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!

The lengthy debate

The usual guideline is if you're petite, shorter hemlines are preferred to lengthen the legs. However, I'm always debating this because shorter lengths are not always appropriate and sometimes the legs just don't look that great (flabby thighs, cellulite-showing, pasty, crooked, bruised, veiny, etc.). So here's me attempting different hemlines to see what really is the best length? 

A) MINI-SHORT SHORTS - not appropriate for work, but good for hot summer weekends

B) MID-THIGH - shhh, actually wearing an underslip dress here

 C) KNEE-LENGTH - this is realistically how I normally dress to work

D) MIDI-MID-CALF - the only midi-length items I own now are gaucho (or culottes) lounge pants

  E) FLOOR-LENGTH - wish I had a black maxi-dress for more consistency

Hmm...after looking at these photos, I really can't decide what looks better. The infamous midi length is probably the least flattering. However, there are probably ways to make midi-length more pleasing like wearing heels instead of flats. Anyhow...

Does length really matter?

What do you think is the best or worst?

(Featuring customize whale-print tote from my favorite Etsy tote-maker: NancyPKdesigns)

Fruity hued pumps

Just when I thought my life was complete with my current shoe collection, my eyes are now wandering off towards these fruity orange pumps....

Prada Pointed Toe Pumps in Orange

($389+)

Diane Von Furstenberg Anette in Peach Nectar

($222+)

Stuart Weitzman Naughty in Papaya Aniline

($137+)

Zara Leather Court Shoe in Orange

($89+)

Corso Como Craven in Coral

($47+)

Also inspired by Quest for Fashion Sense's orange pumps!

GAP Broken-in straight khakis review

When I was people-watching in DC, I spotted this girl wearing neon yellow pants with a blue denim jacket that struck a chord in me. I wanted yellow pants! That night, I decided to search for some online. I found many appealing ones, but so expensive though like these 7 For All Mankind ones in Citron and Neon Yellow, or these Rag & Bone denim leggings in Neon Yellow. Since this is considered a trendy item, I'm not willing to pay big bucks for it. Then came along these GAP ones that fits the budget....

GAP Broken-in Straight Khakis in Vibrating Yellow

(Original price $49.94,  mine was 30% sale at $34.97)

For you online shoppers, my specific body measurements for reference are: lower waist measured under belly-button 29", widest part of hip/seat ~34", and upper thigh circumference (thickest section) 20".

When I went to my local store, this is how the regular size 0 looks on me:

 Gaping at back of waist and some flaring at pockets.

They didn't have the Vibrating Yellow in size 00, so I tried the Becca Blue in size regular 00 below:

The regular 00 may not look tight, but they felt tight...especially when I tried to sit down. The waist band doesn't have a lot of stretch. 

Thus, I made the assumption that the size Petite 0 (sold online) would probably be my best fit, which should fall between regular 00 and regular 0 (and with better length for the short legs). Here's how they turned out:

My assumption was spot-on! They fit comfortably! I love that it's a bit looser throughout the legs, which is much better for hot muggy days. The fabric is lightweight yet sturdy, has some stretch, and feels soft and nice on the skin. The length can be rolled up once or twice for a more ankle or cropped look. The only issue I can think of is the wrinkling at the back of my thighs. Overall, I'm digging these pants for casual warm days!

If you are looking to order these pants online, please note they do run large. I normally wear size 2 or 4 in GAP jeans, so I was a bit surprised to be wearing a size 0. Also, these pants seem to be made for people with some junk in the trunk (or pear-shape bods).

Side note on the "denim jacket": this is a popular item, especially in city vacation spots. It's warm, sturdy, and gives a relaxed attitude. Finding a classic denim jacket that is not too dark, too light, too stiff, or too boxy...can be difficult. The one I'm wearing is a thrifted SO juniors brand at Kohl's. As with most mass-produced jackets, the sleeves are always too long. I had mine chopped off. Come to think of it, maybe the denim is a bit too blue for my bright pants? I probably could use a duller, lighter shade in the denim jacket...

More Forever21 jewelry

Still on a Forever21 necklaces binge, featuring...

Sparkling Teardrop Necklace

$15.80
First mentioned here.

This necklace IS gorgeous in person! Glad I ordered it.

Doesn't it also remind you of the Titanic movie, or the British royals...Princess Diana/Kate Middleton?

Anthropologie Glitz-dusted flats review

Anthropologie Glitz-dusted flats by Bibi Lou

sale $49.95

(free shipping for orders over $100 till July 31st)

Reviewing size 36 euro (6 US)

Leather upper, leather lining, and leather sole. These also have a hidden ~1cm wedge heel, which makes the flats more comfortable.

Very light weight and breathable. Fits true to size!

 

My only issue is that the grosgrain ribbon piping rubs right at my outer pinky-toe joint, which causes some slight pain point there when walking around. So if you have narrower feet or no issues with bunions, these flats would be perfect.

 Here's how they look in the romantic dim light:

So pretty and sparkly!