Big Blog News

While I was visiting Katie in Florida, she decided that it was time for her to take a break from blogging. It has been such a fun collaboration and I will miss working on it with her. At the same time, I am excited to announce that I will be starting a new blog called Little Laura's Closet. It will be similar to Petite Sister Style except that I will be the only author, and I will shift the focus toward better self-caught photography, more DIY projects, and more purposeful writing.

Please come check out Little Laura's Closet as it launches today. You will find all of my posts from Petite Sister Style, all new posts going forward, and a new blog design. I would love for you to follow me and to offer any constructive advice you may have. I want it to be a pleasure to look at and read which inspires you to discover your personal style.

What would you like to see in my new blog? How can I improve on Petite Sister Style?

My Mother-in-Law LOVES it

 My mother-in-law loves dressing her dog up like a little kid. 

We took a little "photo shoot" of her just after New Years. 

Here are some family pictures from Christmas:

The jerseys' were presents :)

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas!

New Tradition

My friends and I drove an hour to go ice skating for my husband's birthday. It was sooo fun!!! 

We decided that this should be a yearly winter tradition. 

We bought my friend Rachel this owl beanie that covered her ears (it was an early Christmas present) but we figured she should enjoy it for ice skating. 

Here we are after a long day on the ice.

 Jeans: Skinny Jeans

Jacket: EMS

Scarf: Gift from Peru :)

Sisters, Sisters...

"...There were never such devoted sisters...

                 Never had to have a chaperone, no sir!

                                                                                           I'm here to keep my eye on her.

         

Caring, sharing, every little thing that we are wearing.

         When a certain gentleman arrived from Rome,

                                                                                  She wore the dress, and I stayed home!

All kinds of weather, we stick together, the same in the rain or sun (oooh!)

Two different faces, but in tight places, we think and we act as one (uh huh...)

Those who've seen us, know that not a thing could come between us.

Many men have tried to split us up, but no one can.

Lord, help the mister, who comes between me and my sister,

And Lord, help the sister, who comes between me and my man!"


-from the movie, White Christmas

Hey Katie, remember when we performed "Sisters" at a talent show at Youth Group? You were a Freshman and I was a Senior. And boy did we have style...

By the way, can you believe that we have been blogging for 6 months now? Thank you, readers, for your support and for giving us a reason to develop our personal style!

Happy New Year!

A (Belated) Birthday Present

For my birthday (in March), my sweet husband gave me the promise of a family overnight adventure to Chicago. For months, we waited for an opportunity to go, but Luke was sick, or I couldn't get off work, or we were too tired...until last weekend, when we finally mustered the courage to give it a try. 

Our first stop: the Sears (now Willis) Tower. They recently built transparent ledges on the 103rd floor, so you can actually step out from the building and look down. The Sears (I just can't call it Willis) Tower is currently the tallest building in the western hemisphere.

I have to say, it was a little bit scary, but we figured that if Luke could do it, so could we.

 The next destination: The Field Museum of Natural History. 

This is my favorite museum in Chicago, since it houses dinosaurs and every kind of animal you can think of, stuffed and placed in very realistic environments. You feel like you stumbled upon them in their natural habitat. No problem, tigers, you eat that wart hog. I won't bother you.

The bonus was that they had a special exhibit on Chocolate (can you see the banner to my right?) while we were there. What a happy coincidence! They even gave us a free sample. It is amazing that for all the years that I have loved chocolate, I had no idea where it came from or how it was made. Katie, how is it possible that you hate chocolate?!?!

And what did I wear? 

I really like the mustard and eggplant combo, and the grey sweater kept me warm and cozy. And I had to wear the leopard print scarf, of course, so I would feel at home among the real leopards. 

I tried this new hairstyle all week. Check out this video from Wendy's Lookbook if you want to give it a try. It is a great style if you need to look put-together and you only have 5 minutes.

How did I do?

Twins! (I think he wore it better)

It's ok, Luke. Your mom knows what it's like to be little too. 

We look like we are about to be an unsuspecting lunch...

Thanks, my love, for the great birthday present!

Earrings: Ann Taylor Factory Store

Scarf: Express

Tank: Gap (altered)

Sweater: H&M (recent)

Pants: Gap

Boots: Target

Do animals/nature inspire your clothing choices?

Hand and Cloth

Over the weekend, I attended an event called Seeds for Bangladesh, which was held by Hand and Cloth. Their mission is to rescue women in Bangladesh from the sex trade into which they were born, sold, or kidnapped by providing dignified work - making Kantha blankets. Hand made of vintage sari material, they are beautifully colored and patterned, and their sale helps to ensure that these women have a safe means to provide for themselves and their children with dignity. If you are interested in buying one, check out Hand and Cloth's website.

We had a great time sampling South-Asian inspired dishes made by a local chef, and great desserts, including Hand and Cloth's signature Chai Latte Cupcakes. Yum. Then, we got to hear the stories of some of the ladies who make the blankets, as told by the organization's sweet founder, Sarah.

As to what I wore...

The invitation called for business casual attire, so I jumped on the chance to wear this new blouse that I picked up at LOFT on clearance. I love the rich eggplant color, and the fit is perfect straight off the rack, even the sleeve length! The fabric is thicker than I expected (not see-through at all), and looked great even after a wash (without ironing)! It is a lovely addition to my wardrobe, especially since it looks great tucked or untucked. Just FYI, the XS runs way bigger than the XSP if you are on the hunt for it. I so wish I could buy it in 5 colors...

Earrings: Ann Taylor Factory Store

Blouse: LOFT (here)

Skirt: LOFT (similar)

Shoes: Ann Taylor Factory Store

What charitable work around the world excites you?

A Little Perspective

Sorry for the graininess, but this was too funny not to share. 

When my best friends from college were in town for our 5 year reunion, we thought it would be fun to have me take a picture next to Lydia's husband, Nick, who is 6'6" (That's Lydia's shoulder on the right side of the pic - it is a good thing she is a lot taller than me!). 

Sometimes I think that I look taller than I really am in my pictures (maybe even over 5'!), since I am pretty much always alone in them, with nothing for size perspective. But as you can see, yes, I am petite. Something like a hobbit.

24th Birthday

I have VERY creative friends. 

Instead of a night out at a bar or dinner at my favorite restaurant, they threw me a Murder Mystery Party. My friends and I have successfully thrown up to 12 of these parties before, so we are well accustomed to making them an event. 

September 25th was my 24th birthday and I was flying home from Washington D.C. that day and didn't really get to celebrate. I walk into my house at 9PM after traveling all day and my two best friends (the ladies pictured below) were at my house with a carrot-cake/banana muffin with a candle in it. 

For those of you wondering "why that kind of muffin?" It's because I don't eat chocolate. 

I was a fortune teller and Leif was a plumber. We didn't buy anything to make these costumes, I just piled on every bracelet I owned and tried to look like a gypsy. 

How do you celebrate birthdays?

Wedding 12

My husband and I were invited to 12 weddings this year. This is wedding number 12. My roommate of 2 years got married in Boston so I flew up for the event. 

She met her husband the first day of college and I've enjoyed getting to know him since then. 

Here are a few pictures of my trip up to Boston.

 Dress: Ross

In my defense of my outfit, I had literally one minute to get ready. I spent the day at homecoming with my college friends and I only had a minute to change and get to the rehearsal. Pictured below is the maid of honor Hailey who was also my roommate my senior year of college.

Here is the bride: Christine

 Dress: Marshalls

Congratulations Christine and Dan!!!

Together at Last

One of the best things about our trip to Florida is that we got to spend so much time with family, which meant plenty of sister time. Since Katie only worked one of the days during our trip, we drove out to see where she works. And it was amazing. The resort community is beautiful, especially when seen from a golf cart with the best tour guide ever. 

Here is the closet of the guest house where brides and their attendants get ready before weddings.  Can you imagine having such an enormous closet? And it is even bigger than it looks. I don't think I could ever fill it, but I wouldn't mind trying...

Oh, and of course, the adjoining bathroom, complete with seating, a small tree, and great views.

Husband, baby, sister...some of my very favorite people in the world.

Sunglasses: Diane VonFurstenberg

Cardigan: LOFT
Shirt: Gap (altered)
Shorts: Old Navy

Shoes: Target

Necklace: Forever 21

Bracelet: Francesca's

Ring: 10,000 Villages

It was so nice not to have to take self-timers for once!

Our fine concierge...

Thanks for reading!