Bloomingdales’ Friends & Family sale is currently in full swing – take 20% off nearly everything with code FRIENDS (ends Sunday 10/6), w/ free shipping and returns on all purchases until then. My picks:
1) Longchamp planets large tote – great for traveling (see it in my packing tips post), work or school. It’s sturdier and a little more water resistant than their nylon le pliage foldable ones, but is still pliable. Mine has been easy to wash and shows little sign of wear despite a lot of use.
2) Classic Burberry trench or wool coat. I’m not in need of more Burb coats, but I tried on one of their best sellers last year (available in soft grey and black) and thought it was beautiful and warm. The only alteration that a sz 2 would’ve needed on me was sleeve shortening. I also found the camel coat from my last post online, also eligible for sale.
3) Clover Canyon has some stunners out like this “Russian Enamel” or “Russian Room” dress, both of which can be rocked through cold weather with dark tights and booties. Note how high the blue waistband is on the model for the second dress….too high, which means it could be potentially more flattering on a shorter gal.
A few months back, I posted a review of Clover Canyon’s signature short sleeve dress (had ordered that plus a sleeveless version to try, with intentions of keeping my favorite one). Although the Taj Mahal print of the sleeved version is more of a crowd pleaser, I preferred the color scheme and fit of this sleeveless sheath. Their neoprene dresses are designed to be very snug, so will fit more like regular sheath dresses on small-framed ladies.
As mentioned previously, I purchased this dress through Revolve which has everyday free shipping & returns, plus an awesome 30% off your entire order discount for new customers.
Just email their customer service with your order # for a retroactive discount; I hear exclusions do apply but not sure on what, so maybe email their customer service first if you want to make sure certain brands are eligible. They were very quick to re-apply the discount on my second dress after processing the return for the first.
When lying flat, this dress in XS measures: 13″ across the shoulders, 15″ across the armpits, 12.5″ across the waist, 33″ length. Material is 90% polyester, 10% spandex, made in USA. The sleeved and sleeveless versions fit very similarly in the body, but an issue I had with the former was some extra room in the shoulders and armholes. It didn’t bother me at first, but after trying on the sleeveless, I knew it’d be more comfortable and versatile for the long-term.
Also wore this back in summer for a friend’s birthday:
All design of dresses is trendy and fashionable and pretty. I like the all pattern of dresses that you show. Thanks for sharing for this great post.
vêtements
Thanks! The color is adorable. 🙂
You look beautiful lady! 🙂
xo
Maggie A
Love Mavin
this is beautiful..another idea to wear on a wedding thanks
Hi could you share some of your jewelry finds? They always seem so classy and seem to bring your pieces together. Just curious where your able to get some of your pieces. Love the earrings!
Hi! Where did you purchase your shrug from? Is it home made? Thanks!
a typo, sorry! Not "She is now being dishonest". It is "She is not being dishonest."
To the first and second ANON comments, chill out and stop over analyzing everything and please stop acting you are a saint. If Jean wants to wear a dress and take photos to show her readers how it can look on a certain body types and write a thorough review determining which item she decides to keep, what is the big deal? It's not like she wore it out shopping, dancing or rolling around in the mud. Take a chill pill.
KTR
To the first anon., read her blog post carefully!!! She is already telling us that she ordered two dresses and she does not know which one she is going to keep. There is nothing wrong to put the dress and go outside of her apartment to take pictures to see in the daylight. She also mentioned in many blog posts, taking pictures and seeing them in the pictures makes a big difference to decide to keep the item or not. She is now being dishonest. Do not be a hater, just to be a hater , do your research first. I know a blogger who buy stuff and wear it whole day to work to see if the pants are going to have a saggy back and return it. Just get a life!! People buy shoes and try them whole day at home and if they don't like it they return it. This is also called used.
If you look at any clothing store in the mall, you will see tons of people returning clothes. Jean is just like any other shopper. We purchase items and returns them if they end up not being what we desire. What's the big deal?
Instead of blaming Jean, we should blame the return policies of these stores. Some have really lose policies that seems ridiculous. For example, we should not be allowed to return items without tags or without receipts . Some countries' policies are a lot more strict, such as an exchange only policy. U.S. is the most lenient country in terms of returns. It fostered a trend of "not thinking before buying" or "i'll just buy it first and decide if I really want to keep it later" type of decision making.
Well honestly it's impossible to know if anyone buys, wears once, and then returns. Unless a retailer has a strict no-returns policy, we can never know 100% if the items we purchase have never been worn out (as opposed to just tried on).
It doesn't seem that Jean buys and returns just for the sake of reviewing for her audience. She probably shops as anyone else does–trying things to see what works, and returning what doesn't. Shopping by mail order is trial and error–not everything is going to work out so inevitably you end up returning garments.
But how do we know if Jean (or other bloggers who buy and return for blog visits) don't wear them out to dinner and then return it? I am by no means suggesting Jean does that but we don't know if ANYONE does it. I feel that the original Anonymous comment is valid. Don't buy and return for the sake of reviewing for your audience.
I think the the initial post by (the first) Anonymous is sort of unfair. People try on clothes at regular stores all the time. Just because Jean tried on a dress and took pictures doesn't really make that much of a difference, IMO. This blog is one of my favorites and I appreciate the great lengths that Jean goes to in order to give readers precise details and explanations about items. You can tell that she takes great care of all items she's posting about and I don't think there's any harm done for her trying on things and sharing so that other potential customers can benefit from her experience.
At any rate, I think outside pictures are helpful. The lighting is better and you can see how the garments look on a real person as they are in motion and going about their daily business. If clothing retailers want us to purchase their items, then they should do a better job showcasing them on real people in real situations, not just on model bodies under artificial conditions.
I'm glad you went with the Canyon Clover dress! I just ordered the Rushworth coat in pewter to try. I also had the 10% email code but it looks like Bloomies wasn't allowing promo code stacking. Anyway, this is my first Burb purchase so crossing my fingers it works out.
Love your blog! I'm petite and asian too, and whenever I need some inspiration, I look to yours.. Keep it up!
Hi AlexisB – Thanks for reading along over the years, I always enjoy your thoughtful comments and detailed recommendations for brands/items that I would not think to try!
Nancy – I really appreciate your comment – thank you!
Hi Adelina, I'm touched to hear that my blog could help even in the smallest way to allow you to feel more confident in the workplace. Thank you for your kind words, and I wish you the best in your career!
Hi Daniela, I would say it's the most worn piece in my entire closet. Here in New England it can be worn non stop from Sept-November, April-June, plus on the pleasantly warm days in between during winter, or the unexpectedly chilly days during summer. In colder months I layer a thick turtleneck sweater or a blazer underneath, so I'd suggest not getting a super snug fitting one if you want to do the same. Also I went with the lighter khaki color because I love the look, but would recommend a black color trench if you want it to be as functional as possible, b/c stains do show on my coat and I have to get it professionally cleaned fairly often.
Hi there – ah it's tough to say for a few reasons. I usually take 00P in JCrew lady day and remember the sz 2 in this coat to be a decent fit, however I've never tried on a 0R in J.Crew so don't know whether it's just length that is different, or if it's different overall. If you don't have anywhere to try on the rushworth before buying I'd recommend ordering both sizes (esp since there's free returns for the one that doesn't work out) because it's a bigger purchase and you'd want to make sure you get the best fit! Good luck – it's a gorgeous coat!
Hi Jean, as someone who also lives in Boston, i would like to know how practical is a Burberry trench. Whether it's worth the money given the weather condition in new England. Would love to know what u think. Thanks!
I love the dress, Jean! I'm still warming up to the Clover Canyon dresses and I thought that the first one that you posted (the pinkish one with the sleeves) was a little *too* loud or bold printed (which I guess, is the draw of their dresses) but I really love how this one is more subtle but still stays true to CC's aesthetic. And I like that it's shorter and sleeveless too, which makes it look more modern. Also, your makeup looks super pretty!!
Cute look! Loving your silver heels! Those wedding shots are too pretty!
xx
Giovanna
http://www.HeyLoveBlog.com
Hi Jean! Just wondering if you can help out with sizing on the Rushworth coat. If I wear a 0R in the JCrew Lady Day, would I be okay in the 2 in the Rushworth, or should I size up to a 4? I don't have broad shoulders and I'm a 32B, but I heard it runs small.
Thanks so much!
Hi Jean, thanks for the info on 30% off for Revolve. I just livechatted with them, and got my 30% retrospectively refunded in 2 minutes. Amazing. FYI for your readers, the 30% is on the entire first order (not just 1 item) "for new customers given that you have not received the discount before and none of your items are from restricted brands."
Jean you are my favorite blogger. I definitely do not agree with the critical posts here that what you are doing is in any way unsavory. You have helped me so much in my career because like it or not- It really does matter what you wear and how you look at work. Thank you so much for your helpful blog. Please keep it up. I would be lost without your advice on career clothing for petites!!!! I notice that people treat me differently ever since I changed how I dress. I get more respect, and help from coworkers, and I feel alot more confident.
Anyone who thinks "new clothes" has never been worn by others needs to think again. I used to work in retail and pretty much every item sold is already tried on by tons of people. think of all the makeup and sweat that you don't see since most customers don't give two craps. I dont mind if ONE more person tries it on if that means I get to read a review to see if I should waste my time on the item or not.
Definitely. Jean's blog is easily one of the most helpful and honest blogs out there. She looks amazing in the clothing she buys and gives out great tips to fellow petite-sized women.
I agree, I'm sure the retail companies accepted Jean's returns because nothing was damaged.
This comment from anonymous is a bit ridiculous. Out of all the bloggers I read, Jean is probably one of the most conscientious, so I have faith that she takes great care not to "harm" or dirty any items that are possible returns. I find her reviews to be extremely helpful, and without the pictures, I wouldn't even know that I'm possibly interested in an item. If an item looks used, then don't purchase it or ask if there is more in stock on online. And, if you can't tell it's "used," then what's the big deal. It probably gets a similar amount of wear as it's taken on and off in store dressing rooms by multiple customers. Also, if purchasing a possible "worn" outfit for one of Jean's reviews means I get to learn more about a item before purchasing, then I'm all for it! And, (sorry, I'm using a lot of 'ands') it's not like she just buys things for "pretty pictures" and then returns it. Having to go outside and take pictures with the right lighting and then editing them plus a written review takes work. So, I do believe that she does this to benefit others, and it's nice that bloggers get perks from their blogs. Sheesh.
I love the dress Jean! 🙂
Dear Jean: I'm not sure why you seem to frequently be the target of negative/weird comments while other bloggers seem to get nothing but love in their comments section. Perhaps the other bloggers edit out the weird comments. I appreciate your honesty in allowing the negative/weird comments to remain and your always gracious and well thought out replies.
The dress is beautiful. You made the right decision. Like you, I gravitate to sleeveless dresses and tops because the fit is usually better/less bulky.
Thanks! It's from the Philippines and does not have a brand/label.
Hmm, now I understand why so many bloggers have so much clothes to do review/ OOTD. That is because some of you just buy clothes, wear them for photos, earn some business from the blogs, and then return them. I appreciate your review, but not to this extend. Good thing that you decide to move away from doing such review, because most of people would be pissed of if we spend money to buy "new clothes", but end up getting "used ones" that "fashion bloggers" already wore them for couples hours to take pretty pictures for their "business".
I used to do a lot of reviews on this blog which involved taking outdoor photos of items even if they did not work out for me, as I found similar reviews by other bloggers to be very helpful. My review photos that were taken downstairs outside my home instead of in front of my bedroom mirror were done so to provide a more clear and well-lit review for anyone else interested in trying the items. I take them quickly and with care, and never with items like shoes. I value transparency in reviews and therefore disclosed upfront on my 6/25 post that I had ordered two styles to try and planned on keeping the best-fitting one, and was snapping photos to show the detail and fit of the first one while waiting for the second to arrive. I understand that there are differing views on this and have since moved away from doing such reviews.
You look lovely in that dress, Jean. I love how you paired it with the metallic pumps. : ) Regarding the Revolve brand exclusions, there's a list on their website if you click "Guarantee" at the bottom.
Are you saying that you wore the sleeve dress for your blog photos and then returned it? If that's the case, I just can't believe you did that. If you were not sure about the dress, you should have tried it at home only, why wore the dress for the outside pictures (& to draw traffic to your blog) and then returned it?
you look great! love this simple wedding look!
http://oyouclassy.com
http://oyouclassy.com
Looks like a beautiful wedding. Love the pictures of your hair from the back. I really like the thicker nude heel you wore with the dress for the outfit picture. The metallic are perfect for a wedding.
Love this look! You look gorgeous!
The Style Storm
xo, Christina
I've said this before, but I truly love this dress! Congrats to the adorable couple (:
Sooo stunning! You always looks amazing 🙂
http://www.simplysiyaam.com
I love this dress on you. It's so pretty!
http://www.petitestyleonline.com
I love the camel-colored woven clutch! What brand is it?
Love so much your dress and your pics!!!
Have a good day!!!
Le monde des petites
Love wedding posts, they're full of good ideas 😉 Also you and Nick would have a lucrative second career as wedding photographers. That's a gorgeous photo of the newlyweds!
Pretty as always…
Such a lovely dress! You always look so elegant and poised 🙂 Love the bloomingdale's friends and family discounts, it always gives me an excuse to look for something I'm normally too guilty to buy hehe
Christy
Sunnywithasideof…
They are Nana brand from Yoox, but for some reason I can't find them online anymore! Only the two-toned/snakeskin version here: http://www.yoox.com/us/44502168OS/item#cod10=44502168TA&sizeId;= I must warn that although I love how they look, the ankle strap is not comfortable as I had hoped : /
I love those pink/nude heels you are wearing in the last pic! What brand are they?
Beautiful! You are always stunning, Jean. The photos are gorgeous. I can't wait to check out Revolve!