Back on the Rack: Office Christmas Party Outfit - Petite Fashion Win

If there’s anything life has taught me, it’s that you know something is meant to be when your shopping experience is a breeze.

Nov 26, 2025

Oh boy. It’s that time of year. The office Christmas party email invite popped up in my inbox.

First, I had cleaned out my closet earlier this year. Second, I thought, What am I going to wear? It was time to go shopping.

I prefer to shop in person. I like to touch the fabrics and see how they drape. Most importantly, I want to be inspired.

I went to Westfield Century City mall, and my first stop was Nordstrom. I was committed and zigzagged my way through every section—from Reformation to, heck, even the teen section. Being 5’0” has its perks; nothing is off-limits.

I saw a couple of pieces I really liked, some eye-catching fabrics here and there. Unfortunately, nothing made me say, This is it!

My next stop was Bloomingdales. I made my way through as I usually do and came across this very chic embellished navy top. A versatile piece that could be dressed up or down. I tried it on. I thought I found the one—almost. I set it back on the rack and kept going.

For the next week, I kept thinking about that top, the Samina Jacket from Cinq à Sept. I hadn’t figured out what bottoms to wear with it if I were to buy it. I was also entertaining the idea of wearing a dress.

Then along came Alex Evenings. I was online shopping on Nordstrom for petite pants and came across the black Gauzy Wide-Leg Pant. Like the Samina Jacket, I could wear them for cocktails or a wedding rehearsal. I was sold.

Fast forward, the pants were too long. This meant I had to buy a new pair of heels, stat. If there’s anything life has taught me, it’s that you know something is meant to be when your shopping experience is a breeze. From Macy’s to Steve Madden, I lucked out and found the Larah black leather heels just an hour into my second round of in-person shopping.

Giving myself a month’s head start turned out to be the right move. The perfect blend of in-person and online shopping paid off. The Christmas party is a week away, and my outfit is ready.