Loving Now: Vibrant Jewels

For the accessories-challenged dresser, vibrant jewels are an easy way to spiff up a basic ensemble. Unfortunately, good yet affordable ones are hard to find. My main problems with costume jewelry are cheap metals that rust and oxidize (I was told to store metal jewelry in individual ziploc bags), and jewels that fall out of their settings.

The foundation for this work outfit is a little girls' white tee, and plain trousers.

Tee: Old Navy Girls Tee sz L   

Cardigan: Gap XS (old)  Pants: Limited (taken in)

Bag: LV Speedy 25 Heels: Banana Republic (old)

Turquoise Montauk Necklace & Westhampton Earrings courtesy of Amrita Singh

I'm sure many of you are familiar with Amrita Singh jewelry. Her "Hamptons" collection is exactly what I was looking for, full chunky pieces that come in at least 6 or 7 vibrant colors. The pieces are 18k gold-plated brass with "jewels" made of lightweight resin stones.

You can see more colorful Amrita Singh pieces on fellow bloggers: coral necklace on Cee, black necklace and ring on Jen, emerald necklace and ring on Vicky, coral bracelet on Sydney, turquoise necklace on April, and more.

Coral rings from left to right: YSL Arty, Topshop, F21

One thing to note is Amrita Singh earrings come in either post or clip-on backings, depending on the style. I really liked this style earring and thought I could make the clips work, but they were not comfortable on my pierced ears. I'm going to buy some post backings and try to DIY-convert these. 

The color of these pieces are so vibrant. I can't wait to pick up some "emerald" items next. Retail prices are more that what I would typically pay for costume jewelry, but you can get 20% off w/ extrapetite or wait for the items to go to sample sale sites like Hautelook (invite link). 

Pirate eye patch - aargh!

Readers - Do you own any Amrita Singh pieces? If so, please share the style name and your thoughts.

Video Archives: How to Style a Flower Pin / Brooch

Fellow bloggers - have you ever written out a post, only to let it sit unpublished because you can't seem to find satisfaction with it? After spending hours filming the video below, I felt unmotivated to publish due to the overall lack of creativity, gratuitous grammatical errors (English is my second language <-- love that excuse), as well as the...err...interesting outcome of my experimentation with wine lips minutes before shooting the vid.

After some pleading, Nick patiently re-filmed the entire thing. As luck would have it...during a hard drive "purge" we somehow permanently deleted the entire new video and all the backup files. So painful. It just wasn't meant to be.

Old photo: Theory Gabe blazer sz 00 (sold to Elle!), H&M leggings sz 2

Tory Burch Sohpie wedges sz 5.5, J.crew and pearl layered necklaces

Alas, I am pulling this from the YT rejects archive. The last idea (pictured above) was inspired by IamKhatu's cameo brooch tutorial, which actually spurred my desire to find a vintage Peri one. For more styling ideas, Elle previously posted a "wear it 5 ways" with her flower.


The star of the video is a J.Crew hair flower crudely turned pin from this oldie post, when I first "came out" from anonymous blogging. Although I still think these flower thingiemajigs are pretty, I haven't reached for one in weeks. My current obsession is with bold, colorful necklaces. I'm trying to collect affordable -yet not too cheap and costumey- gems and baubles to spice up my simple wardrobe. Coral, turquoise, emerald, lapis...I love it all.

Readers - what is your Spring/Summer accessory obsession?

Christian Louboutin Simple Pumps vs Ann Taylor Perfect Pumps

Two beautiful shoes, two very different price points.

Louboutin Simple 100 Pumps (buy here) vs. Ann Taylor Perfect Pumps (buy here)

Video Review:Vest & dress: H&M  Beaded necklace: F21 (buy here)  Nails: Revlon Tropical Temptation

Top: H&M ruffle bib blouse sz 2 (old)

Jeans: Gap Legging Jeans in "dark rinse" sz 00P

Heels: Louboutin Simple 100 pump

Bag: LV Speedy 25    Ring: YSL Coral sz 5

More comparison shots:

It wasn't easy tracking down a nude sz 35. The stores were full of a "bone" color, which unfortunately is more of a bridal, eggshell white. Right after I got these, an SA managed to find the original shoe I was coveting (New Simples - just like Simples but with a thin 1/2" platform). Those are now en route to my grubby hands, so I will need the help of dear readers in deciding which nude CL's to keep.

PS - Ann Taylor & LOFT's friends & family starts Tuesday, April 5th (Monday, April 4th for cardmembers). Use code FRIENDS1 to get 30% off your entire purchase.

Spring Wedding Outfit + Quest for Nude Pumps

Got this email from a reader: "Can you show outfits a petite guest could wear to a wedding? My closet is full of business attire. I'd like to dress up, but tastefully and appropriate for a wedding."

I think weddings are the perfect excuse to go out and buy a dress. Life's too short to not wear pretty frocks. H&M is probably the first place I'd look, but BCBG or even Forever 21 offer viable options for a Spring/Summer wedding.

If I absolutely must pull something from my closet of dull business attire, I would choose a colorful sheath dress. A la the Asos pencil dress. This is how I could wear it conservatively for work:

Dress: Asos Tailored Pencil Dress in Petite 0/UK 4, hemmed (buy here)

Pumps: Ann Taylor Perfect Pumps sz 5 (buy here)

Blazer: Theory sz 00  Akoya pearls: eBay

And for a not-too-formal wedding, I'd make the following changes:

1. Lose the blazer, or swap it for a cute cropped jacket or a shrug or elegant wrap
2. Instead of conservative pearls, don a statement necklace
3. Swap plain pumps for chic heels with a platform
4. Add a small evening bag or clutch
5. Get nails did and gloss your lips

Necklace: Forever 21 Beaded Bib Necklace (buy here, also comes in teal)

Bangles: H&M   Wallet: LV   Nails: Essie Jelly Apple

I don't like the quality of F21 necklaces, but I was drawn to this chunky piece. After I got home I coated the metal in cheap clear nail polish (reader tip - thank you!), and now store all my costume necklaces in individual plastic bags, as that's supposed to prevent oxidation.

Pumps: Nine West "Rocha" in Taupe, sz 5.5
Swing Jacket: Banana Republic sz 0 (old, altered)

I got this dress back from the tailor, and the alteration cost almost made me weep. Tailor said $10 for the hem, but $25 total if I wanted to keep the back slit (it had to be reconstructed like so). So byebye $50 to get both dresses shortened. See reviews of this dress by fellow petites in the Alterations Needed Forum. Elle did a post on regular vs petite sizing and Ping did a post on the petite.

Next up, a pair of true nude (not brown, not porcini) pumps is a wardrobe must-have, so why is the perfect pair so darn hard to find? I thought about going straight to the popular Corso Como's that Elle has...

Corso Como Delicious Pump in Nude

...but I wanted a slight platform to further elongate the leg. Below are three options that I entertained:

1. Enzo Angliolini "Kylin" in Nude, sz 6 (5.5 was sold out)

Thoughts: the platform was chunky (look at that thick sole in the back view) and wide. Pointy toe not as classic as almond.

Verdict: Return

2. BCBG "Tinas" in Tapioca Santos, sz 5.5

Thoughts: the color was an effervescent pearly white in person...very bridal and definitely not nude. Toe a little too round for my liking. These DID fit very snugly though...so the 5.5 either runs small or is true to size.

Verdict: Return

3. Nine West "Rocha" in Taupe, sz 5.5

Thoughts: 5.5 fit well, but pinched my toes (never happens!). Not a fan of the wooden sole and heel (I think it makes the shoe looks cheaper). Also, Target's Mossimo Versie in Taupe is a very close dupe for this shoe at less than half the price.

Verdict: Best for me out of the three...but pinched toes hurt. Return.

Here's a look at all three compared to the popular Ann Taylor Perfect Pumps. See how the Ann Taylor ones just have a cleaner and sleeker silhouette? That's why I shall remain a loyal PP wearer.

I will say that my quest for the perfect nude pump has finally ended, in a huge splurge. They're not perfect because they don't have a platform, but I've been considering them for a while and they were love on my feet.

Warm weather, where art thou?

I entered a contest and will find out next week if I made it to the top three. If that happens, by some stroke of luck, I would love to have the votes of you readers and friends. The voting window is short, from 3-6pm, so I will let you guys know if I make it : )

Ping formally requested more casual outfits, so here are some pics from my contest entry. None of these pieces have seen daylight yet (and won't for 3+ more months) because of dreary New England weather:

Top: Forever 21 Woven Striped Shirt sz S (similar)

Shorts: H&M Belted Trouser Shorts sz 2

Necklace: Temple St. Claire for Target (other TSC for Target)

Shoes: Target Tawny Wedges sz 5.5
Polish: Revlon Vixen (love love)

The F21 woven shirt is from this post. I put this in the washer & dryer and ... wowza, wish I took before photos. Size S was super duper loose on me before, and must've shrunk down at least 2 sizes.

Twitter friends may already know I'm in love with these "UPS brown" high-waisted shorts from H&M. My bf gave a rare thumbs-up and dubbed them my "boy scout shorts." They are a fitted, knit trouser material, and look crisp and tailored. Sz 2 fits snugly on me. They are a recent find and retail for $34.95. Style # 083070 from the "everyday" department.

I decided to keep these brown Tawny Wedges because they are fun and comfortable. However, readers beware...my qualms with the thin wedge heels have proven to be legitimate. Lilly - you poor thing.

Target Review Part II: Chambray Shirt and Tawny Wedges

This chambray shirt is an unexpected "keep" for me. A simple chambray shirt has been on my want list for a while, but was never a priority. I've looked halfheartedly at places like J.Crew (too $$ and big) and H&M (not the right shade), before deciding to give this one a try. This is in womens sizing (not juniors) so it was risky, but I needed a free ship filler : )

Top: Converse for Target Chambray Shirt sz XS (buy here)

Jeans: Gap Legging Jeans in 00P, "faded dark" (buy here)

Sandals: Target Tawny Wedges sz 5.5 (buy here)

Worry not - I won't be wearing this farmer-style as shown in the photos. This top will have its glory days paired with colorful skirts and bold jewelry (I'm thinking turquoise or coral) .

Material is 100% cotton and I washed & dried it to shrink it a little (photos shown are pre-shrinkage). It's now super soft and comfortable.

Likes: 

- subdued color (not too blue-jeans)

- casual fit

- buttons to keep the sleeves rolled up (unrolled, they're a little too long for my short arms)

Dislikes:

- Retail price is a bit steep for Target. With discounts, coupons and ebates I probably got it for about $16, so I shouldn't complain too much.

Next up, the Xhilaration Tawny Wedges in sz 5.5. I didn't order these at first, but DSK Steph mentioned that she picked these up in-store and was very pleased with them for the price. I was instantly convinced and ended up getting both colors:

The straps, wedges, zipper detail and ankle strap are all very trendy - but I think it works together!

I like the "pebbled" and "aged" look on the faux-leather and grainy wooden wedges.

Likes:
- Very decent quality for the price (got these for about $20ish a pair)
- Pebbled leather looks less "faux" and feels softer than my other Target shoes
- On-trend for Spring/Summer
- Sz 5.5 fits me perfectly
- Very lightweight and comfortable
- Non-slip thin rubber sole. I love that all Target shoes have this. Not sure why most "designer" shoes have that super slipper sole...accident waiting to happen on carpet!

Dislikes: 
- THIN wedge heel! Ahh. When I was in high school I had a traumatic (painful both physically and pride-wise) fall down the stairs while tottering in wedges just like these. If you're a good wedge walker this will be no problem, but as soon as I put these on I knew these would be dangerous on uneven Boston sidewalks.
- Some small scuffs on the sole, but for this price I won't complain. It actually adds a little to the aged leather look.

Overall, I'm pleased with these (thanks Steph!) and am probably keeping the brown pair, just for fun, even if I'll only wear them cautiously a few times this year. I canceled my orders for the other styles, but a small-footed beauty blogger, Irene, reviewed the Dolce Vita Cork Wedges in sz 5.5 here.

If any of you are ordering clothes from Target, code TC2SAPH2 gives you 15% off clothing and shoes, good until tomorrow - 2/25/2011. Orders over $50 always receive free ship, plus if you Google "Target coupon" you should be able to find a $5 off coupon. There is also 3% cash back through ebates.

Readers - did any of you also order these wedges? Let me know what you think!

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?

YSL Arty Rings for Small Hands?

I realize I'm about one year behind on this one. I don't really pursue "trends," and thus consider myself a clothing blogger and not a fashion or style blogger. But oh, these much-hyped rings are really quite beautiful in person.

Yves Saint Laurent Arty Ring in Turquoise and Coral, sz 5 (bought 'em here)

I first read about these rings over a year ago, but size 5 was frequently sold out. I was also worried the large stone would look like an Easter egg swallowing up my child-sized paws. Then I saw Tiffany's blue one in action and loved it on her petite hands. In person, I don't find the size overwhelming at all. What are your thoughts?

On a whim, I checked Saks' website last month and saw that not one, but eight colors were available in size 5! I wish they made the stones interchangeable with magnets or something :

Yves Saint Laurent Arty Ring in Turquoise and Coral

YSL size 5 may not be small enough right out of the box for those with tiny fingers. There was definitely some sizing inconsistency too between the two I received. The smaller size 5 fits bigger than my size 6 Forever21 rings! Thankfully, after my post about ring-sizing, Jenny shared a tip (thank you, Jenny!) involving double-sided mounting or foam tape which has worked amazingly on all my rings.

To sum it up...

Arty Likes:
- Beautiful bold design and color. I can see someone (my future child, perhaps?) finding this 20 years down the road and loving it as a vintage piece.
- Unique. And I use this word relatively. This ring is "last year" amongst the world of trendy fashion bloggers, but I have not yet run into anyone in conservative Boston with this, and it was unique to my coworkers and friends.

Arty Dislikes:
- Expensive for costume jewelry (but for designer costume jewelry, it's actually not bad)
- The oval is made of glass. That means it could probably shatter or chip on light impact. My F21 oval ring already shattered after it flew off my finger. But that was $6...

Readers - Classic statement piece or fleeting trend? Which color gets your vote?