Look for Less

This shirt is super pretty:

Trina Turk Coley Long Sleeve Blouse
Retails: $236 | On Final Sale: $94.40
{here}

But check out this amazing doop:

ASOS Wrapped Front Ruched Sleeve Blouse
Retail: $46.62 | On Sale...wait for it...$26.90
{here}

Both of these images surprisingly came from the same blog, I Am Style-ish, several posts apart. Surprisingly, there was no mention of how close they were and what an absolute steal the ASOS one was in comparison to the Trina Turk. Is it just me? I don't know but I think the cheapie needs to come live with me...

Happy Monday Ladies!

Fitting Room Review

Yesterday I took the day off to recoup from the hectic business trip I had over the weekend. And by recoup, I might or might not mean shop...

I stopped into Ann Taylor Loft with the intention of trying on this dress after seeing it reviewed on several different blogs:



ATL Woven Ruffle Neck Dress
{here}

I actually remembered seeing it in store when it first came out and while I thought it was cute, it didn't immediately call my name. But, after seeing it reviewed on Proudly Petite, To Brighten My Day, and Petite Mom & Little Peanut, I thought it deserved a chance.

Here's how it looks on me in a 00P:

 Pros:

• Pockets. I love me a good set of pockets!
• I liked the color combination of the white and natural linen plus the linen has a very subtle metallic sheen.
• Waist location was were it was supposed to be.

Cons:

• The reason I wasn't immediately drawn to it still holds true on: it's just a bit "country" for my taste.
• The ruffle was a bit overkill for me; I felt a little top heavy.
• It's not super apparent in the first picture but the dress was too large all over. It's more obvious in the last two pictures where you can see the extra fabric above my bum.

Here are a few more showing the issues with fit:

Verdict: back on the rack!

Even though I stopped in to check out this dress, I of course had to do a walk through of the rest of the store! My local store has an incredibly small petite's section so the browsing went fast. I checked out the sale section (which is even more pathetic...) and was pleased to find this top which I had seen several weeks earlier on a mannequin and thought it was super cute:

ATL Dolman Sleeve Drape Top
{here}

I was lucky enough to find both the Warm Iron (pictured above) and Shadow Gray in XXSP to try on (this was totally my lucky day: the tiny sizes are ALWAYS gone!).

Let me just tell you ladies. Love. Pure love.



Picture of the "V" seam on the front. It's nearly invisible when the shirt is relaxed. I have my arms stretched all the way out...the things I do for you dear readers...

Pros:

• Super soft
• Gorgeous colors
• Incredibly comfortable.

Cons:

• Zero. Sersiously. I will be living in these.
• Wait...there could be more colors...

Verdict: Bought both at $20 each (originally $50)!

Retail Therapy Thursday

It's time!

A few weeks ago the BF and I were out for the evening and we popped into a Borders that was going out of business. It was pretty picked over but while browsing I managed to snag a few books: two on fashion and one from Tracy Anderson:



This book has been out for awhile so you can get it pretty cheap!
{here}

I've been a fan of Tracy and her method for quite some time, in fact, one of the first posts I did shared a few videos from her. This woman is seriously amazing. I mean, look at that body! Girl. Crush. Anyway, this book is a guide (muscle training, dance cardio and diet) for a 30 day period. In edition to the print visuals, the book also includes a DVD which breaks down all the moves.

You'll often find many petites who are concerned about looking young or childlike because of our small stature. I'm sure I speak for most when I say being petite is pretty awesome. Yes, we have trouble finding clothes that fit, but that's nothing that a trip to the tailor can't fix. For me (and this is my personal opinion) the best way to combat looking like a child is to develop a bit of muscle and tone, which of course, most female kiddos don't have. Having some definition makes you look feminine, healthy and mature. Again, this is what I feel is best for me...I'm sure some of you disagree and that's just fine.

That being said, I've mentioned a time or two that I've been trying to work towards improving my figure. Yes, I'm slender, but for me this isn't enough. I want to look strong. There are a million way to go about getting this way but I'm particularly drawn to Tracy Anderson's method because she bases her workout on long, lean muscles. Extra important if you're petite!

I've been working out for the past five weeks with two fellow petite girlfriends in the AM before work (yes, that means geting up at 5:30...not fun at the beginning) doing weights and light cardio and I've already seen some improvements. I've a big believer in muscle confusion so I had planned on changing my routine after 6 weeks. When I discovered the Tracy Anderson book, I decided to move things ahead of schedule and start sooner. I talked it over with my workout buddies and they are all on board too. Officially, we will be starting the 30 day program tomorrow, April 1st and working out daily for 30 days. Tonight we will be taking our 'before' pictures and measurements.

In anticipation, I've finally bought some new athletic shoes. They are actually personally recommended by Tracy and the reviews are incredibly good.

Asics Gel Kayano 17
{here}

I searched for a long time to find some stylish gym shoes but as you can see, pretty much gave up. They had a few other color options but I thought the black would be the best for dirt and would help hide the less than stylish design.

We are all excited about the next 30 days! Hopefully I will have some great before and after pictures to show you!

Till next time pretties,

Window Shopping Wednesday

Thank you all for the lovely comments on last week's PFC #6. I didn't have access to internet due to random circumstances so not only did I not get to see your comments till I got home on Monday, I still have yet to look at all the entries (45??? Record?!) and make comments of my own. Soon pretties. Soon.

Moving on to this week's edition of WSW:

After reporting last Wednesday that I'm on the hunt for the perfect nude sandal, I popped into Aldo shortly after to see if I could get a glimpse of a few in person. They wouldn't have my size (Aldo rarely carries 5's in store) but I was looking to determine quality.

The ones I mentioned last week were very cute, but while there, I found a few more I liked:

Aldo Samella
{here}

Ok, so these aren't exactly sandals but they are a great compromise!

Aldo Santone
{here}

Happy Wednesday!

Petite Fashion Challenge #6

It's time again for another Petite Fashion Challenge!





This times challenge is hosted by Jess from Stylepint. If you haven't checked out her blog (which if you're reading this and part of the petite community, you probably have!) head over and see how adorable she is.

The challenge:

“Dress Up Your Basics”

Jeans and a tee is a classic outfit starter. Depending on what you layer over this basic pairing, you can change style and feel of the entire look. This is your chance to show your personality and your creativity.


For this challenge, start off with a jeans and tee basic look (it can be any style or color) and dress it up to show off your personal style with accessories, jewelry, and whatever you’d like to add.

Here's my look!

Outfit Details:

Jeans: Express, 00 Short

White Shirt (ok not a t-shirt but you'll read why below): Old Target, XS

Cardigan: Target, XS

Belt: Ann Klein, XS

Shoes: Jones New York, 5

I wanted to keep this outfit true to the challenge but I thought it would be more realistic to show something I would actually wear...and since most of my life is spent at work, this is what you get! Hence the white button-up and not a white t-shirt, although that would have been an easy substitute. Subsequently, this is what I actually wore today as I am on a business trip and had a casual meeting scheduled earlier this afternoon. As a side note; sorry for the incredibly horrible pictures. I was A) without my tripod, B) in a huge hurry snapping these trying to hit the road and C) in my roommates room since she has the only floor length mirror in the house.

Can't wait to see what everyone else came up with!

Retail Therapy Thursday

Drum roll please!!!

Just a few (cheap!) pretties I picked up last weekend at Francescas:

Disclaimer: no that is not my ear. I used this pic so you could get an idea of size!
Francescas In the Wings Earrrings
{here}

Francesca's Between the Rocks Necklace
{here}

You might recall that I've been craving some turquoise and gold jewelry at a reasonable price point (geeezz why is it all so expensive?) and these are totally it. I'm swooning over the earrings extra hard.

I also bought a few nail polishes but they didn't have them on the website. I'll have to try and remember to do a manicure with all of them so you can see!

One more day till Friday!

Window Shopping Wednesday

Just a quick post today for this week's edition of WSW!

I've been searching for the perfect pair of nude/brown sandals to bring me into spring. Here is what I have my eye on:



Aldo Stacks
{here}



Steve Madden Riddgge
{here}

 These Steve Madden ones are a 'sorta' steal at $99 when you take into consideration they are ripping off these from DVF, which come in at a cool $295.


DVF Opal Wedges
{here}

I really love the architectural detail in the DVF but not for $200 more when the SM one's are so close. If you really want an exact replica, you can try these



Gianni Bini Adrianna Sandals
$98.99
{here}

 I discovered these over a month ago and fell in love since they were dead on, but sadly, the smallest size they came in was a 5.5 and since they are exclusive to Dillards, there is no hope of any other retailer carrying a 5. Based on the websites remaining available sizes, I'm not the only one who noticed them.

Happy Wednesday!

Retail Therapy Thursday

Technically, there's not really supposed to be much to this week's edition of RTT but alas...damn you Victorias Secret.

Ready, set, go!



{here}

 

{here}



{Top Here} | {Bottom Here}
Side note: sorry for the weird hybrid photo. I purchased both pieces in BLACK. Only half of VS stuff on the website can be viewed in alternative colors by clicking on the swatches.

To Top it All Off!
{here}

The perfect nude. Period.
{here}

And because I can't wear swimmies all the time...
{here}

This is how the breakdown of my will power happened: I'd been eyeing these items for some time (except the first swimmie and cover-up: those bad boys have been on my radar since last season!) and never bit the bullet because A) I wanted a promo code and B) VS doesn't do flat rate shipping (BOO VS. BOO.).

I receive emails from VS all the time, so much so that I don't read all of them. I was already aware of the $15/$30/$75 off promo they had going (which made me put things in my cart on a few different occasions but then ultimately not purchase) but then, by happenstance (or destiny???), I happened to click on an email that said there was one day left for free shipping with any bra purchase. Oh happy day!

I threw the 'must haves' in my shopping cart and came up to $167 after the $30 off $125 was applied. Then I realized that the $75 off $250 coupon would give me $250 worth of lovelies for only $175- $8 shy of what I was already spending. I can tell you are understanding how the downfall happened...I added a few more items (ultimately the cover-up and lipstick) to bring me to $251. Side note: do you have any idea how hard it is to find things that equal a specific amount? I DO. Literally, like, 45 minutes of my life was dedicated to this endeavor.

Annnywho...cheers!

Window Shopping Wednesday

My dresses from Bluefly that I posted about here arrived this week and I am in love with one, but so so on the second. I'm planning on snapping a few pics (hopefully?) tonight for a little show and tell. That being said, as I mentioned on Monday, I'm curtailing spending (ok that's kind of a lie: I already bought some stuff from Victorias Secret, but it was a good deal so I couldn't resist! Will be posting those in tomorrow's RTT.) for the month but that doesn't stop me from window shopping!

 Here is what I wished for this week:

ATL 3/4 Sleeve Stripe Blouse
{here}

Love the nautical nod this shirt has: would look especially cute with white skinny jeans and a waist cinching cognac belt!

ATL Place Stripe Flyaway Cardigan
{here}

One word: pretty. Do you see a trend with the stripe loving action I've got going on today?

And last but not least, the love of my life that I'll never get to own because apparently the entire world is sold out in all but a pitiful handful of (not my) sizes...

Penny Loves Kenny Tetra Pumps in Ivory
{here}

Ummm GASP. Nude + soft pink + gold metallic studs + captoe = LOVE. Seriously.

Happy Hump Day Lovies!

Dressing Room Review

Happy Monday lovelies! Over the weekend, I popped into Ann Taylor Loft looking for the make-up bag I featured here and while they didn't have it, I did find several petite items to try on in the sale section that were an extra 40% off. While I told myself I wouldn't be spending any more money on clothes this month after I purchased these dresses since they were a teeny bit of a splurge, I couldn't resist going in. After all, I was just going to try them on...

First up is a dress that's made it's way around the petite blog world. Tried on in a 00P:

Floral Sheath Dress
{here}

I've seen this dress look quite cute on several bloggers but for me, this was a total miss. The fit was large in the back, waist and chest, and the color was less than flattering on my pasty skin. Also gave me sort of a baby bump. NOT GOOD. The pattern was cute and I loved that it had pockets but ultimately I left it for another buyer.

Next was this very similar dress to the Floral Sheath tried on in a 00P as well:

This dress doesn't seem to be available on the website anymore so I unfortunately don't know the name of it but the cut is very similar to the one above minus the pleating at the neck and the pockets. The fabric on this one is sort of a metallic jacquard. The color was more flattering but again, it was quite large overall. The top picture shows me pinching a good inch and a half on one side alone. This dress went back on the rack as well.

Finally we have this pair of pants and shirt:

Striped Boat Neck Sweater in Light Guava | Marisa Versatile Slim Crop Pants in Steel Grey
{here} | {here}

Citrus colors were all over the runways in pre-spring shows and have made their way quite nicely in mass retail stores. I've picked up a few pieces in these shades already and I'm loving them! ATL hardly had any of these sweaters left and sadly, the smallest size they had was a SPS which you can see it quite large. I needed a XXSP but could have dealt with a XSP, but alas, online only has larger sizes left and the closest store that had my size in stock was several hours away, so I had to pass. The crops reminded me a lot of the ATL Scuba pants and the J Crew Minnies, both of which have found homes in many petite's closets. However, while I can't attest to the Scubas, I've tried on the Minnies and they ran large in the crotch, plus the word on the street is they stretch out with wear, which is too bad since I love the cut and color options. I own two pairs of slim fitting crops in black and white from FCUK and I love how they make my legs look so when I saw the Marisas in grey, I grabbed them. I tried on a 00P and thought overall the fit was quite nice. The length is a few inches too long but nothing my tailor couldn't fix. I did try them on in a 0P just in case (sorry no pics) and there was a good inch and a half waist gap so I went back to the smaller size.

Ultimately, I purchased the Marisa Crops which retail for $69 and I picked them up for $31. I think I can justify it :)