Petite Fashion Challenge #13 : Stylish for Under $100

I own a range of higher and lower priced items but it doesn't often cross my mind how much I spend on individual outfits. In reviewing my old blog posts, I was surprised by how infrequently I wear some of the most and least expensive items. I guess I subconsciously go with the mid-range pieces.

Annie of Really Petite is the host for this month's petite fashion challenge and she challenged us to create a professional outfit for under $100 (shoes and accessories are excluded). I had grand plans for this challenge (like actually creating a complete outfit, bags and shoes included, for under $100) but found that it's much more difficult in execution. I can't wait to see what other ladies come up with.

I ended up going with my trusty J. Crew coat (bought on super sale), a LOFT necklace, and a LOFT dress which clock in at just under the allotted budget.

J. Crew Lady Day Coat - bought it on sale for $59
LOFT Ruffle Two-Fer Dress - bought it on sale for for about $20
LOFT necklace - $18
Bag & shoes - I won't count these, but over the $100 budget

Visit Annie's blog for a complete list of participants.

Affordable Suiting : The Limited Complete Suits for $50-70

I am not normally a proponent for the Limited (as I find their clothes to fit slightly big for someone my size) but this is such a great deal if you are slightly bigger than me. And if not, their suits look fairly basic and should be easy to alter if you are skilled in that respect.

The deal: $100 off on purchases including one jacket and any skirt or pants. To make the deal sweeter, use code 241 for $15 off any $50 purchase. Jackets are typically priced between $100-$130 and skirts are in the $50 range.

Sizing: the Limited runs size 0-16 or XS-XL. I find that the 0 runs similarly to size 0's from Banana Republic. The Limited does not carry a petite selection.

Below is a sample order I put together. The subtotal after the $100 has been deducted is $57.90 and with the extra $15 off and the $8.95 shipping charge, the total comes out to $51.85 (plus any applicable sales tax). A pretty good deal if you are in the market for suits.

Here are some of my picks:

Soft Tailored Jacket | High Waist Pencil Skirt

Modern Jacket | High Waist Pencil Skirt

Stretch Sateen Skirt | Collarless Jacket

Crystal Pleated Midi Skirt | High Waist Inverted Pleat Skirt | Colorblock Pleated Skirt

Exact Stretch Classic Flare Pant | Drew Slim Leg Pant | 678 Colorful Skinny Jean

Will you be getting something?

The February Challenge: Day 12 : Black Leopard

Impulsiveness can be a monster. The story of how I ended up with this Ann Taylor Factory jacket is a familiar one (at least for me). It goes something like this...Girl travels an hour to bargain hunter mecca. Girl didn't see anything worth buying. Girl didn't want to leave empty-handed and decides to undress the mannequin to try on the black jacket on it. Girl decides to order the jacket in her size, sight unseen. Girl receives it a week later in the mail, didn't love it but didn't want to drive to an outlet location to make a return. Jacket is worn once and then sits in closet for months until this outfit was put together. The end.

These days I am much more careful about purchasing items that cannot be easily returned. The lesson was an expensive one (as this jacket and many others with similar stories serve as a constant reminder of my delinquency.)

How often do you experience buyer's remorse these days?

AT top & shoes, AT Factory Jacket, J. Crew coat, skirt & necklace and Prada bag