Tailored sheath dresses are amongst some of my favorite things. Under a blazer with some pumps, they’re classic for work. Jazzed up with jewelry and a shawl – they convert easily for an elegant evening.
For this nude-y ensemble, I added color with a silky wrap and a statement necklace. “Statement” is almost an understatement for describing this piece. It’s made of sixty-three (I counted – I’m a nerd) .75″ long stones in the most gorgeous, striking marbled blue. The stones are resin, but the intense color can probably rival that of real lapis. If Amrita made her versatile Nello necklace in this color, it would probably be my most favorite necklace in the world.
I’ve been going a little overboard w/ collecting AS pieces – have to thank Cee for getting me hooked. Her jewelry also makes easy and successful gifts (I’m waiting for my friend to become acclimated with her birthday present before I “borrow” it…muahah). So you can imagine my excitement when the ladies at Amrita Singh offered to send me this necklace. It’s not every day that bloggers actually get acknowledged by the brands that we frequently patronize. 
Boston sidewalks are so “groovy,” I had to get these soled as soon as possible. I called around all the nearby cobblers (surprisingly, they all had red rubber soles in stock) and price quotes ranged from $25 to $45. I do this to all my shoes with hard, slippery bottoms – it makes walking a bit easier and prolongs the life of your soles.
I see all these fancier dresses for sale with decorative stones surrounding the collar. They don’t seem very versatile to me. I’d much rather have a baller necklace that can be layered on top of various shirts and dresses – especially a reversible one for twice the fun.
PS – Amrita Singh is having a bangle blowout until 6/16. Use code DOW62 to get various bangle sets for $25. Small-wristed ladies – these seem to be available in three different sizes. I am not affiliated w/ AS, nor do I earn commission on referred sales. Just a fan!
Looking beautiful as always! I agree, a statement necklace is far more versatile than a dress with a built-in piece. That blue is stunning!
I love that necklace and your sheath dress! Gorgeous.
You look stunning in this outfit. I love the shawl but I'm more in love with the necklace. It's a very beautiful and very eye-catching piece. 🙂
@PetiteAsianGirl
Thank you so much Jean!! I appreciate it. 🙂
Hi Jean! Thanks for replying 🙂 I took a few pictures, what's your email? If it's not convenient to post it here, I'll PM you via facebook. Btw, your burberry trench looks awesome! I like how the shoulders are square, looks really pro. I also showed my mom your most recent post and she was like "how did she tie her scarf like that?!" hahaha. Talk to you soon!
@Vanessa Hi Vanessa! That coat has tons of reviews (mostly positive, I see). It looks really similar to the one they had out last year. I wonder if they just brought it back because it was a best-seller or something. I think it looks like a very classic trench for a fair price, but I haven't seen it on anyone other than the model yet! If you want to email me pics of it on I'd be happy to give you my brutally honest opinion. And funny you bring up my trench quest as well – that actually ended last night (hopefully) : )
@Fashion and Number ah thanks for letting me know! I made a typo : )
@Anonymous good memory! I've been doing that for a long time, one body part at a time : ) Feel free to email you and I'll share what I've learned.
@Anonymous The grass is always greener on the other side! On some days my hair can be impossibly coarse and thick. For thin flat hair, have you tried drying it with the crown section clipped back and teased out a little? I did this briefly in my wavy hair video a few months back. Although I don't have thin hair, I have a flat head, and I dry my hair teased up like this (make sure it fully dries like that) and it successfully adds a little volume at the crown.
You have really nice hair. 🙂 Do you happen to have any tips for thin, impossibly flat, Asian hair?
It looks like the AS necklaces are the perfect statement piece, Jean. You look amazing with the necklace and it's even better that it's reversible!
hey jean,
i know this is off topic but you mentioned in one of your old posts about getting laser hair removal. could you please do a post on that? summer's here and i need another option instead of shaving! thanks =]
I LOVE Amrita Singh's jewelry as well, I only own their bangles but I love the quality of them and their designs. Their necklaces are a bit out of the range of what I'm willing to pay though, so I will continue to admire them on you!
The necklace is gorgeous on you – I absolutely love statement necklaces, but I haven't made the plunge yet…
You look so beautiful. I love your entire outfit. This necklace is definitely a must-have. Just an FYI – the link for "Amrita Singh Reversible Resin Necklace" does not work. When I clicked it, it said Page Not Found.
First of all, love your blog, I'm a recent business graduate and aspire to have a professional wardrobe like yours! Second of all, I recently purchased a khaki trench coat from the petite section at Banana Republic. I follow your blog so I know you're in search for the perfect trench coat as well. I purchased it at 40% off but I'm not confident it looks good and want your opinion. Thanks Jean!
link here: http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?searchCID=25789&vid;=3&pid;=803653&scid;=803653012
I love Amrita Singh jewelry, and I love how you paired a bold blue with a nude color palette. So ridiculously pretty, Anh!
That necklace reminds me so much of a vintage costume jewelry necklace that my mom has had since forever. It's a similar shape, but made completely of brass, and has a very Egyptian feel to it. Very pretty (love the color!) and I'm happy to see the people at Amrita Singh spreading the love to a very deserving blogger! 🙂
@J THe mother's day deal was probably the best yet…I'm so happy a reader shared that deal with us. I'm glad to hear your pieces generate so many compliments…maybe Boston is less friendly LOL! And I agree, I also returned one piece and am happy to report it was extremely easy.
@JenlovesBal Hi Jen – the place I went is called Rinaldi's Park Square Shoe Service. They are located in the building that's RIGHT outside the Arlington train station, adjacent to the Boston Commons, on the intersection of St James and Boylston. They were fast too – just a few hours, and took credit card.
@AubreyOhDang! After the hem, yes I did get the slit elongated. $25 whoppin dollars…need to get my money's worth out of this!
@Anonymous WOw, how fun! I watch the Today show every day while getting dressed but this must've been later. THey never show style pics that early in the morning. Thanks so much for sharing…the prices are pretty great, but shipping is still $9…hmph. THeir mother's day sale was the best, with free shipping. I hope they have it again!
@haemisphere yes…she is me : )
@alison*elle It is very big, though! It's definitely not for everyday wear. I was worried it may look a little big on my frame.
@Anonymous Definitely! My soles were pretty scuffed up by the time I even took these in. Many women wait until their soles are almost worn through before getting them re-soled.
@mew mew Welcome, and thank you!
@Stella Hi there, if you click on my YouTube, I did an "everyday face" makeup video not too long ago with the exact products that I use on a daily basis. That will also link you to the blog post. Only difference is for this post I cheated and wore false lashes!
You look so amazing in these pictures Jean!! Love that dress on you with your skin tone 😉
I love your blog! This look is beautiful, especially the subtle makeup. Would you mind sharing what products you are using?
I just found this blog and oh my GOSH where have you been my whole petite life! Haha 😉 I'm also just under 5 feet, and I've been looking for something like this for while now! So excited to peruse through this blog and its resources 😀
Oh and you look absolutely lovely! 🙂
Cecilia
mew mew
I wish I knew about those rubber soles! Can you still have that done if the shoes are already worn??
I was totally contemplating getting that necklace in the Hautelook sale but wasn't sure if it would look too big and gaudy on. Your pics prove that it looks awesome so I kind of regret not getting it 🙁
xo, alison*elle
A reversible necklace…what an awesome idea! You look so pretty!
Just came across this and thought she looked like you… is she?
http://www.youtube.com/user/perfectjeanie
I spent over an hour last night perusing the AS website after reading this post. I love that they offer smaller-sized bangles, as most just fall off my wrist. I couldn't purchase anything because of some "student loan related financial constraints" (read: I'm broke!) Today, much to my delight, a friend sent me a link from the Today Show Steals and Deals – which includes AS jewelry! The Nello and Dune necklaces are $40! Earrings are $28, and Bangle sets are $25. I die.
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/43385382/ns/today-today_fashion_and_beauty/t/steals-deals-watches-clothing-electronics-chargers/
Happy shopping!
Andi
That blue is gorgeous!
with this one, did you get the back slits adjusted too? So remember how they wouldn't accept my blue one back? well I finally got it back to me and wore it yesterday. The small slit is so uncomfortable, but now I'm stuck w/it. & can't/shouldn't get it adjusted b/c then it'll be 1/2 way up the back of my thighs. No good. thank goodness stairs are not a part of my daily route.
Woooooow!! I LOVE IT! ♥ It's gorgeous! You look so beautiful! *__*~ ♥ The shoes are perfect for the dress and the necklace pops! Love it!
http://4seasons92.blogspot.com/
Hi Jean, which cobbler did you use? I'm also in the Boston area and I need a good recommendation 🙂
Thanks!
I "almost" got this necklace a little while ago but couldn't decide on the color. It looks nothing short of amazing on you and I love that you transformed the look in a subtle but nuanced way. I especially love the first look!
I do the same thing with all of my Louboutins! I also have the red vibram sole put on so it prolongs the life and so the red sole won't rub off 🙂
Love that necklace! I was eyeing it recently actually, the blue is just such a stunning colour!
the nude pumps with bright pops are great! i love the reversible necklace – it definitely makes the outfit.
I. LOVE. THAT. NECKLACE.
Lookin' classy & fabulous Miss Jean!
I love that the necklace is reversible! That's genius.
wowwww! that necklace is stunning! both sides of it. love the whole outfit! great job
That necklace is absolutely stunning and very versatile. I have never seen anything like that before. I love that her colors are vibrant and the designs are exotic.
Nelah{52NewDay}
This dress is beautiful and the color was great on you!
I loved it!
Xoxo
http://bruh-correa.blogspot.com/
Ever since your first post on AS jewelry and that 50% off Mother's Day deal, I've been building up my collection also. Each piece has garnered a gazillion compliments whenever worn (from SAs at Neiman Marcus to strangers at the mall) and are sooo versatile! I love how you've worn this necklace and the lapis is stunning. Can't wait to see more pieces!
(Oh and I've done a few returns already with AS on pieces that I just didn't care for and returns were handled professionally. Another star for AS online!)
LOVE the necklace and your outfit! So happy you kept those shoes =)) I decided I can't afford to get a pair and probably shouldn't since I'll be a poor student VERY soon! =X eek!
The necklace is gorgeous! The fact that it's reversible just blew my mind haha ;D
VERY CUTE outfit. thanks for featuring my "shoe pad" comment recently 🙂
Leather soled shoes cost more because they are higher quality and are MEANT to be broken in. The reason why they cost more is because leather soles can be re-soled for life…meaning a single pair can last you forever. Only when Loubitons became trendy did folks start "protecting" their leather soles. This is hilarious to me. With that said, i would probably do the same 🙂
@Michelleesque@cadrommy Thank you!!
@simplyvonne@Elaine A (TOBeautyReviews) I'm waiting for some sample sale items too! *rubs hands* Can't wait to see what you ladies got.
@Laura Frost Wow, that sounds stunning! I wish I had a vintage gold & lapis piece, especially one with family history : )
@Sophie Hi Sophie – the cobblers have them. If you can't find a cobbler near you that has them in stock, you can also find them on eBay for about $7.
@The Little Dust PrincessYou're right, it does look very obvious. It doesn't bother me though! I inspected it in person and the fabric is probably too cheap that the thread pulling on it makes it more visible. Oh, asos…
I saw this necklace too but I couldn't decide…so I didn't get it. If I saw how this looked on you, I definitely would have! It looks great! That blue is stunning!
-Lor
may i ask where you get the rubber sole?
The blue side is gorgeous! I love how it stands out against your outfit's nude palette. Gorgeous piece & so generous of AS to send one to you! I also can't help but notice the hem of your dress. It's really obvious (to me)! They should've folded it a bit smaller. Did you mention it to them?? I'm so glad I returned my "red" one! If only it fit better.. *sigh*
Oh my goodness gracious gosh. I love the necklace and how you wore it! 🙂
I love that necklace too. I am excited to start incorporating a gold and lapis necklace that belonged to my grandma into my outfits.
GORGEOUS! I love that blue! Yes, it definitely seems you've been bitten by the AS bug! So glad to hear they recognized you for it and sent you such a lovely piece!
Ive been looking for those nude pumps.
Im also waiting for mine from Hautelook..i got 2 and wanted the reversible but too bad it was sold out. i love this one on you along w the dress..u look so gorg. as always!
Wow Jean, just stunning! I ordered 2 AS necklaces but haven't received them yet, I'm excited to get them though! I love that this necklace is reversible!