I found this post in my drafts and apologize for the belated review, but it’s less fun blogging about items that don’t work out! Last month, I was determined to add some fun shoes to my collection full of AT work pumps (btw, friends & family at Ann Taylor and LOFT has begun! Use FRIENDSAF for 40% off your entire order. Tried the crepe shift dress (c/o AT) on here). First and foremost I wanted neutral pointy toes, as pointy has made a comeback and are great for lengthening legs. I was also interested in classic cap toes, and entertained the thought of a fun printed/patterned pump:
Before we get to the shoe-mania, here is a quick dress review. Last month when I ordered this bright blue peplum dress (now 40% off, see review), I also picked up this yellow number as a cocktail prospect:
This dress is a petite exclusive, and since the models are definitely not petite, I was hoping that it would have a little more coverage and length than shown in the stock photo…
Unfortunately, it’s just as plunging and short in-person as it looks online, so this is less cocktail-appropriate and more like something I wore on spring break many moons ago. A big issue for me was the back wrap design – it’s a faux wrap and ends awkwardly in the black center, like a flapping tail. I also want to note that arms are snug, and the belt is much too loose for the dress unless you punch extra holes. Returned.
Onto the shoe reviews. I apologize for the veiny foot closeups, but I wanted to point out some fit issues and what I look out for when shoe shopping. Out of all the shoes, the only keeper for me was the pre-owned pair of Louboutin Pigalles from eBay that conveniently knocked out my desire for both neutral pointies and cap toe pumps. Out of the non-keepers, I will start with the best out of the bunch:
Unfortunately, the beige looked green against my skin and I was disappointed in the silhouette of these. “Sleekness” is probably my top criteria these days for shoes, as a sleek silhouette can really streamline shorter legs and make non-designer shoes look more expensive. The toes on these are very round from all angles. Look at the BCBG’s in the above left pic and see how they taper down towards the toes and are fairly flat, and compare that to these which appear thick all the way to the end. Also, the puffy quilting adds about 0.5″ total outer width to each foot. If you want a sleeker alternative, I adore how these pointy cap toe pumps look on Wendy, plus they start at sz 5 and come in three color schemes.
As for fit, these run true to size. I got these in 5 and they were very snug on me. The inside (as with all Corso Como pumps) is heavily padded to cushion the balls of your feet, and are comfy. In my experience, Corso Como shoes tend to be for medium to wider width feet (vs Louboutin which runs very narrow), and women with such feet tend to love them. See Elle’s review.
This is the third time I’ve ordered Asos brand shoes (keep in mind they carry other brands too) and I think it might be the last. The first two times I got ankle boots that almost sliced off my ankles with every step. The blue woven pumps here are part of their pricier “Collection” line and had decent craftsmanship, but ran at LEAST one size too big and were very stiff. The nude pumps had such a high gap in the toe box (this is hardly ever an issue for me) that I could fit my hand in there. The faux-leather was very plastic-y in-person. I only wanted to try these because ASOS carries size 5 at affordable prices with free ship & returns, but the value to me is definitely below that of Target shoes.
PPFgirl is also the winner of Annie's rigged $150 loft giveaway. I used to read her blog until she started sucking up to The copycat nonstop. I've seen her leave a comment on here calling Jean "Annie." Grown women shouldn't be playing these games.
Anon @7:33 pm, I witnessed to the Target skirt incident and was shocked. Jean tweeted about the skirt. And a couple of hours or a day later, @PPFGirl tweeted RP about the skirt,saying she saw this skirt and it would be perfect for her vacation. It sounded so fake to me, like they were playing. And she bought the skirt. I am sure she reads this blog. I hope she sees that we know she is a copycat.
P.S. I just realized that my first comment actually showed up (4:46 AM). After I posted the first time, it wasn't appearing so I thought it didn't go through. Maybe there was a delay.
Jean, I really appreciate you replying as I imagine it couldn't have been easy. In the past, I've been really insulted when she, some commenters, and even a few other bloggers have labeled this "woman on woman hating". Honestly, the only hating I see is one woman routinely plagiarizing even after several women have asked her to "stop it already". It's so nice to see so many readers also concerned about this problem. I plan on writing to Loft too, and I've unfollowed her and other blogs that seem to support her.
yea, that flap/tail thing.. how that part of the design made it to production is a mystery!! 😛
Hi Jean, You're right about the ASOS return shipping. I remembered incorrectly what happened. ASOS reimbursed me for the return shipping after I chased it up with them several times.
I purchased the belt online in June 2011 and received the reimbursement in October 2011. They offered me a discount code with my next purchase if I bought something before a certain date, but somehow it didn't entice me. Maybe it was partly because the belt was described as 100% leather on their website.
hello! just to let you know that if you type your website http://www.extrapetite.com it shows that the website is not available…it says "connection to dsnextgen.com was interrupted." but if you google and click on one of the old pages, it works. it's been doing that for a while!
I don't think I own any round (I feel like it makes me look younger and my feet look wider) so I'd choose pointy or a semi-sleek almond toe.
Thank you all for your concern–I truly appreciate having readers that care.
@ Anon 9:05AM – I have contacted her about this issue privately several times over the course of 2 years.
@ Anon 12:10AM – There's a difference between being inspired/buying the same things and plagiarism, and it would be a shame to confuse the two. I'm humbled when someone tells me I've inspired their style or that they've purchased something I've recommended and love it. I often buy items or try new styles myself after seeing them on other women, and try to always cite the source. Given the history and pervasiveness of this situation (several other blogs are affected and it goes well beyond similar clothing choices), I think it clearly crosses the line of mere inspiration.
Thank you for adding my blog as a fave! I agree with Carla – you're definitely considered petite by the fashion industry : ) If you look on my blogroll, there are several stylish ladies who are around your height. One that I can think of right now is To Brighten My Day who is 5'4."
I would if the front plunge was the only issue : )
Hi there – can you do low wedges with cushioning inside? If not, I'd suggest sleek, comfortable flats. I personally avoid round toe flats as they tend to make me look more childish, and prefer almond or pointy toe.
Hmm you may be right…thanks for pointing that out! I originally got the style name from this:
http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/p/Christian-Louboutin-Pigalle-Cutout-Pump-Pumps/prod51070019/
But now I see that they have "duvette" in the description even though their listing title says Pigalle!
Hi Bela, thank you very much for your comments. The belt was definitely faux-leather but I did not expect a quality belt to come free with an ASOS dress. I'm surprised – your belt didn't come with free returns like all of their items claim to?
@ Anonymous at 9:05, I think Jean wants to keep the peace as much as possible and wants to move past this issue, as it has finally come to Annie's attention that Jean and other readers have caught on to her copying ways. I think directly addressing Annie about this issue would not help, because she is fully aware of what she is doing, but still copies others anyway.
Just link LOFT to all the reader outlash comments on here. (H&m; suit post) Jean I wish you did not hide the comments on the second reader outlash. Your readers can help you just so much but I'd like to ask why you haven't just directly contacted her about it? You said you are bothered by it but being so passive won't help.
I originally suggested writing LOFT about this issue @ 9:11 PM. I'm really impressed by other's support of this idea. There's clearly overwhelming evidence that there is serious, copying going on as readers seem to have example after example over a long span of time. I created an email address WeLoveExtraPetiteBlog@gmail.com. If people are interested, I will take your inputs/examples/comments and compile a letter to send to LOFT. Please keep it professional, cite your examples (links will help!) and let me know if you're interested in helping or have other ideas on how to fix this problem. 🙂
Funny because when she switched from copying Wendy's font she copied Pink Peonies blog's font (script for "Really" and then skinny type font for "Petite." She finally changed it to something that's her own.
@11:46 lol! Someone must have confronted her about switching to copying Wendy's header and layout but she forgot to cover all her tracks. I just noticed Jean removed the giveaway, review, and advertisment boxes from her advertise page. I read it before and Annie's was an exact copy except Annie made some grammar mistakes while retyping it up.
Jean, I wrote to LOFT. You have loyal and discerning readers indeed.
-Amber
To anon's above, write to LOFTFacebook@anninc.com – their PR team is very responsive. I am writing them too, because seeing copycat on LOFT's facebook and her rigged LOFT giveaways turn me off LOFT, brand a I usually love. Ann Taylor seems to be sponsoring Jean a lot more – I think they're savvy enough to know who the classy one is.
McKenna B 01:02 PM is bang on with the headers. Check out the header on her Sponsor page. Under "Advertise", click on "this chart". That is the exact font that Wendy uses. Looks like she forgot to change this page when everyone caught on.
Recently, Jean tweeted a Target color block skirt and said it would look great with a polka dot top. Today, Annie posts on Facebook that exact skirt with a polka dot top and the brown and gold buckle belt jean has been featuring. Annie keeps saying a reader showed her it. Bull..and your "reader" styled it for you too? The comments keep saying how they love her style and can't wait to copy her and pin her to her delight. SO shameless!
I agree with 3:26 PM, its not AT job to take a stance on the drama. However they do post her blog pictures and links to her website (i.e. in the latest LOFT FB album "how bloggers wear loft" posted about 2 weeks ago) which generates more traffic to her website. Traffic that is "awed" by her copied style.
Who knows how much writing AT/LOFT will actually impact the situation, but I feel like its a start, especially if there is an overwhelming response. I think that public opinions are taken more seriously these days especially via social media outlets such as FB & Twitter. Once people start complaining, it really hurts their image. Also by posting to FB & Twitter, you're automatically connected to their members of their marketing and PR teams.
I'm sorry, I can't stop reading the copycat website because seeing the relapse is like watching a train wreck.
How does one write to Ann Taylor or loft? I don't think the site customer service would care.
Somebody brought up writing to LOFT last time and I think it's a GREAT idea for anyone offended by her actions. I've seen LOFT and AT retweet and interact with her a lot. It's not their job to take a stance on the drama she's creating, but I find it irresponsible for a company if they knowingly support someone who plagiarizes.
I have actually stopped shopping at LOFT and AT. My main reason is because AT associates have routinely treated me badly as a result of being petite. They often accuse me of trying to return a different item than what's on the receipt. I buy sz 5 and 00P, and apparently the bar code system for those differ from in-store merchandise and that confuses associates. Add to the fact that I'm a petite who looks like a teen, it's a recipe to get disrespected.
Needless to say it's off-putting, so I have no problem to continue boycotting them if they want to support blogger plagiarism. I strongly encourage anyone who feels similarly to do the same.
To Anonymous 01:34.
You must be paranoid. I don't know if reallypetite has left any comment here before, but that 12:10 is from me. Any owner of this blog can easily track down my ip number and find out that I'm not even living in the same continent as her.
But it's ok if you think that comment is from her, it just proves to me that you are delusional.
This will be the last comment I will be replying to you, simply because I want to respect Jean's blog and don't want to take part of any fight to destroy this lovely blog.
End.
OMG I can't believe there's that many ppl thinking the same. I was on copycat site reading shoe reviews that were uncomfortably familiar. I haven't seen verdict used anywhere cept on EP and law an order. Ya ya sure you "stumbled upon" the cap toe pumps an hour after Wendy tweeted them. And ya sure you have been looking for sandals just like jean's target shoe and the nude bow flats Wendy gifted jean. I just might write Ann Taylor loft on Facebook because all their Annie promo makes me want to stop shopping them.
I do think it funny how second rate the copy is even with all the trying. It is like the opposite of what EP is about. No clue on fit or wise spending, shoes that fit. More like blog about mindless shopping and copied style /purchases.
I think we should post on the copycat's sponsers' facebook and twitter to let them know that we do not support the copycat website at all and are against what she does. this will draw more attention on facebook and twitter so more of jean's readers know whats going on.
Discerning readers for team Jean! This makes me so sad that all of Jean's hard work/creativity is getting ripped off like this. I honestly LOVE LOVE LOVE reading Extra Petite — her posts/ideas/eye for style and practicality are one of kind and I think many people probably share the same opinion. For those who don't believe the copy-cat posts are wrong, just put yourself in Jean's shoes and imagine how you'd feel if someone took credit for your hard work.
I've seen these threads come up so many times and unfortunately nothing seems to change. Obviously there's not much Jean can do, but what can we do as readers to help? How about avoid the copycat website AND avoid major supporters/advertisers such as LOFT? I personally want to write LOFT via Facebook regarding their support of poor ethics.
do you take your own pictures?
http://visceralmaze.blogspot.com/2012/04/proposal-with-dress-made-out-of-9999.html
Your copycat bought three pairs of shoes. They all looked familiar to me. 1st pair is @AubreyOhDang 's link, 2nd pair was the one that @wendynguyen wore, 3rd one was similar to your Target sandals. I think she thinks people would not realize what she is doing (copying). But I think she reads your blog and leaves comments under anonymous like 12:10 am. If I were you, I would have freaked out by now. But you are keeping your coolness.
Annie is shameless. She may not copy Jean's outfits anymore, but she has taken another cue from Jean's blog – this time at the header (top of your browser, not sure what it's called.) Jean recently changed hers to say "Extra Petite| Petite Fashion, Style Tip and DIY." TODAY I noticed Annie has hers as "REALLY PETITE: Fashion, Shopping, and Petite Style." Now, anyone can definitely put this on their blog, but why now? Why constantly paraphrase someone else's words? Even her sponsor page is is a direct paraphrase of Jean's. It's pathetic.
And she recently has copied Khatu's old, Instagrammed outfit of white bottom + J. Crew ripple stitch sweater + brown belt w/ gold buckle. Oh wait, maybe she was just "inspired."
Jean, I'm pointing this out because it's a shame that she thinks no one will notice. She fails to realize you have discerning readers.
Hey guys we need to give her some credit. She stopped copying for a few weeks! It mut have been so tough but now she relapsed. Looks like she couldn't get new followers without copying so had to hold a crapload of giveaways, which may I point out are ALL rigged. Each winner ever is a blogger or reader who sucks up to her with fawning compliments. Not honest IMO to get new followers or "likes" but what can you really expect from someone who rips off others style for profit for yeaaaars. Sorry Jean just have to voice my opinion since there's nowhere else to do it. Keep up the unique and helpful posts.
you are so right! is so hard to find a perfect pair of shoes!
xoxo
Mady
thegirlfromthemirror.blogspot.com
And blatantly begging readers to hunt down and pick up items for her? Rather than "hey, let me know if you guys come across this or that item,thanks a bunch" um, demanding much? Not to mention her pinterest boards.. as soon as she hunts down an item she wants from say jean (chanel brooch) or wendy (classique pumps, knot earrings) she has to run and pin it as if to say "hey i found this FIRST" before instagramming the crap out said item on twitter.. lame
I feel like her style of writing is evolving.. using phrases like "arm holes are huge," "will need to be slimmed," "passed," "purchased," etc. No doubt those are inspired. Also, the questions she poses for readers at the end of her posts aren't very good IMO
That is so funny that you prefer leather covered heels – I am just the opposite, and I never understand why all the heels are covered! ha. I am just not careful enough to avoid grates and cracks, so the wooden heels last longer in my hands. Thank you for the reviews! I am on the lookout for a new pair of nude pumps, and definitely am going to consider what you said!
xx
Hi There! Just wanted to say hi, I'm a new follower on bloglovin and I love your style! It's a great inspiration for work appropriate, yet chic styles!
fitfashlife.blogspot.com
Hi Jean,
Thanks for taking the time to review these heels and ASOS dress. How did you find the belt? I once ordered what I thought was a ASOS yellow leather belt, but when it arrived it was a sickly green-yellow and seemed to be made of pliable cardboard. I returned it even though the shipping cost more than the belt.
I like reading your blog and realized that what makes you unique is that you take the time to explain your analyses of garment & shoe fit, what to note when having clothes tailored and how to make smart purchases. I haven't mastered these skills yet, but I'm getting there. Your blog is more than a spread of beautiful photos, although I like that aspect of your blog too!
Thanks for taking the time to blog even though you're busy with study Jean!
Bela Anzu
What a pity, the Asos blue woven court shoes looks amazing!
wytane.blogspot.com x
Hi Jean,
Thanks for reviewing these heels and ASOS yellow canary dress for us. What material was the belt made out of? I once purchased what I thought was a yellow leather belt from ASOS, but what arrived was this sickly yellow-green belt that looked and felt like it was made out of pliable cardboard. It was disappointing and I returned it even though the shipping costed more than the belt.
I love reading your blog and appreciate the thought and time you put into it. I realized that what makes you unique is that you take the time to teach us about fit, what to consider when having an item tailored, and recommending quality items. It's the analysis, research and smart spending that I was missing before coming across your blog. I haven't mastered these skills yet, but I'm trying. Your blog is more than a spread of beautiful photos, although I like those too!
Thanks Jean! Bela Anzu
Your CL pumps do look the best of the bunch. I agree the shoe sizing on ASOS is way off. I ordered some shoes from them in my size 6 and they all ran huge…like 1-2 sizes larger. Funny how their shoes run large but their clothing usually runs smaller.
Jean, just FYI I think your CLs are Duvettes, not Pigalles. Google image search the Duvettes – those are the ones with the captoe/cut outs in the Pigalle shape. 🙂 haha obviously nbd, but you seem (admirably) dedicated to accuracy on your blog so I thought you might want to know!
hahah Anon 8:34am. Shameless. If she stopped coming to EP's page she may just start getting her own ideas.
She definitely knows Jean. I remember one time I saw a post on her blog where she was wearing the exact same outfit that Jean had posted, so I left a comment about how similar her style was to Jean's. Her response was that there are limited options for petites, so it's only natural that their styles would be similar. Give me a break! She's a blatant rip-off and she knows it. I'm amazed at the number of times I've gone to her blog only to find that she's wearing yet another copied outfit.
I love this dress!!! It looks absolutely gorgeous on you! The bright color is absolutely stunning…
You've been so prolific on your hiatus jean! Thanks for the reviews
sub
Jean, I was wondering what you suggest to people who can't wear heels. I am a teacher, so I'm standing all day and wearing heels just isn't an option.
Love the Cielo, love the dress!
Besos,
Lela
Fashion Blog – Lela London