PFC #4 - Holiday Party

The fourth Petite Fashion Challenge is being hosted by Elaine of Curls and Pearls!

The Challenge: 

Create a holiday party look using festive colors and/or holiday pieces without looking like a greeting card.

It doesn't sound too hard, right?  Except I've never been to a holiday party and don't really have any holiday pieces in my wardrobe!  But here's something I could possibly wear to a friends or family gathering:

Top:  Ann Taylor    Skirt:  Banana Republic    Cardigan:  American Eagle
Shoes:  TB Classic Reva Ballerina Flat in Black with Silver Logo, size 5.5
Necklace:  Nordstrom    Pin:  LOFT    Belt: Gift    Tights:  Simple Vera

I bought this skirt around this time last year, so it had always felt like a holiday piece to me.  I added the flower pin, which is a recent LOFT acquisition, so I'd have some green to complement my red to represent the quintessential holiday colors :)

Speaking of recent buys, I got pair of suede OTK boots from LOFT a while back when there were on sale for ~$60.  Initially I thought the fit was not great as the shaft was loose overall and had planned on returning... but I tried them on with this outfit and now I'm having second thoughts:

Hubby was less than helpful so I figured I'd ask my wonderful blog readers for opinions/feedback.  I like how they look from the front, but here are some side views:

The cuffs can be folded down, but I don't really like how that looks because then you can really see how my scrawny my thighs and calves are by comparison.  The price isn't too bad at all for boots, but I never would've thought I could do OTK boots.  What do you think... to keep or not to keep?

Sorry for all the headless pics.  Wish I had time to get all holiday-glam on ya (well, it'd also help if I actually knew how!), but I'm working nights this month and had literally just rolled out of bed at 4 pm and had to be back at work in an hour, and looked frightful in every single shot.  Serves me right for procrastinating until the last minute, but I'm glad I was still able to participate in this PFC... now to go see what everyone is wearing for their holiday parties! :)

Gap 30% Off Sale: Wardrobe Basics

Wondering what to get during the Gap Give & Get 30% off sale?  I'd probably recommend the Legging Jeans, which I'm really loving as does many petite bloggers.  Was wearing them earlier this week (sorry about the gloomy weather):

Cardigan: LOFT V-Neck Long Cardigan, size XXSP (see post)

Jeans: Gap Legging Jeans, size 00P (see post)

Shoes: Tory Burch Reva Lizard Embossed Flats, size 5.5 (see post)

Scarf: LOFT floral scarf (see post)

I've been holding out for a 40% off coupon to grab another pair in the dark blue wash, but when I checked again today, all the sizes were gone except for 00P and 0P!  I decided that I would probably regret missing out on it more than I would miss the extra $7, so I decided to order :)

If you need a filler to get to $50 for free shipping, I also really like their Favorite Ribbed Tank in XSP ($7):

The material is comfortable, the armholes and neckline are good, and the thicker straps are good for hiding bra straps.  It's just a basic tank, but believe it or not, it's not that easy for me to find a tank that isn't cut too low, fit too loosely/tightly, and is flattering and priced right!

I'm also a fan of the Long-sleeve Thermal T in XSP ($10):

I got it for wearing under scrubs, but it's actually quite slim-fitting and flattering.  The only thing to note is that the bottom hem is curved (which I hadn't realized when I bought).  It doesn't matter to me because I tuck it into my scrub pants, but just a FYI.

To get in on the sale, a multiple use in-store coupon can be printed here.  Gap also sent out one-time use online codes via email, if you need one you can check the AlterationsNeeded Forum for any unused codes.  The sale ends this Sunday, Nov 14.... happy shopping! :)

Tory Burch Reva Flats: Black or Gold?

On the top of my shoe wish list (other than boots which are impossible to find so far), is a nice pair of flats to wear with my skinny jeans, especially the fabulous Gap legging jeans.  I usually don't wear flats and therefore am not very familiar with the brands out there, so I went straight to the cult classic... Tory Burch!  This is definitely a splurge for me, but I've been coveting it for so long that I decided to just pull the trigger.

I couldn't decide between a classic black and a more fun neutral pair:

TB Classic Reva Ballerina Flat in Black with Silver Logo

TB Reva Lizard Embossed Leather Flat in Gold Petal

So I got both!  And of course now I'm tempted to keep both lol.  Here's a head to head comparison!

Front & Side View:

Close up:

On the feet:

The lizard print in Gold Petal is actually more of a cream color with specks of gray, and feels slightly stiffer and less flexible than their classic ballerina style.  I got them both in size 5.5, and the black runs true to size while the lizard print runs slightly big.  It doesn't slip off my feet thanks to the elastic part in the back, but I think I might be able to fit into a size 5.    True to the TB reputation however, they both do feel reeeally comfortable on, although I haven't worn them outside yet so I don't know how they'll fare after a long day.

Now my dilemma... Black is classic and goes with everything, including black tights/leggings for winter.  Gold petal has a more interesting print but is still versatile, and the neutral lighter color elongates leg line which is especially helpful in flats.  Which pair should I choose?  And dare I say both?!  :P