When Emma introduced me to Becca I knew she'd be perfect for Makeover Story! If you're a new reader, Makeover Story is a feature where I take a lovely lady with a style dilemma and give her two new vintage looks from Red Velvet. I teach them easy tips for wearing vintage and then we do a fun photoshoot of them modeling their new outfits!
Becca's story is special because she is a very petite lady. Vintage shopping can be tricky for both extra small and extra large ladies as these sizes are more difficult to find. Becca is so tiny that many outfits visually swallow her up instead of highlighting her pretty features. Being tiny definitely does have it's own set of challenges, so I wanted to help her learn to dress for her body type. In addition, Becca works as a full time nanny, so she wanted looks that would be low maintenance and wearable at her job.
Becca's style inspiration was "woodsy bohemian". She wanted something 1970s inspired and not too girly. Here's what we came up with…
Before the makeover, Becca had her red hair dyed to her natural color with ombre tips. She also requested 70s style bangs that are fuller and longer on the edges. I love the hairstyle she chose. It looks amazing with her olive skin tone. For look one, we found some amazing high waisted vintage jeans and styled them with a cute vintage top, long necklace and sandals. I love the look of gypsy crowns, so I taught Becca to wear a necklace as a crown. I simply added a row of safety pins, pinned together to the back of the necklace to resize it for her head. It was adorable I love how budget friendly it is to wear a piece of jewelry multiple ways! You can see me wearing the necklace here.
When I asked Becca what she loved most about her first look she said it was the pants. She said she would feel comfortable wearing them anywhere. High waisted pants are great for petite women because the extended waist can make you look taller. We were lucky enough to find a pair of jeans that fit Becca without alterations, but shortening the hem is also a great solution for petite ladies.
Look two started out with an altered vintage maxi dress. The dress had previously been altered into a mini dress and looked adorable on Becca. We loved that the sleeves could be worn two ways, making it appropriate for far more settings like a date night or a casual event! We carefully styled the pale pink patchwork dress to look casual and effortless, and not overly feminine. I think she pulled it off perfectly!
For Becca's hairstyle I taught her to twist her hair into low buns (learn how here). This style works for medium or long hair. When I asked Becca what she loved most about her second look she said the hairstyle. She was completely comfortable with styling it at home. This hairstyle is so cute, and it only takes about five minutes to pin up!
I had the loveliest day with Becca. I hope this makeover is inspiring to my petite readers. Remember that fitted clothing, high waisted styles and bare shoulders can be your best friends!
Wanna peek at my previous Makeover Stories? Each one is special and unique…. 1.2.3.4.5. ♥
128 Comments
CUTE! My favorite is the second look and her hairstyle, but she pulls off both SO well!
Well done, gals!
♥
Talia Christine
http://taliachristine.blogspot.com
She looks SO beautiful! Love it!!!! 😉
Beautiful!
What a lovely makeover! I really adore her hairstyles – the ombre tips. Very nice. Well done!
Maxi dress to mini dress… great idea. I’m short, too. And pregnant, so that kind of style would be perfect.
Love it! She’s darling!
Yay! I am SO pleased with how it all turned out- I was really nervous to see myself.
I also wanted to add that the next day I took my hair down from the twists and hair-sprayed for an instant curly next day look. It was pretty cute, if I do say so myself! 😉
I had a wonderful time with you, Elsie! Thanks again for the great tips and the fun experience. I’ve been trying the eye make-up tips, especially…
🙂
Becca
I love your makeover features!! Becca, you look lovely! Your hair in the second look– be still my heart. It’s beautiful!
She is so darn cute! I love both styles!!
Amazing makeover!
Kisses from Hong Kong,
Nicole
this make over is great! i love the two looks, and her new hair is perfect for her!
Wow her hair is just so beautiful. I love ombre tips and hers just look flawless. Also your styling is perfect Elsie! I love this posts the mostest 🙂
Love and Turtledoves,
Jacqueline
So lovely! I think the second outfit is my favourite, those boots look adorable with that dress. And I love the pinned-up hairstyle!
You look so fahionista.. I envy your face, you’re so lucky to have a pretty face.. 🙂
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Beautiful all 3 ways! I want to play!
These are my favorite posts ever!!
Adore that second hair style on her! Especially with that hair color. Well done!
♥ sécia
http://www.petiteinsanities.blogspot.com
Man oh man! This is a beautiful makeover. We have the same hairstyle now 🙂 Mine is full bangs with ombre tips as well. And I love the 70s too! Definitely can relate on the little part…thanks for this! This is definitely my favorite look you’ve done yet!
PS. I’m currently working on a crochet piece that’s really similar in design to that bunting necklace, except it’s going to be a crown, like how yours had been fashioned! Coincidence?! I can’t wait to put it up 🙂
I love those boots! What great looks!
i love love the dress and hair in the 2nd style! my stars, how precious!
I definitely sympathize with being short, I have a hard time finding things that don’t swallow me, too. I almost exclusively buy high-waited pants because they make me feel tall. Great job!
I am really impressed with how you changed her look. You managed to emphasize Becca’s beautiful features and made her look absolutely goregeous.
My favorite make over!
love the bangs and the up-dos! nice work!!
This is such a great post! Seriously, I love the styling! The sweater is adorable as well as the dress. Also I might cut those bangs, I’ve been thinking about it for awhile and it looks amazing on her.
xo
http://www.fluentbeauty.com
I love this! Amazing!!! She looks completely different in each outfit. I would wear all of these pieces. <3
I’m 5’0″ & I feel like I have to hem everything! You did such a good job with this makeover =) the styling is awesome
<3 Sarah
Well done!! She looks fantastic! That up-do is FAB!!!
xoxo, Maryam
http://www.athomewithmaryam.com
i love the dress boot combo!
beautiful makeover! love that little vest in the first look, but in the end, i love both outfits! great job! very inspiring!
I love the ombre hair! I might try it myself once my hair gets longer.
I absolutely love the second outfit!! she looks so adorable in that! I love the idea of wearing a necklace as a crown, brilliant!
just love this post!! great job ♥
Yay the make-overs are my favourite part of your blog! Love the final looks, they both really suit her. x
I love look 2. So cute and feminine. You have a real talent at styling people!
Oh my gosh, she looks amazing! Number 2 is definitely my favorite, that dress is amazing. And her hairstyle is so cute! xx
Wow, Becca is gorgeous! Her skin looks amazing! I really like the first outfit, and the hairdo from the second one.
Wow, Becca looks amazing. I love her fringe, it looks amazing. Both those outfits are absolutely amazing, and thanks for the link to the low buns tutorial, I’ve been trying to find it! xo
She looks lovely, and that hairstyling is great!
really cute:)
I love makeovers!
Both the outfits look great on her. You did such a great job!
♥ Gina Michele
CrochetClouds.com
so cute! i love the makeover story feature!:)
This is so cute, I’m loving the twisted buns in the last picture, going to give it a try! xo
what i love about this:
necklace as a crown
high-waisted pants
the MOST awesomest boots in the 2nd outfit
great work!
~p
might be my favorite look so far. Both outfits are amazing and her hair is to die for!
I love the makeover so much! The melting of the hair is gorgeous and fun! And all the looks look great!
Much love,
B
Like!!
how do i get a makeover?? 😉
I’m totally in love with the bohemian look ♡
Her hair fits the style perfect!!!
These looks are lovely. I really love look number 2 with the maxi and boots, and her hair looks amazing.
I LOOOOVE IT! This is exactly the type of style I’d love to achieve. I’m definitely checking out the online shop after this comment. I’ve always been stuck in the rut of doing my hair and makeup the same way every day for years and years. It’s hard to leave your comfort zone!
Hair question: do you know if it’s possible to wear bangs like that with a cowlick toward the top of your forehead/on the bangs line? I have a big forehead 🙁
these looks are great…the second so sweet. love the dress and especially the low buns!
Love that maxi dress…what a fabulous choice for her!
i think this makeover story is my favourite…i am in LOVE with her hair (and have a similar cut) am thinking of taking the colour portion into my hairdresser and asking for the same, love it!! her outfits are adorable and they look so fantastic on her! she looks GREAT!!
This has got to be one of my favorites to date! I love the hair on the second outfit! The first outfit was my favorite. The jeans and the top! -Swoon-
<3
Her hair is absolutely BEAUTIFUL! And these glasses. WOW! (:
LOVE this post! I am quite a petite girl and it’s nice to see ways to dress up that would help me personally! 🙂 Thanks for sharing such a great experience! and I LOVE that dress with the hairstyle and boots! very cute! XOXO
I love the first outfit. The red top is AMAZING.
http://www.tigerlilyleather.wordpress.com
Amazing job!
http://breatheandhush.blogspot.com/
What brand are those awesome boots in the second outfit?! I want a pair!!
I love the first look! She can really pull off the ombre trend.
Are the sunglasses that she’s wearing vintage?
I love the makeover stories! I absolutely adore that first outfit. Everything about it is perfect.
i love that dress.. mmm.
I’m fond of the second look, and I need to try that pinned up hair do, it’s hot here and I am always looking fo rnew things that are simple to do, thanks Elsie!!
another lovely makeover 🙂 and the kind of style I love. I especially like that last black and white photo of Becca. lovely 🙂
Amazing looks! I love them both and they’re so different though still great bohemian vibes. Lovelove. What a pretty lady! Awesome job Elsie!
http://therosealley.blogspot.com/
Becca turned into a beautiful young lady!!
xo,
http://idekuhandmade.com/
that second look is so pretty! not over the top feminine, but just pretty enough. and i’m definitely going to try that hairstyle tomorrow. low-fuss and cute.
It always amazes me how you are able to make subtle changes to bring out the womens natural beauty, and also find outfits that seem easy and relaxed, but still so stylish. Thank you, thank you for the continued inspration! (and if you could feature someone with long curly hair next so I could have some ideas I’d appreciate it!)
Wow! Thanks so much for this. I am not personally into this particular style but she looks amazing and it’s totally inspiring!
Kacie
http://www.acollectionofpassions.blogspot.com/
wow! she looks amazing! she was beautiful in her before picture too! 🙂 i love the necklace headband…with her haircut. and i really love the girly 2nd look! you do such a great job elsie!
what a lovely makeover…my favorite is the second..her hair is adorable..:)
Such a great post – I think this is the first makeover story I have seen on your blog. Love the two outfits, she is definitely rocking it.
The hair in the second outfit is adorable! And those sunglasses are amazing.
http://thesignaturebow.blogspot.com/
NEW OUTFIT POST: Something New, Something Blue
LOVE both looks !!! The vinatge dress is devine .. I want one !
Look #2 & the hair style were adorable!!!!
i absolutely LOVE this. both outfits are adorable and looks like something i could put together too. i’m also petit and this was a helpful little post, so thanks! 🙂
p.s. those photos are amazing. 🙂
oh wow, she looks absolutely adorable. in a non girly way of course. just gorgeous!
I love the hair on the second style. I’m going to try it my self:)I love your blog and your style too. I have been visiting here for awhile now, but I don’t comment often. But I’ve linked to your blog here:) http://babyramen.blogspot.com/2011/08/julys-favorites.html
Have a wonderful day!
That sweater in the first outfit=I die
I love both of these looks! I wish I could get a makeover!
I adore the second look on her–such a great makeover–you definitely captured her spirit and brought out her qualities instead of forcing her into a mold that she is not.
AMAZING!
XO
Jackie
http://www.hourglass-fashion.blogspot.com
gorgeous!!!
I just love this. One of my favorite features. And I love this style.
I love this makeover! I’d never really considered wearing vintage until I discovered your blog a few weeks ago – I am totally inspired to give it a go! 🙂
oh, how i love makeovers! i’m a petite, too, but i have a huge bust and find it pretty much impossible to find dresses and shirts that fit me properly. i’d love to know what sorts of things i could wear that would flatter my crazy proportions!
wow! Becca looks absolutely beautiful!
She looks amazing! I’m currently wearing the exact same tank top from the “before” picture. Maybe I need a makeover too 😉
what a great makeover!! i love the first look the best 🙂
She looks so beautiful! I had photography with the lovely Becca! Adore the new look. 🙂
Meg
Becca is gorgeous! I bet that makes the dress up more fun 🙂
I LOVE everything but especially the red vest, and the second hair style is amazingly beautiful.
I love this blog!
i love this series! i think one day you should do a live webcast thing where people send you their pictures and styles and you give them advice! i would definitely make time in my day for that! i think a lot of your readers would enjoy it as well 🙂
Over the past month or so your blog has quickly become one of my favorites. I’ve been going through older posts and am kicking myself for missing your spring 2011 Red Velvet dress launch– all of those dresses are so cute! I also hope to make a visit to your store sometime in the near future. I’m from KY so Springfield isn’t too far away. I plan to also sign up for the DIY dress up e-course. This will be a good side project for me when i need to take a break from writing my graduate thesis. I never leave your blog without feeling inspired. Keep on doing what you’re doing!
p.s.- The makeover stories may be my favorite feautre on your blog.
—<3 Meggie
She looks great! So many cute ideas…and I LOVE that haircut!!
That’s a really good idea to wear a necklace as a hair piece! Cute
Shasie of Live Life in Style
Wrinkle In Time Vintage Giveaway
Bello [Pretty*]!!! Please if it’s possible, do a tutorial on the braided hair do. It’s simply perfect.
I LOVE this makeover! Her ombre hair is AMAZING!! did you do that yourself?? she looks adorable!! I am petite, and that make over is just my style. Bohemian and not to girly!!! 🙂
brea-marie.blogspot.com
Ahh!!! I wish so much that I could have a vintage makeover. I am too chicken to try anything on my own! I love the makeovers and all your looks! Especially your shoe collection. : )
Absolutely Fabulous!! I wish you could style me!!
I can’t wait to see more 🙂
Much Love
Anie
http://www.thelifeofanie.blogspot.com
All of these style makeovers have been inspiring and fun to read about! :] I would love to see a plus size women get a make over. I know how hard it is to find vintage pieces and styles that work for a plus size body, being a size 20 myself. Also hair styles for a more round face. Being plus size means we have round cheeks, and some styles just do not look right! You’re blog is full of beautiful things and very inspiring stories, but I would love to see bigger women and more stories leaned towards other women.
Thank you,
Amelia<3
Ps. I'll always be a support of this blog. It's def. become one of my favorites! Congratulations on all that you have accomplished and your wedding! I do believe I enjoyed the wedding post the most!
Wow! What a transformation…she looks gorgeous! Maybe she could be one of your models. I don’t know which look I like better, they’re both adorable. I’ll have to try the buns out sometime, so pretty…
This is awesome!!! Very cool post!
I absolutely adore her second look! This is a fantastic idea. Glad to have stumbled upon your blog. I am a vintage lovahhh.
XO Emily Jenny
stilettobeats.blogspot.com
All I can say is she has to be the cutest girl in the world!! (next to Bella;)
Love it all!
That Isaac is a lucky guy!
She is adorable! I love her new hairstyle and how you styled her. What fun.
very cute, i love look two and will probably try something similar… I will also try that hairdress tomorrow! thanks for this post 🙂
The makeovers are so fun!
I would love to see a makeover of a larger lady, perhaps size 16 and up? That’s my own size. I’d volunteer myself except I live in Canada!
So cute! I’m short and have a tiny frame and vintage shopping is definitely challenging. High waists and altering are definitely my best friends!
Bravo! She’s such a doll already and your makeover just accentuated her beauty perfectly!
So in love with the 2nd look. Adorable!
okay, i can definitely relate to being petite and trying to buy vintage that flatters. elsie, she is SUPER gorgeous. your makeover stories are seriously one of my favorite reads! keep ’em comin, girly!
I always adore these makeover stories Elsie! She looks so lovely. I love the woodsy boho look AND that dress is just so adorable on her! 🙂
The last is my favourite as she looks adorable! (Now I can’t wait for my hair to grow!). Thanks for sharing. Its always such a delight!
I would like both of these looks PLEASE and also her hair.
Becca is such a beautiful girl. Love the hair change (although I’m a redhair lover the new look fits her perfectly) & the casual vibe of her the outfits.
going to give it a try now.
I actually unquestionably need to think much more in that course and find out things i can do about this.
It’s good to see this information in your post, i was looking the same but there was not any proper resource, than now i have the link which i was looking for my research.
Waaw, im definitely gonna try that hairstyle myself! I love it!
this makeover is SO cute, she looks amazing!
post a comment now!
I love this post. More makeover stories please! Great job 🙂
i love that you do this … we could all use a day with Elise ! I’ll check out your other make overs – love to see you do an over 40 yr chickie 🙂 best le xox
Read all your makeover posts, amazing! I am getting tempted to cut some bangs. Love vintage, trying to get more looks like that. I am already dressing my boys more vintage looks, so far they accept, but I know that when they become teenagers I will probably be the only one around here wearing vintage looks!
she is gorgeous! nicely done!
I was just reading through the blog searching for anything I’ve missed and fell over these makeover stories. Everyone has a little something I wish I could do but once I think of it I think of where I work and feel as though it would never work. I work in a store in the mall called Aeropostale. We have to where their style of clothes and I find it hard to find a vintage style using mainly their clothes. If there’s any advice you may have to help me out would be much appreciated 🙂
Would you happen to have any tips for someone like me? I have the misfortune of being 5′ tall 😛 on top of that, I have a large chest but I’m slim, so lots of cute looks I love don’t fit well on me. I also have flat feet so many shoes aren’t really an option for me unless I want my feet and knees to be ruined 😛 anything would be appreciate 🙂
i vote look 2!
I found your blog today. I think you are doing great, wonderful things here. I love the idea of a makeover story. I really like this bohemian look.