Uniqueen Laila Tweed Dress (3 sizes) c/o – use EXTRAPETITE through 5/2 for 10% off your orderEarlier last year, I met up with Anna of Uniqueen who was visiting town from Toronto. Uniqueen has given me some jackets that I love to pieces (see the No.5 jacket in brown (review), No. 5 jacket in white, and the Malang jacket which is a little roomy/long, yet still gets plenty of wear), but what I like most about working with them is how receptive the small retailer is to feedback and suggestions. I mentioned to Anna that I’d love to see more elegant, quality pieces that are petite-friendly, and also brought up reader feedback about inconsistency amongst sizes. She responded that they would do the best they can to monitor fit consistency (as materials for each piece are cut by hand and not machine), and also offered to manufacture a custom size for my extra petite readers.
Over the past few months, I’ve had the pleasure of working with Uniqueen’s team to tweak this “Laila” dress and make it available in a new size XS (fits similar to H&M; sz US 2 / EUR 32, and a tad smaller than American sz 00P). The end product is a classic piece that I see suitable for women of various ages, and can be worn three out of four seasons. The trim adds a tiny bit of edge but is still conservative, and can even be concealed by a collared shirt with the sleeve cuffs folded up. I’ve worn this a few times already to work, and nearly all the women on my floor have asked where they could find it…
Sizing and fit: This dress is available in XS, S, and M, and runs smaller than western sizing. I am wearing an XS here, and provided Uniqueen measurements for this pattern based on some BR size 00P / ASOS size 0P dresses in my closet. For reference, I am about 5 feet tall, ~92lbs with 30A bust, 24 inch waist and 32 inch hips. Since the fabric has no stretch, we left a little extra room in the hips to accommodate usage of the pockets and for comfort when sitting down. We debated on the sleeve length, and ultimately settled on “bracelet” length for a few reasons. I know not everyone is a fan of this, but I’ve come to like it for more arm coverage while showing off bracelets and watches. A full length sleeve would also pose issues for women with shorter arms, because the faux leather trim makes it very hard to alter.
Measurements of an XS: 15.7″ (40cm) armpit to armpit, 13″ (33cm) across the shoulder, 12.6″ (32cm) across the waist, 17.1″ (43.5cm) across the hips by the base of the pockets, 18.9″ (48cm) sleeve length, and 34.6″ (88cm) total length. Sleeve width 4.75″ (12 cm) across when measured at the upper arm – fairly narrow. Also factor in a few millimeters for the thickness of the tweed and a layer of full lining.
As with all Uniqueen items, I can’t emphasize enough to please check the measurements on their site against items in your closet. Their products come from a number of sources, so S, M, etc. could mean different measurements for each of their designs. For example, the S in their No. 5 jacket fits smaller than the same size in the Malang.
Quality & Value: When producing samples for this dress, Uniqueen sent me some material swatches to see and feel in-person. I liked this medium weight black and ivory tweed paired with a dark navy faux leather trim. The navy goes surprisingly well with the tweed, plus adds one more neutral color into the mix for easy pairings. I tested the materials to find one that doesn’t wrinkle through long work days/lots of sitting, and also suggested adding functional pockets and getting rid of extraneous fringe. Four sample dresses and numerous rounds of feedback later, I feel the quality and design is fair for the price ($133 w/code EXTRAPETITE + ship). It’s more expensive than the deals I normally post on here, but is an amount I’d willingly shell out at the Theory outlet for a good work piece, before factoring in alteration costs. 
Shipping & Returns: Items are shipped from Korea, and in my experience arrive in about a week. The shipping cost is 10.99 USD to Canada, and 13.99 USD to most other countries (see details here). For apparel returns, customers need to contact info@myuniqueen.com within 2 days of delivery to obtain a return code, and shipping fees are non-refundable. Uniqueen mentioned that many returns are due to items fitting too small, so again please check their listed measurements against your clothes.
I’m not affiliated with this company and don’t receive commissions for sales – I just had fun helping out on this and am excited to share unique, grown-up options for women who are typically “sized out” by retailers. For tweed-loving ladies who are a little taller, I suggest checking out the 2012 Malang jacket which I just can’t get enough of on Cee (5’4″) – see all the stylish ways she’s paired it so far.
Hi Jean,
I love love your blog! I was wondering is there a way I can purchase this dress? The Uniqueen site is closed. I love this dress and really want to buy this one. I didnt know if you are still in contact with the owner and if I could order this dress (im about the same size as you if not exactly the same size.) Thank you so much! my email is n.jojo29@gmail.com
ps. you are so pretty!
-Joanne
Uniqueen has closed down… 🙁
2nd image was my favourite…. I pinned it 😀
Sorry – it's $17.60 by surface and $37.68 by air.
Hi Jean!
I have admired this dress since seeing it on your Facebook page. I ordered it immediately and received it yesterday by mail. I wanted to post a review (which I will also post on the Uniqueen website) for anyone who is on the fence about this dress. For reference I am a bit over 5 ft, 112 lbs, 34B with a 25" waist. For dresses, I typically fit in Banana Republic size 0P and 0-2 in designer dresses. My chest is a bit bigger than most petites, plus these days I am breastfeeding 🙂 I ordered a small.
1. Material – Exactly as pictured in Jean's post with tiny flecks of silver which are very subtle so definitely work appropriate. It is fully lined all the way to the hem and down the sleeves, except for a few inches around the neckline and cuffs and hem. The tweed is nice quality and the faux leather looks nice but subtle – certainly not too leathery for work and there is not enough of it to look fake. The dress is medium to heavy weight – I live in Canada and I see myself wearing it in the fall and winter – I think it would be too warm to wear in warmer climates. I wonder about the breathability of the fabric, especially with the lining.
2. Fit – The dress fits me perfectly once I get it on – it's getting it zipped that is the issue! The tweed material does NOT stretch AT ALL (and neither does the lining). So really read the measurements carefully because the material is not forgiving. I need someone else to zip me in but once I'm in, the fit *almost* perfect. My shoulders and chest feel a bit compressed but I expected this because my chest is bigger than most petites. The extra material at the waist (see Jean's post) is a brilliant idea because the pockets don't gape, which I love. The length falls just below my knees – I would have preferred the length of the XS which falls above the knees on Jean (we are the same height).
My dress measures:
Shoulders: 13.5"
Bust: 17.1"
Waist: 13.4"
Hips: 18.2"
Length: 37.9"
Sleeve length: 20.5"
Pretty close to the measurements of a small on Uniqueen's website.
3. Quality – here I have a few small issues. First, the zipper snags at the waist where the tweed material runs horizontally. It might just be this particular dress only. I have had this issue with a skirt before and it can be a bit of a pain. I have to unzip and rezip until I am able to ease past the waist. Second, the right sleeve length is noticeably uneven by a half inch. Third, as I tried unzipping myself the first time, the material ripped at the back right shoulder seam. I emailed Uniqueen immediately about this issue. They think my dress might be defective. I am sending it back and they will send me back a new one, at their expense (shipping-wise).
4. Customer service – Their customer service is AMAZING. I have nothing but glowing things to say about it. I sent dozens of emails before buying to ensure I was buying the right size. All of my emails were answered within 24 hours. I brought up my issues with the dress and they again replied quickly with a reasonable solution. I may have had some issues with the dress but I am so happy with the customer service that I will definitely buy from them again.
5. Shipping – My dress shipped on April 8 from Korea and I received it on April 15 (6 business days) – which is impressive. My item shipped to Canada and I paid NO customs fees (it was marked as a gift with a low value). With a bubble mailer envelope, the weight is 606g (1 lb, 5.4oz) so from Canada, the return shipping by air costs $44 (by surface/boat it's $19). Be sure to buy the right size dress because return/exchange shipping fees are pricey.
Overall, I am happy with the dress – I could have done without all these issues but they also highlight Uniqueen's excellent customer service. I hope this review will be helpful to some of you! Jean – I love your blog – I hope you and your loved ones are safe and sound.
I just noticed you are from Boston – my thoughts and prayers are with you.
I stumbled upon your blog not too long ago while searching for petite friendly work clothing and it has helped me so much! Today I received my tweed dress in XS and it is a perfect fit/true to size! It is so refreshing to find a classic work outfit that does not require a trip to the tailor! Thank you for your collaboration with Uniqueen for the extra small measurements – I hope there will be more to come!!
So put together. Love!
yamkantravel.blogspot.com
hi jean, what shampoo & conditioner do you use? and also other hair products? your hair looks gorgeous!
Beautiful dress, so versatile and timeless. I love that it has long sleeves, I find it hard to find elegant dresses ith long sleeves.