My first “outfit” post! I’ve been refraining from doing outfit or lookbook posts because, frankly, I don’t really know how to style my stuff yet. I buy things that I think look nice on their own, and wear them plainly with basic tees and pumps. This leads to my fashion-related resolutions for the new year:
1. Learn to better accessorize and “style” my outfits.
I’ve come to realize how much my outfits desperately lack accessories and that fashionable punch. I own merely 2 pairs of earrings, pearl necklaces “borrowed” from my mother, 4 handbags, and a closet full of mediocre shoes.
2. Write down and prioritize the items I am coveting. Save deliberately towards these items, and avoid impulse purchases.
At the top of this list – Chanel small gray classic flap with silver hardware.
3. No more splurge coats.
I’d love to move to the West Coast someday, where my beloved coat collection would serve little purpose!
As these are resolutions that I’ll be working on throughout the year, I wanted my first look to be a simple outfit that requires little styling. The Theory Gratian Jacket and Joanie Skirt which I hunted down finally arrived, and together they make what is easily the most lovely and well-fitting suit I own. Each piece works as well on its own as they do together (readers will def. be seeing them as part of future outfits). The light tweed texture is unique without being too “different” for the business world.
The only alteration I need on this suit is a simple skirt hem, which should be about $10 since it is unlined (how does Theory get away with selling un unlined skirt for $190?). In the pics I have it temporarily pinned up 2 inches – does it look like a good length? After a big meal, the skirt in size 00 is *almost* too tight, but I know a 0 will sit too low on my waist/hips for my tastes.
As for the tank, BR Monogram unfortunately only comes in regular women sizes so I had to have about an inch taken in on each side. It cost about $15 to alter since it is 100% silk. I really love the Monogram line with its nicer materials, design, and workmanship, without too much of an increase in price from regular BR stuff.
I’ve been hunting for a pretty flower pin for the past month, and I finally found this chiffon hair elastic with jeweled center at the J.Crew outlet. After lots of struggling, I managed to remove the glue-gunned hair elastic, and replaced it with a safety pin secured by a piece of felt – voila! J.Crew now makes these with both hair clip and pin attached – why didn’t they start doing that sooner?
Haven't moved to the West Coast yet? Haha
You have inspired me. "How to accessorize and how to style my outfits" have been a challenge to me. I have no idea. 🙁 I just buy things and just wear them so plainly. 🙁 But from now on, I will try to accessorize and style my outfits by following your steps. 🙂 Thank you so much!
Ilove this outfit, you look professional, chic, elegant, madure etc…
http://www.petitgraphie.blogspot.com
Love this suit! I have the shell in the champagne. I think your minimal accessories make you look elegant and like you are not trying too hard, which is great. I understand your desire to experiment with more accessories, but know that I think your outfits have always been perfect as it.
By the way, if you come to San Francisco, your coats will be put to good use.
I just went through ALL of your outfit posts. I love following fashion blogs, but I could never wear 98% of the outfits I see to my conservative office. Though I'm not petite, your outfits are inspirational to me. Then I got to this post. I'm floored (in a GREAT way). I have the same problem (minus the jewelry) and am even more inspired by the outfits you're posting two years after this. Thanks for a great blog!!
You play piano right..pachelbel? 🙂 like it…
Wow, I never find 36 on sale! I'll have to keep my eyes more open 🙂
@petite diva – I think it's because I get them on crazy sale, for $20-$30 a pop. If I paid full price for aldo I would definitely regret 5 min. later!
How did I miss this post?!! Grrrrr
I looooooooove all these outfits!! I seriously need to hem so much of my stuff, haha.
Hun, in reference to your comment above, your outfit posts can't go downhill!!
The flower just makes it perfect, too!
I must say, you're so lucky to wear Aldo and not regret buying them 30 minutes into them like I do, haha!
Thanks for the comments and suggestions! I love the suit too … hopefully future outfit posts won't go downhill from here : P
CynthiaC – pics are deceiving! Although here are my 2 cents as to how to look a lil' taller: 1. good posture (always need to remind myself) is SO important; 2. heels; 3. the right hem length for skirts and the right width/cut for pants. A mid-calf A-line skirt could shorten you by quite a few inches.
Jen – don't lose hope! If you have a good tailor (which hopefully you do since you're super petite) a suit like this is very easiliy alterable, as long as the shoulders fit. Look for suiting skirts that have no pockets, and a zipper down the back instead of side – I learned that the hard way!
these are great fashion resolutions:D i really love resolution #2. this is something i need to strive for this year:) i'm coveting the large classic flap in black hehe if u move to the west coast, don't worry u're coat collection will not go to waste:D it still gets pretty darn cold out here lol
loving ur theory suit:D just found ur blog today and i'm a fan!
TheOwlsCloset.blogspot.com
Even if you live on the west coast, you'll still need your coats, unless you live like in LA or further south! I love this outfit, it's so sleek and professional. I think accessories can be over-used if not done properly. Don't underestimate the power of dressing simply 🙂
I LOVE it. You look fabulous!
you're a GORGEOUS girl! you don't need accessories!
That's a great suit! I'm jealous! =)
I really like the look of this suit. It makes you look very professional and sophisticated. If you need more handbags, check out T. J. Maxx. I was there over the weekend and found a Kate Spade purse for $80 that retails for $255.
Very cute! The outfit fits you well!
Oh, this looks just lovely! I could never dream of finding a suit that fits me this well as I'm a whole size smaller. >.
That suit is gorgeous! Nice job finding the coordinating skirt to the Gratian jacket. I get compliments on my jacket whenever I wear it!
the suit looks great! if you ever move to the west coast, i'll take your coat collection off your hands =]
You look taller in these pics! I would have guessed that you were ~5'2" ish
Maybe you can offer tips on how we can look tall?