Loving now: J.Crew apple print cafe capri review (on sale)

**Gingham lovers, Crewcuts also has cafe capris in mint gingham for just $25.89 (final sale) with free ship. Thanks so much Val  for pointing these out and getting us the measurements: size 12 has 28.25 (adjustable) waist, hip 32.25, inseam 24.25. Size 14 has 30 waist, hip 33.25, and inseam 26.25 (keep in mind J.Crew's measurements can be a little off). I like the more grownup front & back pockets, plus added belt loops.**

Crewcuts apple bobbing cafe capri sz 12 (free ship, use MUSTHAVE for 30% off), H&M top, Target heels

Meet my latest love: apple print ankle pants. They're fun and preppy with a classic silhouette. J.Crew is having apple overload this season, and there's something for everyone:

Apple in Kids sizing w/ free ship at any price: cardigan, chino shorts (good option if you are too tall but still narrow enough for kids sizing. Was contemplating these in case the capris didn't work out).

Apple in Womens sizing: shorts, pullover sweater, underwire swimsuit, large apple pleated skirt (so pricey, but how adorable would this be on a teacher?), large apple cafe capri.

A big thank you to my friend Jimmy for snapping these during our study break. I realized that I've been taking my photographer for granted. Apparently, "shoe shot" or "angle up" (how shorties can appear deceptively taller) don't mean much to other men. Jimmy was a fast learner...he crouched low & braved passerby stares to get these shots.

Toes: Essie "tangerine"   Hands: Essie "turquoise & caicos"  Lips: Revlon "Ravish me Red" 

H&M bag & belt (from a dress), bangle thanks to t + j designs

Now for my review...

Measurements: My kids size 12 measured 13.25" across the waist, 17" across the lower hips when measured right at the crotch, 23.4" inseam, 5.2" leg opening, 8" rise.

Fit: A kids size 12 fits comparable to a small/short H&M sz 2 (except in the waist) or Asos petite 1, and similar but possibly slimmer than American brand 00 Petites. As shown above, it's a bit slimmer and shorter throughout than the 00P womens wool capri pants, which are very roomy on me. I immediately noticed how slim and tapered the legs of these capris are, and how the rear actually flatters my behind. The only issue was the waist - I had quite a size-able waist gap and mulled over how to alter it.

Imagine my absolute delight when Khatu informed me that the waistband was adjustable (designed for fast-growing little kids...loved by fit-challenged adults). There's an elastic band that runs along the inside of the back waistband, and you can pull it taught via two buttons on the side.

I pulled it in about 3 notches on each side, and the fit was perfect. There is some gathering on the waistband caused by the back elastic, but can be easily covered by a shirt or belt.

Quality: 100% woven cotton, feels chino-like with a bit of a ribbed texture. Side zip with two front pockets and 1 back pocket. I really love that the base color is a natural "oatmeal" shade and not stark white. My biggest concern with such a material is unsightly wrinkling, however these stood up fairly well. The iphone pics shown above were taken after about 9 hours of wear - mostly sitting and some walking.

Value: I would not pay t$40 for a solid pair of cotton ankle pants, but the irresistible print and great fit (no alterations needed!) make these a winner for me. As soon as I tried these on, I had a stupid grin on my face and "knew." The bigger kids sizes tend to sell out faster (*eying fellow petite women*) so I'll just have to accept the price. With a dressier blouse and closed-toe pumps, these will also be work-appropriate for me on casual Fridays.

Readers - Are you a fan of printed pants?