A Little Ruffly…A Little Dolce and Gabbana

November 17, 2010

Dolce & Gabbana petite shoes
Dolce & Gabbana petite shoes
Dolce & Gabbana petite shoes
Dolce & Gabbana petite shoes
Blouse: Banana Republic Ruffle Blouse, size petite XXS (altered)
Tank: Banana Republic Factory Store, size Petite XS
Tights: Nordstrom B.P., size S/M
Brooch: Gift from bloggy friend Extra Petite. =)

Southern California girls don’t wear tights. I remember buying a pair specifically for a very cold Las Vegas weekend when I knew my legs would freeze in my skimpy dress. My friends made me feel foolish for even *thinking* about wearing tights.

So I’ve been apprehensive of them for years, but have secretly wanted a grey pair of sweater tights for a while. I knew they’d look great, but was embarrassed to wear them, because SoCal is the land of bare legs.

I finally bought a pair, and guess what? They make my scrawny legs look great! The texture and color of these tights give my legs some presence. Look, Ma…I have calves!

side note: black tights have the opposite effect. My little legs look like toothpicks in black tights. Yuck! Take note ladies…black tights slim, lighter colors + texture expands.

These shoes have sat in my closet unworn for a while now, and I’m determined to wear them this year. I love them, but my wardrobe had to grow before it could do them justice. My first attempt may have been a little ambitious, as I threw together all my closet misfits, hoping it would all work out. Surprisingly, it was close, but not quite doing the shoes justice.

A few commenters suggested I try them with grey tights and a skirt, and luckily, I just so happened to pick up this pair of tights from the Nordstrom B.P. department a few days earlier. Good job readers! What a great combination! I have the feeling I’ll finally be wearing my Dolce & Gabbana lovelies this winter. =)

Disclosure - Clicking or purchasing through the links in this post may yield commissions for AlterationsNeeded.com. See the Alterations Needed Disclosure for more details.

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  • Frankincensy

    I love this outfit! Smart and chic, and the colours are great.

  • Elle

    I love this outfit, literally from top to bottom. Too bad I don't have any close matches in my closet otherwise I'd be eager to recreate it myself. Great job!

  • PetiteAsianGirl

    Fan freaking tastic! I knew those oxfords would shine paired with some tights! Your outfit is classy and chic from head to toe.

  • Anonymous

    I have to disagree. I LOVE each individual piece, but I think you have way too much going on: vertical ruffles, diagonal "ruffly" draping, stripes, pink brooch, and brownish-red menwear shoes. Too many colors and too many different elements

    Perhaps if you wore a basic black pencil skirt instead, then the shoes, brooch, and tights can shine. Or if you switch out the shoes, I think you will have a more successful outfit :D

  • kileen

    I love those oxfords with the tights!! It definitely does give your legs some awesome curves. The colors here are all pretty subdued, so the extra ruffle detailing in the top as well as with the accessories give it a nice touch. Lovely!!

    cuteandlittle.com

  • Alterations Needed

    Frankincensy – Thanks! I love the colors too. Navy and grey are always amazing together, and I love pairing brown with grey.

    Elle – Thanks! There was a similar skirt at LOFT last season, but I haven't seen anything similar lately.

    PetiteAsianGirl – The oxfords look amazing with the tights. I need to try a few more outfit pairings, but I think the shoes and tights are a perfect match. The brooch is also *amazing*! =)

    Anonymous (8:47 AM) – I can see how you could think it could be a bit much, but I love the drama of it all. Sometimes, I just wanna go a little over the top. =) I like the pairing of the navy, grey, and reddish brown. If anything, I would switch out the blouse with something creamy colored, but I don't own anything like that at the moment, so this is the best my little wardrobe could do.

  • Angie

    yeah people stare at me all sorts of crazy when i wear tights in san diego, but in st louis they're a must! this look is sophisticated and warm. i absolutely love your shoes

    <3 angie
    Pandaphilia

  • Laura Lee

    I LOVE THIS OUTFIT. I am going to try and copy it.. he he he thanks for the inspiration. All of the pieces are very classic and flattering. GAHHH thanks for the tip about the tights!!! DUH I always want to wear tights but the black sweater ones DO make my xxxs slender legs look like little spider legs! ARGH!

  • Anonymous

    I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE your shoes! The gold detail gives them a bit more "sparkle!" (Didnt see the gold the first time you posted them). Be glad we are not roomies, I would so steal them and try to jam my size 6.5s into them… lol! The similiar pair you linked to are not available but I am keeping my eye out for them even though they aren't as nice! Great look head to toe!

    ~G.R.I.T.S

  • simplyvonne

    my dogs does the same thing when i take pix, they would even look at me looking all confused :D

  • Anonymous

    I really like the blouse, cardigan, pearls and tights, but I agree with the previous Anonymous that the skirt does not work out with this outfit. More specifically I think the skirt does not work well with the tights, so I would try one of the following:

    * keep the tights, replace the skirt
    * keep the skirt but wear without tights

    PS: I would love to see these shoes paired with some outfit that has shades of red in it.

  • AubreyOhDang!

    I like the juxtapostion of ruffles and mens oxfords.

  • AubreyOhDang!

    ooooh, and i just noticed you changed your heading. purty Kelly!

  • Alterations Needed

    kileen – Thanks! It's interesting how the colors are all neutrals, but still somehow pop. I like how the pearls kinda hide in the ruffles of the top too.

    Angie – I know! I for one am always freezing cold, and never go bare-legged in the winter. I don't know how everyone else in SoCal does it!

    Laura Lee – LOL. I made the mistake of wearing black tights once to a holiday party, and I was so self conscious the whole night because my legs looked like little black tooth picks. These tights are much more flattering. Definitely give something similar a shot!

  • Alterations Needed

    Grits – LOL. They are fab, and shame on me for not wearing them! I just found a better link for those shoes, that are available in most sizes and fixed the old one. Not as intricate as my D&G's, but still a fun shoe.

    simplyvonne – Clinton is intrigued by the noise the camera shutter makes. Makes for great posing on his part though. =)

    Anonymous (11:44 AM) – Thanks for the ideas. Since my legs freeze in the winter, there's slim chance of me wearing this outfit without those toasty warm tights. =)

    Aubrey – Thanks! My first attempt at this outfit was way too manly (I had on a button down shirt), so I had to ruffle it up a bit to make it girly. =)

  • Abhitoabby

    You know what I wish. I wish they made tights such that the 'feet' part had some nice removable HIDDEN velcro/zipper thingy and could be taken apart. I know some of you might cringe at this, but I find it SO annoying to have to wash tights EVERYTIME becoz the feet part gets all gross but the rest of it is still fresh and could be spared the wash. :/

    Kelly, I live in Vegas and happily loaded on some tights last week, and you know what! Now I can wear my capris all thru winter with some sexy tights underneath ;)
    Anonymous and Anonymous- I'm inclined towards your note about the skirt making it just a tad much- perhaps its also to do with how its coming across in the pictures- more velvetty than drapey. Kelly dear Kelly, wouldnt you humor us and take some pics with another skirt :)

  • Callandra

    I really like this outfit, it's so visually interesting! The tights are great with that vertical stripe, they definitely add to the outfit. Also, the color of the shoes and the blue from the skirt is such a beautiful combination, they compliment each other so well! Great job ;)

  • Vanessa

    I saw you on IFB's site. While I'm not petite I really like your style, and that your filling an obvious need. The Dolce & Gabbana shoes are really beautiful.

    My Heart Blogged

  • Cee

    Great outfit! The texture of the tights work well with the detailing of the booties, but most of all I love how you let the D&Gs shine — no pants covering them up this time :)

  • R.L.

    Love love love the outfit. It's so you but I really like how you've shaken things up with various closet "misfits." The tights definitely look great with the oxfords. I'm also loving that darling brooch that PAG gave you. Lucky! Combined with the pearls and ruffly top, that AE sweater almost looks like a really high-end Theory blazer at first glance. Also, very chic redesign of the blog :)

  • Alterations Needed

    Abhitoabby – Hmm…interesting tights idea…maybe there's a entrepreneurial adventure in there. =)
    Unfortunately, I've never been a skirt girl, so my wardrobe is very durth of fun, wearable skirts. I'm trying to fix this (do I smell a shopping trip?)Trust me, you don't want to see any other skirts with this outfit…I tried…LOL.

    Callandra – Thanks! I like the vertical lines of the tights too. I thought they would look funny when I first bought them, but they work!

    Vanessa – Thanks for stopping by from IFB!

  • Alterations Needed

    Cee – Yeah, the shoes really do need to be worn with skirts, or shorter pants. What was I thinking, covering up those beautiful shoes?!

    R.L. – Thanks! I've been trying to pull myself out of my "same old thing" wardrobe. I hate that I buy things, and then never wear them, even though I love them! The brooch really give the outfit something special, but we all know Jean has great taste. =)

  • Tiffany

    love your new header! :) You look so great, love this outfit, I'm a HUGE tights person, I own so many. And for the reason you don't like black tights, I love them! :)

    The draping on the skirt is so pretty, Phillip Lim does draping so well.

    and EEEK! to your pup. what a cutie.

  • Alterations Needed

    You know what's funny? As some readers are pointing out the "a bit much" of the skirt, the more I like the outfit! LOL. Fashion is rarely (I dare day, never) perfect, especially when you throw in personal taste. But, fashion can be fun, and quirky, and dang-it, I think this outfit is fun and quirky! =)

  • Michelle

    Nice use of the word "durth" in your comments! :) Love it! :p

    I love it all. Still in love with the shoes, and love cameo! I think the skirt works since it is has tones of grey in the blue.

    Interesting note about the black tights! Never thought about that!

  • Michelle

    And…I love your new banner!! :)

  • Leena

    tres classy! love it!

  • Stylepint

    I love your outfit and the tights work well with the oxfords. Btw, I love the little redesign, it looks great! =)

  • SewPetiteGal

    This outfit is perfect on you – I think this is one of my favorites of all your cute outfit posts. I REALLY love the brooch and pearls – so chic!

  • MoneyMaus

    Great outfit! I love the sweater tights, but the skirt isn't my favorite – but you can definitely pull it off.

    I bought a pair of (black) tights when in NYC a few weeks ago, and the trend there is boots + black tights + some sort of top/chunky sweater/jacket etc. I haven't been able to wear them in SD yet because, as you said, no one wears tights here :( But I LOVE my black tights and even though I'm just smaller than you, I think black tights look great on me when paired with boots & the right longer top! :)

  • Anonymous

    Awesome outfit, love the details

  • I am Khatu

    I love them even more now, the color is just perfect! I suppose you won't be selling the shoes anytime soon. LOL.

  • diaryofashopper

    Very stylish! And I love your new banner. I know how you feel with feeling stupid wearing some items in a warm climate. I am enjoying the cold Colorado weather and wearing all the cold weather items that I felt ridiculous wearing in Texas my whole life. :)

  • Alterations Needed

    Tiffany – Thanks! I see you in tights on your blog all the time! Us SoCal girls are late adopters I guess. =)

    Michelle – LOL. I wrote it, but then had to look it up just to make sure my high school vocab skills weren't too rusty.

    Leena – Nice usage of "tres". I did feel like I needed to be in a french cafe in this outfit.

  • Alterations Needed

    Stylepint – Thanks! My PhotoShop skills are slowly improving. =)

    SewPetiteGal – The brooch and pearls are amazing together. They are sitting where I took them off, on the table together, and I can't stop looking at them whenever I'm in the room.

    MoneyMaus – We should travel around together in our tights and scoff at all the cold, bare-legged San Diego girls this winter. Ahh, yes, I can see how black tights would look good with boots. I was nothing but leg in my black tights, and it wasn't good. =P

  • Alterations Needed

    Anonymous – Thank you!

    I am Khatu – LOL. I can see you in these shoes, easily! They're totally your style. No plans to sell, but if I ever do, I'll be sure to let you know first!

    diaryofashopper – I secretly envy your new cold weather dressing abilities, except for the whole being cold part.

  • The Little Dust Princess

    I love the colour palette! And awesome accessories. : ) The grey tights are very versatile – I have a similar ribbed pair myself. : )

    Great new banner btw!

    xx The Little Dust Princess

  • PetiteAsianGirl

    I just realized I commented too on the initial post from Jan 2009 where you unveiled them and asked to see them with skinnier or cropped pants vs. boot cut. Almost didn't recognize that username, throwback lol…

  • Canadianpetite

    Yes! Love the skirt/tights which shows off those oxfords. I agree, your legs look shapely in this outfit.

  • diaryofashopper

    AN- I am kind of in shock at how cold it is. My new trench coat is not even coming close to cutting the cold! I need a serious down jacket which is not quite so cute!

  • Marie Pilgrim

    I'm a So Cal girl and I have quite a collection of tights! I mostly wear them with boots b/c when it rains (and it does rain in So Cal, right?) the coziest outfit is a lined wool skirt, tights, and boots, topped with a cashmere sweater and a waaaaaaarm coat. Wool or down. Oh, and a scarf. I covet your tights! Actually, I covet your whole look; very soignee.

  • PetiteXXS

    I'm a little late to the game, but definitely loving the new banner, esp the font choices and placement. I think the shoes look much better in this outfit with the tights! I never used to wear tights either until I got my Ugg boots and started wearing skirts during cooler months. Thanks for the tip about grey vs. black tights, I hadn't thought of that but it makes a lot of sense! :)

  • JenlovesBal

    Fabulous outfit! I love the tights! I think I may need to get a pair myself. :)

  • Marie Pilgrim

    I'm a So Cal girl and I have quite a collection of tights! I mostly wear them with boots b/c when it rains (and it does rain in So Cal, right?) the coziest outfit is a lined wool skirt, tights, and boots, topped with a cashmere sweater and a waaaaaaarm coat. Wool or down. Oh, and a scarf. I covet your tights! Actually, I covet your whole look; very soignee.

  • kileen

    I love those oxfords with the tights!! It definitely does give your legs some awesome curves. The colors here are all pretty subdued, so the extra ruffle detailing in the top as well as with the accessories give it a nice touch. Lovely!!

    cuteandlittle.com

  • PetiteAsianGirl

    Fan freaking tastic! I knew those oxfords would shine paired with some tights! Your outfit is classy and chic from head to toe.

  • Michelle

    Nice use of the word "durth" in your comments! :) Love it! :p

    I love it all. Still in love with the shoes, and love cameo! I think the skirt works since it is has tones of grey in the blue.

    Interesting note about the black tights! Never thought about that!

  • Vanessa

    I saw you on IFB's site. While I'm not petite I really like your style, and that your filling an obvious need. The Dolce & Gabbana shoes are really beautiful.

    My Heart Blogged

  • Alterations Needed

    Grits – LOL. They are fab, and shame on me for not wearing them! I just found a better link for those shoes, that are available in most sizes and fixed the old one. Not as intricate as my D&G's, but still a fun shoe.

    simplyvonne – Clinton is intrigued by the noise the camera shutter makes. Makes for great posing on his part though. =)

    Anonymous (11:44 AM) – Thanks for the ideas. Since my legs freeze in the winter, there's slim chance of me wearing this outfit without those toasty warm tights. =)

    Aubrey – Thanks! My first attempt at this outfit was way too manly (I had on a button down shirt), so I had to ruffle it up a bit to make it girly. =)

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