Green jacket + sheer florals (& H&M spring blazers review)

green jacket floral blouse H&M; blouse (similar), Lefties blazer (from Spain), altered no brand slacks, Louboutin heels

Living with limited closet space, I’ve gotten into the habit of rotating seasonal items in and out of under-bed storage. It’s always a small treat to unpack and re-discover old favorites, which this outfit is comprised entirely of. green jacket floral blouse2

This blouse from last year is a party of all my favorite spring colors. It’s cut generously with very long sleeves, but still gets plenty of wear layered and under blazers.

The blazer in this outfit is an old, bargain purchase from Lefties (I was told this is like a Zara outlet) and underwent an alteration overhaul for a mere $5 (story here). I love the resulting slim fit, but the bargain aspect is evident through the material and crinkly sleeves. While at H&M; dropping off my donations for their garment recycling program, I tried on a similar-colored option (also in black, bright pink, and possibly more):
hm spring blazer

The green is an inexpensive way to add a nice pop of color to spring wardrobes, and the ivory is very versatile for multi-season wear. It’s a poly-twill like material, and the ivory is slightly see through (my black & white striped top shows through the sleeves and back). As with most H&M; blazers, the torso and shoulders fit nice and slim but the sleeve quality and fit leave something to be desired. I picked up the ivory one for $29 and change, and plan on shortening and slimming the sleeves per this tutorial (note – there is also a slit at the end of the ivory’s sleeves so it may need to be hemmed to bracelet length).
hm spring blazer 1

Green blazer, item #086743, Ivory blazer, item #067391 – both $34.95, trying on sz 2

Old ASOS petites dress, Ferragamo Varina flats (runs narrow)

*It’s Friends & Family time at Bloomies, which now offers free return shipping on all online purchases (love that more retailers are doing this!). Use FANDF for 20% off your purchase w/ a few exclusions – possibly a chance to pick up sale Spanx, Longchamp (my durable everyday work/travel tote – Mom asked if she could have mine so I picked up another in black : ), or a classic Burberry trench

For anyone interested in the Spanx girl shorts, I got sz S in the nude for wearing under clingier dresses. It works somewhat for minimizing tummy / butt bulges and VPL but is intended to fit much more snugly on the wearer than this pair does on me. As such, the thigh openings are a little loose so the shorts hem line shows through sometimes, but I haven’t found a better option yet.

green jacket floral blouse1
Since this blazer hits at a longer hip length, I mostly reserve it for wearing with slimming skinny pants or floor-length trousers. These pants are a ~5 year old find at a discount store with the tags cut off (I suspect the Limited or Express?), and were taken in along the waist/hips/legs. To this day, I haven’t had luck finding pants that fit like this off the rack (or even have the potential to fit and drape similarly after semi-risky alterations). Any recommendations would be appreciated!
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44 Comments

  1. Rouge's living wrote:

    adorable outfit!

    Posted 11.3.13 Reply
  2. Dee wrote:

    Love the pants look. So chic. The blazer is amazing.The right amount of fun in a work look.

    yamkantravel.blogspot.com

    Posted 4.11.13 Reply
  3. Anonymous wrote:

    Theory Max C in size 00 have fairly high knee breaks, but are straight/slight boot and not flared style. There's a chance you might not need waist/hip alterations. About medium rise, 11".

    Posted 4.8.13 Reply
  4. Julie wrote:

    Oh, Spanx. I'm not as petite as you and fight to get my size XS.. if I wasn't so exhausted, I'd probably have a good laugh at myself.

    xoxo, Julie @ OBSESSED

    Posted 4.8.13 Reply
  5. Jasmine Punia wrote:

    Love the color of the blazer!!!!
    -Jasmine
    http://huesnviews.blogspot.com

    Posted 4.8.13 Reply
  6. Jessica wrote:

    The green blazer is lovely, the look is very versatile: for the office or drinks with friends 🙂

    http://chicgeekblogger.blogspot.com/

    Posted 4.7.13 Reply
  7. Anonymous wrote:

    More blog entries and updates please! I always look forward to your posts and it seems like you post much more infrequently. Your style is impeccable and I love ur tips!

    Posted 4.7.13 Reply
  8. Anonymous wrote:

    The pants are overwheing for ur tiny frame … It looks like the pants are wearing you… :-/

    Posted 4.7.13 Reply
  9. Alessia wrote:

    Those trousers look gorgeous! Thanks for great tips!:)

    -Alessia

    http://stylist-diaries.blogspot.fi/

    Posted 4.7.13 Reply
  10. Joy wrote:

    Love that you're wearing the ASOS tulip pencil dress if I'm not mistaken.
    I agree about H&M; blazers. When it comes to cheaper blazers, H&M; still comes out on top when it comes to fit.

    & thanks for the Spanx recommendations. I keep looking for a more wallet-friendly alternative, but it looks like none exist.
    I've tried the Spanx 'Higher Power,' but the seam down the middle is disgustingly visible to the eye.
    I've also been looking for a dress slip, but also haven' found one I like yet. If you have any suggestions, it'd be much appreciated!

    shortandsweetjoy

    Posted 4.6.13 Reply
  11. Cassandra Westfall wrote:

    Love the green blazer! Perfect spring work look!

    Cassie
    http://stylecassentials.blogspot.com

    Posted 4.6.13 Reply
  12. Jackie wrote:

    Those pants are great! What a find! I love the color combo here 🙂

    Posted 4.6.13 Reply
  13. QueenLina wrote:
    Posted 4.6.13 Reply
  14. Lina wrote:
    Posted 4.6.13 Reply
  15. Russian Chic wrote:

    Does your Saffiano tote fit letter ize file and a 13.3" MacBook Pro? Thank you.

    Posted 4.6.13 Reply
  16. I'm A Love Addict wrote:

    Great look

    Come and visit my latest post >>>The perfect {prom} dress<<<

    Posted 4.6.13 Reply
  17. Russian Chic wrote:

    The trousers make your legs look super long!
    Jean, may I please ask what is the style number of your Prada Saffiano tote? Thank you

    Posted 4.6.13 Reply
  18. Lisa Lian wrote:

    i love the classic style of Ferragamo flats, but my feet are way too wide. do you have any suggestions for visually similar flats? maybe even with a slight heel, like the vara pumps. i would appreciate any advice. thanks!

    Posted 4.6.13 Reply
  19. Anonymous wrote:

    not a huge fan of this outfit, sorry jean <3 the last photo looks like you're on stilts but i'm not sure if it's the angle that makes you look so unproportional

    Posted 4.6.13 Reply
  20. Suzie Q wrote:

    I love the emerald green colored blazer options. Those pants are an amazing find, they look great!

    Suzie Q
    http://www.StyleCueBySuzieQ.com

    Posted 4.5.13 Reply
  21. Midnight Cowgirl wrote:

    Beautiful blouse!

    Posted 4.5.13 Reply
  22. newpetite wrote:

    Love the outfit! Have you tried this store called Papaya? Something like H&M; and they have some amazing options for petites.

    Posted 4.5.13 Reply
  23. maria wrote:

    How do you care for clothes? I'm always amazed at the condition of clothes you say is years old.

    Posted 4.5.13 Reply
  24. Kimberly wrote:

    They look very much like express editor pants I purchased right out of college, in 2004. I still wear mine all the time and they are the best fitting pant I own. I've bought a few more off ebay, but only 1 fit and draped like the originals. Hope that helps!

    Posted 4.5.13 Reply
  25. jen wrote:

    hi jean,
    was wondering, are you wearing mineral makeup in these pictures? I keep reading conflicting advice about mineral makeup and photos but you always look amazing…could you let me know?

    ps love your blog- a search for a discontinued mac shade somehow led me to your youtube channel, then blog…photos around boston bring back memories of bcg days

    Posted 4.5.13 Reply
  26. Amber @ EasyPetiteLooks.com wrote:

    i absolutely love those pants on you! Thats a once in a lifetime thrifting find! I always like the blazers on you in the pictures, but I never end up keeping and H&M; clothes for long

    Posted 4.5.13 Reply
  27. Christy wrote:

    That is such a cute blouse!! I feel like it's colorful enough where you can pair it with all sorts of different colored blazers. It truly is a versatile piece 🙂 The length of your pants are great! I have all my wide bottom pants in a box somewhere… thinking about taking them all out and giving them another chance now 🙂 thanks for this post!!
    Christy
    Sunny with a side of…

    Posted 4.5.13 Reply
  28. wendyp wrote:

    Love the outfit. It does make you look taller, although the pants look a little too wide at the bottom in the first pic. I would think you could find similar pants nowadays at Express, AT/Loft stores, and BR. Do you have a BR outlet near you? I find that the outlet pants fit better than the regular BR stores (and cheaper too).

    Posted 4.5.13 Reply
  29. andrea wrote:

    Love the green blazer!!!

    xoxo,
    Andrea

    http://www.andreaeveryday.com

    Posted 4.5.13 Reply
  30. alison*elle wrote:

    I love Club Monaco's dress pants too. And just to add to this comment, they also offer complimentary hemming!

    Posted 4.5.13 Reply
  31. Jane L. wrote:

    for similar pants….try Mango…

    Posted 4.5.13 Reply
  32. Annie wrote:

    Love your style! Happy Friday Jean and hope you have a nice weekend!

    Posted 4.5.13 Reply
  33. Star White wrote:

    Wow! These pants make you look to tall and I love them with the bright blazer! Such a lovely outfit!

    Blessings!
    Star
    beautyandbows.com

    Posted 4.5.13 Reply
  34. Jina wrote:

    Jean, your posts about curating your wardrobe have really made me think critically about my own. Style is so much more than compulsively buying something new every week. Your beautiful style is what drew me into this blog but what realy keeps me coming back is your thoughtfulness, intelligence and insight. Happy Friday!

    Posted 4.5.13 Reply
  35. aiyana jane wrote:

    this kelly green jacket is beautiful and i love the wide leg pants, perfectly tailored!
    xo, aiyanajane
    http://www.citystylecountrysmile.com

    Posted 4.5.13 Reply
  36. Anonymous wrote:

    I think you can try Victoria's Secrets. I got a pair of black pants from them like 8 years ago and it drapes very similarly (I am 5'4", about 100 lbs). Granted alterations will be needed but most VS models are skinny so it may not be as much as for some other pants. I believe I only had to get them hemmed.

    Posted 4.5.13 Reply
  37. JANELLEINC.COM wrote:

    LOVE how office chic your outfits are!

    JANELLEINC.COM

    Posted 4.5.13 Reply
  38. Elissa wrote:

    I'm a huge fan of the pant selection at Club Monaco. They have a lot of slim styles and size down to a 00, and sometimes I'm even a 0. Although they don't do short or long they have a lot of ankle/cropped styles that work for me. I have never had to alter a pair of their pants before. I haven't tried any of their more relaxed fit pants though, only jeans and slim trousers.

    Posted 4.5.13 Reply
  39. Sincerely Sammie wrote:

    That green blazer is absolutely stunning on you! The color is gorgeous! How do you always manage to look like you're 6 ft. tall?! Have a wonderful weekend!

    Posted 4.5.13 Reply
  40. Anonymous wrote:

    Hi Jean,
    I really like your blog and your style. I will be going to Disneyworld in 2 months and I was wondering if you could post some outfit ideas that are comfortable but stylish for the hot/humid Florida weather.
    thanks! keep up the good work 🙂
    Jen

    Posted 4.5.13 Reply
  41. Professionally Petite wrote:

    Love this springtime look! And those pants look so great on you.

    Posted 4.5.13 Reply
  42. Kellyinthecity wrote:

    I absolutely love that blazer! You look so cute. You inspired me every day to get my clothes tailored so they'll actually fit me! Adorable blog 🙂

    xoxo

    Kelly
    http://www.kellyinthecity.com

    Posted 4.5.13 Reply
  43. Blue Dog Belle wrote:

    LOVE this! Those pants are great on you!

    Posted 4.5.13 Reply
  44. lisacng @ expandng.com wrote:

    I LOVE seeing you in pants. This pair is so lengthening! You should just start making your own pants ;). Love the light floral and the bright blazer!!!! Happy Spring!

    Posted 4.5.13 Reply

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