Eggshell neutral

Outfit theme: different shades of "off-white"

1. DKNY trench (old)

2. BDG polka dot shirt (old, similar polka dot oxford from GAP, sale $19.75 with code: SHOP, ends tonight)
3. LOFT white skirt (old)

Speaking of trenches, I'm now contemplating adding a "cropped" one to my collection, like this Armani Exchange one:

The size XS looks uncomfortably tight on the model, so promising fit for us petites. However, I'm not a fan of the zippered sleeves...wish it didn't have that detail.

GAP broken-in straight surplus pants review

GAP Broken-in Straight Surplus Khakis

Dark green size 0P (current sale $34.99)

I'm in a "pants-wearing" phase lately and am on the lookout for more comfortable straight-leg styles (yes, I'm tired of skinny hugging pants now). I had thrown out my old skinny olive cargo pants that gave me gas problems from the tightness and was needing a replacement. Since I had a positive experience with "GAP broken-in khakis" in the past, I decided to give this year's version a try.

Sizing: I stuck to my 0 petite size and the length is perfect for me at 26" inseam (the side and back-view pics above shows the full unrolled length). The waist is a bit loose (~14.5" measured across laying flat) and low-rise, but works fine with a belt. The hip and thigh area are on the baggy side, so will be better for those with more curves.

Quality: I already washed these pants in the regular washer and dryer and they do not shrink. The fabric is thick and sturdy (almost feels like winter pants) with a soft velvety touch on the outer.

Overall: I decided to keep these because I love the dark green color and they are comfortable and great for casual "I don't care" outfits.

What kind of pants are you into lately?

Funny Face inspiration

Last week, I watched the 1957 movie Funny Face for the first time. Of all the fashionable outfits that Audrey Hepburn wears, I was most enthusiastic about her "nerdy bookstore clerk" attire! 

Here are some other reasons I love the movie:

1. Fred Astaire wears the most interesting socks to match his outfits. I appreciate guys who are thoughtful about their socks.

2. Audrey Hepburn gives a shout-out to "Omaha."

3. There's a little car featured in there that reminds me of today's Smart Car. I did not know there existed small city cars back then too.

4. Wearing all black (or a black turtleneck) automatically makes a person appear smarter.

5. Lastly, I'm obsessed with the hooded rain jacket that Audrey Hepburn sports in Paris:

...one of those timeless items that I can see people wearing right now!

Here's my outfit inspired by the movie:

Featuring: Target Merona Ultimate long-sleeve crew tee size S and old H&M houndstooth skirt (wearing size 6; see Extra Petite in size 2). I always stock up on these Target tees since they are amazingly warm yet soft and lightweight, much more comfortable than an itchy sweater! 

What are your favorite moments/outfits from Funny Face?

Massimo Dutti Brogues

I first heard about Massimo Dutti from the wonderful Fast Food & Fast Fashion, and have been intrigued with their shoe selections since. I finally decided to order something from them during the July sales when these NYC limited edition leather brogues were around $79 (marked down from ~$220). Also being heavily influenced by menswear fashion lately, I decided to try these out.....

Gasp! They are gorgeous!

The packaging made me feel like I was opening a gift from the King of Spain or something....

The size 36 (US 6) fits true to size. The shoes are well-made and have that expensive leather furniture smell. Here's how they look on me with different outfits:

In actuality, I had a difficult time trying to figure out how to style these shoes. The shoes look beautiful on their own, but I felt dowdy in them. I'm thinking the problem is that the brown color doesn't suit my complexion and the heel is too low for my short legs. The sturdy leather also pinched the sides of my feet (bunions), so I decided these weren't going to work out for me. Thank goodness for the free returns.

Maybe brogues/oxfords are not suited for me after all. I'll leave 'em for the boys to look good in, or leggy girls like this gorgeous model from Massimo Dutti:

Oxfords are trending this fall. If I'm ever tempted to try this style again, must remind myself to keep the shoes more dainty like these from Wendy's Lookbook.

Darn, aren't these shoes so beautiful though?

Black and White

Loving all things black & white right now!

From old scrapbook.

Have a wonderful day!

Black Booties

My search for travel black booties is over. I ended up finding 2 pairs that fit my criteria. The Target Merona® Kalama Shootie Wedge and Crown by Born Woodlynne ankle boots, both on sale for under $30, and both very comfortable shoes.

I thought I'd do a quick review on the Born Crown Woodlynne ankle boots in case anyone out there shops at the online/catalog retailer Sierra Trading Post. Has anyone actually shopped there? I haven't yet, but I noticed they are selling these booties that I'm loving:

Fango Printed Snake - size 6

These fit true to size.

Surprisingly comfortable for 3" heels.

Typical Born patent-pending rubber soles.

My favorite part is the shape of the shoe where it dips in front and the back. The front dip gives an interesting visual and the back dip is great because it doesn't cut or rub against my ankles as with other booties/shooties.

I've been watching a lot of music talent shows (ahem' X-factor), and this outfit makes me feel like I can be a contestant, or at least what I would wear if I were to sing on stage....perhaps a Taylor Swift country song, hehe.

Common sense would probably say booties are not ideal for short legs, but at least with this style, the dip in the front helps slim/elongate the legs a little bit. Here's a comparison with my other Target booties.

Can you see any difference in leg lengthening or shortening?

However, I have to admit the Target Merona Kalama booties are more comfortable due to the rubber wedge, more cushion at ball of foot, and rounded toe, so I'd probably use that one more for travel. I'll keep the Born Woodlynne booties on days I want to be sassy!

Racing red LOFT tee review

A random UK Harper's Bazaar August 2012 issue just happened to pass by me today. All I took away from this editorial is that "RED" is on trend. Yay! One of my favorite colors to wear.

Now to the more practical version of red. I purchased this Ann Taylor LOFT Slub Cotton Origami Pleated Neck Tee (on sale for ~$17, cheaper in-store I believe) in Racing Red. Thought I'd do a quick review here:

This is how the regular size XS fits on my petite 5'1" 99lb frame

The color is a super bright tomato red in person. 

This slub tee material is on the thinner side. I noticed the white tee in-store was see-through. But the other colors are fine. Since the red is so vivid, there's no issues with bra-showing. However, beware of the stitching at the hem underneath....some of the threads are loose....so I had to re-sew some to prevent them coming undone in the wash.

Overall, this is a casual top that I can wear to work or for play, and is breezy and comfortable for the remaining sweltering hot days. I also like the long length so that I can tuck under skirts and shorts. Here's how I styled it with my Forever 21 paperbag-waist shorts and H&M sandals:

Are you loving the red-trend or the maroon/berry-trend this coming Fall?

 ***

Ooh, I also like this look (kind of eighties-ish star-trek?):

For the love of dots

 Inspired by Anthropologie January 2010 issue, page 3

Currently ogling these dresses:

ASOS Skater Dress With Belt In Spot Print (also comes in maternity)

 Forever21 Essential Polka Dot Tie Neck Dress

Basically any white on blue print is awesome!