Coach court bag from eBay (2012 version), Adrienne Vittadini boots (similar), Gucci scarf, gloves from mom
These photos were taken last weekend when we got a gentle dusting of white powder – nothing compared to delightful blizzard Nemo. I wore this during the day then to a friend’s superbowl party, replacing heels with rubber boots (see Hunter kids review) for the walk. This winter, I witnessed several women have pretty cringe-worthy falls, so please be careful and don’t choose fashion over safety!
While seeking more short, casual outerwear options, this tweed jacket caught my eye. I usually avoid the kids department because there’s almost always something “off” or childish about the fit, yet I get tempted by the smaller sizing and lower prices. This jacket, for example, has an A-line silhouette (I picture it swinging on carefree little girls) and is not cut like a fitted, grown-up blazer. There’s also tiny glimmers of childish silver sparkles woven in the material. Despite all this, I felt that this menswear-inspired jacket would be a welcome addition to my mostly girly wardrobe. Nick was very jealous.
Size 11-12 in girls was plenty roomy on me, and I slimmed the sleeves a bit following this tutorial. When I took apart the sleeves to slim them, I saw a layer of cotton stuffing inside which is appreciated. Definitely not enough padding to sustain Northeast temperatures on its own (I added a thick cardigan underneath), but probably sufficient for West coast winters. Due to the looser fit, this jacket looks better worn casually open instead of buttoned-up. Khatu and I decided that it will also come in handy as a maternity coat (jokes aside, see the jacket styled on her).
For basic outfits, accessories with unique details can make a difference. I was running out the door but realized how drab I looked, thus grabbed an old scarf with equestrian-themed print and neon yellow trim. And in the outfit below (wore to a friend’s casual housewarming party), burgundy bow pumps saved it from veering into ninja suit-territory:
The days have been flying by and I haven’t been able to do full posts/reviews of finds, so please feel free to follow me via Facebook, Instagram or Twitter for more timely updates and day-to-day photos. I also picked up some kids tweed shorts with faux leather trim, and shared a quick photo with details last week.
Ps – For those who celebrate, I wish you a happy lunar new year filled with happiness & good health : ) Due to the blizzard, we were cooped up with no subway service and a driving ban in effect. I had a meager feast consisting of 5 frozen dumplings, and can only dream to have celebrated like last year!
I love this outfit – probably my favourite of yours, because it looks so effortless and everfything just looks put together! Your scarf is gorgeous! I've been searching all your outfit with scarves because I've been meaning to add some vintage ones myself. What size (inches) is the one you're wearing here? I'm very petite myself and don't want to overwhelm my frame, but I found a few on ebay in different sizes. I like the size on yours – is it 25" x 25"? Thanks 🙂
what is the size you got for the jeans? you mentioned short so am assuming you got the regular instead of the petite? Im about 5ft and 94 pounds so pretty similar build.. thanks!
nice pictures girl.. especially the out door ones.
i really like your snowy pictures =)
That blazer is nice and classy:) I need to try it on too!:)
-Alessia
http://stylist-diaries.blogspot.fi/
jean, can you do an updated review on pant suits or dress suits that are appropriate for job interviews or formal job events? I have an interview on thursday and just tried on a suit I had from 4 years ago .. and it looks dated and im not sure why. i trust your taste and would love to hear your thoughts.
aww you look great! love the photos, such lovely photos in the snow!
Drawing Dreaming
I love your outfit so much! The colour are great!!!
bridal shoes
These snowy photos are gorgeous! And the outfit is so perfect for still looking chic in a blizzard!
xo Laura
http://www.losofancy.blogspot.com
Such a cute look! Loving that blazer and your boots!! So chic!
xx
Giovanna
http://www.HeyLoveBlog.com
such gorgeous snowy pictures! xo
http://allthingsprettyandlittle.blogspot.com/
Hi Jean! Love your style as always!! I'm looking for a skinny jean and your old navy one looks like it has a nice fit. May I ask what size you are wearing here? Did you get the "regular" short or the petite sizing? Thanks!
xx,
Xi
Love that you added the scarf and yay for open-able pockets :). The swing isn't quite swinging so I would have liked it better with some shape from the back. But maybe styled for slightly warmer weather, I could see it swinging more.
I visited St. Louis this past month when it was snowing there (I'm from Houston) and I totally fell on my butt about 3 or 4 times because I wasn't used to the ice and snow. 🙁 I can't imagine living somewhere with snow full-time! Btw, I love your equestrian scarf!
Brittney
anotherbeautifulthing.blogspot.com
lovely outfit, love the scarf!
http://www.thebluecurtain.blogspot.com
Such a chic outfit! I love how you played with layerings and wore slim jeans with the swing jacket. Your style is so lovely!
Happy Lunar New Years!
xx,
LC
jean, i love ur coach bag! i'm going to scour me one on ebay…hopefully it comes in red too??
I always get Zara kids clothes too! Love this jacket on you!!
-Stephanie
@LaminLouboutins.blogspot.com
hehe, this looks like a petite's version of the MMM x HM coats.
Ohh I love that scarf!
thank you for your quick reply. it was too tight on my broad shoulders the sleeves were too short on my long arms. i get free alterations from nordies so i just might ask if they could take it in a bit for me. what are your thoughts? this is actually my first "keep" purchase from zara/zara kids. I was very shocked to learn that their kids sizing ran so big.. then i found articles online saying that zara clothings are made to small for americans.. say whaaaat.
Love your outfit!
My friend scored the same bag for $30 in a resell vintage event at BU two years ago. I was so jealous because it was such a good steal for a versatile piece. I ended up getting a 2011 version for wayyy more 🙁
Jean, such lovely pictures!!! 😀
I just love this jacket! Great outfit, as usual 🙂
Great jacket, doesn't look like something from the kids department at all!
when i try to take pics in the snow, i always look like a hot mess and snow is on my lashes, in my eye, in my hair, etc. i was looking and it seems like theres no snow in your face at all! magic! are your pictures photoshopped?
Omigosh! You're right! I had inspected it closely and also felt around for signs of pocket linings and found non, but lo and behold you are right. I even opened up the wrong seam at first out of the two ; ) My warmed hands thank you!
I'm happy to see the jacket on you because I always admire your style and I just happened to buy the same some days ago. Looks great on you btw! 🙂
I also thought the pockets were decorative only. So I opened up the seams because I wanted to insert pockets on my own. But voila there already were some! The seams are just so tightly sewn that it seems like there are no pockets. At least that's the case with the European version I have, but I think the US one is the same.
Great blazer – I would have had no idea it was from the kids department! The fit is great!
Kate xo petite-adventures.blogspot.ca
I like how you have dressed the coat up with a scarf & shoes to make it look stylish!
http://www.petitestyleonline.com
Hi there! Mine actually came in very good condition and I don't mind the scratches and small patches of faded color that give it some character. I did purchase Cadillac leather "boot & shoe care" which Alterations Needed did a post about after seeing the Chanel boutique (amongst others) use it for their bags. For tarnished brass, check out this thread on TPF:
http://forum.purseblog.com/coach/restoring-cleaning-brass-hardware-68768.html
Second question – is it a super low V neck? If not, I can't imagine strapless bras being a problem…I wear mine often and have never had the middle show through. Unless you've been looking at strapless bras cut straight across the front, which I wouldn't recommend. See the last bra here worn with a pretty low-front dress: https://www.extrapetite.com/2010/05/boost-for-as-and-bs-little-bra-company.html
Good luck!
You can't even see that the jacket is from the kids department. It looks really really amazing on you!
Love,
Breathe Me
Hi A – I did not slim the sides but keep in mind it's a swing style (note the back does not have any curved seaming or tapering like blazers and is flared cut). I wore thick layers under, but those who don't need to may find it to be too big for their needs. Did you try 9-10? if so, how was that?
A thin wire bow headband from F21 that I got years ago – been rediscovering it for new hairstyles : )
Love the outfit and the jacket is amazing… I am a little bit jelous because where I live snow is rare phenomen 😛
Amazing pictures! You are awesome;)
Come say HI: http://www.gemmamonclus.blogspot.com
Love, Gemma
Happy Chinese New Year! It's the Year of the Snake.
What a lovely outfit! I love that combination!
Since I live in a coutry where we have snow every winter for 1-4 moths (depending on a year, this year its been 2,5 already) I dont get people who don't wear proper shoes when there's snow and ice. It hurts to well down.
Have a great sunday!
Dahlia
http://xlelamaa.blogspot.fi/
Hello Jean,
Lovely outfit. I have two questions.
I recently scored a vintage Coach Station bag, what did you do to your vintage Coach bag to restore it to a better condition? Mine has a bit of tarnish on the brass and the leather is a bit faded in some areas.
Second question is, what sort of undergarments do you recommend I wear under a sleeveless (spaghetti strap) v neck dress? I've been looking into strapless bras but they're all push ups and since it's a vneck, the middle part of the bras can be seen.
Thanks. Oh, Happy Chinese New Year
hi jean. i was wondering if you took in the sides? i got mine on sale at zara (there's still a few available in 9-10 and 13-14 if anyone is interested) earlier this week and its overwhelming huge..
thanks,
A
I love the simple chic outfit that you wore in the bottom picture, with the bow tie pumps accenting the outfit. Happy Lunar New Year!
xoxo,
Suzie Q
http://www.StyleCueBySuzieQ.com
your hair is cute in the iphone pics. Did you braid it into a headband?
& I really like your scarf!
http://shortandsweetjoy.blogspot.com/
oh i would totally get the zara jacket if it was a tighter fit. but it still looks great
Jean! I love your hair in the bedroom pics! Did you push it back with a headband? What type of headband? I love it!!!
i love the snow photos. you look great as always, very relaxing yet chic. you're starting to convince me in purchasing a colored handbag every time i see your blue or red purse. 😉
That tweed jacket is a great find. Because you mentioned finding that great cable sweater at Tablot in a previous post, I saw the store today and immediately thought of you. I got a great cable cardigan for $15. SO Thank you 🙂
xo
http://pinksole.com