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.
Absolutely gorgeous outfit! While I don't usually visit "Extra Petite," I couldn't help but be awed by your immense beauty here. This is a beautiful dress with some pretty sharp pumps. Jean, you look gorgeous here!
johnbmarine.blogspot.com
LOVE it. And your photographer is amazing to come up with these shots! 🙂
ladyindo.blogspot.com
If you are referring to the title of her blog post…I think "feat" was meant to be an abbreviation for "featuring".
You are stunning! Love your blog!!
I just voted for you! OMG you look amazing, love this dress it fits you perfect!
and great pictures
http://www.deluxefashionista.com
Wow, you've definitely got my vote! Easily the best Oscars look in that contest. Love all your looks and tips and tricks! Gives me inspiration to keep looking and trying to find appropriate clothes…I'm currently at the "fashion disaster" point that you started out as. (I'm worse, actually) Hopefully someday I'll catch up!
Just wondering if you meant "fete" (celebration or party) or "feat" (accomplishment)? "Feat" does work in this case since you are part of a contest and all, but I have a feeling you might have meant "fete." In either case, fun pictures!
Just voted for you!! Love the whole outfit but especially those heels!!
This is an absolutely stunning dress worn by a very beautiful woman. Fabulous outfit!
Zoe xxx
Getting off my phone right this second to vote!
I wish we had a library like that where I can study in. That would be awesome!
I love this ensemble. So elegant.
Hi Jean, I'm also a long time reader, first time commenter. I love your dress and love old world buildings like the BPL. My alma mater has a similar looking reading room. I called it the Harry Potter room because it reminds me of the great dining hall and the overall old world castle-like feeling. I enjoyed your photos, my compliments to the photographer. I look forward to more posts. I also voted for you!
Much love from Seattle,
Tiffany
just voted! you look stunning!!
xo,
Sandy
Sandy a la Mode
Just voted for you! You look gorgeous in this outfit!
Nice red! Voted!
I have voted too! Jean, u r my all time favourite!
Voted 🙂
*wolf whistle*
Dang Jean!! This is as classy as classy gets!! SO GORGEOUS!
Just voted for you! 🙂
Voted for you, so beautiful and yet elegant.
Voted!! You look gorgeous! I love the red!
voted! love the look.
I voted for this look on ASOS. Love the shoes.
You look absolutely gorgeous and so classy. I voted for you! Just curious, how else might you style the dress so that it can have multiple uses?
You look stunning Jean. The off the shoulder neckline and colour look lovely on you. Thanks for sharing such a historic building in Boston. Nick's photography captured both you and the library so well.
I can picture this dress being worn with a more saturated lipstick, especially for an evening occasion. Thanks for sharing with us such a practical and glamorous outfit.
I found your blog via Style Up. I am also a Jean in the greater Boston area, so of course I voted for you! Good luck!
You look stunning in this dress. Such a great location for the photos too, with the dress standing out next to the duller colours of the library.
http://www.expressionthrustyle.com
You just got my vote – you look stunning in this dress!
Thanks for the library pictures. Nice pictures and interesting subject.
Absolutely Gorgeous and love the pictures! I saw kelly's tweet and was wondering why you had not blogged about that. I voted and hope you win!
Stunning photos. Voted.
You look amazing in that dress and the the backdrop of that library just makes it even more exquisite! Good luck!
With ♥, Lisa
tralalalisa.com
I voted for you. Good luck! I hope you win. You and the background are beautiful, stunning and more breath taking than words can describe.
I love historical building and that library is on the top of my list of places to see.
You are breathtaking. Seriously breathtaking.
Gorgeous beyond words. And that library is SO BEAUTIFUL!
The only accessory you're missing is a great pair of reading glasses! 😉 Nice work. Great photos Nick!
You look stunning. I came across your blog through the competition. I absolutely adore the way you styled that outfit.
xo
Maggie A
Love Scrapbook
Wow these photos are stunning! You look beautiful!
You look beautiful, Jean! Love the dress and how you styled it with a stole. Voted for you. The Boston Library was photographed so beautifully. I wonder if it felt a bit awkward walking around the library so glamorously dressed to take photos! :op
xoxo,
Suzie Q
http://www.StyleCueBySuzieQ.com
wow, one of your best photos yet! good job to the awesome photog. and you look amazing!
Voted for you! You look stunning in that dress. Definitely dressed to kill 😉
I voted! You look simply beautiful. These photos are definitely the best photos ever taken by Nick. =)
Voted. 🙂 You look stunningly beautiful, Jean. I'm sure your bf's jaw dropped when he saw you in that dress. :p
Hi Jean~
I echo everyone's sentiments already and just voted for you! The library is so stunning and I wonder how you cleared it out for your pictures. You must have exuded such a professional model vibe that everyone got out your way!! BTW – thank you so much for not wearing a dark thong with this red dress like the model on your ASOS link. It's even more evident on their "runway" video. Haha!!
Voted. Nick did a great job of taking the picture. My favorite is the 5th picture.
I wish I could pull off curve hugging dress like that. Alas, I have too much flabby parts to hide and body-con is my ultimate enemy 😉 Did you do any alteration to the fit of the dress or just the hem? I would love to see the before alteration picture.
You look amazing hun and of course I voted for you!!! I hope you win!!!
Hi Jean, long time reader, first time commenter. Just wanted to say that these photos are really lovely. Of course you look stunning (as to be expected!), but I wanted to add that your boyfriend did a really great job with the photos. Everything about these pictures is beautiful! Such a great choice for the location. Lovely! Thanks for sharing.
Wow, you're so beautiful!! I love the banded look on the red dress, it really accentuates your figure. I know your blog title is "extrapetite", but honestly you look very long and leggy in these series of photos. <3
You look gorgeous like always!
Angie sad:" 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!"
I think the same way. I wish you posted new one every day, but I know it is a lot of work. I really appreciate it, thanks!
Svetlana
Gorgeous dress, divine color on you, & love the fur stoll.
You look so beautiful, Jean! I voted for you!
You and the pictures look nothing but flawless !!!!
Really, amazing match !
Voted, of course 😉
http://www.l-iconoclaste.net