Weekend Sweater

December 28, 2015

Sweater: Banana Republic, Bottoms: Madewell, Boots: BP (Nordstrom Brand), Scarf: ASOS, Sunnies: Borrowed
Hi everyone! 

Here’s a major update, I know I’ve been SUPER, SUPER MIA lately but so many things have been happening, I don’t know where to begin! My day job has been literally insane and has been sucking all of the energy out of me. And guys, to be totally honest there are days where blogging is the last thing I want to do, I’m human right? Anyway, I’m also moving! Yay! I’ll post more about that once I actually finish packing and move into the new space. Perhaps, I’ll do a moving blog post? Also, I hope everyone had an absolutely amazing holiday and is ready for 2016 because I totally am! I don’t think I’ve ever been so excited for a new year, but I have such a good feeling about 2016. 

I also have been traveling a bunch which is always exciting! Ever since my eurotrip, I caught the travelbug BIG TIME and I haven’t been on top of my blogging game. I know, major fail but again I’m human what can you do. 

Since I’ve been back in the north east that weather has been surprisingly pleasant. I mean it’s been in the mid 50-mid 60’s for most of the month which is unheard of! I remember it snowing last halloween, but I’m grateful for how lovely it has been! I’m guilty of purchasing an absurd amount of what I call, ‘weekend sweaters”. Think chunky, cozy, I don’t want to leave my house comfy sweater. Usually, known but not limited to shades of gray, nude and blush. They are my absolute favorite from fall to early spring. They are just so comfortable. Everyone envies a cozy weekend sweater, right?! 

I’ve also purchased many because as a petite, sometimes these chunky pieces of goodness can be overwhelming for our bodies and can make us look chunky ourselves. I tend to stay away from thicker wools, and knits and am cautious of ones with bulky collars. This particular one from banana republic is my favorite. This one is from last year but you can find similar ones, here and here. 

Where are your favorite cozy sweaters from? Share below!

Thanks for reading!

xo,

Maia

Photos by Lynn Kim Do

Sweet Home Dallas

December 15, 2015

Dress: Boohoo, Necklace: Mirina Collections, Boots: Corral, Bag: Madewell (my color is sold out but other colors are 25% now!), Lippie: Colourpop

They say everything's bigger in Texas. I can certainly attest to that. I went to visit my best friend in Texas two weeks ago and I can confirm that everything is bigger over there. I experienced a great deal of love, saw extreme vastness of our beautiful earth and immense amounts of food. My heart, soul and stomach got bigger in Texas.

Besides being surrounded by two great old college friends, Cynthia of See Style Run and Lynn from Neckbreakin' Style, we went on excursion after excursion. From our first buffet at the food trucks upon arrival to our first dance at a honky tonk bar; it was a whirlwind adventure.

Anyone knows that packing and I are enemies. I don't enjoy it, it doesn't like me. We're not friends. I always leave it for the last minute, I usually under pack and I'm notorious for packing for the wrong weather. So what did I do for Texas? I packed about 10 heavy, chunky sweaters for 65-70 degree weather. Of course I did. I didn't plan it very well but luckily threw some random items in my suitcase and it's usually those randos that save me. This black midi petite dress saved me! This gem, from ASOS cost me less than $15 and became such a versatile piece. I was able to dress it down for church and brunch, and dress it up for a night out on Dallas.

Cynthia from SeeStyleRun's cowboy boots made a special appearance because they're gorgeous! The prettiest ones I've seen! I almost wanted to buy a pair but couldn't see myself making much use of them in NYC.

That weekend was one for the books & I can't wait to go back.

Xo,
Maia


Photos by Lynn Kim Do 

The Liebster Award

November 29, 2015



Hi babes! It's been a while since I've posted on TPP. Please forgive me because this month has literally been INSANE. I've been crazy busy at my day job and I got the worst stomach flu that put me out of commission for a bit. Earlier this week I was nominated for The Liebster Award by the lovely Karli from Karli's Tips! Thanks for nominating me :) 

1. What is your favorite season for fashion? 
My favorite season for fashion is definitely the fall. There are so many options for layering! Big chunky sweaters, scarves, hats, coats, boots - I love it all! 

2. Which blogs do you check daily? 
My favorites are Camila Coehlo, The Sweetest Thing Blog, Extra Petite & Wendy's Lookbook. 

3. What make-up product could you not live without? 
I couldn't live without a tinted lip balm - nourishing with a little color. 

4. What inspired you to start blogging? 
My day job inspired me to blog! I had always loved fashion, and missed having a creative outlet while working in corporate America. I will elaborate more in a future post :) 

5. Name 3 items in your wardrobe you would never give up 
Definitely a LBD, a crisp white blouse and a pair of jeans. 

6. How much time a week do you spend on blogging? 
Usually a few hours a week, lately it's been a lot less because my day job has been crazy hectic. I'm hoping once things slow down a bit I can get back to my normal schedule. 

7. Best style tip? 
Accessorize! Definitely accessorize. I used to have such trouble with this but I remember making it a point to force myself to wear an extra piece of jewelry before I left the house then it became part of my routine. Now I can't leave without adding jewelry, or a scarf to an outfit. 

8. If you could meet one blogger, who would it be? 
If I could meet one blogger it would be Camila Coehlo. I've been following her since her early YouTube days - when she was just filming in Portuguese. She seems lovely and we share the same birthday :) 

9. List 5 words that best describe you 
Hmm five words to describe me: thoughtful, determined, creative, optimistic, charming 

10. What is your favorite brand and why? 
Honestly, I'm still figuring that out. I like J.Crew and Zara for overall style, but I like Banana Republic and LOFT for fit. I haven't found out that encompasses everything in one. Who knows I might just have to create one ;) 

 My nominations for the Liebster Award are: 

1. Cynthia from www.seestylerun.com 
2. Mekita from www.rivasraves.com
3. Marisela from www.livingpetite.tumblr.com/
4. Alyssa from www.mypetitelife.com 
5. Athena from www.athenaalex.com
6. Kim from www.fashionablypetite.com
7. Monica from www.letitbeworn.com 
8. Julia from www.juliafashionista.com 
9. Monica from www.glambymoni.com 
10. Kasey from www.thestylewright.com

The Rules:

1. Post your award to your blog
2. Answer the questions that you were given from the person who nominated you
3. Nominate a few new bloggers you've discovered
4. Create 10 new questions for the nominees
5. Thank the blogger who nominated you and post a link to their blog

My Questions for the nominees: 

1. How did you come up with your blog name?
2. How would you describe your personal style?
3. If you could collaborate with a brand, which would it be?
4. If you could travel anywhere in the world, all expenses paid, where would you go?
5. What do you consider a fashion DON'T?
6. Who is your celebrity style icon?
7. What pair of shoes can you not live without?
8. What is your go-to winter accessory?
9. What are you most excited about wearing in 2016?
10. Where are your favorite places to shop?

Thanks again to Karli for the nomination! Can't wait to read your responses!

Xo,
Maia

Casual Days

November 10, 2015


It's always good to take a personal health day. I believe that sometimes we just need a day to relax, and unwind from our daily stresses. A day to remind ourselves that there's more to life than from our work or our relationships. I've started to read Thrive by Ariana Huffington which discusses just that. We as a society get so absorbed by work and by the day to day of our lives that we get lost and over stressed. Some of us don't realize we have even gotten to that level until we've literally collapsed from the exhaustion. This is simply a reminder not to reach that point folks! Remember each day is precious and that we all need to take it easy and notice the little things. 

My best friend came to visit from Texas and her visit encouraged me to take the day off. It reminded me that friendships are important and that the office would be fine without me for one day. It allowed me to mentally recharge my own battery, because sometimes weekends aren't enough! While we're so concerned about how long our laptop or phone batteries might last, we have to remember about recharging ourselves so we can be better and do better. 

Xo,
Maia

Photos by Cynthia of SeeStyleRun

Ruffles & Leather

October 23, 2015


Como la flor, anyone? I did not intentionally plan to channel Selena but if the shoe fits... One of Selena's iconic album covers featured her in a ruffle top, a bad ass leather jacket, leggings, and a deep red lip. Some say I resemble the Mexican superstar, while I'm incredibly flattered I don't entirely see it.

I digress. Let me tell you a story about this ruffle top, I purchased it while in Paris back in July. Cynthia (seestylerun) and I wanted to get the true Paris shopping experience, so we wandered up and down the Champs Elysees, and ended up on Avenue Victor Hugo, a beautiful little tree lined street. The weather was absolutely perfect and we continued to wander. Little did I know my poor wallet was going to get a major beating. I understood how expensive shopping in Europe would be and I was prepared or so I thought. We walked into the cutest boutique called Twin Set by Simona Barbieri, and it was the most charming, feminine and beautiful boutique. I honestly could have lived in there, but I walked around feeling like a celebrity, eyeing each sparkly, and ruffled item in the store. My celebrity feeling ended quickly when I looked at the price tag. I got a good laugh and realized, I can't spend that right now but maybe they have a sale section. They did! So I found this white ruffled top and thought wow this is perfect, it's a bit different, and it's on sale! Winner, winner chicken dinner. I tried it on, I loved the fit, and I already had thought of 3 outfits I would wear with this top in my head. Done deal, folks. I headed to the register and literally the sweetest woman took care of me, wooing me in French. Silly me, I didn't look at the price tag. Duh, Maia, how could you forget?!  I walked out feeling like a lovely mademoiselle and then I asked myself, wait how much did I just spend on this?! What number is that in dollars?! Oh dear god. I apologized to my wallet and thought well at least it's white, I'll just have to wear it a million different ways now... 

Xo,
Maia

Photos by Carmin Fuentes

What Bobbi taught me

October 19, 2015


Bobbi Brown and I don't have much in common. We're both petite brunettes, but there are more differences than similarities. She's a mom, and I'm single, she grew up Jewish and I grew up Christian, and she's a founder of an incredibly successful make up brand and I'm a 24 year old fashion blogger. I had tried Bobbi Brown products in the past, heard they were superb and would have to agree. Her black gel liner has easily become a favorite product of mine, but when I heard she was speaking at a local college, I wasn't totally enthusiastic. My friend invited me, and I thought well this could be interesting, I really know nothing about her other than she's a big supporter of natural make up. The avid beauty follower that I am thought, I wonder if she'll teach us make up techniques? Maybe we'll get free stuff? Eh, why not, I'll go, it's free. So I drove to the event, found parking, met up with my friend and found seats in the middle of the room. As the event began I learned it was also featuring other women discussing entrepreneurship, and I thought okay, maybe I won't get free make up at this event,  and perhaps they'll give us business tips, but I don't really need those. Even though it was a free event, I would have easily paid for the things I learned today. No doubt about it. Like I said, I knew nothing about Bobbi Brown, I didn't know where she was from, where she went to school or how she started the brand, but I quickly learned what she was all about. She was about being herself. I know that sounds obvious, and like duh, why wouldn't she be herself but it resonated with me in a way that I'll never forget.

I have been trying to create a successful resource for petite women. A blog that would help women like myself, find clothes that fit, and style them to make our special body types look fabulous. Since I created The Petite Principle last year, I have learned a lot about myself and blogging in general. I realized I was trying to fit a mold, while trying to break the mold petite women were placed in. Many times I have doubted myself and have thought maybe I am not being trendy enough, maybe I'm not contouring enough, maybe I'm not skinny enough, maybe I'm not petite enough, when at the end of the day I wasn't being my true self. My natural self, my simple self, my real self. At Bobbi's presentation today, that realization was crystal clear, and my thoughts reaffirmed. Being yourself is the best way to be. You don't need all the extra stuff. I have never been so motivated to be my authentic and true self. It has not only inspired me to revamp my blog, but my way of being. I may not be a founder of a cosmetic company today, but I can be proud of myself, I can be proud of my natural beauty, and I can branch out and try new things if I am true about my passions. Like some key points Bobbi said, we have to work hard, but smart, be fearless, be grateful, be open, never stop learning, and have fun. Now that's pretty powerful.

Sweater (dress) weather

October 14, 2015

Sweater Dress: LuLu's, Bag: old, Sunnies: Chanel, Shoes: Steve Madden
Hi everyone! I know it's been a while since I've posted, I've been sick for a few days and literally could not do anything but sleep and Netflix? I can't really complain though, I binged watch an entire series and have found my new obsession. Is anyone else obsessed with the British show The Only Way is Essex? I know I'm a few years too late but it's so addicting - they are such a hilarious bunch. Anyway truth be told I probably ended up getting sick because I wore this sweater dress when I was hanging out on the UES, and it was just a little too chilly outside. Le sign, it's all in the name of fashion, right?

Sweater (dress) weather is in full swing and I love cozy yet fitting sweater dresses. They really, really are a favorite of mine, mainly because they fit my petite body so well! They are also friggin' easy to rock, especially if you're just about 5 feet like me! This dress specifically reminded me a dress my mom had when I was a little girl. It was also a turtleneck sweater dress and I remember how amazing she looked in it; petite little lady with crazy curves, and trust me Mama, was working it for sure. That memory always puts a smile on my face and is a reminder to always rock any outfit with confidence!

When I'm wearing bodycon styled dresses and skirts, I like to keep the accessories minimum, the dress speaks for itself - ha! I wore my favorite fringe Steve Madden sandals and H&M fringe bag, BAM double fringe, because who doesn't love fringe?

What are your favorite pieces for fall? Share below!

Xo,
Maia

Photos by Steven Garcia

(Early) Autumn In New York

October 1, 2015


Top: Missguided, Jeans: Madewell, Necklace: Gorjana (via Rocksbox), Bucket Bag: similar, Shoes: old, similar, Sunnies: Ray Ban 

Happy Thursday, everyone! We're officially in Autumn and this is my favorite season. I've probably mentioned that a million times but it seriously is. There's something so special about Autumn in New York. As many New Yorkers can tell we've had some rollercoaster weather  and I'm enjoying them both equally. As I strolled through the city the other day, I thought it was perfect day to pull out this Missguided top. This was the first time I've ordered from Missguided, an Australian company, and I have no regrets. I love the color and the shape of this Bardot-sequel top, perfect for early autumn. The one downside of Missguided is that they do not have petite sizes, and I had trouble figuring out my sizes. That resulted in returning a few items because they were way too small.

My bottoms are a new favorite. Even though Madewell doesn't carry petites (and I really don't know why), I always end up leaving a happy customer. These  are the "skinny skinny" jeans, and I purchased these jeans in the green/khaki color, and in black. On me they are rather long but Madewell offers free tailoring! You can even go back after purchasing them and have them tailored as long as you show them the receipt of purchase. I'm wearing size 27 for reference. 

Hope you all enjoy the rest of your week! I'll be at generation beauty this weekend if anyone wants to say hello! 

Xo,
Maia

Pictures by Steven Garcia

Smart Cookie

September 17, 2015


My dad always called me a smart cookie, maybe it was because he was my dad, but he definitely knew I had a lot of smart things to say. 

We have finally reached Thursday; is anyone else excited that this week is almost over? I'm hearing Mercury is in retrograde, and I've already prepared myself for the craziness that could occur within the next couple of weeks -- of course I would, I'm a smart cookie ;)

My dad always called me his smart cookie. Perhaps he did because he was just being my dad, but I chose to believe that it was because I was an inquisitive little kid who knew her voice mattered. He distinctly remembers me saying "Daddy, kids have ideas too!" and from them on he continued to support the smart, silly, ridiculous things and ideas I have come up with over the years. Cheers to you Dad, you're the real MVP. 

This sweater definitely fits my attitude lately though. I can't say whether it's the haircut, the new season, or just a new bit of confidence that has me walking petite and proud. Don't even get me started on this skirt, I am OBSESSED. I wore it to the Lulu's Style Studio event for NYFW, and got so many compliments on it. It's from Banana Republic; girls run and get it because it's perfection! Paired with strappy black sandals, a crossbody, some jewelry, and you have my new favorite fall outfit. 

Sweater: Banana Republic, Skirt: Banana Republic, Crossbody: Marc Jacobs, Heels: similar, Bracelet: J.Crew Factory, Rings: Accessorize & Francesca's, Lippie: Stolen Kisses


Hope you love the look, babes!

Xo,
Maia

Photos by Carmin Fuentes

Brooklyn Smorgasburg

September 14, 2015

Nothing like a custom made NYC sprinkler to cool you off on the hot day. 
Nina Bean and I. 
The best lobster rolls ever! So good. 
Dress: LOFT, Sandals: purchased in Spain, Bag: Mar y Sol, Necklace: Accesorize, Sunnies: old, Lippie: Kat Von D 'Lolita'

Hi, everyone! I can't believe we've already reached the middle of September. Time is flying! Before the weather gets too chilly, I'm making sure I'm enjoying every bit of the warm weather. Right before I decided to chop off my hair - haha - I spent the weekend wandering around Brooklyn. A group of my college friends and I decided to venture out to the BK in searching of adventure and some serious grub. We arrived to Smorgasburg with empty bellies and I can confirm that I have never had so much delicious food at once. Seriously! Everything we tried was the bomb.com. So good! To get the full experience, the 5 of us decided to each get different things so we could all try and I chose the lobster roll. So. much. lobster. So. much butter. So. much. good. 

This Loft Safari dress could not have been any more perfect for this weather, and it was loose enough where I wasn't concerned about my belly post food coma. I am wearing a size XSP, and have a 25 inch waist for reference and I was concerned it would still be too loose but it fit my perfectly. It reminded me so much of a dress you would wear on a Safari, but I also got 1940's military woman vibes, no?

I also paired it with these wooden heeled sandals that I got on sale in Spain while on vacation, but you can find similar pairs here and here

Did I mention that I hate so much? Seriously babes, if you're ever in Brooklyn check out the Smorgasburg. It's totally worth it! 

Xo,
Maia

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