Earlier this month, I had the chance to try on my favorite looks from Nordstrom’s Fall Petites Playbook. Browsing through the outfits, I was pleased to discover some brands that I’ve never heard of before. I receive reader requests to show options outside of more well-known petite lines and was excited to try something new. First up is this ensemble from the “City Slicker” look. As an advocate of practical and comfortable fashion, Nick was rather fond of this more casual outfit for our weekend activities around town. 
At the top of my wishlist this season was a versatile leather jacket that required minimal alterations. I had brought one to my tailor a while back, but he declined to work on any aspect other than sleeves (which is a challenge in itself if metal zippers are present). The Petite P of this jacket is described to fit like a 00-0 for women 5’4″ and under, and I found it to be true to size. The brand is new to me, but I was impressed by the weight, fit, and quality (sturdy leather plus smooth 100% silk lining) of this piece.
Over a thin layer, the jacket fits casually; over a warm sweater, it fits snugly. If zippered up, the key shoulder and torso areas are a surprisingly close fit. The only alterations I need on this jacket is sleeve length (folded under about 2″ in these photos), and my tailor will be pleased to see no zippers at the end!
The tee underneath is by a brand called Signorelli, which I Google’d for more info. They specialize in casual knits and manufacture items in the USA, with 5% of all sales going towards one of 8 selected causes. The 50% cotton/50% modal blend is super soft, and the fit is on the looser/slouchier side. 
The Big Star jeans in this look are currently available only in 25 Petite and up (although in Spring 2014, they will be offered starting in sz 23!), and I usually take a 24 in denim. As a result, the fit of these on me is more relaxed than skinny, but still slim. The length is slightly longer than what I’m used to with petite denim, which should better suit those around 5’2″ to 5’4″ who typically waffle between lengths. I like the stone gray color as a softer alternative to black or basic blue. 
For reference, measurements of each piece:
– Kenna-T Moto Jacket in Petite P: 13.75″ across shoulders, 15.5″ armpit to armpit, 14″ across waist, 20″ length down back center, 24″ sleeve length, 5.25″ widest part of center sleeve. The leather has a bit of weight and the jacket is fully lined, so please factor those in when assessing the measurements.
– Signorelli tee in Petite P: 13″ across shoulders, 16″ across armpits, 22.5″ front length, 27″ at longest point in back (high-low hem style). Neck drop 6.5″ and material is slightly sheer – I always go with a nude-colored bra.
– Big Star “Alex” Stretch Skinny Jeans sz 25P: 28.5″ inseam, 13.5″ across waist, 16.5″ across widest part of hips, 8″ front rise.
Hey just found your blog and love it 🙂 Excited because I am about the same size and have only been shopping in 2 or 3 stores >< Glad to find new options. Nice pictures 🙂
My pet peeve is when shoes slip off, so I personally don't size up unless it's downright painful to squeeze into a shoe (as was the case with J.Crew Everlys you pointed out). I would suggest trying both sizes that you are contemplating between and if it's do-able and not painful to fit into the smaller one, you can try certain at home tricks to stretch out just the pointy toe area until it's comfortable. My friend just told me about a blow dryer trick where you put on a thick pair of socks and put your feet into too-snug shoes. Point a dryer at the too tight areas and heat it up, while wiggling and flexing your feet in areas that are too tight. Heat up for about 30 seconds and then let the shoes cool with your socked feet inside and repeat if necessary. I found this to be helpful with my genuine leather or suede shoes, but won't suggest trying with anything precious or pricey!
Thank you, Bela! haven't heard from you in a while but always love to see familiar names. Hope you have been well : )
You've certainly got me interested, so I plan on after finding out a bit more about the company : )
Thank you (and your husband!) for the kind compliment – I made sure to pass it along to my photographer : ) You have quite the eye for detail that would probably make you quite the photographer yourself!!
Jan, not sure if you're still contemplating on a jacket, but I ordered the one that the internet and the unicorn so kindly recommended and I love it! It's a little edgier than what I usually buy but the fit is VERY petite friendly from length, to sleeve length, to width.
They are from Calvin Klein but I got them a year or two ago, unfortunately!
Ah, yes it is my original blog name (can't fathom how I ended up choosing that one evening! lol) but I appreciate you letting me know as image theft happens all too often on the interwebs!
Please check out my blogroll tab – I like http://www.fastfoodandfastfashion.com/ as she does a lot of work-appropriate fashion reviews and sales and deals. You may also like Corporette or Capitol Hill Style but they don't actually model their clothing recommendations.
Hi there – it can be as simple as sticking to fitted bottoms like skinny jeans or opaque tights and pairing them with sleek flats in a similar color. I have had luck shopping at Gap online for sz 5 and up leather flats at a good price (esp with a sale!). You can stick with the same casual leather or denim jacket, or an olive military coat for a laid but but still pulled together look.
Hi Jean,
Love the casual outfit and the colors! =)
love your entire look as usual. the grey burgandy and animal print would never be something I'd think of doing but now I will- love it! xx. gigi. http://www.gigikkitchen.com
Hi!!! I didnt know your blog, but once I saw you in a video with your friend Wendy talking about Office´s clothes, I went directly to your page!!! I really love your style!!! from now on I´ll be following you 🙂
I leave my url just in case you want follow me too. Have a nice day!!!
http://beatrizemoreno.blogspot.com.es
I love your casual outfits but it's always with heels. I don't wear heels on weekends. Also I try not to wear heels when I need to walk or commute. It's very difficult to look nice and lean without high heels. Could you suggest how to dress casual outfits without heels and still look nice? Thank you .
I just found your blog. Love it. Do you have any good recommendations for similar blogs featuring reasonably priced clothes for a businesswoman?
Like the overall look so cool love the red jacket
love the cognac leather!
http://www.StylingFun.blogspot.com
Jean, I love this look on you! It's a bit different from what you usually wear, but a bit more wearable for me in the west coast. 🙂 Love the colors and thanks for the heads up on the petite-friendly brands at Nordies!
As an 5.0' asian lady, I'm so happy to follow your blog. I love the casual outfit and hope you do more. I live in California so casual looks are more up my alley. Thanks for all your petite-style advise-keep it coming!
Love the top!
An
http://thestylerx.com
The colors of your outfit blend in the background.. Cute!
Oops my mistake! Just realised it was your old blog! Doh!
Anyway, I should comment to say thank you so much for sharing your skills and ideas on how to find stylish clothes that suit petite girls.. I've been getting a lot of great ideas from your blog!
just stumbled upon your blog. you are the cutest thing ever and your style is fabulous x
Hi Jean,
I've been a long-time lurker and only started using Bloglovin. I noticed when I looked for your blog to follow you that there is another blog that has been copying your pages! It's called Petite Asian Girl and it's got 58 followers atm. Just thought you should know because they're blatantly ripping off your images!
28.5" inseam for a petite jean? Is it meant to be slightly cropped? I thought most petite jeans are 29-31?
I love this color combination for Fall! Definitely casual, yet chic. Great reviews on non-traditional petite brands! I find that Aritzia also has great petite sizing for leather jackets.
Suzie Q
http://www.StyleCueBySuzieQ.com
ooh, this is great! thanks so much!!
omgsh! thats so awesome!! jean was this a coincidence????
Love this look, especially your pumps! Where can I get them?
Thanks in advance.
I know my attention should be on the outfit (granted, that leather jacket looks good – so well fitted), but I just wanted to say, your hair looks so beautiful!
Hi! can you tell me a little bit more about this? I also love Nordstrom, but I did not know about the card in relation to the tailoring. Just so I am understanding what you are saying correctly… if I open a Nordstrom Card, I get free tailoring of up to $100? And I pay the difference if it is over $100? This is an AWESOME deal especially since I love well tailored clothes and shop at Nordstrom often. I would very much appreciate it if you can provide any further information on this (or a link to where I can learn more).
Thanks!
http://theinternetandtheunicorn.blogspot.com/
Saw your question and wanted to offer this as an alternative (also from Nordstroms). And it is animal friendly! and much less. I just bought this and waiting for it to be shipped, From the website, it looks like it got really great reviews as well.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/blanknyc-faux-leather-jacket/3485962?origin=category&BaseUrl;=Leather%20&%20Faux%20Leather&cm;_ven=Linkshare&cm;_cat=partner&cm;_pla=10&cm;_ite=1&siteId;=TnL5HPStwNw-KAoDiDd53bL8sci26dz5tQ
http://theinternetandtheunicorn.blogspot.com/
The Oxblood and deep plum are my colors for this fall, and this red jacket really nails it (you really make it shine!)
I checked out the jacket you linked (thank you), and saw that whopping price tag. It is indeed a beautiful jacket. Might I also recommend for your viewing 2 alternatives that have a bit less price point, also from Nordstrom for you and your readers consideration:
1) Blank NYC Oxblood jacket $99 (with great reviews, this is currently in my Nordstrom shopping cart): http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/blanknyc-faux-leather-jacket/3485962?origin=category&BaseUrl;=Leather+%26+Faux+Leather
2)Collection B Leather Moto Jacket $119 http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/collection-b-leather-moto-jacket-juniors/3549324?origin=category&BaseUrl;=Leather+%26+Faux+Leather
http://theinternetandtheunicorn.blogspot.com/
I love this casual look, and the jacket is awesome! Do you have any recommendations for animal-friendly moto options?
Jean, this picture is beautifully done: http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3711/10180796513_96df5375aa_o.jpg
The 1359 white numbers on black background match your shirt exactly, the red brick walls and grey doors match your jacket and pants exactly, your leopard heels complement the stairs, even the black outlined spots of the heels complement the beige stairs with the black spots!
Sorry if I sound like a creeper, my fiance is an amateur photographer (and full time finance professional and CFA charterholder just like you) and he couldn't stop marveling at this picture. And your outfit rocks!
Love so much your tee-shirt!!!
Le monde des petites
http://www.lemondedespetites.com/
Love you in this casual look! I don't think I've ever seen you wear a graphic tee, lol, but I love it!
Wow, I barely recognized you, Jean! I'm always a fan of your casual outfits. I hope you post more of these looks. : ) Real leather jackets stretch out, so the jacket you're wearing kind of looks like how my XXS Danier one fits right now (after breaking in). My XXXS one fits a lot more slim. Are you going to check out some of their pieces or is the shipping too much of a hassle?
I love the color of the jacket and the details of it are incredible. Grey + Brown is such a great combo for the fall, I think it's a much more relaxed and comfy than black.
It's nice seeing you wear a casual outfit. It's incredible that you were able to find a building that matched the colours you were wearing so accurately.
Thank you for sharing some lesser known brands with us. The stone grey jeans look comfy and versatile.
I LOVE that jacket – really, everything about it is beautiful. It looks perfect paired with the tee and jeans and I'm sure it'll be just as nice paired with a dress.
–FashionEdible
Great outfit! I love love love the jacket, but it's a little pricey for me. FYI, if you have a Nordstrom card, you can get up to $100 (or more) in free alterations. They have master tailors on staff so it might be worth it for the leather jacket! There is a debit card option if you don't want to tap into your credit.
Love that jacket and those leopard print heels!
So pretty!
The Style Storm
xo, Christina
Your photos look better than the ones of the jacket on Nordstrom's site! Looks gorgeous!! Also, it's been fun seeing you on the LOFT store windows every time I walk through Times Square. 🙂
Great look– fun to see you in something casual!
Very nice casual outfit! I like this new look on you! I am a big fan of leather jackets , they are perfect for Autumn looks.
Love this jacket on you. It's on my wishlist ever since I saw it on Julia of Gal Meets Glam. I am glad it worked out for you. 13.75" across shoulders seems really narrow. Will have to stop by my local Nordie and try it on this weekend. Hopefully, the sleeves won't be too short on me. Thanks for the review, Jean =)
Love ur pumps!!!!
The Petite Blogger
Amazing look i love that colors 😉
Love it! Looks like your visit with Wendy had some influence! 🙂 Way to bring some west coast cool back to Boston! Red leather, red brick, and leapord!? I'm sold! Great photography!
On another note – can you give advice on pointy toe pumps? (Did you buy a half size up in your nude Louboutins or your JCrew Everlys? Better to buy up and put a pad in or buy down and stretch… leather, synthetic, suede…?)