Petite Fashion Challenge #10

Tonight I'm taking part in Petite Fashion Challenge #10 - although it's my first. The challenge is to take traditionally summer pieces (like tank tops, shorts, mini skirts, sundresses etc.) and make them appropriate for fall.

So here we go...

I was given this dress as a birthday present from my grandma (she sent me money and I bought it for myself, but same deal) and it quickly became a staple of my wardrobe. Paired with sandals, its perfect for any summer day.

Transitioning this dress from summer to fall is as easy as:

One

Two

Three

or

By throwing on a cardigan and pairing this dress with tights and boots, it's perfect for all the days from fall right through winter.

Flat boots for a more casual day.

Please excuse the bathroom pic, the lighting was just really good in there.

Suede heels for when I want to be a little more dressed up.

Switching Gears: Look Good, Feel Good

If you're a regular reader of this blog, you'll know that I just recently had my heart broken. Regardless of the circumstances, break-ups suck; there's no way to get around it. However, there are some ways to get through them - here's my list of things I'd wish I'd known sooner:

Friends are Amazing

I'm very lucky. One of my best friends lives next door. Literally. The only thing separating our apartment buildings is a "restaurant" (we're not convinced it's actually a restaurant). The other lives in Kingston - so not too far away. Between the two of them I had more than enough love and support to get me through the rough days - a girl really couldn't ask for more. They also provided me with many distractions, such as taking me out bar hopping when it was the last thing I wanted to do - they even let me wear my TOMS the first time.

Your friends are there for you through thick and thin - so use them!
Hey, you would do the same if they were in your shoes, right?!

Anti-Puff Eye Rollers are a godsend

Photo courtesy of Garnierusa.com

Seriously. Whether it's from crying or the aforementioned barhopping, no one wants to walk around with dark circles and puffy eyes. That's where this little beauty comes in. I was skeptical at first, but now I'm a convert. Every morning I roll a little on after a shower and I feel like I'm glowing - in a good way. You know what they say: "Look good, feel good," and it's true.

NB: This post is in no way sponsored by Garnier - it were just the only eye roller that Shoppers had; I'm not mad about it.

 Do YOGA

Photo courtesy of healthyoga.com

Continuing with the look good, feel good mantra - yoga is definitely the way to go. Or, in my case, yoga-lates-chi is the way to go. I'd been avoiding going to yoga because I thought: "Oh great, an hour of quiet time. Just what I need, more time to be in my head."  That is until my best friend sent me an article about which exercises were best when you were sad - and low and behold, they suggested yoga. I'm not one to balk at advice given by magazines, so I gave yoga-lates-chi a try. It was amazing. Although it was quiet, I was so focused on my breathing and stretching that I didn't even have time to sit and think about things. Plus I immediately felt better.

Drink lots of water

Photo courtesy of mylot.com

This is just common sense. Not only does it replenish the fluids lost from crying, it helps maintain a healthy, beautiful complexion. Remember: Look Good, Feel Good.

And finally, SMILE

It might be hard. It might be the absolute last thing that you want to do - I know it was for me at times. But smiling is contagious. Here's the scientific explanation: "Researchers think that by forcing a smile, you activate a specific set of muscles in the face. That set of muscles is closely connected to the emotions of happiness and joy. By smiling, you are signalling the emotional centres of your brain to tell them that everything in good" (longevity.about.com). Plus, it feels so much better to walk around with a smile than a frown.

And that's the most important thing: feeling good!

So there you have it, my tips for surviving a break-up, or any tough time.

Oh - and take off the sweatpants. I know they're comfy, but do they make you feel good. I think not. No one feels pretty in sweatpants. 

Is there anything that isn't on this list that you think should be? Let's share!

Blogger Profile: StylePint

For this week's blogger profile, we feature another Petite style blogger - StylePint. 

Meet Jess. She's a petite fashion blogger from the San Francisco Bay-area with a background in electrical engineering (I know, right!). Blogging for over two years, she finds her inspiration in everything from architecture to food to the people around her. Gifted with a keen eye, Jess' blog routinely features outfit posts showcasing the latest trends, eye catching colours and an all-around enviable style. Without a doubt, this Petite's got it all figured out!

Name: Jess

Age: 25

Occupation: Blogger. Electrical Engineering background.

Blog: StylePint

When and why did you first start your blog?

I started Stylepint in 2009 when there were few petite-specific blogs online. Clothes and fashion aren’t my forte so I began blogging to document my evolving style and find petite-friendly brands aside from the big three (Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, and Talbots). I knew there had to be more people like me out there, not the modelesque bloggers I see all over the internet. Through blogging, I wanted to connect with other petites and learn some tips and tricks to stay stylish on a budget.

How would you describe your blog?

Stylepint is more of a lifestyle, personal style blog more than anything else. It has grown to encompass petite fashion, product reviews, local fashion event coverage, style tips, and personal outfit posts. It’s constantly evolving but I hope it would become a source of inspiration for others to know that you don’t have to spend a million bucks to look like it.

Where do you get your inspiration?

I’m inspired by the simple things in life like nature, architecture, food, and people. Inspiration is everywhere; you just have to look carefully to find the beauty in the everyday. 

Who are your style icons?

I love Elizabeth Taylor, Alexa Chung, Zooey Deschanel, and Carey Mulligan. They each have such a distinct style that you can’t help but be drawn to them. There is something so magnetic about their personality that their style seems like a logical extension of who they are, so effortless and inimitable.

Describe your personal style.

My personal style is always in flux but I think it would be a mix of boho-chic and relaxed tailoring. I love billowy blouses with skinny jeans and exaggerated hourglass silhouettes. I guess you can say I’m a reformed tomboy who’s enjoying dressing up like a girl.

Where are your favourite places to shop?

Madewell. Superdry. Thrift stores. I’m always exploring boutiques to find cool things to take home, but I don’t have a favorite yet.

What are your favourite trends this season?

I love color blocking, neutral dressing, and nautical looks. There are so many trends to choose from, it’s hard to pick favorites, but I never tire of the classics.

Style/Beauty Pet Peeves?

For the most part, I’m pretty open-minded when it comes to style and beauty but I think it’s disappointing when people flaunt their wealth with designer duds and endless new purchases. When fashion/style becomes an exclusive club where money is the entrance fee, I think it’s hard to stomach the elitism. Style can be obtained at any price.

What do you never leave home without?

A smile. You never know were the day may take you and if you always have a positive attitude and a smile, it can make the day so much brighter.

What do you love most about being petite and petite fashion?

I accept my petite stature and I love that I can navigate through crowds fairly easy. As for petite fashion, I love that’s continuing to grow with more options for petites to wear trendy items without having to always resort to the tailor.

Learn more about Jess and her fabulous style by checking out her blog http://stylepint.com or follow her on twitter for her daily musings.

All images courtesy of StylePint.

Casual Tuesdays

I live in a tiny apartment in the middle of Centretown. The location is fabulous - walking distance to everything I could ever need. However, it's only downside is it happens to be right across the street from a building that doesn't believe construction should happen during daylight hours. Instead, they think it's entirely appropriate to chainsaw at 12:30am. Not only is it creepy, but it really cuts into the 8+ hours of sleep I require to not be a gremlin.

This outfit came from a couple of weeks back when the construction was particularly loud and I only managed to clock five hours max. I was the prickliest of gremlins when the alarm went off at 7:30AM. As I leafed through my closet, every ounce of my being was telling me that dress clothes were not the way to go.

Thankfully, all of the directors in our office were at a retreat, so I deemed it to be casual Tuesday, threw my hair back and wore denim bermudas. It was suddenly a beautiful day.

I threw on the salmon coloured tank to give this monochromatic look the pop of summer it deserved.

Shorts & Tank - SmartSet; Shirt & Espadrilles - Artizia;

If only casual Tuesdays could be a real weekly occurrence - especially since my four-day work-week forces me to miss out on casual Fridays. Oh well, c'est la vie.

Spring and Sparkle

I'm not one to wait for the seasons to change to get a head-start on the trends. Plus, I've never met a polka dot I didn't like.

I fell in love with this dress the moment a photo of it landed in my inbox. Sadly, I had to wait a while for SmartSet to have my size - the joys of being petite. But let me tell you, it was worth the wait!

This dress is pretty much the embodiment of everything that I hope to be: cute and fun, but professional all at the same time. 

Ok, maybe that's asking a lot of a dress...

Let's just say I love it as much as I was hoping I would.

Dress - Smart Set; Tank - Smart Set; Wedges - Aldo

Not only did I feel great in it, I had a spring in my step and a sparkle to my smile all day long - something I'd been missing these past few weeks.

It's good to be back!

Blogger Profile: Dare to Unravel

Meet Ashley. She's a combination gypsy - well heeled Parisian who calls Ottawa home. Her blog Dare to Unravel is designed as a forum where she can showcase her maniacal creativity and inspiration, plus so much more. Did we mention she likes to shop at hardware stores? She's definitely one of a kind, and not afraid to unravel.

Name: Ashley McConnell

Age: 28

Occupation: Writer and Stylist

Blog: daretounravel.blogspot.com

When and why did you first start your blog?

I began the site in April 2010. Like most people, I just wanted an outlet for all the creativity and thoughts swirling around my head. I read a lot of blogs and was constantly coming across images, ideas and music that I wanted to share. I also wanted my blog to reflect me and be something that was personal and sincere. I think most people normally want to feel a connection or get to know the author, in this case, blogger, or else why would they keep coming back to the site? I didn't necessarily have a goal in mind with Dare to Unravel. It all started very casual and as I progressed I began to enjoy the thrill of writing something revealing or simply sharing an idea with people and getting a response.

How would you describe your blog?

As a forum with multiple personality disorder. Sometimes I use the site to promote my work, other times I post images or videos I like. Sometimes I feel the need to be really candid and post intimate thoughts or stories, and then there are times I post snaps and updates about what's going on in my day-to-day life.

Where do you get your inspiration?

I think this is a difficult question to answer since inspiration comes in unexpected forms at unexpected times. I am a very visual person, so anything I can see usually triggers some response. I listen to a lot of different music and read a lot of books as well, which is another great source of inspiration for me. I am also very fortunate to have a few very dear people in my life who I can think out loud with. Being able to distill some of my maniacal creativity and the forcing the ideas further always leads to inspiration.

Who are your style icons?

Honestly, I don't really have specific style icons. There are so many people who style I admire, but it is always changing for me. I enjoy seeing how people interpret fashion and how they wear their clothes, rather than what they are wearing. I like the effortless sexuality of Charlotte Rampling and I'm in awe of the simple, yet dramatic style of Angelica Huston.

Describe your personal style.

If a gypsy caravan collided with a well-heeled Parisian. In other words: relaxes, edgy, tasteful, innate and slightly-grungy. Sometimes I like to experiment with different styles, other times I like to wear the same baggy white t-shirt and leather jacket for days and try to subtly alter the look.

Where are some of your favourite spots to shop?

The Ottawa Antique Market, Ruby X, hardware stores, Club Monaco, and Dace and Complex Geometrics collections that are sold at Victoire.

What are some of your favourite trends this season.

Ummm, this is kind of embarassing, but I have no idea what the trends are this season. I tried to follow trends for a few years, but quickly realized that I was mindlessly buying pieces that I would lose interest in after wearing only a few times. I purposefully stay away from trends. But, I can tell you about a few looks I'm digging right now: rosegold-coloured jewelery; white, baggy and backless dresses; white jeans; long lose sweaters worn as dresses; metal belts; tortoiseshell glasses; and bad-ass boots.

Style/Beauty Pet Peeves?

White girls in feather head dresses. Suntan oil instead of sunscreen.

When people pull of fidget with their clothes or hair - I find it really distracting.

What do you never leave home without?

I'd like to say my charm, but if you were to catch me on a Monday morning pre-espresso, you know I would be lying. So, I guess a spritz of perfume, Rosebud Slave, a pen, something to read and sunglasses.

Where will you be in five years?

I hope to be writing, creating, taking pictures and brunching with friends. I hope I will have taken a risk or two. I hope to be in a much more balanced place in my life. I have a tendency to become completely fixated at times. Sometimes it is with work, with people or with ideas. I hope to steady the scale over the next few years.

Find Ashley's blog, Dare to Unravel here... and follow her on Twitter to be part of the daily sartorial conversation.

Watch this space next week for another Blogger Profile.

All images courtesy of Dare to Unravel.

Petite Adventures Returns

I've been more than a bit neglectful of the blog lately. 

In the midst of phase full of life changes, the boy allowed stress to overwhelm him and ended things. To say I was blindsided is a dramatic understatement. Needless to say, I've been looking less than camera-ready these last couple of week. So I hope you'll forgive me.

But I'm back! It's not the triumphant return that the exclamation mark will lead you to believe, but it's progress... baby steps.

I don't know about you, but my office likes to keep the A/C cranked to a point where I look a bit ridiculous on my way to work. It's as if I got dressed on a blustery winter day... and that's before I put on my office sweater and shawl. It makes dressing in these humid times quite difficult.

This outfit was one of those days where I was trying not to freeze too much.

I didn't succeed.

Shirt - SmartSet; Pants - Off The Wall; Shoes - Aldo

At least Fall's just around the corner, and then I'll be warm in the office again... right?!

Fall 2011 Trends

It's hard to believe it in this stifling heat, but Fall is just around the corner. To prepare for this season (which is my fav) I'm breaking down the trends - Petite-style.

I Love

Yves Klein Blue

Thakoon, courtesy of refinery29.com

Derek Lam, courtesy of refinery29

I absolutely adore this colour. If I could wear it every moment of every day I definitely would. 

But that would be weird, so I won't. 

I love that it's a bright jewel tone, the perfect pop of colour for a bleak fall day or even in the dead of winter, when you're trudging through a snowstorm - who could hate that when you're wearing such a gorgeous, upbeat, sophisticated colour?! Not me, that's for sure.

Polka Dots

Dolce & Gabbana, courtesy of elle.com

I've never met a dot I didn't like. So, you'll imagine my delight when I saw that it was one of the trends for fall. Classic, clean with a hint of fun, this is a print that I can never get sick of - best of all, polka dots look amazing in pretty much any colour combination.

I Like

Graphic Tartan

Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, courtesy of elle.com

Thakoon, courtesy of Style.com

Ah, tartan... brings me back to my youth, growing up on the West Coast, where all they play on the radio is Pearl Jam and Nirvana - seriously, they still think "Smells Like Teen Spirit" is the greatest song ever, but I digress. 

The tartan pieces that walked the runways are definitely not your '90s plaid. They are a class above. They are the perfect mix of feminine with just the right amount of edge. I can imagine pairing this trend with anything from pumps to combat boots, or snow boots given the day.

Mid-Calf Skirts

BCBG Maxazria, Proenza Schouler, Narciso Rodriguez, Marc by Marc Jacobs,
all images via refinery29.com and Style.com

Although this hemline can at times be very unfortunate on a petite, I still really like it. There's something extremely ladylike about these looks... and isn't it all about the ankle right now anyways?!

Brightly coloured pants

Prabal Gurung, courtesy of refinery29.com

Of all the trends, this one scares me the most, but also intrigues me. I always admire other people who can pull of the bright pants look, but I never have the courage to do so myself. But who knows, maybe this is the season... if I can find some in that Yves Klein blue.

So there you have it. The trends I'm loving and liking for Fall 2011.

What are your favourite trends for fall?

Blogger Profile: A Fine Balance

Meet Nini. She's a fitness enthusiast, foodie and a fashion addicts. Talk about aliteration! Add in to the mix she's got killer style and an even better personality; it's a lethal combination. Nini took sometime to share her journey of preparing for fitness competitions, carrying flats, and finding the fine balance of it all. Meet Nini.

Name: A Fine Balance/Nini

Age: 27

Occupation: Fitness Enthusiast, Blogger and Paper Pusher ;)

Blog: http://theartfulbalance.blogspot.com

When and why did you start your blog?

I started blogging in February 2011 with the help of a friend. She introduced me to many wonderful blogs and told me I had a story to tell. I have always loved writing and I also enjoy fashion and wanted to have a space where I could discuss my daily outfits and inspirations, but also my struggles, highs and lows of preparing for fitness competitions. It was something I started for a few people and I am happy to say it has grown exponentially (over 130 followers)!

What I love the most about blogging is the wonderful community of people out there, both locally and abroad. They have become a second family of sorts and have provided me with inspiration, motivation, tips and tricks. Most of all everyone has been so wonderful and kind.

How would you describe your blog?

My website is a place to discuss what I love most and to find the balance between all worlds. I want to inspire others to become active and healthy, but also to talk about what I love - clothes, fashion and food! The food portion is taking a bit of a step back because competition preparation hasn't provided me with the opportunity to discuss recipes or try them. Can't wait to bring that aspect to the blog as well and provide healthier options for some of my favourite eats.

Where do you get your inspiration?

I get my inspiration from people and bloggers around me.

Coco and Vera, a fellow Canadian blogger is a favourite of mine, as is Tinfoils Tiaras.

I also love blogs to do with competition prep (like BikiniorBust and Ihearteggs) of which these women continue to provide me with inspiration and motivation to get through the last leg of my journey. And people like you (Petite Adventures) who take the time to get to know fellow bloggers and write about them. How wonderful is that?

(Petite Adventures note: Awww, Nini you're too sweet. I swear I didn't pay her to write that!)

Who are you style icons?

Wow! This is so difficult to choose! If I had to narrow it down I would have to say the House of Alexander McQueen, Coco Chanel (classic style icon!) and of course Anna Wintour, who literally drives fashion the modern day and age.

Describe your personal style.

My personal style is feminine chic. I love dresses and skirts mainly because I have a curvy figure and pants aren't so flattering on my body type. I love classic lines, colours and styles. For me trends are wonderful, but I would rather buy things that I know will be in my closet for years to come.

Where are some of your favourite spots to shop in?

One of the places I love to shop in Ottawa is Frou Frou. I love how Frou Frou has many styles that are unique and not something you would see in a typical box store.

I also love Roadtrip and Trustfund, but I find I will shop anywhere there is a bargain too ;) I am all about looking good on a budget.

What are some of your favourite trends this season?

I'd have to day floral prints have been one of my favourite trends this season. I find the femininity of it perfect for my style.

I also enjoy colour blocking with bright colours - I need to try this one out for sure!

Style/Beauty Pet Peeves?

I can't say I have any pet peeves, but when it comes to me, I hate it when I have a bad hair day, and as much as I love heels, they shouldn't be so painful!

What do you never leave home without?

I never leave home without chapstick, all of my meals pre-made, iPod, and a pair of emergency flats, in case my feet decide to scream at me :)

Where will you be in five years?

Wow! In five years I hope to be working in NYC, traveling abroad or be back in Toronto (that doesn't narrow it down too much huh?) I want to continue the blog and provide more inspiration. Hopefully have a few more fitness competitions under my belt and just take life as it comes. In the end I just want to continue my journey and find balance.

Interested in learning more about Nini's journey. Then check out her blog A Fine Balance and join the inspiring conversation on Twitter @thefinebalance.

All images courtesy of A Fine Balance.