Petite Fashion Challenge #10: Summer To Fall

This dress is actually navy and white -- not B/W like it looks here

Cardigan: Banana Republic Zipper Trim (old) - XS (similar) (i like this cocoon one)
Dress: LOFT Wanda Stripe Knit (sides slimmed) - XS / $8.50 (buy) (super cute ShopBop one!)
Belt: Ann Taylor Perfect Skinny - XS / $15 (buy) (similar)
Shoes: Marco Santi Kerries via Sole Society - 5 / $50 (similar)
Necklace: The Limited Coral (recent) - $9 (love this one!) (statement one)
Watch: Michael Kors "Small Runway" (MK5430) - $127 (buy)
Ring: Amrita Singh Jitney via HauteLook - $12 (i want this one) (similar - on sale $15)
Bracelets: Forever 21 Leatherette Wrap - $7.80 (buy), Forever 21 Gold Chain - $4.80 (similar)
Bag: Vieta Lucille Buckle Satchel - $30 / c/o TJMaxx (the real deal) (enter the giveaway to win your own!)

This post is an entry for the petite fashion challenge, hosted this month by the lovely Liza of Fashion for Teens.

Challenge: "Summer To Fall"

Take traditionally summer pieces (like tank tops, shorts, mini skirts, sundresses etc.) and make them appropriate for fall.

I love living in Texas for its warm weather, but when fall collections start to get released around August, it's hard to think about dressing for cooler weather when it's still 104 degrees outside!  Nevertheless, I decided to try my hand at transitioning a summer outfit to a fall one with a few simple tricks.

I started off with a striped sleeveless LOFT dress I scored for $8.50 (I had a 25% off coupon + $20 birthday voucher + $20 rewards card).  Given that the style didn't come in petite sizing and XS was the smallest size in store, the dress was quite big on me straight off the rack {see twitpic}.  But thanks to the magic of my tailor (aka Mom), she slimmed in the sides and tapered in the bottom skirt to ultimately make it something that fit me to a T {thanks Mom!}.

To add some elements of Fall to the outfit, I layered on a darker taupe cardigan and matched it up with shooties {shoe + booties -- yes, one of the weirdest compound words I've ever heard of}.  I can't wait until cooler weather actually comes so that I can bust out my boots, but in the meantime, this open-toed tan colored pair will be the perfect transition item!

Eyes: soft ochre paint pot, rubenesque paint pot, cosmic eyeshadow, saturnal eyeshadow, claire de lune eyeshadow, nightfish fluidline, maybelline one by one mascara
Face: studio finish concealer in NW20, fresh faces sheer neutral light foundation, margin blush
Lips: viva glam v  

As for my makeup I decided to play up the gold tones in the outfit.  I love using golds, olives, and browns in my makeup when fall rolls around too as the colors remind me of the changing autumn leaves.  So dreamy, right?  :)

Readers: how do you transition a summer outfit for fall? 

Shop This Look:

Cardigans by Old Navy

P.S. In case you missed it:

• TJMaxx "Thrill of the Find" and Giveaway - Enter to win a new Vieta Lucille Buckle Satchel!  Tweet everyday to increase your chances of winning (click to tweet)
  

  Enter @kileencheng 's #giveaway for a new buckle satchel, thanks to @tjmaxx !  http://bit.ly/o5myp8

• Menswear Inspired - Something a little less girly...but only a little.  
• Summer 2011 Song Anthems - My favorite songs of this summer!  Plus I'm doing a little party dance for you.

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Summer 2011 Song Anthems

For me, there are songs that always remind me of certain summers (I'll always associate Katy Perry's "California Gurls" with Summer 2010). And now that the summer of 2011 is coming to an end, I wanted to put up some of the quintessential songs that I will always remember Summer 2011 by {these aren't necessarily the biggest hits of the summer, just my fave songs of this summer :) }.

{Update: I added a playlist at the bottom of the post to help you get your dance on better.  And below each track I have 2 options for you to play the song -- whichever one works for you.  :) }

1. Katy Perry - "Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)"
   Does Katy Perry know the secret formula for a summer hit or what?  I didn't think it got any better than "California Gurls", but this one proved me wrong. 
   
   
   
   


2. LMFAO - "Party Rock Anthem"
   This song will get you dancing all night long.  Guaranteed.
   
   
   


3. Foster The People - "Pumped Up Kicks"
   The buzz around this new band is ridiculous.  That being said, this is my number one song to jam to when out driving.  Or just hanging around the house.  Heck, it's pretty much the best feel-good song ever.  Just don't go analyzing the lyrics...it only sounds like a happy song. 
   
   
   


4. Young Blood - "Naked and Famous"
   Definitely listen to the lyrics on this one:

   The bittersweet between my teeth
   Trying to find the in-betweens
   Fall back in love eventually
   Yeah yeah yeah yeah

   Makes you appreciate how magical yet fleeting our youth is...
   
   
   


5. Empire of the Sun - "Walking on a Dream"
   The airy falsettos and unique sound remind me a bit of Passion Pit. 
   
   
   


6. Two Door Cinema Club - "What You Know"
   Love the electric guitar in the background.  I could listen to this all day.  And maybe I have. 
   
   
   


7. Martin Solveig (featuring Dragonette) - "Hello"
   "I just called to say 'Hello' ".  Fun, punchy beat and totally cute lyrics.  This is my new favorite running song too. 
   
   
   


8. Lupe Fiasco - "The Show Goes On"
   This song is pre-dates the summer, but I didn't really get into it until a couple months ago.  Love this snippet:
   

   Go on and put your hands up
   When times are hard you stand up

   
   
   


9. Young The Giant - "My Body"
   A song that will get your body swaying for sure! 
   
   
   


10. One Republic - "Good Life"
    At almost every wedding I went to, this song was played.  It's the quintessential feel-good song to end the summer on. 
    
    
    

Meanwhile, even though a part of me wishes I could hold on to the carefree days of summer forever, I am really looking forward to cooler weather and the changes that fall brings.  But at least I can always listen to these songs again to relive my summer memories!  :)

Me looking ridiculous as I blare my car stereo and have my own little dance party.  
Dance like no one's looking, right?  :)

Jammin'.  You gotta make the face. 

Readers: What are some of your Summer 2011 song anthems?  Share in the comments!

P.S. In case you missed it:

• Menswear-Inspired - If you're looking for today's outfit post, look no further! 
• TJMaxx "Thrill of the Find" and Giveaway - Enter to win a new Vieta Lucille Buckle Satchel!  Tweet everyday to increase your chances of winning (click to tweet)
  

  Enter @kileencheng 's #giveaway for a new buckle satchel, thanks to @tjmaxx !  http://bit.ly/o5myp8

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Menswear-Inspired

Love the inner striped lining!

Some pearl accessories in a headband and connector ring.

Blazer: Zara (recent) - S / $79.90 (similar) (boyfriend style)

Top: Forever 21 Tuxedo Shirt with Pussybow (old) - S (similar) (similar with pussybow)

Pants: Express Pleated Crop Pant - 00 / free with gc (an ASOS petite option) (on sale for $40)

Shoes: Aldo Black Patent Pumps (old) - 35 ($25 Steve Madden ones!)

Watch: Michael Kors "Small Runway" (MK5430) - $127 (buy)

Purse: Chanel Classic M/L Flap Replica - gifted from uncle (similar) (Michael Kors option)

Headband: Sproos Pearls of Wisdom Stretch Headband - c/o Sproos (buy)
Earrings: Forever 21 - (similar - only $6)
Ring: Forever 21 Pearl Connector Ring (old) - (cute bow connector ring)

I'm usually one for feminine looks and girly styles, but sometimes you just gotta mix it up!  I wanted to try my hand at something a little more menswear inspired, and so I went with a tuxedo top and black slacks in a classic black and white color scheme.  But, for a pop of color {and girliness}, I topped it all off with a hot pink blazer!  The girl in me will always get the last word.  :)

Eyes: soft ochre paint pot, groundwork paint pot, UD hustle, naked, virgin eyeshadows (Naked Palette), blitz and glitz fluidline, maybelline one by one mascara
Face: studio finish concealer in NW20, fresh faces sheer neutral light foundation, slave to love blush
Lips: viva glam v 

For my makeup, I was inspired by a Holly's recent tutorial.  I was a little wary of mixing a brown eye look with a black and white outfit, but considering I break this fashion rule all the time, I might as I break this makeup rule too right?   

Shop This Look:

Blazers by AK Anne Klein

P.S. In case you missed it:

• TJMaxx "Thrill of the Find" and Giveaway - Enter to win a new Vieta Lucille Buckle Satchel!  Tweet everyday to increase your chances of winning (click to tweet)
  

  Enter @kileencheng 's #giveaway for a new buckle satchel, thanks to @tjmaxx !  http://bit.ly/o5myp8

• Color Brigade: Vol 34 {Mixing Brights with B/W} - Have you entered yet?  Have your friends "Like" your post and click your entry to be featured in next week's post!

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Color Brigade: Vol 34 {Bright + Black/White}

Cardigan: Target Mossimo Mustard Cardigan - XS / $16 (similar) (similar)

 Tank: The Limited Cutout Trim Top in Deep Fuchsia - XS / $19 (buy - on sale $17 + 3% rebate!) (similar)

Skirt: Forever 21 Striped Pleated Skirt - XS / $14.80 (buy) (similar)

Shoes: Forever 21 (Dec 2010) - 5 / $15.50 (similar) (patent ones)

Purse: Chanel Lambskin M/L Flap Replica - gifted from uncle (similar) 

Necklace: Charlotte Russe Pearl Bib Necklace (old) - $7 (similar) (similar)

Watch: Michael Kors "Small Runway" (MK5430) - $127 (buy)

To me, there's nothing better than pairing some bright colors with a little classic black and white.  The fuchsia and mustard are such fun colors {and perfect for transitioning into fall, might I add!} while the black and white stripes toned down the bright outfit into something a little more wearable for a Monday back at work.  And while I'll definitely be walking around the heavily air-conditioned office sporting the cardigan, it didn't survive past 5 minutes of posing outdoors in the Texas summer heat!

Eyes: soft ochre paint pot, satin taupe eyeshadow, UD naked eyeshadow (Naked Palette), sweetjoy eyeshadow, blitz and glitz fluidline, maybelline one by one mascara
Face: studio finish concealer in NW20, fresh faces sheer neutral light foundation, blushbaby blush
Lips: viva glam v 

This makeup look uses only my most favorite MAC colors:  Satin Taupe on the eyes, Blushbaby on the cheeks, and Viva Glam V on the lips.  You can never go wrong with these shades.  And it's the most perfect no-brainer look for a busy post-weekend morning.  :)

And finally, it's Color Brigade time!  The winner of last week's feature is Jacklyn of Aly's Book rocking a pink, black, and white combo.  Looks like the trick of pairing brights with black and white isn't just a trick that I do!

Submit your entry below and tell all your friends to "Like" your entry and click on your link.  The entry with the most likes and clicks will be featured next week!

<a href="http://www.cuteandlittle.com/search/label/color%20brigade"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QpF4YBXi0UA/TSnYvr5HXfI/AAAAAAAAFCw/NfOw7_yFP54/s1600/colorbrigadebtn.jpg"></a>

Add the Color Brigade button on your blog sidebar (copy the html provided).  Entries without this button will be removed.  Submit your link by clicking on the "Click here to enter" button at the bottom of this post.  Please have an outfit that combines at least 3 different colors.  Prints count as 1 color (e.g. leopard print = 1 color) In the "Link it to:" field, please provide the url of the specific post (not the url of your entire blog, lol). In the "Caption or Title:" field, list the different colors you're wearing.  Example: Gold, Cream, and Red. You're done!  Go back and check out the other amazing entries from members of the Color Brigade!

If Linky Tools is being flaky, try this link directly:  click me

Shop This Look:

Sleeveless Tops by The Limited

P.S. In case you missed it:

• TJMaxx "Thrill of the Find" and Giveaway - Enter to win a new Vieta Lucille Buckle Satchel!  Tweet everyday to increase your chances of winning (click to tweet)
  

  Enter @kileencheng 's #giveaway for a new buckle satchel, thanks to @tjmaxx !  http://bit.ly/o5myp8

• Only Up Close - Wearing my Elizabeth and James skirt found at TJMaxx! 

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TJMaxx "Thrill of the Find" and A Giveaway! ** CLOSED **

I was lucky enough to be invited to a "Thrill of the Find" event last Thursday where I was given a tour of my local TJMaxx store by a company representative as well as an opportunity to do a little shopping.

Did you know that TJMaxx is technically considered an off-price retailer {instead of a discount store}?  Off-price means that they provide designer items that are actually on-trend and in-season!  None of this overstock business.  And if they do sell an item that is from a past season, they actually will mark it as such on their price tags!  I actually did spot a Michael Kors sleeveless sequin shell at TJMaxx that I had just seen a couple days ago at my local Macy's -- and it was almost 60% less!  Amazing right? 

This kind of off-price shopping is definitely for those who like hunting for deals.  I was so amazed at the name brand items that I saw in store that I couldn't help but take a few pics!

Gorgeous lace dress by BCBGMaxAzria for only $40?!

Elizabeth and James crepe skirt on clearance! 
Notice how they actually indicate that it's a past season style? 
The purple tag also indicates that it's designer. 

The Runway section -- filled with only high-end designer items.  Holy moly!

Check out all the other labels they carried. The buyers actually work with vendors worldwide!

Oh boy, they carry Jessica Simpson...  this might be the end of me.
How cute are these leopard heels right?

I even found myself a pair of Coach flats for $99!

Juicy Couture jewelry?!  YES.

Even Michael Kors watches!  I definitely overpaid for mine...

I was so absolutely amazed by the selection of items there -- so many labels I had no idea TJMaxx even carried!

I was given 8 very important tips on how to best shop the store, so I wanted to pass that on to you! {Note that these tips apply to TJMaxx and Marshalls, which are owned by the same parent company.}

1. Look carefully at the “compare at” value on the price tags. What constitutes a bargain?  It’s the mix of the right fashion, a respected brand name, high quality, and a great price. In T.J.Maxx and Marshalls stores, you’ll find the exact same merchandise sold in department and specialty stores, where prices are much higher. By looking at the “compare at” prices you’ll be able to calculate exactly how much money you’re saving.

2. Shop often. Marshalls and T.J.Maxx receive more than 10,000 new items each week (in every store) so you never know when you’ll find the perfect piece. Shopping off-price retailers is like finding a new store full of great deals every time you visit!

3. Get to know your store’s layout. Everyone has their favorite section, whether it is the jewelry counter at T.J.Maxx that features high-end options including 14-kt. gold, sterling silver and semiprecious stones; or Marshalls Shoe MegaShop, which houses thousands of shoes for women, men and children in an easy-to-shop format.

4. Befriend your store manager. Get to know your store manager and they’ll be able to give you the inside scoop on when new shipments arrive so you can grab your favorite brands as soon as they hit the floor.

5. Not sure where to start? Try shopping the displays at the front of the store before easing into the racks. Merchandise in this area is organized by style and designer on four-sided clothing racks. This can be a good place to start as you work your way into the racks to search for even more styles organized by size.

6. Look for the purple tags. Found on all types of clothing and accessories, these tags indicate a piece of elite designer merchandise normally found at upscale department stores. So, when scouring the racks, keep your eyes peeled for the stand-out lavender color to help find your favorite premium brand names.

7. Scan the single queue. Don’t forget to look for last-minute gifts in the checkout line. The “single queue” checkout line is often full of interesting and unique items that can make great gifts, even for yourself!

8. Never, ever, pass up a really good bargain. Our stores receive limited quantities of each item, so merchandise can sell out very quickly. That perfect dress or handbag may not be there the next time. If you change your mind, the stores have very liberal return policies.

Here's what I made out with from my TJMaxx pitstop:

Vieta Lucille Buckle Satchel - $30 (styled here)
Elizabeth and James Crepe Mini Skirt - $80 (styled here)

And because I wanted to thank all of my loyal readers, I picked up an extra satchel to giveaway!

<a href="http://www.cuteandlittle.com/2011/08/tjmaxx-thrill-of-find-and-giveaway.html"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6082/6091606317_4e97cbd365_m.jpg" alt="kileen cute and little TJMaxx Vieta Lucille satchel giveaway" ></a>

Mandatory Entry:

• Follow me via Google Friend Connect

Bonus Entries:

• "Like" Cute and Little on Facebook
• Follow me on Twitter
• Follow my blog through Bloglovin'
• Fan me on Chictopia
• Add my button to your blog sidebar {Color Brigade button is ok!}
• Add my blog to your blogroll
• Tweet this giveaway (make sure to include @kileencheng and @tjmaxx) - tweet everyday for additional points!   Feel free to use this tweet (or click to tweet)
  
  Enter @kileencheng 's #giveaway for a new buckle satchel, thanks to @tjmaxx !  http://bit.ly/o5myp8


• Post the giveaway button on your blog (see button above)
• Blog about this giveaway

Giveaway is open internationally and ends on Monday, Sept 12 11:59PM CDT.

Disclosure:  My TJMaxx purchase was sponsored by the company.  The shopping tips were also provided by the company to help both me and my readers when shopping their stores.  All opinions are honest and my own.

P.S. In case you missed it:

• Only Up Close - What I wore today:  see my TJMaxx skirt featured in my latest outfit!
• Beginnings of an Arm Party - My weekend maxi dress outfit.  And wrap bracelets!

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Only Up Close

Nails: Essie Bordeaux + Sephora for OPI Only Gold For Me (sorry kinda hard to see)

 Top: Forever 21 (old) - S (similar) (a silk tank option)

Belt: Black Sash Belt (borrowed from A'gaci dress) - (similar)
Skirt: Elizabeth and James via TJMaxx (slimmed) - S / $80 c/o TJMaxx (similar)

 Shoes: Bebe Zahara (slingback straps shortened) - 5 / gifted from Adrian (buy)

Bracelet: Forever 21 Leaf - (similar)

Earrings: Forever 21 Pearl (old) - (similar) 

Purse: Chanel Logo Tote - gifted from parents (loving this and this from Kate Spade!)

I found this Elizabeth and James skirt on clearance at TJMaxx the other day.  Can you even believe TJMaxx carries designer items like Elizabeth and James?!  I love the crepe-y texture of the dark navy fabric and it's one of those details that you don't even notice until you're up close to it.  I also dusted off one of my old Chanel totes to pair up with this outfit.  Everyone needs an easy, carefree bag that they can throw half their life into and head out the door, right?  :)

Eyes: painterly paint pot, blackground paint pot, sweetjoy eyeshadow, UD gunmetal eyeshadow (Naked Palette), blitz and glitz fluidline, maybelline one by one mascara
Face: studio finish concealer in NW20, fresh faces sheer neutral light foundation, NARS sin blush
Lips: quiet please lipstick

I experimented with a smokey, dramatic look today.  I was looking through my Urban Decay Naked palette and realized I had never used the Gunmetal eyeshadow before.  And so here it is.  Is it just me or does the silvery color actually have a bit of blue in it...  I guess it's just something else that you don't really notice until you're right up close to it!

Shop This Look:

Tanks by Joie

P.S. In case you missed it:

• Beginnings of an Arm Party - A simple maxi and lots of arm candy!
• Happy Flower & Bright Colors - Another remix of the cobalt blue pants.  And the debut of a new bag!

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