ABC Family and Bloomingdale's Fashion Week Kick-Off Event

This evening I joined ABC Family at Bloomingdale's 59th Street to celebrate a kick-off to Fashion Week, with Jane by Design's Erica Dasher and Andie MacDowell. They both looked gorgeous, like they had just walked off the set.

Attendees enjoyed cocktails and hors d'oeuvres while checking out the 'pop up' fashion exhibit inspired by the series.

Erica Dasher (left), Andie MacDowell (center), Nanette Lepore (right)

- Kim Weling

Jane by Design's India de Beaufort

For completing all seven of the Jane by Design Style Challenge assignments in December/January, I had the opportunity to ask a Jane by Design cast member an exclusive question, to post exclusively for my blog! My question was for India de Beaufort, who plays India Jordain on Jane by Design.

Hear what India has to say when I ask her "How has your view on fashion evolved since being on Jane by Design and what have you learned since being on the show?"

Thank you India! Look forward to seeing you on the show. You are fabulous! Thanks again to ABC Family for having me participate!

- Kim Weling

Jane by Design Style Challenge #7 - Get Jane's Look

Above photos courtesy of Jane by Design

So for the 7th and final Jane by Design Style Challenge, I had to choose one person from last night's Jane by Design premiere episode and focus on how to get their look. I chose this stylish ensemble that Jane wore and automatically fell in love with the Diane von Furstenberg Metallic Tiered Skirt, originally $385. The metallic skirt dresses up the look, making it easy to wear this from day to night.

I searched through polyvore.com to find pieces that will help you get Jane's look for less than $130 per piece! Polyvore is a great resource if you are trying to find similar pieces, showing all different price ranges. You want to make sure that your belt and shoes are as close in color as possible and that the printed camisole you choose matches the cardigan, belt and shoes.

- MARC BY MARC JACOBS Silk mix confetti print cami, $130 -flannelsfashion.com
- Long Sleeve Cardigan, $17 - alloy.com
- Metallic Tweed Flare Skirt, $130 - shopadam.com
- Red Mixed Keeper Belt, $5 - dorothyperkins.com
- Michael Antonio Kusuma - Red Suede, $60 - heels.com
Total Cost of Look: $342

- Rory Beca Holika Printed Tie Front Cami, $98 - shopbop.com

- Vero Moda Cardigan Glory Blue, $29 - welikefashion.com
- Metallic Pleated Skirt, $39 - debenhams.com
- Mid Red Gold Buckle Skinny Leather Belt, $27 - oasis-stores.com
- Stare2 Platform Pointed Courts, $78 - topshop.com
Total Cost of Look: $271

Share your "get the look" tips at https://www.facebook.com/JaneByDesign and mention that Fashionably Petite sent you!

Also, take a look at this Jane by Design clip here, which provided some additional inspiration for this challenge.

A big thank you to ABC Family for having me participate in all seven of the style challenges. I love how creative the challenges have been and had fun along the way. I can't wait to continue watching Jane by Design this season. The fashion is phenomenal!

- Kim Weling

Jane by Design Style Challenge #6: Pretzel Inspired Hair Accessories

For my Jane by Design Challenge #6, we had to take inspiration from a bag of Snyder's of Hanover pretzels* - sticks, snaps or regular mini pretzels and I went with the pretzel sticks.

Just looking at the straight, horizontal shape of the pretzels made me think of this Charlotte Russe necklace I knew I wasn't going to use and I immediately thought of what I would do with the horizontal jeweled pieces.

I removed the bow on a black headband and glued the jeweled pieces on, at first in a zigzag pattern and then decided it looked to ornate so I started over and simplified it a bit by adding only a few pieces and then adding gold beads in between.

Then I decided to take a few more of the jeweled pieces and glue them onto bobby pins. It took more than a few tries to glue the pieces on to both the headband and the bobby pins since the back surface was not smooth but finally after carefully applying the pieces stayed in place.

Share how you have been inspired to make something fashionable out of unexpected items at https://www.facebook.com/JaneByDesign and mention that Fashionably Petite sent you!

Also, take a look at this Jane by Design clip here, which provided some additional inspiration for this challenge.

Jane by Design premieres tomorrow night at 9/8c on ABC Family! Make sure you watch it!

*Pretzels, dress form and Game Trunk provided by ABC Family

- Kim Weling

Jane by Design Style Challenge #5: Going from Day to Night

For Style Challenge #5, I had to take a white button down shirt and style it for a day at the office and then style it to wear to a dressy cocktail party. When it comes to day to night outfits, I keep my look classic and simple, with an easy transformation, if any. Usually what I would wear to the office would be fine to wear to a cocktail party. During the day I usually just wear a blazer over a cocktail dress and nix the blazer at night.

I tried styling a few outfits, but I kept coming up with the same problem - my XS size clothes do not fit on the dress form! So I had no choice but to go with a more simple styling option, with a more fitted look for cocktail attire.

For my day at the office look, I paired the white shirt with an objets trouvés black skirt that zips at the sides, Theory blazer and Trina Turk scarf. For the cocktail party look, I switched out the blazer for an Aqua sequin sweater, replaced the scarf with a necklace that reminds me of Van Cleef & Arpels, rolled up the sleeves on the white shirt and unbuttoned two buttons. Sequins are always a good way to dress up a look, so with that, minimal jewelry/accessories are needed. The only thing I might add is a ring.

Share your day to night styling tips at https://www.facebook.com/JaneByDesign and mention that Fashionably Petite sent you!

Also, take a look at this Jane by Design clip here, which provided some additional inspiration for this challenge.

*White shirt, dress form and Game Trunk provided by ABC Family

- Kim Weling

Jane by Design Style Challenge #4: Reinventing a Holiday Sweater

For Jane by Design Style Challenge #4, I had to transform an ugly holiday sweater* into something fresh and exciting. I created a bandeau and high waisted knit boybrief! At first I thought of just creating the boybrief, which would be great to pair with a tank top to just lounge around the house in, but then I thought the bandeau would be perfect to wear over or under the tank top for an added layer.

First thing I did was reference a pair of boybriefs to create a pattern out of tissue paper. Once I had the pattern, I cut out the front and back of the boybrief, using the back of the holiday sweater. Here are the steps I took in piecing the boybrief and bandeau together:

For the boybrief:

- sewed the boybrief together by hand

- cut out the front placket with buttons and glued (with glue gun) it onto the top of the boybrief

- cut the arm opening from the sweater vest and applied it to the to leg opening

- took a seam ripper to rip the lace off off a pair of underwear and glued it onto the sides of the boybrief

- took the beads off the front of the holiday sweater and glued it onto the boybrief

For the bandeau:

- cut out the hem from the back of the holiday sweater and sewed the back of the bandeau together, creating a back center seam.

- took the hem from the holiday sweater and glued it to the bottom of the bandeau

- glued lace pieces onto the bandeau

- glued center button and beads to the top of the bandeau

This was my first transformation project, so this was the most challenging and time consuming of the challenges so far, but I am definitely happy with the final pieces! If I had more time, I would have loved to sew everything by hand, even the lace and the beads. I kept a raw finish to the bottom of the bandeau and top of the boybrief (I would have used lace instead of keeping the raw edge if I had more lace to spare).

Since I was referencing a pair of boybriefs, I didn't exactly fit the pattern and boybrief pieces on the dress form, so I had a hard time getting it to fit on the dress form.

I have to say, I did try the finished pieces on and they have quite a flattering fit! I now find myself wanting to actually buy a pair of knit boybriefs or perhaps create another pair, this time recycling an old cashmere sweater!

Have you ever reinvented an ugly holiday sweater? Share your inspired creations at https://www.facebook.com/JaneByDesign and mention that Fashionably Petite sent you!

Also, take a look at this Jane by Design clip here, which provided some additional inspiration for this challenge.

*Holiday sweater, dress form and Game Trunk provided by ABC Family

- Kim Weling

Jane by Design Style Challenge #3: My Purse Pick

The Jane by Design challenges are moving quickly! For Challenge #3, I had to choose a purse in my closet that best represents me and explain why this purse conveys the very essence of who I am. I decided to go with this coral hobo bag. I actually don't even know the name of the designer - I got this bag at a sample sale for $15!

I rarely ever pay full retail price - I eye what I like and get it at 60-80% off at sample sales. Why pay full price when you don't have to? Lucky for me, when it comes to clothes, they are usually in my size at sample sales. So this bag really represents my shopping style and ethic. I also don't feel the need for everything in my closet to have a designer label. I think it's good to mix it up.

So I've gotten a ton of compliments on this bag and I love telling people how little I paid for it, and inspiring them to go on their own shopping excursion! This bag has plenty of compartments - those front zipper ones are perfect to quickly throw my phone, business cards and metro card in. I also love the versatility and functionality of this bag, being able to wear it cross-body or on the shoulder. It's also the perfect size for me.

As a blogger I am constantly running around all over NYC, always have my camera in tow, a water to stay hydrated and usually a change of shoes (some people can run around 3" or 4" heels all day but I'm not one of those people) so I need to make sure I have a bag big enough to carry everything.

In relation to my wardrobe, I tend to wear lots of black, grey and darker colors in general, so this bag provides the pop of color my outfit needs sometimes!

Which one of your purses best represents you? Share your purse pick at https://www.facebook.com/JaneByDesign and mention that Fashionably Petite sent you!

Also, take a look at this Jane by Design clip here, which provided some additional inspiration for this challenge.

*Game Trunk provided by ABC Family

- Kim Weling

Jane by Design Style Challenge #2: Fashion Icon

For the Jane by Design Style Challenge #2, I had to design a plain, white t-shirt* inspired by my favorite fashion icon, using items around the house or office.

I chose Sarah Jessica Parker as my fashion icon. She brings my favorite character, Carrie Bradshaw to life with amazing fashion sense and style. At 5'3", she's petite like me, and loves to change up her style from classic to glamorous to funky. Must I even mention shoes? If it's anyone's shoe wardrobe I wish I had, it's hers. Sarah has been one of my favorite actresses since I was about 10 years old, when I first watched the movie, Girls Just Want To Have Fun. Her fragrance, Lovely, has also been one of my favorites for years.

In creating my t-shirt design, I included her tagline from her Bitten collection, "Fashion is not a luxury" and included her initials, SJP. I incorporated details that she wears, from feathers and sequins to rhinestones for that feminine and glamorous look. I'm not so great at drawing, so coming from the underwear industry I decided to construct a bandeau top to layer over the t-shirt. I have this favorite Jean Paul Gaultier outfit - a bandeau top under a printed mesh dress, so I had taken inspiration from that as well.

At first I was thinking of simplifying the t-shirt without the lettering on the bandeau or the tagline, as it would also look more wearable, but for the purpose of this challenge I wanted it to be apparent who my icon was.

Here are the household items I used for this challenge:

- leftover mesh lining taken from a Tracy Reese dress - used for bandeau

- black bra straps

- black bra band for under the bust

- rhinestones from a bracelet used at scoopneck

- sequins and hearts from an old jersey top (the jersey originally said 'Love' in sequins and I transformed the letters to SJP')

- seam binding ribbon to make bra strap tabs

- glue gun

- double sided tape

- black fabric marker* to write the tag line "Fashion is not a luxury"

- medium size binder clip to clip onto the back of the t-shirt, for a more fitted appearance

Help me get a step closer to winning the Jane by Design Style Challenge! Go to http://www.facebook.com/JaneByDesign, tell us who your fashion icon is and mention Fashionably Petite!

*Plain t-shirt, fabric markers and Game Trunk provided by ABC Family

- Kim Weling

Jane by Design Style Challenge #1: Shopping Haul - Must-Have Items for the Season on a $50 Budget

So this week is the start of a three week fashion challenge that I am participating in, inspired by the new ABC Family's Original Series, Jane by Design, starring Erica Dasher and featuring Andie MacDowell. Jane by Design premieres Tuesday, January 3rd, at 9pm/8c. Catch a clip of the show here, which added some inspiration for the first challenge.

I received my Game Trunk* on Monday, which included a dress form and items I will need to use in order to complete all seven challenges.

For the first challenge, I had to spend a $50 gift card* on items I found to be inspiring, new and unique. I chose to focus on must-have items this season, on a $50 budget. I chose to do my shopping at Forever 21 - modern, trendy and affordable.

Here's a look at my purchases:

1) Knit skirt in royal/black, XS, $16.90

2) Feathered headband in dark brown/cream, $4.80

3) Ring in cream/gold, $2.80

4) Statement necklace in cream/gold, $14.80

5) Knit scarf in black/oatmeal, $8

Total spent: $49.29!

Whenever I go shopping, I rarely ever shop for a whole outfit, but really look for pieces that can be incorporated into my existing wardrobe. I always have to try everything on to be sure of that perfect fit, or perfect enough where I don't have to go overboard with tailoring.

I love mixing classic with trendy pieces and at Forever 21 I love mixing the Heritage collection with the vintage-inspired pieces, like romantic lace tops.

I love accessorizing, whether I'm adding a belt, earrings, ring, necklace or scarf to my look. You just have to make sure you aren't overdoing it! I definitely had fun with this challenge, love everything I picked up and look forward to Challenge #2!

Please share your own shopping haul videos and comments at facebook.com/JaneByDesign and please mention Fashionably Petite!

*$50 gift card and Game Trunk provided by ABC Family

- Kim Weling

Lucky Shops New York VIP Charity Shopping Party 2011 and Jane By Design Screening

On Friday, November 4th, I attended the Lucky Shops New York VIP charity shopping party at Highline Stages at 441 W 14th Street, with 50% off sales from VIP tickets benefiting Baby Buggy. The VIP event included music, cocktails, snacks, hors d'oeuvres and giveaways.

Attendees were in a shopping frenzy, snatching up their favorite designers at up to 70% off retail.

Shoppers received prizes at the Gifting Suite based on 'Lucky You' Rewards points (one point earned for every dollar spent) and received double rewards points for purchases made with an American Express Card.

Since I've been attending Lucky Shops for the past few years, I was always used to finding incredible deals within the last two hours on the last day, which is always Sunday. But this year there were special flash sales held hourly, with additional percentages off.

I did of course go back to the Lucky Shops sale on Sunday, and ended up scoring a pair of Pour La Victoire Avalon black leather oxfords for only $65 (originally retailing at $250) and a Yumi Kim silk tank for $35.

Jeanius Bar

Sampling of handcrafted chocolates from Fannie May and internationally acclaimed chocolatier Norman Love

Complimentary mini-makeovers at Maybelline New York Color Studio

Erica Dasher with Kim Weling

After the Lucky Shops New York VIP charity shopping party, I headed over to Crosby Street Hotel for the Lucky Shops After Party and a private sneak peek screening and Q&A of ABC Family's highly anticipated new original series, Jane By Design, starring Erica Dasher and featuring Andie MacDowell.

Jane By Design is funny and fashionable! It reminds me of a cross between Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead, Clueless and Devil Wears Prada. Be sure to watch when it premieres on January 3rd!

Q&A with Jane by Design Costume Designer Olivia Miles (left) and star of the show Erica Dasher (middle)

- Kim Weling