Blouse: LOFT- size XXSP (buy here)

Vest: H&M- size XS (similar here and adorable flowy here)

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

Shoes: Talbots- size 5 (buy here)

Neckklace: Thrifted for $2 (similar here) Watch: Seiko mens 34mm (similar here)

Alas, I finally get my hands on my Loft blouse in whisper white. Only to find that when I opened up the package, the entire front of the blouse had make-up on it.  But wait, it gets worse! The bottom of the split neck, was completely ripped apart. Someone who had a lot of make-up on and was very careless when trying this blouse on returned it and now I am stuck with it.  I was so desperate to keep it, I decided to hand wash off all the nasty stains and hand sew back together the bottom portion. I was pretty bummed since I don't know how to sew and I can't stand make-up on brand new clothes. I somehow managed to compare it to my plum colored blouse and rig it for the sake of this post.  The reason why I love this blouse so much is because it doesn't pull in the chest area. If you are petite with a larger chest, finding a button-up that doesn't pull is very difficult. Because of the split neck and no buttons, you get the style of a drapey blouse w/out the peek thru hole in the bust area.  For button-up blouse's, if I size up for more room in the bust, then nothing else fits (sleeves, shoulders and width).

I am having a difficult time deciding between these two colors. I like both but have to figure out which color I will get more use out of. See the vixen color on Vicky and Sydney.

Dress: Forever 21 tunic - size small (similar here or here)

Blazer: H&M - size 2 (similar here)

Boots: Halogen Brianna - size 4.5 (buy here)

Scarf: Homemade by MIL (similar here or adorable for $5.99)
Ring: YSL arty in lapis - size 4 (buy here in other colors)
Watch: Seiko 34mm (similar here)

Purse: Vintage Coach cross body {gifted from MIL} - (similar here or here)

There are just some items that I just can't help but wear over and over.  This Forever 21 tunic is probably a bit too thin and short to wear in colder states (even with boots) but that's the beauty of living in SoCal! 

I had to figure out a way to winterize this dress and was elated when I put together this outfit.  See how I wore it earlier this Summer here. By adding a blazer, chunky scarf and tall boots, I turned a simple Summer dress into a Fall/Winter ready outfit. 

This is the perfect weekend outfit for me. It's casual but still dressy enough to go out to dinner.  If I get too hot (which I tend to break a sweat when shopping), I can take off the blazer and just wear the dress and scarf alone.

My newest love is this vintage Coach cognac leather cross body.  It was gifted to me from my MIL.  She's had it forever and it's in great condition.   I feel so lucky to have it!  It is so similar to the H&M cross body that I have grown to love, especially being able to shop hands free. The quality is impeccable and the rich cognac color is gorgeous. I am not a huge Coach fan but their leather is really high quality.  It's the perfect size (slightly larger than H&M) and the length of the strap (not adjustable) is a great length for me.  I've seen some similar ones on Ebay but just make sure you check the condition/authenticity of the purse and seller before buying.

Top: Banana Republic factory {style #907209-00-1-0009} - size XXSP (similar here or long sleeve here)

Blazer: H&M - size 2 (similar houndstooth)

Skirt: Ann Taylor thrifted and hemmed (similar decadent red)

Faux Fur: H&M (similar here or here)
Earrings: Chanel
Necklace: Thrifted (similar here or 3 strand chain)
Shoes: Ann Taylor - size 5 (similar here)

Watch: Seiko 34mm (similar here)

Do you ever have things in your closet that you completely forget about? That's what happened with my Ann Taylor thrifted pencil skirt. I got it tailored (sides slimmed and waist taken in) and it's been just hidden in my growing collection of skirts for months. I wonder if it's because it's red and I don't gravitate towards that color or perhaps I have too many skirts . Everything is color coded in my closet so I usually go for what's easy to pair with like grays and neutrals.  Thanks to blogging, it's really opened up my eyes to playing with colors and textures.

I was pleasantly surprised how well this red skirt went with the H&M houndstooth blazer. I love how the faux fur collar just adds a touch of class and elegance to this outfit.  I know this blazer is more of a casual blazer but I prefer to dress it up.

My Seiko watch finally makes it's debut! I can't get enough of it. The only flaw I could find is that it's a bit loose even when I took out the maximum amount of links. Other than that, I had no idea I could love a watch so much.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend! 

I came across this Chanel dupe yesterday when I shopping on Loehmann's online and couldn't believe it was real leather.  The price is $49.99 plus 25% off and free shipping on everything through 11/28. Total is $37.49. It comes in 3 colors (red, black and silver). The silver looks more like a gold-ish bronze online.  I would stick with the classic colors of Chanel and go for the red or black.  The website doesn't state what the dimensions are but you can always call and ask. 

Happy Thanksgiving to all my U.S readers! I won't be shopping this weekend but wanted to share some of my picks that I found online at Gap while having my morning coffee :) This adorable double v-nek sweater is on sale from $49.95 to $29.95 plus 20% off with code: GAPTHANKS (today only). Grand total is $23.97. And yes it's available in petite sizing and in 6 different colors. My fave is the barberry color.  I also love this marled moto jacket in laurel leaf.  It's around $35 after discounts. If you are looking for a cute skinny belt, this one is adorable (comes in 3 colors) and only $14 and comes in XS.  Those were the only things I really liked online.  If you need a pair of trousers, a reader KatMac85 notified me that my Banana Republic Martin pants are now on clearance at $88 plus an additional 30% off (small sizes are still available).  

On another note, if you follow me on Twitter or Facebook, you heard that I found a dupe of the MK watch (33mm) I wanted but it's a Seiko men's watch for only $50! I finally got it sized and I love it! It's exactly what I wanted and you can't even get a used Seiko for this cheap! Even though it's a men's watch and has a 34mm face, it's simple and very classic without all the bulky bells and whistles of most of the MK watches. I wasn't sure if I could pull off a big face watch but this one is just perfect! I bought it from WorldofWatches and was very risky ordering online without even seeing or trying it on but I figured for $50 with no tax and free shipping, I can't lose. I really lucked out and they were having a promotion for an additional $50 off of $99.99. I can't wait to add some bangles/arm candy with it! 

Top: Ann Taylor factory - size XXSP  Cardigan: Ann Taylor - size XXSP (similar here and on sale)

Skirt: Ann Taylor - size 00P  (buy here) Shoes: Christian Louboutin - size 35 (buy here)

Necklace: Pearls  Bracelets: Banana Republic factory (similar here) and thrifted chain (similar here)
Ring: YSL arty - size 4 (buy here)
Glasses: Calvin Klein

Bag: Red Satchel

I have been stalking LOFT's website for this blouse to pop back up in XXSP and it finally did today! I have ever since regretted not getting it when I got the wine colored one seen in this post. I love the fact that it doesn't have buttons all the way down hence no pulling at the bust for ladies with a bigger chest.  Here are some of my picks (all an additional 50% off):

Top: Ann Taylor - size 00P (similar long sleeve or shell)  

Sweater: Banana Republic factory - size XXSP (similar here or here)

Skirt: H & M *hemmed*- size 2 (similar here)
Belt: H & M - size XS (similar here)

Shoes: Ann Taylor - size 5 (buy here)
Necklace: Thrifted (similar here)
Bracelet: Italian bracelet gifted from Aunt

Top: LOFT - size XXSP (similar here) Sweater: Old Navy - size XS (similar here)

Pants: Banana Republic - size 00P (buy here)

Shoes: Tory Burch - size 5 (similar here)

Pearls: LOFT (similar here or here) Earrings: Chanel 

Please excuse the wrinkles in my pants. I didn't have time to steam it and was working all day. I couldn't help but pick this sweater up in b/w as well since I was able to get it for only $4. See it on Kelly here. This is just a quickie post since work is killing me right now :(

It was a total fluke that I ended up at the outlet stores yesterday. I hadn't planned on it but I stopped in and saw that BR factory brought back the famous belted tweed sheath dress from last Winter (see mine from last year here). The material/quality felt much thiner but everything else was the same. I completely forgot to look at the price or the style # but I am assuming it's around $99 plus whatever discounts (this weekend is 30% off with coupon).  I also wanted the pearl bauble necklace you see but it was a bit too pricey. 

That fuchsia cardigan you in the first picture looks and fits exactly like the LOFT boyfriend cardigan that was also so popular from 2010 but with pretty gold trim. I already have the LOFT fuchsia one but I did manage to scoop up the cream and gray. I know I don't need at anymore cardigans but it felt so nice on! Style #882515-01-1-009. The price was decent at $64.99 with 50% off automatically and then an additional 30% off with my coupon.  Total ended up being $22.74. Not bad right? I'm trying to justify it in my head.

I also scored this tiny bracelet also from BR factory (no tag/no style #) that looks so similar to the Ann Taylor sparkle grid bracelet for only $5. It fits decent just how it is but I plan on removing a couple of links to make it perfect. 

My ultimate find yesterday was a thrifted pearl/gold chain necklace for only $2! It wasn't exactly supposed to be $2 but the guy said he would give it to me for $2 : ) It's really heavy in weight which I loved and the gold part has no tarnishing- in amazing condition. Love the length too and can't wait to wear it!

** The winners of the Stiletto Hardware giveaway are: Jessy757, annetec, Pandaphilia, TinyMum, LansCB! Please contact me with your info to collect your prize :) **

Happy Friday! I'll be starting a new series of posts called Fancy File which will contain items that I "fancy" (want) and will "file" them away until I can check them off the list. Yes I am a dork :)  Here are a few things:

I tried on the Michael Kors watch last weekend in a 33mm and thought it looked really nice. I also tried on the 38mm and it looked ridiculous on me. I know the whole idea is to have it super big but I just can't do it. Hubby and I want matching gold presidential watches but for now, I think this will do.

Ann Taylor and LOFT is having their 40% off entire purchase Family and Friends sale (code: FRIENDS). Here are my picks:

- lace platform pumps

- cafe leather purse in northern twilight

- peasant pleated blouse

Banana Republic is having a one day (11/11/11) sale with 33% off (code: BRELEVEN) plus get an additional 10% cash back on Ebates (referral link). Here's your chance to order the Martin Fit pants in grey melange or black. Also, a reader said that the dancing bead necklace is on sale in-stores so you may want to check it out. Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Blouse: H&M *old- see last year's post* - size 2 (cute blouse here or here)

Skirt: H&M *recent- style #043118* - size 2 (similar here or designer)
Jacket: J.Crew *last year version* - size 0P (buy this years version)

Tights: H&M Divided Den 40 dark gray tights- size XS (similar here)

Shoes: Tory Burch *old*- size 5 (similar here and here)

Pearls/Earrings: Gift from Mom (similar here or cheaper set)

I fell in love with this skirt when I first saw it. This is from their "Trend" collection which is a bit pricer and higher quality. Only select H & M stores carry this so please make sure to call and ask first.  It runs extra tiny which is fantastic for petites! You may need to size up from your regular H & M sizes. 

Waist laying flat = 11.5"

Full length of skirt = 16.5"

50% wool and 50% viscose
Fully Lined

Dry Clean Only

At first I thought it was a tweed skirt and then looked on H & M's website and the matching jacket said boucle yarn. In case you are interested in the differences between boucle vs. tweed (source):
Boucle is a knit or woven fabric with small curls or loops that create a nubby surface. The fabric has a looped, knotted surface and is often used in sweater looks, vests and coats. Tweed is a medium to heavy weight, fluffy, woolen, twill weave fabric containing colored slubbed yarns. Common end-uses include coats and suits.

Ring: H & M (similar here)  Clutch: Forever 21 (buy here) Polish: Revlon in cherry berry (buy here)

I wish there would have been a size 2 in the matching jacket for me to try on but it was already gone:( The quality is really nice and thick and love the cute little side slit. The color is called red melange and has gray mixed into the fabric, super pretty. I have a feeling this skirt will be loved and worn frequently. It's very different than all my other skirts I have now.