J.Crew Schoolboy blazer in petite (on sale), Forever21 skirt with leather panels added (similar)
In the midst of a cold, snowy spell this week, I dug out these photos from milder days in southern California. I saw this skirt on Wendy a while back, and was surprised that the base was from Forever21. She has a penchant for adding leather accents to mass-market clothing (ie. this ASOS blazer), effectively transforming them into unique, customized pieces. I loved the resulting skirt on her, and couldn't believe she had a second one made to share!
For brunch with friends in LA, I wore this simply with a cozy cashmere sweater. This is one of my oldest eBay finds, and I love the casual fit and generous dolman sleeves. It took Nick about 5 years to accept his girlfriend dressing like a bat, but that milestone has been passed.
For brunch with friends in LA, I wore this simply with a cozy cashmere sweater. This is one of my oldest eBay finds, and I love the casual fit and generous dolman sleeves. It took Nick about 5 years to accept his girlfriend dressing like a bat, but that milestone has been passed. 
I've also worn this skirt to work as shown with the blazer. I was initially hesitant, since the skirt is snug on me as evidenced by the creases across the hips. However, the longer length helps, and it received so many compliments and inquiries at my office. My colleagues are dazzled by my creative and thoughtful friends - every time they ask where a skirt is from, the answer seems to be "custom" or "hand-made" (cue boggled-looking eyes). And speaking of thoughtful friends, I completely have Cee to thank for letting me know about these shoes for sale!
This blazer was a real workhorse during my last trip. Here it was with festive red pants, and here's another casual pairing for touring the plentiful craft breweries in San Diego. When trying to pack light for a variety of occasions, you can't go wrong with items in this neutral color.
(had slipped into comfy flats for the car ride...not barefoot!)These photos were actually taken at a rest stop between LA and San Diego. We stopped for a potty break, and stayed for the beautiful sunset after the storm.
Readers - Hope you're having a wonderful week, and staying warm and dry!
You look elegant with the caramel+black combination! LA to SD is not a long drive, but for longer road trips or flight travels, what do you usually wear? I am very curious and hope one day you would have a post dedicated to the comfy but still presentable travel outfits (sweatshirt+jeans maybe? jk!)
ReplyDeleteJulia from Closet de Jules
Sweatshirt + soft leggings (yes, I know fashionistas out there are cringing) are the best! I have an old kids UCLA hoodie and H&M kids leggings that I've worn to pieces. Jeans might be too restricting if they're a skinny style and end up cutting off circulation. If you want to look presentable, just make sure to wear a longer top or tunic to cover up the crotch with leggings and some comfy but chic black flats.
DeleteJean, did you attended college at UCLA? just wondering....
DeleteI love your blog a lot because I get to learn about fashion. Thank you.
Grace
Thank you, Grace! I almost did (loved it there), but went to school in Boston instead.
DeleteHi Jean,
DeleteI am petite, but curvy, and have a really hard time finding long shirts/tunics that cover my hip and lady areas, haha. Any recommendations? Thanks!
xoxo
Love the leather paneling on this skirt. The color combo looks great on you. Another favorite. If I had a Pinterest, I would be Pinning this. :)
ReplyDeleteIt is tough when your significant other does not always love an item as much as you, huh? I have put lots of items back on the rack after seeing the disgusted face. :/
Those heels are awesome! I really should try pumps.
Don't let the SO's scrunched up nose dictate your style! Stay strong and wear what you love ; )
DeleteI love that skirt on you!! The skirt is perfection!! Do you know if Wendy sewed it herself or if she brought it somewhere?
ReplyDelete-Stephanie
@LaminLouboutins.blogspot.com
Hi Stephanie - her tailor (Hector in LA) did it.
DeleteThat sweater...it's amazing!
ReplyDeleteJean, these pics are gorgeous! I'm loving the dusk-y / cloudy backdrop as well as your ensemble. I don't think it's possible for you to put together something poorly.
ReplyDeleteJean, could you please share with us what kind of camera/lens you use for shooting the gorgeous pictures on your blog?
ReplyDeleteOf course (& thank you!)! Specific camera and lens info are linked here: http://www.extrapetite.com/p/about.html
Deletelove the skirt and pumps! do you mind sharing how much you got them for and where? cant afford to pay full retail for them.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Cee (blogger at Brighten Day) helped me buy them pre-owned from someone selling them for a little under $200.
Deletewendy is THE best at customizing pieces by adding faux leather panels/pockets! i love this skirt on you too! and totally LOL'ing at the "bat" comment. i have heard similar comments from the hubby. =)
ReplyDeletexoxo, jenn
the stylish housewife
I love the skirt on you. At first I thought it was very wendy-esque and then read on to find out that it was gifted by wendy!
ReplyDeletewww.petitestyleonline.com
How do you clean the skirt with the leather panels? Does it go into the washer/dryer?
ReplyDeleteDry clean - I wouldn't recommend putting anything leather into the washer or dryer.
DeleteGreat skirt and love the almost dusky background of the pics!
ReplyDeletefauxionista.com
just chanced upon your blog only recently, but i have to say, it's now one of my favourites! i Love your style!
ReplyDeleteGreat skirt!
ReplyDeleteKate xo petite-adventures.blogspot.ca
I love the skirt..it looks amazing :)
ReplyDeletehttp://glamnailsandfashion.blogspot.com/
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI have a question regarding this post of yours:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/53737603@N04/6994631532/
About the shoes!I also have very small feet and it's hard to find shoes that feet and don't come out of my foot!
I see something like a stretch band behind the shoe. is that a trick to hold the shoe tight around foot or it's just part of the shoe?
i appreciate if you can send me an email or make a post about this.
sahar.fall@yahoo.com
Hi Sahar - that's actually all leather and part of the design of the shoe (two colors in the back). It's not elastic or stretchy.
DeleteLove this outfit, and the wooden heels are perfect.
ReplyDeletexo
http://pinksole.com
Ahh the skirt is fab, how creative! I'm wishing for some warmer weather.
ReplyDeleterecently got that same blazer for myself and love it--though it looks much better on you. and so funny that nick has finally reached that milestone with you---i love that cozy sweater!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely love this ensemble. Those caramel stripes are amazing with that jacket!
ReplyDeleteLove the camel blazer and you look absolutely lovely in both outfits. Very elegant
ReplyDeleteHappymedley.blogspot.com
Love that skirt and blazer-such an awesome neutral look! xoxo
ReplyDeletesequinsandpolkadots.blogspot.com
just gorgeous! xo
ReplyDeletehttp://allthingsprettyandlittle.blogspot.com/
How kind of Wendy to share that skirt with you. It's so cool! Love it with the sweater (LOL bat) and the blazer. Very nice photos at the sunset rest stop!!! I love that you're always prepared with the camera and that you actually wear these outfits IRL and weren't planning for a shoot & totally nailed it!
ReplyDeleteThe camel blazer is now just $129.99 at jcrew.com. I have the blue one and get so many complements on it. That shows the power of a well tailored garment -- thanks, Jean, for teaching me the importance of good fit!
ReplyDeleteSorry, that's $139.99. Still a deal!
DeleteHi Jean, this is my first time commenting on your blog, even though I've been a reader for a long time. I subscribe to many blogs via my google reader, but yours has always been one of my favourites! I love reading through whatever you have to say, they're always so thorough and well researched! Your thriftiness is another aspect that I love so much. I recently starting blogging too, and one of the inspirations was your blog and passion for style, so thank you! :-) I'm less than a month into the process, but I've already noticed that blogging has made me more aware of my wardrobe, what my tendencies are, and what I should try to develop it further.
ReplyDeleteGreat outfit, I love every single piece, I love the photography too!
Hi Jean, I'm looking to buy this blazer. What size do you wear? I think we are the same size. I never bought anything from Jcrew before and wanted to make sure that I get the right size since it's final sale.
ReplyDeleteHi there - I'm wearing 00P here.
Deletegorgeous look - i love that blazer on you and especially how versatile it is. all of your stylings show just how many ways it can be worn giving different looks. the skirt is TDF.
ReplyDeletexox P
Jean, are those shoes comfortable? I love high heels but don't find comfortable ones very often.
ReplyDeleteAt first glance, I thought I was on Wendy's blog. Your post in the first picture is exactly the type of posture that Wendy has all the time. Nothing's wrong with it though as I like both of your blogs. Also, I love the jcrew boyfriend blazers as they are very classic. Although I must say that I am getting tired of seeing the same blazers on pretty all the bloggers in the petite and non-petite community. I wish other brands can be featured more too so we can have more options (also, I am thinking that's one of the reasons jcrew prices are so high because of the rising media/popularity). On the upside, it's good to see the same pieces being styled by different bloggers in different ways though.
ReplyDeleteVery cute look! When I saw the first photo, I was instantly reminded of Wendys Lookbook - must be the warm socal weather vibe!
ReplyDeleteOne of my most fav look!! Love the color scheme and the leather panel ad everything!! Can you tell me more about the flats you are wearing here.
ReplyDeleteDid you add the leather panels yourself? Amazing!
ReplyDeleteOooh, I love this outfit! I remember seeing the skirt on Wendy and you both look amazing in it! I'm constantly inspired by the way you can mix and match high and low end pieces to make such classy outfits.
ReplyDeletei really love this outfit, jean! and i totally laughed at the bat comment haha!
ReplyDeleteI think you may have sold me on that JCrew Schoolboy blazer! It really seems so versatile!
ReplyDeleteI love the way you styled the striped/leather skirt with the neutral colored blazer. Looks so modern yet classic. The custom-made skirt looks so great on you and Wendy!
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Suzie Q
www.StyleCueBySuzieQ.com
That is such a fabulous idea to add leather trimmings to a more basic item! Totally feel inspired by this idea.
ReplyDeleteI love this outfit on you, the neutral blazer paired with the skirt is amazing!
xx,
www.loveandcompanyblog.ca
I really like how you paired the striped dress with the black cropped sweater!
ReplyDeleteThe leather panels add such a cool vibe to this skirt! I love how pretty and polished you can make an outfit of neutrals look.
ReplyDelete-Erin-
OneTwoSummer
Help! Jean! Do u hv any recommendations to remove stains inside branded bags? I've one that I've used for abt a year. The outer side is still perfect, but the inner fabric looks so worn n dirty now :'( . I don't want to pay so much for professional cleaning. Any tips to do it at home?
ReplyDeleteHi Adelia - Unfortunately I have never attempted to do so, but a quick Google search shows some recommendations. You can also google within The Purse Forum site where I see members have shared tips depending on the types of bags. Good luck!
DeleteGreat blog! You have such a sophisticated modern style! I was wondering if you have any suggestions about finding & styling leather leggings?
ReplyDeleteI got mine from H&M (faux leather) and WendysLookbook has a video on styling them!
DeleteWow, what a wonderful idea! I have never thought of adding leather panels to a basic pencil skirt! Genius my dear!
ReplyDeletexx
Here&Now
Enter My Lendperk Giveaway
Is the schoolboy blazer considered a classic/year round piece from J.crew? I'd love to pick one up for myself, but I'm afraid I can't shell out $162 (current price of the camel blazer) at the moment :(
ReplyDeleteIt is a piece that has been brought back for several years now (and similar versions available at the outlet but quality looks lower). If you can wear regular and non-petite sizes, I've seen it go for lower in-stores during late winter sales.
DeleteThanks Jean - I just saw this comment now =) is it weird that I felt super excited that you replied to my post? I'd prefer to go for the petite sizing (I have a short torso and short arms), so I'll be keeping an eye for a good sale :D
DeleteWhen looking at your photos, I was thinking the background looked an awful lot like what I normally see from my drives between San Diego and OC/LA and lo and behold... It sure was!
ReplyDeleteAs always, you look absolutely lovely! Love the wooden heel on those pumps!
Good eye, Lien, and I hope you've been doing well!
DeleteWhat a great idea. The skirt looks much more polished with the leather accent. Your hair always look so gorgeous by the way!
ReplyDeleteHey Jean! Was just wondering how long you've been with Nick... And if by any chance, if it's not really getting anywhere, you should let him go, so he can come to me! :) It's time to share! Thanks, bye!
ReplyDeleteJoyce,
DeleteI would suggest you stay out of Jean's business unless you want to attract bad karma...just saying....
I'm sure Joyce meant that in jest ; ) We've been together 8 years and he's a keeper!
DeleteSuch a cute look! Love love love that skirt! I can't believe it's a diy'd F21 skirt!
ReplyDeletexx
Giovanna
www.HeyLoveBlog.com
Hope u are hunkered down n safe from nemo jean!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Hope you are too if you're in the northeast.
Deleteyou look soo gorgeous, girl!!! love the stripes!! such a classic look!
ReplyDeletexo,
Sandy
Sandy a la Mode
jean did you buy this jcrew jacket during one of their sales? right now the camel is only just about 30% off. trying to decide if its worth it to buy it now or to wait and see if this goes on further markdown.. i hate buying retail price and most of the time 20... 25... 30% doesnt do much for me. My interest is piqued when i spy 40%+ ... especially on sale items. i cant help it if im cheap!
ReplyDeleteI bought this before their slew of final sale markdowns because I wasn't sure how low the more classic camel color would go down to, with my size still in stock. I paid more than I would've liked - $150 at just 25% off. I guess the extra cost has been made up in wears since then.
DeleteThanks for the fast reply! strangely that makes me feel better ... if you can choke on $150, i suppose i can too. You look fantastic as usual! Youre such an inspiration. Btw- Im in NY and the snow is coming down fast. Stay warm in bean town!
Delete@Anon -- you can get 30% off now with the code STYLE30, which makes the camel jacket just $100.
DeleteDressing like a bat? You're funny. But who doesn't like a cashmere sweater, dolman sleeves or not? And the stripes!! Love the skirt. The outfit looks great!
ReplyDeleteı love your fashıon style.. whats your job ? ı think you're fashıon designer because you're very professıonal.. greetings from TURKEY
ReplyDeleteis nick going to propose soon? 8 years is a long time. its about time you guys got married! :P
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely outfit! Very well styled! :)
ReplyDeletexx
Discover my Stylish Confessions♥
Discover my Stylish Confessions♥
Love the look!
ReplyDeletethe pieces are great!
www.rsrue.blogspot.com
This colour combination looks great, very chic! The blazer has great detailing too, very nice.
ReplyDeleteLove the black sweater combination with the skirt - can you share the brand name/style of the sweater?
ReplyDeletedo you just come to her blog to look at all the pretty pictures? if you took the time to read what she wrote directly under the pictures, youd see she tells you exactly what brand the sweater is and where she got it from.
DeleteClassy outfit! I love seeing how people alter store-bought pieces!
ReplyDeleteFashionEdible Blog
Stay warm! I used to live in your "corner" of the world but moved elsewhere, and I must admit I'm a tiny bit jealous of your snow! I love how the world becomes so peaceful and white once the sun finally emerges.
ReplyDeleteAmazing pictures! You are awesome;)
ReplyDeleteCome say HI: www.gemmamonclus.blogspot.com
Love, Gemma
I can't believe it took too long for me to discover your blog. i'm 5 feet 2 inches and filipina, i also have similar measurements, shop at kids departments,thrift for sport, almost have to have EVERYTHING altered to fit, at least altering is a lot cheaper here in the Philippines.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to know I'm not alone!
Keep the posts coming please!
Luv this look...you make stripes look good.
ReplyDeletewww.ubetterwork.blogspot.com