Shoes: Christian Louboutin – size 34.5 (buy other colors HERE)
Ever since I got my first tweed Rebecca Taylor dress (see here), I have been scouring the internet for other possibilities. I came across this fringe and fray dress at Last Call Neimen Marcus and it just looked “meh” online. I stalked it for a few weeks and saw that a size 0 was still available. I hemmed and hawed about it until I finally said – what the heck. If it fits anything like my tweed one and the quality is the same, I will be super happy. I found a $10 coupon code online and there was free shipping on orders above $75. The total came out to $128 – not bad considering the retail was $395.
I can now say my experience ordering from Last Call Neiman Marcus for the first time was a success! The dress came carefully packaged on a hanger with plastic wrap and was protected in tissue inside a box. I was pleasantly surprised.
I was worried that it was too similar to my other Rebecca Taylor dress but luckily it’s different enough to have both:) The fit is perfect just like my other one. I am loving this brand! No alterations necessary on either one and high quality? Yup, totally sold.
Here are some items that I am considering and currently stalking:
1. Leopard Print Dress (not sure I can pull off but has potential – maybe belted with a blazer over it?)
2. Tweed Jacket (looking for my size)
This dress looks great on you!
I’m drawn to brands that run small (of course). Lately, I’m re-discovering Old Navy. I finally picked up a pair of Rock Star jeggings and I LOVE them – I want a pair in every color! I ended up buying a size 2!
This dress looks great on you!
I'm drawn to brands that run small (of course). Lately, I'm re-discovering Old Navy. I finally picked up a pair of Rock Star jeggings and I LOVE them – I want a pair in every color! I ended up buying a size 2!
I’m petite too and love your style but your choice of outfits are ridiculously expensive. It would be great to see more affordable pieces or alternate options in similar style. Let me know what you think.
Agree – and not so many duplicate styles.
Hi Tammy! Thanks and I do realize that I have a lot of duplicate styles/outfits but I only blog what I really wear in real life to work or on the weekends. I try not to follow trends just to follow them and my style may be boring to some but I want to show the clothes that are practical. I do wear a LOT of skirts and dresses but that is what I prefer. I am trying to branch out and try pants and diff styles so thanks for the feedback 🙂
You don’t have anything to apologize for…I don’t think most of your clothing choices are expensive relative to what working professionals have to spend. Buying NM on sale or banana republic or Ann Taylor is pretty typical for women in the workplace. If others want to know how to dress well on the cheap, there’s eBay and thrift stores, but since those options can’t always be quickly duplicated by others, it’s totally random and not that helpful if you base a blog on that. Instead, you are trying to show people what you like, what fits petite frames well, that can also be easily purchased by others. So you are showing us mid priced brands, mostly, and I think most of your readers see those within reach. Also, if you do not wear pants often, why showcase more of them here? I have a lot of similar items as well because I gravitate toward them….they look good on my body type and fit my lifestyle. Seems like that’s where you are also with fashion and style and I for one think that is just fine!
It definitely is hard to be a clothes lover when you are on a budget, but being European, where clothes cost even more, I can tell you that my relatives buy all designer clothes but very few of them. They may repeat their attire every week but they have amazing quality which they keep forever and always looks great. There is not nearly as much consumerism and the women look amazing in very few but high end outfits. I think the end result costwise is the same as many people here in North American buy a lot of cheap clothes which start to wear out, bag out or pill so they end up buying new outfits every season or so.
I agree with this. Buy once right or buy twice.
I think it’s a great way to go. Quality over quantity…a constant struggle for me because I get lured in with sales and I love to shop:) I agree, it’s better to have fewer but quality pieces rather than a bunch of cheap items that you end up donating after wearing a few times.
Petra,
Certainly that makes sense especially if one lives in Europe. And don’t get me wrong I’m all about quality over quantity too but then again I get bored very quickly too. Fortunately in the States we have a lot of cheaper alternative options that are good. For instance one can buy Calvin Klein and or other designer dresses for cheap from places such as Ross or TJ Maxx. Or shop at places like MJR sales where you can find Limited and other designer pieces at a much discounted price. Then there are always those sale racks.
The idea is to shop smart.
Also one has to keep in mind the markups for these designer companies. How much is it marketing costs or just the brand name cost? Yes definitely quality is key but are they hyping it up? As a consumer, I’ve not seen too much difference in quality b/w an Ann Taylor dress for $120 and an H&M dress for $50, but then again I’m no expert.
Hi Sadaf!
Thanks for the feedback- much appreciated! Most of my outfits are very affordable except some of my shoes and accessories- I do splurge on. I just now started getting into this brand which is definitely expensive but got both of my dresses on major clearance:) I will keep it in mind! Thx!
I'm petite too and love your style but your choice of outfits are ridiculously expensive. It would be great to see more affordable pieces or alternate options in similar style. Let me know what you think.
I love the color of your purse and heels. Very classy outfit. and to answer your question, no I am not drawn to any particular brand. I’m more of a love the piece and not the name kinda-gal. =)
I love the color of your purse and heels. Very classy outfit. and to answer your question, no I am not drawn to any particular brand. I'm more of a love the piece and not the name kinda-gal. =)
I love Theory, Elie Tahari, Joie, and D&G, but my office is very casual, so I stick to mall store clothes like Banana Republic, White House Black Market, J Crew, and Anthropologie, as I tend to think in price per wear ($50 or less for a top I’ll wear twice a month vs. $200 for a top I’ll wear twice a year) including cost/ease of maintenance (I only get dry clean only items for dresses or pieces I really love). I tend to stick to more structured tailoring, solid colors (occasionally stripes or polka dots), with minor embellishments in neutral colors with the occasional bright pink included. I can count on these lines and brands to have that.
Also, if there are certain lines that you like, I’d recommend checking out Shop It To Me. It’s a service where you select the brands you like, your sizes, and it will send you emails regarding the line’s items in your size that were marked down recently.
I love Theory, Elie Tahari, Joie, and D&G, but my office is very casual, so I stick to mall store clothes like Banana Republic, White House Black Market, J Crew, and Anthropologie, as I tend to think in price per wear ($50 or less for a top I'll wear twice a month vs. $200 for a top I'll wear twice a year) including cost/ease of maintenance (I only get dry clean only items for dresses or pieces I really love). I tend to stick to more structured tailoring, solid colors (occasionally stripes or polka dots), with minor embellishments in neutral colors with the occasional bright pink included. I can count on these lines and brands to have that.
Also, if there are certain lines that you like, I'd recommend checking out Shop It To Me. It's a service where you select the brands you like, your sizes, and it will send you emails regarding the line's items in your size that were marked down recently.
I am “totally sold,” too. Fabulous dress. Lovely shoes. What an amazing color.
http://theleatherskirt.blogspot.com/
I am "totally sold," too. Fabulous dress. Lovely shoes. What an amazing color.
http://theleatherskirt.blogspot.com/
Agree – and not so many duplicate styles.
It definitely is hard to be a clothes lover when you are on a budget, but being European, where clothes cost even more, I can tell you that my relatives buy all designer clothes but very few of them. They may repeat their attire every week but they have amazing quality which they keep forever and always looks great. There is not nearly as much consumerism and the women look amazing in very few but high end outfits. I think the end result costwise is the same as many people here in North American buy a lot of cheap clothes which start to wear out, bag out or pill so they end up buying new outfits every season or so.
Hi Sadaf!
Thanks for the feedback- much appreciated! Most of my outfits are very affordable except some of my shoes and accessories- I do splurge on. I just now started getting into this brand which is definitely expensive but got both of my dresses on major clearance:) I will keep it in mind! Thx!
Hi Tammy! Thanks and I do realized that I have a lot of duplicate styles/outfits but I only blog what I really wear in real life to work or on the weekends. I try not to follow trends just to follow them and my style may be boring to some but I want to show the clothes that are practical. I do wear a LOT of skirts and dresses but that is what I prefer. I am trying to branch out and try pants and diff styles so thanks for the feedback 🙂
Very classy outfit and you look very elegant. I think it’s great that you got these quality pieces on such bargains. I love your style. I would love to see you recycle some of your outfits with different mix and matching. That will be helpful to me!
Thanks Sky! Remixing is definitely a struggle for me but I will keep that in mind. Thanks for the feedback:)
Very classy outfit and you look very elegant. I think it's great that you got these quality pieces on such bargains. I love your style. I would love to see you recycle some of your outfits with different mix and matching. That will be helpful to me!
I agree with this. Buy once right or buy twice.
Thanks Sky! Remixing is definitely a struggle for me but I will keep that in mind. Thanks for the feedback:)
I think it's a great way to go. Quality over quantity…a constant struggle for me because I get lured in with sales and I love to shop:) I agree, it's better to have fewer but quality pieces rather than a bunch of cheap items that you end up donating after wearing a few times.
looks like you’ve found your new brand. fits you well annie.
Thanks Aubs. Hopefully I can find more on sale 🙂
looks like you've found your new brand. fits you well annie.
Petra,
Certainly that makes sense especially if one lives in Europe. And don't get me wrong I'm all about quality over quantity too but then again I get bored very quickly too. Fortunately in the States we have a lot of cheaper alternative options that are good. For instance one can buy Calvin Klein and or other designer dresses for cheap from places such as Ross or TJ Maxx. Or shop at places like MJR sales where you can find Limited and other designer pieces at a much discounted price. Then there are always those sale racks.
The idea is to shop smart.
Also one has to keep in mind the markups for these designer companies. How much is it marketing costs or just the brand name cost? Yes definitely quality is key but are they hyping it up? As a consumer, I've not seen too much difference in quality b/w an Ann Taylor dress for $120 and an H&M dress for $50, but then again I'm no expert.
You don't have anything to apologize for…I don't think most of your clothing choices are expensive relative to what working professionals have to spend. Buying NM on sale or banana republic or Ann Taylor is pretty typical for women in the workplace. If others want to know how to dress well on the cheap, there's eBay and thrift stores, but since those options can't always be quickly duplicated by others, it's totally random and not that helpful if you base a blog on that. Instead, you are trying to show people what you like, what fits petite frames well, that can also be easily purchased by others. So you are showing us mid priced brands, mostly, and I think most of your readers see those within reach. Also, if you do not wear pants often, why showcase more of them here? I have a lot of similar items as well because I gravitate toward them….they look good on my body type and fit my lifestyle. Seems like that's where you are also with fashion and style and I for one think that is just fine!
Lovely outfit! So pretty. 🙂 I am your newest follower! Would love if you can check out my blog. 🙂
xo – Sheila
Giveaway on my blog!
http://sheislovely1.blogspot.com
Lovely outfit! So pretty. 🙂 I am your newest follower! Would love if you can check out my blog. 🙂
xo – Sheila
Giveaway on my blog!
http://sheislovely1.blogspot.com
Thanks Aubs. Hopefully I can find more on sale 🙂
Glad you’re finding great dresses to fit you right off the rack! It’s beautiful and very you 🙂
Glad you're finding great dresses to fit you right off the rack! It's beautiful and very you 🙂
JEANN 2.0?
What great interesting and flattering seaming on this dress! Great buy and awesome that the packaging was also nice. Love the tiled wall you photographed in front of too
What great interesting and flattering seaming on this dress! Great buy and awesome that the packaging was also nice. Love the tiled wall you photographed in front of too
This dress looks perfect on you! Your most recent posts definitely sparked my interest in RT but when I saw the latest pieces in store none were quite as pretty as the two dresses you’ve managed to snag on sale. 🙂
I’m personally drawn to Zara for their fun pieces and I love Banana Republic and Theory for their work outfit staples. In order to save money I’ve been shopping at Forever 21 more and I am very happy with the pieces I’ve found at a great price.
Thanks so much Jess. Not all her stuff is cute…only a select few. I have my eyes on a few other dresses and tweed items- hope they go on sale! I think you have the best luck with F21 stuff…you sure have an eye for looking thru all the massive selection:)
This dress looks perfect on you! Your most recent posts definitely sparked my interest in RT but when I saw the latest pieces in store none were quite as pretty as the two dresses you've managed to snag on sale. 🙂
I'm personally drawn to Zara for their fun pieces and I love Banana Republic and Theory for their work outfit staples. In order to save money I've been shopping at Forever 21 more and I am very happy with the pieces I've found at a great price.
Thanks so much Jess. Not all her stuff is cute…only a select few. I have my eyes on a few other dresses and tweed items- hope they go on sale! I think you have the best luck with F21 stuff…you sure have an eye for looking thru all the massive selection:)