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?

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

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

Pretty Little Preppy

I’m trying to go without belts, but it’s so difficult!

Maybe I’ll just wear more non-belted outfits but today…belted.

One of my guilty pleasures when it comes to TV shows is Pretty Little Liars. The storyline reminds me of Desperate Housewives but younger. Plus, Aria and Spencer are great style inspirations…a little boho and a little preppy…right up my alley.

So I pulled out this button-down shirt that I never wear and tried to make it look like something I’d actually wear.

I’ve always had trouble with button-down shirts. In petite sizes, the length is usually too short to be tucked into pants. But in regular sizes, it’s too loose to be fitted. Even when I had a shirt tailored to fit me, I couldn’t think of how to wear it.

After a couple of horrible combinations, I pulled out this little number.

Outfit Details: Banana Republic Factory Store shirt – XS, Forever 21 skirt – XS, random skirt, vintage pearl necklace, Payless pumps

What do you think?

What are you favorite ways to style a button-down shirt?

The Wonders of Lanvin

One of my favorite Pre-Fall 2010 collections is Lanvin.

The clothes, the styling, the photography…it looks so luxurious and effortless. It captures most of the fall trends and expresses them in such great ways.

Though I do look to designers for inspiration, I don’t translate their looks literally because it’s quite difficult to pull these off in real life. But taking a few cues and adding them to my own style gives a nod to the greats without ripping them off.

It might be a silhouette, a color palette, or a mix of accessories that grabs my attention. Then, I take these ideas back to my closet to see what outfits I can create.

Here are a couple of my faves and I hope it’ll inspire you too!

All photos from Style.com

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The Winding Road

I always enjoy getting away from the city.

Even if it’s just a scenic drive through the Angeles National Forest, I love sightseeing. The worries of so many yesterdays melt away as I absorb the beauty of my surroundings.

Life is full of twists and turns and the path to achieving your dreams isn’t always straight. Sometimes, you have to take the longer way, a way that seems to veer away from your intended goal. But having a great set of friends makes things so much better.

As for the changing seasons, I’m starting to feel it. The sun goes down earlier, the wind chill is picking up, and people are pulling out sweaters, scarves, and boots.

LA seasons aren’t as dynamic as other places, but it doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy cold weather gear. I can’t wait to bust out the heavier coats and jackets as I fully intend to take advantage of the crisp autumn air.

Right now, I’m obsessed with biker boots.

I got a cheap pair from Forever 21 and I’ve been trying to wear them as much as possible. Some may say it hits at an awkward length and it can make you look shorter, but I don’t care. To me, it’s awesome.

Outfit Details: Express pullover sweater- XS, Madewell jeans – 24, Free People watch pendant, random scarf, Forever 21 boots