Snow Day

Sorel Winter Fancy boots (size up) c/o, BR jeans (similar - love these)

ASOS oversized scarf (styling video), Saint Laurent bag, Burberry coat (review)

Hope everyone in the wake of Jonas stayed safe and warm this weekend! This was the first snowfall of the season that we were in town for, so I got up extra early to enjoy the scene around our neighborhood. We were too lazy to shovel the car though, which hopefully won't be a slippery slope like last year when it ended up iced over for 2 months straight!

Btw to get more mileage out of your "hole-y" jeans throughout winter, a layer of tights underneath kept my legs toasty and insulated! Also I wanted to mention my warm scarf is back in stock after being sold out several times this season, along with my tartan one which you guys have seen numerous times on here. Please note these are very generous in size!

Ray-ban matte brown/gold sunglasses, Old Navy mittens

I've been defaulting to the lazy high bun these days since I'm in need of a haircut. For those who've been asking - no bumpit here, just a hidden butterfly claw to help hold everything up. It takes seconds and actually stays all day for me. Will try to do a video tutorial sometime!

Birds of a Feather

Banana Republic skirt xsp (waistband folded over), Ann Taylor jacket 00p c/o

Halogen leopard heels sz 5, Talbots audrey cashmere sz petite p (similar in camel)

Ann Taylor crystal necklace, Chanel bag, Bobbi Brown lip color in "Brownie"

I hope those who celebrate had a very merry Christmas! We're on the West coast with family, and I'm thrilled that my grandparents were able to come visit the Nelson residence. They don't speak the same language at all, but communicate through good cooking and warm hugs : ) I had this outfit on for some festivities with friends, but ended up swapping bare legs for black tights and booties since it was so chilly! The feather-like fringe on this skirt makes it instantly party-ready (see other pairing ideas here and here), but can be dressed down a bit with neutrals. I hoisted the length up for nighttime by folding the wide waistband over - just make sure to remove the tag from the inner back.

Most retailers snapped into clearance mode the moment Christmas was over... almost everything in my look here is on sale! Ann Taylor is having a big promo which includes both my jacket (also worn here) and necklace. I've been reaching for this piece quite a bit; it has a good weightiness to it, and I like the crystal aspect for pairing since it takes on whatever color you're wearing underneath. Also for fellow lovers of Stila sun bronzer (I'm wearing it here), I stumbled across a few in the sale section of Sephora w/ EXTRA20 for another 20% off. I stocked up but am so sad to see yet another favorite being discontinued! I guess many users didn't like the red/orange tint, which I prefer to just brown for a warmer look.

I love seeing everyone's tree styles, and mama Nelson's never disappoints decked out in pearls and poinsettias. Don't worry, Misty knows not to snack on them! I got a few questions on IG about her PJs, but it's actually just a roomy human flannel shirt ; ) My comfy thermal sleepshirt however is from this post and just went on sale in all 10 colors. It was super easy to get a price adjustment via online chat, so don't be afraid to ask for one if you got it recently.

I snapped this Instagram before we left Boston, from a small holiday gathering at our place. The Cheers glasses are from my post here and now also on sale! The antler straws were found in the dollar bins of good ole' Target. PS - I also wanted to mention my leopard heels in this outfit are from years ago, but got restocked earlier this season starting in sz 4! I love the slightly lower heel and "normal" leopard print. They do run big though per the listing, so I'd echo trying half a size down.

Instagram Lately // Festive Fringe + Christmas Tea at Taj Boston

LOFT coat (trying on xxsp), Prada bag, J.Crew striped turtleneck tee sz xxs

Stuart Weitzman Highland boots sz 5 (similar for less)

Happy Sunday! I wanted to do a quick recap and answer some of your questions on these posts from my Instagram. I kept trying on & debating over this LOFT coat but decided to return it in the end. The pretty soft taupe & gray color scheme was the primary draw for me - it fits right in with my most-worn hues and would be very easy to pair. Ultimately I already splurged on another coat this year so want to give that one all the wear it can get. On another note, I've been in love with my Stuart Weitzman Lowland boots (last posted here) which get wear aplenty - enough to compel me to get the Highland heeled rendition. The chunky heels are Nick-approved; they're stable and don't get stuck in sidewalk cracks, so I can better keep up with his pace!

Nautica PJ shirtdress XS (also sold here), BR fringe skirt xsp (review), AC pearls

Yesterday I enjoyed one of my favorite holiday traditions with my girlfriends - afternoon tea at the Taj! We usually spend well over three hours there, getting buzzed on caffeine and treats while exchanging gifts. I ended up getting this BR skirt during a recent sale and really like it for festive occasions. My usual size was sold out both online and in stores so I went a size up (it fits but I'd prefer a little more fitted/shorter for a fun piece), however I saw they just restocked xxsp! It goes with so many tops, even my pajama dress which I was wearing before getting ready, ha! I'd recommend this comfy shirtdress for lounging at home and possibly outside (I'm definitely guilty of donning PJs in public)...it's a cozy, soft cotton flannel which never fails to get me in a Christmasy mood!

Below, I'm so bummed that this shirt sold out of small sizes within a matter of days. I'm a sucker for drapey, wrap-style shirts, and this knit one was love at first wear. I have seen random sizes pop back in stock, so it doesn't hurt to bookmark & check back if you really wanted it.

Soprano shirt xs, Ann Taylor scarf, Goyard bag, Loft jeans 24p, Baublebar necklace

I only get to see my younger brothers once or twice a year so miss them dearly. Whenever together, we love to bake treats then gorge on them over Pixar movie marathons. The last time I went back to my parents' house, I left my clothes strewn about everywhere which apparently left quite the impression on my brothers! It inspired these sugar cookies of my outfits, which I almost couldn't bear to eat.

Last but not least, I've gotten more messages about the wrapping paper below...they're all by Sugar Paper brand from good ole' Target! Sugar Paper makes the cutest gift wrap & packaging, sure to be appreciated by your gift recipient (or at least will look pretty under the tree)!

Old Navy mens PJ pants sz S (shrunken in dryer & stolen from Nick)

Winter Pink + Gray // Portland, Freeport Maine travel + food diary

Sorel Winter Fancy boots c/o, H&M coat, mug, YSL crossbody bag (review)

Banana Republic jeans, Talbots tee, Macy's sweater, Old Navy mittens & hat

We love heading up to Maine every so often for a change of pace, and more importantly, the food & drink! The food scene in Portland is amazing with a lot of fresh ingredients and creative culinary minds. We like gorging at restaurants there but staying somewhere with a little more rustic charm, like Freeport. It�s a small town about 20 minutes north, home to a big outdoor outlet mall for all your holiday shopping, a 24-hour LL Bean flagship store (because you might need duck boots at 3am), and don't forget the Maine Beer Company tasting room, Nick adds!

Packing essentials: ASOS plaid blanket scarf / wrap, Sole Society Cassidy bag 

Hunter foldable rainboots (the best! also  at Zappos or Bloomingdales), Sorel snow boots

Here we are toasting our feet back in our room at the charming Haraseeket Inn, after stuffing ourselves during their complimentary tea & treats service. I adore a room with a good cozy fireplace & reading nook! Nick's tartan PJ pants are a bargain from Old Navy (he also has the snowmen print I stole here which several of you guys asked about). They're 100% cotton and shrink a bit if machine dried, so size up for your men. My husband gets quite riled up when I borrow his favorite PJs, but they're just so comfy and festive I can't help myself : ) Btw, I also picked up these cable mittens & pom pom hat while at ON - the mittens are soo soft and cozy with fleece lining on the inside!

Men's flannel PJ pants (lots of prints), Target sweater leggings

On to Portland food�our first meal was at Eventide Oyster, co-founded by a chef who worked at Clio in Boston. They make a mean brown butter lobster roll on an Asian-style pillowy bao bun. Out of all the ways to have lobster, I prefer mine in the shell (Cantonese style over noodles! mmm...see my family recipe) but if I have to have a roll, this wasn�t bad at all. Nick on the other hand is all about the lobster rolls (and any Asian bao, pretty much), so naturally this one ranked pretty high on his list. The oysters were also oh-so-fresh and briney�it kills me when I go to places and they pour out or spill the brine before serving!

For brunch the next day, we were back in Portland at a spot called Central Provisions. The cornbread with bacon & filled with an egg was TDF! This dark photo doesn't do it justice...I'm still dreaming of all its crispy bits and runny goodness. Nick has been working on perfecting his recreation of this back home. 

I did manage to get my lobster pasta fix at Street & Co, which has been at the top of my to-try list. Apparently they take reservations 2 to 3 months ahead of time (nuts!) but thankfully also have some space for walk-ins. Their famed lobster diavolo was served piping hot & fresh, with all the seafood cooked to tender perfection for about $30 less than The Daily Catch's version in Boston. It's listed as "for two" but we made about two more meals out of the leftovers alone.

Aside from the yummy food, another common theme during our Portland trip were the strong drinks. I can usually do a few cocktails before needing to call it a night, but was a 1-drink wonder everywhere we went there (cheap date for Nick!).

You guys may remember this mock-neck sweater from this post tucked into a skirt and this post styled under a vest. The cropped length lends itself to so many different layered looks, including being worn over a longer button-up plaid shirt or patterned tee like I did here. They sell a lot of tops with that faux 2-in-1 look, which is very easy to create just with two shirts of differing lengths. 

Would love to hear some of your favorite towns & places to visit in Maine for our next trip!

Petite peplum sweater + red bow heels

Ann Taylor sweater xxsp + bow heels sz 5 c/o, similar petite gingham shirt

ASOS wrap, BR pants 00p, Baublebar necklace, Laura Mercier "red amour," AT tote

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 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 !

Hope you guys have a wonderful Sunday, and safe travels this holiday week!

Banana Republic petites holiday work + party outfits

Fringe skirt xsp, Metallic tweed peplum top 00P, BP boots 5.5, Prada bag in pomice

Banana Republic is currently having 40% off your purchase with BRFRIENDS, and everyday free shipping & returns on orders over $50. The promo unfortunately excludes their "BR Picks" like the dress and feather top below. I haven't been there in a while and was pleasantly surprised by the selection - there were numerous pieces that I really loved and the sizing felt more petite-friendly than before! I think Marissa Webb did a great job with the design direction and I'm curious to see where the brand goes next without her.

Above, this fringe skirt has a feathery feel and is so fun for going out at night, holiday parties, or NYE. It's comfy and stretchy in the waist which is always a plus. My size was sold out so I'm trying 1 size up, which fit me decently as shown. I love the mini fit on the model and imagine that the right size would be closer to achieving that look. Please ignore the ankle booties I have on in all these pics, as a pump or strappy sandal like these would look much better with such outfits.

Banana Republic petites metallic tweed shift 00p

This dress in the same metallic tweed was my favorite, and I'd highly recommend it as a twist on the traditional sheath. The basketweave material is more gunmetal than a shiny silver like in the stock photos, and a 00P was spot-on fitted for me throughout. Fabric felt of medium weight and good quality. You can wear this on a more regular basis to the office with a long-sleeved turtleneck underneath, or a black, cream, or colored cropped blazer over it.

Crepe fringe top sz xxsp (also in black), destroyed gray jeans sz 24 /00p

Continuing with the fringe theme, this crepe fringe top also had a feathery feel and would be very fun over skinny coated jeans or leather leggings. I disagree with the reviews about the waist being too big - I think a top like this should have a straighter silhouette. These jeans were my first time trying on BR denim in a while and I loved how soft and stretchy they were. The knee hole placement was perfect but the overall length was an inch or two long on me. I brought them home as I'm in need of gray jeans for the season.

This faux pearl statement necklace is also BR - it was hanging on the rack so I tried it on with these outfits, but I personally prefer the AT version which I've posted about here. The price is better on the AT one for the same costume jewelry quality.

Left: Herringbone sheath dress 00P, Faux-fur vest xxsp

This herringbone sheath looks very Amish on me here, but try to imagine it with a more minimalistic and lengthening shoe. I was trying this on and several ladies in the fitting room asked where to find it. If this dress was executed correctly it would be a timeless sheath, but instead it has an odd fit like the online reviews mention. A 00p was very narrow on me across the shoulders and chest to the point where it was hard to lift my arms, while the hip area had extra room. On the right, this faux fur vest was very thick and warm. The material has good color depth to it with a mix of brown, taupe, and darker tones.

I also wanted to mention their outerwear included in this 40% off sale - the gray plaid one is their 3-button coat, which I reviewed at the bottom of this post in the neon lime color (please note I'm trying on 1 size up from my usual). This olive flocked hem jacket I saw in store and thought the velvet detailing on the bottom was very unique. It goes all the way around the back and looks like a higher-end design. Unfortunately there were no petites of this jacket in store so I can't report on the fit, but from the stock photos it looks to be a less fitted style than the 3-button coat.

Friends & Family sales: LOFT Camel coat + olive legging jeans

LOFT olive legging jeans sz 24p (5 colors) and wool-blend coat in xxsp (3 colors)
Talbots striped tee sz Petite P, Sole Society booties sz 5.5

The pre-Thanksgiving F&F sales are rolling in, including 25% off site-wide for Kate Spade (one of my go-to's for holiday gifts) with GIFTED, 40% off at Ann Taylor with FRIENDS40 including new arrivals that hit yesterday, and also 40% at LOFT with code SHAREIT. I get a lot of questions on the olive skinny jeans I wear constantly, but they're an older style by 7FAMK. I've tried on several alternatives from a wide price range and these LOFT sateen 5-pocket legging jeans were the best dupe I've found, plus are very affordable with this sale! They come in 5 colors and in regular, petite, and tall sizing...

I'm trying on a 24P which was a snug fit, and the length is great for shorties (just cuffed up once with these booties). I'm always surprised by how slim LOFT's skinny jeans run compared to their skirts and pants, which I almost always need to get altered. The sateen material is not a shiny one (like what I typically mentally associate with "sateen"), more with a sueded feel and the color is a true dark olive. LOFT also makes a coated legging jean that fits equally great. The carbon color is a fun alternative to plain black jeans and the brandywine is beautiful in-person.

On to this coat - for several years now I've been shopping for a classic, belted camel coat. The top contenders for me each year remained the J.Crew's popular icon trench (see my past review) and Burberry Brit's camel coat (see my past review). The J.Crew had great details but a boxier cut and the Burberry was better but at a much steeper price point, so I wanted to take time and shop around more. You would think there'd be more options for such a staple piece! Years later I'm still camel-coatless and didn't want to go any longer without one. I finally took the plunge with the Burberry (got a size 2 for layering room and shortened the sleeves) which of course has gone up in price during the time I've been hemming and hawing away, but I hope the number of wears over the next few years will make it a worthwhile splurge.

I'll be showing more of that coat soon, but as a look-for-less, I wanted to do a quick review on this LOFT belted coat. It's not too similar, but is one of the very few camel coat options I've found this year, especially since the J.Crew icon trench in camel sold like hotcakes before Fall barely began. It is single breasted, and a slight A-line cut when unbelted.

The style has a funnel neck like the Burberry  which can be worn folded down, or propped up for full neck/lower chin coverage on brisk days. The material is a 50% wool blend which I found to be ~ medium weight. The quality of the material was average, nothing to write home about but I haven't seen better options at the sale price point. I thought it fit true to size for LOFT coats and my usual xxsp had room for thick layers underneath. Details-wise, I like the classic shoulder epaulettes and button tabs by the wrists, however I never understand why coat pockets have upper openings instead of side/slanted for easier hand entry!

Banana Republic 3-button tailored coat sz XSP (also in grey plaid)

As part of this LOFT sale I ordered the coated legging jeans and plaid funnel neck coat to try - I'm iffy about what the coat material will be like, but am in love with the taupe/ gray/ brick red color scheme and how it goes with almost everything I've been wearing lately. UPDATE: the coated legging jeans are amazing and a definite keep - would highly recommend. The coat pattern is great and fit in xxsp is also good on me for a coat, but the material is not high quality...will be trying it on more and deciding on that one.

Banana Republic actually also makes a plaid gray coat in petites which I saw in store and thought was nice quality. The pattern doesn't speak to me as much, but I wanted to mention their 3-button coat in general which I hope they'll make in more colors/patterns! I tried on the bright neon version of the same coat above in XSP (my usual size was sold out in-store) and was impressed by the tailored yet classic feminine look - a nice alternative to the J.Crew lady day. It was just a little big so I think my usual Banana Republic size would've fit perfectly. The bright lime was too bright as a coat even for this neon-lover (however there are lots of 5-star reviews for it already online), but check out the grey plaid for a more muted look.

Transitional fall essentials & J.Crew sale

1. Swing trench 2. Army jacket 3. Down vest 4. Broken-in denim jacket (medium wash)

Each starts in xxxs petite with numerous color options

I've pulled together 4 essential types of jackets for a transitional fall wardrobe, perfect for layering over lighter pieces as well as under heavier coats later on. This is my first time seeing the down-filled vest in petite sizing, and look forward to all the pairings with my tees, turtlenecks, button-ups and sweaters. If you can wear regular sizing, their Factory store has similar vests on sale for under $50!


J.Crew petites Regent coat, Treasure & Bond jeans, Vince Camuto booties, ASOS scarf

9/9 update: Please pardon the bad lighting and coat pics in the heat of summer, but I received the first part of my order and wanted to post an update before the 30% off sale is over (since several coat sizes are already starting to sell out!). The promo is get 30% off $125+ on select Fall items with code GETSHOPPING and it ends 9/9 midnight EST. I had ordered the Regent coat (3 colors) in both my usual size 00p as well as J.Crew's new size 000p because so many of you guys have asked about it. I was also curious whether it was vanity sizing or if it truly was a smaller-fitting size. Turns out, the latter seems true as the new size was very snug on me throughout (for reference, I am 5 feet tall, 32-24-32) and I wouldn't be able to do layers. This is great news for those who are smaller-framed, and it might mean I'd no longer need the usual costly alterations on J.Crew's petite pants and skirts. I am wearing my usual 00p above - the overall fit is great and it's made of 100% wool (medium weight) so I would definitely recommend as a classic coat. I'm surprised it's included in this pre-Fall sale since all the other coats are not!

The second piece from my order that arrived is the petite denim jacket. This was very shrunken fit and slim in the sleeves - my usual size xxs petite was fitted in the shoulders, torso, and sleeves without much room to spare (see on me). I'll be trying it on with more items to decide if I need to size up, but the wash is exactly what I expected and a nice, vintagey-looking lighter wash. Contrary to the lone one-star review, I didn't think it was holey or too distressed at all! Lastely, the ASOS scarf I ordered arrived and the quality of the acrylic knit feels soft and cozy just like last year's. This one is a keeper and will surely be getting a lot of wear during our brutal winters. 

J.Crew collarless coat (4 colors), Majesty peacoat (8 colors), and Regent coat (3 colors)

I also picked up the lighter denim jacket since I wear my medium wash one at least weekly. I already own versions of the swing trench (a must-have for work & weekends) and army field jacket, but wanted to point out these very classic-styled options with good reviews & on sale. Plus, for the ladies who used to be sized out of J.Crew, everything is now available in their new size 000 and xxxs petite (I have not yet tried these). And here are a few winter-weight jackets included in the 30% off sale, also available in extended petite sizing and multiple colors. I've been wanting a cream winter coat and ordered the Regent to try.

ASOS - Fall/winter items are trickling in on their site, including some very popular scarves restocked from last year (ordered the one in the middle). Acrylic scarves are not created equal, and ASOS made some of the better quality ones I own. These may look overwhelming in size, but come the brutal winter they are lifesavers for commuting. If you're unsure how to tie these, refer to my video on how to style oversized scarves.

Exploring Paris: Tweed jacket, striped tee + jeweled sandals

Ann Taylor striped tee, Ann Taylor jacket c/o, Saint Laurent bag

Sole Society sandals c/o (3 colors), Banana Republic navy pants,

Bonjour from Paris! We�re visiting for a few projects and are trying to soak up all the yummy baguettes, cheese, and pretty sights in between � follow along on Instagram for our daily snapshots! Today�s post is my outfit from our first day here. I had traveled in these same pants and sandals on our red-eye flight (pairing below), and just freshened up the upper half for a day around the city. Swap the sandals for closed-toe flats or heels, and this is easily a work-appropriate pairing as well.

Sole Society sandals and bag, BR trench (similar), Halogen shirt, Bric's suitcase

I also wanted to mention that my Sole Society Cassidy weekender bag (3 colors, bigger size "Lacie" sold here with metal feet) has finally been restocked! My default travel set shown above is the Bric�s carry-on and this weekender bag (love the neutral scheme with the two together), if Nick hasn�t claimed it first. The faux-leather has a decent weight to it so I usually transport it resting on top of my roller suitcase instead of on my shoulder.


I picked out these Sole Society sandals after seeing them on a fellow blogger, who mentioned they fit true to size and were comfy right off the bat (thanks, Fran!). They indeed required no breaking in for me, and have a fair amount of cushioning on the soles. The stones helped spruce up my most basic of airport outfits, without adding much weight to the shoe. Sizing felt true to size if not a little small, typical of Sole Society. I�m usually between a 5 and 5.5 in US shoes � got a 5 in these and probably could've gone up half, as the back of my foot is almost past the edge of the sandal. For T-straps like these, I think fit also depends on your toe length. Since I have shorter toes, you can see in the second photo there's still space in the front, which could be taken up by someone with the same shoe size but longer toes.
I walked in these shoes for around 3 miles the first day and am happy to report no comfort issues. Our first journey brought us to the beautiful Jardin Du Luxembourg, which was abuzz with visitors sun-tanning and enjoying picnics. We had hoped to have tapas at the nearby, popular L�Avant Comptoir but the line was wrapped around the corner. Will have to go back earlier another time!
After walking a bit more we came across Little Breizh, which filled our bellies with savory and sweet crepes the size of our heads. I�m in awe at how the French can enjoy copious amounts of cheese, bread and sweets while staying so fit!

From there it was an easy stroll along the Seine river. We stopped by the bridge full of love locks, not having had any idea that those locks (700,000 of them, estimated weighing ~ 45 tons) were being removed this weekend due to the weight and public safety concerns! We felt fortunate to have gotten a last glimpse.

Thank you to Sole Society for sponsoring this post! Can't wait to share more from our trip, including our charming apartment rental that I know a few of you expressed interested in.