petite, fabulous, and broke: 2012

Demure21

11:26 PM

Marie G. , 0 Comments

Okay, I admit I have been slacking immensely! I apologize, but again I found myself on another expedition to advance in my career as a young professional in the science world! I thank God for all the blessings and the amazing opportunity I have been given to work at my dream job! I am also in the middle of figuring out where to live :).

Anywho, I actually had this post pending for a while, but refused to post it until I had some time. I apologize for the wrinkles in my top, haha. Enjoy!

I look pretty miserable in the cold!

Cropped Chambray Top: F21 (similar here)

Midi Skirt: F21 (similar and CHEAPER here)

Nude Heels: F21 (similar here)

Ring: F21

Clutch: UO (I love this version)

Bangle: F21

Me as my normal self.

I love playing with my skirts!

Ball of Foot Pads: Foot Petals

I am having a Mad Men moment here. I love lady like details!

PETITE: I LOVE crop tops, if you haven't noticed. They just compliment my torso so well! I am really into the midriff trend that has been happening since this past fall, so I love pairing these tops with high rise shorts, midi skirts, or pants just to show a MILLIMETER (at max) of nonexistent abs. I am also loving peter pan collars. Another way to wear this shirt is to button it all the way to the top with a necklace underneath the collar!

Chambray is such a staple now, for both men and women. I find this fabric to be so comfy and light with the look of denim, without the weight. Low fat denim!

Midi skirts are so vintage looking, I really wish I thrifted this item! Unfortunately, I have not found any midis that are both vintage AND cute (YET). Although, I did thrift some great items coming up on future posts!

FABULOUS: Wow, there is NOTHING expensive about this outfit. I basically had a plan of what I wanted and ambushed F21.

BROKE: That clutch was another beloved After Christmas Sale item from UO for $8!
...(Dora the Explorer pause) I KNOW!

PS: Nude heels are a REQUIREMENT in every girl's wardrobe. They match everything and are so gorgeous.

Fancy Prepster

8:08 PM

Marie G. , 0 Comments

Silk blouse: Thrifted

Blue Jeans: F21

Necklace: Shopstyle.com (similar here)

Bag: Longchamp

Belt: H&M

Loafers: Sperry Top-Sider

Ring: Vintage

Bracelets: F21

Turquoise bracelet: Similar here (not really, but I actually want this one, haha)

Watch: Michael Kors

Jacket: The North Face

With my "director" trying to recover from the cold!

I missed you all! I just got a new job and completed my first week. The wait is over!

PETITE: I love to tuck shirts into mid rise pants rather than high rise since my torso is short and I want less attention to my bust. More attention is drawn to my waist to give me a slight hourglass shape. Belts are ESSENTIAL to tucking shirts into mid rise pants.

FABULOUS: I love the way luxe fabrics feel against the skin. My favorite is silk, since it is so breathable yet strong.

Usually I am very biased against using totes as an actual handbag. The shape is so plain and there is no real style to them. Longchamp has a great shape to their totes and the material is high quality!

The Sperry loafers are my favorite flat shoes! I fell in love with them at Nordstrom's anniversary sale. They were definitely worth the investment for the great workmanship, material, and comfortable padding. I love wearing these from day to night.

BROKE: Bangles are making a comeback! F21 has the cheapest ones, from $5-$7!

My necklace was a gift from my grad party last year. I love mixing delicate clothing with tough details. For example, my smooth free-flowing top is the opposite of my gunmetal spike necklace. I call accessories like these "curve balls." Love them!

I hope you enjoyed this post! This beach is a little piece of me, since I have been a beach baby all my life. Thanks to my BFF, Luke Villapaz for these pictures and my friend Jannahlyn for the creative direction (I am the worst model without her, haha). I always like trying new things for each shoot. I realize I am still a noob in the blogging world and I am still figuring things out. Thank you all for the kind words and support!

Velveteen

11:00 PM

Marie G. , 0 Comments

Pearl Earrings: Amazon

Necklace: Thrifted

Velvet Backless Bodysuit: F21

Bag: Robert Pietri Espana

Skirt: F21

Tights: H&M

Booties: Qupid (similar here)

Bracelets: F21

Watch: Michael Kors

PETITE: Little booties and short skirts give more leg length, but only use tights with this look in the fall/late winter. Remember to always have the band of your skirt hit right at the waist (the smallest part of your torso). Since my torso is almost non existent, I pull the band down to a little below my waist to give an illusion of a lower waist. TA-DA, longer torso.

FABULOUS: This bag is made out of super soft Spanish leather. The woven metal plate, bright orange hue, and chain with the buckle detail truly make this bag unique. The interior is striped fabric! Sorry I could not find the website of this designer (this bag was a gift from Spain) or I would have given a link.

BROKE: These pearl earrings were SO CHEAP. I love the fact that I can wear them in the shower and they will not rust!

I love the look of chunky necklaces against simpler pieces. My chain necklace (similar here) was such a good deal. The thrift store had it priced for $20 with a 50% off discount!

To pull off chunky necklaces, I balance out size by wearing studs. The focus will be on your necklace framing your gorgeous face instead of how heavy your jewelry looks.

I also wanted to apologize for not posting anything in so long. I am in the middle of improving my career, taking care of bills, and starting class. Sometimes life gets in the way! Thank you for being patient.

I shot a few outfits on a whim this past Saturday closer to home with my best friend who doubles as an amazing EVENT photographer. That's right, he was never a fashion photographer! A few outfits are coming in the near future with serious drama! The pictures look better than my outfits, haha.

Stay tuned! It will certainly be worth the wait.

Good Morning, Sunshine!

10:52 AM

Marie G. , 0 Comments

Collar Necklace: Forever 21 (similar here)

Blazer: Urban Outfitters (similar here)

Crop Tank: ASOS (similar here)

Lace Bandeau: ASOS (similar here)

Velvet-trimmed Peg Pants: ASOS (similar here)

Booties: Qupid (similar here)

Tapestry Pouchette: Belgium (similar shape here)

Watch: Michael Kors

Gold link Bracelet: Thrifted (similar here)

Ring: Vintage

PETITE: Crop tanks are my best friend. They are great to tuck into pants, since there is not much fabric to tuck in. The length is never too short (at least for me and my short torso). These pants actually are cropped, but go to the perfect length. I like rolling up the bottoms to show a little skin and lengthen my legs.

Again, my bag is a cute small pouchette. I adore the tapestry fabric and navy leather trim on this bag. My dad picked this out when my parents went to Belgium.

FABULOUS: My blazer was a little pricey for UO, but well worth it. I wear it over everything, and I like how it gives me a "fashion intern" look.

BROKE: Collar necklaces look so great, especially with something plain, like a regular white tee. When I found this at F21, I did not waste a second to buy it. My booties were super cheap ($18) from a store in Center City in Philadelphia. I just put inserts in them so they could have the comfort of a more expensive shoe. Cheap shoes are a necessary addition to any wardrobe if you go out to any place that has a bar so that you don't worry about something spilling on them or someone stepping on you.

I am also showcasing some color blocking. Yellow is a hot color every spring, and personally I just like it because it looks good against tan skin and the color pops. Another way to color block yellow is with a black outfit and choose one piece to be yellow (or whatever color tickles your fancy) as your "statement piece". Net-a-porter shares some good ideas below (I want a yellow skirt now!):

more ideas!

Happy Good Friday and Easter to you all if you are celebrating!

Lace, Fur, and Hosiery

3:00 AM

Marie G. , 0 Comments

Earrings: Avenue

Blazer: Urban Outfitters

Dress: Costa Blanca

Ring: Metropark

Watch: Michael Kors

Bag: H&M

Platform Heels: Charlotte Russe

Fashion blogging has definitely been a learning experience for me, and in the future I will have more angles and shots of my outfits and accessories for you guys!

PETITE: The way a blazer fits is SO important. The shawl lapel gives such great straight lines that elongate the torso. I look stretched out instead of a little meatball! As a petite rule of thumb, length on any dress should be no longer than the knee, although there are still exceptions to the rule. If wearing a midi, heels are required. Maxis are doable, as long as the length is not dragging onto the floor. I usually get mine from the Juniors section, since their dresses tend to be shorter.

FABULOUS: I love the look of lace dresses. I wanted one for so long and could not find the style I wanted anywhere. I found this one in Toronto, Canada in a cute little store called Costa Blanca that was actually reasonably priced (C$30)! I was hesitant to buy it at first because of the ridiculous sales tax there (they also charge for a plastic bag!). After, I had repetitive dreams that I owned the dress until the last day of my visit when I actually bought it. T'was meant to be!

BROKE: The earrings are from a plus size store called Avenue. They have pretty good sales on their jewelry, so I snagged these bad boys for $3. My purse used to be $30 and I bought it on clearance for $5! Can you believe it?! I got a lot of jealous stares when I took this bag off the rack.

Brian Atwood Handbags?!

10:18 PM

Marie G. , 0 Comments

I just found this in my email and I wanted to share the good news!

Brian Atwood has released a line of handbags and they are only being sold on GILT for THREE DAYS. Even if you can't afford them, just look at them! Gorgeous.

New post is coming soon!

Next Friday

10:57 PM

Marie G. , 0 Comments

I will be on vacation for the next few days, so watch out for a new post next Friday! See you all soon!

Mini in the Spinter

3:00 AM

Marie G. , 0 Comments

Fur Collar: Urban Outfitters

Thrifted Wool Sweater: Givenchy

Bow Ring: Forever 21 (worn here)

Skirt: Forever 21

Leggings: Forever 21

Bag: Thrifted (worn here)

Booties: Glaze (check them out here, they look almost EXACTLY like the Jeffrey Campbells' for the fraction of the price!)

PETITE: Basic rules: heels = height; mini skirt = more leg; heels + mini skirt = longer legs!

FABULOUS: Thrifted designer clothing is a rare find, but my boyfriend and his friend found this Givenchy sweater! I have no shame in second hand, as long as the piece looks like it is from another era, and of course, cleaned first!

BROKE: These platform booties from Necessary Clothing! AMAZING.

Last year, I loved the sweater and shorts look. Ever since last fall, my new style goal is to dress more feminine, meaning more skirts and dresses and less jeans! My other goal is to mix more prints. Throwing in a printed mini skirted with this logo-printed sweater works, since the skirt is black and white so that the sweater's color can pop.

The neckline is closer to my neck than I would like, so I play it down with a fur collar. The shape of the inner part of the fur collar gives an illusion of a lower neckline and a lift of my bust. Without it, my chest would look lower than it really is because of the higher location of the v-neck. The sweater is huge, so the collar also gives an illusion of a smaller surface area so I do not look swallowed up by my top.

PS: Winter + Spring = Spinter :)

Do Work

9:28 PM

Marie G. , 0 Comments

Sweater Tunic: Calvin Klein

Trouser Jeans: Banana Republic

Gold Snake Foil Kitten Heels: Anne Klein

Bracelets/Peacock Ring: Forever 21

Watch: Michael Kors

Top Handle Satchel: Coach

I love this whole ensemble as a work outfit or for just shopping during the day.

PETITE: Trouser jeans go straight all the way down from the hips and compliment every body! If worn properly, trousers can make an illusion of elongating legs and can even out your proportions if you're feeling self-cautious of your hips or thighs. These are actually petite length and are so comfortable and perfect. They feel like sweats, but look so neat.

I have to admit, I was having trouble figuring out how to wear these jeans without looking like they were eating me. I was also trying to figure out what shoes to wear with them! Heels are the best option to elongate legs. I picked a kitten heel so I could walk in them all day. Platforms and wedges could work too with a pointed toe. For tops, you can wear something fitted to offset the loose pant. If you don't want to wear anything tight, just put on a loose fitting top with a belt to eliminate frumpyness.

My pants hit right at the waist and since my sweater is loose fitting, I have a waistline (I don't have hips!) and my chest is no longer the focus of my outfit. Speaking of my sweater, I adore the metallic beading on the shoulders, which continues to my shoulder blades.

FABULOUS: My bag was found in TJMaxx for $199 instead of $399+! I actually bought it a few years ago in high school, so that was a lot of money to me back then! The tweed, velvet, leather, and bow brooch won me over. I am all about unique details!

BROKE: Everything I am wearing was on clearance! The LE trouser jeans were 70% off at an outlet store. Macy's usually has sales on their shoes, so I always browse through the racks when I go to the mall. Scoring amazing deals takes patience.

Mary Katrantzou

8:04 PM

Marie G. , 0 Comments

Sorry everyone, life has been insane! I have been working every waking moment of this week and some unfortunate events have happened this past weekend that I had to tend to.

In spite of all this, I always have random obsessions.

My new favorite designer is Mary Katrantzou. The construction of her clothes and her intricate prints are so refreshing. I have generally always loved the mix of structural and soft details and fabrics.

Her fall collection is just EXQUISITE. Here are some of my favorites:

A new entry will be coming on Saturday!

Less Is More

8:45 AM

Marie G. , 0 Comments

Silk Romper: Married to the Mob

Tights: H&M

Bag: Thrifted - "Moda Italia"

Boots: INC International Concepts

Feather Ring: Urban Behavior

Watch: Michael Kors

PETITE: I love the combo of the shorts and thigh high boots, which shows an illusion of mile long legs.

FABULOUS: My bag was a little expensive for the condition, but so worth it. The sculptural style and craftsmanship of the leather is my favorite part of it. My watch was of course an investment, but I wear it all the time! Everyone should invest in one top quality watch. Even if you do not like the style in the future, high end watches are just like jewelry. Value increases with time, so just sell it later (then buy a new one, haha)!

BROKE: My silk romper was $150 and I bought it for $30 from a street wear company called Married to the Mob. I love the sharp statements on their shirts and the luxe look of their other pieces. Street wear can sometimes be too urban looking for my taste, but I love mixing the pieces with other styles to switch up my look. The boots were from Macy's winter clearance (Year-end sales are amazing to scoop up your essentials for the next year!). They used to be $250, and I spent $60.

This look is great to throw together to go out last minute with friends. I am so obsessed with rompers, especially because it is one outfit in one piece of clothing. Less amount of pieces to put on, more time with your friends. SO easy.

Rock & Roll

3:00 AM

Marie G. , 0 Comments

Cropped Jacket - H&M (similar here)

Black Sequin Bandeau - ASOS (similar here)

Day of the Dead Skull Tunic - Victoria's Secret PINK

Wood Spiked Diamond Cuff - Found on Plndr

Leather Belt - Vintage

Snake Print Black Skinnies - Flying Monkey (similar here)

Woodwork Wedges - Deena & Ozzy

Bag - Chanel

PETITE: I LOVE cropped blazers and jackets! They look shorter on regular sized torsos, but look tailored to the perfect length on me! Skinnies always make legs look longer and they are easy to fold the bottom towards the inside of the pant to look tailored. I like belts when I wear loose fitting tops to show a waist so I don't look like I'm wearing a tent.

FABULOUS: I am crazy about printed jeans! They are a nice change up from plain pants. I wanted snake print pants ever since I saw them on Jeannie Mai (I love just about everything she wears) in How Do I Look. I finally found them in Necessary Clothing. The print is a dark grey, which makes the jeans more wearable with almost everything in my closet. The bag was a gift from my aunt (I know, she's so great).

BROKE: Jacket was on the clearance rack! Tunic is from the Semi-Annual sale. I used to hate skulls, but after loving the velvet Alexander McQueen slippers, they can be cute if styled properly. I found the wedges alone in the corner at Urban Outfitters After Christmas sale. They are the most comfortable wedges I own. I can run around all day in them!

On the Go! Things I want at the moment.

6:19 PM

Marie G. , 0 Comments

Studded portfolio case: Christian Louboutin
Everything with studs and leather = I love

Embellished pumps: Brian Atwood
The bright color and "peacock" details makes this pump so unique and summer-ready

Weaved mini bag: Marni
This is late but Marni's Spring 2012 bag collection was AMAZING. The weaved material is beautiful. I wanted this bag FOREVER and I can't find it!

Make sure to check my next post tomorrow! Have a good weekend everyone!

Happy Leap Day!

10:55 AM

Marie G. , 0 Comments

Sunglasses - Buffalo Exchange

Faux Fur collar - Urban Outfitters

Skirted Coat - ESPRIT

Mini Satchel - Burberry

Tights - H&M

Boots - Vince Camuto

Sweater - Forever 21

Belt - H&M

Faux Leather Shorts - Forever 21

Bow Ring - Forever 21

It is once in a few years chance to release on Leap Day, so SURPRISE!

THANK YOU for your interest in my blog. My main goal is to show my personal style and help other petites to achieve looks with regular clothes. I usually HATE everything in the petite section of stores, usually the clothes look matronly. I also do not have the time nor money to be spending on alterations.

I post in three categories:

Petite - How I used the clothes to compliment my smallness.

Fabulous - My splurges and why I am crazy about them.

Broke - The pieces I have for a great value. You can look expensive without making it expensive!

You can skip over all the words if you would like. The information behind the technicalities of my outfit is there if you need it!

----

The weather has been ridiculous lately, so I call this is an "in-between" outfit. I usually like pairing warmer tops with a short skirt or shorts with tights, simply because my legs don't get too cold.

PETITE: My high waist shorts shorten my already small torso, but I like anything that cinches me at the waist to give me a shape. The back pockets also land perfectly on my bottom so that my backside doesn't look so flat. Also, the more leg shown, the longer they look! I love small bags to match proportions. Big bags swallow you up! I play down my bust with my fur collar, since my sweater is tight fitting.

I personally have an apple shape (wide shoulders, large bust, small legs and butt), so this look can be tweaked differently for different body types.

FABULOUS: Have you ever saw something in a store or a website and you said to yourself, "I CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT THAT"? That was my feeling when I saw these Vince Camuto wedges last summer in a Nordstrom catalog. I don't splurge too often, but it was love at first sight! The lace up and wedge reminds me of a feminine hiker boot, which makes the shoe so amazing. The bottom soles have rubber! Fantastic for comfort, especially for the pads of feet (the part before your toes), which is where weight is mostly shifted while wearing heels. My bag was a gift from years ago and I use it all the time!

BROKE: You must be wondering "What is broke about this outfit?" I believe you can have the best value and quality at the same time. For example, the coat was $29.99 (was $199.99) from Burlington Coat Factory! My sunglasses were only $8 and they look just as good as a $200 pair.

Look out for my next post coming up on Sunday!

PS: Check out more of Katie Hennessey's work! I'm so thankful for her, she makes everything on this blog possible and anything she photographs looks gorgeous!

8:24 PM

Marie G. , 0 Comments

Save The Date!

PREPARING TO LAUNCH 03.01.12

powered by Blogger | WordPress by Newwpthemes | Converted by BloggerTheme

About Me

Popular Posts

Contact Me

Photographer

Blog Archive

petite, fabulous, and broke

Total Pageviews

Subscribe

Pages

recent posts

Pinterest

Flickr Images

Like us on Facebook

Demure21

Fancy Prepster

Velveteen

Good Morning, Sunshine!

Lace, Fur, and Hosiery

Brian Atwood Handbags?!

Next Friday

Mini in the Spinter

Do Work

Mary Katrantzou

Less Is More

Rock & Roll

On the Go! Things I want at the moment.

Happy Leap Day!