Life with PAG: Fashion Thursdays (and meeting IamKhatu)

Last Thursday, I had the pleasure of watching my friend model at a local swanky hotel. That afternoon, I peered into my closet and was suddenly alarmed - I had nothing fabulous to wear. As I am aging, long gone are the days of partying past 2am on weeknights. My wardrobe has slowly been whittled down to about 90% professional attire, plus some casual stragglers. There's no excuse for this tragedy...I hope to infuse some fun pieces into my wardrobe this year.

I was relegated to wearing this old H&M sz 4 (yes, 4...it runs so small) bandage dress plus black ankle booties.

My glamorous bff doing her thing:

The fan corner:

Taupe OTK boots (sadly, not pictured) topped off her lovely ensemble:

I also had the pleasure of meeting up with IamKhatu. If you haven't checked out Khatu's blog yet, you're in for a treat. She wears delightfully trendy outfits and is a testament against the excuse that tiny ladies have a harder time being fashion-forward. I was blown away to see how petite she is in real life. The photo above is us kicking our shoes off to compare height (I was in 4" booties, and she, in 6" platforms). Being that I'm 5 feet tall, dare I say Khatu is 4'10" or below?

Khatu talked about how a lot of her clothes are still big for her, but it's all in how you wear the garments, stand, and carry yourself. She also does a lot of DIY alterations. Below is her trademark strong-shouldered coat from Zara that is big on both of us. The coat is undoubtedly wearing me and swallowing me up, versus Khatu who is wearing and rocking the coat.

And oh yes, I can knock something off of this list now. It's not gray or small, but I think it filled the void in my heart nicely and will get lots of love for years to come.

Petite Lookbook: Embracing the Lace

My Target order arrived this weekend and I'll be reviewing things slowly. First up is a definite keeper. I wasn't so sure about this affordable lace cardigan at first, but after trying it on with pieces in my closet I fell in love. I first wore it to work over a simple black sheath dress and got numerous compliments. Even my friend who was originally disgusted by my purchase now wants one!

Cardigan: Xhilaration (Target juniors) Lace Cardigan sz XS (buy here)

Skirt: Banana Republic Paper Bag Skirt sz 0P (similar here in 00)

Booties: Adrienne Vittadini Suede Ankle Boots - sz 6

Belt: BR outlet   Bag: Chanel WOC   Cameo: Peri

The key is to not wear it over a contrasting top a la the hideous Target model pic (but thank you, Target, for the awful photo because that's why this cardigan is now so cheap). I paired this with a simple black cami, a neutral skirt, plus some basic black accessories. If I were to nitpick, I'd complain about the slightly too-long sleeves. However, they are very easy to scrunch up, and I prefer them at the elbow anyways to make the overall look less lacy.

Funny story about this skirt - I was shipping my blog sale items when I noticed one address was 3 blocks away from my apartment! I offered to meet up in person to do the exchange, and she came bearing a gift - a Banana Republic paper bag skirt that she had allegedly outgrown. I have nothing like this skirt and already wore it (and got compliments on it) several times. The belt loops and bunchy nature of the skirt allow me to make the 0P work. Thanks so much, Jenny!!

The silhouette of this skirt resembles the J.crew wool bell skirt(still left in sz 00), so if you ordered this cardigan and own the J.crew skirt, I highly recommend trying the two together : )

Here are photos to show how the cardigan fits. I would not wear it over jeans (much prefer it tucked into skirts and over dresses), but these give you an idea of the longer length and overall snug fit. If you are bigger than me, I'd recommend sizing up to a S as the XS is fitted on me all-around. 

I highly recommend this cardigan to anyone who wants to add something "different" to their wardrobe. The brown did not work out for me, but I can see myself wearing the black with many different ensembles. At just $11.98 (plus other discounts and ebates), this is a welcome addition to my wardrobe.

PS - one new item was added to my blogsale, and prices on other items have been lowered.

Readers - did anyone else pick up this lace cardigan? If so, how are you styling it?

Chanel Reviews: Petite Shopping Tote and Wallet on Chain

Although handbags can "make" or complete an outfit, I rarely show them on my blog. I have a very small collection -maybe 4 to 5 total- so you guys would surely get sick of seeing them! After college I purged all of my bags (many of them awkwardly-sized) and started fresh. I wanted to invest carefully in pieces that were beautiful and timeless, that were suitable for my size, and most importantly - were functional.

 

Video review:

1. Petite Shopping Tote (PST) 9" width x 9" height x 3" depth

Beautiful, classic tote - but for reasons mentioned in the video, is not too functional for me.

2. Wallet on Chain (WOC) - 7" length x 5" height x 1" depth

This bag wasn't even on my radar until I discovered (non-petite) Anh of 9to5chic. She always looks effortlessly polished, and her WOC makes frequent appearances in outfits for all sorts of occasions. The WOC satisfies all of my requirements. It can be worn as a:

-long shoulder bag

- clutch

- double-chained purse; or

- cross-body bag

Dress: J.Crew paisley sheath sz 0P (altered)

Suede Booties: Adrienne Vittadini "Adam"
YSL Arty Ring in Turquoise, sz 5 (taped)

I purchased both of these pre-owned, from ladies in Boston. I don't discriminate against pre-owned Chanel as long as it's in excellent condition and comes with all the original packaging (box, dustbag, tags, auth card). I have plenty of other things to spend the money saved on. I got a few questions on YT asking about the current retail prices, and honestly I'm not sure. The Purse Forum is a good resource for questions like that.

Here is an oldie but goodie from Alterations Needed on the East/West and classic medium flap. I'm interested in getting a taupe or colorful small flap next, but the original small size seems hard to come by these days.

Readers - What is your favorite go-to handbag?

Winter Outfits for Work and Play

Ahoy, readers! Posting will be sporadic this season due to a hectic schedule...thank you ladies for bearing with me. I haven't even had time yet to catch up on my favorite blogs, which makes me sad. I did a lot of shopping last week and can't wait to share my finds with you guys, plus I've been thinking about the next Petite Fashion Challenge hosted by my coat twin Cynthia (sign up here). 

For now, please accept this filler post. Photos were snapped over vacation at my parents' house (no, not at my 500 sq foot apartment with barren concrete walls). This is an H&M lace dress/tunic that I tweeted about last month:

Black lace minidress: H&M sz womens XS, $35

Belt: Ann Taylor Patent Belt sz S  Shoes: Ann Taylor Perfect Pumps sz 5

Mustard Cardigan: Martin & Osa (similar here for $13.80)

Several of you asked how I protected the leather soles of my Ann Taylor shoes...and I haven't. They get scuffed up by city streets, but I'll probably wear them down before paying for a re-sole.

Was trying to pair the jacket below (from this post) with something other than the failed Minnies, and finally accepted that it is too big in the shoulders/torso for me. I love the felted wool material but will probably have to sell it : /

Wool blazer: Theory sz 00 (charcoal wool w/ light navy plaid)

Dress: Banana Republic 00P

Tights: H&M divided 40 den, Shoes: Ann Taylor Perfect Pumps sz 5

Aye...note to self: unbuttoned, wrapped & belted blazer looks like a dumpling.

A Tame Zebra & A Mini Falsies Giveaway

To switch things up a bit on the blog, I wanted to show a simple look for going out. I've never had trouble finding clothes for going out - the abundance of stretchy minidresses at H&M or F21 usually suffice for petite frames.

Outfit:

Dress: H&M sz 2 (olddd)

Elastic Belt: H&M sz S

"Glammed up" face:

Model21 Falsies # 40

NYC Black Liquid Liner

Lorac eyeshadow in Charcoal

MAC select cover-up in NC42

Bare Escentuals Warmth Bronzer

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss in Pink Pop

Continue reading for a mini-giveaway...

There is zero variety in my makeup application. For evening, I use the same products from my everyday work face, just with a heavier hand. Here I have darkened the shadow around the outer corners of my eye, intensified the bronzer in the hollows of my cheeks, and slapped on some falsies and lip gloss.

Bling beaded sandals: Zara (similar here)

Close-up of the Model21 #40 lashes:

Model 21 is a false eyelash company (thank you Aubrey and Sophia for the rec!) which makes an awesome variety of lashes at bargain prices. Lashes are $6-$9 per box and a box gives you ten pairs! They sent me two boxes to review and I asked for a third to give to readers (I'm always thinkin of you guys!).

I wanted to post photos of the other styles I received too but for some reason the lashes came out looking almost exactly the same. I asked for natural-looking styles, and got #1 and #40. I thought the lashes were very full and soft (felt much softer than my ELF ones), but the spine was hard and plastic-y. On the other hand, the 3rd box of lashes (no # ?) had the softest, most comfortably spine, but they were a lil' too natural looking for me. Overall though, I would definitely buy this brand - a great value for nice and soft falsies.

I put together a "combo" box to give away with lashes from all three styles. **Giveaway Closed** I'll select a winner at random in a few days (international readers are welcome to enter).

Giveaway "combo" pack

To end this post, here is a vid showing my latest beauty & skincare favorites:

Disclosure: I received 2 boxes of lashes courtesy of Model 21. My review here represents my honest opinion.

Petite Lookbook: Cropped Jacket & Cuffed Shorts

Being so petite, I feel like I can push the limits with hemlines without crossing into "trashy" land. Two of my favorite wardrobe pieces are the cropped jacket and short shorts. These high-waisted shorts have become one of my favorite things from H&M, for only $25. They weren't short enough to my liking, so I even had my tailors widen the cuff and bring up the length for $15.

I always refrained from doing the shorts with tights thing, thinking it would be too trendy for me. Once I tried it, though, I fell in love! And now that I'm finally comfortable with the look, winter is about to be over...bummer!

 

Jacket: Banana Republic Cropped Swing Jacket in 00P

Shorts: H&M divided sz 2

Booties: Calvin Klein sz 6

Bag: Chanel Petite Shopping Tote

Shop this look in petite-friendly sizes:

The Cropped Jacket:
1. INC Cropped Knit Jacket in XS - I was a little hesitant about sharing this since it's from such a mom store, Macy's, but it is just so cute. Although it is a womens XS, I feel like the ponte knit and cropped style may make it petite-friendly.
2. Express Pleated-Front Cropped Jacket in 00 - so little and chic!
3. Ann Taylor Ruffle Collar Jacket in P00 - on sale for nearly half off. 

The Cuffed Shorts:
1. Bebe Linen Cuffed Shorts in 00 - love these! Pretty pricey for shorts, but I can see myself wearing these neutral-colored shorts all summer long.
2. Forever 21 Linen Cuffed Shorts in XS - the very affordable rendition in gray cross-hatch linen.
3. GapKids Cuffed White Shorts - shorts from the kids department work really well for me. Unlike tops and pants, there's little room for the fit to go wrong on shorts. These little white shorts go up to kids size 18 ... isn't that nuts? That's like a sz 4 in womens!


I don't usually show purses with my outfits because I have a sad little collection (maybe 4 bags total?) and I usually just tote around my big Longchamp. I'm picky when it comes to purses and have been hunting deliberately for 2 specific ones (Marc Jacobs "The Kid" mini stam from '07 and Chanel small or medium flap in gray with silver HW from '08). One day...one day. 

 

Petite Lookbook - Crazy for Paisley

It's no secret that J.Crew petite sizing irks me. Numerous posts have been done showcasing the ill fit... the saggy City Pant and Wool Stretch Jacket in 0P on AlterationsNeeded, and the frump-a-licious Skimmer Pant in 00p on Pint-Sized Musings, just to name a few. Despite all the confirmation that J.Crew is not for tiny petites, silly me ended up impulsively buying a dress on final sale. But worry not ... a quick trip to Hemmingway Tailors was all it needed!

Revealing...the J.Crew Terra Paisley Dress, post-alterations:

Dress: J.Crew Terra Paisley Shift in P0 (alterations : straps shortened, sides taken in, hemmed)

Sweater: Aqua Kids cashmere bolero in girls sz L

Shoes: Aldo satin Arnoldoa pumps (sold here)

This dress has proven to be ridiculously versatile - it looks nice as a "skirt" when peeking out under a black cardigan or jacket, it's classy with heels for dinner, and chic for a night out when worn with ankle booties.

Shop this look in petite-friendly sizes:

The Bold Patterned Dress
I looked long and hard online and couldn't find anything similar to the above dress! Bummer : ( Some other picks, though:

1. Nanette Lepore Exotic Shift Dress in 0 - so $$, I can only dream!
2. Ann Taylor Petite Patterned Sheath Dresses (in leopard, graphic or pink floral) in 00P

I have never tried on anything from Lily Pulitzer so I can't attest to the sizing, but I have a sinking feeling that it's not petite-friendly. I usually do not care for their bright and busy garments, but I rather like this classic sheath with gold lace. Have any petites tried this brand in size 0?


The Kiddie-Department Shrug
1. Nordstrom Girls Bolero Sweater in L or XL
2. Flowers by Zoe L/S Shrug in L or XL (no large sizes left online, but check Bloomies in-store)

I'm lovin' this little cashmere shrug from Aqua kids (Bloomingdales in-house line). Not bad for $30 something during their winter sale! I've been wearing it non-stop with all my higher-waisted dresses. I like digging for boleros or shrugs in the children's department, since the typical "short n' wide" fit issue doesn't apply!

 

Let's look at the dress again pre-alterations with baggy arm holes and shapeless waist and hips (see old post here). Oh...and is that the dreaded underarm flab I see peeking out of the arm holes?

 And after the ladies at Hemmingway did their magic:

 

The dress has a side zipper and side pockets, which complicates alterations. My tailors ended up taking the torso in along the two back darts, resulting in a larger front panel than back - oh well! The loose arm holes were surprisingly fixed by taking up each strap by an inch or so. As for the hem, this dress is intended to hit at the knee (per the J.Crew model pic), but I had it shortened so that the busy print would not overwhelm my frame.

 

Perfectly done - clean alterations both inside and out! Total cost: $40 including a 20% discount. Very hefty price for alterations alone, but I have no regrets since I've already worn this 3x in the past month!

I had been in a serious frenzy hunting for a printed silk sheath after seeing this little number by Nanette Lepore on ChloeConspiracy. How gorgeous is that outfit? The J.Crew find couldn't have come at a better time ... my bf was ready to bop me on the head if he heard me babble about "Chloe's NL dress" one more time.

I loved this dress so much I wore it to dinner the night I got it back. Here's a photo of it "in action." Silly bf could not stop stuffing his face with pork chops for one second : )

I'm very sorry for the delayed responses to comments and emails - they are much appreciated! After 13 hours of staring at small numbers on a comp, I just want to trudge back to the hotel and pass out, so I've been checking and responding on weekends. CFA books haven't even been cracked! I think I'm gonna make it a goal to post 1x a week...any suggestions or requests are welcome : )