Minimalist outfit I'm trying out

Isn't this a breathtaking photo?

From H&M: white top and calf-length skirt 

Also from Banana Republic:

top, undershirt, skirt, sandals

And this Forever 21 outfit styling is just perfect:

 white top, taupe skirt, suede slides. 

Here's how the Forever 21 skirt looks on me below:  

• Pleated A-Line Skirt in Deep Taupe size XS ($19.90) - relieved the cappuccino color is still pretty in person as in stock photos online; perfectly light and flowy! The elastic gathered waistband measuring 12" across fits just right at my natural waist.
• Boxy Slub Knit White Tee size Small ($8.90) -18" crop length great for loose effortless-don't-care style; I like that it is 100% cotton and just enough starchy texture to not be see-through.

I expected the length of the skirt to be longer on me compared to the tall model at Forever 21, but I'm actually thinking this awkward length is not bad, even with flat shoes on. Maybe it's the vertical lines created by the pleats that's helping.

Long jacket proportions

When I found this navy H&M fitted jacket on sale for $25 with further discounts with coupon codes (from $49.95), I snatched it up without a thought (thanks to my recent obsession with gold buttons).  The smallest size available at the time was size 4. I was happy that the shoulder width and sleeves length were just right, but the overall back-length felt too long. Thus, I decided to see if I can make a long jacket length work for my short frame...

Knee-length dress too dumpy.

Mid-thigh skirt is better. 

High-waisted shorts is the winner!

Then it got me thinking about how relevant "high-waisted" shorts is going to stay in fashion? It's not always comfortable to wear high-waisted bottoms all the time. Thus, I decided to test the top verses shorts waist placement...does it matter?

Ah, yes it does! If you close one eye and look at my photos from afar, it appears my high-waist shorts give the illusion of longer legs, thus more flattering proportion for my body type. I guess I better stock up on more high-waisted bottoms before they go out of style, haha!

Minions inspired outfit and burgundy gloves

Strange how I'm inspired by cartoons lately in my outfits. This time, it's the shearling jackets as seen in the Despicable Me 3 trailer.

Also, if you are looking for some leather gloves for small hands, I found these ASOS Leather Gloves With Touch Screen Detail size XS to fit pretty well. No extra spaces in the finger tips. 

Here's how they compare to my other gloves below:

H&M size S vs. ASOS size XS

I also like that the leather is buttery soft and not constricting. The only qualms I have with these ASOS gloves is that the leather-chemical smell is very strong. Hopefully over time, it will wane. Unfortunately, all the popular burgundy colors are gone in this style, but here's some other options:

ASOS Leather Gloves with Touch Screen Detail in black ($30.32)

Totes Leather Gloves in purple ($18.95 sale)

ASOS Leather Gloves with Piped Bow in black ($22.74 sale)

Extra Petite also had a great review recently on the Lord & Taylor gloves for small hands. I am always in awe of Jean's impeccable style. She definitely convinced me that 'burgundy/wine' hued gloves are most versatile. I bookmarked how she styled her old H&M gloves here, here, here, here, here, and here for reference!

Tennis inspired

Things I'm digging lately:

1. Nivea A Kiss of Care & Color in Sheer Coral (~$4.49): I can't live without my Nivea A Kiss of Milk & Honey Lip Balm. So luckily, this Care & Color formula is similar to my Milk & Honey. It has the same baby-powder smell but with an added minty menthol kick (which I don't care for too much). The good thing is that it does give a nice coral color to my lips and a bit of a sheen. The texture feels exactly like my beloved Milk & Honey, except the cooling effect from the menthol, and I find myself having to apply more of it throughout the day to maintain the color and moisturizing effect. Despite all that, I've been using this more than any of my lipsticks because the sheer color looks much more natural on me. I'm all for no fuss, natural lips right now!

2. The Tennis Sweater: speaking of clothing items that "look good on camera", the tennis sweater is definitely one of them. The white knit with the bold navy V-neck as seen on Olivia Wilde on the cover of Lucky May 2014 issue was gorgeous! I've also seen this same sweater on the stylish Atlantic-Pacific several times. Here's some interesting tidbits about the tennis sweater on The Gentleman's Gazette. 

White Summer Skirts

I had entertained the idea of having a white skirt in my wardrobe for a long time, but haven't actively searched for one, since I'm usually paranoid about panties showing through and white items staining too easily. I had saved some magazine pictures of white skirts I loved in my old scrapbook to remind me of the styles I would prefer, if I ever were to shop for a white skirt...

But it wasn't until I saw To Brighten My Day's and Petite Hues' white skirts, that I became super inspired to run out and buy a white skirt already!

My first instincts were to check out LOFT (one of the few retailers that I can always trust for quality, affordability, and petite sizing). Just in luck, they were having a 40% sale, and this skirt qualified what I had in mind....

LOFT Petite Textured Cotton Summer Stroll Skirt in White 

Size 00P (waist measures 12.75" across, total length measures 17.25")

was on sale at $26.70

Also wearing old J.Crew Stretch Perfect Shirt in size regular XXS and Forever 21 studded flats. 

Review: This 100% cotton skirt is very light-weight and almost gauzy. I have a feeling it'll probably shrink a whole size in the machine-washer/dryer (thus, I'll be hand-washing and hang-drying mine). It fits comfortable on me (might be loose on tinier petites). It is also lined in a soft cotton material, which helps decrease the sheerness. Overall, I really like the pleated details and A-line shape. The best part for me is that the length still looks good with flats. The lightness of the skirt would definitely keep me cool for hot summer days. It's a keeper, even though I don't know how long the skirt will last....must be careful not to eat any sloppy-joe's or spaghetti with this skirt ;)

How do you keep your white items spotless and clean? Any tips? 

Fitted Tan Jacket

 From old Anthropologie clipping from January 2010 issue page 22:

I adore a fitted tan jacket.

Have a wonderful day!

White shorts

Forever21 High-Waisted Pocketed Shorts

Egret size XS ($15.80)

(Also wearing Forever 21 Studded Faux Leather Flats size 6 - fits true to size.)

I added these shorts to my online shopping cart to reach the free shipping deal, and I'm glad I did. The size XS fits comfortably on me (with a little bit of gaping at back of waist). I like that it's not too thin or see-through as with most white shorts. The annoying thing is that it's dry-clean (the stretchy sateen-like material looks prone to shrinkage in the machine wash).

Unintentionally channeling Audrey Hepburn's style again....

Here's a more modern take on white shorts:

Inspiration from my scrapbook.

I'm also loving white Bermuda-length shorts like this one from ASOS:

ASOS City Shorts ($53.20)

 Do you own white shorts? What's your favorite style of shorts?

Bow flats

SPLURGE

Massimo Dutti Ballerina with Bow  $128

 I first heard about Massimo Dutti from Fast Food and Fast Fashion. 

DEAL

Zara Girls Leather Ballerina Flats  $49.90

Doesn't it resemble the Massimo Dutti ones with the low heel?

I can probably fit into girl shoes size 3 1/2 or 4!

Ah, so cute!

Forever 21 craze

Ok, I really think I'm going crazy at Forever 21...never before have I been so obsessed with their online goods...this time I'm on to the flats....

  

Pointed Faux Suede Flats ($24.80 - Fuchsia) and Pointed Retro Flats ($19.80 - Aqua)

Neon Toe Ballet Flats ($16.80)

Reminds me of Ann Taylor Elizabeth cap-toe flats last year.

I am envisioning all sorts of fashionable outfits with these statement flats...

(Alright, alright, no more looking at Forever 21 since I'm suppose to be limiting my spending right now, but may come back to these styles later on).

J.Crew December 2012 Catalog inspiration

Who here gets giddy when they receive the J.Crew catalog in the mail? I do! My two favorite catalogs in the world are Anthropologie and J. Crew. I have saved many of their catalog clippings for over a decade it seams as my fashion inspiration. I'm glad I now have this blog to share the images I love (instead of piles of faded pages in flimsy folders, cluttering up my space, and a nightmare to rid of when moving). In the new colorful J.Crew December 2012 catalog, I actually gravitated towards the "neutral" palette. It reminded me how much I love wearing cream, dusty grey, and camel in the winter. Too bad I don't live in the cold Midwest anymore, otherwise I would be shopping for shearling, Irish fisherman sweaters, cozy cable-knits, and camel suedette pants!

And here are the pages from J.Crew December 2012 catalog that is the source of my inspiration today: 

The "Gifts for Him" inside the front-flap cover was what initially got me buzzing.

  Why do guys always get the best timeless pieces? This is why we love menswear!

from page 24-25

from page 26-27

hunky guy smiling at you from page 119.

Metallic flats at Forever 21

I think I found my perfect metallic FLATS yo!

This one from Forever21

Metallic Flats in Gold size 6

$16.80

Almond-toe shape makes them dainty and more comfortable than pointy-toe flats. The gold hue is similar to the Anthropologie Velda flats I reviewed earlier.

The size 6 fits true to size. The flats are lightweight and flexible.

Rubber sole - the gummy kind - my favorite kind of sole for noise-free and skid-free quality. The surprising part is that the insole is made of 100% genuine leather. I never thought Forever21 would ever carry anything with real leather! The sides are lined in a soft, sturdy canvas material which also makes the bare feet comfortable and less sweaty.

My only complaint is, of course with all flats, I wish there were more cushion/padding or a bit more elevated heel. The genuine leather portion is glued on (not stitched), so I'm weary how long these flats will last. Since everything seems very soft and light, I could see these flats breaking apart easily when shuffling along rough terrain.

Overall I'm happy with this purchase. They are what I was looking for. A keeper at an affordable price of $16.80. Also comes in Silver and Rose-gold metallic! Gasp, I'm tempted to order more of these in all the colors.

Ooh, other fab flats at Forever21 with genuine leather insole:

Metallic Bow Flats in Pewter - $19.80

Metallic Leopard Ballet Flats -$16.80

Zigzag Stripe Flats in cream/black - $16.80 (other colors here)