Today’s post is my entry in a fun little contest, for which I was asked to style an Oscars-themed outfit using an ASOS brand dress. I’m happy that a large international retailer like ASOS doesn’t forget about its shorter customers–I appreciate their petite-friendly options and am excited to be part of this feature.
When I think of celebrities at the Oscars, I picture gorgeous, elaborate gowns, and dramatic silhouettes. As most of us won’t be sashaying down the red carpet anytime soon, I wanted to find a dress suitable for the life of an everyday woman, but still nothing short of stunning for a special occasion. I ended up choosing a fitted little red dress that enhances even negligible curves, and styled it with a mix of accessories ranging from DIY to Valentino. This look was inspired by old Hollywood glamour and is true to my classics-loving style.
In addition to an outfit, I also wanted to share with you guys one of the most historical buildings in this city that I love. These photos were taken in the older half of the Boston Public Library, which was built in the 1800s. This room above has two levels of tall bookshelves, complete with little spiral staircases and ladders – it felt like I had strolled right into Belle’s library!
I didn’t have the right bag for this ensemble, so made one to keep with the bold red and soft taupe color scheme:
For anyone who’s interested, I’ll be doing a review on the sizing and fit for this dress in a later post. I tried my luck outside ASOS’ petites section, and was pleased to find that this dress in regular sizing ran small. I ended up sizing up to a US 4 (for reference, I typically take XXS/00 or H&M; sz 2) and performing some at-home alterations, but in hindsight, a US 2 may work better for someone my size if you don’t mind a snug fit (which this dress is intended to be). Both sizes need a hem job if you’re on the shorter side.
Voted. I love public libraries (used to work for them back in high school), but have yet to come across such as pretty one! The elegance of the backdrop fits your outfit perfectly! You look gorgeous.
Choochoo
http://choochooli.blogspot.com
Can you make a post about the DIY clutch please? 🙂
Voted! All I can say is "geez". Beautiful everything!
You're so beautiful and gorgeous with this outfit ensemble! Also, I love the background was the library. Although, all your posts are wonderful, this is by far one of my favorites. I will vote for you, too. Good luck!
Voted! Love and miss the BPL! So gorgeous!!!
this is simply stunning. both the dress and those heels! xo
http://allthingsprettyandlittle.blogspot.com/
I am voting right now! Love the dress and the library!
So beautiful Jean! You look so glamorous and the library is the perfect backdrop! I went and voted for you, good luck!
Jean, you look really gorgeous! I wanted to vote for you but it asked for my state, and I'm outside of the US so I'm not sure if I'm allowed to do that?
In any case, gorgeous pictures! The dress looks great on you. I love your shoes too. Very elegant.
Also, off topic, but I just wanted to say I LOVE your blog, and I hope nobody discourages you from quitting blogging (well, you know who I mean…) because seriously, this is such a sincere, quality blog and I'm always so excited when I see a new post from you! Thanks for that and keep up the good work!
xoxo Angie
STUNNING! You look amazing and the dress accentuates all of the right places. Even though it's body-con, it's so classy! Love the styling with the stole and DIY clutch! I wish I could make one! And kudos to Nick who took some amazing photos! I thought they were professional because I thought an artificial light was used in the 2nd photo, guess it was natural light. Great job both of you! Shooting and posing, to make the perfect shots! So amazing!
Voted for you! I just bought this dress but the version where the skirt is full and not fitted. Was set on returning it and now see you in this and so I'm going to have to rethink the return 🙂 Good luck in the contest.
Also. I LOVE the Boston Public library and really miss it. Thanks for posing there 🙂
You look gorgeous!!!
I just voted for you, I hope you win!! you are my favorite look in the contest. The second was the long black lace dress.
I just voted for you. You look stunning and pictures are amazing!
Just voted for you! You look fantastic 😀 I love the Boston Public Library – the 'hidden' courtyard is one of my favorite spaces. Maybe you can do a photo shoot there one day when it's warmer out!
Voted! I saw some familiar faces and other bloggers I follow also on the list, but you get my vote hands down. Good luck Jean!!
Looking at your pictures just make me wanna get another dress from ASOS! Loving everything about this shoot.
xoxo,
Roxanne
http://www.lacedivory.com/blog
Wow Jean, you and the photos are stunning!!!!! Good luck!
Very beautiful! I love the whole outfit and the backdrop. Good luck!
love the outfit and the setting… the pictures are beautiful.. voted for ya
Voted! Go Jean!! You look stunning!
voted. does nick usually take your blog pics? these looks grainier than your others.
You chose such a beautiful setting, and it matched your reasoning behind your outfit choice beautifully! Love that you kept the hem at knee level. Very classy but the silhouette and bright colour kept it modern.
http://www.xjole.com
I voted; Good Luck!!!
Just voted and shared with friends. You look stunning in that dress!
Elegant! You have my vote, too!
I love that you decided to take these photos in the Boston Public Library. It's an amazing backdrop worthy of those Valentino heels.
Jean! These pictures are phenomenal and you look absolutely stunning! I just voted! Good luck!
xo Laura
http://www.losofancy.blogspot.com
I voted! You look absolutely stunning! And Nick did an amazing job with the photos.
xo
Voted! You look amazing Jean. And the backdrop is amazing – this feels just like an editorial out of Vogue.
WOW! WOW! You look amazing! Stunning! Will definitely vote for you!
Just voted for you! You looked really old school Oscar (I hope I read that correctly). Very elegant and Very beautiful photography by Nick too
I am relatively new to Boston as a graduate student, and I love the Boston Public Library! It almost makes studying enjoyable!
Very elegant!!
boston public library is definitely gorgeous, and nick takes such great photos of you. how did you get in there when it was empty? every time i go its packed…
love the shoes! :*
http://landing-in-fashion.blogspot.com/
STUNNING!
Your look is the best! Hope you will win!
You look absolutely stunning! Great dress- bold but versatile and definitely makes the wearer look special. Had to vote for you 😛
Voted! you look amazing, and you have a perfect figure.
xo
http://pinksole.com
Voted! You and the pictures look stunning! Xx
You look so old-school glamorous. Just perfect!
Wow! Beautiful!
Just voted!!! Amazing pictures and styling Jean!
Beautiful pictures!
I love this dress on you. You look amazing!
http://www.petitestyleonline.com
SO GORGEOUS!! JUST VOTED 🙂
amazing pictures! love the dress and the Valentino shoes!
http://chocolatefashioncoffee.blogspot.ro/
I just voted for u too! I'd love it if you could show how you made your clutch…so pretty!!!
Just voted for you! You're gorgeous 🙂 We had our formal at the library and it was such a fun setting, it's one of the prettiest libraries ever.