Oh, Hello, Snow!

Sweater: Kimchi Blue, Button-Down: Abercrombie, Jeans: Current/Elliott Bag: Rebecca Minkoff, Boots: Nine West, Sunglasses: Van Heusen, Necklace: Ann Taylor, Bracelets: Saks, Nordstrom, Arden B.

I confess: I went shopping on Black Friday—my lovely mom and I go every year and shop ‘til we drop in the middle of the night.  One of my best finds was the $8 pair of sunglasses I’m wearing in these photos.  Who knew Van Heusen had such cute, well-made, polarized sunglasses?

As I later wandered through Breckenridge, I stumbled upon an amazing, brand-new little shop on Main Street called Boutique Bling.  I will be sharing more about it in a future post, but I had to tell you now how excited I am about this little discovery.  It definitely made my Black Friday!

How about you, readers?  Any amazing Black Friday finds or deals? Any suggestions or hopes for Cyber Monday?

An Orange Revelation

Photos: Katie Derus, Blazer: H&M, Cardigan: Abercrombie, Camisole: Victoria’s Secret, Skirt: H&M, Belt: Urban Outfitters, Bag: Coach, Shoes: MICHAEL (similar here), Necklace: Ann Taylor, Bracelets: Saks, Nordstrom, Earrings: Kendra Scott.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!  For all that are reading from outside the U.S., today is a national holiday all about gratitude for all the blessings we have in our lives.   I’m very grateful that I am able to spend this day with family and dear friends.

The outfit featured in this post is perfect for a holiday spent enjoying the balmy autumn weather we’ve been so lucky to have in Denver recently. Bless H&M for both opening a store in our little city and for carrying slim-fitting, petite-friendly blazers like the one I’m wearing. Although I occasionally have to get sleeves shortened on their coats, H&M blazers seldom need tailoring, which makes both my bank account and me very happy.

The orange skirt I’m wearing is one of my favorite purchases this fall.  I love how the reddish-orange color has a little sheen that appears different in various lighting conditions, as you can see in the photos.  While I initially worried I’d have to pass on the midi skirt trend, I’ve found it can definitely work for petites, too.  It’s important to make sure the skirt falls at a flattering point on your lower leg—generally just above or at the lower curve of your calf muscle.  That way, the lean part of your lower leg will create the impression of sleekness and height.  Heels are, of course, a must, and it’s helpful if they’re in a shade close to your skin tone to further contribute to the appearance of height.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I’d like to thank everyone who’s been so supportive of this little blog of mine.  I hope you all have a wonderful holiday (and a very successful Black Friday!).

Unique New York, Petite New York

Photos: Katie Derus, Coat: Zara, Top: Aeropostale | Jeans: H&M | Boots: Zara | Flats: Sam Edelman | Scarf: Target | Bag: Longchamp | Sunglasses: F21 | Earrings: Kendra Scott | Bracelets: Saks, Nordstrom, J.Crew | Watch: Vintage Dior

Day Two in New York: shopping!  (Okay, some sightseeing, too--photos were taken near City Hall and on the High Line.)  As a fashion enthusiast, I obviously adore shopping. However, it's always a challenge to find clothes that fit both my aesthetic sensibilities and my very petite frame. I am always in search of off-the-rack pieces that fit well, but my tailor is my friend.

We don't have Zara in Denver, so I was thrilled to actually get to shop in-store at the one on Lex and 59th--the last time I had been in a physical Zara store was in Madrid in 2004!  Zara had a number of petite-friendly pieces in the store, one of which was the coat featured in the photo above. The extra-small fit me perfectly in the shoulders, and both the overall length and the sleeve length were appropriately scaled for my frame. It comes in a number of gorgeous colors and is actually quite warm--a must for winter in Denver.

In these photos, I'm also wearing another off-the-rack, petite-friendly item: a button-down denim shirt from Aeropostale. Granted, I feel a teeny bit silly waltzing in there with girls who are half my age, but I really like how slim-fitting their button-downs and sweaters are. To see more photos of New York from my photographer, check out this post on her website.

A New York State of Mind

In Which a New Fashion Blogger Is Inspired in New York . . .

Photos: Katie Derus | Jacket: Gap | Top: F21, Jeans: Wet Seal | Circle Scarf: Nordstrom | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | Boots: ZARA | Sunglasses: F21 | Necklace: Banana Republic | Bracelets: J.Crew, Aldo, Nordstrom, F21, | Watch: Vintage Dior

Skyscrapers.  Lights.  Ribbons of roadways crossing over each other.  From the window of an airplane, New York looks like any other big city--but as one descends over Manhattan, New York's signature, unique style becomes increasingly evident. A closer look out of the airplane window reveals the round-the-clock glow of Times Square, the expanse of fall color in Central Park, the majestic bridges spanning the Hudson River.

After a cab ride over the Triborough Bridge, an autumn stroll through the streets of Manhattan’s eclectic neighborhoods gives even more of a peek into the individualistic style that makes New York the singular, inimitable city it isA girl in sky-high red platform pumps and a conservative tweed suit waits for the subway. A woman attired head-to-toe in bright yellow sells coffee to grim-looking men in pinstriped suits.  A dog in black watch plaid sniffs a garbage can appreciatively while his leather-clad owner buys Gerbera daisies at a corner flower shop. Creative inspiration truly exists on every corner.

New York is a city full of interesting, unique, appealing elements that please, surprise, and inspire the observer. Even though I’m back home in Colorado again, I hope to channel that inspiring, stylish element here, both on- and off-duty.

At first glance, I appear to be just another suit-clad professional bustling through meetings and appearances, sipping an ever-present cup of coffee at my desk. A closer look, however, will reveal a girl who has a love of all things pretty and a penchant for aesthetics and style

Welcome to my creative odyssey.

Tam