Leg Lengthening Nude Pumps

Nothing lengthens short legs like going monochromatic on bottom - like wearing a black skirt, with black tights, and black high-heeled pumps. I've always heard that the same is true for a bare leg with nude pumps and I've been searching for the perfect classic shoe ever since.

Today, I found a pair of Jimmy Choo Gilbert Pumps in Nude at Bluefly for $396 $258.62 plus free shipping and 3.5% cashback via ebates. (Update: It looks like Bluefly is sold out but the same shoe is currently available at Saks for $495). It's still expensive, but I don't mind splurging when it comes to classics. Similar shoes for less can be found here, here, and here. And these cute peep-toe versions here are a steal.

Nude pumps are so versatile and don't seem to ever go out of style.

Here nude pumps are paired with an all black outfit. The look is classy and classic. It works great with the black skinny leg pants that have been so popular lately (and that look so good on petites).

Nude pumps also work with bright colorful dresses. I read somewhere that nude pumps are concealer for the feet. I agree and think it's a one-shoe fits all. It also goes well with my goal to wear more color next year.

Finally, nude pumps can even go casual. I love how Victoria Beckham wore hers with rolled up pants and a blazer.

I can't wait to get my shoes! How do you wear your nude pumps?

Review: J.Crew Petite Ever Peacoat in Navy

Last week, I bought the J.Crew Petite Ever Peacoat size P0 in navy. I've been looking for a well-fitting classic navy peacoat and I was hoping this one would fit the bill.

J.Crew Petite Ever Peacoat in Navy

Look and Feel:
The color is a very deep navy - almost black in low lighting. The coat seems to be well made, not scratchy when I run my hand down the front and not stiff like the J.Crew Thinsulate coat I bought several years ago. But it's still wool so when I first threw it on over a t-shirt, it felt a little bit itchy against my bare neck and arms even though it's very nicely and fully lined. Normally, I would be wearing a long sleeve shirt or sweater under this coat and the itchiness wasn't a problem once I threw those things on.

Fit:
In the past, I've had problems with J.Crew petite coats fitting me too short in the arm and J.Crew regular coats fitting me too large in the body. This coat's sleeve measures 21.5 inches and hits me at 1/2 inch below my wrist. When I bend my arm, the sleeve hikes up to about 1/2 to 1 inch above my wrist. Normally, I like my sleeves to reach halfway down my palm so these sleeves were about 1-1/2 inch too short. The bottom of the coat hits about 3 inches below my hips.

Sleeve hits right below wrist

The body of the coat fits a little roomy on me in a t-shirt, but with a sweater and scarf, it fits much better. I tend to like my coats very fitted - and from the front, this coat seems a bit boxy. The shoulders are perfect.

From the back, it tapers in at the waist and looks quite nice.

Conclusion
I really wanted to like this but I feel that the itchiness and the short sleeve make it a no go. What do you think?

Good Eats: Fresh Ginger Ale by Bruce Cost

Ever since I got pregnant, I've been eating a lot healthier. I buy organic produce and try to eat prepared foods without preservatives. Sometimes, however, I get a craving and the badness of it just can't be helped. Like ginger ale. I'm a big fan of ginger ale but sadly, it does contain preservatives. Last night, I found Fresh Ginger Ale by Bruce Cost at Glaze for $3.50 (also available at Whole Foods). It was delicious!!

Fresh Ginger Ale by Bruce Cost - $3.50

It's made from fresh ginger and contains actual ginger pulp. Only 4 ingredients in this yummy drink too: carbonated water, pure cane sugar, 100% fresh ginger, and citric acid. I also like that it comes in a glass bottle (I'm trying to cut down on plastics). I'm a sucker for the simple packaging too.

Review: 100% Pure Lip Glaze in Sultry

When I was a little girl, I used to rub cherry popsicle on my lips and walk around pretending it was lipstick. It looks like my idea has finally caught on. I discovered the 100% Pure Cosmetics makeup line at the drugstore today and decided to give their lip glaze a try.

100% Pure Cosmetics Lip Glaze in Sultry - $15

I usually don't buy drugstore lipsticks because they tend to have a strong chemical taste that I really dislike, but this one caught my eye. Their products are colored from fruit and vegetable pigments. The lip glaze smells like fruit juice and doesn't taste bad. Plus, I don't have to worry about nasty chemicals rubbing off on my little peanut when she inevitably bangs her head against my face. I tried on a bunch of the colors at the store and noticed that the colors are more vibrant on the skin than in the tube. I ended up buying the Sultry color, which matches my natural lip shade almost exactly!

J.Crew 30% Off Outerwear and Free Shipping Over $150

J.Crew is having 30% off outerwear and free shipping over $150 until Wednesday with code SHIP150. I bought the Petite Ever Peacoat in Navy for $157.50 (plus 1% cashback via ebates). I've been looking for a classic navy peacoat and this seemed to fit the bill. I honestly hesitated quite a bit before buying this coat because the last J.Crew wool coat I bought didn't fit well. The arms were too short in the petite 0 and the body was too baggy in regular 0. Plus, the material was really stiff. But this was at least 5 years ago so hopefully their quality and fit has improved.

J.Crew Petite Ever Peacoat in Navy - was$225 now $157.50

I also considered buying these other coats but decided to pass on them for myself:

1. Lodge Puffer Jacket in XXS was $168 now $117.60 - I liked the look of this jacket in ivory but at the last minute decided it wasn't a practical color for a new mom. I already own a black puffer jacket and I wear that all the time. Otherwise, I would have considered the dark charcoal (along with the 7 other nice colors that are on sale now too).

2. Petite Double-Cloth Lady Day Coat in P0 was $298 now $179.99 - I saw this on ExtraPetite and thought, "I want that coat!" But then I realized I only wanted it because PAG bought it (for $126 no less!) and I just love her style in just about everything these days (I'm too tired to reinvent the wheel). However, I do not have the good fortune of being able to wear olive so I reluctantly removed it from my cart.

Gold Sequins for the Holidays

I can't believe it's already December! That means, ready or not, holiday parties are just around the corner.  I'm really loving gold sequins this year - they look so elegant and festive.

Talbots Sleeveless Sequin Sheath - $299

Victoria's Secret Sequin Skirt - $79.50

As a mom to a little one though, I can't see myself actually wearing sequins - not cuddle friendly enough. But perhaps I can recreate the same glamorous feeling with accessories - like these shoes.

Talbots Sequins Peep-Toe Pumps - $169

The detailing along the edge of these shoes really make this shiny pair glamorous, classy, and surprisingly versatile. You can wear them with a dress like the gold sequin one above, with a winter-white ensemble and gold accessories, or dress them down with a pair of rolled up jeans. The heel height is 2 3/4", which gives a nice lift for us shorter gals, but not so high that a mom carrying an infant couldn't safely wear. They come in flats too. Talbots is all sold out online but they still have them in the retail stores. The price is a little steep but otherwise, it's a must buy. How would you wear these shoes?