Ferragamo bow shoes from Wendy (current version here), Nordies Rack faux-pearls
Half a block down from Shake Shack and H&M;, I ran into some hot dog goodness and more shopping. I am a sucker for hot dogs whether they’re at Ikea, 7-11, or baseball games (literally the only thing enticing me to attend)…and somehow I have never had one in NYC. Upon entering Papaya King, I must’ve stared at the menu with mouth agape for a good 5 minutes. They had every topping I could ever ask for. I also wanted a side of chilli cheese-topped curly fries but feared it was too much food…then realized someone already solved that dilemma for me by inventing the “side on top.”
After “relishing” my affordable meal, I poked my head into Banana Republic. I wanted to try on new arrivals, specifically this adorable striped T-shirt dress (not yet online in petites but the measurements are already listed) and vibrant red-orange ponte dress. Did not find either, but was intrigued by this black and white faux-wrap dress. BR stores with petite offerings carry down to 00P, but not XXSP (why not? beats me) – so this was an online return.
On the rack, it doesn’t look like much, but I actually really liked it on. With the sleeves pushed up, the dress had nice shape from the front, looked classy with pearls, and I even appreciated the demure below-the-knee length on me. I think it would look even better on someone with more curves up top who can fill it out more. I seriously contemplated getting it, until I saw the side view…
Oh, the faint outline of a dreaded “S” curve! This is a dress that I would’ve wanted to wear to work, and I wouldn’t feel comfortable doing so with my butt cheeks subtly visible from the side. I wonder if this is something that skirt shapewear would fix?
The second thing I tried on was this white ponte dress. I have been searching high and low for a white pencil-shaped dress for a long time, and may have ended my search too early with a BR Factory cotton dress. I do not recommend cotton for anyone who doesn’t love to iron. I wish I went with a knit material, but this dress wasn’t perfect for me either and almost twice the price.
It is cut for someone who is either slightly taller than me or has a longer torso, because the wide waistband hit too low on my waist. This might be fixed by taking up the shoulder straps, but the armholes may then be too tight. I would also need to taper the skirt a little because it looks more rectangular on me than pencil-shaped.
Silk blouse in 00P, can’t find online but similar Coco silk tank and Safari silk tanks in petite
I left the store empty-handed, but caved and purchased this beautiful necklace from Ann Taylor that I’ve been coveting for a while. It’s more than what I’d like to spend on costume jewelry, but it’s such an elegant statement piece and has nice weight to it. It’s currently sold out online, but I saw plenty restocked in-stores for 40% off at $59.99 (might go down more).
For dinner I was craving comfort food, and what better dish to satisfy that than chicken soup with hand-made noodles? I met up with a friend at Arirang in Koreatown, chosen specifically after reading about their noodles. The soup was piping hot and the noodles were nice and springy, but the broth itself didn’t wow me and got starchier with each minute passed. Still, a pleasant warm-your-belly kind of meal, and I’d recommend sharing a bowl with a friend because they are generously sized.
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Inspired by your video, I purchased a white pencil dress from BR to wear for an event this weekend. I didn't remember seeing it on any blogs and found your review when I googled it! Can't believe I missed this post (or somehow forgot about it). As always, thank you for the informative review. It made me notice the waistband on the dress, but since I'm slightly taller than you, it looks okay. I think it might look even better if I pull the waistband up just a tiny bit, but I'm not going to bother altering it until absolutely necessary. Thank you again for sharing this! : )
Hi I really love the Ann Taylor necklace but cannot find it anywhere, could you please tell me the name of the necklace? Thank you very much!
The S curve is one thing I can't help since my butt is big compared to the rest of my body, haha. I embrace it at this point, no hiding it for me. I just make sure that tighter clothes have a sturdier material if it clings a lot so that I don't have lumps and bumps showing.
I would like to know that too! 🙂
I would like to know that too! 🙂
thank you Carla and Jean =)
Jean, I am very thankful to find your blog! I love your insights and tips on buying form fitting but not tight clothes. The tip that made a world of difference to me is to view the clothes through a camera. It's amazing how I can spot things that I never do via the camera instead of the mirror. I realise now that a mirror can lie :p
I've also saved some money since reading your post on clothes and expense. I saw that you return clothes and note the % of money you get back. Previously, I would not send a dress back as I am in Asia and shipping is not free. However, your post made me realise it is better to get some money back for clothes I am unlikely to ever wear, and the money could be topped up to purchase something else. My pocket and wardrobe thank you!
Is you and Wendy are friends?
http://blowarainbow.blogspot.com/
Hi! I was so excited for a second. Thought I had missed a chance to meet you in person. I acthally work for the flagship store in ny! Wish you had stopped by our store! The pieces fit you so well! I was actually very turned off by the white knit dress's lack of linning. My underwear was completely visible! Dont know if that was a problem for you. Looks wonderful from the photo!
funny u were in my neck of woods – I live right above BR lol
banana republic does carry xxs-petite. i work at the factory store and we carry it. maybe it's not in the specialty stores, but you should definitely look into going to your closest outlet center!
Just FYI, the S-Line is a popular Korean word referring to a woman's body shape. It is the most sought after body shape in Korea.
you look great in the black & white dress. too bad about the back. thanks for the reviews. i'm going to check the sale out. 😉
i'm not a huge hot dog fan but that one looks amazing! not to mention you tried on form-fitting dresses afterwards?! you are brave, girl! you look great though, can't even tell you had filling yummy lunch 🙂
i agree with a lot of the positive comments re: the printed dress, but i totally get that if you're not comfortable wearing it, then put it back on the rack!
xo julesinflats.blogspot.com
That Annie print dress looks stunning on you!! You should have added it to your collection. Yeah, the side view looks a little "sexy" but, hey, you look good. Nothing that a long blazer or cardigan can't hide. 😉
I absolutely love your reviews! I'm 17 and very petite. Your blog has inspired me to start dressing for my size, age and shape. So thank you!
http://www.joieride.blogspot.com
xo
Thanks for great post! – I have also been eyeing that orange dress so am looking forward to your review of it. Are your Ferragamo flats comfy? I am constantly on the lookout for comfy but stylish shoes…
I always love seeing your dressing room reviews. You looked great in that first dress, but I am totally with you on the S curve, I don't like dresses that hug my backside.
xo, Yi-chia
I also just noticed this customer review on their website: "An XS was OK, but "cupped the butt" in a way that didn't look professional."
That's probably a simpler way of saying it : )
It's something I made up so there are probably more proper ways to refer to it, but generally I'm just sensitive to clinginess in both the front (shows the outward curve of the tummy, tips in at the "groin," then curves back out at the thigh muscles) and/or the back side. I am probably a little overly-sensitive to it and most women would not find this dress to be an issue. I just didn't like how it started to cling to the butt but only at the most prominent part, and then falling straight down after that part. I would prefer all (ie. curve-hugging for a going out dress) or nothing, like the white dress below.
I adore your blog. Food and fashion? Amazing. And it's for petites? Double amazing! You do not realise how much I am craving both a hot dog, chilli fries and noodles now, all at the same time …
Woah curly fries on a hot dog?! Pure genius.
I love the white silk shell shirt. Thanks for posting. I will be heading to BR tmw. Lol. The faux wrap dress looked great on you..but I see what you mean if you are looking for work attire.
She's worrying about her butt looking prominent, i.e. provocative.
Will someone please explain the dreaded S curve to me? From her link, i'm assuming the S curve is used to describe our tummy and behind. The tummy looks pretty flat to me and I'm not sure what is wrong with the back. In short, I'm not seeing the S curve on this dress. Am I missing something?
The previous post on the ASOS bow dress shows a more obvious S curve, and it's something I will definitely look out for in the future.
Thank you! I'm learning so much from Jean's blog!
I miss NY so much. I want to visit but flights are so expensive 🙁 Enjoy your time there… and the food (as I can see/read that you are). My first trip there, I was brought to Gray's Papaya. Is that not the IN hot dog spot anymore?
kat
aneyeforfashion.blogspot.com
I think the 1st dress looks great on you. The dreaded s curve should be embraced 🙂 Asian girls are known for lack of butt, so I think you should show it off (outside of work of course)
I think that first dress looked really amazing on you – I agree that a super-clingy dress isn't appropriate for work, but I don't think that the "S-curve" effect is very pronounced in this case. The verticaly oriented pattern and cut of the dress also seem to elongate your body in the photo – I will definitely try this on if I can find it in LA!
Ahhh I love that you are a fellow noodle lover. I've been to Arirang but now am furious I've never had the noodles! I'm going on a hand made noodle tour next time we go to NY 🙂
Definitely was looking for a silk shell. Thanks for the tip!
Vivian
js-go.blogspot.com
Love the first dress and the shell on you!
I just bought that Banana Republic silk shell today! Definitely super sheer but I'm really desperate for some summer work clothes so I bought it anyways. I'm just gonna layer a white tank top underneath it and hopefully it will be okay.
My favorite was the print dress! You look so pretty
octoberchic.com
That faux wrap dress was so beautiful on you! I can't believe you walked away from it.
Love that white shell on you! It's a nice drapey length (but then again, I'm all about pairing things w/leggings!)
xx Vivian @ http://diamondsandtulle.blogspot.com
p.s. I understand what you mean about a clingy dress and work! It's awful to feel self-conscious about something all day!
I really like that silk shell.
The first dress is cute. I like it much better with the sleeves pushed up. It's amazing how something as simple as sleeves up or down can completely reshape a garment.
I like your phone case! Where's it from?
http://frugalmeetsfab.blogspot.com
SOunds like you made the right call, totally agree for me re: with the S curve, haha!
Where did you get your flats from?
http://Www.hsinrusocial.com
really loving all the outfits!
I agree with Natasha ^ ! haha
http://www.veryhoney.com
http://www.honeyfullife.com
That first dress looks like it's worth a million bucks on you!
xoxo
~Natasha Fatah~
~Natasha Fatah~