Wine + Gray: fall weekend in Napa Valley

J.Crew turtleneck xxs, Prada bag in "pomice," ASOS square blanket scarf

LOFT coated legging jeans sz 24p, Sole Society hat + booties (also sold here)

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.

Tartan scarf + red Hunter tour boots

Lord & Taylor scarf ("ivory" - extra 20% off w/ VETSDAY)
  Bobeau cardigan in xsp, Ann Taylor cashmere (current year's version)

Hunter packable Tour boots sz 5 (also at Zappos in 5 colors), Jolt jeans sz 00

This comfy outfit from last weekend remixes several of my older favorite pieces. I also learned my lesson to always check the weather before embarking on a long day of errands wearing rubber boots - it was damp and gloomy when we left the house, but turned out to be the most beautiful day without a drop of rain! Ended up feeling a little silly in these all day but on the plus side, the bright color kickstarted my holiday spirit early this year (along with the red cups debut & tree lights going up in Boston on the same day!).

Speaking of rainboots, I've been getting tons of clarifying questions this month about my Hunters so wanted to link back to my past detailed review of their adult Tour vs kids boots. Over the years I've tried on dozens of rubber rainboot options and the Tour are hands-down my favorite for style, fit, and comfort. Their adult original (sold at Costco now, apparently!) were not comfortable for my shorter legs, and I haven't gone back to my kids ones in a long time because these are much more lightweight, pliable, and more visually lengthening in my opinion. I walk miles in them around the city and haven't had any quality issues yet, fingers crossed! Out of the two red Tour options now mine are the "military" red.

Madewell mini transport tote (3 colors) - can do a detailed review if anyone's interested!

This tartan scarf is pretty old from Lord & Taylor but they bring the same one back each year! I love my big blanket scarves for blustery days, but for mild weather, a lightweight one like this is perfect for adding a punch of pattern to a plain outfit. It's less full of a scarf than what it appears to be in the stock photo.

I also wanted to give an update on these Jolt girlfriend jeans now that I've been wearing them for a a few months. Initially (read my review here) I was on the fence about keeping them because they are more bleached than I typically like. Unfortunately I haven't been able to find better-fitting denim with larger distressing holes like this, and also with the hole placement actually hitting near my knees. I kept these and have been pretty pleased, but I do wear a thin belt to close the waist gap of a size 00. I wasn't sure whether I wanted these more as a slouchy "girlfriend" fit or closer to slim skinny jeans, and finally decided on the latter because I wanted to wear them more with tall boots. I had been keeping them out of the dryer to maintain a looser fit, but machine dried them for a first time (after these photos were taken) and they shrunk a bit down to the slim skinny fit I wanted. With the cuff unrolled they hit right at the base of my ankles with no alterations needed.

On an unrelated note, wanted to mention that Anthropologie just started a rare 20% off sweaters & tops promo with code TOPITOFF, ending this weekend! If you bought a top or sweater recently, they have a price adjustment policy for purchases made within 14 days which you can call or email to request (I've done this on past orders and it was a pretty easy process). You can see the curved cable poncho on me here and here, and another sale suggestion is this intricate lace peplum blouse (starts in 00 petite in 3 colors) to wear over skinny bottoms for a night out. I haven't tried it on myself but it has a few 5-star reviews.

Yellow & Grey // Join me at Anthropologie San Francisco

Curved cables poncho in xs reg (3 colors; also comes in petites) + Ampato cowl scarf c/o

Hunter packable tour boots ( see my review), Paige petite ankle jeans sz 24P c/o

Happy Friday! I'm so excited to share I'll be hosting a style party at Anthropologie in San Francisco, on Thursday, November 12th from 6-8PM! There will be snacks, bubbly and of course shopping (the Union Square store has a sizable petites selection). I would absolutely love to meet some of you who live in the area.

We were shooting in the park when this sweet pup ran out of nowhere and sat herself at my feet, posing for the camera. Nick took a few shots then stopped to check the photos, and she ran over and sat with him craning her neck. It was the funniest thing! Her owner finally caught up and said she loved to be in photos : )

This is my first time trying on Paige petite jeans - I don't see their jeans in petite sizing very often! This particular color and cut is a dark blue legging jeans with a higher-waisted top for "control," and the length was just right on someone my height for wearing with flats or heels (I cuffed the bottom up once with higher-top booties). The size 24P has a 26" inseam and my guess is the length will vary a bit with size. I wore my BP booties with this outfit but packed Hunters for the walk as it was so wet outside. 
A looser knit top and skinny bottoms has become my casualwear uniform as of late, as I'm sure you guys can tell. I thought this poncho sweater was adorable while in store and see that it's also available online in petites (although small sizes mostly gone). I had thought an XS regular was a good fit for a poncho, and even the sleeves hit right above the wrist on my short arms. The sweater is longer in the back than the front, and I envision the petites sizing to be a shrunken version overall for it to fit more like a regular sweater than a poncho/cape. I love the swingy shape of ponchos, but a downside that I learned is you can only wear a looser-sleeved or cape coat over it due to the connected underarm area.

Really looking forward to meeting some of you in San Fran! Would also love some food & to-do recommendations from SF locals!

Shades of grey + fall foliage at Boston Public Garden

J.Crew lady day coat sz 00P (old color) + vintage style tee
LOFT sweater in xsp, BP leggings sz S (length folded under), Vince Camuto boots

Last weekend we strolled to Boston Public Garden to scope out the foliage, however it seemed that all the trees were either still mostly green or completely barren already! We must've just missed a few trees turning because there was this giant pile of the prettiest, vibrant pink and orange leaves on the ground.

 
I love leggings as a lazy, comfy alternative to jeans, especially on long flights when too skinny jeans can cut off your circulation. To escape the associated stigma, just make sure your top is plenty long enough to cover your crotch. I thought I was in the clear here, but looking at these photos it wouldn't hurt to have an extra inch or two of length...oops : ) I read tons of reviews looking for leggings that aren't see through and won't stretch out much, and was vacillating again between the ones I'm wearing here and these ravely-reviewed Hue ones. I went with the BP for this color and so far they don't disappoint (do size up - a S was fitted on me). I only wish they'd make petite! The lazy in me just has the extra length folded under for now.

I've been wearing these Vince Camuto "Hillsy" booties so much, they're definitely rivaling my BP Trolley ones for versatility and comfort. They are similar in height with the VC measuring at 3.25" and the BP at 3" eve. I have to say the VC leather feels a little better and softer which is probably reflective of the higher price. They are still available in most sizes, starting in a hard to find sz 4!

Also, I've been liking this LOFT sweater so it's interesting to read all the polarizing reviews online! The style is very slouchy and poncho-esque so I guess it might be in the expectations. My only complaint with it is the smaller neckhole as mentioned in my review, but getting my hair rumpled up has been a fairly minor issue so far.

Casual layers + Stuart Weitzman Lowland boots review

LOFT tee, BlankNYC jacket sz XS (my review), Sole Society scarf (similar print)

J.Brand Maria jeans sz 24, Stuart Weitzman Lowland boots sz 5 c/o (also sold here)

When I find an outfit I really love, I can't help but wear it on repeat (such was the case with the Kate Spade shirtdress from this post until a friend gently called me out on it ; ) I'm guilty of donning this three times already - it was perfect for running errands, meeting a friend for brunch + shopping, and casual date night with Nick. Living in the city I have to walk at least a mile now each day, so finding put-together but walkable and comfortable pairings are key. The foundation of this one is very basic with black jeans and a tee, but layering with different textures really help give it dimension.

I was so excited to see my favorite wool-blend scarf (also styled here) from last year re-stocked *update: this color just sold out : / * I love the darker-toned colors, and the smaller size for days that don't yet warrant a big blanket scarf. Speaking of past-year favorites, this faux-leather jacket (runs small) is still in stock in all sizes, and is one of my staples for layering both over tops and under my winter coats. I also wanted to do a detailed review of these Stuart Weitzman "Lowland" boots, which are really beautiful quality and fit well on narrow legs. They are slimming on short legs, warm, and make even the simplest of outfits more chic. I've shared a few similar boot options as well at the end of this post, at more budget-friendly price points.

Style and material: The Lowland are a pull-on style suede flat boot with leather ties at the upper back. The boot is made of stretchy, medium-weight suede that can comfortably accommodate a small range of calf/leg widths, and fully lined in a satiny material. Per the website, the suede is "backed with lycra to create the fit factor of a legging." The material feels really nice quality, so to protect it, I sprayed mined with two coats of Cadillac leather/suede shield spray which is supposed to help repel water and stains. I also got this little suede cleaning brush to remove dirt, but haven't had to use it yet.

The easiest way to get in and out of the boot on is to fold the shaft all the way down to the foot of the boot, stick your feet in/out, and then roll the shaft back up. The sales associate also suggested knee or thigh high nylon socks, which make it nice and smooth to slip boots on and off. As for the back string ties, I like to knot them twice into a bow then tuck the string ends into the boot shaft.

Colors: I tried on almost every single color and have to say my top favorites for versatility are londra (pictured on me), loden, praline, and the nero plonge stretch. There are subtle differences between the first three, with the londra having more gray tones, the loden having more olive, and the praline more taupe which I also really loved. The nero plonge stretch is new this year and is the first time I've seen SW make an OTK boot fully in a matte black leather. This one looked and felt really nice and sleek on, but is priced above the suede options.

Comfort: I've walked several miles in these already and found them to be comfortable with no breaking-in needed. The footbed is lined in leather and the soles have rubber traction. There is a built-in cushion at the heel of the insole, however the ball of foot area does not have much cushioning. I add inserts to many of my shoes (am currently experimenting with a few brands to find my favorite) to maximize comfort, and may do so with these as well.

Sizing: These start in a size 4, good news for ladies who have a tough time shopping for that size. I found them to run a little big in the foot area. I'm usually between a 5 and 5.5, and these boots in a size 5 have a little room to spare in the toe area even with socks on. 

Calf / shaft fit: I own Stuart Weitzman over-the-knee boots (like their signature 50/50s) which are designed to hit right above the knees, and in comparison these are a thigh-high boot. They also make a higher upper-thigh high "Alllegs" boot which I feel would be pushing the boundaries on petite legs. The Lowlands fit snugly around my calves and thighs, but can also be scrunched for a slouchier look.

Measurements of a size 5 boot: 4" across the ankles, 5.75" across the calves, 6.75" across the thigh opening, 1" heel height, 21.5" shaft height, excluding heel, when measured from the back. Keep in mind the suede material accounts for some thickness within these measurements.

Sold at: $798 at Stuart Weitzman, Nordstrom, Saks, Shopbop, Zappos, and Forward by Elyse Walker (FYI, I like shopping designer items at this last store - they have free express worldwide shipping & free domestic returns, with no tax when shipping to most states outside of CA).

And here are a few other over-the-knee suede or "suede look" boots at different price points:

Under $45: F21 faux-suede boots, starts in sz 5.5 but no shaft width measurements avail
Under $150: Ivanka Trump Livi (use FRIENDS for 25% off) in faux-suede; read Zappos reviews
Under $250: Corso Como Laura with genuine suede front / stretch fabric backing

Pumpkins & Ponchos

J.Crew turtleneck, Talbots wrap c/o (color sold out; last shown here)

Vince Camuto booties (love! I'm usually between 5-5.5 and took the latter), J.Brand jeans

I wanted to share some quick photos of this striped turtleneck tee from my Columbus weekend sale post (*update: unfortunately, the striped version is now shown as excluded from sale). I rely on these lightweight tees to help prolong wears between washes for pieces like sweaters, blazer, and coats (where makeup transfer or perspiration can discolor the inside of collars). They come in a myriad of solid colors and four striped options - the ivory and navy stripes are always classic, but the redwood will pair with more things than you'd imagine. I'm wearing xxs regular which is very slim-fitting, and considered sizing up. The sleeves are long on short arms but don't bother me for a layering tee.

Apple cider donuts are one of my favorite things ever about fall in New England - maybe the aroma even more than the taste. We went with friends to grab a dozen with hot cider and polished them off before making it back to the car.

I also dusted off my favorite fall polishes, amongst them Essie's "Hot Coco" (a taupe brown) worn below - an oldie but goodie. I'm always looking for new shades to try so would love to hear some of your seasonal favorites!
This colorway of my wrap sweater is now sold out, but I've linked to a few other affordable options below in versatile prints. I know many petite ladies are afraid of large, billowing garments, but I think it can look fine if you simply balance out the rest of the outfit with slim, fitted pieces.

Boots with the fur

Kate Spade shirtdress, faux fur collar coat, cedar street harmony bag c/o

Cole Haan Marina boots (30% off w/ FRIENDS30), Nars lipcolor in "shanghai express"

As much as I like my bright colors, sometimes an all-neutral palette can feel the most classic. For the second half of my collaboration with Kate Spade New York, I styled this taupe and black pairing for the oncoming chilly season. I find the easiest way to elevate neutrals is with elements of texture, such as a luxe faux-fur collar, satiny bow tie, or tall suede boots.

I've been wearing this convertible handbag (6 colors; previously reviewed in this post) often and a few ladies on social media asked if the pink one would be limited to spring/summer wear. I actually think light pink can be very cross-seasonal and love it in cooler seasons paired with neutrals like taupe, camel and grey!


I also mentioned in my last post that Kate Spade's sizing can be rather petite-friendly. My bow-back dress from there in size 00 was a snug fit with no alterations needed, and I've also tried on several more that fit similarly. Just look for styles that are more fit and flare and where the waistline looks like it hits a little higher up on the model.

For more straight-cut pieces like the ones I chose for this post, I found the shoulders to fit in a size 00 with the sleeves requiring shortening, typical of regular sizing. For this woodland plaid bow shirtdress I used my favorite trick of tying a skinny belt around the waist and folding a few inches of material over the belt. This essentially creates a blouson waistline and also adjusts the length of the overall piece to your liking based on how much material you fold over. You can wear a dress like this to work with pumps and then "shorten" it for a night out.

The weight of this wool-blend coat is very heavy and the details and finishing remind me of the quality of my Burberry ones. The only alteration here was to shorten the sleeves by 2 inches. I also love some of their iconic bow-collared coats that I saw in-store but not yet online.

Thank you to Kate Spade New York for partnering on this post!

Fall reviews: cozy casual petite sweaters

LOFT pocket sweater in pxs & jeans sz 24, BP Trolley booties (go up half a size)

I can't remember the last time I burst out of a fitting room and wanted to get all the things...but LOFT is killing it with their latest fall items. My friend needed to go sweater shopping and we both got more than we had bargained for. There's lots of drop shoulders which I usually am not a fan of, but I thought they worked well with the slouchy silhouettes. Read on to see what I ended up getting!

LOFT pocket sweater (in pxs), in "Cocoa Cream Melange"

This sweater is a swingy, poncho-like tunic sweater with a turtleneck and adorable kangaroo pockets. I absolutely loved this cocoa cream color, which is a mocha-taupe. My only issue with this sweater was that the head opening doesn't stretch much - if you have your hair done nicely it will definitely rumple it up. Once on, it's roomy and comfortable around the neck. The knit is a more open knit but not loose in the sense that I feel like it'd snag. You can wear a layering tee underneath due to the openness but in the photos above I don't have anything under. I don't think anyone needs to size up for this one, but I liked how the pxs fit and didn't bother to go find my regular size (plus didn't want a smaller neck hole). This way if it shrunk inadvertently in the dryer it will still be a loose swingy fit.

LOFT textured dolman tee in xxsp and legging jeans sz 24 (not yet online), BP booties 

My friend and I both made a beeline for this on the rack - it's one of those super basic items but in a cut that makes it something you'll reach for time and time again. I love a good dolman sleeve and this one was balanced out by nice and narrow lower sleeves, and a good length that hit me at the hips. It's a poly/ linen blend which helps give it a little texture. I just saw that it comes online in navy stripe...aah! Both just got marked down with extra 40% off, no code needed.

LOFT relaxed turtleneck sweater in XSP

This sweater had a really nice, thick and soft material the felt good quality. There are more colors under regular sizing including a pretty "faded rouge" for fall. I did struggle on this one with the best size to get. For items that I like in-store, I usually look them up online to scan reviews, in case something doesn't wash well or any other issues I might've overlooked. I was really surprised at all the shoppers' suggestions to size down on this sweater. My usual size xxsp hit me at the high hips and was too short for my liking for a casual sweater like this. I thought the charm of it was the loose, swooshy, fit and I had actually grabbed 1-2 sizes up to try. Here I am trying the grey in XSP and the mustard ("aztec gold") in SP. The swingy, A-line side view on this sweater is my favorite.

I also struggled with what color to get...the grey was the perfect light grey melange but I love a good mustard for fall/winter. The mustard color though did look a little more pill-prone (get your sweater shavers ready for this season) than the grey, or maybe they'd just be more visible against the solid color. The store was closing so I brought both home to try on more and decide.

LOFT relaxed turtleneck sweater in SP

Below, I passed on this next sweater in an effort to whittle down my armload of favorites, but it was very cozy. The PS was the smallest size left in store - I think a xsp would've been perfect. I loved the curved high-low shirttail hem seen on lots of pieces this season, which would look cute with a patterned or striped tee layered longer underneath. I don't see this color online (may be sold out) but the item # matches up, however lilac shaddow is the same color code as my lace top which is the prettiest pale lilac.

LOFT petite curved shirttail hem sweater in petite Small

For sweater care, most of these are machine (woo hoo!) or lay flat to dry. For items that I feel should truly be shaped and laid flat to dry, I use my sweater drying rack over the bath tub.

Here's a few other suggestions and items my friend got (that I'll be looking to borrow!):
- For work, she got this dotblock ruffle shell paired with this cozy cardigan (soo soft) with rave reviews. The shell is cuter in person, and the pattern has pumpkin orange speckled through it. The cardigan was super soft and I loved the slight grandpa look to it. Pumpkin is one of my favorite colors for the season but it's hard to find it done right and not a jarring orange. I went online to find it but alas the pumpkin does not come in petites, although the cut of the regular looked on the shorter side. These would look adorable with the top tucked into a navy or cream pencil skirt, or untucked with sloan ankle trousers.
- Sweatshirt tee in navy or grey looks like a great layering staple or canvas under patterned scarves
- LOFT's "modern skinny" cut denim is still my favorite there and I don't know why they don't make more washes and stock. The modern black skinny is still in all sizes as well as this modern high waist one in a vintage-y blue wash, with good reviews.
- And of course my beloved lace swing tee with clean camisole (see my review), now marked down with extra 40% off and finally online in petite sizing.

Petite-friendly narrow-calf leather riding boots: Ariat York

Ariat "York" riding boots, also available at Zappos or Amazon in brown, black or 2-toned

ASOS blanket scarf, Talbots striped tee, J.Crew wool mini (current season's), Coach bag

Tall boots are hands-down the most frustrating item I shop for, but it makes it all the more rewarding when winners are found! For newer readers, my trouble areas are both boot shaft height and calf width. For reference, my calves measure ~12.5" around and my lower leg is ~15" high, resulting in most "knee-high" boots hitting uncomfortably at or over my knees. It's admittedly been easier to shop for over-the-knee style boots for a little more leeway on height. You can find past reviews on the few options I've found that are a good fit: Stuart Weitzman's stretch boots, select Aquatalia boots, and also a style of stretch Cole Haan boots. These each cost a pretty penny, but quality boots should last many years so could be worth the splurge for those with similar fit struggles.

I've been wanting a pair of brown riding-style boots for years and decided to look into an actual equestrian brand. I came across a few scattered reviews for Ariat's "York" boots indicating the calves fit slim, although you wouldn't guess based on the 15" calf circumference listed online. I was pleasantly surprised by the great fit and couldn't wait to take them out for a spin!

The leather feels thick and durable (slightly on the stiffer side compared to thinner, more supple leathers) and the soles have rubber traction. They are lined and have a full interior side-zipper entry. The "maplewood" color is a medium cognac brown, and these also come in classic black and a few two-toned options. The York boots are also sold direct on Ariat's website, where you can find more specifications as well as a video on how to clean your boots. I ordered mine from Nordstrom for their customer service / easy returns in case of any issues down the road.

As you can see in the photos, there's minimal gapping at the calf circumference on me, enough room for jeans or boot socks. There is a small stretch gore panel on the inside at the upper calf to help with a comfortable fit. The shaft hits about 1.5" below my knees which is very rare for a tall boot. The ankles are not baggy on me, which is another problem I tend to find on boots that might fit otherwise. The price point is very fair for leather boots that fit (esp. compared to others in my collection), so I would definitely recommend while sizes are in stock! Unfortunately for small-footed ladies, the smallest size is a 5.5 which I found to be a snug fit with socks on.

Measurements of a size 5.5: 13.5" boot shaft height excluding heel, 13.5" calf opening circumference when measured along the interior, 4.5" across ankle width from the exterior, 1.25" heel. Please note that as with all boots, these measurements will likely decrease / increase with the shoe size.

Per your requests, I also have some leather & suede care posts planned for this season (finally ordered myself some protectant and cleaner brushes!). As always, if you guys have petite-friendly boot recommendations, please share below in the comments!

Shades of Autumn: jade green + warm camel

Ann Taylor sweater dress c/o (shrunken to fit in dryer), Adrienne Vittadini boots (old)

J.Crew belt (old, similar), H&M scarf (old, similar), Laura Mercier lipcolor in Orchid (love)

Popping in to wish you guys a happy Sunday, and to share some snapshots of this sweater dress while it's still on sale through Monday night (40% off with YESPLEASE). I already wrote about it on my last post, but wanted to show the flattering A-line cut and seaming plus the petite-friendly fit. When I picked out this dress there was only forest jade and black as color options - I really love the new heather grey and think it might be the most versatile out of the three (although the darker shades may be more slimming and easier to maintain for those spill-prone like myself).

The sleeveless style is perfect for transitional weather when it's not quite cool enough for full-on sweaters. I wore this to dinner with friends last night and brought a scarf in case it cooled down, but will also be wearing this with my Blank NYC moto jacket, denim jackets, and blazers alike.

Sam Edelman (sz 5+ **), Vince Camuto (sz 5+), BP (sz 4+ **), **listed as runs small

These old booties are some of my favorites, and I'm bummed I haven't been able to find a close dupe for those who've asked over the years! I've shared a few above in similar rich brown colors that start in small sizes, but with different silhouettes. Please do share if you guys come across similar ankle boots with a front dip and slender hight heel.


My usual size xxs petite was slightly loose off the rack (though due to the knit material, was still more fitted than most AT dresses on me in that size), so please note I machine washed and dried this to shrink it down a little. It did shrink and is pretty fitted now in the torso on me, so if you don't want to risk yours becoming smaller at all, I would suggest potentially laying flat to air dry after machine washing.

The sweater material on this dress is medium weight and unlined. It's comfortable against the skin and stretchy, and there's an invisible side zipper for entry. I also wanted to note that the tag on my dress reads 60% cotton, 40% poly, versus the poly/elastane/viscose blend listed on the website.
PS - "Hello" back to the kind reader who said hi while we were taking these photos! I didn't get to catch your name but hope to see you around the neighborhood : )

PPS - Baublebar is having 25% off all necklaces with code STATEMENTSTUNNERS, ends 9/22, and they have free everyday shipping & returns. I've been wearing this slim bar pendant (comes in 14k gold plated, silver, or rose gold) non-stop and would highly recommend as a delicate necklace. If you're looking for a more statement piece, this crystal bib necklace is still one of my favorites.