Petite | Versatile Style by Tracey

Archive for the ‘Petite’ Category

Last Year I bought a pair of black Culottes and I loved them,

so this season I decided to hit Amazon up to see if I could find some more.

Alas Amazon didn’t disappoint and I ended up with three pairs.

Navy, Olive and Purple.

These are just 15.95 each and come in so many colors.

Since I am not much for wearing shorts, I liked this as an option for Spring/Summer

Here is the original pair from last year.

And just for fun, how I wore the kimono style jacket last Summer.

My photographer asked me if this was the 70’s due to the colors

swirled in my kimono jacket.

I bought these Vince Camuto laser cut sandals (via Hsn- Sold out) at the end of the Summer Season,

and am thrilled to put away my boots and embrace these.

I am looking forward to wedges and other sandals too.

This necklace is a vinatage Avon piece that was my mother’s from either the late 70’s to early 80’s.

I love this little guy and wearing it makes me feel close to my mother who I am missing terribly,

as we approach my daughter’s upcoming college graduation.

I am going to try to expirement to see if I can get any proportions

to work that would allow me to wear the cullotes with flats,

I don’t know with my petite height and this volume if I can do so,

but I will give it a try and take pictures to see if it works, cause

as I’ve said before, mirrors lie when it comes to proportions.

Dear Readers, I have to get my butt in gear and lose this darn weight that I’ve gained back,

as I don’t wish to struggle all Summer to find looks that I feel good in. This darn menopausal weight

gain, mostly in my middle,is denying me my hourglass body shape that’s been true my entire adult life.

I am so out of proportion that I feel like I am styling oufits for somebody else and my creative outlet needs to be a fun place in my life.

I am doing a silly thing for the next two weeks to get myself off sugar and carbs and back to healthy eating and you can blame it all on Facebook.

Apparently there is a banana diet that suggests eating a banana or more along with a warm beverage for breakfast, then eating normally for lunch and dinner.

Some proponents say only warm water while others say coffee or tea is ok as well. I decided to give it a try this morning , but tweaked it a bit by dipping my bananas into cinnamon. I was surprised that it indeed held me until lunch in which I decided to stick with just proteins for both lunch and dinner.

As luck would have it , I had leftover ham from Easter dinner and

also added a snack of peanuts in the afternoon.

I feel great so will do something similar tomorrow and hard boiled up egss for my lunch.

Note I am only doing this protein, banana thing for two weeks at which point I may keep the banana breakfast and add in lots more vegetables for the next round. Perhaps the third round I will add small carbs like quinoa. I just know it’s time to do something serious and protein is easy and will definitely, get me out of the sugar cravings.

While Doing this I am also researching Trim Healthy Mama, which isn’t easy to read with my ADD, so not sure how far I will get with that and I am also looking into the Superfood Swap as they both do a lot of subbing for things I have cut out of my diet like spagetti for zuchini noodles or white flour for Coconut or Almond flour and I’d like to expirment with those a lot more.

Dear Readers are any of you doing any of these types of changes or have experience with the idea of superfood swapping?

Chime in I love hearing from You!

Black & White Pattern Mixing

Posted by: versatilestylebytracey on: February 22, 2016

In: Black & White | Boots | Gratitude | Homeschooling | Mom On the Go | Neutrals | Pattern Mixing | Petite | prints | Winter Looks
1 Comment

I quite often say, “Black and White is Always Right” when it comes

to styling outfits, as I’ve never put that color combo together and not loved it!

I love everything about this look.

Starting with the pattern mixing of this multi media foral print tunic (I found it on a flash sale on Jolly Chic, asian sizing , but so cute, a sweatshirt attached to a fun cotton skirted bottom) amd the cozy azztec print sweater.

The addition of the silver and black neclaces adds to the black and white theme.

The texture and sheen of the leatherette leggings by Hue also adds a great element to the black and white theme, as does the fringe booties.

One pop of color in the bright handbag, ( a gift from 31 gifts)

With this tunic having a nice skirted hem, it’s almost like wearing a fun skirt ,

which put a pep in my step.

That’s not an easy thing to do , today, as my sinuses are way off and I feel disoriented.

I’ve noticed that this winter I have done a lot more outfits that qualify as boho ,

that’s a big change as in previous years I’ve felt that my boho side had to wait until

Spring/Summer to come out to play.

The fun of blogging and seeing my outfits allows me to see patterns and directions of my style.

Of course everyone doesn’t need to be a blogger, but taking pictures is something anyone can do and

I highly recommend it. I have learned so much about how to dress my petite, curvy body from pictures.

It’s been a very fun journey and to be at this point of more confidence is priceless.

Self Care

I would have to say , I haven’t done much these past few days in self care, other than taking meds for

the sinus issues that are present due to the crazy swings in our temps. I skipped two days on my Pilates machine and am not happy about that at all….

Gratitude

I am grateful for my son apologizing and realizing he hadn’t spoken clearly about something.

I am grateful that my son finally brought me his sign language course and we figured out the ins and outs of it as it was confusing to him and he was completely stalled on moving forward.

I am grateful that after waking up at 5am , having breakfast at 7am that I went back to sleep and slept until almost noon!

I am grateful that although I feel somewhat disoriented, that my pounding headache is gone!

I am grateful for days of sunshine, cause rain is heading our way…

Neutrals Go Boho

Posted by: versatilestylebytracey on: December 21, 2015

In: animal Print | Boho Outfits | Neutrals | Outfits with scarfs | Petite | Winter Looks
4 Comments

Leave it up to me, to figure out how to take

Neutrals and Leopard Print and add Boho Elements.

I had this new tobacco sweater paired with my leopard scarf hanging together,

waiting patiently to finally wear now that temperatures have gotten colder.

I bought this sweater from Jolly Chic , still available HERE

I knew I wanted to pair it with my black Old Navy Pixie Pants.

After Adding my Not Rated fringe boots , I instantly thought,

I want to make this more boho and grabbed my Indigo Thread Vest.

That lead to the finishing piece of the Gili hobo purse.

This post might just include the most links to things that are still available, lol,

the purse is not , but the line has other options of hobo style, which I linked to.

I was very pleased with the end result .

Wearing outfits of neutrals have to hit the right note in other ways for me as a lover of color.

With the fun elements of the flowy vest and the movement of the fringe on the boots, it put that

“Pep in my Step” that I strive for with my outfit choices.

Dear Readers, What is it about outfits for yourself that you feel that ‘Pep in Your Step” ?

This blogger wants to know and loves your comments!

Gratitude

I am grateful for answered prayers, and let me tell you, I was very specific in my prayer for my husband to get some sales on Saturday. It came true in the exact way I requested and in a way that was a true indicator to dear husband, that indeed God’s hand was in it. I love when that happens and it does so a lot!

I am grateful for time with my children , home from college and the fun family dynamics, the conversations, the love and the humor.

I am grateful for a wonderful week filled with parties for both myself and my homeschooling son.

I am grateful for a lazy day of football games , love football season!

Sunday Casual

Posted by: versatilestylebytracey on: November 30, 2015

In: Black & White | Boho Outfits | Boots | Burgundy | fall | Fall Fashion Colors | Petite
3 Comments

I hope you all had a fabulous Thanksgiving Weekend!

I enjoyed the short time we had with our college kids home,

but they’ll be back for a longer time in just two weeks!

Linking Up With Visible Monday!

Today the temperatures were pretty nice, so I went for a 3/4 sleeve paisley top

under the black and white wrap from Jane.com.

I am getting quite a kick out of these wraps that are coming out and being called ponchos.

If anything they are an open poncho.

Traditionally this type of garment was longer and called a ruana, which I tended to steer clear of with

my petite height as they overwhelmed me.

Here’s what Amazon has to offer when I searched “Open Poncho” , so I guess it is a thing!

I gave my fringe boots a break and wore my boots purchased in Ireland last year.

My pants are jogger style from Old Navy. (Cyber Monday sale is 40% off Everything)

I got a kick out of my 13 year old niece mentioning wanting this style pants.

I love them becasue nothing beats them for comfort and the opposite juxtapositon

of styling them with tops and heeled shoes is near and dear to my ying/yang loving heart.

Gratitude

I am so grateful for the closeness I see among my children, not something I take for granted as there is 4 1/2 yrs between each of them.

I am grateful that my hotflashes have subsided and that I’ve slept the past two nights with no sleep aids.

I am grateful my husband took my son off to Ihop for some quality time together today, while I stayed home alone, sometimes this homeschooling mother just needs a break.

I am grateful for a very relaxing low key Sunday, even if both our teams lost…

Grey and Burgundy

Posted by: versatilestylebytracey on: November 13, 2015

In: Burgundy | Creating a versatile wardrobe | Dresses and Skirts | fall | Gratitude | Grey | Mom On the Go | Petite
2 Comments

I love trying out dresses from Jane.com

This is one I got from there and it’s a gauzy lined one with 3.4 sleeves and aztec embroidery.

I assumed when looking at this one, that it would indeed be too short for me to wear as a dress,

but would make a great tunic and layering piece for Fall/Winter.

It was quite a windy day and made for fun trying to get my

sweater to cooperate. I love the multi media sweater I bought on clearance

over the summer because it is lighter weight and a good option for these days of hot flashes.

The good news is that is was a wonderful Sunny Day!

I want to note that as a petite woman, it works best when layering this length ,

to have the dress or tunic and sweater length to be similar , creating only one

horizontal break. Shorter jackets or sweaters just make for the wrong proportions.

My burgundy leggings are by Kate & Mallory found HERE,

and part of my switching from cheap F21 leggings to Ponte knit versions.

I’ve had great sucess with both these and the Old Navy ones.

My purse and shoes are both thrifted items , which I get a lot of use from.

Dear Readers, two days with no migraines makes for a happy Tracey, lol!

I was able to do a make up coffee date, which turned into mall walking and dinner too,

7 with a dear friend before she takes off for a 3 month

trip to see her children and grandchildren, which made for a good day!

Wishing You All A Fabulous Weekend!!!!

Gratitude

I am grateful for a fun day with a dear friend.

I am grateful for a fun chat with my daughter as she discussed things she wants to do when she comes home for Thanksgiving!

I am grateful for the extra sleep (I fell back asleep after an inital 8am. wake up and awoke at 12:45!)

I am grateful for the love of family and friends, and for my Dear Readers and fellow bloggers.

All about the Neutrals…

Posted by: versatilestylebytracey on: November 3, 2015

In: fall | Fall Fashion Colors | florals | Grey | Neutrals | Pattern Mixing | Petite
2 Comments

On Instagram there is a

#Wearwhatwherenovember

Challenge

Today’s look was all about Neutrals.

It gave me a great time to debut a few pieces I bought over the Summer in

preparattion for Fall. Luckily these are two lightweight options that work for

this seasonably confused November temperatures of the 70’s.

Starts tomorrow! Love these ladies! #wearwhatwearnovember @wearwhatwhere @prylb @blondieesquire @poshlula44 @whatnicolewore @morganlschadegg:

Here is the montly challenge if anyone wants to play along or is in need of

outfit inspirations. After all getting dressed each day should be fun!

My sweater is G by Giulana and comes in several colors

At the time I bought this one and a coral one as well.

It’s on Clearance , HERE for 24.95 and comes in several colors.

I love them and would adore another color, but alas I’m not buying now and I cut back to

buying in multiples by limiting myself to only two of each.

My blouse is by Liz Claiborne NY and can be found HERE , it too is on clearance at $24.83

and comes in three different colors. I purchased this neutral one because I thought it could play

nicely with a Steelers football look in addition to wearing it any other time.

Too sunny to see clearly , but I am doing a bit of pattern mixing with my

tiny houndstooth print Payless Comfort Plus heels.

Dear Readers , Confession Time…

I broke my no shopping ban , less than two months in, lol. I absolutely have no regrets!

You see I’ve been wanting a black leather jacket since I lost weight and have been holding out for

the right one, serdiously looking for the past few years, but never seeing one that I had to have ,

enough to justify the cost. That all changed when I had QVC on in the background and an Issaac Mizzrahii,

model came out wearing a quitled cable leather jacket that made me drool…. I mean I couldn’t stop thinking about that

javeket and since it was just on screen for a brief moment and not being presented I didn’t even know it was leather.

I went in search of it and couldn’t help myself when it was on 6 easy pays and real leather…

It came today and is incredible! In fact my teen son said to me,

“I have never seen you so happy over anything, you’be ever bought before! ”

DH didn’t have an appointment until late today and was still in bed,

so I went in to confess my transgression, but like I knew he would,

he was totally supportive and didn’t even flinch at the price.

So want to see my coveted reward for my initial weight loss?

Check it out HERE, It’s actually called DARK CHARCOAL

Isaac also makes a similar version that is Paisley Quitled found HERE

Unfortunately the easy pay option on these is not currently available.

Weekend Florals and Navy

Posted by: versatilestylebytracey on: October 26, 2015

In: Boho Outfits | Boots | Dresses and Skirts | fall | florals | Grey | Mom On the Go | Navy | Petite
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While I love the comfortable Waterfall Cardigans,

I was happy to add a few versions for the seaason that were a more

streamlined silhouette.

This one by Susan Graver is just what I had been looking to acquire.

It’s length is perfect for wearing with dresses as well as skinny jeans or leggings.

It’s a poly/spandex blend , with pockets and side slits.

I love that when you push up the arms , it stays in place and has a great drape.

I ordered it to replace a long navy one I’d had that was worn out and with so many

color options I also got a brown one since I was missing that shade in a cardigan.

Please remember Dear Readers, no compensation for me, just sharing what I like for myself.

I loved the shades that came together to make this outfit.

My F21 grey sweatshirt dress was a perfect background for the scarf and goes nicely with Navy.

Pulling the vibrant shade out of the scarf is a favorie way for me to choose accessory optoins.

In this case, my 31 purse that was a gift from a dear friend.

They have several silhouettes of purses in this color they call “Palace of Jewells”

We are doing a fundraiser for the bowling team with the 31 gifts company.

Absolutely no pressure my Dear Readers, but if you find something you like for yourself or as a gift,

all the profits will help our Youth Bowling League , which is a fabulous group.

I am thinking of ordering a few of these to store my sweaters on a shelf in my closet

, folded up in the Konmari method.

This was a perfectly put together outfit for going to the bowling alley

for my son’s Saturday Leaugue.

I had fun breaking out my Ireland bought blue booties.

I wore them two days in a row and got compliments on them both days.

I love that they extend the legline in this outfit, as any other color footwear would

have broken it up and made the proportions for my petite height off…

Dear Readers, It’s been one year since DH and I went on our 3 week Ireland venture , that also means it’s been a year since his coworker passed away. We prayed all around Ireland for him and had only been in the house for a few moments when his previous boss called him with the news that he had just passed. He was such a wonderful person and we will always tie our memories of our Ireland trip to an opportunity to remember his beautiful spirit. For now I know, Mike you are having a blast in heaven awaiting the time when you will meet us all again… It may be awhile, in the meantime your family and friends live with your memory strong in their hearts and the laughter of cherishing moments with you.

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and are refreshed and ready to begin your week!

Work Hard, Play Hard, Balance is Everything!

Tone On Tone Pattern Mixing

Posted by: versatilestylebytracey on: October 23, 2015

In: animal Print | fall | Mom On the Go | Pattern Mixing | Petite | prints | Purple
1 Comment

One of the things that Alison from Get Your Pretty On,

introduced to her style challengers this season was putting a look together with

Tone On Tone.

There was a sea of blush and burgundy in the malls that matched perfectly with this point.

I missed out on doing that with the challengers as our temperatures just didn’t cooperate

for me to wear a blush chunky sweater, but I loved the idea of tone on tone.

Of course I had to take it up a notch and add in Pattern Mixing.

I felt quite adventurous using my lavender gingham blouse with my leopard spotted jeans.

I had recenlty unpacked some winter jackets and sweaters and couldn’t wait to style

an oldie but goodie in this very soft swing jacket.

I’ve had it for several years and have worn it closed with the obi belt most times.

It was fun to just wear it open for what may just be the first time.

I needed the jacket despite warmer days beacause this was what I wore on homeschool bowling day

in whichI always freeze as the alley is cold.

I don’t think I will ever tire of my Diane Gilman purple leopard jeans.

I certainly have gotten a lot of use from these over the few years I’ve owned them.

One reason I love this brand is that depsite my weight gain, there is enough stretch that

I can still wear these and others by this brand.

Dear Readers, Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

I hope you have some fun things planned to reboot your spirit to dig in and face the dreaded Monday….

Tonight we are heading out to a bowling birthday party,Saturday mornings are my son’s bowling league, not sure Saturday night plans as of yet,

but Sunday is of course Football!

Thanks for Stopping By , I hope you are inspired to try your own Tone On Tone version.

Some ideas I’d like to try

Mint and Forest Green

Tan and Chocolate Brown

Peach and Orange

Grey and Black

Powder Blue with Navy

Any of these Tone on Tone Ideas Appealling to You?

Bloggers love to know someone is reading their content,

so comments are always apprecitated and make my day!

Gratitude

I am grateful for a fun phone conversation with my daughter where we were coming up with healthy options for her to take for lunches and to eat for breakfast. Graduate school and her internship are keeping her busy and her brain is fried, so it was a fun conversation reminding her of things she has used in the past with success.

I am grateful for the witnesses in our lives who are outraged when someone treats you poorly. I love being that outrage for others and appreciate greatly when I receive the same… Sometimes we just need a witness to our pain.

I am grateful to my hardworking husband who has a wonderful work eithic , which allows me to be home with our youngest in this homeschooling venture that just fell into our lives.

I am grateful that I have begun Christmas shopping and have some of the big presents set already, as the last minute rush is not my style.

I would like to End today with a prayer reauest for this strongest Hurricane Patricia in the headlines, that is heading to Mexico, for the safety of residents.

Poncho Weather

Posted by: versatilestylebytracey on: October 21, 2015

In: animal Print | Boho Outfits | fall | Petite | shoes | Teal | Trends | Yellow
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There is nothing more fun for this boho loving fashionista,

than when we get temps were I can rock a poncho.

It’s so fun to bring the boho look into my Fall/Winter Style,

which before ponchos was a struggle.

If you are a regular reader, you may remember this one as

it was a favorite last year and I am happy to say the love is still strong.

I paired it with new faux suede leggings by Kate & Mallory

Suede and faux suede on on trend for the season and this legging was just what I needed to embrace it

to pair with lots of tunic length tops and boots for the season.

It comes in three colors, black and dark brown in addition to this taupe shade.

Things like this sell out pretty fast on Evine Live.

I scored this paisley necklace in fun shades of the season on clearance from Charming Charlie

, so no longer available.

I wanted an extrao vertical line to break up the poncho, so I added a long chain and my mother’s brooch.

I love wearing this pin as a necklace, but brooches are back this season, so I may have to break out and

wear it on a scarf or jacket in the near future.

I loved the extra pop of color with the yellow handbag from Amazon.

It also plays nicely with leapard flats.

If you haven’t yet embraced the versatility of leopard flats and what they add to an outfit,

I highly recommend you run to the store right now!

Dear Readers, I am still on my shopping ban, but check out this temptation

a tweed/leather multi media blazer from Liz Claiborne, NY.

It comes in sizes 0 to 28

Wishing You a Happy Hump Day, Off to homeschool bowling this morning , so skipping

my gratitude section, as I normally write this the night before, but not last night….

Over the Knee Boots

Posted by: versatilestylebytracey on: October 7, 2015

In: Boots | fall | Mom On the Go | Orange | Petite | prints
2 Comments

If you had asked me If’ I’d Ever Wear

Over the Knee Boots a few year Ago,

I’d have answered with a Emphatic Negative Response.

That’s Why One Should Never , Say Never!

I stand by my initial reaction to the idea of over the knee boots because

years ago, they didn’t come in this riding boot style, but were more the hooker heeled versions.

This is a tale of being willing to give things a try, because even this flat version didn’t appeal to me, out of fear that it wouldn’t work for my 5 feet 3 inch height challenge.

I do think these work for a few reasons.

The first would be that I am blessed as a petite woman to have

my mother’s Campbell family genetic long legs.

I may be petite , but I can never wear petite length pants.

The other reason these work for me is that they barely come to the top of my knee.

Their are varieties I’ve seen that are not just over the knee, but thigh highs.

Dabbling in this boot style, I opted for this pair from Chinese Laundry.

I loved the opportunity, to wear my orange hoop earrings that my daugter gave me.

I also love any chance to wear Orange lipstick.

My photographer accidentally took a photo of his shadow.

I had to take the opporunity to dress like Fall today

because our temperatures were in the low 70’s now, but

going back up to 80 tomorrow.

Dear Readers, Have you tried something you didn’t think would work for you and

were pleaseantly surprised?

Gratitude

I am grateful that my husband had a successful day today and some fun along the way.

I am grateful that I trusted my instincts on my walk to the grocery store. I heard a woman on the phone almost in tears saying she was giving in and just wanted to go knock on her father’s door and admit she need help because she couldn’t take another night in the shelter. She went on to say she needed help with bus fare but no one was willing to help her. I walked past her into the store, took out $3 and walked outside and handed it to her. She gasped into the phone and said , “OH My, someone just gave me the bus fare, I can do it now!” I was walking away as she was proclaiming , “Bless You, Thank you so much” One wonders if the truth is being told in these circumstances , but when I came out of the store she was gone and I saw her at the BLVD bus stop, I was glad I trusted my instincts.

I am grateful that my college son who texts me a lot , actually called to talk to me tonight. He is troubled about the college shooting and asking the same question my oldest asked, ” What if you answered that you were Spiritual not Religious? ” How would the shooter have reacted? I know so many college students have to be wondering what would have happened if they had been in that room. so sad!