Spring wardrobe

Once again, I've been traveling and that has put a hold-on my posts here. My apologies. But I have definitely found time to get some shopping in. Unfortunately, my birthday trip to Miami is off but I plan on visited the spa this weekend instead and possibly do some more shopping. Here are a rundown of some new purchases:
I got these capris from J.Crew in the papaya color below. I wanted the grey mist color but they weren't shipping for another week to to a drop in inventory.




I love J.Crew's 3/4 sleeve boatneck tees. I picked this one up in black. Black is always great for a plane ride.




There are two things about J.Crew that bug me. Ok, maybe three. First — their shipping charges are outrageous and they rarely offer a free shipping code (they even asked that their codes be taken off the Retail Me Not forum.) But I will say their regular shipping arrives much quicker than Banana's. I'm hoping these items come by Friday — to be continued.
Second — their petite line is built so that us petites have to order a size up from our normal size. I know it's only a number, but it still gets to me!
Third — Their prices are high, period. But the quality is definitely up there so I guess it balances out.

I also recently picked up this dress from Banana. It is so fun to wear. I've been wearing it with a black or white tank underneath to dress it down a bit and it is super cute both ways. Perfect for a good dinner out.

Sale alert!

Banana Republic has 30 percent off some of their super cute summer clothes — it only lasts until May 4 so hurry up.

They have some super cute petite shorts — Bermudas too! So catch yours while you can!

Spring savings

I just got an e-mail today informing me that Banana Republic's Factory Stores are running 40 percent off everything in the store from March 20-23. If you have one nearby you, you might want to check it out. Some of these stores now carry petites — some are last year's styles and others are manufactured especially for the outlet stores. Sometimes the finds are great (shoes especially) and sometimes not, but it's worth it to take a look.

Happy shopping!

Being small has its advantages ... sometimes

I was out shopping at Banana Republic today and was bummed out because none of their sale clothes were petite or a regular x-small. But then I found a classic merino wool black turtleneck in XS and the best part was the price: $22.99 and then I had a 20 percent off coupon. Sweet ... It was originally $58.

Then later on in the day I headed over to the Banana Republic Factory Store in search of shoes. I came across a classic pair of black heels in my size (6) but no price on them. They were in the clearance section .... when I got to the register, the associate told me the good news. A $78 pair of heels for $5.19.

Now I think these bargains balance out the expensive jeans, but my friend wasn't buying it. Still this was another great shopping day.

Post-holiday sales!

Here is the rundown on the holiday sales:

*Banana Republic is taking up to 40 percent off online and in-stores (if you are lucky enough to have a store that carries petites near you. I don't.)

*J.Crew is offering an additional 20 percent off its sale items. But act quick that offer ends Jan. 1, 2008.

*Victoria's Secret, which has some short-inseam pants, has launched its Semi-Annual Sale online. I picked up a cute string bikini in an espresso color for $10.

*Anthropologie has some super cute petite dresses on sale on its web site. I always forget that they carry petites. It is such cute clothing. Check out this picture postcard dress.

Oh, my favorite!

I guess I should tell you first that I love classics. I don't really wear anything that is too trendy — you have to throw it out in a season anyway. Because I am a professional I tend to stick with merino wool v-necks and turtlenecks, cashmere, cotton shirts. (I love any button down that has a sheen to it.) But I do love color. I was trapped in the "black is my best friend" mode for a bit too long but this year its about maroons, vibrant blues, purples and deep greens. I am so looking forward to spring because white pants look great with green (see photo.)
I also love dresses — I think they are so easy to wear if you can find the right length. I am on the search for the perfect spring dress — one that is age appropriate (I am 31, not 16 anymore. More on my pet peeves later.)

Anyway, I'm getting off base a bit. Here are my favorite retailers, but as always they are subject to change at a moment's notice.

*Banana Republic. I own almost every piece of Banana's petite line (it's a wonder my husband has stayed with me). The clothes are timeless and beautifully made.
I've noticed over the past year that BR has lengthened the inseam on its petite pants, but that's OK. As a petite you have to love your tailor. Anyway, BR is my mother ship, enough said.

*J.Crew. This is my fall back store. Their clothes tend to be a bit too preppy for my taste but their suits are beautiful. I have my eye on a slate grey one right now with a cute skirt. Two things I hate though: J.Crew's petite line is only available online and you have to order one size up for petites. I know it's only a number but ...

*Jeans. I love jeans. They are my weekend/night wardrobe. Right now I don't have a particular favorite. I have AG jeans in The Club in 3 am and Emerald in the short inseam and they fit great. But over the last year they stopped making the short inseam (a local store owner told me they didn't sell well.) But 7 for all mankind and Paige Premium Denim now have petites/short inseams. I love both of those lines and am desperate for a new pair of each.

*Shoes. Once again, Banana Republic. Love their shoes. I always wear heels because I do like feeling two inches taller, regardless of the fact that I am trying to trick myself. Anyway, their shoes are great and still relatively affordable. I just can't spend $300 of a pair of shoes, no matter how fabulous they are.

*Coach. I know it has become super mainstream (I see 10-year-old girls carrying Coach purses) but I love the look of them. Some are edgy but still classy and others are just classic. I got a few gift certificates for Christmas so I'll be out looking for my next acquisition soon.