Style in a Suitcase, Part 5 – Tweed, Leopard + Bow

leopardbow3

Gap bow blouse (similar), Ann Taylor cardigan (similar in gray)
Thrift store skirt (self-altered), CL Decolette pump, Chanel wallet on chain

My apologies for reviving this series when all of our minds are on spring, but I just discovered some unpublished pics from December in California. Here’s the original entry showing the contents of my suitcase for ten days, and here are some previously-posted ensembles out of said suitcase (click to view):

ginghamcamelmalangblue3ginghamlace2redwoodleopard

I got dressed in a rush with just this blouse, skirt, and tights…and wasn’t feeling it. Too much solid. Thankfully, I had a cardigan to pull it together. Packing print/patterned layers that coordinate with your solid and neutral garments may sound like “style tips for dummies,” but it works, and it’s something I’ll keep in mind for more deliberate packing going forward.

leopardbow
These outfits may seem a bit overdone for vacation, but as I live a mundane life, I try to take advantage of every opportunity to get dressed up (dinners, holiday plays, etc). During daytime I was usually in boots and skinny jeans, so I won’t tire you with more variations of those. This was an outfit from one of my dinners with the charismatic Kelly.
leopardbow1
Southern California climate is something I can definitely get used to, especially as I’m sitting here letting my fingers thaw out from a 5-minute walk. Northeast readers – I see a sunny forecast with a high of 60 for Wednesday. Who’s excited? : )
leopardbow2

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58 Comments

  1. Arts wrote:

    Hi Jean

    As usual, a lovely post. I must tell you I am very inspired by your blog. Since discovering it a few weeks back, I've been checking and reading the contents almost every day. I love your tips, writing style and the lovely clothes you wear. You make pretty simple outfits look fab.

    I'm pretty short myself, and I always though skirts made me look like a kid. But seeing your posts, I'm encouraged to try more skirts.

    Keep writing and good luck with your exams and everything 🙂

    arts

    Posted 3.8.12 Reply
  2. WHAT THE SHOE wrote:
    Posted 3.8.12 Reply
  3. Jane wrote:

    Wow! I love the outfit 🙂
    I've been following your blog bc your tastes are so very similar to mine. Only difference is that I'm not petite 🙂

    Posted 3.7.12 Reply
  4. Hazel Theresia wrote:

    Absolutely gorgeous Jean!! And I ADORE your hair!

    Posted 3.7.12 Reply
  5. Genie wrote:

    I can't express how much I adore the soft pink against such the strong print! I really wish we were going to have 60 degree weather over here…

    xoxo,
    Genie

    http://www.uniqueandchicstyle.blogspot.com

    Posted 3.7.12 Reply
  6. girlymd wrote:

    you always look so good! really like how you put your outfits together 🙂

    girlymd.blogspot.com

    Posted 3.7.12 Reply
  7. Carla Krae wrote:

    It was just 95 degrees in March recently. It can do that any time of the year. October has had 115. Still like our weather? 🙂

    Posted 3.7.12 Reply
  8. Anonymous wrote:

    OK, I'm coming to Boston April 5-6 and I'm in need of a wardrobe refresh. Let me know your availabiblity around that time or over the weekend!!!

    Keshia Nesby (colleague from ATL…lehman days!!)

    Posted 3.7.12 Reply
  9. contrary kiwi wrote:

    I use every opportunity to dress up as well, to the point where people at my church are used to seeing me wearing ballgowns there. What's the point of wearing nice or interesting clothing if you never wear it?

    The leopard cardy was definitely a good idea. You look great as always and that bow is impeccably tied xD

    Posted 3.7.12 Reply
  10. IT'S ME, AUBS! wrote:

    I love that you can pull off the berry lips.

    Posted 3.7.12 Reply
  11. AUBREY wrote:

    she double bunny ears it, so this may be bulky w/some other fabrics. i have this other way that makes a perfect bow, but describing it is too hard and i have no pictures.

    Posted 3.7.12 Reply
  12. With Each Passing Day wrote:

    Jean, thanks for the tips on packing. I recently take a short trip to visit my family and reread your blog as I was packing. =)

    Posted 3.7.12 Reply
  13. With Each Passing Day wrote:

    OMG thanks Kelly!

    Posted 3.7.12 Reply
  14. Sandy a la Mode wrote:

    love the top and your skirt!!

    Posted 3.7.12 Reply
  15. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    Thanks, Rosie. My hair is pretty flat so after a shower, I make sure to dry it with the crown clipped up. I showed it and the curling process here: https://www.extrapetite.com/2011/03/current-hair-curling-routine-easy-loose.html

    Posted 3.7.12 Reply
  16. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    Thank you! I showed it here: https://www.extrapetite.com/2011/03/current-hair-curling-routine-easy-loose.html

    Just make sure to consistently curl outwards. In the vid, I messed up towards the back of my head and curled inwards by accident.

    Posted 3.7.12 Reply
  17. Love and Company wrote:

    Beautiful Outfit. Love the top with the leopard print.. it looks so put together!!! And I love your red lipstick. – xox

    Posted 3.7.12 Reply
  18. Anonymous wrote:

    You hair looks fabulous!!! How did you style it?

    Posted 3.7.12 Reply
  19. Lisa Griffin wrote:

    i agree- this outfit would have been a bit beige for me, but the cardigan really helps!
    in dramatic fashion

    Posted 3.7.12 Reply
  20. My Dressy Ways wrote:

    Leopard to the rescue! I did the same thing this morning when I got dressed. I paired gray and fuchsia together and thought – it needs something else. Added my leopard print belt and it kicked the outfit up a notch!

    Posted 3.7.12 Reply
  21. ♥ Natalie wrote:

    This outfit is awesome!! ♥
    I loooove it!

    Posted 3.7.12 Reply
  22. TheTinyHeart wrote:

    This is a gorgeous outfit! I love how you paired the sweet, feminine bow blouse with the leopard cardi for a bit of edge!

    -Sharon

    Posted 3.7.12 Reply
  23. Jennifer Nguyen wrote:

    very cute outfit!

    Posted 3.7.12 Reply
  24. Faten wrote:
    Posted 3.7.12 Reply
  25. Kat wrote:

    Gosh, I love the way you can really mix and match the same pieces to make them look like a new outfit! I am only good at that last minute! I can never plan it out in advance (aka packing for a trip).

    Posted 3.7.12 Reply
  26. Miss Fabulous wrote:

    that cardigan is fabulous! how you've styled it still manages to look appropriate for work and etc, and not like a scary cougar! I'd love to see you style this with other looks too!

    http://www.missfabulous611.blogspot.com

    Posted 3.7.12 Reply
  27. Rocks Paper Metal wrote:
    Posted 3.7.12 Reply
  28. Karen (littlepiecefnb) wrote:

    Gorgeous! I adore that bow top paired with the leopard cardigan!

    Posted 3.7.12 Reply
  29. Tserendulam Altangerel wrote:
    Posted 3.7.12 Reply
  30. ♥Mishi à la mode♥ wrote:

    really nice way of combining tweed and animal print. its a pretty chilled-sophisticated look.

    Posted 3.7.12 Reply
  31. jennyjk wrote:

    i absolutely adore the leopard and tweed.

    classic and sophisticated.

    http://harperandmonroe.blogspot.com/

    Posted 3.7.12 Reply
  32. Suzie Q wrote:

    I love the outfit! Such a pretty color and pattern to go with it!

    xoxo,
    Suzie Q
    Style Cue by Suzie Q

    Posted 3.6.12 Reply
  33. Dr. Juris wrote:

    I was going to ask the same thing!

    Posted 3.6.12 Reply
  34. Rosie wrote:

    Love your hair! I'm jealous of how thick your hair is — wish I had that kind of volume. How did you get those bouncy curls?

    Posted 3.6.12 Reply
  35. dietingfashions wrote:

    That's brilliant. Thanks for sharing. I've been dying to know.

    Helen

    Posted 3.6.12 Reply
  36. Natasha Fatah wrote:

    Gorgeous, gorgeous look! Going to pin this!
    xoxo
    http://www.natashafatah.blogspot.com

    Posted 3.6.12 Reply
  37. 6 o'clock Inspiration wrote:

    Wow I love all these outfits!!
    The cardigan and blouse are adorable together!!
    check out my blog and follow me!
    http://6oclockinspiration.blogspot.com/

    Posted 3.6.12 Reply
  38. Miriam wrote:

    so soft and beautiful!

    Posted 3.6.12 Reply
  39. Ann wrote:

    I like your hairrrrrrr :DDDDD

    Posted 3.6.12 Reply
  40. Alterations Needed wrote:

    Hi Jane! Try this:

    http://www.lateafternoonblog.com/2012/01/just-5-things.html

    I keep meaning to try it myself but haven't had a bow to tie lately. =)

    Posted 3.6.12 Reply
  41. Alterations Needed wrote:

    I remember that outfit!! That was a very fun night. =)

    Posted 3.6.12 Reply
  42. Veronika wrote:

    gorgeous outfit! love the cardi too 🙂

    Posted 3.6.12 Reply
  43. DSK Steph wrote:

    I'm wearing the same leopard cardigan right now. 🙂 I feel cool!

    Posted 3.6.12 Reply
  44. Lili wrote:

    Could you look any more perfect? 🙂

    Posted 3.6.12 Reply
  45. SewPetiteGal wrote:

    I always feel like I'm missing something when I pair 2 solids together so the idea of adding a printed cardigan is one I'm going to steal 🙂 I hear ya on the mundane. Now that I'm on maternity leave, my uniform consists of fleece head to toe and hair up so when I go out (this includes grocery store trips), I like to fancy it up.

    Posted 3.6.12 Reply
  46. Julie Khuu wrote:

    Such a sweet look with the pussybow and totally amped up with some fierce faves like leopard spots! I've been seeing a bit more edge to your looks as of late…really loving the mix!

    xo-Julie
    Peace. Love. LOL!

    Haute Khuuture.com

    Posted 3.6.12 Reply
  47. Anonymous wrote:

    This is a really cute outfit! I love the playful bow and the leopard cardigan is always so fun.

    – L in New York

    Posted 3.6.12 Reply
  48. Jane wrote:

    Hi Jean! Do you have any bow-tying tips? My bows always end up looking dreary and droopy, while yours still seem to keep their shape.

    You're looking chic and lovely as usual!

    Posted 3.6.12 Reply
  49. Jenn wrote:

    You're right. The leopard print makes the outfit work. I have this weird fear of wearing patterns incorrectly, but you somehow manage to find the perfect pattern to use that is tasteful, but still gives off a chic vibe.

    Posted 3.6.12 Reply
  50. Tina wrote:

    such lovely outfits! You are so talented!
    xo, Tinacious Me

    Posted 3.6.12 Reply

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