Passed but could look super cute on someone taller and bigger.

Sweater dress with belt- size XS (item #062668) $49.95

Pros: Fits really nicely and material is very cuddly and soft. Length is great and even can be paired with tights for Fall/Winter.

Cons: Low cut, will have to wear a cami or top underneath. Price tag a bit hefty.

Verdict: Pass

Hope this helps! I walked out with just the lace dress! Woo hoo! :)

How to: look polished for under $100 (including shoes and accessories)

Top: Loft - size XXSP (similar here)

Jacket: H & M swing - size 2 (similar here or see navy version)

Skirt: Petite Sophisticate thrifted- size 0 (similar here in longer or here)

Belt: J.Crew whipsnake belt - size XS (buy here or my favorite)

Shoes: Talbots city sandals- size 5 (buy in black or yellow slingback)

Necklace: Thrifted vintage Monet (similar here)

I've had a lot of emails asking how do I afford so many clothes and the answer to that is because I am thrifty! I wanted to show that you do not have to spend a lot of money to look professional or polished so I will be starting a series of posts that break down each outfit. Here is a break down of each piece I am wearing down to the belt, jewelry and shoes all for under $100.

Everything totals $96.25! All pieces were on sale/thrifted except for the H & M swing jacket which I had a coupon for. Nonetheless, it was not full retail price. Sorry about the necklace not showing up so here is a close-up below.

So the point of this post is yes you can definitely look put together on a budget! I am always about saving a buck because every bit helps. My go to outfit is usually a skirt (or dress), top/shell and a blazer or jacket and heels. In the past year, I have luckily been able to collect a lot of petite friendly belts so I try to add a belt to every outfit if possible. I have been slowing adding accessories/jewelry to my wardrobe w/the help of blogging and now I feel nude when I don't have any on.

I hope you enjoyed this post! Have a great weekend everyone! Stay tuned for Part 3 of my Ann Taylor giveaways! :)

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Ann Taylor Floating Estuary Jersey Print Dress for $5

Dress: Ann Taylor floating estuary jersey print dress - size XXSP (buy here)

Necklace: Ann Taylor - (similar here)

Blazer: Theory - size 00 (similar here or affordable version)

Shoes: Ann Taylor perfect exotic pump in pumice stone- size 5 (buy here or peeptoe version)

Can you believe I got this dress for $5? It was ~~$49.99~~ plus 50% off = $24.99 and I had a $20 rewards card. I also got the perfect lizard belt on sale for $15. The vachetta color (dark tan) is not online but color code is CL211. Normally this would be too busy of a print for me but the XXSP was hanging on the rack yelling at me to buy it. It's a jersey type of material so it's super comfortable.

It's much more form fitting than I typically prefer but I really can't complain. These are the debut of the perfect exotic pump in pumice stone. They are of course too big but I added some shoe padding and it's do-able. They are extremely comfortable and really soft. Anyone with a true size 5's should really consider these.

To tone down this busy print and cover up, I added my Theory khaki blazer and some nude pumps and I can wear it to work. Some other jersey wrap dresses that are work appropriate is this blue wrap jersey knit and this unique print dress.

Don't forget to enter my Ann Taylor silk scarf giveaway HERE!

Do you think this dress is worth it for $5 and is it too busy?

Monday, August 15, 2011

Mustard Cravings

I am going through some color fazes lately. Recently it's been blues/greens and orange. Now I am on to mustard! Thanks to R.L for tweeting and letting me know that J.Crew has updated their lady day coat to the lady day metro coat. (see me in last year's version). I about fell out of my chair when I saw this mustard color. They made the coat longer so not sure how that will work or compare to last year's version but I am absolutely in love with the mustard color. I am also coveting the double serge skirt in spicy gold. The 00P is still too big but I may be willing to pay for alterations because I need this skirt in my life! I am also eying the jazzy purple color- so vibrant and gorgeous!

I still am into cardigans and this mustard cardigan is on sale. I am waiting for additional discounts but definitely must have this. It's the perfect shade and length I have been looking for. XXS fits really nicely and runs very small (this is based on my other J.Crew cardigans).

I love this mustard perfect fit flower tank. It looks really narrow and petite friendly and would look amazing underneath a blazer or cardigan. It sort of reminds me of the famous AT petal shell.

This belt isn't a true mustard but I've been looking for this color yellow for awhile now. Must get this!!!

Anyone else craving this color?

Friday, August 12, 2011

Lookbook: H & M Navy Swing Jacket/Blazer

Blazer: H & M swing jacket, style #065030 - size 2 (similar for $19.99 or similar in orange)
Top: I.N.C ruched sweater - size P (similar here)
Skirt: Ann Taylor white linen pencil skirt- size 00P (buy here)
Shoes: Talbot suede slingbacks- size 5 (buy here)
Earrings: Chanel

Necklace: Thrifted vintage signed Monet - (similar here)
Ring: YSL arty - (buy here)

Here is a close-up of my new vintage thrifted necklace! I love it! I've already worn it twice this week...is that wrong?

I hope you are not sick of all my H & M posts lately but I am loving all their new items! One of my goals this year was not to buy duplicates of the same items in different colors but this jacket I couldn't resist. Plus I have been loving and wearing a LOT of navy and shades of blues lately so I knew it would get a lot of wear. I literally almost had a heart attack when I spotted the blue one and there was a size 2 hanging there.

I realized that all my posts are always with skirts and dresses. I hope you don't get sick of my outfits. I will try to incorporate pants/jeans more but I like to stay true to myself and post outfits that I really do wear. I got an interesting email the other day asking if I in fact wear the outfits that I post and the answer is absolutely yes! I see some crazy and outrageous outfits on some blogs and wonder the same thing. All my purchases and outfits are really what I wear in real life (to work) and on a day to day basis.

***The winner of Giveaway Part 1 is Michelle! Congrats! Please email me your info. If you didn't win the bracelet, you can enter to win an Ann Taylor silk scarf HERE!***

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!! :)

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Giveaway Part 2: Win an Ann Taylor color block silk scarf

***This giveaways is now closed! Stay tuned for the winner!***

100% silk color block scarf in chili pepper (avail in pine cone)

This scarf is even more gorgeous in person. The picture does not do it justice! The color blocking is so clean and crisp! The red and orange are so perfect for Fall but can be worn in any season. It's 100% silk and measures 24" x 76". Thank you again Ann Taylor for providing this amazing scarf to a lucky reader!

♥Guidelines♥

1. Open to U.S and International Readers!

2. Giveaway ends on 8/18/11 at Midnight (PST).

3. Winners will have 48 hours to contact me with their info or I will re-draw.

♥How to Enter♥

1. Follow me on Twitter . (+1 mandatory entry)

**If you don't have a Twitter account, it's okay, you can still enter. Just put "no twitter account" in the first box and then leave a your name in the 2nd space provided in the entry form.

Good luck! :)