Christmas tartan + sequined skirt // J.Crew Factory flash sale

AT cashmere (current version), J.Crew Factory plaid in xxsp (free ship w/GETGIFTING)

Accessory Concierge necklace, AT sequin skirt sz 00p + bow heels sz 5 c/o

Here's a little snippet of office holiday party outfits to come...I picked up this plaid popover shirt a few weeks ago and absolutely love the festive tartan and the petite-friendly fit. Last year's version sold out quickly so I jumped on it early this season. J.Crew Factory is having a flash sale with free shipping - I picked up a few of the items below for an early gift exchange and couldn't resist a set of flannel PJs for myself! After machine washing and drying so many times, my set in xxs regular from years ago have started to fit more like petite.

I've also tried on a few other Factory pieces recently which were a surprisingly good fit. Even in regular sizing, the elasticized waist wool-blend skirts in 00 reg which they have year after year fit me well. The sultry metallic striped dress below (another festive holiday party option) was a snug fit in 00p, and the puffer down coat was perfect for me throughout in xxsp. The coat for under $100 is an amazing value for down-filled outerwear that fits a petite frame without alterations.

I ended up buying the J.Crew regular Wintress puffer coat instead because I loved the features more, however that one is notably pricier and has a few fit issues like the sleeves being a tad short and the torso feeling snugger. I'll do a detailed review of that one soon, but wanted to share about the Factory sale while all sizes were still in stock!

Summertime: Poppy print skirt & dress (now in petite sizes!)

Chicwish poppy print skirt in XS c/o (dress version), Talbots shirt in 2 reg (similar)

  J.Crew heels, Ann Taylor clutch (similar), AC pearl jam necklace c/o

I'm excited to share some unique, petite-friendly pieces today that are a few months in the making. I first came across this poppy print dress in April and fell in love, but knew it'd likely require lots of alterations. I reached out to the company, Chicwish, asking if they'd consider customizing it in petite sizing and in a knee length instead of midi. They were very accommodating and we ended up working on a few iterations, tweaking the proportions. The dress is currently available for purchase here in a petite XS, and the skirt version that I'm wearing is available for pre-order in all sizes!

The pattern and the full shape of these poppy pieces are so fun and feminine, perfect for parties, events, or going out to dinner. I honestly get so many compliments and inquiries each time I wear either piece! Most recently, I dressed down the skirt with a cream shell tucked in, and my low, Talbots neutral sandals. If I had to pick one piece amongst the two it'd be the dress, however I suggested Chicwish offer a skirt version as well because dresses can be trickier to fit different body types (torso length, bust, shoulders, armholes, etc). The skirt could also be more versatile for pairing with various style tops...going to try it with a striped, slightly cropped one next.

Fit-wise, I compared the samples against numerous items in my closet and would say XS fits like a US petite 00/0 or H&M size 2-4. The waist of this skirt in XS is about 24.5 inches around, for reference. As mentioned above the dress version currently only comes in XS for the petite length (and S-L in the regular midi length), but if there is interest in S, M, and L as well in the petite length, let me know in the comments and I'll be sure to share with Chicwish.

Compared to the dress in the stock photo, the petite XS dress is not only shorter, but the proportions are also adjusted in the torso length, waistline, armholes, and the width of the shoulder straps as one would expect from true petite sizing. I had photos taken of the dress version while we were in France (some of you may have seen a few previews via my Snapchat!), and will post once we get those back from our photographer.
The material of the skirt and dress feels like a satin-y twill, and has some structure to it to keep that full fit and flare shape. Please note that the material has a shiny finish to it and is non-stretch. There is a fitted waistband and an invisible zipper in the back, with pleats all around plus is fully lined. The workmanship is not high quality (ie. you can see the bottom hem stitch on mine) but I think the prices are very fair for the pieces. Not to mention, the items being available in petite sizing that actually fits saves a significant amount on alteration costs.

A few notes on ordering from Chicwish based on my previous shopping experiences with them:
- They offer free worldwide shipping for all orders which is awesome, however the company is based in Asia so items take a long time to arrive. Their website states 12 to 18 days as an estimate for standard free ship, but my personal experience is even longer.
- They accept returns within 30 days, and customers need to get an RMA prior to mailing back items. An issue I had with my first order was my RMA instructed me to mail the items back to Asia, which would've been costly. After contacting customer service (support@chicwish.com), I finally got a US returns address which was more reasonable: CHICWISH, PO Box 3371 Daly City, CA 94015.
- Sizing may run smaller due to Asian sizing, so check the measurements and any customer-submitted photos in the listing page.

Petite-friendly summer outfit staples + leopard flats reviews

Articles of Society jeans (23, hemmed), Caslon tee, Ivanka Trump flats (starts in sz 4!)

RayBan 58mm aviators, Sole Society bag c/o (review), pearl necklace c/o (review), H&M hat

I've been all about comfort dressing this season and this outfit is no exception. Each piece individually is a versatile basic, great for mixing/matching and for travel. If you're just starting to build a wardrobe and want mostly staple pieces, I'd definitely suggest starting with a few of these!

I brought everything but the hat to France and was tempted to repeat the same outfit each day. While there, I was interested in adding a classic Saint James nautical tee to my collection, but couldn't find one that wasn't boxy on me (browsing limited inventory boutiques reminded me of why I love online shopping!). This Caslon tee serves well in its place and is so very soft against the skin. I'm wearing xxs petite which is a slouchy but not baggy fit. Here I have the side zippers unzipped for a more casual tunic look.

I love my leopard smoking slippers and wanted to find a lower cut version in a similar pointed silhouette. I'm partnering with Nordstrom in this post to share some of my recommended flats, and figured I'd review all three leopard options that I had tried on before getting these...

BP Moveover flats, Sam Edelman flats, Ivanka Trump chic3 flats 

1. BP Moveover flats (solid colors here) (sizes 4 - 12)

I own two pairs of the BP Moveover flats and really love the low-profile cut, the light weighted-ness, and how they mold to my feet. However I must reiterate the soles are very thin with no support or cushioning. As mentioned in my past reviews on these, I suggest sizing up and inserting a full insole pad for comfort. Before getting my cognac brown and blush patent pairs, I had tried on other high quality options that were genuine leather with lots of cushioning, but made my foot looks like wide boats. The BPs get poor reviews for the thin soles, but if you really like the cut, the sole is an easy fix using inserts.

Anyways, on to the leopard print...unfortunately the shoe is what you pay for and just animal print on faux leather. I was not impressed like I was with the solid options. This may be a good alternative if you want faux-material shoes, which in that world this is not a bad leopard. Personally, I didn't love it and much prefer the leopard look on calfhair.

2. Sam Edelman flats (sizes 5 - 12)

My favorite aspect of this shoe is the large scale leopard spot pattern. The quality felt nice and the material was exactly the same as their d'orsay leopard pump that I reviewed previously. I'm usually between a size 5 and 5.5, and a 5 was the better fit on these. There is a black triangle on the back of the shoe which I didn't care for personally (also on the d'orsay pump version), but I didn't think it was distracting nor a dealbreaker.

*Please note, my phone photos show the leopard coloring to be more blown out & yellow than how it looks in-person. Refer to the outfit photos here for a closer representation!*

Top: Sam Edelman, Bottom: Ivanka Trump

3. Ivanka Trump chic3 flats (sizes 4 - 12)

This third option features a medium scale animal print with a thin black stripe down the back. These were a touch more comfortable for me than the Sam Edelmans and the pointed toe area looked a little shorter. There is also a difference in the tiny heel, where the SE's have a thin black flat heel and the Ivanka's have a self material-covered heel. Both pairs show the same amount of toe cleavage - just a peek.

Left: Sam Edelman,  Right: Ivanka Trump

It was real a toss up for me between these options as there were features on each style that I liked marginally better than the other. Nick's eyes were glazed over when I kept asking him for his opinion because he kept thinking they were the same shoe : ) For the slightly improved comfort and fit on my feet, I bought the Ivanka Trump version in a 5.5. Another bonus is they start in a hard-to-find size 4 for any of you ladies who need that. I wore mine for a few hours the first day and did not feel irritation like one of the reviewers mentioned. Please note both the Ivanka Trump and Sam Edelman options feel stiff out of the box, similar to how Ferragamo flats feel. I hope they become more pliable with continuous wear!
My friend ended up giving me her pair of these jeans, so now I'm a happy owner of two and can wear white jeans to my heart's content. I ended up getting one pair hemmed and left the other pair long for wearing cuffed. Since most white jeans do not require the original hem to be left on, it was a very affordable alteration (usually $10 or less). If these stretch out at all with wear, machine washing them and drying on medium/high heat shrinks them back down for me every time.

Thank you to Nordstrom flats for sponsoring this post!

Spring petites work wear: blush + stripes from day to night

Ann Taylor linen sweater c/o (review), BP flats, "pearl jam" necklace c/o

J.Crew Factory skirt (altered, extra 20% off with code EXTRA20), Kate Spade watch

I knew this linen sweater was a winner the moment I tried it on, and hope those of you who got it like it just as much! I reached for it every other day on my last trip and will be sharing more styling photos soon. As mentioned previously the sweater is sheer, so I wore a nude bra (do a camisole to be extra safe at work) underneath for an office-friendly pairing. A pair of pointy patent flats finished off this comfortable look - I absolutely love the sleek design of these flats (comes in 6 colors and starts in sz 4!), but remember they have minimal insole cushioning, so order half size up if you want to use inserts.

Steve Madden heels (9 colors!), H&M denim jacket (old, similar in petites) 

To shift this look for drinks or dinner after work, I'd simply add some strappy heels and an extra layer in case it gets chilly. Most people don't reach for pencil skirts outside of work, but I think it can look rather sultry and chic paired with more casual denim + going out shoes!

Here is the J.Crew Factory pencil skirt pre-alterations...
I thought the fit was very typical of petites skirts from their non-factory line. It felt similar to LOFT/AT petites sizing, and a little bigger than standard Banana Republic petites, for reference. The skirt sat low on my hips, and I personally prefer my pencil skirts to sit at my natural waistline.

Halogen chambray shirt in "light denim," J.Crew Factory skirt in 00P,  BP flats

I thought the cotton, fully-lined quality was very nice thus got professional alterations on this one. I had my tailor take in the waist and slim down the skirt through the hips, and then taper in the bottom leg opening a little more. Here's a few other adorable skirts from J.Crew factory currently on sale, starting in either 00 petite or 00 regular - remember to use EXTRA20 for another 20% off:

And oh, how charming is this mint home? We came across it during our walk in the Bahamas, and I couldn't resist snapping some quick pics in the driveway ; )

Video: How to style a blanket / oversized scarf

Buy similar plaid blanket scarf (just $33!) & other colors / patterns

As some of you may have seen on Instagram, I've been living in these oversized scarves this winter! I actually shied away from the big square size for a long time thinking it'd overwhelm my frame, but after experiencing how warm they are against the elements I'm not turning back! They've been a key part of my daily commute, and also conveniently serve as a shawl for when the office AC is blasting. Through playing around and trial and error, I've figured out a few favorite ways to style big scarves and have demonstrated them in this video:

All of the styles I'm sharing today start with a square scarf folded in half into a triangle, but you can easily adapt for other shapes as well. A few readers mentioned that to cut down on the volume, they actually took scissors to their scarves and cut the square into two triangles. I personally wouldn't do this because I like the volume for warmth (and also the raw cut edge might unravel), but just wanted to pass along this idea...

This has been my personal favorite style - variation #2 of the "handkerchief" in my video:

And the easiest way - variation #1 of the "handkerchief" from my video:

Which is your favorite styling method shown? : )

Life Lately via Instagram

pearl jam necklace thanks to Accessory Concierge
H&M dot cardigan, Ferragamo flats

J.Crew no. 2 skirt (old color, waist taken in), old chambray shirt (similar in petites, on sale)

I�m so excited that one of my favorite necklaces was brought back! See all 7 times I've worn it on the blog not counting numerous others that didn't make it to a post. The faux pearl clusters are good quality in my opinion; they have a little weight to them without being overwhelmingly heavy (its 7oz to be exact). They are a small business based in Dallas with pretty cute items (like these oversized scarves) and have been super responsive with my questions. Please note this necklace is on backorder so has a 2-week ship time.

Also, nothing riveting here, but wanted to mention these 100% cotton, very affordable H&M cardigans. A basic layering piece available in lots of solid colors and 4 cute prints: tiny dot, classic stripe, zebra, and leopard. A good leopard is hard to find, especially in sweater form! I picked up the dot as shown and ordered the stripe online. The shrunken fit I thought was very petite-friendly...XS is about 18.5" long hitting at my upper hip, and the 22� sleeves were even just right for my short arms! Only small complaint is the sleeves are on the slightly wider side given how fitted the torso is. Also due to the 100% cotton, these might shrink if you machine wash + dry them.

 J.Crew sweater (old), H&M scarf, Sole Society bag c/o (sold out, larger size)

Gap "real straight" jeans (old, same cut), Goyard pouch, Nine West flats (leopard sold out)

Wore this comfy outfit for a quick flight to NYC again. Each time I pull out this beloved honeycomb sweater circa 2012, I kick myself for having been anti buying more colors of it back then. I kept thinking they�d come out with a similar good quality + slim fit style in future years but they never really did. This Sole Society vegan Cassidy bag is sold out until March I believe, but their very similar, slightly bigger Lacie bag is still in stock with the added bonus of protective metal feet.

Hunter Tour packable rainboots (review), Sheinside coat c/o, ASOS scarf (sold out)

This has been my recent rainy day uniform and it even made it to the Boston Globe : ) My ASOS scarf has long been sold out, but I saw Accessory Concierge has a very similar, bigger one that you can use my free shipping code on.
Yes this plaid pattern is everywhere but for good reason � the colors are so easy to pair, and a generous-sized scarf is a lifesaver in cold weather. I reviewed the coat in this post, but once again please take note of Sheinside�s reputably bad customer service before considering ordering.
While in NYC, my friend took me to the �rooftop� aka Gaonnuri, a restaurant at the very top of some office buildings by K-town. The views are stellar and the individual lunch set presentations were fun, but the dishes were very salty and not memorable. Would love to hear any of your favorite Korean spots in NYC for me to try next!

 from Nick's Instagram

Nick�s been obsessed with making bread products from scratch lately, and I can�t really complain! I love a good toasted English muffin, and have to say his first attempt (generally following this recipe) could give Thomas a run for his money.
Leaving you guys with this pic my dad snapped from inside our car - truly a breathtaking scene to drive through and almost made me forget the misery of winter!