Faux leather + cropped tweed; Chanel-style jacket for petites

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No. 5 jacket in brown sz S c/o Uniqueen, H&M; faux-leather leggings (similar), Target blouse

This jacket from Uniqueen is undoubtedly one of my favorite pieces right now. It comes in 6 lovely colors and I spent ages trying to decide what to try. The cream is crisp and clean, the yellow is fun, and the peach pink is ultra feminine. After looking through my wardrobe, the most versatile color for me is brown (I returned the peach pink, but did snap some pics of it). I tried to answer most of your questions in this post, but please review the measurements on the website and compare them against your own clothes, and ask the retailer any questions before ordering.

I liked Uniqueen’s Malang jacket (now back in satin lining), but the fit was not perfect on my frame. The Malang fit me in the shoulders, but the torso was a bit roomy and the length hit my hips. I mentioned wanting to shorten the length, but never got around to attempting it.
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Left: For work with Gap blouse & Ann Taylor tropical wool skirt, taken in (this season’s color)

The first thing I noticed about this No. 5 jacket was the cropped length – a S measures 18″ long vs. the Malang which is 20″ long. This jacket may be too short for taller ladies (unless you want cropped), but is perfect for petites. As someone who is 5 feet tall, it’s been very hard finding jackets that are short enough to pair with skirts and/or flat shoes without truncating my leg line. The length of this jacket makes it so versatile for me. I’ve worn it already with longer pencil skirts, wool mini skirts, jeans and flats, leggings and tall boots, sheath dresses…you name it.
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Chanel tortoise wayfarers (similar) & WOC, Target pumps w/ DIY cap (similar), Revlon coral lipstick

Sizing: Comes in three sizes (unlike the Malang) – S, M, and L. These sizes definitely run smaller than mainstream American sizes. A Small in the No. 5 feels comparable to XXS-00P at Ann Taylor / LOFT (except with longer sleeves), or in-between a size 2 and 4 at H&M.; Again, please check the measurements on the website listed for each size…

My sz S measures 18-18.5″ in length, 15.5″ across the chest when lying flat, 14-14.5″ across the shoulders including shoulder pads, 24″ long sleeves, 5.5″ across upper sleeve width.

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Quality: Very good for the price ($80.74 + ship). The first time I wore it, my friend grabbed it and said, “Where’s this from? It looks expensive!” A comparable jacket at Ann Taylor or BR would retail for upwards of $200, and J.Crew has a $600 version of the yellow tweed cropped jacket (that’s somehow already sold out in many sizes..?). This tweed is medium-weight with a lot of dimension, and there’s plenty of features like gold-tone buttons, full lining, functional lower pockets, trim that goes all-around (pet peeve of mine is items where the trim is only on the front half), plus a No. 5 pearl-studded pin. The pin is slightly pushing the design into too heavily-inspired territory, but it’s removable.
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Fit: I’m wearing a Small and it fits me well everywhere except for sleeve length. Please note that the sleeves are longer than shown and will need to be hemmed or folded under for shorter arms. I have them tucked under here and secured with safety pins (thankfully, the textured tweed hides pins so I’ll continue wearing it like this until I have time to do a formal alteration).

I also personally prefer my jacket sleeves to be slightly slimmer, but these do measure 5.5″ across the widest point which is standard per my other blazers in Theory 00 or H&M; 2. The shoulders are padded and stick out marginally past my natural shoulders, so beware if you have a narrower frame. I like that the torso is slimmer so the front flaps do not overlap on me; I can finally achieve that casual open-jacket look without looking too boxy from the side.
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Other notes: This jacket has no closure. I plan on adding a little hook and eye closure to the front center for the option of wearing it closed. Also, I was not a fan of the sparklies in the trim of this, but happily discovered that they are woven in and can be removed strand by strand. I spent about 20 minutes snipping and pulling out some of the tinsel-like strands from the trim, and now love the less-effervescent jacket. (Sidenote: For those who own the Malang jacket and think there is too much fringe, I also discovered that the trim can be easily removed. The fringe on the sleeves is attached by just one stitch down the center, so you can use little scissors to snip that stitch without affecting the layer below.)

*UPDATE* – If you plan on pulling out the sparklies, make sure to lay the edges of the jacket out and hold them down firmly with clamps or something (I awkwardly used my knees). Be patient, and use small scissors to snip often before pulling. If you p
ull on a strand too hard, the edge of the jacket will bunch up from the tension and will be difficult to smooth back down. This didn’t happen with my brown one, but I was too hasty with my white one and the front edges don’t lie flat anymore.

no5jacket6Above: close-up of the texture after ~80% of sparklies were removed from the black trim.

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Readers – What do you think of this jacket? If you own it, please feel free to share what size you ordered and how it fit (please note your measurements). I’m sure fellow tweed-loving ladies will be thankful for the reference info!
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224 Comments

  1. maree wrote:

    I love the look – I myself have a pair of faux leather leggings and I adore wearing them!!!! And to my surprise – they one of my fiance's most favorite items that I own – too funny!

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  2. Anonymous wrote:

    The leggings make me think of Wendy's Lookbook!

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  3. Elle wrote:

    I am a big fan of this look! I love it when two different styles collide…like pairing the feminine and classy tweed jacket with these pleather pants. Can't wait to try this tweed jacket for myself…it looks wonderful on you!

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  4. Anonymous wrote:

    I have been following your blog and always loved your style. However I feel I have to leave a comment this time. Sorry about what I'm about to say. The leggings are horrible. I'm never a fan of them, they especially don't suit your style at all. I love how feminine and elegant you always look, but these leggings destroyed this outfit. Please don't wear them again. In my opinion, they are very unflattering and awful and don't suit anyone.

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  5. You look so awesome! Love this mix of lady like elements with the rock and roll-y leather tights!

    xoxo
    http://www.natashafatah.blogspot.com

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  6. Anonymous wrote:

    Gorgeous! I think I'm placing an order.

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  7. Anonymous wrote:

    do you know if you get a confirmation email when you order, if so how long did it take? Thanks!

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  8. Anonymous wrote:

    I have knobby knees like you Jean and I have always been very insecure about them… I love that you don't care… You inspired me to wear leggings!!!

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  9. I love the faux leather leggings but I'm not sure if I should get a pair or not… Do you think you can you do a post on regular cotton leggings vs. faux leather leggings? I also noticed your H&M; faux leather leggings were matte as oppose to the mostly-shiny-looking ones? I'm a student in college and I'm considering getting faux leather leggings but don't know if that's too much or how to style em. A post would be amazing! 😛

    Oh and Jean I recently saw a D.I.Y. french tipping your shoes video from Chriselle! You should try it out with the tips in the video! Good luck! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oEXFTPYLCQ&feature;=g-u-u&context;=G2a35f74FUAAAAeAACAA

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  10. Anonymous wrote:

    The rude comments are SO SO wrong, I love the leather leggings on you! however I think that there may be a little to much going on with the upper part of this outfit in general– the ruffles plus pearls plus tweed conflict with the edgy minimalism of the leggings. Maybe try with a simpler blouse.

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  11. I've been looking forward to this post!!! I loved the Malang jacket on you but love this No. 5 so much more! The cropped fit really does suit you more and I love that you DIY'ed out the sparklies and the cap-toe shoes (with marker no less!). I'd really like to join the cap-toe fever but haven't figured out which shoes to transform and may pick up a pair of shoes purely for the sake of the DIY.

    And Jean, please ignore the rude comments. They're called internet TROLLS for a reason – nasty, nasty people with nothing better to do.

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  12. Anonymous wrote:

    Jean, you are beautiful. But the leggings are awful. They belong on a speed skater or on Julia Roberts' character in "Pretty Woman" BEFORE her makeover. The jacket is cute, though.

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  13. I love how simple and yet put together this look is…
    I'd love to be able to pull of leggings like that!

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  14. Anonymous wrote:

    Jean, I smiled when I read that you pulled the sparklies out of the fabric. I really like reading your DIY posts. They inspire me to be a little more creative with the clothes I almost-like. Too often I'm shopping and I find something that's not quite perfect. I hope you feature more of these DIY-alterations!

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  15. Anonymous wrote:

    Jean I think the jacket looks great on you but I do think that the leggings are a bit much. It maybe the lighting. But I think you have great legs.

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  16. Jyoti wrote:

    Love the leggings! I have a pair too and wear them to death– never thought they would be so versatile. And they look so great on you!

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  17. Jen wrote:

    That is one beautiful jacket, Jean! Uniqueen really does have such a great selection of tweed pieces. And I have to admit that I'm not typically a fan of liquid leggings, but I really like the juxtaposition of the edgy bottoms with the classy top. You look very fashion forward! I know that you are self assured and confident enough to not be bothered, but just want to chime in that the anonymous commenter is most definitely jealous of your great style and bod!

    Xo
    Jen

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  18. Kimberly wrote:

    I love the jacket! I would definitely order one right now but where I live, people tend to dress very casual and I don't think I'll get a lot of wear out of it 🙁

    A couple comments (above) were rude and I'll admit, I was a bit shocked to see you in faux leather leggings. I've been a longtime follower (not really a commenter), but you have the figure to pull off the jeggings well!

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  19. Mary Ann wrote:

    Wow, some peeps left weird-ass comments! I love this look (and really lovin' the jacket on their site in ivory), and if you even have any cellulite, it's certainly not visible in this post!

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  20. Anonymous wrote:

    What cellulite? Someone jealous?

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  21. Anonymous wrote:

    Thanks for the review, Jean. Don't let all these rude comments get to you. Your style is all your own and you can rock whatever you want.

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  22. Anonymous wrote:

    I don't see cellulite or bent knees you claim to see. Also learn some manners.

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  23. I love your blog so much. I've been a follower for months now and I am addicted!

    I love your chanel style blazer. I saw one at Zara the other day and fell in love. I have to go buy it soon!

    Please check out my blog for posts on current fashion trends and my new Christian Louboutin pumps.

    herdollface.blogspot.com

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  24. leen wrote:

    And now I am looking at http://www.myuniqueen.com 😛

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  25. Yun wrote:

    Anonymous:
    As a respectful human being/person, it's called keep it to yourself or learn better manners. She allows for constructive criticism not flat-out disrespect. Everyone is entitled to his/her own opinion. But you could have phrased your words differently or voiced your opinion in a less disrespectful manner to get your point across. And frankly, I don't see how those leggings "show off" her cellulite or bent knees.

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  26. leen wrote:

    The jacket is lovely, but I think it would look better teamed with pants/skirt rather than leggings – it will match the sophisticated nature of the jacket. In general, I'm not a fan of leggings worn as pants (no matter what your body shape is), but overall Jean, I've always been a fan of your style and your blog gives me inspiration for my wardrobe.

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  27. Anonymous wrote:

    You styled this outfit very nicely! Leggings like that can be trashy looking if done wrong and you have styled it very tastefully! Love it!

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  28. Susan wrote:

    Wow, so rude. First of all, learn how to spell. And what cellulite..?

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  29. Anonymous wrote:

    Do you NOT realize these leggings show off all your celulight and the bent knees you claim to be so self conscious about?

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  30. Lloyd Lim wrote:

    I think leather leggings are super sexy. Awesome look.

    – L

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  31. Anonymous wrote:

    Oh my god don't wear the leggings again…or maybe not with this outfit. I dont think they suit you at ALL.

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  32. Suzie Q wrote:

    Holy moly. I LOVE the jacket. Jean, you're killing me here! I just recently bought the Malang jacket since it was back in stock! This jacket is absolutely gorgeous, I totally want one. I just took a look at the color selection, I totally know what you mean with having the hardest time picking out a color. They all look fabulous! By the way, I love your faux leather leggings!

    xoxo,
    Suzie Q
    Style Cue by Suzie Q

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  33. Jackie wrote:

    I need those leggings!!

    Also, I love the way you mixed these textures 😀

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  34. Kammi wrote:

    Oh my goodness, I want all of your clothes. I def would wear those for work. I need those outfits.

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  35. Oh wow – I missed the DIY part – I totally thought those were the Zara capped toe heels – great job!

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  36. Great review – I had been eyeing the black version of this – but I think it may be too short for me (I'm 5'4).

    The quilted Malang jacket didn't really work with my frame – the shoulders were too big but the sleeves were nearly too short.

    Luckily tweed/chanel inspired jackets are VERY in this season (Zara is full of tweed jackets at the moment – and J Crew have a chain lined one) so I'm going to keep looking for one that suits my body type (I need to try it on in person before I buy – as I really dislike boxy jackets on my frame).

    Love how you removed the trim to make the jacket even classier! I really do think UNIQUEEN jackets are good quality/well-made, and there customer service is VERY nice.

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  37. Anonymous wrote:

    Blech, you ruined this with the pleather.

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  38. trysh wrote:

    Hi Jean, Would you please post the other colors up. Thanks

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  39. Anonymous wrote:

    the jacket is nice but when you pair it with the chic leggings and the lipstick, it does not perfect on you !

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  40. Does it let you scroll down? I just scrolled down and saw photos of all the other colors.

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  41. I wanted to use faux-leather scraps but couldn't get it to work. I ended up using a thick sharpie marker that was laying around and free-handed it. Next, I plan on looking for paint in a color similar to the shoe base and covering-up the stacked heel : )

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  42. Lily wrote:

    Your style is always so amazing!

    -Lily <3
    lacefleur.blogspot.com

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  43. Liz wrote:

    The jacket is nice, LOVE the liquid leggings.

    I like the cap-toe on the pumps but I think you should paint the heel black, too. The stacked wooden heel seems too casual, somehow.

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  44. Susan wrote:

    I'm definitely tempted by the cream version, but not sure how it will look in person. If anyone orders it, please share details! 🙂

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  45. I am in love with this look! Classic yet modern and chic. Too bad the jacket may be too small on my non-petite frame.

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  46. Omgosh I love that entire outfit!!

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  47. Anonymous wrote:

    when I look at the jacket & try to see what the other colors look like, there isn't an option to see a picture, is it like that or is it just my computer?

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  48. that jacket is amazing! and how did you DIY that toe cap? what did you use to paint it? LOVE IT!! i wana do the same thing!

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  49. Chloe wrote:

    Absolutely love it, jean! Perfection.

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  50. such an amazing look! the chanel jacket looks gorgeous! i have those leggings too!
    xo, Tina

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply

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