The Odd Slipper Soiree!

The hunt for petite items that fit isn't just restricted to clothing - as I'm sure most of you know, petite shoes are also hard to find (a fact I've discussed before...). That's why I was so excited to hear about The Odd Slipper, an online shoe company with a terrific campaign - not only do they make affordably-priced shoes, but they allow you to be a part of the design-making process by voting monthly on your favorite piece. 

Last night, I had the opportunity to attend The Odd Slipper's "RC Soiree" at The Little Shoe Store in NYC. I'll admit I was a bit skeptical of the quality of the shoes initially, if only because they're so affordable - but in all honesty, they exceeded my expectations in terms of material, quality, and comfort.

Lusting after...spring pastels and LOFT new arrivals.

Snow hasn't even hit NYC yet (unless you count the freak snowfall on Halloween, which I would just like to erase from memory altogether...) but spring fashions have definitely hit the stores - and I'm loving the pastel colors that are everywhere this coming season! So much so that I just wanted to share a few items with you all that I'm dying to wear. Can't we just skip over February and March?

The other day, I stopped by a nearby LOFT to see what they had in stock (Twitter followers may have seen some of the items I Tweeted about when there). I fell in love with the Patch Pocket A-Line Skirt in Scuba in 00P. It doesn't seem to be available in petite/small sizes online, but there were several in-store. If you're interested in this skirt, I suggest you go check it out in person to see if it's available (or, of course, do a Stylefinder).

Reviews...H&M

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and holiday! Mine was so relaxing - I went home to Long Island for the weekend and got to hang out with the entire extended family (not to mention, I think I gained about ten pounds). I also managed to squeeze in a quick trip to H&M - and I literally mean squeeze, because oh my god, the store was so crowded. It was, in all honesty, even worse than Black Friday.

The photos are, again, terrible quality, because Blackberries have awful cameras. But I just wanted to quickly share my reviews about a couple new items (and one old) with you.

I specifically went to H&M looking for a kelly green dress that I'd seen on both Elle of Fast Food & Fashion and Jean of Extra Petite. I was in love with the color and silhouette, and heard it fit fairly small. Unfortunately, the kelly green was sold out in everything smaller than 6, but I was able to find the same dress in black to try on in a size 2: 

Reviews...Petite-Friendly Finds in the Zara Fitting Room

Yesterday, I took advantage of my downtime at work to head over to Zara and see what I could find. Their items, including those from their TRF "juniors" line, tend to run pretty big on me (as I've mentioned before) but I can occasionally get lucky and find an item or two that has a more petite-friendly fit.

I didn't end up purchasing anything, but I did find some really great items that I wanted to share with you all! Apologies in advance for the grainy quality of the photographs, however - these were all taken on my Blackberry, since my point-and-shoot was unfortunately out of battery at this point. I tried editing as much as I could to save detail, but...a Blackberry camera is no iPhone camera! I know what I'm putting on my wishlist for Christmas.

There were some amazing blazers on the racks - a few of which were actually on sale. This one in particular, the "Blazer with Zips" on sale now for 69.99, caught my eye. The one I tried on was an XS, and it actually fit pretty well:

Reviews...Ann Taylor

So excited today! Yesterday, I finally received my Ann Taylor shipment from when they had their $25 off $50 sale - which was at the same time they were having 50% off sale items and free shipping. Basically, I spent about $15 per item - such insane bargains! 

I wanted to share with you all what I bought and how everything fits! But before I do, I want you all to preemptively excuse both my horrendously monotonous expressions and my terrible hair in these photos...unfortunately, I a) don't know how to pose for self-timed photos and b) my hair just doesn't like to cooperate with my hairbrush after a day at work/running errands. So you'll have to excuse me for looking like Le Petite Swamp Monster, thanks in advance, all!

First up was the Striped Tiered 3/4 Sleeve Top in XXS Vanilla Creme (not petite, which was unfortunately sold out). Originally for $68, I purchased this for $13.64.

Cozy knits and glitter leggings.

I have been hunting for absolute ages for an affordable pair of black boots (in fact, they're at the top of my Wardrobe Goals list). It's been a surprisingly difficult search, but I'm so excited to say that I finally found the perfect ones, and on sale, no less!

These Studio Paolo over-the-knee boots from JCPenney's originally retailed at $120 but right now, they're only $29.99!! They fit as well as can be expected, which is to say that although they're slightly baggy, I can make do both with jeans and with tights. There's not much more I can ask for that isn't a pair of Stuart Weitzmans (which one day, one day, I will buy). 

I measured them, just in case any of you petite ladies are on a similar hunt. The calf length is 14.5'' and the shaft circumference is 14'' (although it's approximately 13'' around the actual calf area). They're made of a synthetic material, but they don't look cheap. I've worn them way too much already! I also tried on this pair from the same company which fit even better around the calf, but I personally wasn't a fan of the wedge heel since I was going for a more classic look.

I feel as though this entire outfit is made of "bargain" pieces. This knit sweater has to be one of the favorite items in my closet...it's perfect for when I just want to snuggle inside and watch television, or when it's a cool fall day and I just want to be comfortable when shopping. Best of all? It's a bargain because it's a hand-me-down...from my dad!  I used to borrow this sweater from him all the time when I was younger, and once I went away to college, I decided to just "borrow" it permanently. It's definitely my go-to clothing when I'm seeking comfort. 

Do any of you have clothes that evoke a similar feeling? Something that makes you feel comfortable and safe, or even just calm? I guess it's almost like an adult version of a safety blanket - as silly as that sounds!

Sweater, old (similar here); Leggings, Walmart (similar here); Boots, Studio Paolo Sz 6;
 Bag, vintage (similar here); Jewelry, thrifted; Watch, MK Mini-Runway Gold

I am also in love with these glitter leggings that I found, yes, at Walmart and, yes, in the girls' section. But I have an excellent excuse: they were only five dollars, and they were adorable. I don't think these photos properly showcase their subtle glimmer, but they're so versatile. I can wear them during the day like this for a casual yet interesting look, or dress them up more for a night out. 

Lastly, I want to share this bag with you all! It's a vintage piece that my mother found in our house - she's had it for ages, but it's just been gathering dust up in the attic. I'm so obsessed with it - the color is such a lovely mahogany, and the shape is a classic satchel silhouette that's very popular right now. It's a perfect carry-all for when I'm going shopping or running errands.

The weather's finally been getting colder, too - I've found myself snuggling in with this sweater and a cup of hot chocolate more and more often (and on that note, try this amazingly easy cocoa recipe from Megan at the Frugalista Diaries!). How about you? What good bargains have you found lately - or are you, like me, becoming an increasingly winter-induced homebody?

Cobalt blue and H&M coat review!

Happy Cyber Monday and belated Thanksgiving, everyone! Did you buy anything during this sale-heavy weekend? I definitely did - maybe a few too many things, but that's when a good return policy comes in handy, right? 

Please forgive me for the crazy range in my photo quality! My mother just "gifted" me with her old Nikon Coolpix DSLR, and I'm still not quite comfortable with all the options...in other words, I have no clue what I'm doing yet! But nevertheless, I'm very excited to have such a quality camera - I can't stop playing around with it. Does anyone have any tips or websites they can direct me to on how to take and edit pictures with a DSLR? I'd be forever grateful!

One of my favorite colors of the season is the cobalt blue that's been everywhere. Unfortunately, I think it's a little too bright for my workplace - or maybe I'm just personally not daring enough to try it! The only piece I think I would even chance at the office is this lovely Ann Taylor ponte skirt (see on Extra Petite, Really Petite and Petite Little Girl), but unfortunately I wasn't able to snag it in my size when it went on sale. 

Boucle skirt and sky-high pumps.

This post has been a long time in coming, so please excuse the mishmash of topics! Life has been very hectic lately, so I haven't had a chance to write about a lot of petite fashion-related things that are on my mind...

Such as a more comprehensive review of the H&M items that I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, for which I finally got around to taking proper photos and measurements. I'm actually obsessed with this boucle skirt, both because of the quality (it's fully lined, and the material is nice and thick - perfect for winter!) and the pretty color. Since it isn't a solid red, but instead has flecks of other colors such as green and blue, it's so very easy to match with. It goes great with neutrals, but also works with brighter hues!

Black pumps and goals for my wardrobe.

Although I don't follow astrology at all (fact: I actually typed 'astronomy' before I corrected myself - that's how much I don't follow it) there is one thing I believe: Libras are indecisive by nature. There have been so many times I've rolled into a department store, certain of what I want (classic black pumps, for example) and then proceeded to be just so totally overwhelmed by all the choices that I've ended up leaving without anything except a head full of seriously confused ideas (Do I want black leather pumps, really? Or do I want the comfier - and therefore more practical, right? - black leather wedges? Or what about boots? I need boots...and so on, and so on). It's a terribly disorganized and frenzied place, my mind.

But I was inspired by Elle of Fast Foot and Fast Fashion's recent post about "good" deals, as well as her "Sartorial Bucket List." What a fab idea! Although I keep an itemized spreadsheet of all the purchases I make throughout the month, which has helped to curb my spontaneous spending some, I still inevitably end up  dazed and confused whenever I go to most stores. No more!

I have a new goal, and that's to form a list of items that are absolutely necessary (e.g., the perfect trench coat, which I've been trying to hunt down for what seems like forever) and to only buy items from that list...well, with the odd exception here or there.

One of the items on said list is definitely a pair of black pumps - that is to say, affordable pumps, at a price tag of $150 or under. The ones I currently have are these Nine West Selene Pumps, purchased in the summer:

Reviews...H&M

So I popped over to H&M today, and was really impressed with some of the items they have out right now! I wanted to buy so many more than I actually ended up purchasing, but isn't that always the case?

Originally, I headed in to check out this tie-collar cardigan that I had seen (and loved!) on Really Petite's blog. Coincidentally, I was also on the hunt for the wool mini-skirt she's wearing too - I need more skirts that aren't black and camel, and the grey option is so cute! But unfortunately, I didn't find either of these items. I knew I should've jumped on that skirt when I saw it a week or so ago...oh well. Luckily, I did manage to find a few items that I loved - and some real bargains, too.

In particular, I wanted to highlight this wool-blend skirt - the photo is from my Blackberry (I really need to start carrying around my digital camera when I go shopping) so the colors are a little off. In person, it's a beautiful rust and grey wool blend. The reason I'm so excited about this skirt in particular is because it fits so small. Seriously, it's like I had it tailored for my pocket-sized frame!

Lusting after...Versace for H&M

I've always found it difficult to find high-end designer items that fit - leaving aside the fact that said designer items usually tend to be far beyond my price point anyway, I'm additionally deterred from buying anything due to the extensive alterations I'll inevitably have to do ($250 for a button-down is steep enough - I don't need to tack onto that price tag with sleeve-shortening and side-slimming!). 

But that's exactly why the new Versace for H&M collaboration has got me oh so excited. It's Versace! It's (somewhat) affordable! And, here's the kicker, if it's sized even remotely according to H&M's standard, it might actually be petite-friendly. 

After browsing through Vogue's gallery, I've come up with several items that I'm definitely going to have to nab. First is this beautiful black silk dress that's going to retail for $79.99. Amazing! I love the slit-sleeve detailing...and you can never go wrong with adding another LBD to your wardrobe, right?

Reviews...Ann Taylor and LOFT.

Since my birthday is fast approaching (Monday, to be exact!), I've been the happy recipient of more than a few gift coupons in the mail - one of which is for $15 off any in-store item at Ann Taylor/LOFT. So what's a girl to do except spend said coupon as soon as she can? I'm lucky enough to work within walking distance of both AT and Loft - oh, the perks of working in Midtown. 

On my last visit to both, I found a couple of items which I really liked. Since I'm on the hunt for the perfect work-appropriate skirt (the ones I currently own are either too loose, too tight, too short - in other words, I'm just too picky), I thought this might be the perfect opportunity to try a few on.

I apologize for the grainy, blurry, and all around horrendous quality of these photos - Blackberries definitely do not take editorial-quality pictures!