Overhaulin’

A new month and a new blog layout.

It’s been a while since I evaluated this space and it was due for a major face-lift. Most things have stayed the same, but it looks more streamlined now. I got a domain name…stylepint.com! The sidebar has tabs, there’s a language translation section, and I’ll be setting up a shop.

Sleek and clean. New and shiny.

I’m excited, aren’t you?

Just like how Santa Monica Place revamped itself, that’s what I’m doing too.

Uber-snazzy, no?

Please update your links and follow along on Bloglovin’ (again) and be my Google Friend!

Petite Fashion Challenge #2: Wear It Now, Wear It Later

The challenge:

In honor of the fast approaching cool, fall weather, what better way to get ready than to find ways to make your wardrobe do double duty. Pick at least one item in your closet (not jeans, that’s too easy!), and create two outfits, one for spring/summer, and one for fall/winter.

Oh boy. I get so excited about these challenges, but when push comes to shove, I err on the side of neutrals.

Most of my clothes do double duty already so I don’t have many strictly seasonal clothes, not that LA seasons are very dynamic. Still, I wanted to give it a try and show how my clothes can work for warmer and cooler weather.

For this challenge, I picked a cream-colored silk blouse.

I had to break my shopping ban to pick up this top from the Alexa Chung collection for Madewell. It was too pretty to pass up and I’ve been dreaming of a great silk blouse for the longest time. Even though this is a relatively easy staple item, I figured I would dress it up in a way that is a play on menswear.

Summer Outfit – Wear Now

Outfit Details: Alexa Chung for Madewell silk blouse – XS, Banana Republic shorts – 4, American Eagle belt, DIY necklace (friend’s gift), Steve Madden Tuxxedo oxford flats

The color of the blouse doesn’t exactly scream summer, but the billowy top is great for warmer days. Paired with some high-waisted shorts, it adds that vintage kick that I want.

I don’t usually wear short shorts unless it’s over 90 degrees like it is currently. Instead, I usually wear mom shorts…literally. It’s kind of crazy how ridiculous size inflation has become since these shorts from Banana Republic are size 4 and I can barely fit into the 00 now.

The oxford flats adds that menswear inspired element that makes the look very contemporary.

Autumn Outfit – Wear Later

Outfit Details: Alexa Chung for Madewell silk blouse – XS, Madewell skinny jeans – 24, Bitten by SJP vest – S, Free People watch pendant, Corso Como boots

As a transitional outfit into Fall, I switched out the shorts for pants and donned on my riding boots. For additional warmth, I added a corduroy vest for texture. Equestrian no?

Outfit Details: Alexa Chung for Madewell silk blouse – XS, Bitten by SJP vest – S, Banana Republic Martin plaid trousers – 0P, Zara faux suede blazer-XS,  Dolce & Gabbana pumps

In Autumn, layering is a common occurrence, so adding a blazer paired with the vest gives it a strong masculine edge. But the overall look is clearly feminine and it’s a great work outfit too.

Simple, easy, and stylish.

What do you think?

A Sneak Peek

Later tonight is the second round of the Petite Fashion Challenge hosted by Kelly of AlterationsNeeded. I don’t want to give away my whole look, so this is just a quick glimpse of what’s coming up.

If you couldn’t tell already, my hair is getting longer and I haven’t stopped by the salon yet. Since it’s been blazing lately, I’m enjoying the shorter hair since I don’t have to tie it up.

Right now, it’s at that stage where I’ve moved away from the Justin Bieber hair to the Alice from Twilight look. Not sure which one I prefer but it’s kind of nice to experiment with this length.

Maybe I’ll even get it curled so it looks wavy.

Do you think I should grow it out or cut it short?

Review: Lucky Brand Jeans

I was looking for skinny jeans to try when I walked into Lucky Brand Jeans. It’s been a while since I went here since the sizes used to be big on me, but it’s probably changed so I went back to check it out.

The SA was really friendly, helpful…and what can I say, he’s cute. 😛

He picked out all the skinnies in 00/24 for me to try on. There were two cuts, the Zoe and the Lola.

The ZOE: Low rise. Slim fit. Skinny Leg.

I’ve been on the lookout for a pair of grey skinnies every season, but I never purchased a pair since I couldn’t find the right look or fit. These Zoe Skinny Jeans were quite close to what I was looking for in grey skinny jeans.

In 00/24, the jeans fit well without any puckering or any waist gap. I felt that the wash was a bit too light for me and the length was too long since it has a 32″ inseam. I wouldn’t mind purchasing this style in a different wash and getting it hemmed since I like the look of the pants.

I tried another style of Zoe skinnies in 00/24 and I couldn’t even get them past my knees, so Lucky definitely has sizes for people with legs slimmer than mine.

THE LOLA: Mid rise. Curvy fit. Skinny Leg.

The next set of jeans I tried were the Lola Skinny Jeans. Since trying on pants at various stores, I realize that the Curvy fit works better on my body type. So I had high hopes for this cut.

In 00/24, the jeans fit well in the waist and hips. No excess puckering and no waist gap! I like the rise better than the Zoe since low rise pants make me wary that a muffin top might arise. These are the ankle length pants and they’re still really long on me.

The only thing I didn’t like about these jeans was the contrasting thread, but other than that, they were clear winners in my mind. I saw a pair of Lola skinnies that had matching thread but they didn’t have my size at the store.

SUMMARY

Lucky Brand Jeans aren’t exactly petite friendly, but they do have small sizes in various styles and washes. Online they sell 30″ inseam pants too.

Zoe is low rise, slim fit, and works well for slim legged people. Lola is mid rise, curvy fit, and works well for thicker legs. There is some flexibility to both cuts so it’s best to try both and see what looks best.

The price points are similar to Banana Republic but I like the feel of the material a lot better than BR. It has that soft, broken-in feel to the jeans that make it comfortable to wear. So, if you’re looking for another retailer for jeans, Lucky Brand Jeans might be worth a try.

Pitch Black

This weekend, I went to the La Brea Tar Pits and the Page Museum.

Hancock Park is the home of the LACMA and the La Brea Tar Pits which provides an interesting juxtaposition between the historical and the contemporary. At the museum, I got to check out the fossils that were fished out of the pits. It’s quite amazing to see the size and scope of these prehistoric animals.

After a tour around the Page Museum, S. and I wandered about the park. The LACMA sculpture garden caught me by surprise, but I loved its simplicity.

As for my outfit, it’s a small departure from what I usually wear.

My mom bought this top for herself, but later she thought it looked better on me. I wasn’t a fan of it at first, but it grew on me. I tend to stay away from all-black outfits because I think they’re depressing, but not this one!

Outfit Details: Esprit top – XS, Banana Republic Martin shorts -00P, Free People watch pendant, Forever 21 handbag, Muzina sandals

Who Likes Animal Jewelry?

I don’t often wear rings since it’s hard to find something that looks nice and fits.

But I stopped by H&M over the weekend and found a set of animal rings in the Divided section that peaked my interest.

It was difficult to try them on in the store due to the packaging, but it said XS/S in terms of sizing, so I bought them. When I got home, I could only fit into one ring (an owl in Size 5) and the rest slid off my fingers. I tried the rest on my thumbs but it just didn’t look right.

So, I’m giving away the three (out of four) rings individually….for FREE!

(Click on the photo to enlarge)

Measurements

• Rabbit-Size 6 Inner Diameter: 16mm
• Deer-Size 7 Inner Diameter: 17 mm
• Fox-Size 8 Inner Diameter: 18mm

Rules

Open to all readers. To get you hands on these rings, follow these simple steps. First come, first serve.

1. Send an email to stylepint.musings [at] gmail.com of which ring(s) you want. Title the subject line as, “Stylepint Animal Rings!”
2. I’ll reply to let you know what items are available and request a valid mailing address.
3. Once you receive the ring(s), please send me a photo of you wearing it via email or write a blog post about your new acquisition that will link back to this post.

Get to gettin’ and send me some love! =)

*To all my readers, please let me know if you’re interested in seeing more or less of this kind of post. I’m trying something new and I want you all to be involved.

**UPDATE: Giveaway is closed. October 1st.

It’s All Military to Me

I don’t always wear outfits with pops of color, I can tone it down sometimes.

This military inspired jacket from Zara is a bit of a departure since I’m not so fond of the puffy strong shoulders look. I contemplated sewing it down but it loses a part of what makes this jacket special.

I’ve always loved military inspired clothing, especially the epaulettes, not sure why.

This jacket takes me back to the colonial days, there’s just something 1700/1800 about it that peaks my interest. I’m a bit of a history nerd, but I channel it through fashion…so that’s still cool right?

Outfit Details: Zara jacket – XS, Hollister tank – S, GapKids super skinny jeans – 12R, Forever 21 necklace, Aldo pumps