Why Are Halloween Costumes So Short?!

Emilie (pictured left) as a punk princess, myself as a flapper, and Gabriella (pictured right) as the Morton's salt girl.

I'm always so last minute with Halloween and therefore usually resort to pre-packaged costumes. I know, boring. And every year, all of the pre-packaged costumes I try on are way too short (like barely cover my butt short)! I don't know how women over 5'10" do it! Because this is the case, I typically look for something that I can wear black leggings or tights with. This year, the flapper costume fit the bill.

Above are some shots from this past Saturday night. 

Besides dancing, I spent the majority of the night trying not to bend over too far. Regardless, I had a fabulous time and was surrounded by some of my favorites :)

Hope you all have a happy Halloween!

Lookbook: Extra Long Blazer

Ann Taylor Stretch Linen Twill Long Jacket; Ralph Lauren Newbury Flap Satchel; Tommy Hilfiger Sunglasses, DL40; Aigle Ecuyer Boots; H&M Skater Dress; Charter Club Scarf; Hue Tights

Finding a flattering blazer when you're tall is not easy!

Let me set the scene. I had been searching for a blazer for months. I wanted something longer that I could wear with skinny jeans (to work) or with a short skirt and boots (for the weekend). I tired on a number of tall blazers, but none were long enough for the look that I was going for. Just when I had given up hope, I saw this CRAZY LONG blazer in the final sale section of the Ann Taylor website. Here's why I love it:

• After a number of promotions and coupons, it cost me under $35! 
• It's not a tall size. Finally I can wear something that doesn't come out of the tall section! 
• The length is perfect, hitting just below the widest part of my hips. This helps create the illusion of a more slender silhouette. On anyone shorter, I'm convinced this would look like a lab coat.
• The button falls at my natural waist. Most of the other blazers I tried on had buttons that hit too high.
• It's structured yet has an a-line shape, which is flattering on pear-shaped women like me.

Readers - Have you found the perfect blazer?

Monthly Style Obsessions: October

I've been adding subtle traces of leopard print in with my outfits lately. It's a trend that keeps coming back and has been all over the Fall-Winter 2012-2013 collections. Here are the ways I've been safely incorporating leopard print into my wardrobe:

1. J.Crew Leopard Print Scarf (similar here)
2. Alexander Wang Ponyhair Prisma Wristlet
3. Nocona Jungle Crystal Bracelet
4. Sabine Faux Leopard Hair Bangle
5. Anne Klein Zya Animal Print Pumps

Lookbook: Wide Leg Trouser Jeans

7 For All Mankind Ginger Flare Trousers; ASOS Quilted Lock Across Body Bag; H&M Blouse; Vintage Pearls; Ralph Lauren Zabrina Pumps

Trouser jeans are my favorite...especially these ones! This particular pair is super long (34.75") and slim in the hip and thigh area which make for a flattering silhouette. 

How to wear:

• I always wear these with a heel to elongate the leg (and because the fabric would drag on the ground!).
• I find that tucking in the shirt balances out the bulk in the leg area and looks more polished. I also like pairing trouser jeans with a cropped sweater or jacket to show off their style.
• Adding a belt can help define the waist and pull together the look.

Lookbook: How to Wear Peplum

Topshop Tall Jersey Peplum Top; William Rast "Jerri" Stardust Ultra Skinny Leg Jeans; J.Crew Booker Tall Mid-Heel Boots (similar); ASOS Quilted Lock Across Body Bag (c/o my beautiful friend Emilie); Express Necklace (old)

This is the first time that I've tried wearing peplum. I always stayed away from it, thinking that the extra fabric around the hips would be a bad idea. I decided to try it, however, after seeing it all over the fashion blog world.

What I Like:

• The idea of the top. It's a soft material in a silhouette that isn't too extreme. It adds a bit of interest to an otherwise plain outfit.
• The length of the peplum. A shorter peplum would look disproportionate on us tall women.
• A top like this paired with something streamlined. Here, I paired the top with a pair of skinny jeans. But a pencil skirt would work just as well.

What I Don't Like:

• I found that peplum gives the illusion of a smaller waist, but does accentuate the hips. 
• The top could be a few inches longer, even though it is a tall size. It's hitting me at the widest part of my hips. I can't image how short a regular size would be!

Have you tried peplum before? Have you been successful?

Review: Tall J.Crew Emmaleigh Dress in Super 120s

Tall J.Crew Emmaleigh Dress in Super 120s; Ann Taylor Perfect Patent Leather Pumps; J.Crew Leopard Print Scarf (similar here); J.Crew Polka-Dot Bag (similar here); J.Crew Factory Bracelets

Above, I'm wearing the tall size J.Crew Emmaleigh Dress in Super 120s. It's the same dress I featured in this post back in August. I apologize for not getting a review out sooner...I had to order three different sizes before I found one that fit the way I like. I find that J.Crew sizing is inconsistent and it's tough because you can't try on tall sizes in store.  First off, this dress is way more flattering on me than the J.Crew Memo dress I reviewed here. Why? There is no weird pleating or bunching around the waist! Here are some other things to note: LENGTH: The tall length is fine on my 5'10" frame and hits just above the knee. I did try on a regular size in store and found the length to be too short (about 2-3 inches shorter than the tall size). MATERIAL: The material is gorgeous (Super 120s merino wool) and looks and feels expensive. It's silky to the touch but has enough structure to be work-appropriate. It's also fully lined. CUT: It's a shift-silhouette with a straight skirt. These types of dresses are typically more flattering on women without curves, but I wanted to try anyway. I ended up going with a 4T. I think the hip area might be a little tight on me, but if I went with the 6T, the bust would have been way too roomy. Ultimately, I liked the dress, but I wasn't in love. I think I'm going to return it, because I don't think I can justify the price for something that's not quite perfect. On a positive note, however, there are plenty more J.Crew Wear-To-Work dresses to try! Readers - Have you tired any of the J.Crew Wear-To-Work dresses? Which silhouette do you like the best?