Petite Fashion Challenge #13: Stylish for under $100

Annie from ReallyPetite.com  is hosting the 13th Petite Fashion Challenge! The challenge is to put together a professional outfit (excluding shoes and accessories) for under $100. Plus, bonus points if you can creating an entire outfit, including shoes and accessories) for under $100.

At first, I thought this challenge would be a piece a cake. However, as I started planning over the weekend, I realized that professional clothing can be costly. 

So I had to think, think think....

[From Disney of the Week Tumblr]

I knew I had to go with something that was on sale or from an fast fashion retailer. I came up with multiple combinations, but everything was just not quite right. I think I'm driven by time crunch because as soon as I walked into my apartment and looked in my closet, I came up with my outfit! 

Tada!

Outfit Breakdown

Outfit (Excluding Accessories)

Top: Old Navy Dark Chambray Shirt in SP (Here) - $24, including promo discount

Skirt: Banana Republic Pencil Skirt in Black Size 0P (Similar) - aprx. $24, markdown price

Total Dollars Spent on Outft (excluding Accessories):  $48

Challenge Completed! Unfortunately, I don't get any bonus points for creating an entire outfit under $100. I went a little overboard with the shoes and accessories...because they definitely add up to being more than $48 and even $100! 

Accessories

Necklace: String of pearls (Similar) - purchased in China 7 years ago...can't remember the price! 

Earrings: Pearls (Similar) - gift from my mom, who also purchased these earrings in China last year. lol

Watch: Burberry (Here) - gift from my husband for my birthday last year.

Belt: Forever 21 (Similar) - aprx. $9

Shoes: Cole Haan Air Morgan Slipper Ballet Leopard Flats in size 5 (Here) - $113

Total Dollars Spent on Accessories (excluding gifts): $122

My outfit is a mix of casual (chambray shirt and leopard flats) and professional (black pencil skirt & pearls). Honestly, I like this oufit so much that I think I'll wear it to work tomorrow! I think it's perfect for my new casual work dress code. These fashion challenges really do stretch your fashion creativity muscle!

Check out Really Petite to see the other entries! 

 

Bachelorette Fun

Over the weekend, I went to a bachelorette party. It was a full day filled with a one hour massage, bachelorette games, and dinner with a group of 18 girls.

Panty Personality Game!

We had to wear all black (the bachelorette wore a beautiful fuchsia dress) at dinner and below was my outfit. If you recall, I purchased this sequin top at one of J.Crew's final sales. It was a prefect way to add some texture to an all black outfit. I also flip out my sleeves to add a bit of color...I really couldn't go all black!

Top: J. Crew Drapey Sequin Tank Size XXS

Blazer: Zara CRÊPE BLAZER Size S (Similar)

Pants: Banana Republic Pants in Black Size 0 (Similar)

Boots: Cole Haan 'Air Talia' Suede Bootie in Black Size 5
Earrings: Dana Buchman Earrings from Khol's*
Watch: MICHAEL Michael Kors Runway 33mm

*P.S I work for Liz Claiborne, which manufactures these earrings. It was my choice to wear them for the party and this blog entry. 

Making a Routine

I'm still getting used to the whole living and working in the city routine. Working near fast food chains doesn't help my petite figure. Working near the stores, such as GAP, Sephora, Ann Taylor Loft doesn't help my wallet. I guess it's all about control! lol

So after about 2 weeks of working, I realized that the dress code at work is totally all over the place. You wear business casual....but more along the casual/stylish end. You can wear jeans, but not the t-shirt and sneakers style. I'm happy that I can wear colored jeans to work, but then I'm also a little sadden to think that a pencil skirt is too formal. I'll have to figure out how to style my current wardrobe for the spring now!  At least now I have an excuse to buy pastel colored jeans. =)

Top: Polka Dot Blouse Size S (similar)

Pants: AG Adriano Goldschmeid Sateen Stilt Size 26 (Similar)

Boots: Cole Haan 'Air Talia' Suede Bootie in Black Size 5

Bracelets: Express Enamel Hinge Braclet (Similar) 

Triple Row Beaded Leather Bracelet

Watch: MICHAEL Michael Kors Runway 33mm

Marni at H&M: First Look!

Marni at H&M mania is coming soon! The Fashionista has some first look photos of their line that's launching on March 8th. The collection is definitely not as classic as the Jason Wu for Target collection. However, I do love all of the different uses of color and geometric shapes prints, especially on the dresses!  Below are a few of my favorite styles. I'm not sure if I'll be committed to going to the stores bright and early yet. We'll see how I feel on March 8th.

Check out the ultra swanky commercial directed by Sofia Coppola (director of Lost in Translation and Somewhere). H&M really went all out for this collection!

Essential For Petites: The Two Step

One of my pet peeves of being short is that I have a hard time grabbing things from the top shelf and top cabinets. I am constantly using my stepping stool for assistance. Since it has become such a necessity for me to have, I thought I would search for some cute stools. 

Circle Creek Home's Vintage Style Two Step from Etsy

 Love the vintage look. It comes in 12 different colors!

Level of Discovery Wild Step Stool From Target

A little exotic! I'm into animal print these days.

2 Step Wooden Stool From The Container Store

Classic wooden folding stool. Super compact when folded. 

Petite Find: Allison Izu Plus 30% Discount!

 Allison Izu is a denim petite brand that was launched a few years ago. She just recently re-launched her line with new designs and fabrics. I recently read a blog interview post from Maui Shop Girl's blog about how she got her start and her new line. Check it out. I think it is totally inspirational when designers start their own line. Allison was even featured in February's O Magazine!

If you're interested in purchasing these jeans, Maui Shop Girl's blog post provides a promo code (NEW2012) for 30%. Jean from Extra Petite did a review on some of Allison's jeans in 2010. However, the fit and styles could be somewhat different now. Elle from Fast Food & Fashion more recently (in November) reviewed the jeans, as well.

Allison's jeans come with an inseam of 27 or 31. I'm not sure if these jeans will work out for me because I am in between inseams here. My inseam is 28 when I wear flats, and 30 when I wear pants with heels. Hopefully, these jeans will work out for other petites!

Back to the Daily Grind

Today was my first day back into the corporate world since I moved from Puerto Rico. After a month long search, I was fortunate to find a job in the fashion/jewelry industry, an industry that is totally new for me. I'm excited to hit the ground running. I'm also excited to have the chance to wear business casual clothes again! However, I realize that I have a ton of spring/summer type outfits. Somehow, I need to layer up so I can keep warm!

Blouse: Ann Taylor Outlet Polka Dot Blouse Size 0P (Similar)

Sweater: Express Cardigan (Similar)

Pants: Express Design Studio (hemmed) Size 0 (Similar)

Belt: Ann Taylor Exotic Perfect Skinny Belt in Black Size XS

Boots: Cole Haan 'Air Talia' Suede Bootie in Black Size 5

Good Bye, Car!

About one month after moving to New York, my husband's car finally arrived too! Unfortunately, there is no way we are keeping a car in the city. We woke up early on Saturday and drove 4 hours to my parent's home in the DC area to drop the car off and bid it farewell.

Of course, I had to stop at a few rest stops along the way. I grabbed a vanilla frozen yogurt with rainbow sprinkles (my usual) from TCBY (aka the original fro-yo before the fro-yo craze!) It matched my outfit, so I decided to include it in my photos.  =)

Top: Old Navy Plaid Shirt Size S (Similar)

Pants: Express Flared Jeans (hemmed) Size 0 (Similar)

Belt: Old Navy Woven Belt (Similar)

Boots: Kelsi by Kelsi Dagger Flice Wedge Booties in Cogac Size 5

Watch: MICHAEL Michael Kors Runway 33mm

We took the Bolt Bus back to New York City and ended up getting home around 1:30AM. We couldn't  fall asleep until 3AM since we had napped the whole way home. Needless to say, it was a long day. 

Refinery 29: The Next Big Style Blogger

I just recently submitted my entry to Refinery29's The Next Big Style Blogger Contest! Find me here and vote for me, please!

Independent Fashion Bloggers Conference 2012

I attended the Independent Fashion Blogger Conference today, and had so much fun meeting and being surrounded by so many fashionista bloggers! The event was held at Milk Made Studio in Chelsea/Meatpacking District. There were 4 informative panel sessions discussing different ways to improve and to monetize your blog. It was an all day event, but it really didn't feel like one. The day went by so fast!

The highlight of the day was when I met Wendy and Mystery Man from Wendy's Lookbook! Oh boy, was I star struck! I love their video, 25 Ways to Wear a Scarf in 4.5 Minutes. Thank you Mystery Man for taking this picture with my point & shoot camera! =)

I also had the pleasure of chatting with  Danielle from Stingy Style, Jennifer from J. Rose Style, and Fashion Stylist, Reinaldo Irizarry.

Thanks IFB for a great time!

Clothing Review: Jason Wu for Target Collection

For most people, February 5th meant Superbowl Sunday. For me, it meant it was the launch of the Jason Wu for Target collection!  I was super excited to get a hold of something from the Jason Wu.

 Unfortunately, I wasn't fast enough. I should have treated this launch like a Black Friday Event. Target opened at 8 AM. I woke up at 7:30 AM showered, brushed my teeth, put on some make-up on, ate breakfast and arrived at the closest Target around 9 AM. I should have just rolled out of bed, brush my teeth and headed over to Target in sweats and a ponytail. So by 9 AM, the only thing left were a handful of different styles that were mostly in XL sizes. I did end up picking up a top from on the rack and then also a few more items by the fitting room (aka the fitting room rejects). Overall, all of the items were pretty big on me. Honestly, I bet they had to make alterations for models on the ads.

Jason Wu for Target® Sleeveless Top with Sheer Panel in Navy Floral
Size Small | A  Yes! 

 I ended up keeping only the first top. I might have to get it tailored or end up using fashion tape. If I make any sudden moves (and I do a lot), my bra cup will definitely show. 

Jason Wu for Target® Blouse with Tie in Navy Dots
Size Extra Small | A No

I rejected the 2nd top because I didn't love it, and realized that I would only be getting it because it was a Jason Wu top. The bow went down to the middle of my cleavage area. The top was just too boxy for me.

Jason Wu for Target® Jersey Dress in Red/Navy Stripes
Size Extra Small | A No...so sad. 

The dress was a little to big and wide on me, but I was willing to deal with it and try to make it work. However, I ended up noticing that there was a pretty finger nail size ink stain on it, so I decided to pass. This dress was actually on my wish list too!

Are You Ready For Some Football???

In honor of Superbowl Sunday, I thought I would post a couple of old photos of me from my visit to Texas Stadium, the Dallas Cowboys' old stadium. Unfortunately, the Cowboys (my favorite football team...aka... husband's favorite team) didn't make it to the playoffs or to the Superbowl. They lost their chance when the Giants beat them in their last game of the season. I guess, there's always next year. So you can imagine which team we're rooting for in this year's Superbowl. Go Pats!

Yes, I was wearing a cotton dress on the field!  =) It was a hot summery day, and I wanted to show my team spirit by wearing blue and white!

Coat Review: Petite Double-Cloth Metro Coat with Thinsulate

I finally got the chance to purchase the Double-Cloth Metro Coat with Thinsulate. I'm definitely a bargain hunter, so I waited as long as I could before making the jump to purchase this coat. January and February are great for winter sales! I just need to keep an eye on how fast my desired color(s) and size would run in and out of stock prior to the big sales. I took the risk and purchased this coat during the final sale. I'm so glad that this coat ended up fitting me!

J.Crew Double-Cloth Metro Coat with Thinsulate 
in Oasis Green Size 2P

General Sale Timeline

November: 

• 25% off full price items when you spend...
• 25% off full price items for Cyber Monday

December: 

• 25% off full price items when you spend...
• 30% off full price items when you spend...
• Random temporary pricing error on coats that were sold for $80 plus 30% discount for a total of $56.
• Coats were marked down  
• 25% off final sale items

January:

• 25% off final sale items
• 30% off final sale items
• 40% off final sale items

Full Price: $318
My Price: $131.99

Savings: $186.01(aprx. 58% off!)

The Facts About the Coat

• The coat is lined with Thinsulate ("a moisture-resistant insulation that provides nearly twice the warmth of down but without the bulk")
• Material Composition: 94% Wool, 6% Nylon
• Lining: 100% Acetate
• Fill: 65% Olefin, 35% Polyester
• Measurements made by me:
• Length from Shoulder to Bottom: 34.5 inches
• Shoulder to End of Sleeve Length: 21 inches
• Shoulder to Shoulder Length: 16 inches
• Waist and Chest are both around 16 inches
  
  

My Opinion of the Coat

• The coat feels more like a long blazer instead of a peacoat.
• The shoulder length is a little tighter than I'm used to but it's manageable. I can still give hugs. 
• The coat is very well fitted. I can only wear this coat over a thin sweater/top and definitely not over a bulky sweater.
• I wouldn't wear this coat in temperatures cooler than 40 degrees, even with a scarf and hat. I was shaking in my boots last Saturday night, and I believe it was in the 40s. I like to stay warm, so I will probably revert back to my Theory Kendon coat for cooler temperatures. I guess you can't go wrong with wearing down fluffy coat.
• The sleeves seem short or maybe they are perfect, and I'm just not used to wearing coats with "perfect length" sleeves? I'm considering buying longer arm length gloves to help prevent the cold breeze from coming inside my sleeves. 
• Based on my findings and the reviews from other petites, I realized that the majority of the J.Crew petite coats have more or less the same sleeve length and shoulder to bottom length. So upgrading to a larger petite size would not help with the lengths. However, the regular size coats seems to be a few inches too long in the sleeves and body length for a petite. 

Overall, I'm happy with my purchase. I'm probably not going to purchase another J.Crew coat. I don't think it could make it under real winter temperatures, but I'm happy to have a new colorful coat in my collection of white and black jackets/coats.