Ann Taylor skirt (sold out), Gap tee, YSL heels, Goyard tote
I received a question from a reader, Jan, asking about animal-friendly moto jackets, and the gal over at the Internet and the Unicorn kindly commented with a suggestion. I checked it out and really liked the style (and price point!) of this Blank nyc faux leather jacket! I typically would’ve browsed right past it because the XS is labeled to equate to a 0-2 womens regular, but the description and some reviews noted it ran small. It turned out to be one of the most fitted moto jackets I’ve tried on to date, and is a keeper for me (bonus: no alterations needed!).
A jacket like this is very easy to pair for casualwear, but depending on your office dress code, can possibly be weaved into occasional work outfits as well. I tried it on with a few office pieces and it didn’t look bad with each option. My office dress code however specifies no leather, so I’ve been wearing this for the commute only, with a sleeved top underneath for at my desk.
I wanted to note that there are a number of trendier details on this coat, but I thought they melded fairly well together. The lapel areas are asymmetrical – the zipper loops over onto the inside at the upper left, whereas the upper right corner folds over. There are also 2 faux-zippered pockets (wish they were real!), plus zipper detail on the bottom sides that go almost all the way around the back but do not detach. And lastly, the shoulders are padded to have a stronger silhouette. Usually with jackets that I try on, the fit is looser overall so a strong shoulder ends up looking more overwhelmingly boxy and less like an intentional aspect of design. Because the entire jacket here is very fitted, I liked the effect of the structured shoulders. 
This jacket fits similar to an H&M; sz 2, except with slimmer sleeves (which I am a big fan of). The sleeve width fit comfortably on me over a regular long sleeve top, and are snug over a thick sweater. The sleeve length is just a tad long on me, but rides up with movement so it’s not enough to get altered. Measurements of a size XS zipped up are: 14″ seam to seam across the shoulders (15″ across including the padding), 15.5″ armpit to armpit, 13.5″ across the waist, 19″ length, 22″ sleeve length, 4.5″ sleeve width. Please note that there is some thickness to the material, so the fit feels smaller than the measurements listed. Material is 40% viscose, 60% polyurethane. Fully lined.
I have a Nordies card & have used their alterations services before, so I'll chime in here. You get $100 every year to spend on alterations. They charge your Nordstrom card for the tailoring you had done at the counter, and then it gets reimbursed to your card pretty quickly after that. Every year, the $100 allowance gets refreshed. I believe you can bring in anything, because I've never been asked for a receipt, and my items already had the tags removed (I like to wear items once or twice to make sure of the things that bug me and I want tailored). Technically, I don't believe you'd ever have to charge anything on your Nordstrom card to use the $100 of free tailoring services…food for thought.
Thanks for the rec. I signed up for Nordstrom's online waitlist, and twice people bested me within 10 min. of restocking. I asked a rep if I'd continue getting notices, and he said no, they're only sent once. I expected to keep playing the waiting game, but without my prodding, he pulled a jacket and sent it via one-day shipping at no extra charge. This was before the jacket even made it online! I got it today, and the "leather" is soft and feels like the real thing. Debating whether to keep it because the zippers look busy, and the lining/inside stitching is a bit fragile. But this was my first time with Nordstrom, and their customer service is spectacular. I'd shop with them again. For anyone who's still looking, ask a rep if anything's hiding in the warehouse.
Hi Jean,
I also had the same question as the Anonymous poster. Thank you for the suggestion of JBrand. Do you have any JBrand styles you recommend? They have so many and it is overwhelming, even looking through the online reviews it is overwhelming (and ofcourse it all looks good on the models). This is an area that is particularly difficult for me to sniff out what is a good style. I would appreciate any style recommendations on Jbrand. Also..if you like midrise of highrise. For reference, I am 5'3 and also need jeans hemmed.
One more thing. You mentioned that Nordstrom offers free alterations for card holders. Can you talk a little more about that? I shop at Nordstrom so much (and need hemming due to my height) that I feel like opening a card may make economical sense. But I'm always careful of opening store cards because I don't want to end up with too many. Is it free alterations for ANYTHING up to $100? Do they do a good job? I would appreciate any light you can shed on this.
Thank you again for your time!
P.S. – That Blank Moto jacket is back in stock in Nordstrom.
http://theinternetandtheunicorn.blogspot.com/
Thanks Jean! Love your blog!
love it… fits you perfectly!
http://newmomandthecity.blogspot.com/
Hello – my all time favorite jeans are J.Brand legging jeans, however super softness is not one of my requirements so I'm not sure how the material will feel to you. I like that mine have a little weight and some stretch, but overall "holds in" the shape very well unlike my other jeans. As a result of the "shaping" effect, the denim is on the sturdier/stiffer side. I don't know of any stores that original hem for free (but am sure it exists, also Nordstrom offers cardholders $100 of alterations each year) but I have gotten used to paying for it, because finding jeans that meet all requirements PLUS length is just very hard. If you're ok with non premium denim, have you tried Gap legging jeans in petite (online only)? I think the length may work for your height with no alterations needed, and they are soft and comfortable.
I own both XS petite and XS regular – if you plan on wearing the shirt tucked in, XS regular will work just fine. For non tucked though, the petite is definitely better for a slightly shorter length. It's one of their staples so I'm sure they will restock colors in the future : )
Hi there, I found them on eBay : )
I'm so glad to hear!
It's an old one I got at Talbots : )
Hi Arts – I haven't shopped laptop bags so unfortunately I can't be of much help. What size is your laptop, though?
Hi Sophie, good to know that about the brand! Wasn't sure if the petite-friendly fit was just this style or their entire line.
Hi there – it's $98 and was not on sale. I saw a few pop back again when I looked an hour ago, but appears to be sold out again now.
Oh Jean, loving the moto jacket on you. Yes, it fits you like a glove. I think leather jackets can be difficult to find. You either have to pay a lot to get one that fits you perfectly or you have to get a faux leather jacket so it fits you perfectly. For so long, leather jackets have been in style, just not the fitted style. Great to see other brands are started to carry these nicer styles!
Corporate Catwalk
This is so chic! Love the combination of leather and the (very versatile) skirt.
Great outfit! Love the vegan leather for work!
http://www.StylingFun.blogspot.com
Help! Been searching unsuccessfully for a couple of pairs of premium jeans as staples in my closet. Happy to spend $100-200 per pair but find it incredibly difficult between all the brands citizen, seven, true religion, DL, etc. Plus, even the petite sizes are so long! Any stores original hem for free? I'm 5'2" and 110#. looking for something classic (dark blue, mid rise) that can be worn into the office on casual Fridays without looking like the summer intern and will last for years. Really want something super soft with a little weight to it and some stretch. Any recommendations?? Would love to see a post of your top 5 please! It is driving me nuts as even the same pair of jeans in different colors feel different!
Hi Jean, regarding favorite T shirt from Gap that you wear here, is it a XS petite or XR regular, if it's regular then does it fit similar to the petite one? I went to Gap website and the sizes in petite are all gone, only the large one left. Thanks Jean
Hey Jean,
I've been meaning to ask you, where did you find the YSL pumps?
Thanks!
So professionally done …another inspiring outfit
Used Uber after your recommendation. Had a happy ride. Thanks!
The fit of the jacket looks perfect on you! Love the skirt too, it's perfect for Fall.
Suzie Q
http://www.StyleCueBySuzieQ.com
it's $98. But I would suggest saving it as a wishlist in Nordstrom. They re-stock this pretty fast because the first time I wanted it, it was also out of stock, but I wishlisted it and after a week it came in stock again (can you tell that I shop on Nordstrom way too much).
http://theinternetandtheunicorn.blogspot.com/
Hi Jan! No problem! I always like to share good finds.
http://theinternetandtheunicorn.blogspot.com/
Love this outfit! I like that the zipper detail at the hip kind of looks like a peplum (which I am obsessed with though I cannot wear).
This style looks great on you, Jean! Definitely a keeper. The price is very reasonable as well.
What is the necklace you are wearing?
love that outfit Jean. I am looking for a good sturdy yet classy laptop bag. Any suggestions? I've a very petite frame.
Thanks again for the heads up about the moto jacket– you've got a great eye!
How much is the jacket? It didn't list the price since it is out of stock.
I reallly love your jacket!!!! perfect skirt! Perfect look!!!
http://beatrizemoreno.blogspot.com.es/
I just saw your pictures in one of the LOFT stores!!! 🙂
Thanks for the tip, I signed up for Uber using your promo code.
A couple of months ago, I was debating between the BlankNYC Litter Jacket and the one you own, and ended up choosing the former. I can attest that the XS in pleather/pleather-wool mix jackets in that brand fit well for petites, however the shoulders are broader and the sleeves are longer than most 00P-0P women are used to. I just happen to have broader shoulders and arms for a 5'3" frame, but the sleeves are slim enough (my wrists are under 6" circumference…sigh). I would recommend it for any other petites out there.
hi jean- if you dont mind me asking, how much was this jacket? was it on sale?
Wow! That was fast from our last exchange to this post! You look fabulous and very chic in this jacket, and great tone in the photo. Totally love it! Thank you again for the shout out. I also linked to you in my latest moto jacket post as well.
http://theinternetandtheunicorn.blogspot.com/
I LOVE leather jackets when paired with feminine lace. That olive color is also SO gorgeous!
xo Tia
http://www.bigcitytyro.com
Love this look, so office-appropriate and yet still fun and youthful! The skirt is beautiful too.
Sweet pictures and a great look. Amazing skirt. 🙂
Love
Tabea
http://wolkedrei.blogspot.de/
The sleeves looks too long on you in pictures.
amazing outfit, this jacket is perfection.
xo
http://pinksole.com
Love so much your outfit!!!!
You are great, as usual!!!
Le monde des petites
http://www.lemondedespetites.com/
BEAUTIFUL! <3
http://style-squared.blogspot.ca/
https://www.facebook.com/StyleSquaredByZM
Thanks for the shout-out, Jean! I ended up picking this up in XS black as well, and I totally agree with your assessment– the fit is very petite friendly. I ultimately ended up returning (the structured shoulders were not flattering on my body type), but I'm so grateful for your thorough fit reviews and the helpfulness of your readers!
Love the outfit!! the green with the moto jacket!! <3
sweetbubbliciouslove.blogspot.com
This jacket looks great on you! If you're wondering about the burgundy color, it's beautiful in person. I'm wearing it in this post: http://www.cuteandlittle.com/2013/09/nordstrom-youphoria-event-recap.html The XS sleeves were actually a little too slim on me but the fit is very petite friendly.
Boston taxi cab rates are probably the highest I've ever had in the US! Wish they had Uber when I was there, so glad that there is another option now.
Dying over this outfit, love love love it Jean!
Beautiful outfit and amazing jacket! I've ben looking since march for a nice and fitted black leather jacket, but I haven't found one yet… The arms are my biggest issue, always too wide.
I love reading your tips!
X Sara
http://windowonmywardrobe.blogspot.be/
Beautiful pairing, Jean!
I've been re-reading your older posts and found the "Style in a Suitcase" series extremely useful! I'm traveling this week for a conference and was able to fit all I need for 5 days in a carry-on with room to spare! This wouldn't have happened before as I'm a known over-packer. Thanks for such instructive and always fashionable posts!
Woohoo first!
The first pic makes you look like an important lawyer Jean ;D So pretty and sophisticated.