Striped Crewneck Dress from Gap

Oh, this one is so cute!  I snatched it up as soon as I saw it was 100% cotton and offered in petites.

It went so fast...I went to look for it in the blue and white stripe after I fell in love with the coral and pink stripe, but all the petites were gone.  There are still some striped dresses available here but in regular sizes and in talls.   You can also find this version of the dress in solids here in some petite sizes.  I am thinking about that pretty blue....I might pick that one up too.   I got my regular size small petite and the fit is perfect easy dressing for early summer days.  I can't wait to wear it!!!  

Boden Spotty Sundress...Gasp! a Non-Petite!

I recent ordered a non-petite sundress from Boden, the bright Pink Fun Spotty Sundress.

The print is adorable and is very well made with really nice piping detail around the neckline and hem. I ordered it in the size 4 and the fit is good around my hips and bust.   It is comfortable and looks pretty cute...I am hesitant for one reason.  The neckline is a touch low.

Juuuuussssttttt almost too low.  I want this to be a casual run around dress to wear in the neighborhood on a hot day and the neckline might make it not quite that...I still think I am going to keep it, but not keep the other color I ordered that is back ordered.  Instead, I think I might try this (again non-petite) Beachcomber Sundress.  I love the Airforce Tropicana Print, so I might give this one a try....



I'll report back!

Nailed It! Kork-Ease Felicia

I love my new shoes!!!  I recently purchased the Kork-Ease Felicia in the Avana color and I am in love!  They are cute and insanely comfortable...and not a bad price through Shoebuy.  I was able to get these for just over $150.00 using a code. 

The color you see here in the above picture is pretty true, it's a nice warm brown, perfect for late spring and summer.  The cut-outs give a bit of airiness to the shoe, I wasn't sure I'd like it, but i am sold!  I also am really getting to like sling backs as they really elongate the leg, verses an ankle strap which can cut my leg off at the wrong place sometimes...not to mention the height of the wedge is fantastic, not too high, but enough to give this 5 footer a bit of a lift!

I am really looking forward to the weather staying warm so that I can wear these soon!  Check them out!





On a Roll with Old Navy Printed Dress in Petite

I am really having luck with the dresses I have been ordering.  This last one I got was from Old Navy, the Twist-Back Jersey Halter Dress in petites. 

I was actually able to score it in a fun white print on purple in the size medium petite (Old Navy's sizing is all over the place, especially for petites...) Aaannnnddddd I wish I would have gotten it in a small petite.  Oh well, since the small was sold out, I decided to keep it anyway.

It has a fun easy style that will be great for when the temperatures go over 85 degrees and the humidity is unbearable.  Luckily the white flowers are located in good places.  One online reviewer said the white spots were comically located on the top of the dress, so she had to send it back.  Glad I checked!!

I am waiting on my new shoes to arrive, hopefully they will come today.  I am so excited to review/try them when they get here!  Those shoes in the above picture just look awful even from far away!





Athleta Printed Nectar Dress in Petites

I keep adding to my summer dress collection.  This one is from the Petite section from Athleta.

I love the little print dress and I adore the fact that Athleta offers casual run around dresses in petites.  What I don't enjoy is the price.  Even with Athleta rarely offering a discount, these little dresses sell out.  Bummer. I ordered (cause I knew it would be gone if  I waited) this dress in the white.

I got my usual size Small Petite and it fits well, little loose in the tummy, but to go down a size might get too tight in the bust.  A little breathing room in the summer is never a bad thing!!  The dress is still available in a pretty purple print.  I may pick it up later in the summer, if anything lasts until they mark it down.  They also have a Printed Nectar 2 Dress that also may be worth checking out.   I find that being a petite and finding cute dresses to wear in the summer difficult.  A lot of times the neck line are too long, arm holes too big, and waist placement too low, things that just can't be fixed by moving the hem up.  So when I find dresses I like, I tend to buy multiples. 

Case in point:  I found this printed dress from Boden. 

 

It's darling, printed, 100% cotton, and NOT a petite.  I ordered two different colors on a whim, just to see if they will fit.  I hope they do.  These are right up my alley!!





Kork-Ease Felicia

During my last post featuring my new Ann Taylor Loft sundress, I noticed my favorite tan wedge peep toe sandals had seen better days.  I even took a close up picture that I decided I won't share because they looked awful!

So, I have abandoned (somewhat) my quest for spring to summer cover-toe wedge shoe, and found, hopefully, success with the Kork-Ease Felicia.  I actually really liked Kork-Ease Sarah, but was unable to find my size in the tan color.  Felicia is a close second.  I ordered Felicia from Shoebuy where they have free shipping to and from and also are offering 20% off. That was the best deal I could find after checking many online shoe stores.  I haven't received them yet, but I am hoping to find them comfy and cute...



I did order the Avana color, which looks like a nice mid-tone tan.  The only reservation I have are the cut-outs.  They have the potential to be super cute and feminine or make my toes look funny...no way of knowing until I try them on.  Hope they get here soon, but the weather isn't cooperating for summery looks, so it may be a while to wear them.  Check back soon to see the verdict!

Ann Taylor and Loft Friends and Family 40% Off

I wandered into Loft to see what I could get for the Friends and Family special they have going on in store and online.  Then I wandered out with this Petite Smocked Drawstring Neck Knit Dress:

I love it in the Tomato Red, I think it is very flattering to my skin tone.  The size is running pretty true and I got my regular Petite Small.  The  only issue I have with it is that I will have to wear a racer back bra because the shoulders cut in a bit, but other then that, I think it a great addition to my summer dress wardrobe.  It still is available online here. but in limited sizes.

One thing I did notice is how tired my tan slingback wedges are looking now a days...perhaps a replacement is due.  i never did find a covered toe wedge for the transition between winter and spring.  maybe I'll find one someday.  I just never found anything perfect.  A few came close, but nothing was just right.  I guess now I'll just move on to looking for a peep toe tan sling back wedge for summer dresses. 

I didn't have time to get to Ann Taylor, so hopefully, I can make it out by this weekend.  Or find time to do a bit of online shopping...

Clarks Spa Flip Flop

I just ordered these new Clarks Flip Flops

I got these in the brown color...and I am not very excited about it.  Yes, they look comfortable (got great reviews on Piperlime) and yes, versatile.  I will likely wear them the most this summer and I will like them.  But it just isn't the most fun purchase I have made.  It kind of feels like buying gym socks.

I used to love the metallic flips from Old Navy, when they were still made in Brazil.  Now the Old Navy flips are made in China and are harder and far less comfortable, so I had to move on from my old stand-by.  Sigh.  I spent so many summers in the bronze metallic.  So, the Clarks Spa will be a good substitute.

Why do they always have to change things?

Ann Taylor Crops and Wrap Sweater

I had an occasion to dress up a bit more then usual.  Easter was casual, so it was nice to get to wear something a bit dresser today.

The sweater is a petite from AT, Cotton Blend Front Tie Cardigan in aqua lagoon.  I got it in the petite size small.  I have always liked wrap sweater, dresses too, for that matter, and this one is no exception.  Of course, I always need to have a camisole underneath, but it find a wrap silhouette to be very flattering on my frame.  The pants are also from Ann Taylor, Cotton Side Zip Cropped Pants.  I got these pants in the cool khaki color in the size 6 petite. Wow, these are great...I'd get them in every color if I needed them.  They are comfortable and washable with a great cropped length, they show off my shoes nicely.  What I also love about them is the side zip.  That makes for a smooth front, with no extra bulky zippers or fasteners to add poof where I don't need it!  I wish side zip pants were more popular. I wonder why they aren't around more??

The shoes I wore are from Banana Republic from last season.  This pair started my love for kitten heels.  I had been stomping around in 3 to 4 inch heels, but a lot of times, it just was not practical.  So I started checking out kitten heels and I got hooked.  I love the look and they can be very sexy.

These were Spring from last year and there was also a neutral snake skin option...I have been looking for an acceptable version since missing out on the snake print.  I kind of hope Banana Republic does them again.  If you haven't tried Banana Shoes, they are pretty comfortable, even the higher heeled version.  I have quite a few in my collection...

I am realizing I need to add more zing to my outfits with a few more accessories whether it be a casual or a bit dressier day.  I am challenging myself to add more accessories to help pull together my looks, even if it is a day of running errands.   It is really a challenge to dress at this point in my life...I can see why a lot of women in my position opt out from trying and just pull on track pants and tees.  I really don't want to spend this stage of my life doing that.  What makes my job even harder is being the size that I am, a lot of stuff just doesn't fit correctly.  I am up for the challenge!!!

I Love Nordstrom...and a Touch of Neon

Ever since Nordstrom has offered free shipping and returns, I am addicted.  It is accessible luxury and I am totally down with it.  And because I don't have a ton of loose money to throw around, I enjoy poking around on the site looking for fun, not too expensive pick me ups.  Case in point: NEON.

I remember the first time around in third grade, the neon trend.  I had an AMAZING neon splattered duffel bag.  It was beyond awesome.  It could, in fact, still be at my Mother's house, somewhere.  Not like I'd use it, but pictures would be terrific.  I would like to revisit this neon trend today in 2012, but A) not spend a lot of money and B) not get a very big item.  In steps Nordstrom.

Check these out:



These are from Stephan and Co. and are 6 dollars.  Yep, heard me right.  I think I am going to order them when I get my shoes, just to try out a touch of neon, which, the second time around, I think is all I need.



Ann Taylor Loft....Meh on the colored crops

So, I was at the Loft and I picked up these cropped pants in Kelly Green:

I think I look kind of short and squatty, well, I kind of already am, these crops just make me feel more so and like I really stand out...in not a fabulous way.  I don't see these online anymore, but I could have sworn I saw them there before.  The remainder of the outfit is a striped tank from Lands End Canvas and a cotton pullover from Lands End petite line.  Maybe I'll try these again when the weather is a bit warmer, with a better shoe...perhaps the closed toe wedge I found at Nordstrom.

A different shoe might just dress up this look a bit...hhmmmmmm, maybe now I will take the plunge and get these.  I also could have used some accessories as well to spruce up the look.  I'll try harder next time!

Sam Edelman Mallory Sandal

I found this Sam Edelman Mallory Sandal on the Nordstrom site yesterday:



I am thinking about ordering it in the patent blush color.  It has quite a few of my requirements for a transition between spring and summer shoe.  It is a wedge with a covered toe in a tan or light brown color.  What is making me consider this shoe the most is the price.  It is under $100.00 on the Nordstrom site, which is about my limit on a shoe that honestly, won't get much love once the temperatures climb out of the 70's.  So I am thinking about it, waiting to see if I can find anything with perhaps a slightly lower heel...but I may order it in a week or two. Especially if I am getting ready and I think to myself, "Damn it!  That Mallory sandal would be perfect with this outfit"...then I know I have a winner.

***I did end up ordering these and love them.  Check my more recent post Sam Edelman Mallory Sandal 2.0.  

Ann Taylor Loft Striped Tie Shoulder Drop Waist Dress

When I ordered my cotton brown dress from Loft, I also ordered this little black and white striped dress for quick and easy dressing in the summer.  (I hate paying shipping...so I'll spend more money just to not pay it!!!  It helps that the entire site is 30% off right now!)  I am glad I picked out this one...

I really like this, I did get it in the small petite.  I cut off the strings at the shoulder because I didn't really like the look, but I have wide shoulders and I feel like it really called too much unneeded attention to them.  The length is a bit short, in the petite, but it will work nicely as a grab and go dress.

So, I don't exactly look like the model in it, but I still think it looks cute and very wearable.  I have a collection of printed summer dresses...and I love adding more and feeding my addiction.  I unfortunately missed out on the maxi dress at Loft, but I feel like they will offer another one, hopefully in a petite print.  At least I know what I like!!