**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.**
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.
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”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I'm 5'5, 108lbs and we have similar shapes! So glad I found your blog! XO
Where do you shop Korean fashion in Korean sizing if you're not making a trip to Korea? I got super excited when I found Asian manufacturers selling on EBay, but they all sell American inflated sizing!
I agree, consistently smaller than 00p. But, inconsistent beyond that. I have the same style as this pant in a different print and match Jean's measurements closely but have it in sz 14 (with cinched waist). I think a 12 in that print would have been too small. It's mind boggling. I tried on the solid crewcuts cafe capri in 12 and 14 and the 12 was too snug while the 14 was way too baggy and awkward. You have to do a lot of thinking when you shop this section – e.g. How did the designer intend it to fit girls versus how do you think it should fit a woman? What type of fabric is it (does it stretch, shrink, is it more likely to run small or large)?
I love your fashion sense! I found this blog because I was googling for an apple print blouse. I will send to it to a friend with your proportions. I am tall and small 5'9" size 2 and sometimes buy in the kid's section, but usually not the pants because they are kid proportioned with big waists, narrow hips, so it was good to see that these pants had the waist cincher in them. I could probably wear a 14, but I guess you said it was sold out. Still, they look great on you and I am going to start looking at J. Crew's girl's pants in the future. You really look good in them and made them work, even for the office! I also enjoyed your photos of you in Scotland in that castle. They look really professional. Whoever took them did a great job. Thanks!
ps: you probably have already noted on your blog, but just in case: expensive Italian designers tend to make very tiny clothes and when I was in Paris, I saw many clothes that were made for extra petite women. I saw a bra that looked like it was made for a doll. It would't have fit someone your size (my best friend is 5' 98lbs too), and I saw a few women there who were extra petite and well under 5 feet tall. So maybe it is also good to travel to countries where women/people are a bit smaller and just go on a major shopping spree! That is what I did when I went to Holland, because it is difficult to find clothes being tall and very small and the Dutch women are that way, so everything I tried on actually fit. It was great! Another good source of clothing is the Korean fashions. They have sort of a quirky style, which I love, and everything is really small sized. I have to wear the extra larges in all of it and deal with it all being too short, but the prints are so cute. I encourage anyone of your proportions to shop Korean fashion.
I recently stumbled across your blog and I'm in love! I never bothered to look at kids sizes because I thought it would look too childish. I love these J crew capri pants. I noticed they were still available on the website and got a pair! Do you know if other stores also have the adjustable waistband?
You are one straightforward writer. I enjoyed reading your article and taking in all the interesting information. I share your thoughts on many points in this content. This is great.
DTCC
hi!
i want to say that i was very excited when i discover your blog because although you are petite ( like me) you manage to dress up very chic and you look like you're very tall!
congratulations!
The article is worth reading. The clarity and structure that reflects from this blog post. Now-a-days blogs are used in each and every field. The knowledge that we recieve from them has no words to describe.
Escape bail
Jean, that is sooo cute. I'm all for printed pants. It's so much fun! though, I have such a curvy hips and thighs, I don't know if your size will fit. (T_T) If they have sz 14 or 16 it might…
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Hi! Don't know if you'll see this, but wanted to say that I tried the 12s and they were quite small; couldn't zip 'em up. I'm currently waiting for a pair of 14s to come in the post. I'm about 5' 3", 95 lbs, with a 25-26" natural waist, 32" hips, and about 34" at the "seat" that J Crew measures.
They were out of stock in 14s for a few weeks, don't know about now. But these are actually returnable (not final sale), so that's a plus!
LOVE this post! I was thinking of ordering these but wasn't sure they'd fit me. You're my EXACT size – so I'm ordering them now!! Thank you so much for this great blog!!
I love this apple print cafe capri. Its really wonderful. I loved it.I would like to buy it soon.
I jumped on this bandwagon even before I saw your review and I bought both the apple and the fanfare print in a girls 12 (I'm just about the same size as you, maybe even slightly smaller in the waist and I generally wear girls size 12 in denim or a 22-23).
I just wanted to share with everyone that I found that I had to use the adjustable waist with the apple print as well (about four notches) but that the fanfare print pants fit right out of the package with no adjustments- there was almost a second when I thought they might not zip but it was just the zipper being persnickity. They fit beautifully if you like your pants fitted- almost like a cropped legging, although as you mentioned, the fabric is nice and thick. If not, trying a 14 might be a good idea for a more relaxed fit.
I don't believe they are final sale either, so if they don't fit they can go right back (a nice perk!). The fanfare print is also very similar to the current summer Kate Spade line for any Kate Spade fans out there. Happy shopping (and I LOVE your blog!)!
Jean, I'm your size but I couldn't fit in the mint gingham size 12 (a bit tight and uncomfortable when sitting). I wish they had size 14 available, that could have been a better choice.
H
They are apples! The color is "bright persimmon", confusing, right?
you look amazing!!! i love how you put this whole outfit together, especially the belt and trousers! what's more amazing is those chic apple trousers are from the kid's department!!! 😀 -tiza fr germany
Thanks very much for replying!
I'm 5'4" and 100 lbs and size 14 Crewcut tops and shorts usually fit well, (haven't yet tried pants, but have been eying these ones.)
Have you ever tried Joe's kids jeans? What do they fit like?
Anddd, they fit perfectly! The jeans lenght is just a tad too long but the adjustable waist: genius. And for £17. Thanks Jean 😉
Raf
I love your reviews and have an incredibly hard time finding pants! I have a pair of J. Crew regular 00 which are very roomy on me. I am a 26 waist, between 34 and 34.5 hip and 5'2 at 104 pounds. Do you think the size 14 kids would fit? I like fitting pants, but am wary of too tight and don't want to risk it on a final sale no return. I also can wear 26P at Banana Republic pretty safely in their jeans – great fit, waist also fits. I've never tried Crew Cuts and just hate to buy something that seems like it would fit perfectly, but I'm unsure. I'd love your advise! If you could reply to chicstripes@gmail.com I'd love it. 🙂
Hi Shirley,
Thanks so much for helping! That's really kind of you! Hopefully that fits you better.
Thanks Jean! I'll give it a try and cross my fingers hard. Sometimes kids sizing is so tricky. For the recent DvF for Gap, I fit in the XL for tops and XXL in bottoms.
All this discussing details and fit… and nobody pointed out that those are not apples but persimmons, as stated on the site 😀
Raf
i love those pants! i read your blog even though i'm not petite, but i was wondering if you think the largest sizes in Crewcuts would fit me (like the 14, or XL). I am 5'6" and about 125 pounds.
Thanks very much for your suggestions. I don't have a black leather jacket, but maybe I'll try and find a substitute…black blazer? Much appreciated Jean.
I immediately did it. Tried with some really cheap jeans and a lovely skirt.
The pants are so cute on you! I especially love your belt with it. I ordered a pair today along with a great buy of animal print heels! I bought 2 pairs of Zara printed pants with the banded waists which I'm so into right now. These apple print will go well with my little collection!
Random question–you mention that you wear flats while commuting and then change into heels for work. When exactly do you do the switcheroo? When you get to work, at your desk? While you're on the bus/train? Just curious about the logistics! 🙂
http://feedback.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedback2&userid;=reallypetite&ftab;=AllFeedback
lol annie bought the same brooch as you. so much for not reading your blog, as she claims.
Hi Vera! I'll try to answer some of your questions going forward : )
Unfortunately they were from many years ago : /