Faux leather + cropped tweed; Chanel-style jacket for petites

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No. 5 jacket in brown sz S c/o Uniqueen, H&M; faux-leather leggings (similar), Target blouse

This jacket from Uniqueen is undoubtedly one of my favorite pieces right now. It comes in 6 lovely colors and I spent ages trying to decide what to try. The cream is crisp and clean, the yellow is fun, and the peach pink is ultra feminine. After looking through my wardrobe, the most versatile color for me is brown (I returned the peach pink, but did snap some pics of it). I tried to answer most of your questions in this post, but please review the measurements on the website and compare them against your own clothes, and ask the retailer any questions before ordering.

I liked Uniqueen’s Malang jacket (now back in satin lining), but the fit was not perfect on my frame. The Malang fit me in the shoulders, but the torso was a bit roomy and the length hit my hips. I mentioned wanting to shorten the length, but never got around to attempting it.
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Left: For work with Gap blouse & Ann Taylor tropical wool skirt, taken in (this season’s color)

The first thing I noticed about this No. 5 jacket was the cropped length – a S measures 18″ long vs. the Malang which is 20″ long. This jacket may be too short for taller ladies (unless you want cropped), but is perfect for petites. As someone who is 5 feet tall, it’s been very hard finding jackets that are short enough to pair with skirts and/or flat shoes without truncating my leg line. The length of this jacket makes it so versatile for me. I’ve worn it already with longer pencil skirts, wool mini skirts, jeans and flats, leggings and tall boots, sheath dresses…you name it.
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Chanel tortoise wayfarers (similar) & WOC, Target pumps w/ DIY cap (similar), Revlon coral lipstick

Sizing: Comes in three sizes (unlike the Malang) – S, M, and L. These sizes definitely run smaller than mainstream American sizes. A Small in the No. 5 feels comparable to XXS-00P at Ann Taylor / LOFT (except with longer sleeves), or in-between a size 2 and 4 at H&M.; Again, please check the measurements on the website listed for each size…

My sz S measures 18-18.5″ in length, 15.5″ across the chest when lying flat, 14-14.5″ across the shoulders including shoulder pads, 24″ long sleeves, 5.5″ across upper sleeve width.

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Quality: Very good for the price ($80.74 + ship). The first time I wore it, my friend grabbed it and said, “Where’s this from? It looks expensive!” A comparable jacket at Ann Taylor or BR would retail for upwards of $200, and J.Crew has a $600 version of the yellow tweed cropped jacket (that’s somehow already sold out in many sizes..?). This tweed is medium-weight with a lot of dimension, and there’s plenty of features like gold-tone buttons, full lining, functional lower pockets, trim that goes all-around (pet peeve of mine is items where the trim is only on the front half), plus a No. 5 pearl-studded pin. The pin is slightly pushing the design into too heavily-inspired territory, but it’s removable.
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Fit: I’m wearing a Small and it fits me well everywhere except for sleeve length. Please note that the sleeves are longer than shown and will need to be hemmed or folded under for shorter arms. I have them tucked under here and secured with safety pins (thankfully, the textured tweed hides pins so I’ll continue wearing it like this until I have time to do a formal alteration).

I also personally prefer my jacket sleeves to be slightly slimmer, but these do measure 5.5″ across the widest point which is standard per my other blazers in Theory 00 or H&M; 2. The shoulders are padded and stick out marginally past my natural shoulders, so beware if you have a narrower frame. I like that the torso is slimmer so the front flaps do not overlap on me; I can finally achieve that casual open-jacket look without looking too boxy from the side.
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Other notes: This jacket has no closure. I plan on adding a little hook and eye closure to the front center for the option of wearing it closed. Also, I was not a fan of the sparklies in the trim of this, but happily discovered that they are woven in and can be removed strand by strand. I spent about 20 minutes snipping and pulling out some of the tinsel-like strands from the trim, and now love the less-effervescent jacket. (Sidenote: For those who own the Malang jacket and think there is too much fringe, I also discovered that the trim can be easily removed. The fringe on the sleeves is attached by just one stitch down the center, so you can use little scissors to snip that stitch without affecting the layer below.)

*UPDATE* – If you plan on pulling out the sparklies, make sure to lay the edges of the jacket out and hold them down firmly with clamps or something (I awkwardly used my knees). Be patient, and use small scissors to snip often before pulling. If you p
ull on a strand too hard, the edge of the jacket will bunch up from the tension and will be difficult to smooth back down. This didn’t happen with my brown one, but I was too hasty with my white one and the front edges don’t lie flat anymore.

no5jacket6Above: close-up of the texture after ~80% of sparklies were removed from the black trim.

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Readers – What do you think of this jacket? If you own it, please feel free to share what size you ordered and how it fit (please note your measurements). I’m sure fellow tweed-loving ladies will be thankful for the reference info!
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224 Comments

  1. Jen wrote:

    Geez, unusually rude comments today, or maybe they're all one anonymous commenter? I think it's a daring choice and I like the mixture of sexy/tough with the tweed, although I do think the liquid leggings are close to being like tights. However, you wore a long shirt over the butt, so overall, I like that you continue to experiment with your style.

    Posted 3.20.12 Reply
  2. judyscribbler wrote:

    Hi Jean!
    You mentioned in your post that the jacket fits you well everywhere except the sleeve length so I was wondering if someone who is only slightly larger than you would still be able to comfortably fit into a small? I wasn't sure if the jacket fitting you well meant there was no more room to give :/

    I definitely don't mind sizing up but was afraid a medium would then be a little too generous.

    🙂 judy

    Posted 3.20.12 Reply
  3. Anonymous wrote:

    Then what does this mean?

    "I love hearing your comments and opinions.

    Please do not post a blog or giveaway link here (unless relevant). Thank you!"

    Posted 3.20.12 Reply
  4. Lisa wrote:

    Would you go up to someone in real life who you don't really know, and say, "This __ is a fail." ? Or like some others wrote above, "Don't ever wear this again." ?? I really hope not, so why write it online.

    This to me is an outfit post showing a blogger's personal style and nowhere did I see asking for yays or nays on the leggings. I was appalled to scroll down and read so many ppl volunteering their criticisms, albeit some politely but some downright rude. Jean, going back to the topic at hand, I love this jacket. Going to go look into a cream for myself.

    Posted 3.20.12 Reply
  5. Genie wrote:

    I'm so envious of your jacket! I wouldn't have ever paired it with liquid leggings, but you look fantastic. Plus the heels with the DIY cap are just perfect!

    xoxo,
    Genie

    http://www.uniqueandchicstyle.blogspot.com

    Posted 3.20.12 Reply
  6. harperandmonroe wrote:

    i love your tweed jacket and i am in such a need of a perfect tweed jacket myself. it looks great with your leggings.
    http://harperandmonroe.blogspot.com/

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  7. Anonymous wrote:

    Agree with some of the comments, this legging is a fail. -Anonymous follower

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  8. Anonymous wrote:

    LOVE the leggings and the entire outfit!

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  9. Anonymous wrote:

    Oops, pardon the mistake. It's supposed to be "Your inspiration…"

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  10. Anonymous wrote:

    Jean, I'm not a hater. I follow your blog because you have such great style and an inspiration to petite girls like me. But to be honest, the leggings cheapen the whole outfit. You're inspiration is based on a classic Chanel. You so nicely accessorized with the authentic clutch but the skin tight leggings and almost nude (save for the captoe) shoes somehow makes it tacky and a little bit "indecent." The leggings look no different from stockings because they are so skin tight and it looks like you are not wearing any bottom. This is an honest opinion and not a hateful criticism.

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  11. dietingfashions wrote:

    I really like this jacket on you. It fits you a lot better with the cropped length. I don't have it but I have the malang and my main problem was the boxy cut. Is the No.5 more fitted?

    Helen

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  12. lia wrote:

    You're welcome to voice your opinion, but telling someone to "please don't wear them again" is rude! Jean is completely capable of making her own judgements, fashion related or otherwise, and doesn't need someone to tell her what she should or should not wear.

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  13. Miriam wrote:

    love how you paired it with the skirt and the faux leather pants!

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  14. Anonymous wrote:

    Hi! i was wondering how long after you placed the order did it take for them to send you a confirmation email about it being sent? I'm just really excited to get it, know its going to take awhile coming from Toronto to Hawaii. Thank you!

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  15. mai wrote:

    I love the jacket, the blouse and the style Jean! I have to admit, I'm not a huge fan of the leggings, but I can't figure out why. Anh from 9to5chic.com wears her Balenciaga ones quite a bit and they look incredible. And while I pretty much love all of your outfits throughout this site, these leggings look a little off to me. BUT, I agree with everyone above, you have the body and style to pull them off in the pics! AND if you feel good in them, I love you rocking them out. Thanks for sharing all your great ideas with us, it is all very inspirational!

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  16. Tarah wrote:

    Love the leggings.

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  17. fabulously frugirl wrote:

    Although I think these leggings look great on you, I don't think I am quite up for this trend. I already feel like I call enough attention with my cobalt blue jeggings! 🙂

    Don't let the trolls bother you. You look great and thanks for the indepth review about the Uniqueen jacket.

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  18. Susan wrote:

    I was interested in the cream version too.. Does anyone have a pic by any chance?

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  19. Amanda wrote:

    LOVE this outfit – love how you took a sophisticated yet possibly overly mature outfit and put a fresh spin on it with the leggings! And they look amazing on you, fit like a glove!!

    Just as an update for those interested in the white – I ordered both and LOVED the brown. It fit perfectly and is immediately chic and striking – I am 5'0, 93ish lbs with around 13" shoulder, 23-24 wasit, and the jacket doesn't look overly large as most jackets do. However, the cream one for some reason seems to fit BIGGER than the brown, which is odd, and I don't think it's just a color illusion. It seems to be a little looser in the shoulders and torso on me, which makes it borderline too loose looking.

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  20. Anonymous wrote:

    The leggings make the shape of your legs more noticable, but it doesn't look awful. This look is very trendy and it adds youth to your style which is often very mature and conservative. It's great to see you drift away from your conservative style once in a while. Great job.

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  21. Jackie @ This Is What I Enjoy wrote:

    I really like this outfit on you, though I don't think it's something that I would pull off (I know I don't have the legs for those (p)leather pants!

    However, it looks like a fall or winter jacket and not very "springy"

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  22. Anonymous wrote:

    Thanks Liz!

    I'm not the original person who asked about the cream version, but I was interested in it too. I have the same issues with jackets looking matronly over my bigger bust, but it's good to hear that this jacket isn't that bad in that respect! I'm going to check out their return policy and maybe order one myself.

    Thanks for the in-depth review, Jean! 🙂

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  23. Anonymous wrote:

    I totally agree. I think this outfit may have worked with the safer pencil skirt bottoms, rather than the leggings. BUT! You're Jean and I'll still read your blog voraciously.

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  24. Anonymous wrote:

    Wow, such sheer ignorance. And terrible sight — she has no cellulite and while her knees are physically bended in the photos, you cannot see any bow-legged features.

    Also, why are you hating?

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  25. Anna wrote:

    hi jean! love the outfit! trying to save money, but that jacket is really tempting! thought you'd find this diy useful http://greenweddingshoes.com/diy-neon-toe-shoes/ it's the same idea as your shoes, but in neon, which is so on trend right now! 🙂

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  26. Anonymous wrote:

    Great post. Love the jacket! 🙂 I am also loving your business/travel posts and I'm wondering if you have any recommendations for where to buy luggage?

    Sorry this is so off-topic! I just have no idea where to look. And you seem to know more about traveling for business than I do.

    Thanks!

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  27. Anonymous wrote:

    Ah I'm so sorry, but I don't have a photo unfortunately. I can tell you about the fit though. I'm 5'0 and 100 lbs with a 34C bust, and the S fit well and did not look too boxy as many jackets do. The fit on me isn't quite as lovely as on Jean here, but still quite flattering. I often lament that jackets with my bust and short frame make me look a bit matronly, but this one had less of that problem than others I've tried (including Zara and Kate Spade). The length is great- it hits at my hip instead of awkwardly continuing past it, making it perfect to wear with dresses as well as pants. I think Jean made an excellent point of contacting their customer service to get more exact measurements so you can compare to your measurements.

    Another note- the sparklies are really not my style, so removing them does make it look a little less childish on petites! Also I just got it recently, so I'm not sure how it'll wear over time. That said, it's a classic and versatile jacket that I'm looking forward to styling with edgier pieces as Jean did.

    Hope this helped!

    -Liz

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  28. E wrote:

    Jean, I love them as well. Are they still available at H&M;?

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  29. The Little Dust Princess wrote:

    Those leggings look soo smooth and in a way, fake (but not in a bad way!). Do they feel as smooth as they look? Or are they more on the rubbery side?

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  30. Sooae wrote:
    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  31. Arts wrote:

    Hi Jean, although I love your Jacket and blouse and of course the dyi shoes (great idea), I can't say I'm in love with those leggings. They look good on you, but not everyone can pull it off.

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  32. Annette wrote:

    wow – love this jacket – you look like a million bucks!!!

    http://www.iheartvintagecouture.com

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  33. Anonymous wrote:

    Hi Liz,
    THANK you, thank you so much for this information! I think I'm convinced! Do you have a photo of it on by any chance? And what size are you and did it fit you like it does on Jean in these photos?

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  34. Anonymous wrote:

    Just wanted to update further that I've tried it with a white BR skirt I have, but wasn't terribly pleased with the white/white combo. I could see a lot of people loving the look, but for some reason the crisp white skirt didn't mesh well with the cream tweed for me. That said, the jacket looks stunning with virtually every other skirt I have. I even tried it with casual spring minis and it looks glam and effortless. I'm a new tweed convert!

    -Liz

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  35. Anonymous wrote:

    Oh my…. You're burning my wallet here, Jean. Been looking for a tweed jacket, and this one looks perfect! Great choice on the color of the jacket, and I love the faux leather leggings too (even though I can't pull it off). But the only thing I don't like about this outfit is the black Target blouse. It somehow makes the outfit look cheap, and the ruffles seems a bit too much. Maybe it's the material.

    Love reading your blogs for inspiration!

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  36. Anonymous wrote:

    Someone above asked about the cream version of this jacket, and I wanted to give an update if they're still interested! I bought this jacket recently in that color and find it goes with absolutely everything. I tried it with colored jeans, neon, animal print, and of course black/white combos, and I was happy with how it added a very ladylike touch to everything. It's fairly warm, perfect for California weekends this time of year. The cream color is a little more white than cream, but I like that as it doesn't appear yellowish in photos. I was a little unhappy with the sparklies, but thanks so much Jean for the DIY tip on fixing that!

    -Liz

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  37. withloveshmon wrote:

    Where are your leather leggings from? they fit you like a glove!

    withloveshmon.wordpress.com

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  38. Anonymous wrote:

    jean, i love your blog, and am only commenting for the first time as well because of all the rude comments above. the jeggings aren't for everyone, but you pull them off like no other- you look fierce! i love that this is not a cookie cutter look, and you've really styled it to make it all your own.
    we appreciate all the work you put into this blog so that we can all be more fashionable. 🙂

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  39. Anonymous wrote:

    Hi Jean, I found your blog about a month ago, and I have already gone back and read every single one of your posts! I always look forward to your new posts, tips and fashion finds. I love your classic-and-evolving style and have learned so much about sizing for petite girls (never knew before why regular-sized denim always left creases under my booty!). The reason I'm commenting now for the first time is because of the rude comments I was appalled to read for this post. Anyone who is on the cutting edge of fashion will evoke polarized responses, so I admire your courage for putting yourself out there. Please don't take to heart the few pooty responses because the number of people (like me!!) who appreciate you faaaaar outnumber the catty ones.

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  40. Zlittle Saving With Style wrote:

    Hi Jean, I found your site not long ago and following you since than. I never leave a comment but always check your site from time to time.
    First, you are a very beautiful young lady. I like your video too. You seems a sincere person without trying really hard. I like that about you.

    Second, the outfit looks really great on you. Eventhough legging is not my favorite combination on this particular outfit. But hey!! it's important how you feel right? if you feel good about it who cares right. Nobody's perfect. And we are learning to wear the right outfit for our body shape everyday. Don't worry about others might say. Respect their opinion too and keeps sharing the love. xoxo -Suzana-

    Ps: I'm not an navtive English speaker, please fogive my grammar.

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  41. Anonymous wrote:

    Hi Jean;
    You're hot, sexy, chic, and very up to date. Don't late anyone tell you different, those jeggings made this outfit incredible today!!

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  42. Christie wrote:

    That jacket looks amazing on you! Love the entire outfit, so chic!

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  43. Marion wrote:

    I love the leather leggings!

    How long ago did you get them? I've been looking for faux leather leggings everywhere and haven't been able to find any 🙁

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  44. Anonymous wrote:

    I too am not a fan of the leggings, they look a little too much like thick tights, IMO. So it kind of has a "is she not wearing pants?" look. But that's NOTHING against you Jean, or your look or body. Heck, if anyone can pull it off, it's you. I think I like your more lady-like style and likethe pairing with the jeans or maybe a cute skirt (like in your leopard/high tea post that I've totally copied).

    I have a tweed jacket and wasn't sure how to use it without looking too costumey. As always I'm following your guidance. And I'm running to Nordstrom's Rack for some pearls!

    Btw, please know that *I* think you rock and have a great style. It's so cool you bother to post/tweet even with your crazy job and study schedule so we can all look classy. It's so hard for us petite's to look stylish without being childish or frumpy. You are teaching us all about fit/quality/DIY craftiness and how to see the potential in things.

    Keep it up. I'm just starting to look good, I'd be lost without you!

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  45. JM wrote:

    You know you've made it in the style world when the trolls come out to play! Kudos for a bold outfit. You could make a burlap sack look chic.

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  46. Anonymous wrote:

    If there is anyone out there who can pull off liquid leggings, its you jean! Look great in pictures, but they are too attention grabbing for everyday, I think. However that doesn't mean anything b/c I've noticed that you are def ahead of the curve of fashion! Many things I see on you blog tends to explode the next season… Neons, lace skirts & dresses are everywhere these days, pleated skirts, tweed, the list goes on! You are so good at mixing modern with classic. Thanks for giving us fashionably clueless girls so many stylish tips.

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  47. R.L. wrote:

    I especially love your studying outfit. So stylish! I'm so glad I held off on ordering the Malang. I really like this one so much better. I agree the #5 pin is probably too inspired, but I like that it's removable and I can see it going with a bunch of other sweaters and blazers.

    P.S. Hopefully there's going to be a review on the XS Malang? 🙂

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  48. Michelle Storfer wrote:

    Jean – you look unbelievable!!! Hope all's well, michelle

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  49. Anonymous wrote:

    I love the contrast of the feminine jacket with the rocker faux leather leggings! Awesome!

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply
  50. marisabel r. wrote:

    I never considered a tweed jacket, until now. Great look!

    glamorouspetite.blogspot.com

    Posted 3.19.12 Reply

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