Saturday, July 30, 2011

petite fashion challenge #9 - heat wave (plus a little diy)

I'm a shortie, but not the most well-versed when it comes to petite styling.  However, I follow a number of bloggers known to drop some serious science in this department.  So when I came upon Petite Fashion Challenge #9, hosted by Elle at Fast Food and Fast Fashion, I thought it would be fun to give it a whirl.  Mission: to "create an outfit that accounts for the various environmental factors that plague us in the summer.  I want to know how you dress when it's 90 degrees outside and 65 degrees inside...."


65 degrees inside is right.  My window-free office is known to be downright breezy on some days, thanks to an overzealous vent whose air current is directed squarely at my noggin.  


For a foundation, breezy fabrics are mandatory.  I commute by train, and, thankfully, I live just a minute or two from the station.  DC is generally a soupy mess in the summer, though, so dressing ultra-light is still key.  This thrifted silk skirt and lightweight tank have been in heavy rotation this summer:


Thrifted silk skirt/belt/necklace, random old tank, Stuart Weitzman pumps (eBay)

To combat my frigid office conditions, I pulled the unoriginal move of throwing a blazer over the whole thing.  A little tangent to introduce the blazer I paired with this outfit: I've been on a micro-DIY kick lately, making small, easy modifications with relatively big impact.  My most recent obsession has been with leather trim.  So I married a beloved old Uniqlo blazer with a piece of scrap leather via Etsy, hand-sewing the leather around the existing pocket flaps:












This DIY hardly merits a real tutorial, but a few notes: 1) Use fabric glue to secure the leather to the flaps first and then concentrate on refining their shape as you sew the fabric to the back of the flaps.  2) Use a leather needle (hmm...I don't mean a needle made of leather...).


This blazer certainly imparts a fall feeling for me, and I can't wait to wear it in full-on tomboy mode later this year!  But when fall weather is upon us indoors in July, we do what we must.  


In case I was about to forget that navy+white and stripes have nautical connotations, I tossed my fave turtle necklace into the mix.  A little golden nod to marine life never hurt anyone, right?


Looking forward to seeing what the other challenge participants have come up with!  

28 comments:

  1. Hi fellow DC blogger! I'm so glad to have found you through this PFC :)

    I love what you did with the leather on the pockets. I've seen similar blazers with a leather elbow patch. It's little touches that really make an item unique.

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  2. I found you through the PFC as well and OMG am I glad. I absolutely LOVE this DIY!!

    http://preponderance-of-fashion.blogspot.com/

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  3. I love navy, this looks so great, and how creative you got with the blazer! Would have never thought about adding a detail like that. The turtle necklace is so cute!

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  4. wow! i adore the leather accents on your blazer. great job on the DIY--it definitely has a fall feel, but reminds me of the little embellishments i love on J.Crew blazers.

    jenny
    http://goldnturquoise.blogspot.com/

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  5. Thanks for your lovely comment at M&M!

    This is an amazing DIY. It's all in the details, and this is a really beautiful example of that. I look forward to seeing what else you come up with!

    Tash x
    (milkandmead.com)

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  6. i'm so glad to have found you through the PFC! i love your style and you're so crafty too! the nautical look is great on you and i can't believe you find so many good-fitting items from thrifting! the leather trim on the blazer is a great touch and makes this blazer a perfect summer-fall transition piece too!

    cute & little

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  7. great outfit! love your blazer and the stripes x

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  8. wow! I'm always amazed when people can make their own alterations or add fun details to clothing items. Those leather pockets make the blazer way more unique and cool!

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  9. This looks fantastic! I love the pockets! xo

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  10. Very pretty! You are so creative! :) Kiki

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  11. Great classic look! And I love that necklace!

    Come by and enter my giveaway for 3 bottles of Joe Fresh nail lacquer if you like:
    just click here

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  12. What a GREAT outfit!! You look pretty much perfect and I love how you made little leather pockets..very creative

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  13. <3 your necklace...you look super professional! I love it!

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  14. thats an awesome DIY and i loved your work outfit, flattering and office appropriate! I deal with the same temperature problem when dressing for class (which i walk to) and then freezing when i get there. I'm following you now! :)

    http://shayyyyy.blogspot.com/

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  15. I recall leaving a comment earlier but I guess blogger ate it. The gist of my previous comment was something to the effect of...I AM SO JEALOUS OF CRAFTY PEOPLE, YOUR BLAZER LOOKS AMAZING! :)

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  16. The blazer is just fantastic! Loving your blog doll! xo -Taj

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  17. I liked the blazer before, but the DIY leather flaps - amazing.

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  18. Wow I just discovered your blog and I really like it. Thank you for great ideas!!! Your blog has a nice personal touch. Following you immediately. Hope you will like mine too

    www.theglamandglitter.com

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  19. Loving this mini DIY. Gives that extra personal touch to the blazer. Love!

    xo Lynzy
    www.sparklingfootsteps.com

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  20. Wowwww its amazingg what youve done!! I am veryyy impressed by all the DIYs youve done in your blog! I cant wait to see more!! Fantastic!!

    StyleCeviche.blogspot.com
    x

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  21. fabulous! the blazer looks so expensive.

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  22. Many thanks for your comment and make you a follower of the blog! It really is a joy for me to know that you liked. I take this opportunity to ask you to pass her the link to your friends so that all can be done DIY and much as I enjoy doing it. Thank you again!!

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  23. I always love your DIYs!!! :D I also love the turtle necklace you have on!

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  24. very cute... great idea!

    xx grace
    stripesandsequins.com

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  25. I love this DIY, the pockets look fantastic!
    xxx
    sistu.blogspot.com

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  26. whooooa that's really chic and creative!! give the blazer a whole other look!! like it alot :)

    <3Amanda
    feast.fashion.faves
    ENTER my First Giveaway!

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  27. This outfit is so nice, you look so good in these pictures, I love your skirt and that jacket is perfect, the perfect touch and I love your shoes and also I have to tray this DIY, the result really makes a huge difference! You have a lovely blog and I am a new follower! Hope you will like my blog and follow back!

    Pop Culture&Fashion Magic

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