CllSTAFFAIRS – Page 8 – Style Blogger

Falling for FALL

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Gloomy days call for a pop of something and so this red leather jacket came out to play. I’m really happy with this purchase because of the fit and feel and the price was great! And you can see it all over the blogsphere of other bloggers wearing it over-sized but I don’t think it works with my frame.

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Zara did an amazing job in their outerwear department this season. They have other colors as well and I’m really interested in the army green and mustard leather jackets. Those colors would definitely be perfect for Fall and Winter.

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I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. Stay tuned for more cold weather outfits. I can’t wait for a full bloom of Fall colors to arrive!

xx – Valentine

Zara Leather Jacket (Similar HERE & HERE) | H&M Turtleneck Jumper | Asos Trousers (Similar HERE & HERE) | Zara Flats | Francesca’s Faux Suede Backpack (Featured HERE ; CELINE DUPE, no longer available) (The actual backpack is HERE)

Pink & The Osceola Train

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Can we just take a moment to adore the color of this trench coat?! Ahhh…. I literally squealed upon seeing this on ASOS. I was looking for a pink coat to wear in Fall and not all the clothing sites I had encountered carried the correct petite size. Or one that wouldn’t cost me more to have it tailored . And I actually went on ASOS a couple times before I found this one.

I’ve purchased petite clothing from ASOS in the past, but not outerwear. And I will say it runs true to size. The sleeves hit right at the wrist and the length does not overwhelm my petite frame. I am 5’1″ and the coat length is 32 inches. I absolutely would look into ASOS coats/jackets if you want to update your outerwear wardrobe and you are petite like I am.

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It’s definitely befitting for a train ride too. We went to Osceola, Wisconsin and this was my first short travel by train. It was a 20 mile tour along Osceola & the St. Croix river. I should’ve waited a few more weeks for all the leaves to turn their colors but that thought strayed later on.

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But my boyfriend and I have been looking into states neighboring our home state or near by that we could further explore. We thought maybe because we’re still growing our international travel fund, we could journey close to home. Of course that costs some, but it doesn’t break into our other fund. And so as the first place, we found this train depot. I loved the experience of a classic train ride. And the color inside very much reminded me of something from the 1950’s. I enjoyed it very much. Thank you Osceola!

xx – Valentine

ASOS Petite Pink Trench | Banana Republic Button-Up (Similar HERE) | Levi’s 710 Skinny Denim (Similar HERE & HERE) | BCBG Blush Mules (Similar HERE & HERE) | Francesca’s Backpack (NLA**)

** NLA – no longer available

The end of Summer in Dots & Culottes

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The last of Summer days are here. I’m not quite sure what’s happening with the weather lately. It’s had many moods in the last couple of weeks like when these shots were taken, it was 80 degrees.

And though I may not be a fan of hot humid weather,I do love culottes. They’re the perfect cross between casual and chic and how they billow when the wind blows.

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Cheers to Summer & HELLO Fall ..

xoxo – Valentine

Topshop Lattice Top | ASOS Culottes | Zara Pumps (Similar HERE) | Michael kors Crossbody (Featured HERE)

Fall Vibes with Forever 21

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Hello Friends! It’s been a LONG while since my last post. I’ve been caught up in school and figuring out other personal events. But can we just take a moment to admire this mini dress?! It screams Fall and I couldn’t be happier! The temp is slowly dropping and I really just want Summer to end now. If anyone knows me, I am not a fan of hot humid weather. I rarely do much in this season but I don’t think I’m missing out on much. I find it incredibly uncomfortable to do anything in weather that leaves you sticky 20 mins into being outside. Nonetheless, it’s coming to it’s end and then the best season will be upon us.

I hope everyone has had a wonderful August so far. This year is just flying by and now I’m sitting here trying to remember memorable moments; or Polaroid moments I should say. Enjoy the rest of your week! 💋

P.S. Shop this look below if your excited for Fall!

xx. Valentine

Forever 21 Floral Smocked Dress (Similar HERE & HERE) | Mango Metallic Handle Bag | Banana Republic Taupe Boots (Similar HERE & HERE) | MAC Velvet Teddy

…. Where have I been? // H&M

I’ve been MIA and for a good reason …. I’M GOING BACK TO SCHOOL! It’s been a long debate but I believe Nursing School will be amazing! I’ve already received many questionable expressions in regards to a Nursing career because my ultimate love is Fashion. But during my debate, I asked myself many, many times whether I should pursue public relations, which does align with fashion or go to design school. Then Nursing was thrown into the loop.

And though I’ve gone to design school for a couple years, it just wasn’t my cup of tea. I found it monotonous, the sewing especially. I love sketching designs of course, but I believe you have to love everything within what you’re passionate about for there to be continuous success. Yet, to each their own.

So how does Nursing fit into my life? I love children and being able to work with them. When I was a Montessori Teacher way back when, I found lots of happiness there. The way they think and grow and what they teach. But specifically, I would love to be an OB or a Pediatric Nurse.

Now I’m not stopping my blog or halting my beautiful fashion finds ( I WOULD NEVER .. LOL). But it shall definitely remain my most prized hobby …

xx. – Valentine

Ten Sherman Sixty Distressed Tee (Similar HERE & HERE) | H&M Lace Skirt (HERE, HERE & HERE)| Michael Kors Sloan Editor (Other colors HERE & HERE) | Zara Pumps (Featured HERE)

Dots – Undone // Banana Republic

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Banana Republic has done it again! I usually find myself scrolling pass the trousers section because their 00P are still big on my extra petite frame, but these were a head turner and more. They’re definitely a classic piece and so summery. I can see myself wearing these for many summers to come.

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As I previously mentioned about their sizes, these trousers ran bigger than what their petite guide lists. And by “bigger”, the waist in these trousers were 3 inches wider. Since I loved them so much, I had them tailored to my normal 24″. I kept the hem as is because I choose to wear heels with them. But I am actually thinking of buying another pair just so I can have it hemmed to wear with flats. Decisions … Decisions ..

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Since I purchased these on a deal, I had them tailored and the sale price + the tailor’s price, came out to the pant’s original cost. So in all, this was a great buy. I may wait for another deal though for that second pair.

What’s your take? Would you buy a second pair you LOVE to wear with flats on occasions like this? Comment below and let me know! 🙂

Thank you for visiting! Have a wonderful Wednesday!

xx. Valentine

H&M Top – old (Similar HERE & HERE) | Banana Republic PETITE Dot Trousers – 00P | Michael Kors Clutch | Christian Sirano Heeled Sandals – old (Similar HERE & HERE)

Sunset – Beach // Soludos Merida Basket

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I am absolutely in LOVE with the straw bag trend this season! Whenever I see one, I am reminded of how connected we are because these bags come from all over the world. There’s so much culture and effort that’s put into creating it. Soludos definitely captured my love for this Merida Pom Pom Basket.

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And between cultures, lies some water and sand. The sunset was so beautiful here and whats more is how this place could pull off as a mini Bermuda. I haven’t been there but from pictures, it is breathtakingly serene.

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I could’ve danced all night with the sand in my toes as the slow tides came in. And the night sky would’ve been filled with stars and the breeze would be just right. But of course, everything comes to an end. The beach has to sleep, closing it’s land just shy of ten.

…There will be more of these summer days where there’s no agenda but just play.

Thanks so much for reading. I hope your weekend was filled with sunshine and smiles.

xx. Valentine

Forever 21 Maxi Dress (Similar HERE & HERE) | Forever 21 Wrap Up Sandals – old (Similar HERE, HERE & HERE) | Soludos MERIDA Woven Basket (Similar HERE & HERE) \ Ann Taylor Raffia Earrings

Topshop ‘MERCI’ // Denim – Skirt Classics

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I came upon this tee while watching a Youtuber showcase some of her Summer wardrobe pieces. At first, it was just another tee with words on it, but every time I came by it on Nordstrom’s online shop, it grew more and more on me. And then it dawned on me how similar it looked to Gucci’s tee. The upside, Topshop’s piece doesn’t come with a hefty price so I snagged a medium. This was such a hot item then that there weren’t any smalls left.

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While this tee was on it’s way to my home, I did occasionally check online to see if they had restocked a small and they hadn’t. At this point I was still skeptical about keeping it since I’m not keen on over-sized pieces. And reason being that it would swallow my small frame.

When I opened the package, it wasn’t as big as I had imagined. And it was also 100% cotton which meant if I wanted it to fit more snug, I can wash it in hot water and dry it on high heat (best way to shrink cotton or linen one size down).

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In all, this was a good purchase. I wanted to change up this business skirt so choosing a tee over a blouse was a win. Plus, this little denim jacket screams casual as well.

Thanks so much for reading. I hope everyone is having a good holiday. (It’s my half birthday on July 4th so I’m most definitely going to enjoy it!) Happy 4th Friends!!

xx. Valentine

Denim Jacket – old (Similar HERE & HERE) | Topshop Merci Tee | H&M Skirt – old (Similar HERE & HERE) | Zara White Pumps (Featured HERE) | Michael Kors Clutch – old (Similar HERE & HERE)

Summer Stripes // J.O.A.

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I LOVE STRIPES! They remind me of Paris. The way the french girls dress it, minimal and so chic. Now I know not everyone likes it because it can shorten or can make you appear wider; so petite women have been told to avoid them. But I’d like to differ.

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Not all stripes are created equal, but petite women can own it. Whether these stripes are placed close or far apart on a garment, you can choose and wear accordingly for your body. Like this top from Nordstrom. The lines are vertical and horizontal. The reason why it doesn’t appear off is because of how it closely fits to my body and on top of that, there’s a tie-belt allowing me accentuate my waist. The little flare below the waist gives me hips too (this part though, may not work for all petite bodies. I have a rectangular shape of close equal width from the shoulders all the way through to my hips). This top was

What ever the reason, there are a few striped choices to choose from, direction wise. I find that trying it on, in multiple cuts or fabric, works wonderfully.

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If you love stripes, great! If you’re trying it out for the first time, don’t splurge on a quality piece until you know how stripes sit on you. But it is a classic staple and everyone should have it in their wardrobe. It’s great for dressing up or down.

xx. Valentine

J.O.A. Stripe One Shoulder | Paige Denim Skinny (Similar HERE & HERE) | Michael Kors Sloan Editor Shoudler Bag | Zara Pumps (Featured HERE) | Forever 21 Statement Studs (Similar HERE & HERE)

Cityscape // Express Petite

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I love duster coats!! And Being petite doesn’t stop me from wearing them. In fact, I believe they lengthen your height when it’s the correct cut. Which Express has done a wonderful job with. When the length falls just right as well as the sleeves, you’ve got a good thing going. I stand at only 5 feet and this coat isn’t drowning me at all.

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When I first saw this is in regular sizing, I pulled the smallest size (0 Regular) just to try on. And yes, obviously the cut wasn’t working. But of course I knew that Express carries Petite Sizes online, therefore I jumped on the site and made a purchase.

The color is a beautiful shade of sunset pink, which is perfect for Spring/Summer. And I included Summer because it’s actually been 65 degrees and windy here (Mother Nature has been playing tricks). So this has been my go to jacket. In terms of weight, the fabric is semi-light and airy.

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Since I wanted this jacket to stand out, I paired it with a basic distressed tee and skinny denim. I threw on the shoulder bag to keep the shades of pink repeating. In a previous post, I mentioned that I have been wearing blush pink as a neutral, and here it is just that but it also compliments the shade in the jacket. So you can definitely dress the jacket up or down.

I hope everyone’s weekend was well, whether it was a relaxed one or you had an event. Thanks so much for reading. Happy Monday!

xx. Valentine

Express Petite Jacket (Similar HERE, HERE & HERE) | Ten Sixty Sherman Tee (Similar HERE & HERE) | Levi’s 710 Skinny (Similar HERE & HERE) | Kate Spade Shoulder Bag (Similar HERE & HERE) | Zara Studded Flats (Similar HERE & HERE) | BP Sunglasses (Similar HERE & HERE)