Petite Fashion Challenge #6

Petite Fashion Challenge #6 is being hosted by the one and only Jess from Stylepint.

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.

I was actually pretty excited about this one, my basic "uniform" is jeans and some kind of top so I did have a bunch of ideas going in my head, but I wanted to kind of just keep in simple and stick with one "look".

Here is my basic white T and jeans look:

T-shirt:  H&M XS

Jeans: Gap Jean Leggings 00R - OF COURSE! ;) (here)

Boots:  Me Too size 7

(As an aside my hair isn't chopped off, it was behaving badly so it went up in a ponytail - not the best look for me unfortunately!)

There are so many ways to dress of a simple outfit like this - scarves, jewellery, sweaters, jackets etc.  It's the perfect base to start any outfit on!

I decided to go with jewellery and a blazer.  BUT I thought I would go a little "extra" and throw on some "night time" jewellery and a pretty clutch:

Jewellery:  Avon (2 necklaces layered)

Clutch:  Banana Republic gift from ML of Twenty York Street

To dress it up even further, a blazer always does the trick!

Blazer:  Mexx XS

I wish I had found a pair of earrings to go with this outfit, but I felt the ones I had were either too small or too dangly and were competing with the necklace. 

I think this outfit is good enough for a night out on the town (if I ever had a night out on the town Ha!).

What do you think?

Thank you Jess for hosting this challenge!  If you would would to sign up to host a future challenge or would just like to know more about the challenges be sure to visit the Alterations Needed Forum.

Please be sure to check out all the other ladies participating at Stylepint's site.

Shop a similar look:

More Me Too...

Return of the Really Wide Legged Jeans

I have this thing for really wide legged and flare pants. I don't know why and as a petite it's definitely not the first item of clothing I should be drawn to!

I have been really excited that these are coming back and showing up in stores everywhere, I've actually been drooling over these ones from the Gap:

Sydney of The Daybrook who stands at 5'3" wears them incredibly well.

I actually already HAVE a pair of really (really, really!) wide legged jeans that I debuted during the Petite Fashion Challenge #1 - Do a Petite Don't!

So from a recent outfit here is the return of the Really Wide Legged Jeans:

 Jeans:  Parasuco size 25

Blouse:  mark by Avon size Small

Scarf:  dara dot designs

Boots:  Me Too size 7

I'm also wearing a non petite friendly blouse (another petite don't) which my husband calls my pirate shirt (remember Seinfeld?).  This blouse is super long - it could probably work as a dress on me!

 Not entirely sure that this outfit worked out but I felt comfortable in it and I was making use of some items in my closet that I don't wear too often.

I don't know yet if I'll give in and get yet ANOTHER pair of jeans as it's really dress pants I should be shopping for, but I just love those Gap jeans so much! 

So what "don't" items do you still insist on wearing? (I hope I'm not the only one!)

Shop a similar look:

More Magaschoni...

Petite Fashion Challenge #5

Petite Fashion Challenge #5 was graciously hosted by Cynthia of Shorty Stories  and the challenge was to "brighten up your Winter blahs".  This challenge was timely as it's definitely grey and dreary out around here!

The challenge was as follows:


Create a sophisticated work appropriate look that has no more than one dark piece (it can be a skirt, pants, a blazer, sweater etc...) excluding shoes, accessories and hosiery.

So...I'm not sure how I did in the "sophisticated" aspect but I really don't have many bright main pieces!  Most of my wardrobe consists of neutrals and I throw in colour with some individual pieces or accessories.  My casual wardrobe on the other hand (especially in the Summer!) is a lot brighter.

Anyway, here it is!

Blazer:  Mexx

Dress:  mark by Avon

Necklace:  mark by Avon

Boots:  Me Too (Winners)

Tights:  Ellen Tracy - NOT petite friendly!!!

I honestly don't know if this worked or not.  I work in a casual environment and have worn this dress to work before with a cardigan but I do usually wear it in the Summer.

The dress is not a perfect fit on me, but the style of it isn't meant to be fitted.  It's actually quite comfortable to wear - perhaps I should make a point to wear it more often!

I also wasn't sure what type of necklace to wear with this dress but I opted for something long since the neck on this dress is so high.

And here's a peak at the back of the dress.  This is why I wouldn't be able to wear this dress to work without a sweater or blazer on top!  I think the back is a bit revealing for an office.  And please excuse my hair, I was having an unbelievably extra frizzy day when I took these photos so up into a hair tie it went!



I must say I'm loving these Petite Fashion Challenges as they are certainly pushing me to think more creatively!  Here are my previous entries:

Petite Fashion Challenge #1

Petite Fashion Challenge #2

Petite Fashion Challenge #3

Petite Fashion Challenge #4

To see all the other lovely petites that participated in Petite Fashion Challenge #5 please visit Cynthia at Shorty Stories for all the links.

Petite Fashion Challenge #4

It's here, it's here!  Petite Fashion Challenge #4 is here :)   Every time these challenges are announced I think "oh I have plenty of time to do this" and every time I end up quickly snapping photos the night before.   This one was no exception!  




The challenge:

Create a holiday party look using festive colours and/or holiday pieces without looking like a greeting card.
 
I don't really have many opportunities to dress up and I don't like buying expensive dresses for one time wear (wedding dress excluded!) so I thought I would work with items that I currently have.


I've had this red dress for years - I honestly can't even remember where I got it from.  I decided that red would be my festive colour and I used really "blingy" accessories as my holiday pieces! And what's more festive than a snowflake brooch? :P

Dress:  Unknown Brand  size XS

Belt:  Danier XS

Shoes:  nine west size 7.5

Accessories:  Avon

The earrings are ridiculously huge but I love them all the same:

The pretty snowflake brooch that I got last year:

This bracelet is a bit big on me but I still love it.  Makes any outfit special :)

The fun wasn't just for petite bloggers but any petite that wanted to join in on the fun!  I had an entry from Design Girl:

"...for the holiday challenge, I decided to not go with the traditional colors but to go with a little bling on my shirt and keep the rest simple and comfy. I just got this shirt from Express delivered today and I already love it. It's a pale pink and is sheer with a black floral pattern and some black and silver bead embellishment. I styled it with a pencil skirt to wear to a work holiday party (tucked in so you don't see the gather at the waist) and with jeans for a holiday get-together with the girls."

I mentioned to Design Girl that I can see why she loves the blouse so much!  I think it's so unique and pretty and obviously versatile!

"Oh, and I never could get my shoes in the photo, which is why I am holding them."

Outfit details:

Blouse: Express embellished pleated sleeve Tandori shirt in XS (it doesn't look like it's still available online, but I ordered in on Black Friday and think it's probably still in some stores)

Tank top: Ann Taylor Loft XSP lace tank top, old
Skirt: Express tweed high-waist buckle-back pencil skirt in size 00 (I'm 5'1 and I think I need to get it hemmed 1 to 2 inches.)

Thanks Design Girl for your submission - I hope you start your own Petite Blog soon! :)

There was a really great turn out for this challenge.  Please check out all the other petite bloggers that participated in the challenge:

1. The Life of Ann James

2. The Little Dust Princess

3. Shorty Stories

4. I am Khatu

5. Fast Food and Fast Fashion

6. Psyched for Style

7. To Brighten My Day

8. Petite Early Morning Style

9. Petite Little Girl

10. Caramel Covered Everything

11. Little Nashua

12. Mix and Match Fashion

13. Sew Petite Gal

14. Petite Eats

15. The Petite Fitting Room

16. Sisters Sincere

17. O Miss Studious

18. a.fashion.deliberation

19. Stylepint

20. Cute and Little
21. Vicky's Daily Fashion
22. Fashion For Teens
23. Extra Petite
24. Alterations Needed
25. PetiteXXS
26. Twenty York Street

This challenge was definitely harder than it seemed!  Can't wait to see what all the other ladies came up with!!  ***(If I've missed you I apologize - let me know and I'll add you ASAP!)***

Petite Fashion Challenge #4 Announced!

I'm so excited to be hosting Petite Fashion Challenge #4!  For those of you unfamiliar with the Petite Fashion Challenges check out the first three and all the fabulous participants:

Petite Fashion Challenge #1
Petite Fashion Challenge #2
Petite Fashion Challenge #3

Petite Fashion Challenge #4 is:   "Holiday Party"

Since the holidays are fast approaching I thought it would be fun to do a holiday themed challenge.   Although this might not be such a challenge to some of you I think we're probably all trying to figure out what to wear for either the office party, family party or night out on the town.

The challenge:
Create a holiday party look using festive colours and/or holiday pieces without looking like a greeting card.  This could be your opportunity to dust off that reindeer sweater you might have collecting dust in the back of your closet and turn it into something chic...hmmm?


How do you participate:

Bloggers:
Please use the form below and submit your blog URL.  Schedule your Petite Fashion Challenge #4 post for Thursday December 2nd at 8:00 pm EST (5:00 pm PST).

Please include the Petite Fashion Challenge Button above and link back to this post.  (copy and paste the code below)

<a href="http://curls-and-pearls.blogspot.com/2010/11/petite-fashion-challenge-4-announced.html" TARGET="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiROwT56MDQXwfUHhd6yBeYV6vGbB1amLRZrsohbldlDrr5LUkGRIAo38M94uiHekzH5zyy29eJTvWj0SSld7DbZ5YPLPh6gthJ5riYfnFESGIvuqCrnzemzKjnXodDkCIVa041ICBux4m8/s1600/petitefashionchallenge2.jpg"></a>

Non Bloggers:
For those that do not have a blog but would like to participate in Petite Fashion Challenge #4 please email me your entry at:  curls(dot)pearls(at)gmail(dot)com  by December 1st so I have time to include your entry into my post.



Remember, if you are a petite blogger and would like to host a future challenge you can sign up here.

Have fun and I look forward to getting inspiration from all your holiday looks!

Petite Fashion Challenge #3

 Petite Fashion Challenge #3 was the biggest challenge yet!  Hosted by Petite Little Girl this month's challenge was to

"Pick an outfit from your favorite celeb and show us how to recreate that look for less. Usually, your style icon reflects your personal style and also your body type. In this challenge, your style icon doesn’t have to be a petite."

At first I thought this should be easy, there are so many celebrities, petite and non-petite that I admire.  As the challenge got closer I realized that the point was to recreate the look and that's when the panick set it.   I don't have any pieces in my wardrobe that are celebrity worthy!!!  Most of the items in my closet are fairly conservative, if not (dare I say it) boring and I ususally just use accessories to liven the outfit up a bit!   I left this one to the VERY last minute, finally settling on my celebrity of choice Tuesday evening and taking pictures Wednesday after work!

I kind of copped out but picking an outfit that I KNEW I had the elements for - therefore something really simple!

So anyway, the celebrity I picked is Nina Dobrev who so happens to be Canadian LOL (I just can't stop showing my Canadian love :P )  She is currently on the show The Vampire Diaries for those who are wondering who she is.

Yes, she is quite young and her bio says she is about 5'6" but to be honest, I think she could be a fellow petite!   I think she is a beautiful girl - she reminds me of Alyssa Milano - very classic features and I think she is probably still developing her sense of style.

Anyway, I found two pictures of her that I wanted to try and "recreate"

photo from Just Jared

photo from Saturday Night Magazine

I was going to go for the first look but no one would loan me a dog LOL.   So I went for the second look.   I do not have shoes nearly as cool as her shoes in the photo but I do have shoes that are pink!

The outfit details:

Tank by Joie; Tuxedo Jacket by Paul and Joe Sister; Jean by Work; Ring by Roseark

Sequin cuff by Vionnet Boutique; Pink pumps by Brian Atwood

Here's my recreation of the look (Don't laugh - ok you can laugh but only because I did!)

^first attempt - notice the lap top on the table - was trying to get the pose JUST RIGHT^

LOL!

"Posing" eventually got to be too difficult (there were many, many shots taken before these) so I just did what was semi-comfortable

Ok, yeah, so posing like that made me feel so ridiculous and I was completely giggling to myself the whole time!  

My outfit details:

Top:  Le Chateau

Jeans:  Gap Always Skinny Cropped

Blazer:  H&M

Shoes:  payless

Bangle:  Watch from Avon

Ring:  totally forgot to put on a big ring

My goal was to just get the elements in place.  Cropped skinny pants, pink shoes, pattered top, light coloured blazer and the bangle.  I DID however spend time straightening my hair the night before so I hope you all appreciate that effort :P

Well, there you have it Petite Fashion Challenge #3 is now completed!

If you're interested in seeing my Petite Fashion Challenge 1 and 2 click here and here.

Petite Fashion Challenge #2

After completing my first Petite Fashion Challenge I was excited to hear about Petite Fashion Challenge #2  hosted by Alterations Needed.

But then I kind of started panicking because September was filled with personal highs (friend's wedding!) and personal lows (2 funerals :(  )  and the rest of what makes life so hectic all in between.  I had pictured in my mind to turn a Summer Dress into an approprial Fall outfit which seemed easy in theory but turned out to be quite a challenge!

Here is the dress I picked:

Dress:  RW&Co size 00

Here's my spring/summer look:

Wedge Sandals:  Avon

This is a dress I ususally only wear on vacation because it's quite low cut.  Sometimes I would wear this over my bikini if we were walking around town.

So here is how I changed it to wear for Fall/Winter:

Short Sleeved Turtle Neck:  Joe Fresh

Cardigan:  Loft XSP

Boots:  Nine West

Tights and Belt:  Winners

Necklace:  Avon

I didn't want to just throw a cardigan over it and say "yay this is Fall" I wanted to really show the layering.  I put the turtle neck underneath for a bit more modesty and to make this work friendly but buttoned the 3rd button of the cardigan up so the neckline of the dress wouldn't really show.  I also liked putting on textured tights with this.  I thought it was interesting with the pattern of the dress.

So...how'd I do on my 2nd challenge?  I think this one was even more challenging than the first LOL!  But I'm so glad I did it, I would've never thought to wear this dress to work since it was so summery and revealing but now I can, YAY!