Although I generally try to avoid owning duplicates, I have to admit there are some dupe favorites which I’ve never regretted buying. I feel like this lace dress in ivory and navy are individually special enough to warrant keeping both. The factory price was not bad, plus I performed DIY alterations to improve the fit.
Navy, burgundy and camel are some of my favorite classic colors. They are easy to style and have me dreaming of fall pairings. I am so stoked to finally add a camel bag to my collection, and expect it to get plenty of wear. I started making a review video and hope to finish it soon.
This dress is office-appropriate when paired with a blazer, and transitions easily into a sultry piece for after-work drinks or dinner. It may be a little low-cut for some, but an advantage to having a smaller chest is that such necklines can still look acceptable versus too sexy. Above: adding a taupe jacket from H&M; for work:

DIY Alterations
This dress fit decently off the rack but was slightly boxy on me. Thankfully, it took about 10 minutes to alter at home. The quality is very good for an outlet item and it was even double-lined. I merely turned the dress inside out, pushed up the innermost lining, and took in the torso from the pre-existing darts on both the front and the back. This effectively nipped the waist in more and contoured the overall torso for a closer fit.
(Darkest stitch is the line I added to the pre-existing dart)
On a separate note, last Tuesday was a big day for me and I’m touched by the kind words from you guys. I was on the train going to work when Level 3 CFA exam scores came out. The program took a mental and physical toll on me while working, and I was so relieved to be done in three years. My apologies to fellow commuters who had to endure the girl in happy tears so early in the morning.
When I got off the subway, I passed by a woman stopped on the sidewalk, scrolling frantically on her phone before jumping up and down with joy. “CFA?” I asked. She nodded with a smile from ear-to-ear and pulled me into a warm hug. I went on with my commute, happy as a clam.
Came home this weekend to a sweet surprise from Nick’s parents, and books ready to go into storage!
Later that day, I received a message from none other than the woman outside the subway, saying that while caught up in the moment she forgot to mention she was a reader! I am continuously amazed to meet so many hard-working and driven (in various aspects) women who enjoy reading this blog, and sometimes we cross paths in the most random ways.
Hi Jean. I am a new reader to your blog. First of all big Congrats to your accomplishment. I love how creative you are with your stye. Thanks for sharing so many wonder ideas.
Mindy
Congratulations on your CFA – Level 3 accomplishment Jean! I'll admit that I don't particularly know what that means (I'm nowhere near finance/accounting in my nonprofit job), but it sounds difficult. Thanks for keeping up with posts for us all this time you've been preparing. It's awesome to see how all your hard work and studying has paid off!
CFA level exams and study material in Schweser
Congrat's Jean, that's an amazing accomplishment!! The dress looks are very beautiful on you, pretty dress!! but then again, what doesn't?!!
Congratulations! I know how tough CFA exams are. Not only because they are not easy, but the organization ensure its exclusivity by using normal distribution and expensive fee just to take them! I took only CFA lesson for level 1, because I needed the knowledge for work, but since I'm not particularly in finance, that's it!
Have you fulfilled the four-year work experience requirement, as well?
Again, congrats, clever gal!
Visit me:
LeeAnne, Style N Season
http://stylenseason.blogspot.com
You are always so chic! love it Congrats on passing the CFA
if you have a moment please check out my latest post
http://www.lifeisjustrosie.com
Congratulations Jean! I love reading your blog. I was wondering, do you have any recommendations of places to go for smaller size bracelets and ring sizes? I have very slender wrists and fingers and have a difficult time finding jewelry that doesn't fall off! Thanks!
After admiring that blue lace dress ever since you first posted it, I finally had the opportunity to get to an Ann Taylor outlet. Alas, they had no size 0 petite left in stock. I tried it in the 00, and while I could squeeze into it, and (according to other shoppers) it looked good, it just felt a little to snug (particularly in the bust). It also felt a little short on me (I am just under 5'3"). I think a regular size 0 would have been perfect, but I guess it was not meant to be.
Congratulations on passing the CFA.
Congrats, Jean on passing the CFA! =) I love the lace dress from this post.
Hi Jean! Congratulations on passing the CFA – that's amazing! As a fellow young professional by day / blogger by night, I can definitely relate to how challenging it is to balance your professional life and blogging pursuits (not to mention your personal life)! You are an inspiration to us all! 🙂
I've been a follower for awhile now, but this is actually my first comment. Your blog is definitely one of my all-time favorites…as a petite gal, I can relate and always look forward to your posts! I also love your classy style and helpful shopping tips.
Anyway, just wanted to say hello and congrats! Keep up the awesome posts! 🙂
Love from a fellow petite blogger,
Sarah
http://shamelesslyoverdressed.blogspot.com
What a sweet story! Congrats! 🙂
Xoxo,
Sheila
Congrats, and what a wonderful story! By the way, I was wondering how you get your hair so voluminous 😛
Very pretty dress!
Congrats on your exam! I just found your blog and am your newest follower/fan!
underahhundred.blogspot.com/
you are getting SOOOO good at these DIYs. and i can't believe how quick it takes you. francois would charge me $35 for sure.
congratulations again doll!
Congratulations Jean!!!
Congratulations, Jean! I've been a silent reader all this while and this post was particularly inspiring because I'm taking cfa level 1 in December!
I also wanted to ask you a question: I just found out that I'll be taking a fortnight-long business trip to new york in January. I'm from Singapore, however, where its summer all year round, so sleeveless shells, sleeveless dresses, skirts (you get the idea) are all I have. Without buying anything too expensive, since I'm not likely to wear heavy winter clothes here, how do I turn my outfits for work into winter appropriate work clothes?
Beautiful dress and congrats!
http://creamandtulle.blogspot.com
Congratulations on passing your exam! It must be nice to have your life back 🙂 Thank you for continuing to blog throughout your studying!
Congratulations Jean, that's an amazing accomplishment! The dress looks beautiful on you, but then again, what doesn't?!
http://notpetitejustsmall.blogspot.com
You are so inspiring! Congrats
4:17 PM
Very pretty dress, great alteration, and congrats again on finishing the level 3 exam! You deserve lots of love and rest and yes, put those books away 😀
Hi Jane,
I am looking for the H&M; blazer (Item 981950, Yellow, Size 4) you and really petite have shown at your blogs. Have you seen it in your local stores? Thanks a lot.
Congratulations! And great look! I really love the shoes for some reason, they're really calling to me haha
Congrats Jean! See… knew you could do it! And looking lovely as always!
Congrats to you. What a huge accomplishment. I can't figure if you've gotten more tan or is it just the pics, but you look very polished (as usual). Please do tell us more about the bag. I love the classic color.