Hello, Framboise!: March 2014

Monday, March 31, 2014

Petite-Friendly Maxi Dresses at Anthropologie

I adore maxi dresses (and think they can definitely work on petite frames), but it's always a challenge to find petite-friendly ones that don't require alterations or four-inch heels. I've had some luck with Anthropologie's maxis lately, and I appreciate that they always list the length of the petite v. regular versions in their product descriptions. (Another tip: I take a look at their model photos--if the dress ends at their model's ankles instead of at the floor, the petite version will go to the floor on me).

The dress I'm wearing in these photos is their Tamsin Maxi. I sized up one size because I've noticed that this particular designer (Puella) seems to run pretty small. With our warm spring temperatures here in Denver, I've been able to wear it already with a jacket, but I think it'll be a great dress for summer.

Hope you had a great weekend!

Friday, March 28, 2014

Ladylike Tulle

Happy Friday!

Monday, March 24, 2014

Directional Stripes

I wore this fun Plenty by Tracy Reese dress for a Sunday date night with my soon-to-be husband. I had intended to potentially wear this dress to work when I ordered it, but it runs a bit small, and I decided once I put it on that it was definitely not work-appropriate. I was considering returning it, but it's comfortable and flattering, and great for cooler nights out because of the long sleeves. Although it seems like petite sizing is sold out at Anthropologie, I think the stretchiness and shape of this dress would make it a good fit in regular sizing (I'd suggest ordering your normal size in regular if you're petite; order one size up if you're not).

Have a great Monday!

Friday, March 21, 2014

Spring Fever

Just a quick post today--hope you're enjoying beautiful spring weather! My little buddy and I are loving all the sunshine lately (see below!).

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Introducing The Limited Petites

Cardigan, Top, Skirt, Bag c/o The Limited Petite | Shoes: Stuart Weitzman | Sunglasses: Karen Walker | Bracelets: J.Crew, David Yurman | Watch: Michael Kors

I'm excited to introduce all of you to a new petites collection from The Limited. Debuting last month, The Limited is now offering a large selection of their work-friendly pieces in petite sizing. This was great news for me, as it means I have another option for stylish work attire. The petite collection mirrors the regular sizing line, but for now, it is only available online.

The line comes in sizes 0P-12P for dresses and suiting pieces (with some pieces available in 00P), and in XSP-XLP for blouses, tops, and other pieces. I found that the sizing is comparable to standard petite sizing, which meant that some of my pieces required alterations. In these photos, I have the skirt pinned back a couple inches and belted, and I'm planning to have it slimmed down the sides. The sweater top I'm wearing was a perfect fit in an XSP--not too long or wide. The cardigan in an XSP had a more casual, looser fit than I like for the office, but it should make for a comfortable weekend piece.

Note: at the moment, many of the pieces in the current collection are on sale or buy-one-get-one promotions as they are making room for new spring pieces (I recently took a sneak peek at the upcoming collection, and it looks great!).

You can also check out a few more pieces from the current line styled by Jean of Extra Petite, Kelly of Alterations Needed, and KT of KTRstyle.

Disclosure: this post was sponsored by The Limited. All opinions my own.

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Joie de Vivre -- a Lettering + Style Collaboration

hello framboise lettering calligraphy joie de vivre tee shirt

Joie de Vivre Tee // Lettering by Hello Framboise

I'm so excited to share a bit of fashion + lettering love with you today. Recently, I teamed up with Kristina of Peace Love & Tulle to create a fun, unique tee that celebrated our "joy of life." It was so much fun to work with the lovely and talented Kristina and to turn my calligraphy into something wearable.

The "joie de vivre" lettering was first done with a dip pen and ink on paper, then digitized and screen-printed onto these soft, flattering shirts. The shirts are available in the Peace Love & Tulle online boutique if you want to snag one of your own (be aware that they do run a bit small--I'm wearing a size S here).

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Prep for Spring

Whenever spring begins to feel like it's just around the corner, it seems I always get the itch to pull this workhorse of a navy polka-dot skirt out of my closet as soon as the weather seems even slightly inclined to be mild (here it is last spring and the spring before that). Of course, I can be almost certain the it will snow the day after, but I kind of love that about Colorado spring.

P.S. In case your wardrobe needs both a spring update and a winter refresh, J.Crew has a fantastic sale going on at the moment with 40-50% off and lots of new stuff (petite stuff, too!) added to sale. My picks: my closet staple The Button Painter Tee, this Lace-Trim Swiss Dot Top, a work-friendly shrunken cardigan from the girls' section, The Caroline (I'd say size 10 = 00P women's, 12 = 0P, 14 = 2P or 0 regular), and lots of gorgeous coats.

Shop Today's Look

Monday, March 3, 2014

Coat Blue

It was a chilly weekend in Denver, but spring is just around the corner. A bright-colored trench coat like the one I'm wearing here is a great transitional piece for breezy spring days.

Have a great week!