Friday, June 28, 2013

The Petite Shop - Adrianna Papell Scalloped Lace Dress


This is the last look I did for The Petite Shop. As you can see, I clearly have an obsession with lace dresses =) For this particular dress, the smallest size available was a 4P. As expected, the 4P was just big all around. I decided to review it anyway because not everyone is going to be a size 00. The last photo shows how it fits me off the rack. As expected, the quality of this dress is impeccable. The dress is fully lined. Even though it was big for me throughout, the band hits right at my natural waist and luckily, the length hits me just above my knees. Those are important things that I look for when shopping for petite dresses.

 

What I am wearing: 
Shoes: Express two-strap heeled sandals (on sale!
Clutch/Wallet: Kate Spade turn-lock Mara (very similar)
Sunglasses: Kate Spade Gayla

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

The Petite Shop - Level 99 Petite Linen Trouser


Today I will be reviewing another item from The Petite Shop. When Elizabeth offered to send over these linen pants for me to review, I was skeptical. First of all, I always have a hard time finding dress pants that fit well in the waist and hip area. Second of all, linen pants = crazy wrinkles. Lastly, the salmon color is a bit out of my comfort zone. The good news is - as soon as I put these on, all my worries went away.

 

What I am wearing:
Bottom: Level 99 Petite Linen Trouser - size 24P (available in 4 colors)
Top: Tobi *old* (buy similar here or here)
Purse: Chanel Jumbo Flap (buy similar here or here)
Bracelet: Amrita Singh (buy similar here)
Sunglasses: Kate Spade Gayla

Sunday, June 23, 2013

The Petite Shop - Adrianna Papell Lace Overlay Sheath Dress



Even though this blog is no longer 100% dedicated to petite fashion, businesses cater to this niche market will always have my support. A few weeks ago, I have had the pleasure of working with the owner of The Petite Shop and wanted to share my experience. Elizabeth started her own business as a dream in 2010. She was able to start hunting for petite designers and vendors beginning in 2011. By the end of 2012, the site was up and ready! The Petite Shop focuses first on petite specific items (66% of their inventory) and then on petite friendly items (33% of their inventory).

 

They specialize in tracking down petite specific styles that actually have a separate pattern from their regular counterparts so they fit shorter petite proportions flawlessly. For example, styles that are structured with seaming details or a tie/belt that needs to fall in the right place on your frame, or a hemline that has a detailed bottom such as beading or lace that could not be shortened without losing some of its beauty. If they can't find what you want, they have designers who work with them to create exclusive items separate from their regular lines.

 

What I am wearing:
Sunglasses: Kate Spade Gayla
Belt: H&M (buy similar here or here)
Clutch: Banana Republic (buy similar here)
Pearl Necklace: J.Crew (buy similar here)

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Style Remix: A Chevron dress



Whoever thought of wearing a dress as a top is a fashion genius - talk about maximizing your wardrobe, right? Although, I didn't invent the idea, I certainly enjoy every bit of it =) I am participating in Tara's what I wore to work link up today. Have a great Thursday, everyone!



What I am wearing: 
Shoes: Tahati Sarina pumps via DSW (buy similar)
Sunglasses: Kate Spade Gayla

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Black and Gray


Just a quickie post on my outfit from a few weekends ago. When I am not sure what to wear, I always turn to classic colors such as black, white, gray. It's a little boring, yes, but it works every time. Have a great Tuesday!

 

What I am wearing: 

Sunday, June 16, 2013

My morning skincare routine



Today, I will be sharing my morning skincare routine. I remember the days when I would just wash my face with water and be done with it. I wasn't interested in skin care products until recently. 3 weeks ago, I switched to a new skin care product and am amazed (more info below). My morning skincare routine is very simple and takes no time at all. It works well for my busy morning schedule but still gives my skin what it needs all day.

1. Laneige Skin Refiner: I've been using this toner for about 2 years now. To be honest, it doesn't do anything life-changing to my skin. It does help make my skin smoother to ensure even makeup application.
2. Miracle Worker Retinoid Pads and Solution: When I first started using it, I wasn't impressed at all. I was going to return it but at the end, decided to give it some more time. I am glad I did because after a month of using it, I started seeing improvements on my skin. Although, the results are not very noticeable, it helps even out my skin's texture. I was surprised that it works well because I am sometimes sensitive to retinoid products.
3. Neutrogena Age Shield Sunblock: This is my go-to sunscreen for years. I put it on in the morning as part of my skin care regiment and it absorbs quickly and evenly. No breakouts from this product despite the fact that is is on the thicker side.
4. Lancome Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate: I've been using this product for about 3 weeks now and all I can say is love.

  After finished my second bottle of Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum, I headed over to Sephora in search of a new skin care serum. The SA has recommended Lancome Genifique Youth Activating Serum and gave me a 7-day sample pack to try. The package claims that you will notice results within 7 days of use. I was very pleased that I started to notice a difference within the first day of using this serum. After 3 days, my skin's appearance became brighter, more even and smoother. I was amazed! The serum itself is a milky color and on application it sank straight into my skin with no greasiness whatsoever. It is expensive price-wise but personally, I think it is so worth the price tag. I truly adore this serum and I couldn't recommend it highly enough. If you use any of the products mentioned, I'd love to know what you think of them.

 Happy Father's Day to the most special man in our lives. 
Sydney

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Style Remix: Neon and Floral



While I wear neutrals most often these days, I do enjoy incorporating a bit of color into my outfits. All of the pieces I am wearing in this post are old. Since I packed away 75% of my clothes, I challenge myself in being able to make my old clothes look new by simply pairing them in different ways. I can't emphasize enough how much I love bloggers who remix items. Hopefully, I can show you guys a little something too. Nothing brightens up a dreary morning more than a cup of coffee and a bit of neon =) Hope you guys are enjoying your week so far. I am participating in Tara's what I wore to work link up today.

 

What I am wearing:
Skirt: H&M (buy similar in white or black)
Blouse: H&M (buy similar for under $40)
Wedges: Target (buy this year's version)
Nail polish: Covergirl Outlast in 300 (my favorite at the moment!)

Monday, June 10, 2013

Vertical stripes

Black and white stripes are such a big trend right now. I am sure everyone has at least one striped top in their closet. I have plenty of horizontal stripes but have not yet ventured into the realm of vertical stripes. Hence, I am excited to add this vertical striped top to my wardrobe. Since the blouse is the statement piece, I decided to pair it with a neutral skirt. This was my attempt at pattern mixing - a crochet skirt with a striped top. Do you think it's too much?


What I am wearing: 
Skirt: Ann Taylor *old* (buy similar)
Top: High-low vertical shirt c/o OASAP
Shoes: Ann Taylor Exotic Perfect Pump (same style in black)
Sunglasses: Kate Spade Gayla
Watch: Movado Serio

 

Friday, June 7, 2013

Budget-friendly version of the Valentinos (Take two)

I bought an affordable version of the Valentino pumps last month and am still very happy with it. I stumped upon these Sahara pumps last night and couldn't believe how similar they are. I can't speak to the quality of Shoe Dazzle as I haven't tried it. If you’re looking for an almost identical version of the Valentinos, this is a great option. I might snatch me a pair since the price is super affordable.

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Black and brown


In general, I don't believe in fashion rules. I am breaking one of the most popular one here - mixing black and brown together. I personally think it's a really old rule. Since they are both muted tones, they can definitely be paired together. Do you think fashion rules are outdated? I am participating in Tara's what I wore to work link up today.

 

What I am wearing:
Dress: Banana Republic *last season* (same style in solid)
Blazer: Express *old* (buy this year's version)
Bag: Tory Burch double-zip Robinson tote
Shoes: Tahari Sarina pumps

Sunday, June 2, 2013

Tutorial: At home French Manicure

As mentioned in the previous post, I am going to switch things up a bit and blog about different topics. I have several non-fashion related posts in the works and hope to finish them soon. With that said, here is my very first nail tutorial. Personally, I think French manicure is so elegant-looking and also work-appropriate. I've been using this method for a while and it works really well for me. I absolutely hate acrylic nails so this is a great way to create the look without damaging my nails. I hope you enjoy the tutorial.

 

Products used:
Simply Simmons 1/2" brush (I got mine at Michaels)
Nail polish remover (with acetone)