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Petite Fashion Challenge #8 – Spinning the Favorite

Posted on June 16, 2011 by Elaine

Petite Fashion Challenge #8 is graciously being hosted by Gracie of Radiator Sessions.

The Challenge: “Spinning The Favorite”
Many times we settle with a style and rarely venture out to explore new ways to piece clothes and style outfits in new and different ways. With this month, I’m hoping for all of us to venture out of our comfort zones to expand our styling skills.
Thus, the challenge will be to take a “go-to” outfit, put a spin on it by styling it in a different way but still keeping a couple of essential components.

If changing up the your signature style is too great of a feat or if your closet just doesn’t quite allow it, you can keep within your signature style but tweak a few items to transform your outfit for a different occasion.

I have to admit…I was stumped on this one.  How was I supposed to spin my signature style when I don’t even know what my signature style is!!!  Coincidentally, there have been a couple of posts on this subject lately.  The ones that come to mind are from fellow petite bloggers Alterations Needed and Extra Petite.

I think I kind of cheated on this one – while this outfit is definitely one of my “go to’s” I kind of thought about how it would work for me for office and for going out at night.  Now please remember the place I work is very casual so jeans are fine and when I say “going out at night” I’m not talking getting invited to any balls or galas! 😛

So here is my regular “uniform” – jeans, blouse, cardigan:

IMG_2615
Jeans:  Banana Republic Trouser Jeans 0P
Blouse:  Ann Taylor LOFT XXSP
Cardigan: Holt Renfrew XS
Shoes: Browns size 7

I usually wear my shirts untucked because I’m lazy and I’m usually running late in the mornings.  But to “change it up” a bit, I simply tucked in the blouse and added a belt:
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Belt: Danier XS

Ok, so here’s where I cheated.  This is my “going out” look which is essentially the same outfit from this post.

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Blazer: H&M sz 2
Jeans: Gap Black Wash Jean Leggings 00 (here on sale!)
Shoes: Aldo size 7 (close up here)
Purse: Vera Bradley

See. Told ya – I cheated!  And seriously, these shoes are sooo uncomfortable 🙁 I’ve worn them ONCE!
And sorry for the dark pictures – the light in the room was changing so quickly on me!

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I had to include this picture below – how am I standing like that?  Doesn’t that look so strange?  My husband is always making fun of how I stand with my toes in.  I guess it does look weird!  😛

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Close up of the pretty bag – a new purchase while I was on vacation.

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I’m a sucker for pretty lining too!

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Thank you so much to Gracie for hosting! 
And be sure to check out her post to see all the other ladies participating 🙂
Shop a similar look:
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17 thoughts on “Petite Fashion Challenge #8 – Spinning the Favorite”

  1. Petite in the City says:
    June 28, 2011 at 3:03 am

    CHEATER!! Just kidding!! You changed the outfit!! A blazer vs. cardigan changes an outfit completely. Great outfit 🙂 I hate Aldo shoes…they don’t seem to fit me well, they’re uncomfortable and I don’t have the patience to break them in. But they’re so budget friendly…

    -Lor

    Reply
  2. Shen Dove says:
    June 19, 2011 at 11:38 am

    I love the different variations of your “uniform”! Your printed top looks great with that peachy colored blazer and nude heels.

    Reply
  3. Gracie says:
    June 17, 2011 at 11:26 pm

    Ooo! I think the blazer and nude heels really transformed the outfit channeling chicness. The original is very office friendly/everyday.. but the new one is definitely more sass. LOL, your pose did help give that feeling too. =)

    Reply
  4. Sherry says:
    June 17, 2011 at 11:16 pm

    So cute!!! I love that top – so colorful and looks gorgeous on you!! 🙂

    sweetandsassy-sherry.blogspot.com

    Reply
  5. The Little Dust Princess says:
    June 17, 2011 at 10:39 pm

    The outfit looks so good with the shirt tucked in. You should do that more often!

    Reply
  6. SewPetiteGal says:
    June 17, 2011 at 9:33 pm

    Oooh I love that blazer on you!! Such a pretty color and goes so nicely with your top too! Also love the chain strap on your bag 🙂

    Reply
  7. Ashley, Lions Lace Lattes says:
    June 17, 2011 at 4:10 pm

    This would be a hard challenge for me too. I’m not too sure what my signature style is. Maybe wearing scarves?? lol. I think all the ways you wore the outfit look great. I love it with the blazer and the shirt tucked 🙂

    Reply
  8. Slayerbabe says:
    June 17, 2011 at 1:26 pm

    I don’t think I have a signature style either, which is why I have all types of look, LOL. This look is perfect on you though – maybe it can be your new signature 😉

    Reply
  9. Jen HaHA says:
    June 17, 2011 at 11:21 am

    I like the look of a tucked in blouse with a belt on low-rise pants. I think it helps elongate petite torsos. You totally wear it well! I can’t do it as well because it accentuates my pooch, but someday. The blazer look is great, too. Sometimes I think I’m layered enough with a tank/cami and sheer blouse, but a blazer isn’t too much of another layer to dress up or professionalize an outlet. Good job!
    Jen Hemming and Hawing Again

    Reply
  10. Emmy says:
    June 17, 2011 at 4:50 am

    I love that blouse on you in both outfits…tucked in looks great as well as with the blazer!

    Reply
  11. Stylepint says:
    June 17, 2011 at 1:48 am

    Your outfits are great, no need to apologize! I’m the same way, when I go out, it’s usually not to fancy places. As for the pigeon-toed look…I do it all the time too…so I’m used to seeing it. =)

    Reply
  12. EveryDay Makeup blog says:
    June 16, 2011 at 11:51 pm

    Elaine, you really worked out the blouse so nicely! Man, I don’t even have a signature style lol.

    Reply
  13. questforfashionsense says:
    June 16, 2011 at 11:30 pm

    I tried leaving a comment earlier, but your post wasn’t showing up! It’s too bad those shoes are uncomfortable because they look fabulous. I’m also a fan of the blazer and really liking the bag…lining included!

    Reply
  14. Cee says:
    June 16, 2011 at 9:46 pm

    You look great in blazers, so I don’t see it as cheating. Besides, this is such a timeless look that never gets old 🙂

    PS – I think it’s called the pigeon-toed look 😛

    Reply
  15. gold N turquoise says:
    June 16, 2011 at 9:40 pm

    the structure of the blazer does wonders for this outfit! adore it.

    jenny
    http://goldnturquoise.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  16. Kiki says:
    June 16, 2011 at 9:19 pm

    I’m so glad I follow you on twitter! I was missing your post. And this is my favorite look on you of all time. So refined! :)))))

    Reply
  17. CynthiaC says:
    June 16, 2011 at 9:19 pm

    The blazer+top+jeggings= so chic! It’s something I’d totally wear to do brunch downtown.

    Reply

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