Fig Leaves and Surprises

There are some days you put a lot of thought into an outfit. You think about it for a few days beforehand, waiting for the perfect time to reveal your latest ensemble to the world.

This was not one of those days. 

For the past few months I've been planning and organizing a national week of celebration for the association I work for. It's my first time being in charge of something of this magnitude and it is challenging - but in a great way! Last week, as I was putting the final touches on everything, my daily outfit choices were being neglected; I was putting on whatever I could find.

To spice up this basic outfit, I threw on a gold fig leaf pendant with matching earrings.  

Maybe it was the glimmer of the gold, or the crazed look in my eyes as I speed walked down the hallways, but everyone in my office paid me a compliment. Everyone. From our CEO to co-workers who you figured wouldn't know the difference between a crew neck and a cowl neck - everyone had a flattering comment about my ensemble. 

Definitely made this petite feel a lot better about what I had considered a basic combo.

Sweater - Forever 21; Tank - SmartSet; Pants - Talula;
Shoes, Pendant, Earrings - Aldo; Watch - Fossil

But, it just goes to show that sometimes less is more.

That's obviously not how I felt when I left the house with everything, including the kitchen sink

Inspiration Monday

This Inspiration Monday threw me for a loop for a number of reasons: 1. I can't wear yellow. I look like I'm in a constant state of pre-vomit. It's not good. 2. It seemed like everything I put on was not working out; at least it wasn't working out the way I was hoping. 3. My shortness was really getting in the way.

So, I have two different, yet similar, Inspiration Monday looks.

Look One

Blazer - Talula; Shirt - ines from Aritzia; Jean - H&M;
Scarf - gifted from Ottawa Fashion Week; Shoes - Aldo

Look Two

Blazer - Talula; Shirt - ines from Aritzia; Jean - Mavi;
Scarf - gifted from Ottawa Fashion Week; Boots - Aldo

Which do you prefer?

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Special Delivery

I was inspired to buy this skirt after seeing something similar on lovely Louise of Fifth Sparrow at the beginning of October. It was love at first sight; however, I didn't buy the skirt right away. Instead, I thought about it all day every day for over a week before I finally pulled the trigger.

Arriving right on schedule, the skirt couldn't have been delivered at a worse time. So busy with work, Halloween preparations and reuniting with a friend who had just returned from Oslo, the plastic envelope sat on my couch for FIVE DAYS before I could actually open it and try it on. A blaspheme, as any fashion girl would know.

Each morning as I went to make my coffee I would pass by the package and dreamt about opening it, trying it on and what I would wear it with. But those dreams were always ruined when I would see the time on the microwave, and I'd have to kick my morning routine into high gear.

It wasn't until I returned from my Halloween weekend in Kingston (pics here) that I was able to actually savour the skirt; and, savour I did!

Shirt - Joe Fresh; Tank - SmartSet; Skirt - ASOS;
Boots & Earrings - Aldo; Watch - Fossil

Style Profile: Shorty Stories

In this week's Style Profile, we talk fashion with Cynthia, the writer and founder of one of the interwebs original petite fashion blog, Shorty Stories. For the past five years, Shorty Stories has given petite fashionistas the opportunity to share their fashion successes, and a forum to inspire each other.

Name: Cynthia C.M.

Age: early-30s

Occupation: Writer

Site: http://www.shortystories.com/ and http://www.delectablychic.com/ (non-petite focused)

When and why did you start your site?

The original Shorty Stories site was a place to discuss petite issues, not just fashion, but petite in general. Readers were encouraged to send in stories about their experiences (both good and bad) on being shorter than average. Shorty Stories is one of the oldest petite sites online, and my second attempt to start a petite site. The original was a message board back in 2002, which lasted only a few weeks. I don't even remember the URL! My other site, DelectablyChic!, is an online lifestyle "magazine" focusing on fashion/style, dining, travel, and more.

Where do you get your inspiration?

For style, a lot of it comes from blogs (I don't buy a lot of magazines. I usually just read them in the bookstores - LOL!) and just from me.

Who are your style/beauty icons?

Audrey Hepburn, Jackie O.

Describe your personal style.

A little bit preppy, a little bit laid back.

What was the best style/beauty advice you were given?

Always look confident!

Where are your favourite places to shop?

This may sound mainstream, but Femme de Carriere, Banana Republic and Jacob.

What are your favourite trends for this season?

Burgundy/bordeaux!

Style/Beauty Pet Peeve?

That petites can't wear capris or below-the-knee skirts.

What do you never leave home without?

Lipgloss and my BlackBerry (gotta buy Canadian - LOL!)

What are the five essential items that you think every woman should own?

There are more than five, but if I were to just randomly choose five, I'd have to say:

1. A little black dress

2. A simple pair of pumps

3. Pearls

4. Red lipstick

5. A good, neutral bag that can be used for work or everyday

Where do you see yourself and site in five years?

I'd like my site to be one known as a place where other petite women can discuss their concerns, both fashion and non-fashion related. In fact, I encourage people to submit their stories about being short. They can do so here. In five years, my site will be celebrating its 10th anniversary (or ninth, depending on whether you look at the URL date or the date we converted to blog format). As for DelectablyChic!, I'd like to be THE PLACE to go to find out about food, style and more!

All images courtesy of Shorty Stories/Delectably Chic.

Zebra for Day

Recently, I decided to secretly replace my normal clothes with some for a little more funk. I ventured out into the world to research whether or not Zebra print is appropriate for daytime. The results may surprise you.

I've owned this dress forever. I came across it on a rack at H&M and had to have it, despite it not exactly being the right size. Since that fateful day I've worn the dress maybe two times - one of those times was to an 80s night. Regardless of it's lack-of-wearability, I never seem to get rid of it when purging my closet, because I know that one day I will wear it.

That day came a couple of weeks ago.

I paired the dress with a plain button up, blazer and my new Aldo booties to allow the Zebra to pop!

A close-up of my new ALDO Genista Wedge Boots courtesy of ASOS

And pop it did!

Pairing the dress with basics definitely made it more office appropriate, although I'm not sure it's going to become a staple.

Blazer - Talula; Blouse - Jacob; Dress - H&M; Boots - Aldo Watch - Fossil

But it sure was fun to do the research!

Back to Basics

A couple of weeks back, when I was housebound with the flu, the only thing I could think about was comfort. So when it was time to emerge from my quarantine and return to work, this was the perfect outfit. 

It was everything I could have hoped for. The perfect mix of comfort and office appropriateness.

To spice up this otherwise subdue ensemble I added a bit of bling.

Including my brand new two finger ring. This is the first two finger ring I've owned, and I'm not going to lie, it's taken some getting used to - but I love it!

And, because fall is in full force now in Ottawa, I topped the ensemble off with my H&M trench. It has the most amazing plaid liner, which in truth, is the reason I bought it, but it's become more than useful!

Sweater - Old Navy; Tank - SmartSet; Pants - Talula;
Shoes, Ring, Bag - Aldo; Watch - Fossil

This was the perfect ensemble for my re-emergence into the civilized world; one that doesn't involve neocitran and hourly naps.

The only thing that would have made the day better was if we HADN’T had a fire drill while I was waiting for CBC Manitoba to return my call. But, at least I was more than cozy while we waited for the all-clear to re-enter the building.

Everybody, Everywear

Today, I'm linking up (for the first time) with the Everybody, Everywear challenge, which this month is coloured tights.

My first instinct was to wear all black, to make the tights pop; but then I figured I'd mix it up with a touch of grey and a little bit of purple.

Sweater, Dress, TIghts - H&M; Shoes - Nine West (Thrifted)
Nail Polish - Sally Hansen Slick Slate

Check out the rest of the other entries at Everybody Everywear. Looking forward to the November challenge!