Fashion Archives - Page 4 of 4 - Fashionable Petite

The Colorful Blazer

May 12, 2020June 28, 2020by fashionablepetiteLeave a Comment

I am a girl who loves a good blazer. Blazers are a rotating staple in my closet because they come in SO many cuts, colors, and fabric types. Blazers are like a good purse, they reflect your personality and you can wear them practically anywhere. I also love colorful blazers because they can enhance any outfit.

I just snagged the Ann Taylor The Hutton Blazer in Texture in Hot Pink Poppy. It hits me about about mid thigh in length and I can’t emphasize this enough. I LOVE this color. It is SO fun for spring. Leave the blacks behind and join me on the color train!

An alternative to the Hutton Blazer, ASOS has the ASOS DESIGN jersey wrap suit blazer-Purple retailing for $48.00. It comes in both petite and regular sizes and the soft lilac color is gorgeous! The tie is also perfect for cinching the waist and showing off your figure. Rock whatever curves you have, they are meant to be celebrated!

I paired the blazer with the Ann Taylor Draped Cami in white and the Ann Taylor The High Waist Ankle Pant. I have the ankle pant in a sateen fabric, but that finish was a winter style and they currently have the Ankle Pant in a classic Black color and Atlantic Navy in both regular and petite sizes. Ann Taylor Factory has a similar style with the Ann Taylor Petite Ankle Pants in both petite and regular on sale now for $71.99. I paired this look with mules similar to the Ann Taylor Geraldine Suede Loafer Slides.

My next look is the Ann Taylor The Hutton Blazer in Texture paired with a ribbed black tank-top and Whit & Wisdom Ab-Solution Raw Hem Skinny Jeans in petite. Whit & Wisdom is a great petite/curvy brand and I find that they fit my frame well without comprising on comfort. Dark wash jeans make a bright color blazer pop even more and I paired it with a black strappy heel from BCBG. This BCBG Cairo Suede Stiletto Mule is a must have to add a little edge to my outfits.

My last look is a black jogger pant paired with the Hot Poppy Pink Blazer, black ribbed tank, and animal print loafers. My joggers are from Gap and they are currently not in stock, but Anthropologie has the Sydney Waisted Joggers in two colors, Washed Black and Sky. They don’t have petite in stock in the black, but they do have the black in standard fit, as well as the Sky color in both petite and regular. My loafers are Steve Madden and although they aren’t new, they have the Steve Madden Feather Loafers in Black & Tan Cheetah at DSW. Most sizes are in stock for $91.00. I’ve also got to mention that DSW has one of the best reward programs. It’s free to sign up and I feel like I am always getting $10.00 to $20.00 rewards. The dollar to reward system is great and they let you combine your rewards with most any sale going on. I’ve bought shoes for $60.00 and with my rewards and discounts, I’ve paid $5.00. I would be happy to go into more detail if you would like to know more about what reward programs I’m using!

-xo

Darcy

Dressy Attire, Fashion

Dressy in Reformation

May 8, 2020June 28, 2020by fashionablepetiteLeave a Comment

I LOVE Reformation. I can’t say enough good things about their clothing. They focus on sustainability (this is hugely important to me as someone who loves to shop) and they are meticulous in their fabric choices (the less fabric that ends up in the landfill, the better). They also work hard to create clothes for different body types. Since they launched their petite line, I’ve been hooked. My only caveat with Reformation is their clothing is expensive. The price tag comes with their emphasis on lessening their environmental footprint and I can’t fault them for that in the slightest! I can’t shop their products regularly, but when I do splurge, I have a hard time landing on what to buy because I end up loving everything.

I recently bought the Gavin Dress in petite (size 4) in Emerald. It is fitted, hits about knee length, and has cap sleeves. It also has an key hole open back and a sticky bra is needed. My favorite feature is definitely the front slit. It gives it a layer of sophistication, with a dash of sexy. The Gavin also comes in Navy, Avian, and Graciella. I want it in every. single. color. It’s also surprisingly light and I’m planning on wearing it to weddings in the fall. I wore it here with the Gracelynn Black Nubuck heels from Steve Madden. I paired it with a set of pearl stud earrings, a gold choker necklace, and my hair is in an easy up-twist.

If you would like me to link any of my accessories or how to do an easy up-do, please email me or comment below!

-xo

Darcy

Fashion

Ann Taylor May Outfit of the Month

May 7, 2020June 3, 2020by fashionablepetiteLeave a Comment

Halter dresses are super flattering and they look great on so many different body types. They offer more coverage if you have a fuller bust and it draws your eyes upward rather than downward (that is what we all want, right?) If you have a smaller bust and wider shoulders, your top looks more in proportion to your bottom half.

This flowy Ann Taylor Halter Tie Waist Flare Dress is a great way to show off your shoulders and arms while having more cover from your neckline to your below your knees. My motto is that if you expose one area on your body, compensate by going with a little more coverage somewhere else, ie., if you wear something short, go for a cap sleeve and not strapless on your top half, or if you wear a deep v-neck dress, have the dress hem be a little longer. The tie on this dress also flatters the waistline and it covers up any midsection area that you might want to mask. The shimmer of this dress also makes it perfect as a day outfit that can be transformed for a date night (we can dream of the days before quarantine.)

I also love a straw clutch. It screams warm weather and has me dreaming of a beach vacation. This Ann Taylor Woven Straw Clutch is the perfect size to carry a travel small sunscreen and a pair of sunglasses!

Add a pair of fun earrings like the Ann Taylor Metallic Geo Chandelier Earrings

And finally, add a pair of ankle strap sandals! The Ann Taylor Adley Suede Sandals in Spiced Chai adds the finishing touch to the dress and clutch. The gold inlay on the heel pulls in the gold accent on the clutch and it pairs well with the gold detailing on the earrings. I have mentioned this before, but I love gold details and think gold is a simple way to elevate an outfit to the next level.

A bonus is that the Ann Taylor Adley Suede Sandals also come in a black color with a silver block heel.

Happy May shopping!

-xo

Darcy

Casual Attire, Fashion

Soft and Cozy Lounge Wear

May 2, 2020June 28, 2020by fashionablepetiteLeave a Comment

Who doesn’t love a sweater you can curl up in, or ultra-soft sweat pants? During my college years, I worked the register at Gap in what was then, Gap Body. I restocked panties, lounge wear, and fitted women for bras. I saw some wild and crazy things over the years, but I learned a lot about styles and fabrics.

It was here that I was introduced to modal. Modal is a fabric made from Beech trees that’s blended with cotton. It is SO soft and it has been one of my great loves for many, many years. Every year I buy at least one pair of modal joggers from Gap’s Pure Body Collection. Once you go modal, you won’t go back! You seriously wont be disappointed. Gap also sells T-shirts in modal, as well as bras, and panties. It looks like Gap is currently sold out on a lot of their lounge/sleep wear, but they do have modal leggings on sale for $30.00.

Lou & Grey Sweatpants from Loft are also one of my must haves. They are cute and comfy, need I say more? I purchased their Signature Softblend Sweatpants for $69.50 in Deep Lavender and they are seriously SO very soft. Lou & Grey is another brand that I always turn to for quality and comfort. I’m a fan of Banana Republic’s basic linen t-shirts because they are available in petite sizes and they are great for a casual day in or out. If I’m out running errands, I’ll add a ball cap. The hat featured in the photo was a purchase I made in Madrid a few years ago and it’s distressed look works well for creating a relaxed look. A similar hat is the Canvas Dad Cap by Hat Attack. It’s wide brim gives it a casual feel that screams weekend vibes.

These Athleta Studio Joggers are great because they are a relaxed fit (we doesn’t like a good Aladdin pant?) and they are a great lounge pant to wear on the weekend or after a long day in a skirt and heels. They retail for $79.00. I’ve seen a lot of women use them while pregnant and as a postpartum pant. Pair them with a slider sandal, some oversized sunglasses, and you have a cute outfit made for brunching on a patio. Below, I paired the joggers with an oversized hooded sherpa sweater in white and the sweater makes the outfit oh so cozy!

Curl up with a book, work on a puzzle, or binge a good TV series (what are you watching during the pandemic? I am rewatching Downtown Abbey from the beginning – I still love sweet Matthew all these years later). Lounge in style and reach out with your questions & comments!

-xo

Darcy

Casual Attire, Fashion

Gingham galore!

May 2, 2020June 28, 2020by fashionablepetiteLeave a Comment

Gingham is in and I don’t know about you, but I’m loving it! It’s classy, fun, and always timeless. You can wear it on a shoe, a scarf, dresses, and hair accessories. Here are a few of my favorite gingham picks that I’ve found recently.

This dress from Ann Taylor is officially back in stock!

BUT an equally cute option is the Ann Taylor Gingham Overlay Pleated Flare Dress.

It has a subtle gingham pattern and the pleated front gives it a classic look. If you’re looking to be a bit more bold, they also carry the Ann Taylor Petite Gingham Midi Dress in bright purple verbena.

It comes to mid calf and both are available in petite and regular sizes. Both dresses are light and will be great for warm weather! If you’re digging the buttoned look on the front of my dress, check out the Ann Taylor Petite Cotton Linen Button Flare Dress in bright orange vermillion kiss. It is not gingham, but it’s a similar style with a v-neck front and short sleeve.

The dress has a relaxed feel with a button down front and a belted waist. It has a v-neck front and capped sleeves. It’s light for the warmer months and hits me about at knee level. I give it an 8/10 for comfort. I paired it with a top knot headband in black and strapped espadrille wedges from Loft (also – peep my parent’s front porch in the second image). The height is not too tall, making it great for everyday wear. Viscata has a similar pair in their Canet Linen Espadrille. Viscata is a Madrid based shoes company that is a favorite of Kate Middleton and I love the timelessness look of their espadrilles. Madewell has a similar dress to the Ann Taylor in the Gingham Tie-Front Swing Dress. Madewell also has a selection of gingham shorts and I am currently putting in an order for their Linen Pleated Shorts in the melange check earthen sand. Perfect for summer time weather!

I also recently purchased a Gingham headband from Ann Taylor and it is no longer in stock, but a great substitute is from Alice and Wonder for $18.00. Top knot headbands are great because you can create a super flirty and fun outfit, or you can add it to a basic t-shirt and jeans for a pop of fashion. Don’t be afraid to wear a pattern! A pattern doesn’t have to be loud or bold, a pattern like gingham is simple and can be worn in a variety of ways. As always, reach out to me with your questions or comments.

xo-

Darcy

Casual Attire, Fashion

What is Athleisure-wear?

May 2, 2020August 26, 2020by fashionablepetiteLeave a Comment

Working out doesn’t mean you can’t look cute or stylish. “Athleisure wear” is dedicated to clothing that can be worn to the gym AND running around town. The best of both worlds is what makes athleisure wear appealing and practical.

I have been living in joggers throughout quarantine. They are comfy, versatile, and you look so much better going out vs. wearing traditional sweats. The goal is to look like you tried at least at little bit, right? I love a black jogger because they can go with anything and as someone who runs a lot, I find that they are breathable and they don’t rub or restrict.

These Joggers from Gap are one of my favorites and they are currently on sale for $42.00. They can easily go from the gym, to the grocery store, to picking up kids, to a casual family dinner out. Pair it with a workout top or a basic t-shirt, jean jacket, or vest, and you have a relaxed and comfortable on-the-go outfit. I have also been loving black with pops of gold and this vest with gold detailing is one of my staple items at the moment. I purchased this J. Crew quilted vest last year at Nordstrom and it’s an awesome layering piece. If you’re new to layering pieces and layer sounds intimidating, this vest is a great way to start. Go long sleeve, short sleeve, or go hooded, or pair with a warm plaid. It’s currently not available in black, but it is in stock in Navy. I have linked it Here.

If you’re looking to go local, Colorado Threads should definitely be on your list. They sell a wide variety of yoga pants, leggings, sports bras, and tops. I received these Colorado Leggings as a Christmas present and I love how stretchy and comfortable they are. They have a variety of non Colorado themed apparel and I am loving some of their patterns, like this Marble Top and the Matching Bottoms. I am solidly a small in their leggings and will be purchasing more athleisure wear from them in the future.

*Tip for short girls* If leggings end up being too long on you, just tuck up the extra leg material under after you put them on. When you tuck under (not over) you wont see the extra material.

These Leggings that I purchased at SoulCycle are some of the favorite leggings that I have ever owned. They retail for $88.00. I often struggle with the dreaded waist band slip when I workout and I hate having to constantly adjust the band. These SoulCycle leggings don’t budge. They are thicker than a typical legging because they are made with less spandex vs. polyester and nylon and I find that it makes a huge difference. I wouldn’t use them as a yoga legging, but for weight lifting and cardio they are terrific. They stay in place and I don’t get any friction burn. Because they are thicker, they are not sheer (yay!) and I can do as many squats as I want without worrying about them being opaque. They also are glittery and incredibly fun to wear.

*My advice, especially if you’re new to working out, invest in some cute gym outfits! I hear a lot of women say, “oh, I will buy those cute leggings when I get to my goal.” My response, “why wait?” You can still feel good and look good while chasing that goal. When you enjoy what you workout in, you’re genuinely motivated to getting moving. Set aside the oversized T-shirt and instead find a workout top with cute back. You don’t have to achieve a certain goal to buy a nice pair of leggings. Invest in yourself now, not later. *

Want to see more or know more about staying fit (especially in these particularly challenging times), drop me a comment or an email.

Stay safe, sane, and healthy my beauties!

-xo

Casual Attire, Fashion

Cool Culottes

May 2, 2020June 28, 2020by fashionablepetiteLeave a Comment

Let’s talk about denim! Wide leg jeans are in and there are so many ways you can wear them.

I love a good wide leg jean. They are flattering for petite gals over skinny jeans because they give the illusion of length, which is excellent if you have a smaller frame. I’m happy to see that they’re making a come back! Culottes immediately spark a 1970’s vibe and I love mixing retro fashion with modern.

I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect pair of denim culottes and I found this pair of high rise culottes from Gap and they are seriously SO comfortable. They normally retail for $80.00 and are currently on sale for $32.00. What a steal! If you’re looking for a more distressed look, Banana Republic has a pair that retails for $98.00 and is on sale for $39.00. Wide leg cropped pants are also versatile and can be worn in an infinite number of ways. I added a pair of Gola Tennis Sneakers from J. Crew. The denim jacket is also a Gap find from many years ago and investing in a jean jacket should be a staple of every wardrobe. Pair it with a Basic T Shirt and bam, you have a go to outfit that is both basic and timeless.

You can also pair a wide leg crop pant with a Bootie (I love a cognac color) and a tie top. This outfit is great for spring in Colorado because it’s not too heavy and is perfect for weather is the high 50s or low 60s. Tie tops can run big and even though I’m traditionally a small, I usually go for an extra small with tie front tops. Madewell has a white tie front shirt that retails for 79.50 and is currently 40% off.

Wide leg pants also look great with a collared shirt or a blazer. The Essential Shirt at Ann Taylor comes in both regular and petite. It comes in a variety of colors and the shirt featured in the photo was a gingham version from Ann Taylor’s winter collection. The mules are Steve Madden mules in a faux leather. A similar style is this Saddle Colored Mule by Matisse Camelot at Nordstrom. If you want to create a dressier look, I added the corduroy Parke blazer from J. Crew and an animal print flat for a pop of pattern. It looks like the corduroy blazer fabric is sold out, but they still have the Parke Blazer in linen in a variety of colors.

Stay classy, stay vintage, stay cool.

-xo

Darcy