Battle Of The Booties

I never used to understand the appeal of booties on petites... they either cut off the leg line or have to be worn with matching tights, thus limiting their versatility.  But just like how I initially felt about skinny jeans, my feelings toward booties have been slowly changing.  I still don't currently own a single pair of booties, but have been more open-minded about adding them to my shoe collection.  I picked up a few pairs of Ann Taylor shoes a while back when they were having their big shoe sale, and finally got around to taking some pics!

The first pair is the Lily Lace-up Canvas Peep Toe Bootie in size 5.5:

And the second pair is the Lace Bootie in size 5.5:

  Here's how they look on the feet:

Please ignore the hot pink nail polish.  I recently tried on my little sister's polish but was too lazy to wipe off even though it's a little loud for my taste.

Another close-up:

The lace bootie was absolutely gorgeous online (see post), but got a thumbs down from both hubby and my Mom in person.  The appearance is hard to describe, but almost looks like lace-printed nude fabric more than anything (I'm not sure what else I was expecting I suppose).  The nude/lace part is rather crinkly and noticeably doesn't match my skin tone.  But I do like the unique lace design and since it's black, it could potentially go with more outfits and can also be worn with tights.

While they both have a 4.25" heel (with a small hidden platform in front), the canvas peep toe pair is a little more comfortable whereas the lace pair digs into my ankle a bit.  And while I do like the neutral color of the canvas pair, it seems strictly a spring/summer shoe because of the peep toe, and is also a little pricey at $103.  Styling it is another issue, although it's pretty cute on Chloe and here are some more ideas from Ann Taylor: 

One last look to compare the two:

So which would you keep?  Or neither...  or both??

LOFT Feature: Abstract Print Shell

LOFT recently sent out a request for outfits featuring spring blouses for their Facebook gallery, and the first thing that immediately came to my mind was the Abstract Print Shell that I mentioned in a previous post.  And here's what I sent in!

Skirt: LOFT Slim Denim Skirt, size 00P (post)

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

Shoes: AT Perfect Leather Pump in Porcini, size 5

Belt: AT Perfect Skinny Belt in Porcini, size XS

Necklace: Nordstrom Glass Pearl Necklace in White

Long-time blog readers may remember the denim skirt from my very first LOFT haul, which I initially thought I would have to alter.  But lo and behold, after just one cycle in the washer/dryer, it shrank enough to be wearable as is!  I still need to belt for it to sit at my true waist, but is definitely passable and hopefully will continue to shrink a bit more over time!

I also tried on a more colorful skirt with this top just for fun, and although it's brighter than what I'm used to, it definitely makes me feel like spring is almost here!

Skirt: Urban Outfitters Chiffon Drape Skirt, size XS (post)

So which pairing do you prefer?

The vibrant chiffon... or the understated denim?

If you haven't already, check out all the fabulous ladies and their outfits on the LOFT feature here!

Alterations: Ann Taylor Texture Pencil Skirt

I recently made a trip to the tailors, which never fails to leave me in a state of mild shock over how much tailoring costs can add up... but I have to say that I absolutely love the results!  One of my favorite alterations this time is the Ann Taylor pencil skirt that I mentioned in the last post, which turned out fantastic!

I probably should've taken proper pics, but was so excited by how it turned out that I just grabbed my phone to snap away, and also threw on the ensemble that I was planning to wear for my presentation, which again was inspired by this stock photo:

My initial thought was to get the skirt hemmed, but my tailor convinced me to get the sides slimmed, which would allow it to fit better overall.  With that alteration it would sit higher on my natural waist, and would therefore hit me at a good length without any hemming needed... and she was right!  I thought she did a beautiful job and it feels seriously amazing on... I think this is probably the best fitting pencil skirt that I currently own!

Here again is how the skirt looked before:

And here again is the after:

Blouse: AT Charmeuse Ruffle Shirt, size 00P (post)

Skirt: AT Riley Texture Pencil Skirt, size 00P      

Shoes: AT Perfect Leather Pumps, size 5

Unfortunately it was a cold rainy day today and I was freezing even with the added cardigan & white coat:

So instead of wearing this outfit, I made a last-minute decision to switch to the petite-favorite (and warmer) Banana Republic tweed dress that I'd also just gotten back from the tailor.  I took a few iPhone pics of it but they turned out blurry, so I'll have to retake the pics for another post.

I'm so glad my presentation is done... a big thanks to everyone who shared helpful public speaking tips and words of encouragement!  I actually had a really good turnout of attendings... some of whom I'm sure came for the free catered food lol, but it felt good to have an audience to show the fruits of my labor to nevertheless.  Now that it's over, I can relax and enjoy my one week of vacation time that starts today!  I hope you guys are having a fantastic weekend! :)

Ann Taylor 40% + Stackable 20% Off Sale!

I'm really supposed to be working on my presentation, but did a little quick shopping since there's a really good promotion going on right now at Ann Taylor.  They are offering 40% off all sale items with free shipping on $150+ order.  I also found that the code 10000000110 will stack to give an additional 20% off entire purchase!

Pickings are slim in the small petite sizes, so I ended up getting these:

Lace Bootie, size 5.5 ($66, reg $198):

Tweed Perfect Flat, size 5 ($57, reg $158):

Shimmer Tiered Shell, size XXSP ($20, reg $78):

Don't forget to go through your credit card shopping links for additional cash back (Discover is offering 5% and Chase has 3%).  If you don't have those, you can go through eBates for an extra 3% cash back (referral link).

On a side note, I recently tweeted about this AT Riley Texture Pencil Skirt in 00P:

I picked it up in a previous order for ~$55 and was planning to wear it in the work outfit I talked about in the previous post.  Here are some quick & grainy iPhone pics:

I've actually never tried on any Ann Taylor pencil skirts before and was pleasantly surprised by how the size 00P fits!  I initially thought I could even get by without any alterations, but am now considering getting it hemmed.  I prefer for it to sit slightly higher on the waist as well, but slimming sounds like a potentially complicated alteration per Jean who definitely knows what she's doing!  Any thoughts?

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! :)

PFC #3 - The Look For Less

 The third Petite Fashion Challenge, hosted by Sydney of PetiteLittleGirl, was definitely a difficult one!

The Challenge: 

Pick an outfit from your favorite celeb and show us how to recreate that look for less.

I don't have a favorite celeb, so just ended up browsing through tons and tons of celeb pics, but not really finding any outfit that I could replicate with what's already in my closet.  Then I stumbled upon this:

For those who don't recognize her, she's Olivia Palermo from MTV's The City and a NY socialite who has a general reputation for being well-dressed.  She always looks so long and lean, so I was surprised to learn that she's technically a petite at 5'4".  Her outfit is very casual, and basically boils down to a stripe tee, a white skirt, a neutral bag, and a pair of silver oxfords... check, check, check, and sorta check?

Here's my version!

 Top:  LOFT Painted Stripe Boat Neck Tee, size XXSP

Skirt: LOFT layered cotton skirt, size XXSP

Shoes: Ann Taylor Perfect Leather Pump in Porcini, size 5

Purse: Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mini in Pale Grey (post)

What do you think?  Did I pull it off?  I don't have anything remotely close to her silver oxfords, but I think my gray-ish taupe pumps helped give me the look of longer legs.  I wish I had the stripe tee in vintage blue so it would be a closer match, but the whole outfit turned out unexpectedly monochromatic, which I'm not totally disliking.  And was this a look for less?  The top and skirt probably came out to ~$40, which is definitely not bad... but the shoes and bag are a bit of a splurge so I'd like to think of them as "accessories" so they don't count :P

And did you notice anything different about my picture?  I'm actually outside!  I'm working at a different hospital for a month, so we're currently staying at the in-law's empty house (they're overseas) which is a closer drive.  A nice bonus is that they have a private backyard, perfect for outdoor pics!  

And maybe it's the nice outdoors that made me not want to crop out so much, but I think I finally feel comfortable with showing face on the blog!  I was thinking about "coming out" next week on my wedding anniversary and post some of my wedding pics.  But as luck would have it, LOFT contacted me yesterday for another pic for their Facebook feature, and my outfit (yet again) happened to be all LOFT, so I figured why not kill two birds with one stone!  Here's the pic I submitted... and meet yours truly!

Sorry for the sans make-up look... had to sprint outside after my post-work shower & blow-dry to catch the fleeting sunlight.  Oh, and for my Twitter friends, here's another view of the new haircut:

 

I'm not entirely loving it just yet because the layers are harder to manage than my old long straight hair, but I guess it's "growing" on me a bit  :P

Outlet Shopping Trip: Part II

The other stop during my impromptu outlet shopping trip was at Ann Taylor.  There weren't a whole lot of XXSP sizes, but I found a few things to try.  First is this print top in eggplant, size XXSP ($10):

It's a bit hard to see, but it's a wrap neckline with an empire waist.  The print is a bit casual, but for that price I can't complain :)

Next is this blazer in XXSP, which I thought looked pretty good in front:

But the side view was boxy and frumpy... although I think it has potential for someone who's a size up from me.  I decided to pass since I didn't really need it or want it enough to get alterations.

Last but not least, I found an item that's been on my "want" list for many years... a wool coat!

This was on sale for $99, and initially the smallest I could find was an XSP (which is pictured above).  After hemming and hawing, and knowing it was too big on me but still not wanting to let it go, I finally managed to walk away.  But on my way out, I decided to check the tag of the coat on the display mannequin... lo and behold, an XXSP!!  Needless to say, I quickly took it off the mannequin, tried it on in front of the store mirror (therefore no pics), and skipped all the way to the check out counter! :)

Now I've heard that Ann Taylor Factory quality is subpar compared to their regular merchandise, so I will be holding on to my receipt just in case I find something better.  In fact, I have another wool coat coming in the mail, so will take pics of the XXSP size to show both of them later.  In the mean time, I'm also eyeing this other Ann Taylor wool coat ($398), available in XXSP in camel, gray, and black:

If only there were another 40% off coupon...!

PFC #2 - Wear It Now, Wear It Later

It's time for another Petite Fashion Challenge!  This time it's being hosted by Kelly of AlterationsNeeded:

The Challenge: 

In honor of the fast approaching cool fall weather, what better way to get ready than to find ways to make your wardrobe do double duty. Pick at least one item in your closet and create two outfits, one for spring/summer, and one for fall/winter.

 The item I ended up choosing was this LOFT dress (aka my $8 dress!):

I probably shouldn't have had too much trouble with this one, but unfortunately true to my procrastinating nature I didn't get on it until practically the day of.  The result is therefore not incredibly creative, but I'll try to make up for it by showing several slightly different outfits :)  And here they are!

Spring - Summer:

Fall:

Fall - Winter:

Winter:

Dress: LOFT Cotton Dress, size XXSP (post)
Cardigan: LOFT V-Neck Long Cardigan, size XXSP (post)
Shell: LOFT Twisted Neck Shell, size XXSP (post)
Scarf: LOFT Floral Scarf (post)
Belt: Ann Taylor Skinny Woven Belt, size S
Boots: Uggs Kids Classic in Sand, size 6

I know I recycled the summer outfit, but nothing I tried looked as fresh as pairing it with the white cardigan.  As for the fall outfit, I was loving the unusual moss green of the top but felt like it was a little boxy especially when worn over the dress, so the addition of a skinny belt helped to define the waist.  For the fall-winter outfit, I busted out my uber comfortable Uggs, but unfortunately they somehow picked up quite a bit of dirt/dust during my move so please ignore the dirt streaks and the make-shift floor covering :)  For the winter outfit, I added brown over-the-knee socks (which I find more comfortable than tights but with the same look) and my yellow scarf for a bit of color.

I can't wait to see what everyone came up with for this challenge! :)