I’ve received requests to show more “practical” attire for cold and wet weather, so am putting together a post soon of favorite pieces for various outdoor conditions. Recently we were blessed with a little warmth, but of course that didn’t come without rain and gusty wind! I’ve been reaching for this Boden jacket quite a bit despite the oversized fit. The water-resistant material does its job, and my cold hands love the fleece-lined pockets. I really hope the brand will consider expanding into smaller petite sizes.
In the world of reviews, I wanted to start with this surprisingly well-fitting find from Old Navy that also comes in a classic navy stripe. I rarely stop by ON, but saw this knit blazer through the window. It was peeling off the mannequin from being too small in the shoulders. I’m trying the XS regular which was slim, and not bad at all in even the torso and sleeve lengths. I imagine it would fit someone my size perfectly in petite sizing (available online only, so I haven’t yet tried).
You can see here the importance of using proper-sized hangers. This jacket was carelessly hung in-store on a too-wide hanger, which left these unsightly pokes in the shoulders.
Flattering back and side profiles. Please note that I was wearing a very thick top underneath. The material has stretch. For anyone who was interested in but missed out on this J.Crew knit jacket, I’d highly recommend this one as an alternative.
I also popped into Banana Republic and tried on their latest Sloan dress. After checking with their PR team, Sloan refers to both the material and fit – “the mix of expert tailoring combined with our signature contour stretch fabric instantly refines and sculpts your figure, while maintaining the garment’s shape.” Whatever it is, it’s my favorite style at BR because it runs small and is comfy.
I loved the classic black, tan, white combo and the flattering placement of the colored blocks on this dress. For those with minimal curves like myself, it adds some shape and makes the waist look very small. It’s sleeveless, but you can easily pair it with a shrug sweater or cropped cardigan/jacket. I was bummed to turn the dress around and see just solid black – feels like a shortcut to me, more often seen at H&M; and the like. The fit was good just like the other Sloan dress with sleeves I tried on before – very fitted in the torso/waist (but not uncomfortable due to the stretch), with about 2 inches of extra room in the hips.
I saw this through a Gap Kids window and thought it was a pretty mature style for little kids. Here’s the fit of a girls sz L/10. I was surprised by how comfortable it was, and think the grown-up structure even makes it work-able for professional outfits. The quilted material is warm with stretch, albeit unlined so you see the insides of the little pockets (all 4 are functional…maybe for storing candy?).
One downside I noted is that the snap buttons were stiff and take some finagling to snap on and off. I wouldn’t wear this jacket shut though, so that may not be an issue. A different button and higher quality faux-leather trim would’ve also taken this jacket up several notches, but at the end of the day I know it’s a (very affordable) kids piece. I already have an abundance of jackets in same the square, cropped with 4 slit pockets style but just wanted to share this review.
You're right, the petite one is short and would be too short for anyone over ~5'1" im guessing! Why did you return the striped one 2 hours later? Curious if you discovered quality issues or the like.
If you mean the Old Navy, I'm so glad you like it! I ended up ordering the gray online and don't regret it : )
The gap jacket is AMAZING! I ordered it after seeing it here on you, and it is perfect. Never would have discovered it if not for you!
Jean, thank you so much for taking the time to reply to me. I am taking notes of these great information. Have a great week!
Sandy
I tried that on blazer on recently. It's pretty good. I love your Boden trench.
@the anon with the Gap Kids fitting room problem: I used to work (& am about to go back?) at Gap and I worked in the kids and baby section… we let anyone go in the kids fitting rooms… maybe it was because how our store is set up so it's not convenient to send them back to adult… plus maternity [used to] be right there as well. IDK!
I bought that striped blazer (and then returned it about 2 hours later)! The ON I went to actually had the petite. To be honest I think that one fits you a lot better than the petite would. I'm not as small as you, but I usually need petite. ON runs smaller than the other two Gap brands so I rarely need petite…. ANYWAY the petite one ran short :/ So unless you want a cropped look, I don't think you would need the petite sizing!
Hi Sandy! For cold, snowy weather most residents here wear rainboots and knit tall socks with skinny jeans. If you're wearing tights you can pick up fleece-lined tights at Forever21 or the like and wear knit socks over that inside the boots. That way you don't have to spend a lot on snow boots that you'll only wear when visiting certain areas, since rain boots can be useful back home. For a long coat I like J.Crew's options…my double cloth ones have been durable and not damaged by the rain/snow over the years. If you're doing touristy activities I'd definitely pack in an oversized scarf and some gloves (I get both at H&M;) to top it off!
The right length is different for everyone – I have shorter legs so I don't like my blazer lengths to go past my hips, otherwise they cut into my leg line. If possible you should look for petite XS vs regular because the length will definitely be different. Try ASOS which I think ships there, and H&M; because even their regular sizing blazers run on the shorter side (also check their Divided juniors department).
Hi Amy – tons of possibilities for a black + white color scheme! You can keep it classic with just those two colors, with a black pencil skirt/dress, shorter wool skirt like the J.Crew ones, black ankle pants or trousers. Add some pearls and it's very Chanel-inspired. It'd also be beautiful with red bottoms or a dress. The thing about black and white is you can add any accent color and it'd work, so you can also try mustard yellow, bright blue, kelly green and more, just keep other accessories and pieces within the three total colors so it's not too much. Have fun experimenting!
Interesting point, Bela…the wide horizontal stripes AND loose fit should've been a recipe for disaster on a short figure, so I do agree the low color contrast helps : )
Please do! That would be wonderful, Jean 🙂
Hi Phoebe! Yes, I've had a number of coats tailored. The results have always been good but that's completely dependent on your tailor's skill level, and I'd be a little wary of having a tailor do that job if I've never had work done by him/her before. I only start bringing my coats after having simpler items like hems, taking-in done. The price at regular tailors is high, like what you estimated.
The wedge height is comfortable but the adult tall boots are not the most comfortable on me because the shaft hits right at the back of my knees when I bend them a lot (ie going up stairs). That was something I didn't notice until later, but if you have longer calves then that shouldn't be an issue. I also own Kids Hunter flat boots which are comfy.
It makes such a difference starting your day off warm and dry! And thanks, scarf is from H&M; (but a few years old) : )
It'd look adorable on you! I'm so glad you found a cardigan option after the Uniqueen didn't quite work out.
Very interesting! I wonder if it's a policy for the kids' safety, which in that case I would understand since there's scary things that happen out there. I haven't tried to go into a kids fitting room in a while though so haven't had that happen.
Hi there! Just like your find, my older style pair does not have Salvatore Ferragamo above the Made in Italy stamp. What a steal!
Hi there – I didn't purchase the XS regular so unfortunately I don't have the measurements. I should start carrying a measuring tape in my bag just in case!
They are Gap petite legging jeans! Very comfortable and fitted. Mine are a few years old, but here's this year's version: http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=56797&vid;=3&pid;=928908002
I haven't tried the kids quilted jackets, but my friend Ping has tried a similar style in the past http://allaboutfashionstuff.blogspot.com/2012/07/burberry-quilted-jacket.html
They are a beige/tan color. Too funny if you did! Once I stumbled upon the exact same girls tweed dress set at two thrift stores, years apart. Pls do post a photo if you did find my thrifted blouse twin : )
Thanks! They're Sperry "Audrey" style, which comes in a ton of color and material combos. If you wear below a size 5 they won't fit unfortunately b/c I feel Sperrys run half size big. I tighten these using the all-around lace to make sure they don't fall off.
Here are brown leather ones left in sz 5:
http://www.neimanmarcus.com/Sperry-Top-Sider-Audrey-Classic-Leather-Boat-Shoe-Tan/prod159450344/p.prod
I LOVE the planetes, it's better than le pliage and sturdier. I need to get my le pliage corners repaired but this one still looks new.
LOVE YOUR AMAZING LOOK!!! the umbrella is so cute!!!!
xo
http://beharrean.blogspot.com/
lol the picture with you and the duck umbrella is too cute. I was wondering how you like your Longchamp! I got mine the same time you did but ordered the cheaper, traditional one and I've used it so much, the corners are really worn so I'm thinking its time to upgrade? I feel silly ordering the same one so I wanted to see how yours held up and if you still like it!
http://heyxgrace.blogspot.com/
Jean! Your boat shoes in the dressing room picture are adorable. What brand are they? I've been having so much trouble finding boat shoes that fit my tiny feet.
hey jean, random question unrelated to this post…what color are the polka dots on your talbots blouse? i swear i scored the same one at the thrift store the other day!!
Speaking of quilted coats, have you ever tried on this one? http://us.burberry.com/diamond-quilted-jacket-p38224621
Hi Jean, Just wanted to ask what designer made the jeans you have on in the dressing room trying on the blazer from Old Navy?
That umbrella is so cute! 🙂 I love it.
vessipetite.blogspot.ca
Hi Jean, I am a regular reader and your blog has always been inspirational. I am wonder if you could share what to wear (outfit and shoes) in snowy cold weather. I am a tropical born and living in the south but always find it difficult to find the right outfit when visiting a place which has cold climate (ex: Boston in winter). Thank you so much!
Sandy
I want to ask about the torso length. what you think about it. Especially when looking for blazer, I find here in Austria the torso part even in size XS is often too long or doesn't fit nicely to mine. Or maybe my torso it self that is shorter than common. Only kid size 152 that sometimes fit, sometimes not. I am Asia petite. Thank you in advance.
I'm thinking of getting the white gap kids jacket but need some ideas for how to style it. Any help would be appreciated.
This is a great rainy day outfit! The horizontal stripes don't seem to diminish your height maybe because the colour contrast is low. I also like your cute duck umbrella!
Beautiful outfits! We enjoy every bit of this prettiness!
xo
http://www.PlumPrettySugar.blogspot.com
Jean, quick question. Have you ever taken a peacoat (or other similar woolly coat) to the tailor before? I was just wondering if the results, in your experience, worked out. It seems a little difficult because the coat has a lining, so I imagine it'd be around $40-50 in alterations.
great reviews.I own a gray blazer already, but i would love to have that striped one.
what an adorable rainy day outfit!! xo
http://allthingsprettyandlittle.blogspot.com
Haha… I tried on the same Gap Kids jacket that you did, Jean! It looked the same on me as it does on you and I was SO close to buying it. Glad I'm not the only one!
Like the outfit but I have to say I LOVE the duckie umbrella you're rocking! I had a pink one as a little girl– brings back memories, haha.
I own already my second pair of Hunter boots and in my opinion they are very comfortable! I can really recommend them 🙂 And I´m still in love with this wonderful Boden trench.
http://www.dressedwithsoul.blogspot.de
You're a genius at finding classic styles with the perfect petite fit! The rain boots with wedges are such a must with us petite girlies!
NEW POST:: CROP IT!
http://www.eyelikefashion.com
http://www.eyelikefashion.com
http://www.eyelikefashion.com
xoxo
good finds. I recently went into a GapKids store to try on their clothes, and the lady would not let me in the fitting room because I was not a kid. I don't know if this has happened to anyone else. Perhaps NY is just a bit strict.
Hi! I came across you blog while googling info on the Ferragamo Vara flats. I found a vintage pair at a thrift shop for $10 and in pretty good condition. My question is what does the bottom of your soles say? The pair I bought just says "Made In Italy", I know the current Varas have the "Salavtore Ferragamo" stamp above the "Made in Italy." I know, I know, your post was from last year, but I hope that you'll answer my question. Thank you in advance.
For the Old Navy blazer in XS regular, do you mind telling me the shoulder measurements please? 🙂
Love the GAP quilted jacket – I bought a similar cardigan from ZARA kids last year – love it when I find a cute option that actually fits me in the shoulders!
I'm going to check the GAP jacket out in store…especially because of the 4 pockets for candy storage – very useful 😉
I really like the look of the patented rain boots. I can't see the sides of the boots in the photos, but since they're wedge boots, they seem to be a great option for looking chic in the rain as compared to the typical clunky rain boots. The second photo is so adorable!
Suzie Q
http://www.StyleCueBySuzieQ.com
I love your rainy day outfit. I've been building one myself because I just cannot stand getting into the office with wet shoes or clothes. And these duck, duck umbrellas are so adorable. Thanks for your post!
P.S. Where is your scarf from? Love the print and the way you tied it.
Ooh! The Old Navy blazer looks intriguing. I'll have to check it out!
xo Kimi
Are the Hunter wedges very comfortable? Love the duck umbrella and agree, that last jacket is super mature looking. Couldn't imagine buying that for a child o_O Maaaybe if it was in brighter colors?
x atelier zozo