Something blue shoes (for less) + holiday weekend sales

Manolo Blahnik sandals (very similar for much less)

I recently dusted these babies off in anticipation of spring (a little premature, I know ; ) and finally removed the embellishments from our wedding day. I had hand-stitched crystal bracelets to the front strap, making sure to sew only along the existing stitches to not damage the suede. I got the general idea from a smart friend, who had done the same for her bridal shoes except with glue - I imagine that'd be sturdier and so much less painstaking, but I couldn't bear to glue my shoes. Anyways, I found an almost exact-looking dupe for these Manolos at a fraction of the price! I had been eyeing these Steve Madden suede sandals (more colors here) for a while in Sand, and noticed they just added blue suede - perfect for anyone looking for a little "something blue."

Banana Republic gray jeans 00p, Pleione wrap top xxsp, Zara navy heels (similar)

Goyard St Louis tote, J.Crew skirt (old), Manolo Blahnik BB pumps (old color)

My gray jeans above are currently marked down with extra 40% off (code BR40)! They are very stretchy and comfortable, and the knee holes hit at the right place on me. Length is an inch or two long on me which I wear cuffed up. BR has lots of other markdowns right now all with extra 40% off - see my last review of their collection.

The Ann Taylor wrap blouse sold out so quickly in the smallest petite sizes, although the versatile navy color still remains for sizes xsp and up. I wanted to share a few other similar options available in petites. I've mentioned the Pleione wrap blouse many times before, but had never tried on xxs petite, a new extended size they introduced last year (yay!).

I actually ordered this Pleione blouse over a month ago and the package got mysteriously lost, only to show up on my doorstep yesterday. My first impression is like when I tried it on years ago - the material feels and drapes similar to silk, and looks like a higher-end top. I love the slightly longer back, which in this size was not overwhelming on me. Compared to the AT blouse which is made in thicker, stretchy crepe, this is more billowy and lightweight, made of a chiffon-y non-stretch material. Petite sizes are also going quickly since it is on sale, but I've seen this top at Nordstrom for 3 years and am hopeful they'll restock colors and sizes!

xxsp measures: 21" length in front, 25" length in back, 13.75" across the shoulders, 21.5" sleeves (there's a button-closure tab for keeping sleeves rolled up). Snap button closure at chest.

Another option currently in-stock in small petite sizing is this light gray New Look wrap top, available in size 0P and up (more pictures & angles can be found in the regular-sized listing). Keep in mind sizing for petite brands on ASOS can run pretty small, and for a blouse this style I wouldn't mind a looser drape.

Now it wouldn't be a roundup without some food pics...this is Nick's homemade version of a brunch dish we fell in love with in Portland, Maine. Cornbread cooked in a skillet, with a runny egg nestled in topped with a little seared meat (bacon is the obvious choice, but we had Spam begging to be used), a little cheese and fresh herbs. Several of you asked for the recipe but unfortunately Nick doesn't write much down when cooking. You can follow your favorite skillet cornbread recipe (this one has good reviews) but about 5 minutes before the cooking time is up, take it out of the oven and scoop out a shallow hole on top. Crack an egg into that hole and finish baking, careful not to overcook the egg. The restaurant we had it at slid a pre-soft boiled egg fully into a hole inside the cornbread before concealing the opening with cheese and baking another minute, which is the way to go for a true "surprise."

Miso and Shoyo (in the back) at Ganko Ramen in Brookline

Ganko is the latest addition to Boston's ramen scene, located in quaint Coolidge Corner. I had really high hopes and thought it was good but not spectacular. I think mine had a little too much cabbage & bean sprouts which took away from my noodles, and the spicy garlic oil was not spicy. I did like the other components though and the egg was *perfect.* Nick wolfed down his Shoyo and we will be back to try the interesting "tan-tan" spicy sesame ramen.

PS - wanted to mention again that my swing trench coat has been fully restocked in both navy and cream, and is 40% off w/ code WEEKEND. See my review here - it is beautiful quality so I'd highly recommend, especially in a less stain-prone color like navy. Also, my longer wool Burberry Daylesmoore trench coat is marked down on their site in gray with sizes 0 and 2 left in stock! It's one of their classic coats which comes back each year. See my old review - I got a size 2 for layering room, and had the sleeves shortened and belt loops raised.

PPS - J.Crew Factory is having a HUGE clearance event with lots left in extended sizing, although sizes are going quickly. Use code EXTRA50 to get an additional 50% off clearance items, but beware of final sale. You can shop all and filter by size, or here's some items of note with great reviews:

- Double-serge wool pencil skirts in regular, petite, and tall, with colors starting as low as $19.99 after discounts.
- The black puffer coat I previously reviewed is now on sale for a whopping $49.99 after discounts. Still left in xxsp and several regular sizes.
- Wool-blend topcoat for $69.99 (I've seen this in-person and it is pretty nice for the price). This sold out almost immediately after being released but numerous sizes have popped back.
- classic-looking camel scarf for $10.99 - never hurts to check the men's department!
- Flannel sleep pants starting in xxs for under ten bucks

And from J.Crew regular, take extra 40% to 50 off final sale w/ code SALEONSALE:
- Petite bi-stretch wool martie pants - $29.99 down from $120, a steal. Lots of colors in 000p and up! I ordered mauve and gray in 00p. I had tried the 000p before and it was like stuffing a sausage, so good news for smaller-framed ladies.
- Petite excursion vest starting in $48
- Petite lady day coat in red left in 00p and 0p, on clearance for $174
- Their popular icon trench coat in wool-cashmere in 3 colors, left in regular sizing 000, 00 or 0 only.

Aqua days: white skinny jeans + Pleione petites tunic

Pleione petites tunic, Articles of Society jeans borrowed from friend (starts in sz 23)

Hat borrowed from friend, Nina sandals (old), Goyard tote, AC necklace c/o (review)

These photos were taken at the Royalton Punta Cana resort where we spent the majority of our vaca. Compared to the last place, all the lodging, beaches, pool and restaurants here were much closer together (5 minute walk max) and the facilities were ~2 years old so still looked fairly new. During our stay, temps dipped into the 60's on occasion so I was glad to have packed light pants and sleeved tops. I tried on this Pleione top from Nordstrom numerous times in the past and liked the soft, comfy fabric (smoother on the front half and stretchy on the backside) and the tunic length for covering up the butt. I thought the aqua color would help brighten up my existing wardrobe and look nice against a budding tan.

Here's the length of an xxs petite when untucked - please note the lighter colors of this top are a little sheer. Also, my top did wrinkle on me in the suitcase and needed steaming in a hot shower. To avoid sheerness, I'd recommend this top in the basic wear-with-anything black or the gorgeous "blue mazzarine," both of which I also tried and can confirm were opaque.
You might recall this coverup dress from earlier (reviewed here) - it transitioned surprisingly well for dreary weather paired with my trusty BP ankle boots and Blank NYC moto jacket, topped off with a long black wool coat. To keep poly material from clinging to tights, simply wear a half slip skirt. Please excuse my T-rex claw as I adjust to gripping a bigger phone for selfies : )


Good white skinny jeans have been on my search list for over a year now - I've been dying to try some cold weather pairings with camel brown, printed scarves, colorful coats or just a simple black + white color scheme. I borrowed these Articles of Society jeans from a friend which were a little loose on me throughout in size 24 (I also have a few inches of length folded under). I just noticed this brand makes a size down in 23 which would probably be a perfect waist/hip/rise fit on someone my size. Material is on the thin side but not sheer, was comfy to wear, and the backside is surprisingly flattering. I'm holding out though for a pair with thicker denim, so will be trying on a few alternatives to compare. If you have any favorite white denim styles that are currently in stock, please share!

PS -  Much of the Nordstrom winter clearance is now limited in sizing, but this Vince Camuto 100% silk blouse in two of my favorite vibrant colors is still in stock starting in xxs petite. The blue is more classic while the lime is undeniably fun for spring/summer (have a version myself and love). Also these Halogen cashmere sweaters are now up to 55% off in multiple colors including this same aqua - no more petites but I don't mind regular sizing for sweaters to get a casual, slouchier look.

Thank you to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post.