Pioneered by my fashion idol, the combination of tweed and pearls has such a simple elegance to it. I love the top half of this outfit, but oh, drat these cheap H&M; pants! I wear them a lot because the rich color is so versatile, but every time I see photos I want to burn them and get a quality pair.
A while back, Anna of UniQUEEN (based in Toronto) contacted me to try some of her petite-friendly Korean clothing. At the time I declined, but offered up some feedback. Although Korean casualwear is trendy and cute, I mentioned that I’d love to see more classy, elegant pieces available as well. I feel like petite women can currently find affordable and well-fitting casualwear from a variety of retailers (ASOS, Gap, H&M;, F21, LOFT, Urban Outfitters, etc…). It’s with work clothes, blazers, and coats when the options get limited. What do you guys think?
Style: Classic and collarless, with four functional pockets and fringe trim. I think the fringe on the sleeve opening is a little too much, and hid it just by cuffing it. Pink is fully lined in a satiny material, and blue is heavier in weight and lined in a quilted material. UPDATE: Both jackets are now lined in a heavier quilted material, making them more like warm jackets than blazers.
Sizing: Comes in two sizes, S and M. The measurements provided online for a sz S are 14.5″ shoulders (14″ before the padding), 17.4″ bust, 18.5″ sleeve length, and 20″ total length. Looking at the bust measurement, I was doubtful about how this would fit. Upon receiving the jacket, however, I saw that the front naturally overlaps a bit. When lying completely flat with the front overlapped, the bust of my sz S measures 16.5″ across, with 20″ long sleeves. Per Anna, the blue/teal has 2″ longer sleeves.
Fit: Size S fits me in the shoulders (most important), is slightly loose in the torso, and the front flaps overlap. Since it’s an open-style jacket, I don’t mind some torso room. One alteration I’m contemplating is shortening the hem an inch or two, to hit above my hips. At 4’11” and three-quarters (Nick just measured and wouldn’t give me the last quarter), I am on the shorter side, even amongst petites. The proper garment length is key to maintaining my proportions.
Note: I like how on the bottom of every item listing, UniQUEEN provides the model’s measurements for reference. The girl modeling this jacket is 160cm / 5’3″ tall, with a 25″ waist.
Quality / Value: I am impressed by the jacket workmanship and the tweed blend. No material label (not required in Asia), so I assume it’s mostly polyester. *Updated price (as of 2012) for new colors is $117.81. The price is not cheap, but my Zara juniors tweed jacket retails for the same, and the UniQUEEN one is noticeably better quality.
Payment/Shipping: Ships to US, Canada, and the UK. PayPal accepted. There is a promo going on until 11/27 for free shipping, however it is uninsured and un-tracked for the US. If you live in Toronto, you can actually opt to do local pickup and get a 15% discount instead! I believe returns are for credit only, unless the item is defective. Since this is a new store, please email info@myuniqueen.com if you have any issues or questions. I had a long list of them and Anna was so responsive – that’s why I love small business owners.
Last weekend, my dear friend Vi -in the sunny yellow dress- was back from Texas. We stuffed ourselves silly with brunch on Newbury St. Shortly after (probably while Nick and I were aimlessly wandering H&M;), her then-boyfriend got down on one knee and proposed to her in the Boston Public Garden. I still cannot believe I missed it!
I remember the fruitless nights as Vi’s wing-woman out in Boston, so I can smell a “keeper” from afar : ) They were friends for over 10 years before realizing that each other was the one. I am so very happy for them, and can’t wait to attend my first ginormous Vietnamese wedding in Texas!
great outfit!
I am totally in love with your style and your boyfriend is so cute!
Gosh Jean you are one breathtakingly beautiful young lady. Your smile, your outfit, your demeanor, and your elegance, they all amaze me.
I loved this post so much that I got a tweed jacket of my own! I referenced this blog on mine too! – http://budgetbrunettes.blogspot.ca/2012/09/transitioning-with-tweed.html
Thanks!
cute blog! i like your style 🙂
p.s. check out my new fashion blog too! hope you like!
http://theshopaholics247.blogspot.com/
Hi, love your blog!! I'm 4'9 (32.5x26x32.5) Have you checked out J.Crew's Petite vintage tweed jacket? Any thoughts? Thanks!!
http://www.jcrew.com/womens_special_sizes/petite/jacketsouterwear/PRDOVR~51337/51337.jsp
Also fount this on eBay for much cheaper (however, the overall quality is unknown). Asked the seller if the bow with pearls could be cut off, he/she said yes. Comes in pink and beige: http://www.ebay.com/itm/320801597912?var=510046943687&ssPageName;=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649 and http://www.ebay.com/itm/320805594592?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649
Hi R.L.
It's Anna from UniQUEEN.
Maybe I made you confused a bit.
UniQUEEN does not give only merchandise credit for return.
We refund the money after we receive the item from the customer and if the item is intact. However, regarding returning fee, please check FAQ at the bottom of UniQUEEN main page.
Thank you!
Anna Cho
Wow, I’m glad I saw your all’s comments! When I received the pink jacket and tried it on it looked very bulky, boxy, and shapeless and I couldn’t figure out why it looked so different from Jean’s post. Uniqueen only gives merchandise credit for returns so I guess I'm stuck wearing something that looks like it came from Coco Chanel for the NFL line. Very disappointing 🙁
@PetiteAsianGirl
Thanks so much, Jean, for responding! I will check with Anna.
Hi Jean, tks for checking it out! will check with Anna too, tks!
Hi ladies – after I did my post, I went to the website and saw that all photos of the pink on there had a quilted lining.
https://www.myuniqueen.com/index.php?view=detail&CTGSEQ;=2&PRDSEQ;=53
I must have received a version from a past season with the smooth lining, but both colors on their website are pictured with heavier quilted lining. Wish I could've seen this and pointed it out earlier if I knew it made a difference. Please email Anna at info@myuniqueen.com – I hope she can help you guys!
@Anonymous
if you read Jean's description above and look closely at her pictures, the pink should come with a thin, smooth, satiny lining, whereas the blue comes heavier with the quilted lining. There seems to be inconsistency in their products. 🙁
I received mine too today! Like the colour and design but as what you mentioned, the quilted lining made it bulky and thus difficult to put it on/take off 🙁 tried to check the "M" sizing but unable to locate this jacket anymore in Uniqueen's website.
I ordered and received the pink jacket, but it came with the heavier quilted lining (not the satiny like above), making it very bulky and not slim-fitting. Does anyone else have this problem?
Just picked up the pink jacket from Anna today. Thanks so much for the recommendation! I've been looking for a jacket like this forever and would have never come across this on my own. Anna was so nice and accommodating too!
Will you also be reviewing/styling the blue version soon? I'm thinking now that I might want to get that too! Darn, should have looked at it when I picked up the pink one!
=O Awesome jacket! =D
If it helps anyone who is waiting – I ordered a jacket on 11/12 and just got a nice e-mail from Anna on 11/18 apologizing for the delay and giving me a tracking number for the shipment. Thanks for sharing this great find with us, Jean 🙂
@Unknown I agree! After receiving your comment, I've reached out to them with the feedback. Hope you hear back soon : )
Nice jacket ! I love it. I have placed an order last week, but I still have not get any reply about when my order can be shipped. I am kind disappointed. Although I understand they need some tome for the overwhelming order, they should give me a reply.
I like it except the fluffy edges- pet peeve of mine on any clothes.
So glad I found your page through Khatu… I love this look! Newest follower 🙂
http://beantownsbarbie.blogspot.com
I loooove all your posts. So happy to have found your blog.
Loveeee the look, so elegant!!!
Jean!! Thanks for sharing this find! The jacket looks beautiful on you! I'm going to check out their website! Really, love the jacket!! 🙂
xo~sam
@Kira Hi Kira, I wear a Theory 00. This fits like a 00 in the shoulders, but may be slightly wider than a 00 in the torso. I let it casually overlap in the front.
@Anonymous Thanks for the report : )
Love your jacket and style, really great ideas for us petite women!
Jean, Could you please tell me what size jackets you wear in theory just as a comparison to this jacket.
Thank you very much
Hi Jean, It's me, Anonymous, again! hahaha…
I emailed Anna and she recommended dry cleaning once in a while, like what you said, and steaming for the rest of the time. I hope this helps.
Awww how sad is this only made for petite girls I want it so bad 🙁
@Anonymous Funny, I have been working on a video with interview tips! I think some concealer (if you have redness, dark circles, or spotty skin) would be a great start, plus some clean eyeliner, curled lashes, and mascara. If you find it annoying to remove mascara, then you should invest in an eye makeup remover. I hear the Sonia Kashuk for Target one is gentle and works well. I currently use Lancome bi-facil bought on eBay but will be trying the SK one soon. A good makeup remover will make removing mascara and eyeliner a breeze. If you have short, think or virtually nonexistent lower lashes, then some mascara and curling can make a big difference.
@Quinn Thanks for the recommendation! I too am trying to stay away from juniors and kids clothing, but with things like skinny jeans it's not too bad.
And thank you everyone else for your sweet and thoughtful comments. My friend Vi also sends her thank you's for all of your well wishes : )
@Iyah I use a Canon T2i – lens and other info listed here: https://www.extrapetite.com/p/about.html
@Thao @Sunshine Omigoodness! What a small world!
@jessica @Anonymous They have no brand and I found them a few years ago…but I go on there and search for "leather cuffed boots." I look for ones that look a little older, almost vintage, because those tend to be of good quality and run narrower in the shaft.
@Anonymous You have a good memory! I also like the AT and I agree the colors are so similar, but the lapels make it more formal. I wear that one to work but rarely on the weekends. I'm unsure about the cost of hemming, but I think I'll actually keep all 4 pockets but shift them all upwards to keep the placement proportionate. Maybe I'll trim the fringe down by giving it a "haircut" : )
@Nina Oh dear…I have no secrets nor product recommendations! However I have a flat crown so I do dry my hair with the crown clipped up for volume, as shown here: https://www.extrapetite.com/2011/03/current-hair-curling-routine-easy-loose.html
@Anonymous Thank you! I think it's hard work being a small business owner trying to break into a large market. When I come across talented women who are very passionate about their work, I want to see them succeed.
@Canadianpetite @Susan @Ping Lol, Nick and I are already like an old married couple ; )
@Itsher It was Stephanie's on Newbury, but I know what you mean – Maggianos looks very similar inside to this pic!
@Anonymous The website says hand wash, but my sink is so tiny. I'll probably just get it dry cleaned maybe once per season!
@e.p. I've stopped by search but have been wearing these old ebay'd ones very often. I hope to find more boots from "the past" that fit just as well!
@Amusemehplehs I'll ask!
@Anonymous Focus on the fit and porportions of your clothes – for example, don't wear pants that drag on the ground or are baggy, avoid blazers/tops/coats with shoulders too wide for you, sleeves too long for you, and overall length that's too long for you. Trade sweatshirts and tees for blouses, cardigans, and blazers. Take care to do your makeup in the morning and wash/brush your hair.
Great looks.
If you have time come to check out my blog.
http://paquetevistasbien.blogspot.com
Girl you look super amazing!
xoxo,
colormenana.blogspot.com
the detail on the coat is exquisite, love the natural fraying of the material!
oh cute! I adore Anna, she's so sweet! Anna sent me the blue one and I love it!! I'm actually wearing it today 🙂 The cream ones looks so cute on you, love how you paired it with the mustard pants.
Hope you are having a good weekend J!