As Instagram friends may know, Nick and I spent the past few days in Chicago visiting friends, eating our way around the city and admiring all the architecture. The food in general has been fantastic but I must mention Uncle Mike’s to brunch lovers – their hearty Filipino breakfast (garlic fried rice, eggs, meat plus some traditional sides) hit the spot with Nick lapping up nearly 2 plates, and is perfect for recovering after a night out. Wedding planning had fallen by the wayside for me so I was thrilled that my sweet friend booked my first bridal dress appointment during this vacation – I can’t wait to share more about various styles after trying a few more places, in case fellow brides-to-be might find it helpful. 
We had a variety of activities planned and limited luggage space, so I relied on a few comfy pieces that could be worn and reworn with small tweaks. For strolling and going out at night, I wore this flowy dress with low-heeled (very stable…I prefer these to many of my flat shoes) BP booties. For a setting with formal dress code I swapped the booties out for heels plus a light jacket.
I reviewed these booties last winter and feel they’ve gotten even more comfy with wear. They come in extended sizing down to sz 4, which I love that Nordstrom in-house brands offer. I un-wisely did not heed the suggestion to size up initially, and ended up selling a first pair to a smaller-footed friend. Do go up half a size if interested, and leave even more room for an insole if you like more cushioning.
For the formal settings I packed these Ivanka Trump “Carra” heels, which bear resemblance from afar to the popular Manolo Blahnik BBs for a fraction of the price. I own both – aside from Manolo’s Italian hand craftsmanship which I have to admit is pretty superb, a main design difference is that the BBs are cut lower in the front which give it a distinctive sharp and sexy toe area. The Carra heels still show toe cleavage, but relatively less which some ladies may prefer especially for the office. I own the olive green and they also come in a striking sapphire blue, leopard, or deep red for those looking for a little autumn color.
I thought pricing on the Carra was very fair for leather uppers and soles (lining is synthetic which is another difference from the BBs), and sizing fit true to size in my opinion. I’m usually between a 5 and 5.5 and tried both on – the 5’s fit, but as with most of my pointy shoes, I went with half size up so toes don’t get squished.
Last but not least, this faux-wrap dress was a juniors department find last month. Once in a while I brave shopping amongst teens half my age for pieces that might fit better off the rack. The flowy, boho-style is more relaxed than shapes I usually gravitate towards, and has been surprisingly cool in the humidity. The waist is elastic (thus perfect for traveling and eating) so you can adjust the skirt length ~2 inches just by tucking in more or less. I took size XS and didn’t think it ran too large per the description – the only fit adjustment I made was a small safety pin to close up the neckline one inch higher.
Material is all poly with a chiffon-y feel (not knit nor stretchy) and the skirt part has a thin lining. I was disappointed to see it labeled dry clean only since the fabric is just like ones I hand wash all the time – I know from Instagram a few of you also own this dress, so would love to hear how it’s lasted any hand or machine cleanings! *Update* thank you to a reader for sharing her experience washing this dress – she was able to machine wash cold and mentioned the dress came out just fine. I would recommend air drying since dryer machines (esp. with varying temperatures) seem to cause the most material damage/shrinkage in my past experience.
This post was in collaboration with Nordstrom fall shoes. As always, opinions shared are my own.
I love your crossover draped dress. So chic!!
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You look adorable with your dress. Like the boots!! Find accessories that will add beauty to your outfit.
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I am so excited to hear that! Will save at leaat $10 in dry cleaning each time! Thank you for sharing your washing experience : )
Hi Jean! I have this dress and was also sad to find that it read "dry clean only." However, I stuck it in the wash, cold cycle, then dried it for a little bit on the "cooling" option (to get some of the wrinkles out) and hung it to dry. It turned out perfectly fine and still fits!
WOW I absolutely love that floral pattern dress it suits you really 🙂
You rock!
xo
Betty
http://inspiremeland.com/
Hi Jean! Regarding the Ivanka pumps, you mentioned ordering half a size bigger. Do you use inserts to keep them from sliding off? It's the first time I'm getting pointy toed heels and would appreciate your inputs 🙂 I'm a size 5 in Ann Taylor perfect pumps, and those are a perfect length but required some breaking in the toe box because my feet are a bit wide. Thanks in advance!
Vicky
So cute! Loving the 2nd way to wear! You had me at the hat! Love a good hat!
xx
Giovanna
http://www.HeyLoveBlog.com
simply amazing. <3 Enjoying reading your posts, waiting for the next post;) xx Peach
http://momomoworld.blogspot.com
Hi A! The style # is 021632 – I wasn't able to find it online but it is recent and comes in white as well.
Hi Olivia – you looked absolutely stunning! The alterations certainly looked worth it as your dress fit beautifully (I poked around on your wedding website : ) Unfortunately I don't know of any bridal dress resale site catered specifically toward petite figures, as my friends who are petite had no trouble selling their gowns just on the usual popular resale sites.
Hi Aimee! I would definitely say I have shorter legs, and I feel black is the easiest color to pull off because it can be worn with dark skinny jeans or black tights for a really leg-lengthening look. Or, if you choose booties in a similar tone as your leg color (but enough contrast so it doesn't blend in and look funky), I find it also has a similar lengthening look against bare skin or neutral tights. Here's an example using the taupe color in these booties https://www.extrapetite.com/2014/02/snow-leopard-nordstrom-bp-trolley-ankle.html
Hi there – I took half size up from the Halogen pump for these, and my same size as J.Crew although the J.Crew pointy styles still feel more narrow. If a 4 in the Halogen fit for you then unfortunately I think I think these will be too big : /
I hope you like it, JC! Also each day I check it seems that new print options pop back in stock : )
aw you are so sweet Michelle, but I think the search has just begun ; )
Lashes : ) I love benefit "they're real" for amping up natrual, sparse lashes but alas it doesn't come close to the look of falsies…
Thank you! Yes it is, and recent from H&M; : )
Hi Jean! Do you have the style number for your blazer. I really like the color and hope to order it online. Thank you!
-A
I'm obsessed with that dress! I love the faux wrapped look and think it would create a perfect silhouette. Also, those Ivanka Trump heels are fab! I've been looking for a pair of good quality heels for a while now and these might take the cake. Thanks for sharing, Jean!
Hi Jean! I'm a petite gal who got married this past summer and am thinking about selling my wedding dress. I was wondering if you've run across any used wedding dress sites that might cater towards petites. I know I definitely struggled to find any possible used petite wedding dresses, and ended up buying a new one and having it altered 🙂
Great looks, Jean!
Could you do a post on how to style ankle booties for those with a height disadvantage? I find it so difficult to wear since they are not flattering for those with shorter legs.
I love the first look. A little different from you usual style.
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You do an amazing job showing the versatility of a single item in your closet! I look forward to future posts where you show a piece of clothing styled multiple ways. I was inspired by your styling of a dress as a top and/or skirt and did the same with a dress of mine – check it out (post is called "Easy Breezy") 🙂
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hi Jean, would you say the Ivanka pump run smaller or the same compare to Jcrew pump? I fit in size 4 of the halogen leopard that you also purchased and wonder if size 5 of the Ivanka pump would fit me ?.thank you
LOVE that H&M; hat! I might have to make a shopping trip there!
xo
Kels
http://www.excusemyblog.com
Love the office look and the casual look!
http://www.StylingFun.blogspot.com
What a great look! I love the ways you styled it 🙂
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Love the blazer and Carra heels! Beautiful
http://www.tailoredandtrue.wordpress.com
Love this dress on your! I just ordered one from Nordstrom. Unfortunately they ran out of the pattern color dress so I ended purchasing a navy blue one.
JC
Love the way you styled both dresses! I love to see you in more casual wear!
http://www.misshotcouture.blogspot.com
One of my favorite outfits on you! Love those booties, Glad you guys had a fun time in Chicago. The wedding dress you posted on Instagram was so gorgeous…search over? 🙂 🙂
are you wearing fake lashes or just wearing awesome mascara here?!
Ooh I love this!! Both looks equally!
Hope
hchdesigns.blogspot.com
Lovely dress! Absolutely love the way you've styled it.
Love both the booties and the pumps, both suit the dress perfectly…the coloe and fit of the blazer is gorgeous!
xo
http://agoldentulip.blogspot.com/
Very cute ! I love your dress.
Bye
Johanna
http://janna-dana.blogspot.fr/
Great 2 styles!
Liz @ ShoppingMyCloset.com
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Cute dress! Love it<3
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This print dress is amazing ! Love the way you style it ! xx
http://littlefrenchworld.com/
The print of the dress is so cute! I love Ivanka Trump shoes, I think they are so gorgeous for the price point.
LOVE it with the hat and booties.
http://www.eyelikefashion.com
I love the dress with low boots! It is so pretty!
XX
Miri
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I love both of the ways you decided to wear the dress – the dress is in general a dream and so versatile <3
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
i love the color of the blazer you paired with the dress. is it a lilac color?
I love the dress paired with that hat, it's so elegant!
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I love how you've styled the dress on the left…who knew you could incorporate juniors pieces into office wear!?! Looks great Jean!
xoxo,
Andrea
http://www.andreaeveryday.com
Those Ivanka Trump heels really do like similar to Manolo Blahnik heels! What a fabulous find!
❤ Temi Truly
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