Aritzia - T.Babaton Bromley Military Coat

I try to go to Aritzia as infrequently as possible because every time I go in there, I spend a butt load of money. I picked up this coat (in size XXS) & a blazer. I read that a lot of teen in Canada shop at Aritzia, but honestly I don't know how they could afford it! When I was a teen or in college, the only place I shopped at was F21 or Papaya (a cheaper version of F21). Haha!

Anyway, it's still pretty warm in SF (about 70 degree-ish), but I just wanted to prepare myself for the cold weather. I get cold easily (and I mean I have my room set at 80 degrees at all times) and really want a thick winter coat when the times comes.

I went to Aritzia because I know they have really nice quality coats. I tried on a few and ended up loving this coat (wearing size XXS) and the Howell Peacoat. I decided on this because I love that you can cinch the waist. I also thought this would be more versatile since it's longer. This would be a nice length coat to wear with dresses as well.
Another blogger (CanadianPetite) also posted about this coat, see her wear it here.

What I do love about the coat is that it is really thick and heavy. It's nicely lined and definitely well made. What I'm having an issue with is that the sleeves are too long! I really wanted to get the sleeves shortened and brought it to my tailor. Unfortunately she doesn't do alterations on heavy coats.

Does anyone know how much it would cost to shortened sleeves on a heavy coat like this? If there are any SF readers out there, please recommend a good alterations place to get the sleeves shortened.

Considering the coat cost $350 (plus SF 8.5% tax) + alterations, do you think that this coat is worth keeping or should I just return it and move on to find something better? And you know what sucks, Aritzia has a 10 day return policy so I have to think quick.

Ann Taylor Overlapping Placket Blouse

I really appreciate everyone for leaving a comment on the last post about the J. Crew Petite Classic mini in felted wool. I decided on the red, but that darn skirt is on back ordered. So it's going to be a long while until I get it...

A week or so ago, I placed a large Ann Taylor order because I was enticed by their discounts. It's hard to say no to a good discount. LoL! I ordered 8 items and am probably keeping 3 of the 8. I been slow to posting pictures, but hopefully I will get to them tomorrow. I'd say this blouse is one of my favorite item from the order. I love the color and the blouse is also soft and silky to the touch. I don't really have any complaints about it. See Elle in the same blouse here.

Wearing:
Petite Overlapping Placket Long Sleeve Blouse. 00P. Color Crisp Nougat.
H&M Sweater. Size 2. (similar here)
AE Jeggings. Black Indigo Destroyed. Size 00 short.
Tory Burch 'Aurelia' Wedge. Size 5. Order 1/2 size down.
BR Dancing Bead Necklace. Love this! BR is running a 20% promo today (promo code on their site).

Off to dinner and Halloween festivities! Enjoy your weekend!

i want!

J. Crew Petite Classic mini in felted wool

Can't decide if I want a fun color or if I want to go with a practical color...
Which color would you get?

Free People Gini Blouse with Jeans or Pencil Skirt

This is one of my favorite recent finds. This Free People top is just so different and unique. I love the billowy sleeves and the texture of the top.

I been disappointed with FP's past seasons' selection because a lot of their stuff consisted of really long maxi dresses and maxi skirts. It was definitely all to long and overwhelming for a shorty like me. I find that their recent selection is more petite friendly with fitted thermals, pretty blouses & cozy sweaters.

If you're interested in FP here are a few items that run small and are petite friendly: Seamless Tupelo Honey Top (worn in this post), Polka Dotted Boho Top, Cashmere Shrug Cardigan (so soft and luxurious!) & of course the Gini top which I'm wearing below (size xs).

Items worn in this post:
FP Gini top. Size XS.
FP Filagree Circle Pendant. (similar here)
American Eagle Ankle Jegging. 00R. (similar from f21 here)
FP Fan Fringe Earrings. (similar here, here & here)
H&M Belt.
H&M Skirt. Size 2 (similar from Asos Petite here)
Nine West Rocha Pumps. Size 5. Sized down by 1/2 size.

AT Purchase with 40% off & Stackable Discount

I honestly thought I was not going to purchase anything from Ann Taylor for awhile until I saw Elle's post. I seriously am easily persuaded by discounts and promos. LOL.

Here are the discount code thanks to Elle!
40% off everything with no codes need
Use code 51100001016 for an additional 30% off full priced items (purchase has to be over $100).
With sale items, use ATCARES at checkout for 20%/25% off (with AT/LOFT card).

Everything is full price so I used the code 51100001016 for an additional 30% off .

I'm not keeping all 3 black dresses, but I am looking for a simple little black dress that is appropriate for work. Hopefully one of them will work. Also since everything is such a good deal, I also wanted to pick up a few basic items for layering.

1. Petite 3/4 Sleeve Wrap Dress . Size 00P. Black. $53.76 after discount.
2.Petite 3/4 Sleeve Side Tie Knit Dress. Size 00P. Black. $53.76 after discount.
3. Petite Modern Shift Dress. Size 00P. Black. $62.16 after discount.
4.Cotton Long Sleeve Perfect Shirt with Satin Placket. Size 00P. White. $28.56 after discount.

5.Petite Mixed Media Print Shell. Size XXSP. Black. $20.16 after discount.
6.Petite Pleated Wrap Top. Size XXSP. Indigo Ink. $24.36 after discount.
7. Petite Crew Neck Cardigan. Size XXSP. Black. $28.56 after discount.
8.Petite Overlapping Placket Long Sleeve Blouse. 00P. Crisp Nougat. $32.76 after discount.

Oversized Sweater and (P)leather Pants

I'm so happy that the work week came to an end. I had a few important meetings and was just so stressed out. I got to wear my altered AT suit and felt very good in it. Hopefully, I don't have to don a suit again in the near future.

I couldn't wait to get into my party clothes after so much business wear. This outfit was for a house warming party, but something happened to my car and we ended up not making it. Wah! Everything is okay though. I didn't want to put a good outfit to waste so I thought I'd recreate for you all!

One of my favorite items to wear during the fall is an oversized sweater. They're so comfy and warm and just easy to throw on to compliment any outfit.

I'm wearing:
FP Cable Swing Cardigan. Size XS. On sale here at zappos, but size XS only available in the camel color.
Gap Ribbed Tank. Size 0P. This has become one of my favorite tanks. I also have it in the white color. The material is comfy & thick. It's stretchy and holds it shape nicely even after wear. I highly recommend this tank if you're looking for a good basic tank to layer underneath clothes.
Nine West Rocha Pumps. Size 5. I sized down 1/2 a size. Can you tell I really like these? I think I have worn these in all my recent post. LOL.
(P)Leather Pants from Bebe. Super old and I got this for $2. (similar here & here ). It's a great way to spruce up any boring outfit.
Argento Vivo Sea Shell Necklace. (similar by Argento Vivo here & here)

Hope everyone had a nice weekend!

Gap Sleeveless Bell Dress

It was love at first sight, but after the honey moon phase I'm having second thoughts. Haha!
I really liked both dresses when I first tried it on, but after looking at these photos I'm not quite sure I want to keep them anymore.

Gap Sleevesless Colorblock Bell Dress. Size 0P. 50% off original price. It's a good deal if no alterations were needed. It's pretty roomy in the torso area. I'd have to get the top slimmed and the shoulder strap taken up a bit. I'm not sure if it's worth the trouble and $. What do you guys think? Return or keep & alter?

Gap Sleeveless Bell Dress. Size 0P. 50% off original price also.
Same issues with this dress as the one above. Given that both dress are the same size, but for some reason the Gap Sleeveless Bell Dress fits even bigger than the Gap Sleevesless Colorblock Bell Dress. My bf think the Gap Sleeveless Bell Dress looks like a potato sack. I'm definitely returning this.

Pressely Pumps by MICHAEL Michael Kors. Size 5.5. Runs true to size & comfy.
Argento Vivo Sea Shell Necklace. (similar by Argento Vivo here & here)

Altered Suit and Cheaper Suit

I finally got my suit back and it's such a relief. I thought my lady wasn't going to finish my suit on time so I bought a cheaper alternative from H&M (see below).
If you haven't seen the before photos of this suit, I posted them here.

I am wearing the Ann Taylor Triacetate Ruffle Jacket (Size 00P) & Ann Taylor Triacetate Stretch Skirt (Size 00P). I told my lady that I wanted this suit to be timeless and please not to make it too short or too tight because I want to be able to wear it for a very long time.
I know the skirt can be a tad shorter, but I really wanted it to look as conservative as possible. Given the time line, I thought my alteration lady did a great job. I can't thank her enough for being so easy to work with!

What was done at alterations?
Blazer: The back was slimmed a few inches and the sleeves were shortened about 2".
Skirt: The waist was taken in at least 2" and length was shortened no more than an 1".

I paid $119.99 for the Ann Taylor Triacetate Ruffle Jacket & $58.50 for the Ann Taylor Triacetate Stretch Skirt. I paid $50 for alterations so the total cost for this suit was $228.49. What do you guys think: fair price, cheap, expensive?

Below we have a back up suit that I bought from H&M in case I couldn't get my suit back in time. The cost of the skirt was $24 and the blazer was $49. I used a 25% coupon so both items ended up costing about $55. I think this is a great alternative if you are a college student or just any anyone on a budget. The fit is pretty decent. I think if I was to keep this suit (which I might), I'd get the skirt shortened and the sleeves shortened. Just an FYI, the material is pretty thin and wrinkles easily (I'm sure you can tell by the pics!).
Size: 2 for both item

The skirt below is the Ann Taylor Doubleweave Stretch Wool Pencil Skirt (Size 00P) which I got back from alterations. See before pics here. I just had my lady take about 1-1.5" off in the waist which made so much difference on how the skirt looks on me. Thanks to everyone who advised me to get the skirt altered! It sits higher on the waist now and looks much shorter.
Ann Taylor Drape Neck Button Front Blouse. 00P.

I also wanted to mention that Pressely Pumps by MICHAEL Michael Kors I am wearing in this post are super comfy. I love the color and the heel height. I bought these in size 5.5 (my normal size) and they run very true to size.

The Before and The Ugly

Before I start getting mean, I have to admit how much I hate shopping for suits. I don't like how I look in them and how masculine it makes me feel. If it wasn't for an important work function I have to go to soon, I wouldn't even think of getting a suit. I wasn't going to post these pics, but if anyone else is curious about how Ann Taylor suits fit, here they are for you.

Ann Taylor Triacetate Stretch One-Button Long Jacket. Size 00P.
What I like: the jacket is well made, it is lined and the material feels like the tropical wool material.
What I don't like: The fit is too big all around & not flattering at all. The length is too long for someone my height and I have a long torso too! They call it the Long Jacket for a reason...haha! I feel like I'm playing dress up in my mom's clothes. I honestly would equate this 00P to a size 6 at H&M.
Verdict: This is one is a definite return!

Ann Taylor Triacetate Ruffle Jacket. Size 00P. No longer available online, but if you're interested the Style # is 260413.
What I like: I do like the ruffles rather than the normal collar/label which makes it look more feminine (big plus in my book!). I do like the length of the jacket.
What I don't like: The sleeves are a tad too long and the jacket is too wide and roomy.
Verdict: I'm keeping and taking this to alterations to get it slimmed and to have the sleeves shortened.

Ann Taylor Triacetate Stretch Skirt. Size 00P.
What I like: I like the material and how the skirt drapes. It is lined and feels/looks well made.
What I don't like: The length is too long and the waist is too big.
Verdict: I'm keeping and taking this to alterations to get the waist slimmed and to shorten the length.

You guys are probably wondering why I'm keeping and not looking for better? Well, I really don't have time to look and don't want to look. Shopping for a suit is as fun as shopping for toilet paper. So it'd be easier just to take it to alterations, pray they will do a good job and call it a day.

BTW when I saw the word "stretch" in the description, I thought maybe it'd fit more snug. The material does not feel stretchy at all. Too bad I can't throw it in the dryer and make it shrink. LOL!

Post-alterations pics to follow in the near future...

It must be good lighting...

I started a new skin regimen lately and I'm not sure which product it is, but I'm loving the results. I did a post here about Perricone MD High Potency Eye Lift. I love that so much that I decided to give the Perricone MD High Potency Evening Repair a try. I have only been using it for a week, but I feel like the results are amazing! My skin looks more radiant, smooth and so much more hydrated. My foundation goes on so much smoother and just looks better. I'm also using a new foundation per Jean's recommendation. I tried her MAKE UP FOR EVER Duo Mat Powder Foundation when I was in Boston and just love the coverage it provides. My skin also tends to get oily throughout the day and this kept me looking pretty matte which I love. When I found out through Ms. AubreyOhDang! that the Clarisonic Mia had a price cut, I finally gave in and bought one myself. I now look forward to washing my face at night and in the morning. LOL!
My skin is also unedited in all the photos.

Outfit details:
FP Dress. Old.
Ann Taylor Double-Ribbed Trim Cardigan. Size XXSP. Color lime leaf. I love this cardigan and how versatile it is. I have worn it once to work and once here during the weekend.
Rocha pumps from Nine West. Size 5. Runs a 1/2 size too big. I normally wear a 5.5.
Alexis Bittar 'Miss Havisham' Crystal Necklace. (similar here)
See by Chloe bag. I totally have forgotten about this and glad I found it. I wore it to the mall today and some girl came up to me and asked me about it. (similar here)

Gap 30% Off Your Purchase Makes Me Shop

I had no intentions of shopping, but saw the promo and couldn't resist the 30% off. Picked up both the Sleeveless colorblock bell dress & black Sleeveless bell dress in 0P. With the discount, each dress came out to be $48 (original price $69). What a steal right?!

Promo Code: GAPFALL
Expires: 10/12 Sunday

Since my credit card was already out, my naughty fingers couldn't resist and scrolled over to the Piperlime page. I needed new nude pumps and these Pressely Michael by MK fit the bill and had good reviews. The heel height is 3.5", not too high and looks comfy enough to walk around in. I might as well give these a try before they run of my size 5.5! And just and FYI, the gap promo will not apply to these shoes.