MNG by MANGO Challenge #1 – London Style

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Dress: MNG by MANGO sz 4/XS c/o jcpenney Trench: Burberry sz 2 (similar) (for less)
Faux-Fur Collar: H&M;  Shoes: Aldo heels & Adrienne Vittadini suede booties (similar)

 

For the first MNG by MANGO challenge, we were asked to create a look inspired by our fave British style icon. I raced to my closet and whipped out this trench that has been begging to be worn. I suppose my style inspiration can be Emma Watson from her glamorous 2010 Burberry ads.
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I stopped by jcpenney last week to pick out my MNG by MANGO items. Flipping though the racks, I started to panic as every item I pulled out was cut generously. In the midst of my flipping fury (and still empty handed), Nick surfaced out of nowhere with carefully selected, potentially petite-friendly items. I thought for sure he was off wandering the mall for pretzels or checking fantasy football stats. Instead, my photog-turned-personal shopper pulled through for me in a time of need. Almost every item I ended up bringing home was hand-picked by Nick!

Old postcard
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This dress in an XS/ 4 worked for me because it has an elastic waistband. By wearing the band up higher, the hem came up a few inches as well. I love the elegant twist back that’s open, yet bra-friendly (wore a normal black bra).

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Going hand in hand with our London theme, I had a lovely time at the Burberry cocktail party last night with Carolyn and Khatu. I wore my thrifted skirt, booties, and a cozy cashmere pullover.

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Side story: The last time I popped into Burb get my trench tailored, I ran into my beloved SA, John, from whom I’ve been learning about coats since I was a fresh-eyed college gal. After chatting briefly about sleeve hemming, he suddenly threw his hands up in the air and exclaimed, “Oh my goodness! Are you…petite asian girl?! I’ve had so many ladies come in looking for coats and they told me about your blog! I just never put two and two together!” Flabbergasted, my mouth must’ve hung open for several minutes straight. I’m humbled that so many stylish ladies read this blog, actually value my suggestions, and even share it with others. It’s an unbelievable feeling – so thank you, each and every one of you.

Disclosure: This campaign is produced by Style Coalition and sponsored by jcpenney.
When you purchase through the links on this blog, I may earn a commission. Thank you for your support!

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65 Comments

  1. vanillachai wrote:

    The black dress is so sexy! Love it! I thought the part about "furiously flipping" and the pretzels had great imagery and was so funny.

    Posted 4.13.12 Reply
  2. Anonymous wrote:

    I just think you are a wonderful blogger! I am so inspired by your outfits, insights and writing. I am not as petite as you, but I'm short enough that I struggle with ill fitting clothing and my need (not want) to alter most of my clothes. I'm glad there's someone out there who can make being tiny, both acceptable and fashionable. I'm a new blogger and you are definitely one of my regularly visited blogs. Thank you from sunny LA – Lia.

    A lot of go-to's in Los Angeles:
    http://www.theurbanlass.com/

    Posted 1.24.12 Reply
  3. Anonymous wrote:

    omg I loveee this outfit! In the first pic it looks like you almost have a head band on and i think if it were really there it would also make a cute look!

    Posted 10.5.11 Reply
  4. Sunshine wrote:

    omg i'm so late but CONGRATS Jean! you are SO deserving of this. best of luck and i can't wait to see all of your challenges *hugs*

    Posted 9.26.11 Reply
  5. Anonymous wrote:

    Similar Trench Coat @ AT now! Not as gorgeous as the Burberry but it's still a classic! 🙂 I am keeping my eye open for sale! Hopefully the XS Petite is still available by that time!

    http://www.anntaylor.com/ann/catalog/productDetails.jsp?skuId=89905036&prodId;=265550&defaultColor;=7495

    Posted 9.26.11 Reply
  6. grace wrote:

    Catching up to your blog since I've been away on vacation – Congrats Jean! Your blog is the first blog I read and when I'm on the run, the only blog I read! Thank you for providing such a valuable blog for petites! I never realized that most of my clothes just didn't really fit right until I found your blog =)

    Posted 9.23.11 Reply
  7. Anonymous wrote:

    I love your pictures, they're so gorgeous! And I also love how you belted your coat. Will you please do a step-by-step tutorial on how you did your knot? I have several Banana Republic trenches, but have been having trouble figuring out how to tie or loop the belt. So seeing how you did yours would be so helpful!

    Posted 9.23.11 Reply
  8. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    I'm blown away by all of your support and kind words. Hugs all around : )

    @petiterealized The Burberry stores themselves still have the Harbourne and also even more petite-friendly cuts. THe Harbourne is actually not the slimmest cut short trench by far, as I learned during my recent visit. Unfortunately I don't know where any can be found on sale anymore. Good luck in your search!

    @Meg @shweta Ladies outside of the typical "demographic" of EP : ) – thanks so much everyone for saying hello!

    @Anne Thank you! The shoes are Adrienne Vittadini brand and I've ONLY seen this brand on sample sale sites like Hautelook/ideeli/ etc, at TJ Maxx/Marshalls, and on Piperlime. I don't even know where else to find this brand, which is unfortunate because I really like the quality, and they make size 5's and 5.5.

    @Anonymous @Vanessa Aside from this item, the better fitting pieces were knit and stretchy. I got one other navy blue sheath-style dress with tie waist in XS and a cowl-neck tank in XS.

    @Lisa P. Thank you! I work in risk & compliance, and we dress however the dress code is at our clients. Could be casual, business casual, or formal, varying from week to week!

    @Anonymous Thank you! It's quick and easy. I showed it in the beginning of this video, around 1min 30 seconds: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16D0KB4XaJc&feature;=player_embedded

    @Anonymous Really make sure to get a good but gentle (if you have sensitive eyes/skin) eye makeup remover. I love Lancome bi-facil, but other ladies also swear by the sonia kashuk eye makeup remover available at Target, which is more affordable. Just make sure to remove everything at the end of the day, wash your face (I use cetaphil and also a clairsonic brush to wash away dead skin cells), and then moisturize.

    Posted 9.22.11 Reply
  9. Pablo wrote:

    The pictures are sooo beautiful! =D As well as your look…! =)

    Posted 9.22.11 Reply
  10. Lisa P. wrote:

    Hi! I just found your blog this weekend because of your part in the MNG challenge (off of What I Wore) and I love it! I am petite too, and there is so much wonderful information on your site. I have a question — your look is professional and polished, what do you do for a living? I am a professional and my work wardrobe consists of suits and conservative work wear, so I am always looking for ideas to make such conservative-wear fun, modern and not stuffy — and of course, to fit properly for a petite! What is your job? Thanks for such a great blog; I'll be following.

    Posted 9.22.11 Reply
  11. J wrote:

    love the looks! you've got great style!

    Posted 9.22.11 Reply
  12. Emily wrote:

    That dress looks classy and sexy on you, so stunning! I usually don't go into JcP but I definitely have to go check it out now. That story about Nick is adorable! 🙂

    I just want to say that I stumbled onto your blog a while ago, and added you despite the fact that I never considered myself "petite" (mostly because I'm the tallest in my family at a little bit shy of 5'5"). Since then I've enjoyed all of your posts, and have realized through your journey to find clothes that fit well, that none of my clothes really fit me. I do have shorter arms and torso, and started to look into petite clothing for some things because the higher arm holes, etc. really help make things more flattering. Slowly revamping the wardrobe! I'm still in college, but some day when I join the professional world, your blog will no doubt be a huge source of inspiration. Anyways, long story short, I love your blog and I think it's a valuable resource for anyone interested in fashion! I'm glad you've achieved such success and I hope more greatness for you in the future!

    Posted 9.22.11 Reply
  13. miah100 wrote:

    You look amazing! your such a doll, effortlessly chic! 🙂

    Posted 9.22.11 Reply
  14. Anonymous wrote:

    Hey Jean,

    I loved your occasional blogs about minimalistic make up. Unfortunately, I am unable to master the proper make up removal techniques without getting raccoon eyes the following day. Could you please do a tutorial on this? Much appreciated!

    Posted 9.22.11 Reply
  15. Jade H wrote:

    please post more picture of your outfits. I am a petite girl myself and i am constantly checking out your blog just to get an idea of where to shop and whats on trend. thank you for doing this and keep up the awesome work!

    Posted 9.22.11 Reply

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