PFC #6 - Dress Up Your Basics

The sixth Petite Fashion Challenge is being hosted by Jess of Stylepint!

The Challenge: 

Jeans and a tee is a classic outfit starter. 
 Start off with a jeans and tee basic look and dress it up to show off your personal style.

I cheated a little and started out with a striped tee (but forgot to take a plain "before" picture, sorry!)

Top: LOFT Painted Stripe Boat Neck Tee, size XXSP
Jeans: A&F Kids Maddy Skinny, size 12 
Necklace: Charlotte Russe (similar)

I'm terrible at remembering to accessorize but am trying to improve... and here I added a newly-acquired long drapey chain necklace to balance out the boatneck of the top.  The attached flower on this surprisingly inexpensive necklace makes it almost like two accessories in one!

And since I easily get cold, I almost never leave the house without some sort of cardigan or jacket.  I decided to add a spring-appropriate blazer on top.  I usually prefer my blazer sleeves scrunched up, and here I thought that the effect of the striped sleeves peeking out underneath kind of gives the idea of a striped jacket... but without the commitment! 

I love that the flower on the necklace serves double duty as a faux flower pin on the blazer too!  Please forgive the feet-less pics... I had on flats but they were a baaad idea.  I was going to change to pumps at the time for a lil' more sophistication, but hubby came home with dinner and I was starving so that was the end of my photoshoot.

Not the most creative effort I have to say, and the attempt ended prematurely before I could try again with different shoes, a belt, etc. due to an unexpected injury.  But at least it is a casual look that I can wear without feeling like I'm trying too hard.  Don't forget to check out lots of other outfits from this Petite Fashion Challenge here!

In The Banana Republic Fitting Room

Here's the second part of my old fitting room pics... and this time it's Banana Republic.  Like always, the pickings are slim (but what can I say, I'm a creature of habit).  Since most items were a fail, I included stock photos so you can at least see what they're supposed to look like.  Here goes!

1. Silk Halter Tank in XXSP:

I almost ordered this online in the print version to try, but I'm glad I didn't because it doesn't fit!  Was just large overall including an odd poofing above the waistband in the back.  It's also a bit see-through, but also comes in black which I can see looking nice on someone a size bigger and larger-busted than me.  Verdict: Pass.

2. Graphic Ruffle Neck Shell in XXSP:

Ugh, I really didn't like this one.  The material was stiff and didn't drape well, which didn't help its boxy cut.  I also didn't much like the colors in person.  I think I'll take a ruffly LOFT blouse over this one any day.  Verdict:  Pass.

3. Textured Ruffle Jacket in XXSP:

I kinda liked this jacket on the hanger... but not so much on me.  It was big and ill-fitting virtually everywhere, I wouldn't even know where to start to get it altered.  BR jackets are a fail for me unless they start sizing down or introduce size XXXSP *sigh*.  Verdict:  Pass.

4. Ruffled Military Jacket in XXSP:

This one was a teensy bit smaller than the last, but still a no go.  The material is 100% cotton and machine washable, so it might make a nice casual jacket for someone a size up... but personally I think I prefer a bit more waist definition.  Verdict: Pass.

5. Silk Tiered Ruffle Tank in XXSP:

Finally something with a little bit more potential!  I initially thought no on this one... was roomy as you can tell, and I didn't know how I'd style something with such voluminous bottom ruffles like this.  But when I threw a cardigan on (see below), I actually started to like it!  The 100% silk material makes for very nicely draped ruffles.  It's definitely not for bottom-heavy body types, but is great for anyone looking to create hips (or disguise a flat rear like me).  Verdict: Want, but likely wait for sale.

6. Cashmere Ruffle Edge Cardigan in XXS(P?):

If it weren't for the $160 price tag (100% cashmere), I might've walked out of the store with this one.  Feels super super soft and light enough for spring, and the iPhone pics aren't doing the color any justice.  Comes in an array of spring colors and reminds me of the popular LOFT long cardigan except with ruffling along the edge.  Verdict: Stackable sales please!

So what do you think?  Was I delusional about the silk tiered ruffle tank (due to the many fails of the other items)?  Have you found any winners at Banana Republic lately?  Please share!

In The LOFT Fitting Room

Dear lovely readers, I'm terribly sorry I haven't been blogging much lately.  My work schedule this month (early morning shift) isn't agreeing with me and I feel perpetually tired.  I'm also on call this weekend, which is a 24-hr shift with no rest, so there's not even some weekend shopping to look forward to.  Lol... I really don't shop that much, honest!  That said, I do have a whole bunch of fitting room pics stored on my phone from prior shopping trips, which I wanted to share so I can finally delete them.  The first set is from my most frequented store... LOFT! :)

1.  Roll Sleeve Drapey Shirt in XXSP:

This first item is also my favorite!  I love the slinky feel of the blouse, and it drapes absolutely beautifully!  My store only carried this "Evening Sand" color, but it also comes in a "Teak Green" online.  The only issue I have with it is that it's quite sheer and usually would definitely need a cami.  But given the strategic front pocket placement, I think I can get away with a nude-colored bra.  Verdict: Want!

2.  Tiered Ruffle Shell in XXSP:

This one never caught my eye at first, but looks lovely on Kelly at AlterationsNeeded.  It doesn't hang quite right on my frame though, and I'm not crazy about the banded hem.  Verdict: Maybe if on super sale.

3.  Pleated Ruffle Button Down Top in XXSP:

This one was obviously a fail.  Huge and shapeless and I'm not a big fan of the asymmetric ruffle.  My search for a white ruffle top continues.  Verdict:  Pass.

4.  Double Breasted Striped Jacket with Patch Pockets in XXSP:

This is an older item and is no longer available online, and any remaining stock is probably on the clearance rack.  I actually quite liked it despite being initially wary of the stripes.  The material is a thick knit and is very comfortable.  I initially passed and was waiting for it to go on sale, but it seems to have sold out at my store.  Verdict:  Not available.

5.  Island Flower Peplum Top in XXSP:

I like that the neckline and armholes fit, but the side view just wasn't very flattering on me.  I'm on the fence about the print as well.  On the upside, this is a good top to wear to a buffet since it can probably camouflage a post-binge tummy.  Verdict: Pass unless deeply discounted.

6.  Twist Pleat Shell in XXSP:

Last but not least, this is another great LOFT spring shell!  If I didn't already have the Abstract Print Shell from the last post, and this exact same style blouse in two solid colors (see here & here), I'd be all over this one!  Verdict: Must... control... self.

I have more pics from another store (can you guess which?), but will save it for part two.  Thanks for reading and have a happy St. Patrick's Day!  And also Happy Match Day to any med school readers out there!

My First Theory: The Gratian Blazer

Ever since Kelly of AlterationsNeeded first wrote about the Theory Gratian blazer, it seems like virtually every petite who managed to get their hands on one has absolutely loved it.  And even though several other Theory blazers have come onto the scene since then, I still secretly wished for but had given up hope on ever finding my very own Gratian.  They simply weren't available even if I had the $$ to pay the hefty full price (which I don't!).

But I must've been a VERY good girl last year because not only did the style resurface over the holidays in a black textured version, my Secret Santa also helped me track down the ever elusive size 00!

This was my very first Theory item and I love it.  Since Jean of ExtraPetite already did a thorough post on it here, I won't go into too much detail.  I knew it ran small from seeing it on other petites, but was still quite surprised at the shrunkenness of it in person.

 

It's slightly boxy on the side view, but because the length is cropped enough, I think it's still do-able.  And the best part?  A very reasonable price tag for a Theory blazer since it was an outlet find!

Thanks Santa!!  You're amazing and I'm so glad we wear the same size! :)

Fitting Room Reviews: LOFT, Banana Republic, H&M

Work has been stressful lately for me, and so I haven't been able to really keep up with the blogger world.  But I still check Twitter and try to read some my favorite blogs during random free moments, even if my comments haven't been so timely!  In any case, I've been holding on to a bunch of fitting room pics that I haven't had a chance to incorporate into proper posts, but I figured I should share them so that they might be somewhat helpful while the items are still available.

The first store up is LOFT...

1. Abstract Print Shell in XXSP:

The armholes were good and the neckline was slightly on the low side but I can probably still go without a cami.  It also comes in a couple of solid colors, but I like the print which is great for spring and I believe is the same print as this cute pencil skirt that's now available in petite sizing.  Verdict: Want!

2.  Cotton Metallic Tiered Jacket in 0P:

There was no 00P in store, but I doubt sizing down would've helped the silhouette of this jacket.  I liked the soft lavender color, but layers of ruffles all around just made it too puffy and boxy.  Verdict: Pass.

3.  Deep Cowl Neck Shell in XXSP:

A simple knit top with an overall decent fit.  I thought it was slimming on me, but I'm afraid the material will pill after a few washes.  Verdict: Wait for deep discounts.

The next store is Banana Republic...

1. Classic Trench in XXSP:

I was hoping BR had improved their sizing since the last time they offered a classic trench.... but no such luck.  Their XXSP was still a size too big on me, and doesn't look quite right even when cinched.  Verdict: Pass.

2. Brigitte Double-Knit Ruffle Dress in 00P:

Despite being a knit dress, it was still loose on me especially in the bust.  The only thing I did like was that the material was a thicker knit.  Verdict: Pass.

3. Cascading Ruffle Dress in 00P:

Loosey-goosey fit, thin material, may be better if belted... but I thought it was overpriced at $130.  Verdict: Pass.

And finally, my visit to H&M was once again largely unfruitful... that is, except for this jacket!

I must've made 4 trips to different H&Ms trying to find a jacket that PAG reviewed several months ago, but without success.  Imagine my delight when I spotted this jacket which looks almost like an exact duplicate, and also fits tiny!  The price is not bad either at $35, and it also comes in black as well as a peach color that you can see on PetiteLittleGirl here.

Hope you enjoyed the virtual shopping trip!  As always, comments and opinions are welcome.  I've been trying to cut back on the spending so didn't end up buying anything (except for the H&M jacket), but it's always good to know which items are winners so I can snatch them up if they go on sale later!