Petite Outfit Critique - The Camera Never Lies

Last week I wore an outfit to work and thought that I looked amazing. I had combined some of my favorite pieces into what I believed was one very pretty outfit. Only after I got home and snapped some photos did I realize what a walking "fit" disaster I was.

Jacket: Theory Caprine sz 00
Shell: Ann Taylor sz XXSP
Skirt: Ann Taylor Tropical Wool skirt sz 00P (new color for Fall!)
Pumps: Ann Taylor Perfect Exotic Pumps sz 5

Can you see all the ways this ensemble fits wrong? Ay yi yi...

1. I was delusional when I said the skirt didn't need alterations. In the left photo I rolled up the waist as an "informal hem job" (bad idea, at work I forgot about it, took off my jacket and coworkers gawked at my rolls). I now see that the skirt doesn't fit at the waist, hips, nor length. The boxiness makes my legs look so tiny and short. I still love the material and quality though, so I'm getting another one in this new color at the next 30% off, and taking it to my tailor.

2. The armholes of the shell...such an atrocity should always be covered by a sweater or jacket. 

3. Lastly, the blazer is too long on me to be paired with a skirt. Skirt suits on petites are really tricky. They won't look right unless the blazer hits closer to the waist and the skirt is fitted. That's because skirts are less elongating than a nice pair of pants, so the blazer has to be extra proportionate to your frame.

The only one I've come across that works for me is this Theory skirt suit...and I just measured - that blazer is a whole 3 inches shorter than this one!

Oh well. Blog and learn, blog and learn. Now I have to find new bottoms to make this work, cuz I still love the top half w/ the jacket on!

Readers - ever think you look amazing in something, then see the "truth" in photos? This has definitely happened to me more than once.