Petite Lookbook: Remixing the Petite Favorites

As a blogger and avid blog reader, I enjoy taking inspiration and recommendations from others. It’s fun to see the same items or outfit tips on different people, but it’s also easy to lose one’s style identity within this smaller blogging niche. One way I try to incorporate “identity” into outfits composed of ubiquitous petite favorites is through jewelry and layering. I love shopping on eBay and thrift stores for (hopefully) unique pieces, and layering textures to create a different look.

In this outfit are three petite faves: LOFT cuffed pants (Kelly’s signature pants : P), AT Factory shell, and AT skinny belt. I added a little lace vest and a basketweave swing jacket for texture, plus thrifted pearls and my coral ring for a pop of color.

See this outfit in LOFT’s facebook pants feature : )

lacevestpost
Vest: H&M; Crochet Lace Vest sz XS (very similar here)
Top: Ann Taylor Factory Chiffon Ruffle Shell sz XXSP (info in this post)

Swing Jacket: Banana Republic sz 0 (altered)
Purse: LV Speedy 25  Belt: Ann Taylor Skinny Belt

These pants were from last season, but LOFT has brought back a similar version in the same Marisa cut, cropped length w/ cuffs, in a dark gray melange material and lightweight wool material. Both are currently available online in 00P.
lacevestpost3
Slingbacks: Banana Republic sz 5.5 (old)
lacevestpost2
With flats (Cole Haan sz 5) for commuting:
lacevestpost1

 

lacevestpost4
Ring: YSL Coral Arty in sz 5 (get 6% cashback w/ ebates)
Pearls: thrifted   Earrings: Chanel turnlock studs

 

Readers – what defines your personal style? How do you keep it unique?
When you purchase through the links on this blog, I may earn a commission. Thank you for your support!

When you purchase through the links on this blog, I may earn a commission. Thank you for your support!

For Daily Posts

Leave a Comment

68 Comments

  1. Vicky wrote:

    *whistle* lol. Sensual! The lace, the ruffle, the heels. You look unbelievably beautiful. Fantastic job on the photos, Nick!

    Posted 3.21.11 Reply
  2. Kate wrote:

    I must say this entire outfit is GORGEOUS. I'm really liking everything about it, but especially the cuff on those pants. 🙂

    xoxo,
    prettykeenkate.blogspot.com

    Posted 3.21.11 Reply
  3. Choiii wrote:

    I love love love your outfit and style. The picrures are amazinggg, feels like something out of an editorial. You are beautiful aswell 🙂

    Posted 3.21.11 Reply
  4. AubreyOhDang! wrote:

    I can't even concentrate on the article of clothing being presented in this post b/c I'm so distracted by the beauty of the photography. I really can't believe you guys just picked up a camera @ a store one day and Nick just started taking pics and this is the progress he's gotten (so far). Quite amazing.

    Posted 3.21.11 Reply
  5. Jason Lieder wrote:

    These pictures are gorgeous, I love the depth of field and colors. They go together perfectly with you look. The first shot of this post it sooo nice. Nice work, thanks for posting.

    Posted 3.21.11 Reply
  6. PetiteXXS wrote:

    Thanks for bringing up something I'm sure we've all been thinking… it's hard to come up with fresh new looks when our closets are all filled with the same things! It's nice to see how each blogger style the same top, but it's a different story when we all own the same pants, cardigan, belt, and shoes! But I think you do have your own style, as well as a secret weapon that is Nick! Gorgeous photos, like everyone else has already said 🙂

    Posted 3.21.11 Reply
  7. MizzJ wrote:

    Jean you always look the epitome of class and elegance so don't worry about being lost in the crowd – you are totally unique!

    I would say my style is nowhere near as classic as yours. I like a more edgy, relaxed and downtown style, though I utterly love classic looks as well.

    Posted 3.21.11 Reply
  8. April wrote:

    I love your style! You look SOOO classy and beautiful all the time! 🙂

    To answer your question my personal style I think is very feminine and a little bit of florals, ruffles and some bohemian looking outfits. I am in love with Free People and espadrille wedges. 🙂

    Posted 3.20.11 Reply
  9. Petite-ish wrote:

    Haha, since the ann taylor tops came into the scene, I've been noticing that you've created dozens of jean clones 🙂

    Posted 3.20.11 Reply
  10. Canadianpetite wrote:

    The first pic is awesome – so vintage Vogue! Kudos, Nick. In the second to the last pic you are wearing diff shoes. What brand are they?

    Posted 3.20.11 Reply
  11. Jenn wrote:

    I love this! So I just finally made the grad-school-to-laywer transition, and (as a 94lb 5' 1" woman) I was so forlorn because NOTHING seems to fit, unless I want to look like a stumpy man! I have to say, I was close to giving up altogether–but your blog has really inspired me to keep searching! I love your tips (e.g., looping a belt that's too long), and I'm a dedicated follower of your blog–I love your style (and photographer!), your detail about fit and tailoring, and your heads-ups on sales! Thank you for saving me from the brink of fashion demise.

    Posted 3.20.11 Reply
  12. Erica wrote:

    I LOVE artistic photos! These are amazing. I try to stay unique by mixing it up. I'm lucky enough to work in an office that doesn't care what I wear. So sometimes I dress very business professional, other times I'll mix a youthful or casual top with a pencil skirt or trousers… or a professional top with jeans or a youthful mini skirt/tights/boots combo. Or I just do whatever. Friday, I looked kind of emo in all black. 🙂 I like to think that I can pull off lots of different styles!

    Posted 3.20.11 Reply
  13. Kia wrote:

    Gorgeous! Your blog is the first blog I check everday! Your pictures are always beautiful, your style is so posh, and your fashion insight is always spot-on! You've inspired me to be a much better dresser and it has definitely increased my confidence! Keep up the great work!

    Posted 3.20.11 Reply
  14. Lavender wrote:

    I love your outfit and your hair is so nice.

    Posted 3.20.11 Reply
  15. SewPetiteGal wrote:

    I am in awe. I love the style of your pics – so magazine-esque with a slight vintage slant. Especially love that lace vest with the ensemble – Gorgeous!!

    Posted 3.20.11 Reply
  16. Twigart wrote:

    Accessories are a big part of my style, the bigger the better usually (i love your coral ring). I also like to take risks to push my own comfort zones so i don't get stuck in a rutt – that and avoiding perms!

    Posted 3.20.11 Reply
  17. The Girlie Blog wrote:

    Stunning pics! I love your attention to detail. The girlie ruffles and the pants match so well together.

    Posted 3.20.11 Reply
  18. Nettie wrote:

    I love how you styled this outfit! Very pretty 🙂

    Posted 3.20.11 Reply
  19. One Chic Pea wrote:

    Your sense of style and fashion recommendations are down-to-earth and positively contagious! Your clothing reviews so are well-received by your readers; I would not be surprised if they are an instant sell-out. With so many of us owning the same items, it is always refreshing to see one's own take at styling that highlights one's personality, creativity, and glamour. Layering is a great way to showcase all of these characteristics and to increase the versatility of each key piece. I'm loving square silk scarves and classic leather belts with my outfits!

    Posted 3.20.11 Reply
  20. Stylepint wrote:

    Lovely photos and I think you're doing a great job keeping your "identity" in your outfits. We are all inspired by the people around us and sometimes our imitations make us into clones instead of expressing our individuality. But that's what it's like with mainstream styles and clothes.

    I find it difficult to put my personal style into words, but I believe that whatever I do wear shows my personality and who I am. When people see the photos, I hope they see ME and not just the clothes I'm wearing. LOL.

    When it comes to staying true and expressing your individuality, it can show in a variety of ways, not only with accessories. So just wear whatever you like with confidence and it'll be YOU that people see. =)

    Posted 3.20.11 Reply
  21. Angie wrote:

    these are gorgeous photos with a nice vintage wash, jean. i like how you remixed your faves. amazing that you're wearing tanks! isn't boston still freezing?

    Posted 3.19.11 Reply
  22. R.L. wrote:

    To add to the chorus: Great outfit and stunning photography!! These pictures seriously belong in a high fashion mag. And Cee is right. You are unique but most things just tend to sell out as soon as you feature them on your blog. Thanks for always sharing by the way. I was able to snag the last XS of this vest at my local H&M; this morning. I love layering but mostly I just do it with tees. Lace adds a unique and feminine touch to it. I'm now loving this vest and the Target lace cardi too.

    Posted 3.19.11 Reply
  23. Abhitoabby wrote:

    What a sophisticated look! And please pass my compliments to the photographer for an excellent job! You guys make a great team 🙂

    Posted 3.19.11 Reply
  24. Tammy wrote:

    I love this outfit! So pretty!

    Posted 3.19.11 Reply
  25. metta wrote:

    the 1st pic of this post popped up from the page! it's amazzzing! can you compare the fit of the pants to the gap premium cropped pants in 00p? the lacy crochet vest is adorable on you, although it isn't quite my style. it added a feminine and boho-chic vibe to the other pieces.

    Posted 3.19.11 Reply
  26. Cee wrote:

    Jean, you are the trendsetter. I can't being to count the number of times you wear something and that item soon sells out! To be unique, you'd have to not feature it on your blog, but that kind of defeats the purpose, so there's no fun in that!

    I consider Tara @ Little Girl Big Closet's photos to be the best there is at showcasing outfits, modeling, and photography in the blogging community. But I have to say you and Nick are fast closing the gap. These are truly stunning photos!

    Posted 3.19.11 Reply
  27. Ping wrote:

    beautiful pictures jean and you look beautiful as well. tell nick his is great photog! i'm glad to see that you are able to take outside photos. is it getting warmer in boston?
    i love how you styled this vest. i agree sometimes we all end up buying the same things….only so many places that sell stuff that fits. i wished there were more h&m; size 2s out there.

    Posted 3.19.11 Reply
  28. Claud wrote:

    As others had mentioned…AMAZING photos. I love your outfit from head to toe. I saw the H&M; lace vest (so pretty) but I ended getting the lace/crochet dress, did you saw this one? It's very pretty too. I just found this pic online: http://lookbook.nu/look/1667552

    I bought the white one, it comes in black as well.

    Posted 3.19.11 Reply
  29. Aubrey wrote:

    The first photo belongs in Vogue. I think you're gorgeous, and Nick is amazing. Power couple! 😀

    I'd have NEVER thought to wear a lace vest, ever. But it looks so feminine and chic! Loove.

    Posted 3.19.11 Reply
  30. Rinny wrote:

    Your photos look amazing Jean! I the color palette in this outfit and how you paired the AT shell with the lace vest 🙂

    Posted 3.19.11 Reply
  31. Callandra wrote:

    What beautiful pictures Jean! The pants you have on are on sale at the Loft for 14.99! I tried on a pair of course (who could pass up that price) but they just weren't the right style for my shape 🙁 On the bright side, that coral sleeveless dress you reviewed recently was made just for my body type! I think I am putting outfits together more often and more cohesively since blogging….it definitely challenges my styling imaginations for sure;)

    Posted 3.19.11 Reply
  32. curls-and-pearls wrote:

    LOVE these photos! Respect to Nick but of course he has an amazing model 😉

    This is an interesting point and I've just started thinking about this myself. I generally wear the same "uniform" all the time, jeans, shirt (could be interesting or plain) and either blazer or cardigan. I've been trying to bring interest to my outfits through jewellery and scarves and actually makeup! I've been experimenting with bolder lipsticks and I think this can definitely change the look and feel of a neutral outfit.

    Great job Jean, challenging us as always 🙂

    Posted 3.19.11 Reply
  33. tiny dancer wrote:

    Wowza! These photos are completely amazing 🙂 They look like they are meant for full magazine distribution!

    Posted 3.19.11 Reply
  34. Banhannas wrote:

    That first picture is GOLD. It belongs in a magazine spread! Love it! I like how you kept very basic colors with that bright pop of coral on your finger.
    Just to let you know, the ruffle shell has a baby promotion going on right now. I really like how it is tucked with a lower waisted bottom since it doesn't interfere with the length of the ruffles.

    Posted 3.19.11 Reply
  35. Anonymous wrote:

    You are so photogenic! I really like the way you stay so true to your classic style and elegant taste. The lace vest looks really nice. I am so jealous that you have access to H&M.; I imagine that it'll look great over a tube dress with skinny belt around the waist for the Spring. Can't wait to see the different ways you style the vest. Always enjoy reading your blog.- TA

    Posted 3.19.11 Reply
  36. Alex wrote:

    Your styling here is amazing. Just like the equestrian pants are Kelly's signature look, I think lace is your trademark. You have such good ways of incorporating it into outfits.

    Posted 3.19.11 Reply
  37. Elle wrote:

    You are incredibly pretty (haha sorry to constantly hit on you…) and props to Nick, he's SUCH a great photographer. You two make a great team. I too agree that it's important to develop your own style instead of being tempted to just replicate what you read on blogs. I think with work clothes it's a little hard to break the mold but on weekends I sure try to take advantage of my kid-ish clothes (like my tulle skirts, which are well received by the 2-5 year-old crowd…little kids keep coming up to me because they like my skirt).

    But I love what you did here with the ruffle tank and the wool pants, way to work them into casual pieces!

    Posted 3.19.11 Reply
  38. Petiteélégant wrote:

    Some great photos. You're a gorgeous petite.

    Posted 3.19.11 Reply
  39. Leena wrote:

    jean, you look gorgeous! love the chanel earrings 🙂

    Posted 3.19.11 Reply
  40. alison*elle wrote:

    I really love this outfit (all of your outfits, actually!) I'm not "petite" but I do find lots of inspiration for potential work outfits on your blog 🙂

    As for my own personal style – casual, lots of layers, monochromatic colours (black, grey, white, blush), and an array of boots.

    Posted 3.19.11 Reply
  41. Larie wrote:

    Gorgeous! Love that vest especially, but all of the accessories are beautiful.

    Posted 3.19.11 Reply
  42. kimmi's fashion wrote:

    hello there I'm new to this fashion blog. but i have to say i love your blog!! and your style is so classy and elegant. i also love your review on petite cloth, I'm small too so its helped me a lot. i was thinking about writing a fashion blog too but i see so many good blogger i dont know if I'll be good as you guys. lol

    Posted 3.19.11 Reply
  43. Janelle wrote:

    Jean! Jeez your photos are constantly getting better! I assume it's the bf? If so, props to him 🙂 this outfit is so gorgeous!

    Posted 3.19.11 Reply
  44. Taramixandmatch wrote:

    Amazing …you should totally be a model you are gorgeous!

    Posted 3.19.11 Reply
  45. grace wrote:

    You always put pieces together with such classic taste and elegance. And you know how to show them off well in the pictures (you are utterly photogenic – pass some of those talents along :P). That AT ruffle shell seriously looks good with everything. I like the first photo and the one where the sun is shining on your face the best — good job pro bf 🙂

    I don't think I can pull off cropped pants well, but you do 🙂

    How cute! Chanel earrings 🙂

    Posted 3.19.11 Reply
  46. DSK Steph wrote:

    You look fabulous!

    Posted 3.19.11 Reply
  47. Rinni wrote:

    Love this outfit it's smart and nicely co-ordinated! 🙂

    Posted 3.19.11 Reply
  48. Really Petite wrote:

    Love ur outdoor pics! And u look great w/the lace vest! I have yet to go back outside for pics- way too lazy..lol

    Posted 3.19.11 Reply
  49. Anonymous wrote:

    I did notice on all the petite blogs that everyone pretty much had same items for review. It's interesting to see how it fits on different people and how everyone styles it. (but I see that some are better than others… I love your style!) I also bought the ruffle shell and I've been wearing it with cardigan, black pants, and boots, or with skirt and blazer… it pretty much goes with everything! I've been dressing very preppy + plain in the past and I'm excited to add some feminine items to my closet. Thanks for the inspiration! 🙂

    Posted 3.19.11 Reply
  50. Couture and Crayons wrote:

    Loving how you styled this. The pant looks so chic rolled up. The feminine tops play off the heavy wool very well. Gorgeous. Great Spring transition outfit!

    Janice
    (Couture and Crayons)

    Posted 3.19.11 Reply

Get the newsletter!

What updates would you like?