ASOS little red dress at the Boston Public Library

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Off-Shoulder Midi Dress c/o ASOS (3 colors, wearing a US 4/UK6 with DIY alterations)
Valentino rockstud heels (4 colors, wearing sz 35), DIY clutch, H&M; stole (similar), vintage ring

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.
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asos red dress boston public library1
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.
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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!

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Another favorite room of mine is the recently-restored reading room, where locals have been studying under the majestic arched ceilings (shown in 1st photo) for over a hundred years. Oak bookcases filled with rare collections line all of the reading room walls:

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I didn’t have the right bag for this ensemble, so made one to keep with the bold red and soft taupe color scheme:asos red dress boston public library
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.
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Leave a Comment

214 Comments

  1. Anonymous wrote:

    Get it miss girl, you are giving me life in that dress!!

    Posted 11.6.13 Reply
  2. Anonymous wrote:

    Hi Jean could you possibly do a hair and makeup guide for this look please? I really want to remake this look. Thank you! 😀

    Posted 9.14.13 Reply
  3. Jean wrote:

    Didn't win and didn't get to hear who did! Thank you very much if you voted, though : )

    Posted 8.1.13 Reply
  4. Anonymous wrote:

    so did you win this asos contest? we never heard about the results.

    Posted 8.1.13 Reply
  5. Anonymous wrote:

    So did u end up winning? What were the results?

    Posted 7.31.13 Reply
  6. dressshopgo wrote:

    Cheap, Fashion Casual Dresses, Evening& Prom Dresses, Party Dresses, Plus Size Dresses, Winter Dresses

    http://www.dressshopgo.com/

    Posted 6.22.13 Reply
  7. vintage wedding dress wrote:

    The "Off-Shoulder Midi Dress c/o ASOS" is very good, very famous and fashion brand

    Posted 5.24.13 Reply
  8. Anonymous wrote:
    Posted 4.15.13 Reply
  9. Anonymous wrote:

    Hi Jean, you look absolutely amazing in this red dress!! Sexy and classy!! Love all your photos! What kind of camera/lenses did Nick use? These photos are very professional!

    Posted 4.8.13 Reply
  10. Jackie wrote:

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    Posted 3.22.13 Reply
  11. Jackie wrote:

    Ok so ever since I said this outfit I have been contemplating on getting the Valentino's. They are sooo beautiful BUT I wasn't fully convinced to spend that much on these heels because the studs to me are probably just a fashion fad. If it was a more classic shoe I'd feel better about it. Anyhow, yesterday I went to Macy's and found this one! For only $140. Tell me what you think please!

    http://www.zappos.com/truth-or-dare-by-madonna-floriku-confetto-glass-patent-gold-studs

    Posted 3.22.13 Reply
  12. AubreyOhDang! wrote:

    you know how in sex and the city 2, she has her wedding at the NY public library? it'd be cool to have YOUR wedding at the boston public library.

    Posted 3.9.13 Reply
  13. AubreyOhDang! wrote:

    nick is amazeballs w/these pics.

    Posted 3.9.13 Reply
  14. Jun wrote:

    Love it!!! and love your arm shapes! Do you work out?

    Posted 3.4.13 Reply

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