When decked out in solid basics, adding a printed scarf can instantly polish up the outfit. I wore this with gold pointy flats during the day for strolling around, and slipped into heels for dinner and drinks. I hastily under-packed for the holidays and ended up wearing this blazer almost every day. The color and cut have proven to be very versatile, but I still can’t wait to find a better one that doesn’t crinkle in the sleeves.
This is my first pair of J.Crew pumps after trying on several styles, and I would say their shoes consistently run a little smaller than most brands. The 5.5s I got fit just like Ann Taylor perfect pumps in size 5. They are fairly comfortable, but the perfect pumps still reign supreme for me for long-term comfort. The Mona pumps are currently $70 on final sale w/ code STYLE2013, with some small sizes left in suede colors.
I am jumping the gun and filing this outfit under “Spring,” as that’s probably the next time I’ll be baring my ankles back home in New England. Today’s commuting conditions were a delightful 7 degrees Fahrenheit – oh how I envy west coast / southern fashion bloggers.
I almost forgot to note that the J.Crew Mona pumps have smooth, hard soles which almost caused quite the spill for me on a carpeted walkway : ) In comparison, I’ve mentioned before that Ann Taylor changed their perfect pump soles this year from leather to synthetic with ridges. They also lowered the retail price point from $155 to $128 (plus there are frequent sales), which has not seemed to appease online reviewers demanding the old version be brought back. Personally, I haven’t tried this year’s classic pp’s but don’t imagine I have dainty feet that can sense leather soles from synthetic. For those who have tried them, please share your thoughts on whether you noticed a difference in quality!
Wow, this is looking so cute and marvelous matching of your trouser's colour and scarf is great , reds is always good looking color for women's fashion trend, as well as your Brown coat is exposing your personality much better 🙂
Leather Jackets For Women
I like your hair ! What do you tell your stylist on how to cut it?
Fantastic outfit !! Love this vibrant red <3 !!
You always look immaculate, very chic and stylish, love your style and ability to adjust things to your body type.
FF
your outfit is really nice…I love the colors!
http://www.blackstarstyle.com
that stylish petite girl just did an outfit this with camel schoolboy jacket and red bottom. i cant stand her. at least give you credit for inspiration. shes not as inspirational as she thinks she is! ugh.
don't understand why people love leather soles. i'm clumsy and i love high heels and rubber soles feel a lot more stable!
I've noticed that you give rave review of JCrew's lady day coat but what do you think of the metro coat? The only difference that I can see online is that it has flap pockets? Any advice is appreciated!
Hi there – thanks so much for your kind comment. I have to be honest, I have no clue whatsoever when it comes to men's fragrances! Perhaps take the special recipient casually to some counters and ask his opinions on the tester scents?
It's up to personal comfort and preference, but I try to avoid using any kind of foot cushion because I feel that genuine leather stretches a little with wear, and shoes will just get looser. I would personally go with a little snugger than requiring a cushion.
You too, Michelle! Shirt is H&M; : ) Sadly, didn't take any pics with Kelly and Mr. Clinton b/c we were too busy playing!
Hi there – Thanks! I went for my usual size at J.Crew, but it always had a fit that was loose enough to accommodate layers.
I'm not sure – perhaps just overall quality of materials?
Thank you! Unfortunately, it's a discontinued color called "soft bloom, soft shine" by Clinique.
Jean, I've been following your blog for awhile now and really appreciate your style tips and fashion posts. Though this has nothing to do with this post, do you have any suggestions as far as men's fragrances go? I trust your judgement more than mine.
lovely outfit, really beautiful pictures! like your style so much!
You are so beautiful! Love your style and your blog!x
K.
http://www.whatwelove.eu
Looking nice:)
Check out my blog: http://www.gemmamonclus.blogspot.com
Love,Gemma
i love your scarf.
you look gorgeous!!!!
http://www.misscitychic.com/
hello!I love your style and all your outfits!! love and kissess from spain!!
I really like this outfit! It is so casual and so stylish 🙂
Love xx
Melanie ~ http://www.mlncrd.com
Mentioning pumps (with an focus on the Ann Taylor perfect pumps and their current block heel pumps), how snugly should they fit (esp. if one is wearing tights or hose)? Like should there be a gap in the back at all?
(should I go with (1) snug lengthwise, perhaps toes squeezed slightly, and wait for the shoes to stretch or (2) slight gap in the back, and get ball of foot cushion?)
I really like how bright and cheery the red is and the camel gives a classic touch. Great outfit (as usual) 🙂
So chic – love the colour of your pants!
Kate xo petite-adventures.blogspot.ca
You are gorgeous, dear! I really love reading through your blog (it's one of my favorites I must add). I usually just sit back and read, but I just had to let you know how much I admired your outfit and that clutch/handbag.
Keep up the great work! 🙂
XOXO
Queen Bee of Beverly Hills, CEO
http://www.queenbeeofbeverlyhills.com
blog.queenbeeofbeverlyhills.com
great outfit. i've always thought you looked fab in red. 😉
i just purchased a jcrew coat because of your blog and reviews on them. hopefully it'll work out. *fingers crossed*
The brights look great on you. Love that clutch…it is perfect for travel since there is no obvious gold/silver hardware…will go with whatever jewelry you bring.
What brand of shirt are you wearing? It looks like a really comfy tee that I would love to try!
Will we get to see your meet up with Kelly (and Clinton) pictures?
Hope you and Nick enjoyed your holidays! 🙂
It is chic and beautiful! Love it:-)
Love the outfit! Great way to brighten a winter day (although I am sure it was lovely on the west coast!)
Kamola
http://www.99boxesofshoes.blogspot.com
I love the colors! I almost bought those pants in orange XD
The coat looks so lovely with your outfit. I'm surprised the sleeves fit over the jacket. Did you go up a size or two in the coat?
Hi Jean! I am new to blogging for petite women. You are an inspiration!
So pretty! The color, the shoes, the scarf, everything! Sometimes I envy those southern bloggers too – must be nice to be able to wear shorts with a sweater 🙂
FashionEdible
I love H&M; basics too! Great whole outfit. The grey is a nice touch and you are right, no bare ankles for us east coasters, boo :(. I can't believe you fit a blazer under the coat without looking bulky! Good job!
I love this outfit on you, especially the color of those pants. That jacket looks perfect too. So pretty! Happy new year!
xo, Yi-chia
Lovely look. I like how you matched the scarf to the pant. I pinned it to my scarves board on pinterest!
You look so cute. I like the use of the scarf, as most of my pieces are solids and can look a little boring. I was able to score the PP with the leather soles last year. However I have shoes with rubber/synthetic soles and honestly I can't tell the difference. I've even read that you may need to add those "cat paw" sole covers to the leather bottoms to protect them. I wonder if the commotion about the soles is in perception of quality.
I grew up in SF where it's all about layering since the climate can change within a few blocks. Now I live in Central Texas where we can wear shorts 9 months of the year. Today, it's the coldest day so far, reaching a low of 37. Naturally we are all bundled. If I can a Thinsulate coat, I'd be wearing it. I'm sure those temps makes a Bostonite snicker, wearing just a light jacket.
Once I get all my clothes altered, I'm so buying a camel blazer. It's adorable!
I love this outfit, I have that camel blazer and I love it. As far as classic work pumps I prefer to get the Cole Haan ones, they are a bit more pricey but they have the nike air technology and they will last you years and years.
xo
http://pinksole.com
I love how you were able to pair grey and camel together – I was in a predicament yesterday where I had to go to court and I was wearing purple pants w/ camel and I keep grey dress pants in my car for emergencies but I thought I'd look ridiculous wearing grey pants with a camel blazer. Now I know I probably wouldn't have looked bad at all!
-Elissa
I love your nail polish color! What are you wearing?
I don't have the Ann Taylor pumps, but I was just wondering about the rubber vs. leather sole issue yesterday. I had rubber soles put onto a pair of Cole Haan pumps with leather soles after the soles got worn out (and yet were somehow still slippery) after only two months of wear. What do people generally say the benefits of leather soles are?
Camel & red is such a great colour combination. The scarf really helps to pull the outfit together.
Living in the UK, I get so jealous sometimes of the US weather when it's wet & cold outside.
http://www.petitestyleonline.com
Loving the brightness of your pants! They make a day feel so much warmer! Hopefully it starts warming up for you (I'm just wishing that it doesn't get too hot here – down under lol).
http://www.expressionthrustyle.com
I agree with the JCrew sizing. They run a bit smaller. Got my Mona pumps for about $190 when I thought they were a good deal on sale. But damn, it is so cheap now!
As a native Southerner, my biggest learning curve has been learning to layer! My best fashion attempts are definitely warm weather outfits.
it's so funny…because i am envious of east coast bloggers who are so good at layering! layering is definitely not my strong suit. =) btw, i'm LOVING those red pants! i am on the hunt for a great pair myself.
xoxo, jenn
the stylish housewife
The camel looks so pretty with red! Hope you had a wonderful trip west and are settling in back home nicely 🙂
Though warmer than Boston, not all of the west coast is ankle-baring friendly. It was 30 degrees this morning and I actually had to de-ice my car!
Hi Jean, what color is that lipstick? So natural and cute. Thanks
Clinton is the BEST – no smell, no shedding!
Thank you! It's from H&M; basics … I have many tees from there that have held up decently.
Hi Claire – it's 28" x 28," and I actually prefer a little bigger for more draping surface. I have one that is 33" x 33" and love it.
where is your shirt from? i love the entire ensemble, especially the nail polish! what a lovely touch~
Wow I love this outfit! I love the bold red =D
Hello, I just came across your blog and I love the ensamble! Do you mind sharing the size of your scarf? I'm also happen to be a petite (5'1") and it's hard to find a rectangular/square scarf that doesn't "dwarf" me. Thanks for the info!
Oh my! I love that outfit! I love how the scarf picks up the color from the pants.
I remember this outfit…hehe. Hope you didn't have to de-fur too much after Clinton got ahold of you. =)
Coming back from the Caribbean Islands to the mid-atlantic after Christmas with a heavy snow next day, I totally know how you feel! I am sure you can still pull off an outfit like this with a winter coat in the same color instead of a blazer. The colors are perfect to warm up the New England winter!