Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Petite Fashion Challenge 11

First of all, I want to apologize ahead of time for the horrendous quality of these photos! My camera was definitely not cooperating - I promise this'll be the last grainy set you'll see for a while. But moving on: I am so excited to be participating in my first Petite Fashion Challenge, hosted this time around by Ski Petite. The challenge was as follows:
Vacation Vogue
When going on a vacation, it's hard to bring clothes for every possible scenario. There's only so much room in your suitcase. But beyond that, choosing outfits to wear each day while sightseeing can be daunting when the climate is different than you are used to or you're going to multiple types of destinations.  You also are usually taking tons of photos and don't want to be in the same outfit in every photo.
Now, I wouldn't say I'm an expert in smart travel attire. However studying abroad (and jetsetting every other weekend) has definitely allowed me to accrue a ton of experience in the how-tos of packing practically. When traveling on budget airlines like RyanAir or EasyJet, you're only allowed ten kilograms worth of carry-on baggage - certainly not a lot by any means!

So what's the trick to packing well? Layers, of course! Lots and lots of layers. I was a huge fan of tights and scarves when travelling, since both are fairly light and can be bunched into a tiny suitcase with ease. So that was my primary inspiration for this post - translating daytime tourist wear into a nighttime dress outfit.

Dress, Forever 21 Size S; Coat, H&M Size 2; Boots, Stuart Weitzman Kids Size 5 (Similar here); Belt and scarf, old.
Like the challenge says, it might be colder than you expected! Best way to deal is with thick woolen tights and similarly cozy scarf. Since you'll be doing a lot of walking when sightseeing, comfortable shoes are so necessary. I can't tell you how many blisters I've gotten when I sacrificed comfort in an attempt to look trendy!

I have to say that I am in love with this dress from Forever 21. It's a size small, but it fits so snugly! Most items from Forever 21, even size XS, tend to be huge on me. I highly recommend this dress - it's such a versatile item and best of all, it's only $13.50!! Unreal. Go buy it now!

Of course, although this outfit will keep you warm (and still allow you to look cute in photos!) you definitely don't want to be waltzing into a fancy schmancy restaurant in such casual attire. So by switching out a few items, most notably belt, shoes, and tights, I came up with a dressier version of the same.

Boots, Steve Madden Size 5; Watch, Michael Kors Mini-Runway; Jewelry, old.
Since this is supposed to be a hypothetical nighttime outfit, I figured that the lack of tights would have to be compensated for - hence these calf-length stiletto boots. The pashmina shawl can be used as an additional layer, but is still a dressier option than the jacket from before (and hopefully, the wine you'll inevitably be drinking will provide an additional liquid layer). 


And that's that! I'm so excited to see what everyone else came up with for this challenge - it was definitely a lot of fun.

22 comments:

  1. I think you did a wonderful job with this challenge and taking the daytime outfit to a chic polished night look. =)

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  2. Those boots are HOT! You look amazing, I love both looks, very practical!

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  3. I agree, Elaine! Brown boots and white/cream dress = LOOOOVE.

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  4. I was just thinking the other day how I should use more scarves in my travel looks. So easy to pack, yet they make you look different. Great looks1

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  5. That is one hot dress! Can't believe it is from F21!! Great challenge outfit

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  6. I love what you came up with!!

    I am so shocked at how small that dress fits!! How tall are you?

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  7. Thank you! It definitely needed some thinking out. :)

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  8. Oh my god, I'm in love with these Steve Madden boots! They're actually hand-me-downs from my cousin, but I haven't ever been able to find another boot that fits so perfectly around the calf...I wonder if shoe sizes have also become subject to "vanity sizing."

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  9. Isn't it such a classic color combination? Cream and brown always work well together! It's a great combo for when you don't want to think about coming up with something a little more inventive.

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  10. Yes! I learned quickly about the usefulness of scarves when I had to start packing light for my weekly travel...they're so great for instantaneously changing up a look and just pulling an outfit together.

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  11. I'm still amazed myself that I managed to find such a staple dress from F21! It's definitely going to be getting a ton of wear...

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  12. Haha, I was just as shocked when I tried it on! I'm only 4'11, so it's actually surprising to me that it IS considered a dress - I thought I was just being crafty and pulling off a long shirt as a dress, but then when I double-checked online, that's exactly what it's supposed to be. I can't even imagine how short it would be on someone taller!

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  13. Finding boots that actually fit is a rare thing for me, so I was so excited when I found them!

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  14. I love those boots! Great job on the challenge!

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  15. Ah yes...the liquid layer is a very under appreciated part of a traveling wardrobe. LOL! My college girlfriends and I once walked 3 miles after a night out, in Ireland, on New Years. It was FREEZING, but we were so pumped up from the night and shawled in our liquid layers that the walk home was one of the highlights of our night. Crazy to think about it now!

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  16. Thank you! These boots are definitely one of my favorite pairs of shoes!

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  17.  3 miles! That is definitely a trek, haha. I remember doing the same in Berlin, though - a liquid layer is incredibly essential when you want to look stylish at the dead of night in winter!

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  18. Great blog and great layering here!  Layering is definitely a very important aspect to travel wear :)  Love the color of your coat!

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  19. I agree, layering is SO critical because you never really know what the weather is going to be like when you're traveling...I remember I once went to Paris armed with nothing but a sweater because of what weather.com had told me the temperature would be, and I ended up nearly freezing to death! I learned my lesson then - always layer, layer, layer! 

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  20. I am in love with your dress! You did an excellent job layering. Love this!

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  21. This dress is definitely one of my new favorite pieces - I'm in love with how much it cost, because what a bargain!!

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