These button-front wide leg pants are perfect for adding color to your winter work wardrobe. They can be paired with almost any classic knit you own and go great with heeled ankle boots on those cold days when you need added warmth.
I wanted to share a few more photos of this bow-back dress, which has just been re-stocked in all sizes (Update: for some reason page just became "not available" - maybe it'll be back up in a bit!). It's on backorder until after the holidays, but makes a darling cocktail dress for year-round. I'm wearing an XS regular...it looked very high-waisted on the model so I had hope, and sure enough it's petite-friendly! Measurements are: 12.25" across the waist, 13.5" from top to waistline, and 32.5" total length. It does come pretty wrinkled, but you can iron it at home on medium heat inside-out. The dress is fully lined, with a double lining at the skirt plus hidden tulle layer to help hold the fit & flare shape. I also snapped a few photos of this Factory puffer coat below before sending it back (as you guys know, I got the faux fur hooded version reviewed here instead). For those who don't care for the furry hood, I thought this is a steal for a puffer coat that fits a petite frame. There's just a few remaining in petite sizing so don't miss out if you wanted this!
Unlike the J.Crew regular wintress coat which I thought ran small with short sleeves, I found this to fit true to size with room for layering. The sleeve length was also amply long enough for the "thumb holes" to comfortably reach and hook over my thumbs. The hood is removable, and the pockets are lined in cozy fleece with snap button closures. And one last picture of this red dress from another angle (ps - my pearlized statement necklace is 50% off today. They make great little gifts for friends!) ~
Over Thanksgiving, Nick and I visited our very first tree farm to pick out a little Christmas tree for my family. I lived in the upstate NY area for many years and didn't realize this gem of a place (Ellms Farm) was nearby! They have a tractor trolley to take you from field to field, a fire pit to defrost your hands by, adorable farm animals, and a free hot cocoa station (...I always knew where to find my husband). With our luck, it was one of the coldest days yet so we made sure to bundle up in cozy scarves and our SOREL boots. I've been loving their insulated weather boots as an alternative to rubber rain boots when I know I'll be out in the cold for a long period of time. Above, ambitious tree novices on the trolley, trying to decide between visiting the tall (7 - 8 feet) or extra tall (10 - 12 feet!) tree fields. Turns out a ~5 footer was already quite the workout for the two us to cut down and haul home! I have gotten more questions on sizing about this particular style of boots, so want to reiterate that this particular style runs a little small. Once again I mistakenly thought I ordered a 5.5 in an initial post, but mine are actually a size 6 which fit fine with thicker knit socks. In most American brands I'm usually a 5 to 5.5, so I'd suggest going up at least half from the size you most commonly take. And for your guys, Nick says his boots run about half size small as well. As some of you may have seen from my snapchat last week, a lesson learned was that tree cutting can be a dirty job! Don't wear your favorite coat unless it's easily washable (thankfully we both had scarves to shield our shoulders while hauling the tree), and be sure to pick shoes fit for trudging on a farm. These sound like no-brainers but I saw plenty of cute flats on visitors around us that got muddied. If you're visiting somewhere with cut-your-own trees, the farm will likely have saws and twine, but bring your own workers gloves if you have 'em to protect your hands from pine needles and sticky sap.
I also lost my bet with Nick about which half of the tree is heavier to carry...I couldn't make it beyond a few steps while carrying the pointed half ; ) Rigorous workout and all, it was so worth it to have the scent of fresh pine fill my parents' house and to be able to decorate our first real tree with my little brothers. Thank you Sorel for partnering on this post!
Continuing the what to wear series, today I'm answering the popular question of what to wear to a vineyard wedding or event. Napa must be quite the spot, and no wonder, it's so scenic there! Since vineyard events are usually at least partially outdoors against lush greenery or gardens, I would start by choosing something flowy and romantic vs structured or tight. A maxi or knee-length dress in soft printed fabric, silk or chiffon should work perfectly. As temps may drop quite a bit in the evenings there, bring a cropped jacket or a wrap to drape around your shoulders. Also, if any part of the event will be on grass, I'd recommend wedges instead of heels unless you enjoy aerating the lawn! I was just visiting for the weekend so had my large tote bag with me, and would definitely suggest a clutch bag instead for a special event. This Hei Hei faux leather jacket was recommended by a petite friend of mine, and seems to be rather popular based on the customer reviews. The fit is slightly cropped and narrow, a snug fit on me in my usual size. I wore it for the Anthropologie event in San Francisco where I had an amazing time meeting and getting to know some of you! I only wish there was more time to chat with everyone who kindly took the time to come. Speaking of Anthro, I just saw they are having a rare 25% off all dresses and free shipping over $150 for a limited time w/ code HURRAH. The Byron Lars Carissima dress I picked out for the event is very petite-friendly and romantic in design. It comes in 3 colors and is of beautiful quality (scroll down for detailed photos). For dressier occasions, ,y other pick is this stunning embellished long dress by Moulinette Soeurs which starts in size 00p. I have a frock by this brand that is also great quality which I wear repeatedly...would've gotten this if I didn't already have a too similar blue & white maxi. The Carissimadress is one of Anthro's perennial favorites which they have in stock year after year. I liked reading through the online reviews and seeing how it fits on different body types / sizes. I'm wearing a 00p with no alterations needed! It's hard to tell just looking at it, but there is a tan camisole dress slip lining the entire dress except at the neckline and sleeves. The base material is stretchy, sturdy and of a thicker weight. There's lots of mixed textures in the design including lace, crochet, ribbon, and a twill-like fabric. Everything was finished with care, such as with reinforcements at the hem and zipper. Tip: I did have an issue with the front hook-and-eye closures coming undone (quite a surprise the first time I wore it!), but it was an easy fix. Simply use jewelry pliers or tweezers to compress the hooks tighter (after hooking into the eye) for the ones that you want to be securely closed. There is a back zipper entry so you don't actually need the hooks for functionality! I did this for the hooks from the chest down to about mid thigh, since I liked a little leg slit opening.
And here's a few other flowy options that'd be beautiful for attending a vineyard wedding! (tho I would do neutral sandals instead of stark black booties with the third dress...what odd styling!)
As Instagram & Snapchat friends know, we�re currently on a mini roadtrip through Maine before heading home for Thanksgiving! I�ve been wearing this tummy-forgiving sweater frequently to dinner and also for lounging in our room with knit bottoms. I styled it here with my slim ankle pants and a little print mixing for added interest. Ann Taylor is currently having 40% off new arrivals w/GIVE40 including both my sweater and bow heels worn here! Other new arrivals worth checking out is this floral drape blouse, large faux fur collar (a luxe accent for plain coats or for winter cocktail parties), rose gold sequin skirt (would need the usual taking-in on someone my size), and these gold heels if you don't own a pair yet. The quality of this sweater impressed me as it�s a warm, thicker and tighter knit plus the sizing runs small. The sleeves especially fit slim and pretty tight at first, but stretch out a little with wear. I like that the nipped in waist actually hits higher at my natural waistline, and the overall length is just right on a shorter frame. If you're over an inch or so taller than me, I'd recommend checking out the regular sizing for more length. The wool/nylon/cotton/cashmere blend doesn't require dry cleaning (although I've been washing all my sweaters at home these days with this wool & cashmere shampoo, including the ones labeled dry clean only!). I have these sloan ankle pantsin multiple colors/fabrics now, but still default most often to classic navy. I love them for travel as they�re comfy and aren�t too tight. Also, they don�t seem to stretch out or wrinkle much on me. They are still on promo now for 40% off with code BRFRIENDS !
Hope you guys have a wonderful Sunday, and safe travels this holiday week!
On Nick:J.Crew Ludlow tuxedo, DIY pocket square (I always make him one to match me : )
As holiday party season will soon be upon us, I�m going to be sharing outfit ideas for all sorts of environments and dress codes! I�ve gotten requests for office-appropriate party attire and also more formal black tie wear, so will be showing those first this week. Earlier this month, Nick and I attended a fun Fall formal organized by our friends. They raised an amazing 100k for charity, and we got to dress up and drink the night away in the Children�s Museum, so win-win all around! For a winter formal party or wedding, I love the look of a long gown with a little sultriness and touches of glamour. Here I looked to my usual old-school hollywood inspiration with a high leg slit, faux fur wrap, crystal drop earrings and minimalistic shoes. I took to the same inspiration for makeup with a subtle smokey eye, wine red lips and wavy hair swept off to the side. For this event, I had procrastinated and was at a last-minute loss on what to wear. I wanted to rent this sequin gown recommended by my petite aunt but it was booked up well in advance. For readers who ask about formal dresses for petites, I usually suggest browsing ASOS and filtering their selection by size and item type. Their sizing runs very small and they have some unusual styles that you don�t see everywhere. I ended up taking my own advice and ordered this dress 2 days before the event - their express shipping is amazingly fast from across the pond!
Here's are a few other formal dresses from there all under $200, starting in 0 or 00 petite...
And here are a few other budget options above for under $100!
I will say ASOS is a fast fashion retailer so you do get what you pay for. This dress is a bargain for a long piece but it is not made of high quality materials, so I wouldn't suggest wearing it to a nicer event where others may be decked out in intricate gowns or couture. I would prefer to pay more for better quality, but due to procrastination, was hard-pressed to find formalwear anywhere else that fits with no alterations at all, even in length! Please note that ASOS sells a variety of different brands in addition to their own in-house one, so sizing may vary. Their in-house brand runs 1-2 sizes smaller than American brands for me (I'm wearing US 0 petite here which was a good fit throughout), and I've heard from friends that Jarlo petite which they sell also runs very small.
And now for the common question of what bra to wear with these dresses that have dips and cutouts here and there. I was able to wear a regular bra with this one, but my bra drawer is armed with the four tools below for those unexpected times when you can't:
Low back items:low back bra converter strap in black, 2 hooks (or in nude, 1 hook). I showed how to DIY one of these back in this post but at $9, it is totally worth purchasing instead of buying the materials. ASOS also sells a 2-pack of converters in both black and nude, with 2 bra strap hooks and 2 size options.
Low front items:nude plunge front bra. This one is noted with cups that run small and the reviewers say the B is actually well suited for A cups.
Backless and strapless or other items that will show any bra straps: Nubra adhesive silicone bra provides the most minimalistic coverage. I have one from this brand based on a friend's suggestion, and highly recommend it in return! The A cups fit me well, create magical cleavage, and the adhesive can be re-used for numerous wears (listed to last up to 50 wears!).
Very low front or unusual cutout designs:adhesive nipple covers! Lots of choices out there with mixed reviews. The ones linked here have fairly positive reviews, and are probably best for smaller busts that don't need a lot of support. PS - For this particular dress, If you�ll be out in breezy conditions, be sure to secure down the front flap with double-sided fashion tape, a safety pin, or some thread at the highest point you�d want it to fly open! Another alternative which I did is to wear a pair of biking shorts underneath and let the skirt flap away without worry.
Just popping in with a quick hello from Napa! Burgundy + gray is my current favorite color combo, perfect for fall and also for my klutzy self to conceal spilled snacks and drinks from wine tasting fun. As mentioned in my last post, I would highly recommend these coated legging jeans or the sateen version (my review), which both come in several versatile colors. They rival some designer coated denim I've tried on, at a pretty affordable price! I had been looking for a wool hat in the perfect taupe-gray color, and this one did not disappoint! I got it a few weeks ago and have been excited to wear it at every opportunity. The versatile color pairs well with most fall neutrals and colors, and the fit is like an H&M Medium which works well on my head. I sometimes feel a little silly in hats (Nick teasing me as "Indiana Jean" doesn't help), but I found this one to be easy to wear and more classic than "western." I'm also excited to share this plaid blanket scarf is back in stock! (Update: it's sold out again but here are all of their oversized square blanket scarve patterns - I also have the white-based check on which you guys see often!). Here's my old video tutorial again on how to style these blanket scarves. When eating or on long car rides, I usually just have it folded in half in a triangle and draped over my shoulders like a shawl. The quality is fair for what I would expect for the price. A few ladies have told me their scarves shed fuzz most visible on black garments, so you may want to keep tape or a lint roller handy.
Thanks to the C�line S/S 2015 show, circle hair clips are popping up everywhere. These shots show just how the chic the simple accessory looks with a variety of hairstyles.
As some of you may have seen from my snapchat last week, a lesson learned was that tree cutting can be a dirty job! Don't wear your favorite coat unless it's easily washable (thankfully we both had scarves to shield our shoulders while hauling the tree), and be sure to pick shoes fit for trudging on a farm. These sound like no-brainers but I saw plenty of cute flats on visitors around us that got muddied. If you're visiting somewhere with cut-your-own trees, the farm will likely have saws and twine, but bring your own workers gloves if you have 'em to protect your hands from pine needles and sticky sap.
The quality of this sweater impressed me as it�s a warm, thicker and tighter knit plus the sizing runs small. The sleeves especially fit slim and pretty tight at first, but stretch out a little with wear. I like that the nipped in waist actually hits higher at my natural waistline, and the overall length is just right on a shorter frame. If you're over an inch or so taller than me, I'd recommend checking out the regular sizing for more length. The wool/nylon/cotton/cashmere blend doesn't require dry cleaning (although I've been washing all my sweaters at home these days with this wool & cashmere shampoo, including the ones labeled dry clean only!). 
I have these sloan ankle pants in multiple colors/fabrics now, but still default most often to classic navy. I love them for travel as they�re comfy and aren�t too tight. Also, they don�t seem to stretch out or wrinkle much on me. They are still on promo now for 40% off with code BRFRIENDS !
PS - For this particular dress, If you�ll be out in breezy conditions, be sure to secure down the front flap with double-sided fashion tape, a safety pin, or some thread at the highest point you�d want it to fly open! Another alternative which I did is to wear a pair of biking shorts underneath and let the skirt flap away without worry.
