For some ladies, it’s purses. For others, its shoes. But for me, its coats. Living in the Northeast, winters can be long, cold and dreary, which is why I eventually turned to beautiful coats and winter accessories to put a smile on my face. But finding a coat that is beautiful, well-made, and perfectly petite sized can be a difficult and costly journey.
Enter Burberry, the iconic brand known for its timeless trenches and coats. Any retail-priced purchase comes with complimentary alterations done by their nimble tailors, so it’s basically like getting a coat custom-fitted. Granted, pricing is steep, but for those who can afford it, it is well worth the occasional splurge. Also, be sure to sign-up for their seasonal in-store sale mailing list.
Here is my first Burberry purchase from 2006, back when I thought shopping children’s coats were my only option. Let me just say, what a long way I’ve come since then! This is a kids coat, in a little girls size 12, purchased from eBay UK (photo courtesy of another eBay seller since I cannot find a pic of mine pre-alterations). Note the proportions designed obviously for children:
1. wide arms
2. small chest with roomy waist/hip area
3. short and stout overall silhouette
But the texture was rich, the colors were girly, and the lining was TDF, so I saw potential.
Just look at this lining! Gorgeous roses with little “Burberry”s scripted in periwinkle:
Buying on eBay can be tricky, especially since there are usually no returns. I suggest always asking the seller for detailed measurements and comparing to your own items before buying. For this coat, I made sure that 1. the shoulders were the right width (shoulder alterations are $$$ and complex), and 2. the sleeves were long enough since this was a kid’s coat.
Alas, after I started working I ended up reselling this coat to a fellow petite. Since then I have graduated to adult sizing (many more Burberry posts to come…), but frequently think back to this first Burberry and pray that it went to a good home!
Thank you for sharing your story, it is very encouraging and inspiring. I am also a petite and have gone through similar experiences of not finding good clothes. Thanks once again
I didn't have a problem – I think they will alter any genuine Burberry coat as long as you pay for the alterations. What I do wonder, though, is whether they will alter coats purchased online at full retail price for free just like the ones in store. I don't see why not, but it's worth asking first!
BTW – a size 2 can be surprisingly small if you find the slim cut ones. I initially swore off their adult sizing (esp because kids is cheaper) but there really is a difference in the cut and the fit. Now I look only in the adult sizing. I tried one a few of their kids coats after this post and the fit was super childish – wide and short.
Did you have any problem getting your coat altered at Burberry's? I was looking at children's sized coats online (I'm 5'1" and am too small for their size 2), and I was wondering whether I could take it to the store to get it altered.
Hi there – I actually have no idea what that coat is called. Burberry doesn't seem to name their styles (only one I can think of is the Harbourne trench) unlike some other designers such as Theory. That's too bad, because it makes it a heck of a lot more difficult to search for something specific. Good luck, and happy new year to you too!
PetiteAsianGirl, I absolutely love the lining of that coat! May I ask, what is the specific name of this coat? I've been searching everywhere on Google under "Burberry rose lining coat" but haven't found anything that resembles the coat. Could you please tell me the name of the coat so I can also search on ebay? Thanks and Happy New Year!
Hi Lauren! Thank you for your encouraging words. I have been fortunate over the years to have accumulated a nice collection of tiny petite suiting as well as casualwear, and am always looking for suggestions on new brands/styles to try. I believe AltherationsNeeded is a good 8-10 lbs smaller than me … I can't imagine how hard it must be to find clothes at that size!
I have many many posts lined up. Only thing is it's hard to take photos since by the time I get home from work it is pitch black! Stay tuned : )
This blog looks promising! I am also petite, asian, 4"11 and have lots of troubles finding clothes that look polished and professional in the workplace or even casual clothes that I am not swimming in!
I will definitely be back! Alterations Needed is one of my favorite sites, and I found your site through her link!