Outfit Of The Day (Never So Big, Never So Tall; Never So Big When You Are Small)

And another study on petite proportions.

I've mentioned on here precisely 07q878q47q32984271891 times that I have a pretty weird body.  I make no bones (hardy-woo-ha!) about it, even if my self-deprication only serves as a thin-and-rather-obvious veil to shroud my insecurities. I have a long torso! I have the shortest legs ever!  My head is huge!  One day I saw in my trackbacks that someone was talking about me on a German forum dedicated to gloves! And I had no idea what they were talking about since it was in German! But I'm going to guess it was probably really weird because it was a german forum dedicated to gloves! Nothing normal ever comes out of somethin' like that, right? Right.

I wore the outfit below for a lovely night out furniture shopping (hence the flats) and stuffing my face at The Cherry Cricket + D Bar Desserts. Good times!

Once I took a look at the OOTD pictures after the fact, however, I then spent about 10 minutes trying to figure out how my camera somehow morphed me into an Oompa Loompa. My torso--so long!  My legs--so short!

When I (obnoxiously) asked my homies that were with me that night if I looked that distorted in person, they all replied no. No Chloe, they said, you did not look like you had a bad wrestling accident with a cheap carnival fun house mirror. Every single one of them said it; they all denied it. I have such good, honest-to-god-lying friends--the best type of friends to have.

But oh well. In spite of my obvious need to find some high-waisted denim skinnies ASAP, I still really like this outfit and will probably wear it again. The GAP jeggings are ridiculously comfy, and sometimes I just get tired of paying attention and following rules when dressing myself. Sometimes I just want to embrace my body and all of its goofball proportions, and not think so hard about it, and I suppose that the outfit below is a great example of doing just that.

Also, rusty-orangey-red has always been one of my favorite colors for fall. It's popping up everywhere this year, and so I am happily collecting everything I can find in this hue. This J Crew blouse is a great example, and it goes quite well with the shop-vac in the background (if I do say so myself):

Blouse: J Crew Silk Lucinda Blouse (buy it here!) (similar style here) (and a pretty style from Vince)

Belt: J Crew (similar style here, on sale)

Jeans: GAP Gummy Jeggings (buy them here + take 30% off with code "GAPFALL") (similar style here at Old Navy) (and here for $30)

Necklace: Topshop (buy it here) and J Crew Biseau Necklace (buy it here)

Ring: ALDO (similar style here)

Flats: Miu Miu (similar style here by Vera Wang) (and here + take 20% off with code "SEPEVENT") (and here at DSW) (and here on sale for $40.70)

Bag: Chanel Classic Flap (similar style here) (and here on sale by Rebecca Minkoff) (and here for $50)

Next up we have a bit of the opposite. I have been slightly obsessed with the Pilcro Superscript flares over the past few months, even going as far as to try them on every single time I found an Anthropologie. I tried them on in Denver! I tried them on in Minneapolis! I tried them on in Denver again!  And again!  And again!

I finally gave into the temptation a few weeks ago after my 100th time of trying them on. I have been boo-hissing Anthropologie most of this year due to their suddenly strange inventory (I am not paying $500 for a blanket of a coat that runs XS-S-M-L, thanks) but....oh these flares. They are fun and ridiculously comfy, with a good amount of stretch to keep them snug but cozy, too. They are totally worth having to break my Anthropologie ban.

The only problem? My inseam hovers between 29 to 30 inches; in the pictures below I am teetering around in 4.5" heels and I still need to get them hemmed up a bit a lot. I snapped these pictures right before I sent them in to the tailors and until I get them back, I promise that I have feet. You'll just have to trust me here, guys:

Blouse: GAP (buy it here) (similar style here) (and a splurge by Parker here) (and here at Old Navy for $15)
Belt: J Crew (similar style here) (and here by Michael Kors) (and here for $15)
Pants: Anthropologie (buy them here) (similar style here for under $60) (similar here) (and here for $39.60!)
Shoes: Dior Lolita Booties (similar style here) (and here + take 20% off with code "SEPEVENT") (and here by Calvin Klein, on sale)
Necklace: Ann Taylor (similar style here) (and a stunning splurge from kate spade here) (or design your own here!)
Bag: Lanvin Sweet Dora (buy it here) (similar style here, on sale!) (and here for $45)

(Currently Listening)

Outfit Of The Day (The Green Scene)

I hope that everyone is having a great weekend so far; just a quick update for today!  I gave into the much-loved AG Stevie Ankle Jean from Anthropologie a few weeks ago after finally making it to the mall to try them on in person.  I was super impressed and could immediately see why they get such great reviews--they are incredibly comfy, soft, stretchy, and the 27.75 inseam makes them great for petites!  They are also a little dose of fun for the ol' wardrobe, even a bit of a challenge perhaps, as I tend to stick mainly to a safe, neutral palette. Look at me here getting all wild & randy--look out! Next up I'll be all out of control and drinking regular soda (not caffeine free!) and staying up past 10pm, I just know it.

I also picked up this mix fabric crepe jacket by Kimchi Blue at Urban Outfitters in the same shopping trip.  It is light, airy, and perfect for layering over tanks in the heat of summertime. I do think it runs a little small--I sized up one size, and could have probably gone up even one more size if I wanted it to fit as  loose as it does on the website model. I prefer my jackets to fit tight however, as if it they are giving me a firm, permanent hug, so if you were hugged enough as a child and like a looser fit, adjust accordingly. I also grabbed it in orange, as it reminded me just enough of this beautiful Diane Von Furstenberg blouse that I've been lusting after in a similar color.  So pretty!

I would also like to note that for those of you that missed out on the J Crew Perfect Patent Pump a few years back, it's back!  Kinda. They've made a few small changes (it isn't patent and they have now dubbed it the "Valentina")  but the overall concept is the same with a sleek pointed toe and a low-enough-to-be-comfy-but-still-high-enough-to-not-be-boring heel.  The "weathered rose" color is beautiful, isn't it?

Valentina Pumps - J Crew

I have a pair in "vibrant coral" currently sitting in my closet and I think that they fit  pretty darn true to size for J Crew shoes. They are a little spendy for basic pumps, but so worth it--I've literally worn holes into my dusty rose Perfect Patent Pumps from wearing them so much over the years! They are absolutely my favorite comfy heel to wear, bravo J Crew.

And last but not least, I neglected to notice that one pant leg was kind of rolled up when I took these shots; now  my secret of being a super pale-white-girl-homie-mang-in-disguise-still-trying-to-make-it-happen-like-it's-2007 has (apparently)  been ruined. Sigh. Please forgive:

Cardigan: Kimchi Blue (buy it here) (similar style here for $44) (and here) (and here at F21)

Tank: J Crew (buy it here)

Belt: J Crew Skinny Patent Belt in Golden Amber (buy it here) (similar style at ASOS for $17) (and here)

Jeans: AG Stevie Ankle (buy them here) (similar style for $58 here) (and here, select colors $35) (and here in a flare!)

Shoes: J Crew Perfectly Patent Pumps in Dusty Rose (similar style here) (and here for under $100!) (and here for under $100!) (and here for under $50)

Bag: Lanvin Sweet Dora Crossbody (buy it here) (similar style here) (and here) (and here, under $50)

(Currently playing)

Outfit Of The Day (Bi-Stretch Wool Minnies + A Diverse Density Tank)

I swear that I don't mean to keep wandering off this blog as much as I have been doing lately, but if there is any good time to get a little lazy with blogging it's probably in the summertime.  It's nice outside! There's so much to do!  There are things are going on!  You know--things that don't involve me standing next to an stinging cold, foggy window telling the (prettily! falling!) snow to oh-shut-the-fuck-up in a high, squeaky voice.

Pictures are worth a thousands words, so here are some snaps I've taken recently of a few things I've been enjoying this summer:

The "Ellsworth" - Denver Biscuit Company.
It was good. Spicy!

The crowd @ Fleet Foxes - Thursday July 21st, Fillmore Auditorium
It was also good, but maybe not quite as spicy.

A McDonald's mix up during a quick lunch
I accidentally got someone else's very quirky order for a cheeseless cheeseburger (and it really didn't have any cheese on it, ew!)

 Strike a pose.
Doing some...shopping something with friends at a vintage clothing store off of Broadway. Um. I may or may not have been wearing a coonskin hat as I snapped this picture?

 Baby birds, day 1.
A surprise in my cheap Target wreath I found a few weeks ago. TAKE THAT MOTHERFUCKER MARTHA STEWART, TAKE THAT!

Baby birds, day 2. 
Oh! Oh damn. I think one is alive.  And...wants me to feed it?

Baby birds, day 3.
Fuzzy baby bird time!

Baby birds, day 5
If a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, how much...is a lot of a bird poop worth? Because there was a lot.  It almost took away from the fuzzy baby birdie cuteness.

 Baby birds, day 7
So this is Mo, Mo Hawk. His siblings Faux, Kitty, and Ad were all still snoozing when I snapped this.  One might even say Mo is a bit of an early bird, and also a charmer--he wanted me to go catch the worm for him. Watch out ladies, watch out.

Baby birds, day 7
Aw.

Aw again.

HEY. FAKER.

Here I'm talking to Petunia while she's pretending to snooze, and once she realized there wasn't cheese + crackers involved she gave me her extremely fuzzy, fluffy cold shoulder.

Hellooo, my pretty.

 Surprise sparkly, fun bracelets in the mail from a great bloggy friend, Rosa!

An afternoon storm rolling in.

In fashion news, retailers have already begun to jam their racks full of fall goodies and ohhhh, I am so excited!  While I will always be a warmer weather girl myself, we were just getting started last fall with the REAL GOODS (capes!  camel hues!  midi lengths! silk blouses! leopard prints!  lady-like satchels! faux fur! 70's chic!) and it looks like this fall is going to pick up right where it left off with even more capes, camel hues, midi lengths, silk blouses, leopard prints, lady-like satchels, faux furs, and...70's chic. This summer has just been kind of a blip-of-blah in between the goodness; like the mandatory tart green, pine-sol tasting skittles we accidentally grab while trying to dig out the reds, purples, oranges, and yellows. It is okay for something different, I suppose, but you most certainly do not want an entire bag of it. Unless you're totally weird.

J Crew's newest arrivals also have me excited for the first time in a few years (is it really that good, or have I just now, like most tired 30-year olds, lowered my standards?), and the Minnie pants in "warm redwood" were my first purchase from the collection. They get five stars from me--they are comfy, light enough to wear right now in spite of being wool, and a  great hue if you want to rock some red pants but want something a bit more muted and easier to wear. Bravo, J Crew, bravo. I think they run pretty true to size, but if you want a tighter fit like how the model is wearing them consider sizing down.  Like, um, five sizes.

The Diverse Density tank by PIlcro from Anthropologie was my next pick. Colorblocking is one of those little trends that I dreaded at first (too simple! so androgynous! how can I over-accessorize  the living daylights out of it?),but like most trends, I have slowly warmed up to it as time has gone on (zombiezombiezombie). This tank is exactly what I was looking for, with a sweet bow for a bit of a feminine twist. Hooray?

Not quite. It is absolutely huge in person; here it is on me in an XS:

 (this is my universal symbol for "it's huge"; it's also the pose I immediately strike whenever Husband says, "fancy a date night at smashburger?" and/or how I look when trying to ungracefully get my shoes off the tippy-top shelves.)

I was hesitant to belt this top because hey, it is supposed to be clean looking and color blocked and blah-blah-blah-leave-it-alone-for-once-Chloe-GEEZ...but I finally gave in, slapped a black skinny belt around the waist, and never took it back off.  It gives the top just the right shape without ruining the look too much, I think. It really is a pretty top, made out of a soft swingy jersey, and one of the first times I have ever been at Anthropologie and thought something was priced oddly "cheap". I kept looking for the 1 that they forgot to put in front of the $48, but no worries--the Persian Floral Blouse has an extra that this top could kindly borrow.


Quick! Before Anthropologie figures it out!

Top: Diverse Density Tank by Pilcro (buy it here) (similar style here) (and here) (and here) (and here) (and here at ASOS, too!)
Belt: J Crew (similar style here)
Pants: J Crew Minnie in Bi-Stretch Wool in Warm Redwood (buy them here) (similar style here for $20) (and here at ASOS) (and another option at ASOS in a flare leg)
Shoes: J Crew Mona Pumps (buy them here) (similar style here under $100) (and here under $100) (and here)
Watch: Michael Michael Kors Large Runway Watch (buy it here) (similar style here for $115) (or a cuff for under $50)
Bracelet: Forever 21 (buy it here) (similar style here)
Bag: J Crew Galaxy Sequin Crossbody (similar style here) (and here on sale for $36) (and here by Rebecca Minkoff!)

(Currently playing in the hizzouse)

Outfit Of The Day (The Eyeleted Corset Top)

First things first---I would like to give a huge thank you to everyone that gave advice regarding the bamboo floors on my last post!  We spent a little bit more time researching last night and decided to order the floors tonight.  I AM SO EXCITED! It's back-ordered and won't be in for another month, and then it needs another month to acclimate to the house...so it sounds like July will be the month of big changes. I just only hope that I can match my safety hard hat to my shoes in my OOTD photos.

Moving right along--just a quick post for today! Anthropologie and I have been in cahoots over the past few months; it seems like I  either run really hot or really, really, really cold when it comes to that store.   You know how it is--you either like the odd bird vase that would look like it was throwing up flowers if flowers were placed in it....or you don't.  I'm pretty sure it's dictated by lunar cycles and/or how many commercials and magazine advertisements Maggie Gyllenhaal is currently  in.

But when I spied this little Floreat corset in the May catalog it was grabby hands all over the place. It has everything I like in a printed piece (lt's fun!  it has lots of easy-to-match colors to what I already have in my closet!) and can also be easily dressed up or down.  Two big thumbs up!

So here it is with a skirt, shown on an extremely pale model that looks like she's about 2 seconds away from wobbling and tipping over.  Just for a quick example, timberrrr:

And here's how I actually wore it.  This corset fits a bit small (I sized up one size, and if you have any sort of chest I cheerfully recommend doing the same) and also comes with removable straps in case you don't feel like yanking your top up all through out a fancy Friday night dinner.  

I'd also like to say that these Manolo's are probably the most comfortable pair of shoes I've ever owned--I could walk for miles.  You're going to be seeing a lot of them:

Top: Floreat Eyeleted Corset Top (buy it here) (similar style here) (and here for $44)
Cardigan: J Crew (similar style here + take 30% off with code "GAPMOM") (and here)
Jeans: GAP Jeggings (similar style here) (and here on sale)
Bag: Chanel Classic Flap in Camel (similar style here) (and here) (and here) (and here for under $100)
Shoes: Manolo Blahnik Uliepe Heels (buy them here) (similar style here) (and here) (and here, on sale!)



Have a happy weekend, everyone!

Outfit Of The Day (Slightly Skewed)

Hooray, it's Friday! Not too much is new here. Husband and I have been working feverishly to gear up for a vacation to celebrate our wedding anniversary, and I seriously can't wait.  One thing that we rarely do is go on a trip together that doesn't involve friends or family members and/or staying with friends or family members...and while I always have a blast on those trips, it will be great to get away with just the two of us.  Aside from our annual 3-day trips to Steamboat Springs every October, we haven't had a relaxing vacation to ourselves in five years!  Yikes!

Five years!

(Which is exactly why I have resorted to giving my handbags and shoes nicknames like "Hawaii", "Bali," "Australia", "San Diego", "Dollyworld", and "Maine-Just-Because-I'm-Really-Curious")

So it's finally happening this year, a fun vacation with just the D-hubs and me. And while I will certainly miss the sexy ambiance of my slightly deaf dad yell-talking at my slightly deaf mom at 6 in the morning, or the sound of 5 dogs being herded down the echo-y hallway of wood floors in my twin sister's house in South Dakota (again at 6 in the morning)...um.

Mama Chloe needs some alone time with Husband.  And a beach and a strawberry daiquiri.  And a good book. And a point and shoot camera (still).  And some sunblock.  And a fabulously big sunhat.  And a cute little fedora.  And some cheap beach sandals. And more suitcases.  And a porcupine quill necklace from Lulu Frost. And someone to secretly, shamefully see Water For Elephants with me and then loudly protest it after because god, chick flicks are just awful and gross even if they are actually good and amazing, aren't they?  WHO GOES TO THOSE ha ha ha ha awkward laugh NOT ME except you know  maybe sometimes, shhhhush.

On to the outfit! I like my outfit today. I feel like I'm about to go on some sort of fancy safari through the wild jungle of Colorado.  I almost didn't keep the Pizzoccheri jacket when I bought it, as I was wearing my ever-so-fancy pair of sale-goggles at the time; something about the fit was a little off and crop-lengthed jackets can be difficult to wear, especially for a long-torsoed person like me.  But I forgot to return it and I'm rather glad I did, as I'm suddenly reaching for it a lot more. Its weight is perfect for cool spring days and the fabric is ridiculously soft, too!  Don't you love it when that happens?

Woomp here it is, the leaning tower of Chlo-isa. Oh tripod:

 Jacket:  Anthropologie Pizzoccheri Jacket (similar style here) (and here at ASOS) (and here on sale!)

 Cami: Wyatt Sahara U-neck Ruffle Blouse (buy it here) (similar style here) (and here at Old Navy)

Jeans: GAP jeggings (similar style here, on sale!) (and here, on sale!)

Belt: Banana Republic (similar style here at ASOS)

Shoes: Ash Jezebel Wedges AKA "The Serengeti From An Air-conditioned Tour Bus" (buy them here, on sale!) (similarish style here for $50) (these also look great with jeans - but they run big + take 15% off with code "SAVEME15")

Bag: J Crew Galaxy Sequin Bag AKA "Canada For The Maple Donuts And THAT'S IT"  (similar style here) (and here)

Have a lovely weekend and happy Easter, everyone!