• Home
  • Fashion
  • Philosophy
  • Travel
  • Beauty
  • FAQs
  • Contact

The Petite Philosopher

Thoughtful Style.

Fashion

Ring My Bell.

“Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past.” – George Orwell

During this photoshoot, I was told my dress and shoes gave off a 1960s feel, and I totally took that as a compliment. Though I admit I’m not the best shopper when it comes to finding good vintage pieces, I like how many retailers are offering more “vintage inspired” clothes. The boho and bell sleeve trends are especially reminiscent of the 1960s and 1970s, which reflect the time’s open-minded, free flowing vibes. I tend to think of fashions that comes back in style are from eras long before I was born, but this hasn’t been the case lately. The trends of the 1990s are definitely making a comeback, from flannel grunge looks, to crushed velvet babydoll dresses and chokers. Looking back on my high school years in the early 2000s, I just hope those styles stay tucked away in the vault!

_dsc7592 _dsc7584 _dsc7602 _dsc7590 _dsc7696 _dsc7655 _dsc7666 _dsc7686 _dsc7697 _dsc7654 _dsc7649 Dress: Urban Outfitters. Hat: Aldo Accessories (old, similar here). Bag: Gucci. Shoes: Pegabo (old, similar here). Necklace: Forever 21. Lips: MAC Viva Glam I.

Photography by Simon Giroux

November 7, 2016

Fashion

Old and New.

“At rest, however, in the middle of everything is the sun.” –  Nicolaus Copernicus

I just love sunny and brisk autumn days. It’s on days like these where you can layer without looking bundled up. For this look, it’s is all about mixing old with new. I rediscovered this jacket recently, as it was hiding in the back of the closest for years. Though I’m pretty sure I bought it back in 2007, I still think it looks good, and that is because of its classic shape. Peacoats are timeless, and best of all, easy to find. I also think it looks especially good when it’s unbottoned with the swing dresses that are becoming very popular this season. When shopping for a swing dress, I recommend that if you’re petite, you look for shapes that are tighter around the bust or are slimmer in general. Swing dresses that have a lot of fabric tend to look sloppy and overwhelming on small frames.

Accessorizing is also fun in the fall, and as I mentioned in a previous post, I love scarves. I bought this one on my recent trip to Italy and have been waiting for the weather to get cooler to wear it. I was also excited to bring these cute boots out again!

dscf8251 dscf8259 dscf8262 dscf8257 dscf8256 dscf8250 dscf8238 dscf8248 dscf8239 dscf8241

Dress: Forever21 (similar here). Jacket: H&M (old, love this, this, and especially this). Scarf: Fendi. Shoes: Nordstrom. Bag: Louis Vuitton. Eyeglasses: Chanel. Necklace: Madewell. Lips: MAC Pander Me with Guerlain Rouge Kiss.

November 3, 2016

Fashion

Leather and Lace.

“Simplicity in character, in manners, in style; in all things the supreme excellence is simplicity.” –  Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

One of my favourite combinations are leather and lace. I love the look of delicate fabrics with ones that appear “tough”, like leather. Playing with opposite textures or patterns makes an outfit more dynamic and interesting. Don’t be afraid to afraid to mix things up – sometimes the most unusual combinations are the most exciting.


Hinge Floppy Wool Hat • Hinge • $39
For Love & Lemons Ellery Lace Illusion Blouse • For Love & Lemons • $141
J.Crew – Leather Biker Jacket – Black • J.Crew • $550
Anna Sui Victorian Embroidered Lace Tunic Dress • Anna Sui • $326–465
Tory Burch Leather Pumps • Tory Burch • $250
Balenciaga Women’s Arena Classic City-BLACK • Balenciaga • $1,835
endless rose Lace Tee • Endless Rose • $55
Aquazzura Christy 105 Leather Pumps • Aquazzura • $725
Self Portrait Long-Sleeve Lace-Trim Crepe Mini Dress, White • Self-Portrait • $395
Free People ‘Soho’ Faux Leather Moto Jacket • Free People • $198
Loewe Puzzle Leather Bag • Loewe • $2,350
Trouvé Faux Leather Leggings • $79

November 1, 2016

Fashion

Singing in the Rain.

“I need the seasons to live to the rhythm of rain and sun.” – Sophie Marceau

Rainy days don’t have to be a drag. As long as the temperature isn’t too frigid, it’s fun to go out and walk around in the puddles – just bring along waterproof boots and colourful umbrella and you’re set. I like this particular umbrella because it features the famed Hudson’s Bay stripes. Having a degree in history, I find that the stripes remind me of Canada’s past, which also makes me feel patriotic.

I also think it’s a good idea for everyone to have a trench coat in their wardrobe. It’s classic and works well in all seasons. I bought the one I’m wearing last year, and it’s particularly well suited for me because of its skirted style. I wear mostly dresses and I find that most coats look awkward when buttoned or zipped up with a fit and flared dress underneath. This trench coat solves that problem. Cropped or shorter styles work as well.

Next time it rains, don’t be afraid to splash around.

_dsc0723_dsc0745_dsc0776_dsc0729_dsc0683_dsc0763_dsc0755_dsc0694

Jacket: H&M (old, similar here). Dress: Aritzia. Scarf: Gucci. Boots: Nine West (available in suede here). Umbrella: Hudson’s Bay. Earrings: H&M (old, similar here). Bag: Louis Vuitton. Lips: MAC Viva Glam II.

Photography by The Wilde Photographer

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

October 28, 2016

Fashion

Hat and Boots.

“Fashion is about dressing according to what’s fashionable. Style is more about being yourself.” –  Oscar de la Renta

I’m not always one to buy into items that are super trendy, but these over the knee boots caught my attention. I was hesitant at first, because at 5’1″ I thought the tall boots would make me look shorter than I am. I think the trick to make these types of boots work for a petite frame is to make sure the dress or skirt you are wearing comes above the knees. This allows for a more flattering look without looking frumpy.

I bought this hat last year and haven’t worn it until now. I sometimes find it challenging to wear such a hat because it looks best when you’re walking outside, and I honestly don’t do much of that in Windsor, and I feel that I look overdressed when wearing it indoors. I’m going to try to wear hats more often and try taking more risks with my style!

dscf8199dscf8200dscf8201dscf8205dscf8206dscf8211

dscf8207dscf8202dscf8203

Dress: Forever 21 (floral print here). Hat: Aldo Accessories (similar here and here). Boots: DSW. Bag: Saint Laurent. Watch: Chanel J12. Necklace: J.Crew (old). Lips: MAC Diva.

October 22, 2016

Fashion

Thirty One.

“About astrology and palmistry: they are good because they make people vivid and full of possibilities. They are communism at its best. Everybody has a birthday and almost everybody has a palm.” – Kurt Vonnegut

Every year for my birthday weekend my husband and I have a tradition of going to Franklin Cider Mill in Michigan and then shopping at my favourite mall, The Somerset Collection. Before venturing out, my husband and I had breakfast in Detroit. Now, if you know me, you know I have a deep admiration for Detroit. Not only is the restaurant scene amazing, but there is so much to see and do. I love that great food, scenery, music, shopping and more, and it’s only minutes away from the quiet street I live on in Windsor.

For our day out in Detroit (and surrounding area) I decided to wear a new dress in my favourite colour for fall, dark red. I also paired it with the most comfortable booties, a classic scarf, and my birthday gift – a Celine vertical cabas tote. The weather has been so beautiful lately that I haven’t even had to break out my black nylons!

Needless to say, I had a wonderful birthday, and I look forward to seeing what my 31st year on this planet will bring!

dscf8507dscf8510dscf8512dscf8515dscf8520dscf8522dscf8525dscf8526dscf8528dscf8538dscf8552

Dress: Threadsence. Scarf: Burberry. Necklace: Baublebar. Watch: Chanel. Bracelets: Baublebar. Shoes: Nordstrom. Bag: Celine (limited, similar here). Sunglasses: Karen Walker. Lips: YSL Rouge Pur Couture #1 Le Rouge

October 17, 2016

Fashion

Longer Lengths.

“Look for the woman in the dress. If there is no woman, there is no dress.” – Coco Chanel

It seems that everywhere I look in stores and online, midi dresses are becoming more popular than ever. While they look amazing on the models, it’s not always the case being 5’1″. Here are my tips for finding or wearing a midi dress if you’re petite:

  1. Make sure the length isn’t too long. You want the bottom of the dress to hit absolutely no lower than mid-calf. If the dress is below that point or closer to the ankles, the shorter and more disproportioned you’ll look.
  2. Fuller skirts look too overwhelming, so opt for softer draping fabrics.
  3. Do not wear opaque tights/nylons. This will make your look appear less modern and stylish.
  4. Try avoiding pairing a midi dress with shoes that have ankle straps. I already find straps around the ankles make me look shorter, so this is intensified when wearing longer lengths. Also avoid boots for the same reason.
  5. Higher heels in general look better with midi dresses in order to elongate your frame.
  6. Don’t be afraid of patterns.
  7. And when in doubt, just get the dress hemmed or buy petite sizing!

20161009-dscf833320161009-dscf833720161009-dscf835020161009-dscf835220161009-dscf835620161009-dscf836020161009-dscf836120161009-dscf8365dscf8358

Dress: Anthropologie (currently eyeing this and this). Bag: Gucci. Shoes: Max Studio. Watch: Chanel. Necklace: Kate Spade. Bracelet: Kate Spade. Sunglasses: Karen Walker. Lips: Guerlain Rouge Kiss.

 

October 12, 2016

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 13
  • 14
  • 15
  • 16
  • 17
  • Next Page »

About me



My name is Vanessa and I’m a senior social science secondary school teacher who has a passion for the dramatic arts, philosophy, and music. On my spare time I love to attend concerts, shop, and travel.

Read more



Based in Windsor, Canada

Follow by email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 15 other subscribers

Archives

  • July 2021
  • October 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • June 2016

Facebook

Facebook
Follow
2/27 at 12 a.m. ET to 2/28 at 11:59 p.m. ET
90% off luxury consignment
olive + piper fashion jewelry
Enjoy Fashion Walking 234-60

Instagram

Design + Development by MunichParis Design · Built on the Genesis Framework