Smells like rain.

Maxi gown- H&M bohemian floral maxi size 2 (Ebay)
Cropped cardigan- LOFT size XXSP
Bandeau- American Eagle
Heels- Nine West in size 6

Down where I live, people will say that it will smell like rain. Apparently, it is more of a southern thing to say since none else has heard it. During out little visit to the art museum, Mr. B was hastier than usual in taking the photos (also we were both starving) and kept commenting how the bottom was going to fall out (torrential, sheet-like rain) and how it smells like rain. Lo' behold, within seconds of the last photo that was snapped, it started to rain.

I shrugged it off, thinking the storm wouldn't hit too soon.

Yea, it rained like nobody's business soon after these photos were taken. Blah, blah he said "I told you so" but I fed him food and he stopped teasing me. =0P

 If this maxi dress looks familiar, Khatu wore this in her engagement post series. I couldn't find it in stores and bought one on Ebay. I wish I can be at a tropical location to really sport the bohemian feel to this dress. Guess a soft, cropped cardigan will do the trick in toning it down for suburban wear? =0P

Frenzy Florals

Couldn't have asked for better company than having fun with old friends and Mr. B. My gorgeous, model-esque friend here (Miss S have been a great supporter on my blog so we took some shots together.

The outfits were not coordinated, nor planned! We managed to swap our normal styles from each other. She is more of a cardigan gal and I'm a sucker for ruffles. We both did wear florals for the bright, sunny day.  

Yellow and Skirt- Express
Shoes- Ann Taylor

Cardigan- LOFT
Floral tank- Forever 21
Shorts- J. Crew
Ring- J. Crew
Shoes- Michael Antonio

*For some reason blogger decided to delete my post? Unfortunately, it didn't save my draft nor the comments. This post is re-uploaded from a post a few weeks ago. 

PFC #7: "The Little Black Dress"

The details of this challenge was taken from The Little Dust Princess:

The Challenge: 

"A little black dress (LBD) is essential in every woman's wardrobe. It's always great for back-up if you run out of outfit ideas for a night out. Adding a pop of colour to your LBD will change up its look and make your dress a little less boring.
For this challenge, add a pop of colour (or two) to your little black dress to change up the look. You could add anything from an accessory to a blazer, or even nail polish!"

I couldn't help but wear the lace vest that I wore in the previous challenge. What better way to use a pop of color than to use something that is completely opposite of itself? The white really presents itself against the black, almost to the point where I think it might have overwhelmed the LBD.

Wrap dress in 0p - LOFT (similar here)
Lace vest in L- Hollister
Belt in S- J.Crew
Necklace and handbag- BR
Shoes in 5.5- Nine West

Similar lace vests: Wet Seal, Banana Republic, Nordstrom, another Nordstrom, Wet Seal (similar to ExtraPetite),    

Adding small pops of color against the black canvas really can bring the eye in, especially at the fun details at the waist.

I was really lusting over at the peplum hem styles like this blazer that circulated quite a bit with the bloggers. Still haven't been able to find a peplum piece of anything so I made my own rendition by gathering the edges of the vest and tucking it into my belt. Viola. Faux peplum right there. 

Wrap dresses can be a blessing when it comes to petite gals. Usually if a wrap is just a size bigger than your frame, you can conceal it by tucking it and tying it close to your body. The dress that I have on, you can change only the size from the waist up. With the waist down, it is sewn together so you can't manipulate the hip area. Since the hip area looked too large, I added the faux peplum to help compete with the volume. 

Be sure to check back on Jesse's blog to see all of the other PFC participants!

RE: ExtraPetite- Building Confidence Beyond Stature

This post is a response to ExtraPetite's post on how to build confidence. Read the post (very informative and helpful) if you haven't here. When she talked about posture and presentation it hit right at home for me. I wanted in this post to discuss from my past mistakes of ill fit and I want to pass my experiences and warn you how a piece of clothing can alter how you present yourself.



Blouse-Banana Republic in XS (kinda similar here)
Tshirt- Express in XS (very old)
Skirt- FCUK in size 4 (very old, last worn here) (identical here)
Shoes- Anne Klein in size 6 (last worn here)

My background info:
I'm probably one of the worst when it comes to fit. I am the most likely blogger to wear something that is ill fitted (but I'm trying to make amends)! I really love exaggerated items, especially when it comes to skirts/dresses and buy things regardless of fit when it is on sale. But I digress.

One of my experiences that I have come by is that ill fit = ill posture. Here are some classic examples on ill fit on anyone, not just for petites.

Long/plunge neckline.

Solutions 1- Hiking the straps up. Limitations: tops that have a bust/empire seam will prevent any dramatic hiking of straps. Or be in discomfort since seam can go on top of the bust. Solution 2- Adding a layer underneath

Consequences:


Shoulder shrug: if you like the Jedi look              Back stoop: grandma loses her cane

Strapless.

Solution 1- Alter the bust area.
Solution 2- Adding sleeves.

Consequences: 

Photo Credit

Leaning into the dress, not standing up on your own. Similar to the back stoop but actual shrinking into the body. Miley Cyrus is wearing a  gorgeous Jenny Packham gown but the dress seems to be commanding the attention here. Good thing the gown is gorgeous. =0D

Big at the waist. 

Solution 1- taking it to a tailor.

Solution 2- utilize a belt.

Consequences:  

Sticking stomach out to compensate the big fabric.

The Banana Republic drapey blouse can be worn at an evening out with friends and family, something that will only be worn for a couple of hours. However, for work it is A) inappropriate and B) impractical for long hours of readjusting and fidgeting. Whether you are petite sized or not, one should feel great in what they are wearing. Throughout the day if you are messing with your outfit more than a couple of times, reevaluate.

To summarize, if you wear ill fitted clothes === clothes will wear YOU. The body will make involuntary responses once you feel uncomfortable with what you wear. Ugh, now if I can stop buying clothes just because they are not on sale than I would have my work cut out for me.  

Jcrew Stretch Wool Blazer

Despite the smiling pic, I'm sad to say that I will be giving up the petite stretch wool two-button jacket in size 0p for sale. Previously reviewed here.

According to JCrew specialist, the measurements are: Bust 32.75", Waist 30.25", Shoulder 14", Sleeve 29.125" (center back under collar to hem of sleeve), Length 20.25"

Trying to think in practical terms that it looks absolutely great in the outfit above but in realistic terms I won't be wearing it very often. I'm trying to settle for something that I can pair together as a suit.

Never worn, only for blog pictures for this post and the full blown review here. Tags have been removed but the not the cross seam at the back. I'm selling it for $130 edited and reduced to $100 with shipping in the US included. Email me at banhannas@gmail.com for further inquiries or if you want to negotiate the price.

My outfit that I wore last week for errands:

Use "OURTREAT" for an additional 30% off sale items at JCrew, end this Thursday! I love the satin keepsake clutch and the petal skirt.