Flapper Halloween

’20s glamour is one of the best kind: Glitzy, fun and flattering. Since it’s Halloween, what better time to indulge?

Let’s begin with this Metallic Lace Cocktail Dress from BCBG:

METALLIC LACE COCKTAIL DRESS from BCBG

This classic dress oozes elegance from every perfectly tailored seam. Metallics are quite ’20s, and for that matter ’80s and even now. The dress is perfect for holidays parties as well, so you can get double use out of it. And it’s likely not to ever really go out of style.

Next, I would slip on these Charles David Women’s Curvy Sandal from Endless.com:

Charles David Women's Curvy Sandal from Endless.com

Again, like the dress, these heels are elegant and classic and, because of the metallic, a lot of fun. These can also do double duty with many other outfits, no matter the season.

I would next add this Jeweled Hat from BEBE:

Jeweled Hat from Bebe

The netting is fantastic. This hat is pure drama and perfect for any prohibition era outfit. It will also work for a variety of other Halloween costumes.

Finally, I’d add this Aqua Long Multi Strand Bead Necklace from Bloomingdales:

Now these beads complement everything in this outfit and pull it together. Better yet? You can wear them with anything! Even a Tshirt and jeans.

Tomorrow, more petite, more belle.

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Petite et Belle

A Mad Men Halloween

Phew! This weekend has been incredibly busy, but in the best of all possible ways. This past week has been Fashion Focus Chicago, and, thanks again to the lovely ladies at Second City Style, I was able to live out one of my dreams and go to fashions shows and write about them. Please read the posts on Fashion Focus Chicago’s Gen Art Fresh Faces in Fashion Show and the post from the Vert Couture show. Great clothes, great people, fantastic weekend.

That said, I have recently been inspired by AMC’s series Mad Men. I have always been obsessed with 50s/60s style, though I’m not really a Mod girl. I have, however, been loving Joan Holloway and Betty Draper’s respective wardrobes. Currently, I am adoring this particular outfit:

January Jones from Mad Men, Photo from AMC.com

I thought it would be a fun Halloween (or, what the hay, real life) inspiration outfit.

Let’s begin with the earrings! I got earring-happy and found two that are absolutely stunning.

kate spade new york "Keswick Caning" Earrings from Bloomingdales

Carolee LUX "Glamour Girl" Linear Drop Earrings From Bloomingdales

I would wear either the kate spade new york “Keswick Earrings” from Bloomingdales or the Carolee LUX “Glamour Girl” Linear Drop Earrings, and they both fit in beautifully with Betty Draper’s ’60s glam. While I wouldn’t necessarily wear the earrings to work, I would wear them everywhere else.

This Lace Inset Babydoll Dress from Arden B has the ’60s style needed for this outfit with a bit of modern punch:

Lace Inset Babydoll Dress from Arden B

I think the structure of the dress and the silhouette are perfect for this outfit and would, frankly, flatter most petite women. I also find the green lace inset a great detail.

In the spirit of feeling entirely glamorous, I’d add these fabulous gold peep toes:

Cole Haan Genevieve Air Pump from Smart Bargains

These Cole Haan Genvieve Air Pump from Smart Bargains are fabulous and add instant glam. Peep toes have always been in style and work with the timeless elegance of this ensemble.

Finally, I’d slip on this Gold and crystal-cluster necklace from J Crew:

Gold and crystal-cluster necklace from J Crew

There is nothing like a little gold and pearls to make a girl happy.

Tomorrow, more petite, more belle!

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Celebrity Inspiration: Mary-Kate Olsen

Today is Friday, yet another week has gone by, and it’s time to relax and unwind. Some people do it by having a bath and reading a book, some with a glass of wine, and others by partying until the night is somehow morning. No, I don’t know how that happened, either. But no matter if it’s you, or a party, sometimes you just want to have that cool, chic, je ne sais quoi attitude. The petite celebrity that I think captures all of this is the one and only Mary-Kate Olsen.
I am never bored by her style, and she, along with her twin sister Ashley, are possibly the only twenty somthings in the media who I think (hope, wish, believe) don’t use a styalist. They have several clothing lines and, as far as I’m concerned, re-invented Bohemian chic.

So I bring you this picture of Mary-Kate

Yes, I know her hair needs to be brushed. But then again, the fact that she’s glamorous and confident and has a slight “bird’s nest” in her hair is, in my humble opinion, kind of awesome. From the head up, isn’t that how everyone at least feels like on a Friday? On to her clothes. The boyfriend jacket is divine. It is incredibly simple to pull off and instantly has the laidback chic charm that one is going for on a Friday. Next, I love the detailing on her dress. Granted, I wouldn’t necessarily accessorize with a large cross, but it works. And ladies, let’s discuss the bag. For one, it’s a pop of color that is sorely needed in this black and white ensamble. Notice, it doesn’t overpower the outfit. It simply adds. Fantastic, isn’t it? The heels don’t have to be discussed, you know where I stand. Want to get inspired by that look? Read on:

Let’s begin with basic white, by the way of this Porter Grey Shift Dress from Shopbop.com:

Porter Grey Shift Dress

This dress screams summer even as I am listening to the constant pitterpatter of raindrops on my roof. Let’s agree: The sleeves are simply fantastic. It’s a shame to put them under a blazer, but then again, you get both a summer and an early autumn look. Can’t really argue with that.

Next, let’s add on this Aqua Boyfriend Blazer from Bloomingdales.com:

Aqua Boyfriend Blazer from Bloomingdales

Sometimes simple does the trick, as with this blazer. You will be able to wear it with jeans, trousers or even *gasp* leggings (provided that you please cover your bum). And it works perfectly with this outfit.

An easy way to fake detailing on a dress is by using a necklace, like this Floral Grid Necklace from Banana Republic:

Floral Grid Necklace from Banana Republic

This keeps within the grey/white/black aspect of the outfit, and adds a bit of sparkle. Plus, you’ll be able to wear it with a tank top, Tshirt or just about anything.

I would accessorize with any colored bag, my personal pick is this Coach Gramercy Embossed Patent Pouch:

Coach Gramercy Embossed Patent Pouch

Ah, color. I happen to love this particular shade of pink because it eschews tacky and actually, I think, complements the grey sparkle of the necklace quite well.

Add shoes as you want. I’d put on a sky-high black pump, but go with what you’re comfortable with. Isn’t that the name of this game, anyway?

Have a fabulous weekend, mes petites!

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Petite et Belle

Inspiration Shoes

Give a girl the right shoes and she’ll conquer the world.
-Bette Midler

A dear friend emailed me this quote yesterday and it has really inspired me to do a post of inspirational shoes. Those who knew me in High School know that I wrote a college application essay on how there are different shoes for everything you do in life, and that, in a way, they are witnesses to your life. Granted, that may not have been the best way to impress college admissions officers, but it gives you an idea of how much I love my shoes – but really, not obsessively, I promise!

I was also on the train today in suede boots. This was a mistake. It is rainy and gloomy here in Chicago and as we all know, suede and rain do not make the best of friends. This got me thinking: Why do women enjoy shoes that are thoroughly impractical? Better yet, why do we wear them in the most impractical of situations? My only answer is that it makes us happy, so for you shoe lovers out there, enjoy!

The first inspirational shoe that I fell in love with today was the Valentino Power Mena Pump from Bergdorf Goodman:

Valentino Power Mena Pump from Bergdorf Goodman

First of all, this pump is all romance. It sort of makes me want to write in italics, but I digress. I think that really this is more aspirational than inspirational. The suede is impractical, the heel is high and the entire pump is simply perfection. It makes me want to dress up and be fabulous!

Next up, these Brian Atwood Suede Over-The-Knee Boots from Saks Fifth Avenue are simply to die for:

Brian Atwood Suede Over-The-Knee Platform Boots from Saks

Ah, over-the-knee boots. To explain why I am so in love, I’ll give you the name of the color of these boots: Violet Smoke. I am having an Anne of the Green Gables moment. Really, though. Thigh high boots are warm, wonderful and deliciously sexy. Violet Smoke sounds like an alter-ego name. Can you really go wrong with these?

The only reason I can explain why I am including these Miu Miu Croc-Embossed Cage Platform is that I am daydreaming:

MiuMiu Croc Embossed Cage Platform from Neiman Marcus

Do these really need any explanation? You have red, you have high heel, you have a very strong statement in a shoe. If there ever was the power shoe, this is it. I can’t imagine how a girl wouldn’t have the confidence to get what she wants in this shoe, whatever that may be.

Finally I leave you with some very inspiration biker-chic Alexander McQueen 227122WA1R6 booties from Zappos:

Alexander McQueen Booties from Zappos

Let’s all just agree, these are simply fabulous. On trend. Inspirational. Beautifully crafted. Edgy. Sexy. Fun. Yes, I am writing in fragments, but these booties call for that.

Tomorrow, more petite, more belle.

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Petite et Belle

Petite Cardigans

I was all set to do a post on Salma Hayek today and then I got sidetracked by some absolutely fabulous (pun completely intended) cardigans. Cardigans are boring, you say? Uh-uh, sister, these are some fun, cute and completely full of personality cardigans. They are perfect to dress up a professional closet or throw on for a girls night out…and yes, they are date appropriate too. And, they are at every price point. Really, you can’t go wrong. Let’s start, shall we?

I found this Michael Simon Lace Print Cardigan from Neiman Marcus to be absolutely divine:

Michael Simon Lace-Print Cardigan from Neiman Marcus

From the moment I saw this, and then read the description, two things jumped out at me. First, let’s all agree that this is gorgeous. It would go make any professional outfit pop (just think, a black or grey lightweight pencil skirt and this over it), or even with jeans (and some fabulous boots). Yes, versatility is key and this cardigan has it. Also, two words: silk/cashmere. The best blend of fabrics known to mankind (read: women). Trust me. I won’t even discuss the studs on the cuffs or neckline. Too fabulous.

Then, I found myself drawn to this Autumn Cashmere Striped Cashmere Cardigan from Bergdorf Goodman.

Autumn Cashmere Striped Cashmere Cardigan from Bergdorf Goodman

I can’t explain my fascination with this beautiful cashmere cardigan. It reminds me a little of Chanel with something like Betsy Johnson thrown in. I almost feel like it’s saying “I’m elegant on the outside yet…” finish the phrase as you will. Again, who can argue with a pop of color? And when a hot pink is paired with black and doesn’t look trashy, it’s a great thing, ladies. It’s timeless and an investment piece.

Always wanted some fur glamour but hate the idea of real fur (or simply can’t afford it?) Look no further. This Semantiks Cardigan with Faux Fur from Nordstrom is for you:

Semantiks Cardigan with Faux Fur from Nordstrom

This reminds me of something Doris Day might have worn in one of her many movies while singing about some man or another. In other words, the faux fur adds some fantastic drama, and it is right on trend with all of the Mad Men style going on. Add some pearls (faux or no), some great boots and off you go, you drama queen, you.

And while I hate to give credit to them, this Pocket Front Cardigan from Forever 21 is pretty darn cute too:

Pocket Front Cardigan from Forever 21

Easy to wear to work or school and simple to take to play, this cardigan is an easy fix for your winter blues.

Tomorrow, more petite and more belle!

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Prints for Petites

Prints can be hard for petites to pull off. There are so many occasions when the prints can seem to be wearing you. This is usually pretty easy to deal with by pulling on a blazer or cardigan in a neutral color. However I thought I’d find a couple of fun dresses with prints that I think would be easy for a petite to wear without the dress overwhelming you.

First up, let’s begin with this Armani Exchange 3/4 Sleeve Dress

Armani Exchange 3/4 Sleeve Dress

I have neglected Armani Exchange here on Petite et Belle, but it is now time to stop that. I love this dress for a number of reasons. A|X is a very petite friendly brand, with very small sizes. I have always loved buying dresses from them, since they always fit and I feel like a modern-day princess. This particular dress is made out of silk, which means you’ll love wearing it. The pattern itself is quite flattering to a petite. The lines are vertical, and sparkle can only help. Add a pump of any color (except for brown, and maybe orange), and some tights and out you go. This dress calls for a great time, so don’t let it down.

Another favorite brand of mine is BCBGMAXAZRIA, and this BCBGMAXAZRIA Petites’ Striped Sweater Dress from Bloomingdales is a wonderful example why:

BCBGMAXAZRIA Petites' Striped Sweater Dress from Bloomingdales

I love this dress for a number of reasons. First, the horizontal stripes around the bust will amplify curves, which is always good, and the vertical stripes on the skirt will elongate the body. It’s a win-win situation as far as I can tell. Also, this dress reminds me of Carrie Bradshaw’s outfit when she first lands in Paris. She is played by a petite lady, and anything that reminds me of clothes worn in Paris is automatically fabulous. What are you waiting for?

Finally, the wonderful aspiration fashion – that is, fashion not affordable by everyone, but fun to look at nonetheless. I bring you this Jean Paul Gaultier Multi-Print Knit Dress from Saks Fifth Avenue:

Jean Paul Gaultier Multi Print Knit Dress from Saks Fifth Avenue

Ah, this is my idea of a perfect winter dress. It’s not boring, but it is elegant. It’s incredibly wearable, and incredibly flattering for a petite. Again, the multiple vertical lines of the print work wonders, and how can you not love the cuffs? You could add any tight to this, and either a pump or a bootie. Minimal jewelry would work. Isn’t inspiration fashion wonderful?

Tomorrow, more petite, more belle.

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Red Coats for Petites!

Ah, Friday. It’s almost the weekend and here in Chicago the sun has actually begun to shine. It’s a good day. I ran into a petite friend while I was downtown this morning whose style I always admire. She was wearing an amazing red trench coat, and while I’m still kicking myself for not taking a picture of her, she has inspired me to do a post on red coats.

I thought I would begin with some red coats that celebrities have worn, and then offer a few of my suggestions:

Actress Anne Hathaway has become quite the fashionista on the red carpet. No, she is not petite. But that’s hardly the point. I like this coat for a couple of reasons (don’t I always, I know). The color is great and three quarter sleeves are perfect for fall. I also like that it doesn’t have a collar – a detail that makes it different from most coats, and slightly more elegant.

This may not be the most flattering photo of petite country star Kellie Pickler, but I do love her coat. In fact, I used to wear a vintage red coat similar to this one. A double breasted coat is very flattering on any petite frame, so long as the shoulders fit. I particularly like this one because it is tailored to her body.

Charlotte Belted Coat from GUESS

This Charlotte Belted Coat from GUESS is a simple, classic red coat and very easy to wear. The belt defines a waist, always flattering. The buttons allow for a lot of variation — there can be many different ways of creating outfits with this one. It is definitely a good option.

Ellie Tahari Adriel Coat from Zappos Couture

I love this Ellie Tahari Adriel Coat from Zappos Couture. The lines of this coat are perfect for a petite – they elongate the body. I also love the detailing around the neck – it adds so much fabulous drama!

Have a fabulous weekend, come Monday, more petite and more belle!

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Petite Twists on a LBD

This grey and gloomy Chicago weather is making me tend towards grey and black clothes – and I feel like rebelling. However, I don’t want to completely rebel – so I’ve decided to do a post on how to make a basic LBD interesting. After all, it’s always good to have a LBD in your closet (of course, a well tailored LBD is preferable), and as an added advantage, they’re great for wearing to work and wearing out.

Let’s begin with this Calvin Klein Women’s Black Belted Matte Jersey Dress from Overstock.com

Calvin Klein Women's Black Belted Matte Jersey Dress

On it’s own, this dress is utilitarian. It works for what it is, and it’s well tailored and definitely well within any girl’s budget. It also transfers well between professional attire (add a blazer) and dinner with the gals.

The easiest way to make a LBD pop as an outfit is to add a colorful or patterned shoe:

BCBGeneration Anemone Pumps from Zappos.com

As I have mentioned previously here on Petite et Belle, I have a major love of animal print. Done correctly, it’s classy and elegant, but with an edge. These BCBGeneration Anemone Pumps from Zappos.com are great. Not too expensive, but definitely full of high fashion. The BCBGeneration brand, as I have learned from years of loving heels, makes really comfortable heels. You can easily add some great gold bracelets or earrings to create a great, easy outfit. For day, add a blazer in black or even tan (the black and tan will tie together in the shoe), and feel free to do a smokey eye at night (so long as it’s not too dark).

Marc Jacobs MJ13373-00515 from Zappos.com

Booties are the perfect compromise between pumps and real boots. These Marc Jacobs MJ13373-00515 from Zappos.com are fabulous. Turquoise is making a comeback (if it really ever left) and matches excellently with black. With these particular booties, and I’m still swooning over them, I would add a necklace that perhaps incorporated turquoise and another green, purple or dark blue stone (depending on your budget). You could even go with a turquoise blazer, if you felt it, though that might be a little much. These would also work with jeans for a nice weekend outfit. Investment booties!

Another easy and fun way of jazzing up a LBD is through stockings:

HUE: Palm Springs Block Control Top Tights in Ellie Berry

There are many different types of opaque stockings in a plethora of colors. Really. While I can’t quite get behind certain colors — I think that yellow is best left for summer, and orange tights are best left for Halloween — I really do like these HUE: Palm Springs Block Control Top Tights in Ellie Berry from bare necessities. It is a rich color that will go easily with black, grey, and brown easily. Also, you can wear patterned skirts over these, since the pattern on the tight is subtle. I would either pair these tights and the dress with some pumps that have this color in them, or simple black pumps, or boots. If you wanted to be daring, you could even pair the dress with the Marc Jacobs booties, and these tights and perhaps add a colorful necklace! Quel fun!

Wolford: Polka Tights from bare necessities

The other way of using tights to add to an outfit is to use patterned tights. I really like these Wolford: Polka Tights from bare necessities. They remind me somewhat of what Marilyn Monroe wore in Some Like It Hot. These you can definitely add a colorful shoe or cardigan to this outfit. You can also use these tights with any pencil skirts, thought it’s easiest to look elegant if you stick with black or grey. Textured, patterned tights can add detail and interest to any outfit and are a really easy way of making a basic black dress look like something more. Add perhaps some of your favorite colorful jewelry (or perhaps a leopard print scarf) and go out and have some fun. After all, what’s the point of having great clothes if you can’t go out and wear them with confidence?

On the subject of confidence, please take some time to read my post on Second City Style regarding Ralph Lauren’s recent photoshopping disasters. Body image issues are a huge problem for girls growing up today, and these images are entirely inexcusable.

Tomorrow, more petite and more belle!

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Celebrity Inspiration – Petite Edition

Given that today is a Wednesday, and it’s a little hard to get inspired because it’s the middle of a long week, I thought we’d have a day of celebrity inspiration. I happen to have a large celebrity crush on Leighton Meester. She happens to be petite (right on the border at 5′4″) and also happens to have a unique and daring sense of style, both as her character Blair Waldorf on Gossip Girl and in real life. One of the outfits that I really like and wouldn’t mind taking inspiration from is what she wore to the Louis Vuitton show in Paris during the Spring/Summer 2010 fashion week:

I really like what she has going on here. She has pops of color in her dress that complement her skin and hair, plus a figure defining vest tied together with a waist defining belt. All of this is flattering on any petite lady. The socks and sandals combination is not my favorite, but at least they match. Here are my recommendations from creating a similar outfit, for both work and after.

First, here is a work appropriate dress (with a vest or a blazer):

Carmen Marc Valvo Jacquard Cocktail Dress with Beaded Trim

Sure, this Carmen Marc Valvo Jacquard Cocktail Dress with Beaded Trim from Bloomingdales is a little glitzy. But the pattern and fabric offer a lot of interesting details for any outfit and the color palette is great for autumn and winter. Add a thicker belt with this one, and some knee high boots and you’re set.

For your night out, consider this Free People Poison Apple Holiday Dress from Shopbop.com:

Free People Poison Apple Holiday Dress from Shopbop

This is an itty-bitty dress. But I love the flower pattern on it and I think it would be a lot of fun to wear. Plus, especially with this dress, instead of going with a simple black belt, you could try a green belt or maroon belt instead to add a bit of fun.

This Plenty by Tracy Reese Washed Wool Felt Vest from Piperlime.com is perfect for the outfit:

Plenty by Tracy Reese Washed Wool Felt Vest from Piperlime

It’s simple and well-tailored and can work in many different ways with the rest of your wardrobe. With either of these dresses, you can leave it open or button it.

Add some black (or colored, if you’re daring) opaque tights and enjoy!

Tomorrow, more petite and more belle!

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Petite Skirt – Fun Edition

First of all, I’d like to thank the lovely ladies over at Second City Style for inviting me to the Macys & Clinton Kelly Make Over America event this weekend in Chicago. My post can be found on their fabulous blog so make sure to check it out – it includes some great tips for petites!

Today I thought I’d feature some fun skirts for fall. They are not appropriate for work, just in case anyone had any questions. One of the trends of this fall is the miniskirt (paired with any iteration of the boot) and I have found several that I think would be great for some great autumn memories!

First up is this Grace Sun Zipper Skirt from Shopbop.com:

Grace Sun Zipper Skirt from Shopbop

How can you say no to a skirt with a decorative zipper? What I like about this skirt, aside from the fact that its not too short, is that there is a defined waist – the skirt doesn’t merely sit on the hips. It actually helps to define a figure on a girl. And yes, I’m a sucker for zipper details. I think it’s just the right touch of fun and flirty while still being decent.

Next up is this great Francis Women’s Kilt Pin Skirt from Bloomingdales:

Francis Women's Kilt Pin Skirt from Bloomingdales

I love the pin details on this skirt. The silhouette is right on trend for this season and will define a waist. As an a-line, it should be pretty flattering on most figures. Add a crisp white blouse, perhaps some heels or booties, stockings and out the door you go!

I find myself drawn to plaid this season, and this Kensie New Plaid Skirt from Piperlime.com is a perfect example:

Kensie New Plaid Skirt from Piperlime.com

Yes, this is a little on the Catholic Schoolgirl bandwagon, but then again, schoolgirl is in again courtesy of the inimitable Jenny Humphrey on Gossip Girl. You can definitely make this look more adult with your accessories: some chunky bracelets, tasteful makeup (no raccoon eyes), and perhaps some knee high boots and a hobo bag. Plaid is classic. Enjoy!

Finally, I can’t help myself. I love grey. Luckily for me, it is currently in style, and is wonderfully represented in this Rag & Bone Rachel Tweed Skirt from Shopbop:

Rag & Bone Rachel Tweed Skirt from Shopbop

I love a nice grey skirt for several reasons. I find it the easiest of the neutral colors to wear: it’s less harsh than black, easier to match than brown, and seems more professional and put-together than brown or beige. Just a note: I hate beige, so don’t get me started. This particular skirt is short enough to give some interest, but full enough to keep them guessing. I love the color palette, and I could easily see myself pairing some great boots and a long-sleeve blouse with this — even some great pearls, depending on the occasion.

Tomorrow, more petite, more belle!

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