Fall/Spring/Who Knows

I would wear this week in and week out.

Puddles

I have to admit that I’m somewhat over 90 degree weather. I’m tired of sundresses, sweating and sunscreen. Not to talk about cicadas, mosquitoes and well squirrels (they’re fearless where I live, and happen to love pretty shoes). Given the large amount of rain the Midwest has gotten over the last couple of weeks, it should come of no surprise that I’m trying to decide on a pair of rainboots that will work for daily commute and for fun in skinny jeans.  A tall order, but we can deal.

Caveat to the entire post: I have never owned actual rubber rain boots before. I’ve usually worn my vintage Austrian leather boots in rain, but I feel that they should be worn more for fun now and less for utilitarian purposes so that they don’t fall apart. Also, I have a 10 minute walk to public transportation that I rely on 5 days a week, plus a 15 minute walk to the grocery store, so amazing soles are a must.

Here’s a sampling of the ones that have made the top cut:

Hunter "Regent" Nylon Rain Boots - Black from Bloomingdales

Let’s begin with the most classic. I kind of love the idea of these – simple, classic, pretty and practical. I can imagine happily stomping through puddles and mud without a care in the world. I also like the cut – it’s not the usual Hunter cut, but it’s a little funkier, a little more reminiscent of riding boots (which I adore).  A solid option.

kate spade new york "Randi" Rain Boots with Bow

These appeal to the girly girl in me. The bow might be a bit much, but these are certainly “city” rain boots. A bit of a heel has never hurt anyone (especially not a petite girl) and a little height could be fun. Also, they would most definitely work with my “work wardrobe.” Another solid option.

Lauren by Ralph Lauren "Halima" Flat Riding Boots

I love riding boots. They’re probably not as practical for rain and mud, but they’re classic, gorgeous and I’m in love.

KORS Michael Kors "Stormy" Rain Boots

A cross between the riding boots and the classic rain boots………

Verdict? Life is tough and I’m going to have to do some more thinking.

A plus, petite et belle.

Perfect Saturday Morning

Some days, a cup of coffee, last month’s Vogue and some Leibniz biscuits are the perfect way to start a gorgeous summer day.

To Budget.

I recently impulse splurged on a completely impractical, romantic dress of my dreams that I love to pieces (who knows why – it’s not logical and yet it is) and that I’m fairly certain Mint.com will angrily email me about once it gets its act together (takes some time….). However, getting the luxurious silk dress in the mail (it’s just at the infatuation stage, can’t you tell?) made me think about my closet in general….and that led to some possibly dangerous conclusions.

When I first began working and got my first couple of paychecks I read up on creating a budget. A few mistakes and miscalculations later (all good ones) I figured out what I could spend on clothes. So with an amount in my head I, what else, hit the shops.

I can’t tell you how much $10 at Nordstrom Rack and $50 at Banana Republic multiplied to hundreds. I can’t even say I liked all that I bought. But here are a couple of thoughts:

• never buy anything that doesn’t fit unless you have a sewing machine at home and know how to use it;
• don’t buy clothes just to have more;
• go for quality fabrics that flatter – like cotton, silk and wool (not to mention cashmere, but it’s 94 degrees here so the thought of wool and cashmere is….)
• remember the return policy.

I began to realize that I could indulge my (tragically) expensive taste (a little) if I just held off on the cheap impulse buys that went to waste in my closet. Along with that, I began to hone a more “me” style that tried to stay away from too many trends. Partially because I did have a lot of student clothes and needed more work clothes, I just spent hours researching what I would need, what I would be comfortable wearing, and what could last (and where to get it at a good price).

market research is key

so is experience

My key to a healthy work wardrobe? Staples, as follows:

• A black suit (skirt, preferably)
• A neutral blazer (black, navy blue, grey, and ugh, beige)
• Two to three neutral slacks
• Two to three neutral pencil skirts (or a-line)
• Two lbds that are office appropriate but different from each other
• Black pumps and nude pumps (style of your choice)
• Some fun tops and dress of your choice (though, appropriate, natch)

Accesorizing is key.

So, don’t be fooled by the sale sign but definitely take advantage of them when useful, invest in quality lightweight wools, cottons and other such sartorial marvels. Above all, look for great fit and love what you buy, it will make waking up every morning that much better.

A Plus
Petite et Belle

Sign of the times

Summertime….

This is what I saw at lunch:

Which made me want to wear this:

DVF Finn Chiffon Blouse from Saks

With this:

Petite indigo skinny cropped jean from Banana Republic

Carrying this:

kate spade watch hill - darcy zip tote

with a fedora, a bottle of wine and some waves.

Chicago summertime, you’re fantastic.

A plus,

Petite et Belle

Grey for Spring

Bailey 44 Crochet Overlay Dress

I used to have a dress like this that was simply jersey. I wore it around for two summers and had amazing memories in it. This makes me nostalgic. Do you have dresses that have special memories attached to them?

A Plus

Petite et Belle

Roman Summer

One of my long-lasting dreams is to own a house on a cliff on the Italian seaside. I’m not sure how this came to be, but it’s one of those day-dreams that has withstood the test of time. Of course, in this day dream I have a large and wonderfully abundant closet and life is wonderful.

This post came about partially because of daydreaming about living in Italy, and partially because I have been looking for inspiration for a number of events that I will need fun dresses for. Now for some sartorial (and inspirational) fun:

DSQUARED2 YOOX Collection: Spring-Summer

One of my favorite movies of all time is Priceless, with Audrey Tautou. In this film she wears a white equivalent of this dress, and I have always kept the image in my head. Of course, the $1,400 price tag is faaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaar above anything particularly feasible, much less budget-able, however a girl can always dream/plan-for-her-future-life. Right? After all, life would be dull if there wasn’t anything to work towards.

ROBERTO CAVALLI YOOX Collection: Spring-Summer

This I would imagine wearing into town with a great pair of high heels. And a large bag. And large sunglasses. And fabulously wavy hair. And bold red lipstick. Yes.

PRADA YOOX Collection: Spring-Summer

In the same day-dream, this is a more casual, picnic appropriate frock that would be paired with high cork wedges in a nude color.

I hope your spring is going marvelously.

a plus

petite et belle

1. Lillia Silk Ruffled Dress from Ralph Lauren

2. Sam Edelman ‘Kasi’ Wedge Sandal from Nordstrom

3. Juicy Couture Open Weave Straw Sun Hat from Bloomingdales

4. Spirograph Belt from Ann Taylor LOFT

5. Nine West Handbag, Neves Flap Shoulder Bag, Medium from Macys

This is basically what I’ve been day dreaming about today – summer weather, large hats and pretty wedges. Just thought I’d share! Have a wonderful weekend!

A Plus,

Petite et Belle.

Crave

Currently craving:

French Connection navy stripe voile 'Delmonte Dots' cowlneck blouse

This French Connection blouse from Bluefly is at the top of my spring/summer cravings. I like the print, I like the texture, and I like that I could wear it to the office or fun.

Creative Outlet Tank from Anthropologie

I have continued to come back to this top as a potential perfect throw-on-without-thinking top for summer….yes?

A Plus,

Petite et Belle