Style in a Suitcase, Part 3: Black, browns + ankle boot woes

This is a scheduled post. I won't be able to answer any questions until I return. Thank you for reading!

Gap Boys Gingham Shirt sz S - now $12 (boxy fit photos) (navy version), Theory blazer (similar)
Nordies Rack pearls, YesStyle skirt (old), Adrienne V. booties, H&M bag & belt, Michael Kors watch

I wish ankle boots weren't so challenging for shorter legs, because I love the bit of edge they add. An easy, elongating way for petites to do the ankle boot is to pair black booties with dark bottoms or tights (see oldie). If you want to go bare-legged, try shorts or dresses/skirts with higher hems to make up for the leg line being truncated at the ankle. I find this latter look to be so chic, but acknowledge it's less flattering on short legs (and bowed - to this day Grandma laments not "straightening out my knees" before it was too late, whatever that entails).

When I initially purchased these cognac booties online, I pictured them to be lengthening against tanned legs. Wishful thinking! Once I put them on, I was hit by the realization that my skin is not and will never be close to a chocolate color. Aside from the simple dark skinny jean, I was stumped about how to wear these boots without appearing stumpy...

Style in a Suitcase, Part 2: Redwood, leopard + winter white

This is a scheduled post. I won't be able to answer any questions until I return. Thank you for reading!

Old Navy legging jeans in "Russet Brown" (more colors) sz 0 reg, H&M ivory shell

AT leopard cardigan (similar starting in XXS), CL Decolletes, Chanel WOC, c/o t+j Designs earrings

Continuing with the Style in a Suitcase series, here's a simple outfit from my visit to mild-wintered Southern California. I had the luxury of baring my shoulders during the day, but needed thick layers once dusk rolled in. Packing a print/patterned layer helped break up the solid blocks.

J.Crew Lady Day Coat - 2011 vs 2010 sizing & quality

This is a scheduled post. I won't be able to answer any questions until I return. Thank you for reading!

Coat: J.Crew Lady Day sz 00P in "oasis green" (extra 30% off w/ MUSTHAVE) Clutch: H&M  

Booties: Adrienne Vittadini  Tights: Target girls  Earmuffs: Burberry  Gloves: no brand from Mom

I know this is a belated "review" as it's already 2012, but I just wanted to share some of my observations now that this coat is on final sale. Elle did a thorough review after the epic promo (or pricing error) during which these were available for an amazing price. She was so kind to sell me an extra in the color I've been eying all along - this beautiful, preppy, "oasis green." 

I did a review and video on this coat in 2010, during which I picked up a 0P in olive (subsequently sold and replaced with cobblestone gray). 0P was the smallest size available that year. I was very excited to see a 00P available in 2011, but had my suspicions that sizing wouldn't be that much smaller. Lo and behold...

Lookbook: Sweater Dress + Simples

Crewcuts Mohair Dress sz 10,  Theory blazer sz 00 (similar),  thrifted Talbots belt

CL Simple 85 Pumps in metal rouge, Sparkling Sage necklace (not worth full price), Talbots earrings

This cozy sweater dress was my favorite find from J.Crew's final sale. I would've loved a longer length, but my search for sz 12 came up empty.  I paired the heathered knit against a classic black blazer, and broke up the gloomy color scheme with rich jewel-toned accessories.

These "ruby slippers" are a recent addition to my shoe family. They're metallic rouge patent from a few seasons ago, and the heel height is a lower, comfortable 85mm (mine measure 3.25"). They were a random store return and marked down quite a bit. I can't thank Elle enough for the sale alert! Since I'm trying hard not to hoard, my Elisa 100's in a similar color have already been sent to a new home where I hope they will get lots of love. 

Trying to stay warm in: J.Crew Lady Day Coat (2010), leather gloves from Mom, Goyard tote, H&M tights

Continue reading for more photos...

Talbots extra 40% off everything + free ship at any price

Update 1/16 - I believe this code was deactivated. Thank you NS for sharing this deal with us! Code 019588431 gives you 40% off everything and free shipping at any price. I tested this on regular, sale, and outlet merchandise and it worked for me. I picked up the suede bow flats below in a sz 5.

From my past orders, the clothing in petite sizing has been much too big, the shoes have been great quality but with slightly inconsistent sizing, and the costume jewelry has been hit or miss in terms of quality (some nice and heavy, some cheaper metals).

  Lysa Suede Bow Flat $36 $139,  Corrine Penny Loafers $23.7 $159,  Sylvia Suede Slings $32.7 $129

Readers - Please share any good finds that you picked up!