Casual classics: Distressed jeans + Topshop petite drape blouse

Topshop Drape blouse in sz 2P (avail in petite/reg/maternity/tall; also sold at Nordstrom)

Treasure & Bond jeans (40% off!) in sz 24, Steve Madden sandals, Goyard tote

Today's post is a simple outfit of all casual basics - distressed skinny jeans, a draped white blouse (comes in several other colors & sleeve lengths), and minimalistic sandals. To add a little interest, I layered on delicate necklaces and a printed tote. I wear my long-sleeved white drape blouse to pieces and knew I'd get plenty of wear out of a short version. Topshop runs small compared to American sizing - 0P fit fine but I sized up to 2P for a looser fit. I think this is one of those pieces where regular sizing would work well also, because I wouldn't mind a longer length (you can casually tuck it in the front). I noticed they now have free shipping and returns for US customers which is awesome, esp. compared to before. While at the NYC store, I saw these distressed denim shorts in petite (suggest sizing up for a casual fit) and wanted to point them out as a very similar option to my sold-out Express ones.

When shopping for distressed jeans, an issue I often have is the knee hole placement (usually hits several inches below my actual knees). I was so pleasantly surprised at the overall fit of these Treasure & Bond jeans, plus they're currently 40% off! They are listed as crop jeans, which works nicely as regular jeans for someone my height (5 feet tall). The size 24 fits true to size on me with no waist gap, and the medium weight denim is stretchy and comfortable. If you have longer legs, I also tried on these distressed boyfriend jeans on sale at a bargain...

STS blue boyfriend jeans in size 00, BP V-neck tee (sized up to a S)

They are adorable casual jeans and the 00 was a slouchy but slim fit (unlike many boyfriend jeans which are too baggy on a petite frame), however the knee holes were 2" too low for me so I'll be returning. The length is longer but due to the cuffs, you can roll them up to your liking.

I finally got these Steve Madden sandals in a second color...my first pair in blush patent have truly proven to be the ultimate versatile sandal for me. They make shorter legs look long and the design is simple but elevated. Please note from my initial review on the blush ones that they run narrow! I'm usually between 5 and 5.5 and got the latter in these to accommodate my foot width both in the insole as well as the front toe strap.

Ray-ban clubmasters, Baublebar bar & pyramid necklaces c/o

If you're shopping for delicate necklaces, Baublebar has a "pick your pendants" option on their site that lets you pick three layering necklaces at a savings for $68 total. I'm wearing the slim bar short one, infinity medium one, and the longer pyramid spike Y (great for wearing with V-necklines) which are all part of the bundle pricing choices. The slim bar and pyramid Y chain are my favorites because of the sleek 14k gold-plated design, and add just a little something to the most basic outfits. From my Baublebar sale order last month, my favorite piece has to be the bowline cuff bracelet, also worn here. It appears to now be sold out on their site but I found it still available here - would recommend esp. for narrow wrists, since you can bend the metal slightly to adjust the fit.

Talbots reversible horsebit belt (Hermes dupe) + summer sale

Topshop skirt (2 colors, also at Nordstrom, wearing US 2), Ann Taylor tank & tote 

Talbots belt & shoes (sold out), Sole Society weekender bag 

This Topshop skirt is quickly becoming one of my more worn pieces this summer - there's still a few left on their site starting in US 4 (which I would guess equates to a ~ 0 at AT/LOFT, for reference). We snapped these photos quickly before a day trip last weekend, and I was pleasantly surprised the skirt didn't wrinkle much after hours in the car. This Sole Society Cassidy bag (faux leather) is still my favorite for short trips, and for those who've been asking, it's durable and held up well over dozens of uses.
I posted about this Talbots belt on Instagram but wanted to do a more detailed review. My vintage Hermes reversible belt is undoubtedly one of my favorite and most versatile pieces, so I was ecstatic to find this affordable dupe. I get lots of requests on a "look for less" with that belt, but previously the only version I've found was by Ferragamo, which is very similar and good quality, but not too much less at about $400. The biggest draw about these belts is the hidden prong buckle, which allows for a really clean look (the extra belt length is tucked away on the inside, not flopping around the outside). I also love the classic horsebit buckle with a hint of equestrian charm. 

In terms of quality, compared to my vintage one the leather on this one (listed as genuine leather) feels stiffer and not as supple. The hardware is silver-toned with good weight without being too heavy. I feel you get what you pay for, and this is a novelty belt not really to be compared to those that cost 10x more. I think it's worth it if you've had your heart set on this hard-to-find style belt and don't want to pay Ferragamo prices, plus you get 2 in 1 with the reversible feature. 

Fit-wise, I am wearing an XS with extra holes punched. If you don't have a leather hole puncher yet, not sure what you're waiting for because I use one to get a perfect fit on nearly all my belts, and sometimes handbag straps and shoes too. The site lists the XS to fit 29" - 33," so I expected having to punch new holes if I wanted to wear it higher at my natural waist. It did fit fine without extra holes when worn lower at the hips with jeans and pants.

I also wanted to point out these cute Lyndsay espadrille sandals (see all 10 color/print options) on super sale which I've mentioned before. 5 and 5.5 are online-only sizes but I came across this returned pair and had to try them on. They feel true to size for Talbots shoes and were comfortable for the short period during which I tried them on. I've been eying the tangerine gingham ones (another online exclusive) for ages, and have resisted only due to my already robust collection of Talbots low-height shoes.

Talbots Keaton dress in Petite P (also in classic navy)

I've posted about this dress on Instagram, but wanted to mention it again here as another awesome sale item. I don't usually fit their apparel due to sizing starting mostly in a 2P and up, but this dress in Petite P was not bad. It is also very short-gal friendly, as I'm about 5 feet tall and this hit above the ground. The belt comes with the dress, which helps with the fit as you can tie it tighter or looser to your liking.

Before signing off, I wanted to share some pairing ideas for a reversible horsebit belt. See below for just a few of the many ways I've worn my Hermes version! I could only wear mine high at the natural waist because the belt size is so small, but the Talbots one fits lower and will be more versatile for wearing with pants/jeans.

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Cape Cod charm: TopShop scallop skirt + sleeveless chambray

**Sale alert: if you're looking for a great pair of boyfriend shorts that aren't too short, I came across these Guess boy-fit ones (yes, Guess...can't remember the last time I went into one!) that are very reminiscent of Rag & Bone ones at a fraction of the price. They are on temporary markdown for 50% off, plus new customers can use code FIRST15G for extra 15% off and free shipping. I tried on a size 24 which were a little loose, not atypical of the bf style (fit just like the sizing of R&B bf jeans), so ordered a 23 online. Also, search for the "cable knit dress" on sale - would be adorable with flats or over tights, and the 35" length shouldn't be too mini on petites.**

Topshop scallop hem miniskirt (2 colors, also available at Nordstrom, wearing US 2)

Talbots shirt in 2 reg (very similar), BP wedges, Mar Y Sol tote (similar)

Just a quick post today from Cape Cod - the hydrangeas there are so charming this time of year! I wanted to share this adorable petite-friendly skirt that I packed for the weekend. It's just like my navy one that I DIY'd but is stretchy and of good weight. Either color is very easy to pair with tops, and as a bonus it fit great off the rack!

Ray-Ban aviator sunglasses in brown gradient, Baublebar necklace

This skirt is available at both Topshop and Nordstrom, both with free shipping & free returns! Topshop currently has more sizes in stock, down to a US 0 (in my experience, their sizing runs very small, about 2 sizes smaller than other US brands I shop at). I am wearing a US 2 here which is a comfortable fit and not too mini. For reference, my waist/hip measurements are 24/32 inches.


This skirt is pull-on style with a thick elastic waistband concealed inside. The material itself feels like a stretchy twill and is fully lined, with the lining completely stitched to the outer so no worrying about the two layers coming apart. As with all white bottoms I recommend wearing skin-colored undies, but I was happy to be able to wear printed tops tucked in without much show-through. The size 2 I have, when lying flat and unstretched, measures about 12.5" across the waist and 16.5" across the hips. This is one of those pieces I'll be sure to keep out of the machine dryer to avoid any shrinking.