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. Chocolate, Cookies & Candies wrote:

    My eyeballs nearly popped out when I saw how much your tweed jacket costs! It actually looks expensive. I love how you pair it with skinnies and pleather leggings to give it a more contemporary look. I've bought a secondhand Chanel jacket which literally looked like new. Now that the weather is warmer, I've been wondering how I can make it look slightly edgier. Thank you for the inspiring photos. I think I'm going to try the jacket with a skinny cargo pants.

    Posted 3.21.12 Reply
  2. Anonymous wrote:

    Are TB Revas uncomfortable? They are so cute but I don't want to tear up my feet for the sake of fashion. For one day maybe but not regularly

    Posted 3.21.12 Reply
  3. Anonymous wrote:

    I was wondering about the lining in the arms, does it go all the way down to the opening? Thanks!

    Posted 3.21.12 Reply
  4. Anonymous wrote:

    ?

    Posted 3.21.12 Reply
  5. Annabelle wrote:

    LOVE the combination of faux leather with the tweed. I do see what people mean about the sheen on the leggings, but I'm thinking the glow is partly an artifact of the photography? Assuming they look like most leather/faux leather does in person, I think it's fantastic.

    Posted 3.21.12 Reply
  6. Kat wrote:

    I don't own the jacket… but I want to. I remember your last post with the link to the site. I saw the one similar at H&M; but it just wasn't the same. Love this outfit. I have those leather leggings. They are pretty awesome to have in the collection.

    Posted 3.21.12 Reply
  7. Anonymous wrote:

    why are you looking? 😉

    Posted 3.21.12 Reply
  8. Anonymous wrote:

    Jean, you make those leggings look increadible! I notice that on myself and other petite woemen that our legs often look very skinny and stick-like when we wear black leggings or faux leather leggings at that. Your legs are quite defined and toned which really works well in your favour! The combination of the tweed jacket and faux leather leggings with those heels look amazing and not only do you make it look sophisticated, you also make it look hawt!
    Gaby

    Posted 3.21.12 Reply
  9. Rocks Paper Metal wrote:

    Love the wet look leggings the best 🙂

    Please let us know if you would like any free jewelry for your collection. Our Spring / Summer line is lots of neons mixed with pastels…. crystal, cord and loads of friendship bracelets. Love your style and your blog. Would happily send you out a package of goodies 🙂

    http://www.RocksPaperMetal.com
    http://www.RocksPaperMetal.etsy.com

    Posted 3.21.12 Reply
  10. Camille wrote:

    Completely inspired! I've been looking for a great tweed jacket forever and the uniqueen choices look great 🙂 those leggings look fantastic too! PS I've also been looking at coral/orange-y lipsticks lately, very JCrew-inspired… could you post a review of your Revlon lipstick?

    Posted 3.21.12 Reply
  11. Anonymous wrote:

    From one anonymous to another…thanks!

    Posted 3.20.12 Reply
  12. Anonymous wrote:

    I got the same. The company is a Canadian company and they confirmed $13.99 is the shipping price for U.S. addresses and $10.99 for within Canada. The rate's not bad.

    Posted 3.20.12 Reply
  13. Anonymous wrote:

    Jean, I have absolutely no comment on your faux leather leggings–wear them in good health!

    Why I am writing is that I am wondering if when any of your American readers after placing an order for this blazer to a U.S. address, the shipping comes up as "Canada Post" and is $13.99. Is that an error in their system?

    If I don't get a response I'll just call them tomorrow. Just curious if that was the standard shipping even to US addresses. –April

    Posted 3.20.12 Reply
  14. Susan wrote:

    Jean, I respect your self-confidence and openness to people's opinions. And liquid leggings look great for a night out, as you explained above. I'm so sensitive, I'd probably get upset and/or delete the ruder comments posted if it were me, but props for keeping a cool head. 🙂 So classy.

    Posted 3.20.12 Reply
  15. Jamie wrote:

    I adore the looks! And it's super helpful how you posted various outfits with the same jacket. Gives so many good ideas. 🙂 I have so many neutrals, specifically white blouses, and decided to try both the brown and peach pink (the BF kept telling me black or white… hope I won't regret not trying the white! Plus I'm taller w/ shorter torso–hope it works out!) Anyway, thanks for your thorough review 🙂

    Posted 3.20.12 Reply
  16. Anonymous wrote:

    When wearing those leggings, what kind of undergarments are you suppose to wear? I hate thongs. LOL

    Posted 3.20.12 Reply
  17. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    I agree that boyfriends and husbands can be better than a mirror. Mine's brutally honest and even if he were not, his expressive eyebrows won't be able to hide what he's thinking. Since you are interested, he likes these leggings and so do friends who've seen it in person.

    One thing I didn't expressively mention is that this is a nighttime outfit. I've worn this to grab late dinners or drinks, and not for parading around town in broad daylight (as depicted in these photos). The material and overall vibe look different at night. I know they're not for everyone – but for someone in ~early twenties, I feel faux-leather leggings are fun for going out in and balances the older look of a tweed jacket.

    Posted 3.20.12 Reply
  18. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    Thank you (and the ladies above + below) very much : ) It's life-changing to realize why certain things don't work for our size/proportions. Thank you for reading, and here's to continued learning and evolving of style : )

    Posted 3.20.12 Reply
  19. Chewchi wrote:

    Hey, my name's Michaela and I love your blog. It's helped me out lots.
    I live in new zealand and we dont have much in petite sizes out here which sucks:(
    But since Im the same height as you you've given me some ideas of what looks good:)

    Posted 3.20.12 Reply
  20. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    I think I've seen it, but it runs big, right? Is it this one? https://www.extrapetite.com/2012/02/h-reviews-tweed-jacket-trench-mint.html

    Posted 3.20.12 Reply
  21. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    Very cute! Thanks for sharing.

    Posted 3.20.12 Reply
  22. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    I don't have one yet thus I don't have a link, but I'm thinking of getting a small hard-shell roller suitcase from Tumi. Anh of 9to5chic uses it for business travel and said they're very durable, although they can be a bit pricey.

    Posted 3.20.12 Reply
  23. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    Please email them to ask about a confirmation of shipment.

    Liz & Amanda – thanks for sharing your experiences. I'm eying the white/cream now, too.

    Posted 3.20.12 Reply
  24. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    Hi ladies – I'm sorry but I got them about two months ago. H&M; has similar every so often, and F21 as well.

    Posted 3.20.12 Reply
  25. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    Hi RL – I don't think they're going ahead with making the XS Malang because this one fits smaller than that one would've.

    Posted 3.20.12 Reply
  26. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    Growing up in a Chinese family (an uber-critical species)it was impossible for me not to be insecure about them, too. I'm happy you're learning to embrace your body shape and to wear what's comfortable for you. Just make sure to wear long enough tops to cover the crotch of leggings – I noticed that here a bit too late : )

    Posted 3.20.12 Reply
  27. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    Thanks for sharing! I enjoyed watching that.

    Posted 3.20.12 Reply
  28. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    Thank you! I will try. It's so rare these days to find items that are perfect as-is, so we need to use some creativity to take almost-likes to the next level : )

    Posted 3.20.12 Reply
  29. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    Hi Trysh, I don't have photos of other colors but the peach pink, which I'll have to upload next week. If you visit their website I see they added large photos of each color.

    Posted 3.20.12 Reply
  30. Anonymous wrote:

    It's not only the legs that are noticeable, unfortunately. It really leaves nothing to the imagination. If it's attention you want for the wrong reasons, then you will definitely get it with those leggings.

    Posted 3.20.12 Reply
  31. Molly wrote:

    Great leggings. Good idea.

    Posted 3.20.12 Reply
  32. Tang wrote:

    I love the jacket! Makes me wish I worked in a more formal environment. And wow, these leggings are getting a lot of talk!

    Posted 3.20.12 Reply
  33. Anonymous wrote:

    @Anonymous

    Jean shouldn't have to write "I love hearing your comments and opinions, but please be respectful". I think it's common courtesy to be respectful to each other, and you are rude.

    Posted 3.20.12 Reply
  34. Jen wrote:

    Her name is JEAN and I understand that while some people who comment are being blunt about their opinions I suppose that's alright, but commenting that her leggings show off her non-existent cellulite and bent knees is completely rude and obnoxious.

    Posted 3.20.12 Reply
  35. Jennifer @ Delightfully Noted wrote:

    I love how versatile the jacket is! You can dress it up or down.

    Posted 3.20.12 Reply
  36. Anonymous wrote:

    I totally agree with this! Exactly my thoughts including "The Emperor's New Clothes" allusion. My husband is exactly the same. He tells it like it is and I appreciate that.

    Posted 3.20.12 Reply
  37. Anonymous wrote:

    Wow, its unbelievable how people think these days. I do not see any cellulite at all.

    Posted 3.20.12 Reply
  38. Lisa Ng wrote:

    You're such a great DIYer! Great jacket, so chic with the faux leather leggings. Have you seen a blue tweed jacket at H&M;? I saw one yesterday in store. No pic tho 🙁

    Posted 3.20.12 Reply
  39. My Dressy Ways wrote:

    Hi Jean! I love this jacket on you – especially paired with the faux leather leggings. Despite the controversy 😉 The sophisticated jacket juxtaposed with the leather leggings works perfectly!

    Posted 3.20.12 Reply
  40. My Dressy Ways wrote:

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    Posted 3.20.12 Reply
  41. Quinn wrote:

    Hi Jean – I have been a faithful reader of your blog for the past couple of months now. I wanted to tell you that I LOVE this look. I love the edginess of the leggings mixed with the tweed jacket. VERY CHIC and now. This is the perfect look for a night out! I'd love to see more than just work appropriate clothes on this blog. Spring and summer is just around the corner and I'm looking forward to seeing all the great outfits and finds you'll soon be posting about! – Quinn

    Posted 3.20.12 Reply
  42. PetiteWithCurves wrote:

    Awesome outift. Cool things come in small packages 🙂

    Posted 3.20.12 Reply
  43. Anonymous wrote:

    I would never be able to pull off those leggings, but dang girl, your legs look amazing in them!

    Posted 3.20.12 Reply
  44. Riani Irawan wrote:

    I got mine on baby pink! I just wore it this morning ;D

    Posted 3.20.12 Reply
  45. Anonymous wrote:

    I would be interested to hear what Jen's boyfriend Nick thinks of those leggings…

    I always ask my husband for fashion advice: does these shoes go with my outfit? Does this colour suit me? Is this style "me"?, etc. Fortunately my husband does have good fashion sense and has helped me a lot in forming my personal style. To me, my husband is better than the mirror in my house. He always tells me the truth especially when I look bad in something.

    To me, the "rude" comments remind me of my husband when he tells me the ugly truth. I think those "rude" readers do care about Jen and that's why they bother taking the time and effort to express their opinion. After all it's much easier to say the praise. Suddenly I'm thinking of story "Emperor's New Clothes"…

    Posted 3.20.12 Reply
  46. claudia wrote:

    I actually think that because she paired it with the classic, demure Chanel-esque jacket, the more "racey" leggings are less "racey" than if worn with something else. If instead, the top was also tight and/or flashy, the whole outfit would be too much, but the jacket tones down the pants perfectly, but the leggings still add a bit of edge. And, I'm not rebuking the above commenter at all, it's just interesting to see how our opinions differ.

    And, I don't understand those who are saying you shouldn't wear this because it's not your style. Perhaps it's not a style that those commenters like or are used to on you, but who are they to say what your style is or is not. It's great that you're able to style yourself in different ways! And, you know what, it's fun to play with fashion and try something new. Someone else said it perfectly: your readers can express their own opinion and you probably appreciate that, but they should do so in a constructive, non-hurtful way. Just because one has the option to hide his/her identity by replying as 'anonymous' doesn't mean it's okay to forgo courtesy and manners.

    Posted 3.20.12 Reply
  47. Jen wrote:

    Hi Jean,

    IMHO the top and bottom of the outfit clash rather than complement each other, I think either because the top part is very business like and the bottom very party-like, or maybe because the texture of the jacket and shininess of the leggings compete for the eye's attention.

    But, major kudos for putting together a gutsy outfit, you definitely have the legs to sport those leggings. Definitely, pay no mind to the rude comments, there's no excuse for that, reasonable people can express opinions without being obnoxious.

    Posted 3.20.12 Reply
  48. claudia wrote:

    totally agree with this! I'm normally not a fan of liquid leggings either, but it totally works with this outfit. I would never think to put these two very different styles together, but you definitely made it work.

    And diy cap toes? That's awesome =)

    Posted 3.20.12 Reply
  49. E in Flats wrote:

    I love LOVE this look. The mix of the classy tweed with the tough (faux) leather is great. : )

    Posted 3.20.12 Reply
  50. Jen wrote:

    I agree with Lisa. Your reply comes off as rude, then self-righteous. Politeness counts even when feedback is explicitly desired. There were some people who really did not like the leggings, but managed to word their criticism more gracefully/respectfully.

    Posted 3.20.12 Reply

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