Lace & Pearls

A Seattle Style blog. Helping women who struggle with their personal style or those who just need a fashion fix!

The Dress for All Seasons: Chambray

Can you believe that I got this chambray dress from Costco?! It's such a great find. What makes this dress so great is the versatile sleeves; you can wear them tabbed in the warmer months and full length in the fall and winter. Can you believe that I got this chambray dress from Costco?! It's such a great find. What makes this dress so great is the versatile sleeves; you can wear them tabbed in the warmer months and full length in the fall and winter.

Can you believe that I got this chambray dress from Costco?! It's such a great find. What makes this dress so great is the versatile sleeves; you can wear them tabbed in the warmer months and full length in the fall and winter.

Can you believe that I got this chambray dress from Costco?! It's such a great find. What makes this dress so great is the versatile sleeves; you can wear them tabbed in the warmer months and full length in the fall and winter. Can you believe that I got this chambray dress from Costco?! It’s such a great find. What makes this dress so great is the versatile sleeves; you can wear them tabbed in the warmer months and full length in the fall and winter. I can already picture my cold weather outfit: fleece-lined tights, tall boots, and a chunky cardigan. I do have this other chambray option, but it’s a bit too small.

Why Chambray?

Chambray is a great neutral. You can literally wear it with any color. I styled mine with these metallic sandals by Nicole Shoes and added a pop of color with these turquoise fringe earrings. Another cute way to style your chambray would be with a scarf, hat, or even both!

Speaking of, have you heard of Nicole Shoes? If you’ve been reading this blog for a while you might know that I have issues with finding a comfortable shoe. Nicole Shoes are a great alternative for happy feet. Who knew that there was an entire brand dedicated to comfort and style. These sandals are amazing! No break in time needed, which must be from the cork sole. I love the color and am obsessed with the adorable tassel at the back. Be sure to check out their site for more stylish shoes. I’ll definitely be scouring their site come Fall.

Shop the Post:

Dress: Costco (similar) | Purse: Old Navy (almost identical) | Sandals: Nicole Shoes c/o | Earrings: Baublebar SugarFix c/o | Bracelet: Charming Charlie (similar) c/0 | Ring: Stella & Dot (old) | Initial Necklace: (old) | Lipstick: Maybelline c/o

馃摲鈥檚 by 聽Luba Kochubey Portraits

Outfit Remix: Ruffle Pleat Cardigan

I used to be obsessed with the cardigan! I seriously had one in every material, weight, and color. One day I decided I was over them and I paired down my collection to just the essentials.聽I made a conscious effort not to buy another with the caveat that I only could if I needed it to complete an outfit.I used to be obsessed with the cardigan! I seriously had one in every material, weight, and color. One day I decided I was over them and I paired down my collection to just the essentials.聽I made a conscious effort not to buy another with the caveat that I only could if I needed it to complete an outfit.I used to be obsessed with the cardigan! I seriously had one in every material, weight, and color. One day I decided I was over them and I paired down my collection to just the essentials.聽I made a conscious effort not to buy another with the caveat that I only could if I needed it to complete an outfit.I used to be obsessed with the cardigan! I seriously had one in every material, weight, and color. One day I decided I was over them and I paired down my collection to just the essentials.聽I made a conscious effort not to buy another with the caveat that I only could if I needed it to complete an outfit.I used to be obsessed with the cardigan! I seriously had one in every material, weight, and color. One day I decided I was over them and I paired down my collection to just the essentials.聽I made a conscious effort not to buy another with the caveat that I only could if I needed it to complete an outfit.I used to be obsessed with the cardigan! I seriously had one in every material, weight, and color. One day I decided I was over them and I paired down my collection to just the essentials.聽I made a conscious effort not to buy another with the caveat that I only could if I needed it to complete an outfit.

When I spotted this gray pleated cardigan (now on sale), all of my previous commitments went out the window – I had to have it! It was the perfect novelty cardigan with feminine pleats and a neutral color palette. After bringing it home, I realized I wasn’t sure how to style it other than one way: white blouse and jeans. I 聽didn’t want my top to compete with the pleats or make things appear too busy.

Once it was no longer summer, I challenged myself to figure out more options for it. I literally tried on every possible option in my closet. This wasn’t too bad since I really didn’t want to style it with any other color than white or chambray.

While a chambray shirt worked, I still wanted my overall look to be soft, so I ended up choosing a white button down with very subtle stripes and gray denim. Going neutral achieved my goal and allowed me to come up with something new. The casual booties also tied everything together.

How would you style this cardigan? Share in the comments.

Shop the Post:

Cardigan: Chelsea28 (now on sale!!!)| Stripe Shirt: UNIQLO (similar) | Denim: J.Crew | Necklace: Ann Taylor (another cute option) | Ring: Happiness Boutique (silver version) c/o | Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs (similar) | Booties: Bare Trap (major on sale!)| Lipstick: Burberry ( No. 49 – intense plum) c/o

Photos by Jenn of Hello Rigby.

Petite-Friendly Retailers For Short Girls

When you're petite, it can be hard to find the right clothes for your frame. Even if you're not short, that doesn't mean that you're not petite. You can be tall, curvy, or even plus-sized and still be considered petite in certain areas. When you're petite, it can be hard to find the right clothes for your frame. Even if you're not short, that doesn't mean that you're not petite. You can be tall, curvy, or even plus-sized and still be considered petite in certain areas. When you’re petite, it can be hard to find the right clothes for your frame. Even if you’re not short, that doesn’t mean that you’re not petite. You can be tall, curvy, or even plus-sized and still be considered petite in certain areas. I am just shy of 5’4 and have a larger upper body (broad shoulders, large chest, and belly). My torso is short and I have trouble finding tops that aren’t overly long. I have the same problem with dresses and skirts because I have a short waist. My lower half is narrow, and I often go for pants that are ankle length, cropped, or skinny (worn cuffed) to avoid hemming.

When you're petite, it can be hard to find the right clothes for your frame. Even if you're not short, that doesn't mean that you're not petite. You can be tall, curvy, or even plus-sized and still be considered petite in certain areas.

Petite Misconceptions

This adorable top by Pleione is a Petite large. I tried a regular size large and it was too billowy and long. As mentioned before, you don’t have to be small all over to be considered petite. Being petite can be chalked up to a few things: length of limbs, shoulder width, bust size, and length of waist.

I styled this cute top with my favorite skinny jeans, sandals, and adorable cat purse (available in several colors). The bracelets and earrings are perfect for everyday since they are so easy to wear.

When you're petite, it can be hard to find the right clothes for your frame. Even if you're not short, that doesn't mean that you're not petite. You can be tall, curvy, or even plus-sized and still be considered petite in certain areas.

Tip for Shopping Petite

Shopping petite can be tricky depending on the retailer. When shopping at Loft I usually wear a size 4 or 6 in their pants. If I go for the petite option, I go up a size. For example, if the regular size 6 fits, I would be a size 8 p. More often than not, the petite option is small all over not just in length so that鈥檚 why it helps to size up. A lot of petite clothing is like this. I am narrow through the hips but that doesn’t mean that my calves and thighs are petite.

If you’re small all over, check out the the kids section. Depending on where you shop, you can sometimes get the same brands sold in the women鈥檚 department, but for a fraction of the price.聽Usually, sizes 12-16 will fit quite well; I used to do this all the time when I was a smaller size. The kid’s section is also a great alternative if your feet are small.

When you're petite, it can be hard to find the right clothes for your frame. Even if you're not short, that doesn't mean that you're not petite. You can be tall, curvy, or even plus-sized and still be considered petite in certain areas.

Petite Brands I love

Petite clothing has come a long way, and there is more available. If not in-store, then definitely online.

Retailers that sell Petite

No matter your size, you’re fabulous! For more body positivity, check out my feature on the Stitch Fix blog for their My Body My Style campaign.

Shop the post:

Top: Pleione (sold out/another cute option) | Jeans: AG | Earrings, and Bracelets: Sugarfix by Bauble Bar c/o| Purse: Ted Baker | Sandals: Josef Seibel (no longer available) | Lipstick: Lanc么me Matte Shaker Lipstick聽 (Pink Power) c/o

馃摲鈥檚 by 聽Luba Kochubey Portraits

Outfit Remix: 4 Tips for Remixing Your Outfits

Flutter sleeve blouse, anorak jacket (military jacket), and distressed jeans. Flutter sleeve blouse, anorak jacket (military jacket), and distressed jeans. Flutter sleeve blouse, anorak jacket (military jacket), and distressed jeans. When I started this blog, I had an unspoken goal to utilize what I own and not spend a lot of money and I have done surprisingly well. I used to be notorious for growing tired of a piece and getting rid of it without a thought. When I go back through my archives, I love seeing that I still own most of the same clothes (investment pieces) from three years ago!

I realized I love to remix my closet and started to focus more on working with less. I’d take a small wardrobe with beautiful pieces over a large one of odds and ends.

Flutter sleeve blouse, anorak jacket (military jacket), and distressed jeans. Take this printed flutter sleeve blouse. The first time I wore it, I went for a business casual look. This time, it’s more off-duty with a pair of distressed jeans and my favorite anorak jacket. I also changed up the hair, lipstick, and accessories.

Flutter sleeve blouse, anorak jacket (military jacket), and distressed jeans.

4 Tips for Remixing Your Outfits

  1. Swap out your lip color. You would be amazed how this simple change can maximize your look. If you’re not a lipstick wearer, try a sheer balm with a hint of color. Another awesome lipstick that is great for every day is this one by Bobbi Brown.
  2. Change your hair. Now, you can be as creative as you like with this, but I would err on side of simplicity. If you always wear your hair in a low ponytail, try wearing it up. Even adding a side or middle part can make a huge difference.
  3. Choose a different bottom. This is a great way to scale your wardrobe and is awesome when traveling. If you have a colored bottom, you can pair it with a printed or solid top and swap out the accessories and voila! You have an entirely new look. I do this all the time and it really does stretch my wardrobe.
  4. Change your shoes and accessories. This is a no brainer and makes getting dressed fun. Adding jewelry, a scarf, or bag can make a huge difference. If hats are more your thing, pick up a couple neutral options so you can mix and match with your wardrobe.

What tips do you have for remixing your outfits? Let me know in the comments!

P.S. Check out my other outfit remixes.聽

Shop the Post:

Blouse: J.Crew (similar)| Jacket: Loft (similar) | Jeans: AG | Earrings, and Bracelets: Sugarfix by Bauble Bar c/o| Sandals: Josef Seibel (sold out) | Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs (similar) | Lipstick: Lanc么me Matte Shaker Lipstick c/o

Lace & Pearls – The Girl Behind the Blog

When you follow a lot of blogs, you become curious about the person behind the blog and wonder about their background and lifestyle. I thought it would be fun to share a bit about myself and what inspired me to create this blog.

I live in Seattle, Washington with my husband and our two cats; we adopted them last year when they were four months old. It is my first time being a pet owner and I love it! Full disclosure, my husband and I are both dog people, but with us both being away from home for so many hours a day, it just didn’t make sense to have a dog yet. Last fall, my husband talked about possibly getting two cats and I was tickled with excitement! I still remember the first day we brought them home. We are literally smitten with them.

My husband and I met in college and have been married for seven years this July. He was my first boyfriend, and after dating for four years, we got married. We bought our first home last March and are having a blast buying furniture, planting vegetable beds, and doing other projects. He works in Marketing & Communications as a web developer and is wise beyond his years. Seriously, is there anything this man can’t do? He’s truly the best thing that has ever happened to me and our love for one another grows each and every day.

Lace & Pearls – The Girl Behind the Blog

In college, I majored in communications and got a job at Nordstrom in their corporate office when I graduated. Before school, I worked at Nordstrom Rack full time and continued doing seasonal work during breaks. When I graduated from college, 聽I worked in the Brass Plum buying office as an administrative assistant. I mostly managed purchase orders and got to make sure our vendors shipped products to us on time. Towards the tail end of things, I made the transition to Nordstrom.com and worked on the front end of the site, loading images and curating style suggestions to customers.

After trying to move up in the company, I applied for work externally and got a job in healthcare. I have been promoted a few times since and am now a project manager. When I switched over to healthcare I really missed being immersed in fashion and hearing about the latest trends. I wanted so badly to have that part of my life back and so Lace & Pearls was born.

My first year, I blogged under the radar, I was scared that if people found out, they would discourage me from what I was trying to do so I only told my mom and a few family members. It can also be tough to balance work and the blog, and there have been so many times where I’ve wanted to throw in the towel, but what has kept me going are the relationships I’ve formed, getting to improve my writing skills, and having something that allows me to be creative on a weekly basis.

Well, I think that covers the basics. If you鈥檝e stuck around this long, thank you! If you have any questions for me, please leave them in the comments. I always love hearing from you. Thanks for reading.

Shop the Post:

Chambray: Old Navy | Denim: J.Crew | Necklace: J.Crew (sold out)| Ring: Happiness Boutique (silver version) c/o | Boots: Hunter | Tote: Ralph Ralph Lauren (similar) | Lipstick: Burberry ( No. 49 – intense plum)c/o

Photos by Jenn of Hello Rigby.

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