Holiday sales flooding my inbox this morning:
– Ann Taylor: 40% off your entire purchase with code ENTIRE40
– LOFT: 40% off full-price styles and 50% off sale items with code SHOP40
– Gap: 60% off lots of sweaters including the lambswool cable crewneck which is now $23.99 (review coming soon – the knit is smooth, heavy, and not itchy). *UPDATE 12/18 – use code GAPCHEER for another 30% off, making this sweater $16.79*
Accessories: YSL Arty ring, MK watch, Revlon Vixen polish, J.Crew earrings (old)
I was immediately drawn to this blouse in kelly green. It looks and feels exactly like something that will pop up at Ann Taylor next Spring for 4x the price. After grabbing the green, I ran around the store asking if it came in a softer color like ivory. Sure enough – a SA showed me the ivory hanging on a completely random rack, on a different floor.
The fit of this blouse is generous but not overwhelming. A sz 2 measures 15.5″ wide (straight cut) and about 24″ long. Smaller ladies may need a simple slimming on both sides, or you can wear it casually draping. The blouse material is 100% polyester – it’s heavier and not flimsy, yet still drapes nicely. I love the elegant details including the little collar, the double-placket front, and the mother-of-pearl buttons. I find it to be noticeably better quality than some of H&M;’s other poly items, and a great buy at $17.95.
I also tried on this twill-cotton skirt in taupe with floral print. At $24.95 including a chic faux-croc belt, it’s a pretty good deal. I love how you can get a full work outfit at H&M; for under $45. Unfortunately, I did not love the material or the fit on me. I’m wary of twill or cotton bottoms because of potential wrinkling and creasing across the thighs. Also, the fit was a bit straight-cut from the waist down to the hips. The butt area fit snug on me in sz 2, yet there was a sizeable waist gap. If you are more straight-cut, then this skirt may be for you (or you can use the belt to conceal the waist gap). This skirt also came in solid khaki, navy, and black:
I don’t like to purchase duplicates but with this nicely-made, value-priced blouse I couldn’t resist. I love both colors but will be carefully evaluating if I should return one. The ivory is crisp and elegant and will get tons of wear, but the green is striking and I don’t have anything else in that color.
I am new to your blog and absolutely love it! I am a petite girl myself and I love fashion but often find myself lost in regular sized clothes. Nice to have your input as a guide! I recently bought a dress that is 30 inches long. I am about 5'1 and am not sure how short I can appropriately go. I am 31 and have two young kids. Any advice on length??
I went out and bought those exact same blouses when I saw your twitpic of it! I have the same problem when it comes to choosing one to keep.. I love the elegance of the ivory, but the green truly is striking.
http://xjole.blogspot.com
Beautiful blouse and of course I love the green color so much! Did you see the purple skirt Annie just found at H&M;? ……So pretty!
I love the ivory color!! I love how you styled it with a front-tuck in skinnies! If you keep one, keep the ivory! 🙂
I love the green color…but I say keep both because you always need a white blouse!
Hey hon, the white blouse with the black jeans looks great! Thanks for the inspiration!
http://www.natashafatah.blogspot.com
beautiful blog!!! 😉
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http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/3273128/vigilant-lense
30% off promo code for GAP ends 12/20 ! Code:GAPCHEER
love h&m; blouse! i was on a mission to find it today and came out with the cream coloured one. holding off on the kelly green one for now. i have to say it looks fabulous on you!
what brand are your black patent heels?
Hi, I noticed that the format of your site is a bit funky-some of the content on the left side of your blog is covered.
love your hair like that. it's really cute!
omg im thinking about getting that gap sweater after seeing it on you! it's such a good deal too. looks awful on the model, hahha!
I prefer the green. The white is lovely and crisp, but just isn't as stunning as the emerald.
Green looks so great on you! Keep both. White will be so useful too. I'm wondering you need something under white? of course i won't wear black bra, but just wondering.
I love the green color! versatile for all seasons! great pics!
Where did you get your olive jeans?? I've been trying to find a pair exactly like them! Do share 🙂
Jean, I think green looks great on you. Looking at the first and second pictures, I cannot stop thinking about the skirt! Where did you get the skirt from? It looks like Jcrew, but not sure… Please let us know!
I'm sorry, after I left my comment, I saw your warnings. Sorry about that.
Love the green color, especially when it is paired with the floral dress.Unexpected and fresh. Ivory seems normal.
I also shopped at H&M; today and want to do a review soon too.
From helenslookbook.blogspot.com
That navy cable knit sweater looks fantastic on you.
The green looks fabulous on you and it's such a rich vibrant color. If you are still trying to decide between the two I would see if you already have anything in the similar color in your closet. 🙂
I love the floral skirt and both of the blouses. They will be perfect for spring and summer!
I love the green!
I would keep both myself. They are gorgeous! <3
That skirt is so springy. Can't wait until it gets warm outside.
http://www.thegirlieblog.com
ooo, i like those blouses. i'll probably wear it with dark blue skinnie and sandals. then i'll accessorize it a lot! i love the green but i also love the ivory one. definitely a great buy!
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Carrie
http://readmylifeascarrie.blogspot.com/
Thanks for the review on the blouses, Jean! I went out and bought both after reading your review. LOL
They are both so classic. Keep both!
I really love the first look too! 🙂 My kind of colors! lol
THe blouse is so awesome! I specially like the white colour. I also like your sweater, it's really cute!
xx
Laila
I'm dying for that ivory one!! It looks so expensive, and like you said it could have retailed at a much higher price at a different store. I love both colors and see why you're having difficulties choosing!
I love the white color but the green also looks great for spring! Great finds
I like that you can tuck it into a skirt for work or leave it out paired with skinny jeans for something a little more casual. Great find!
that looks gorgeous on you!!
Both look great on you…keep both! haha I'm totally into green lately too.
Hi! I tried the Loft SHOP40 promo but it didn't work :(! Does the sale not start yet? Although they are automatically deducting 50% of sales so this is probably an instance in which you could try stacking promo/deals.
Absolutely stunning.
I feel like getting them myself!!
The green is such an eye-catching color! Too bad about the skirt. It looks beautiful.
As a knitter and fiber geek, I am nerdraged that they can call it a "lambswool cable sweater" when it is 45% nylon and 28% acrylic. JUST SAYING.
I like the ivory better on you 🙂 suspect the green will pop more on someone with more of a tan!
You're tres chic. 🙂 I knew you would be the first to tell us about the crazy sale at the Gap – please let us know if you pick anything up from it! 😉
i love that skirt, and i love that blouse tucked in!
xx Kathryn
http://lacoquettedumode.wordpress.com/
I think you should keep both! 🙂 that cut and both colors will never go out of style.
I wonder though, is that a raw hem on the double placket? If so, how will it wear over time?
I'd keep both! The green is a great color, and the ivory is so basic. Thinking of heading over to H&M; now!
Oooh, I like how chic you make those blouses look. They fit perfectly with the floral skirt. You really have an eye for unique attires. Your makeup and hair look nice in the pictures too. I want to thank you and let you know that I truly appreciate you and the effort you put into Extra Petite, Jean. I love the fact that you share discount codes with us and take the time to do thorough reviews. (That payless code came in handy for me, by the way! Too bad I couldn't find the konstant block heels. *boo*)
Keep Both!! I'll probably go out and get them both now too 🙂
i agree with dolce, you should keep both. since they're different colors, they give you two totally different looks….the ivory is more clean, crisp, and reserved while the green is a pop of color and brightens up your whole look. thanks for the review. i'll probably go check h&m; out tomorrow while finishing up my xmas shopping. 😉
Ohhh I love the Ivory blouse!!! OMG the floral skirt looks adorable on you!
love the first look! running to H&M; right now. lol
keep both! i know u'll style them differently and i can't wait to see your pairings 🙂
This blouse is so adorable! I didn't see it at H&M; a few days ago yet – the green is my favorite 🙂