Loving now: J.Crew apple print cafe capri review (on sale)

**Gingham lovers, Crewcuts also has cafe capris in mint gingham for just $25.89 (final sale) with free ship. Thanks so much Val  for pointing these out and getting us the measurements: size 12 has 28.25 (adjustable) waist, hip 32.25, inseam 24.25. Size 14 has 30 waist, hip 33.25, and inseam 26.25 (keep in mind J.Crew’s measurements can be a little off). I like the more grownup front & back pockets, plus added belt loops.**
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Crewcuts apple bobbing cafe capri sz 12 (free ship, use MUSTHAVE for 30% off), H&M; top, Target heels

Meet my latest love: apple print ankle pants. They’re fun and preppy with a classic silhouette. J.Crew is having apple overload this season, and there’s something for everyone:

Apple in Kids sizing w/ free ship at any price: cardigan, chino shorts (good option if you are too tall but still narrow enough for kids sizing. Was contemplating these in case the capris didn’t work out).

Apple in Womens sizing: shorts, pullover sweater, underwire swimsuit, large apple pleated skirt (so pricey, but how adorable would this be on a teacher?), large apple cafe capri.
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A big thank you to my friend Jimmy for snapping these during our study break. I realized that I’ve been taking my photographer for granted. Apparently, “shoe shot” or “angle up” (how shorties can appear deceptively taller) don’t mean much to other men. Jimmy was a fast learner…he crouched low & braved passerby stares to get these shots.

Toes: Essie “tangerine”   Hands: Essie “turquoise & caicos”  Lips: Revlon “Ravish me Red” 

H&M; bag & belt (from a dress), bangle thanks to t + j designs

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Now for my review…

Measurements: My kids size 12 measured 13.25″ across the waist, 17″ across the lower hips when measured right at the crotch, 23.4″ inseam, 5.2″ leg opening, 8″ rise.
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Fit: A kids size 12 fits comparable to a small/short H&M; sz 2 (except in the waist) or Asos petite 1, and similar but possibly slimmer than American brand 00 Petites. As shown above, it’s a bit slimmer and shorter throughout than the 00P womens wool capri pants, which are very roomy on me. I immediately noticed how slim and tapered the legs of these capris are, and how the rear actually flatters my behind. The only issue was the waist – I had quite a size-able waist gap and mulled over how to alter it.
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Imagine my absolute delight when Khatu informed me that the waistband was adjustable (designed for fast-growing little kids…loved by fit-challenged adults). There’s an elastic band that runs along the inside of the back waistband, and you can pull it taught via two buttons on the side.
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I pulled it in about 3 notches on each side, and the fit was perfect. There is some gathering on the waistband caused by the back elastic, but can be easily covered by a shirt or belt.
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Quality: 100% woven cotton, feels chino-like with a bit of a ribbed texture. Side zip with two front pockets and 1 back pocket. I really love that the base color is a natural “oatmeal” shade and not stark white. My biggest concern with such a material is unsightly wrinkling, however these stood up fairly well. The iphone pics shown above were taken after about 9 hours of wear – mostly sitting and some walking.
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Value: I would not pay t$40 for a solid pair of cotton ankle pants, but the irresistible print and great fit (no alterations needed!) make these a winner for me. As soon as I tried these on, I had a stupid grin on my face and “knew.” The bigger kids sizes tend to sell out faster (*eying fellow petite women*) so I’ll just have to accept the price. With a dressier blouse and closed-toe pumps, these will also be work-appropriate for me on casual Fridays.
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Readers – Are you a fan of printed pants?
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132 Comments

  1. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    Hi Lisa – H&M;, from December

    Posted 4.18.12 Reply
  2. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    Thanks! They're Chanel tortoiseshell from a year back.

    Posted 4.18.12 Reply
  3. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    Thank you so much! I used to hoard anything I could find in my size, so I can't imagine what I'd do if I had your shoe size!

    Posted 4.18.12 Reply
  4. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    I haven't looked at U.O. in a long time, but will keep those in mind!

    Posted 4.18.12 Reply
  5. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    Shirley – thanks for jumping in and helping : ) I would say the 14 but that may actually be too snug, because a fellow blogger Khatu usually wears H&M; sz 2 and said she had to get the 14's in these vs. the 12's. I wish they made 16 too like other kids brands! Good luck!

    Posted 4.18.12 Reply
  6. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    Hi Marion, unfortunately it's from December I think.

    Posted 4.18.12 Reply
  7. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    No, jcrew kids fits inconsistently, but usually smaller than 00p. I have a skirt in 12 that's very, very large, but then I've tried on sz 12 pants that have fit snug. These are fitted in the leg, but the waist is big.

    Posted 4.18.12 Reply
  8. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    Hi there, do you have a black leather jacket since you said the trim is black? I'd be minimal with accessories because you already have chiffon and leather and trim, but for makeup maybe an edgier smokey eye w/ winged eyeliner to go with the leather?

    Posted 4.18.12 Reply
  9. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    I don't make it to the gym much but I do like crunches and planks (regular and both sides) because they're "free" to do and you can do them anywhere!

    Posted 4.18.12 Reply
  10. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    Hi there – my hair is not naturally wavy, but I put it in one or two loose buns when it's almost dry, and then go to bed.

    Posted 4.18.12 Reply
  11. NeutraKris wrote:

    I probably couldn't pull off this print, but it looks amazing on you! (As does everything…) ♥

    Posted 4.18.12 Reply
  12. Anonymous wrote:

    Lovely pants! I see that GAP Kids has adjustable waist, I have to try it.

    Keep up the good work, I love your blog 🙂

    Raffaella

    Posted 4.18.12 Reply
  13. Nikki wrote:

    I happened to stumble onto your blog, and I have to tell you how glad I am that I did! I really adore your style and it's SO handy that we have near identical proportions (my hips/booty are a little bigger, but that's it). Looking forward to your new posts! I love that yours are so informative. Keep writing and I'll keep reading 🙂

    Posted 4.18.12 Reply
  14. Nikki wrote:

    I recently stumbled onto your blog, and I have to tell you how happy I am that I did! I really adore your style, and it's SO helpful that we have pretty much identical proportions (my hips and booty are a little bigger, but that's it). Looking forward to all your future posts because I'll be here waiting to read them!

    Posted 4.18.12 Reply
  15. Grace wrote:

    I love your style, and this outfit is so cute! I've been a longtime follower of your blog, and I love your style. I have to ask, were the Target heels a recent purchase? I love straps. Thanks!

    Posted 4.18.12 Reply
  16. Elaine A (TOBeautyReviews) wrote:

    I never knew about adjustable waist bands – what a great idea! You look great Jean, I love that lipstick colour on you!

    I love seeing printed pants on others lately even though I'm not a huge fan. It's a very summery look 🙂

    Posted 4.18.12 Reply
  17. Katie wrote:

    these pants are so cute! i love the lip colour you've worn with it too 🙂

    katie x

    Posted 4.18.12 Reply
  18. Janey Moore wrote:

    I love this print! you look great.

    http://fiveminutefashions.blogspot.com

    Posted 4.18.12 Reply
  19. misa wrote:

    Love the pants, Jean! I've only recently crossed over to the bright pants party with a loud purple pair from Zara's F/W 2011 sale and love it. I would totally like to get my hands on some of these apple pants, but I am not petite. Hope your studying is going well!

    Posted 4.18.12 Reply
  20. Monkey wrote:

    I love your hair in these pics! Does your hair naturally have that wave to it and if not how do you get it??

    Posted 4.18.12 Reply
  21. anon wrote:

    Jean, how do you get such a tone tummy?? Do you do a lot of crunches? Please share your secret!

    Posted 4.17.12 Reply
  22. Rena wrote:

    I love the look! The buttons are a genius idea! I'm debating if I should even try a similar outfit.

    <33 Rena

    Posted 4.17.12 Reply
  23. Anonymous wrote:

    Hi Jean,

    I really enjoy your informative blog and youtube videos. I wanted to ask for your advice… I bought a girly pale pink chiffon dress with black trimmings on a whim a couple of years ago. I've never worn it since the style is too feminine and young for me now. But I've decided to wear it to a friend's wedding so I can get some use out of it. Would you have any advice on toughening up the look to make it more mature? I'm thinking to wear it with a brown leather jacket, but stuck on what to do with accessories and make up.. any advice would be great! Thanks 🙂

    Posted 4.17.12 Reply
  24. AUBS* wrote:

    wow i've never seen those adjustable waist tabs before. how wonderful that they make that for kids nowadays! esp if you're actually buying jcrew for kids (same kids that must have front row seats to all the baseball games & get to be seen on the jumbotron—envy!).

    Ok OK at first, i was really iffy about these pants. I was only seeing them via twitter & hadn't seen your post. I'm somewhat a little bit more convinced. still not my cup of tea, but you do look great in them. good fit on the derriere, lady!

    also, loving this bed head tousled hair look. work it!

    Posted 4.17.12 Reply
  25. faith wrote:

    love it !!! do all jcrew kids size 12 fit similar to petite 00???

    Posted 4.17.12 Reply
  26. Lien wrote:

    Yes, it's me! I just ordered a size 10 last night… Can't wait to pair them with some wedges and welcome summer. 🙂

    Posted 4.17.12 Reply
  27. Anonymous wrote:

    You look absolutely great in them, not at all younger than you actually are. I on the other hand have a fear of things that make me look younger than I how much I already do

    Posted 4.17.12 Reply
  28. Melanie wrote:

    Love them!!!

    Posted 4.17.12 Reply
  29. Marion wrote:

    Is the top from H&M; recent? I've been looking for one exactly like it!

    Posted 4.17.12 Reply
  30. danica wrote:

    Love the outfit! Those pants are a wonderful find and look great on you!

    Posted 4.17.12 Reply
  31. GlamorousGirl wrote:
    Posted 4.17.12 Reply
  32. Shirley wrote:

    Hi Andrea,

    I know I'm not Jean, but I've just received size 12 in jcrew kids(same pants) few days ago. Size 12 is way too tight on me. My waist is 25" and 34" in hip area.

    I re-ordered size 14, and it's on the way. Hopefully it'll fit me better. I hope this helps you decide what size to get.

    Shirley

    Posted 4.17.12 Reply
  33. littleblacksweats wrote:

    You look adorable! I love that you are cinching little girls' pants. I may be petite, but not that petite!

    Posted 4.17.12 Reply
  34. alicekatex wrote:

    just come across your blog and you look gorgeous here!
    check out my beauty blog?

    alicekatex.blogspot.com
    xx

    Posted 4.17.12 Reply
  35. Andrea wrote:

    Hi Jean,
    I'm 1.57m tall, 45kg and usually wear a size 34 or 4 for H&M; as my calves are bigger. Was wondering if the size 12 or 14 will fit me better. I followed your measurements and it's the same as my H&M; skinnies orange in size 34 so I'm a bit confused.. for J Crew adults, I wear a 25 for the matchstick cordoroy (loose around waist but fine around hips), size 00 for the JCrew Minnie (but loose around waist) and size 00 for A&F; mini shorts, size 00 for madewell shorts. Able to advise from this if you think 12 or 14 will fit better?
    Sorry for the many questions and trouble.. thanks loads. Appreciate it!

    Best,
    Andrea

    Posted 4.17.12 Reply
  36. Midori wrote:

    have you tried the bdg ankle grazers at urban outfitters? i find they fit me the way these pants fit you, sort of. i'm larger than you (especially in the thigh area) but i don't wear the smallest size available, so they may work! if you try them out, try different colors/fabrics because i find the sizing to be pretty inconsistent.

    Posted 4.17.12 Reply
  37. Joanna Le wrote:

    I would have normally thought that such a print would come across as too childish, but you've styled them excellently!

    http://www.xjole.com

    Posted 4.17.12 Reply
  38. Ping wrote:

    jean, i love these fun pants. they look great on you! i wished every pair of pants came with an adjustable waist. you know have me thinking about buying these pants. i wonder if i'd be a 12 or 14 because I do have bigger hips…

    Posted 4.17.12 Reply
  39. Tiffany wrote:

    adore! I bought the purple cafe capris too. I love them. but toally in love with the apple capris too. hmmmm wondering if the kid's 14 might fit me.

    Posted 4.17.12 Reply
  40. Anonymous wrote:

    Jean, LOVE your blog. I recently discovered it and have been thru all of your posts. I cannot express how much I appreciate all the effort you put into your posts, they are trully inspiring. My favorite thing is all the attention you put into fit, proportions and tailoring. I too am petite and know the challenges of a good fit. I often get frustrated but patience is key and not long ago I (at long last) adopted a "I'll only get it if I really love it" attitude towards shopping. I have a tiny size 4 foot and tended to hoard shoes when I found them in my size or leather handbads if they were affordable. Keep up the awesome work! Looking forward to seeing more of you and your style. Love, love, love your DIY tutorials, I SO wish I had that talent but I think I will leave that to the professionals.

    Posted 4.17.12 Reply
  41. Cindy wrote:

    Looks great on you!

    Following your blog now!

    xoxo,

    http://icycrystalgalleria.blogspot.ca/

    Cindy

    Posted 4.17.12 Reply
  42. Arts wrote:

    You pull off your outfits so well Jean. I seriously don't like to buy stuff from junior or kids section. Maybe one of these days I will.

    Posted 4.17.12 Reply
  43. Nelah wrote:

    Very bold but you wear them so well. Definitely out of my comfort zone but would be fun to experiment. For now i will stick with colored pants/ denim…baby step 🙂

    Posted 4.17.12 Reply
  44. dietingfashions wrote:

    What a cute outfit! I love the wavy hair you have in this post.

    An unusual print is always good in my book. The quirky girl inside of me would jump for joy. I saw those apple printed pants in the J. Crew catalog on the little girl and it is the cutest outfit.

    Helen

    Posted 4.17.12 Reply
  45. With Each Passing Day wrote:

    I can't seem to get Aubrey tweeted "Apple bottom jean boot with the fur" of out my head. The pant looks great on you. I'm think I'm to scare to try pant with any prints.

    Posted 4.17.12 Reply
  46. Kathleen Lisson wrote:

    I used to have a pair of printed pants, but they went to charity earlier this year. Right now, I have all solid pants.
    I love the matching belt and bag!
    I try to shower appreciation on my photographer as well. He's from Kerala, India so I thank him in Malayalam at the end of each post.

    Posted 4.17.12 Reply
  47. Kathleen Lisson, CSW wrote:

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    Posted 4.17.12 Reply
  48. nikolia wrote:

    I like the combination
    Accessories beautiful! ..)everything is so beautiful.
    pants sitting on you perfectly!

    Posted 4.17.12 Reply
  49. Lovely Life wrote:

    LOVE LOVE this outfit! It is so fun and bright.

    Posted 4.17.12 Reply
  50. Elle wrote:

    Love these on you…the apple print is too cute. 🙂 If only they made a dress in this print…

    Posted 4.17.12 Reply

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