I paid a quick visit to NYC last week for both work and blog projects, and loved getting to catch up with old friends at favorite spots. Highlight meal of the trip was at Maharlika (on an unexpectedly gorgeous day), which I recommend if you find yourself in the east village. Nick and I cook a pretty mean brunch at home so we don’t usually get it at restaurants, but exceptions are made for their Filipino-style silog breakfasts – fragrant garlic fried rice topped with a perfect egg and side of protein…happy sigh.
I packed this outfit for a meeting, choosing pieces that could also serve for going out or casual wandering. The turtleneck and faux leather jacket are great transitional pieces that travel well without wrinkling. The skirt is conservative in style and length, but the beautiful print makes it more exciting than my average pencil skirt, and something I’d wear onto dinner or drinks.
For those who have not tried WHBM sizing before, the fit of their petites line feels consistent with other American work wear brands for most items. I tailored this skirt (size 00 petite) about one size down in the waist and hips to fit. Because there is no waistband and there are seams down both sides, the job was easy enough for me to DIY at home (although the lining did complicate things a bit). You can see the subtle difference in the before and after photo below. Slimming the sides ~2″ raised the waistline closer to my natural waist and the hem to right at my knees.
In comparison, I also tried on a dress from their instantly slimming line in the same size, which ran at least one whole size small. I needed to size up for it to be work-appropriate and the length hit 2″ above my knees, so I’m curious how the regular sizing would fit. The material was very stretchy with an interior almost like banded layers of shapewear. If you are looking for a fitted LBD (or LWD), I’d suggest giving dresses from that line a try (also see Sydney’s review). Both items I tried were good quality and fully lined, and I’m already eying new arrivals like this charming dress with (removable) bow belt and piped tweed jacket.
Below is a quick snapshot before heading home. This purse was a gift from a generous friend who knows my style well – it came to me monogrammed (!) and also comes in black and cream on final sale. It’s a great size, and the material is like a saffiano leather that’s durable enough for me to haul my laptop in and travel with. As an FYI I do want to note the metal top clasp does not stay closed. 
I also wanted to do a quick review on this H&M; drape blouse, since a number of you have asked for an update. Thank you ago to the ladies who suggested this as an alternative to the Pleione one at Nordstrom (see review). This is the fit of a sz 2: 
I did decide to keep the H&M; version as the shorter length from all angles fit better on my shorter frame, and the price point made me less concerned about likely spills and stains. However, there are noticeable differences in quality with the Pleione one winning on that front. Although both blouses are sheer, the sleeves and back on the H&M; are very see through. The material of the H&M; close up looks cheaper, almost styrafoam-y. The material of the Pleione one has good weight and drapes more smoothly, bearing greater resemblance to silk. If I weren’t a perpetual klutz and lover of bright red sriracha sauce, I might’ve opted for the Pleione version.
Hi Jean, do you have any coupon promo code for those Warby Parker sunglasses? thanks
Hi Jean, LOVE your blog! Just wondering, under the white H&M; shirt, what did you wear underneath if it was so see-through?
That skirt is beautiful!
Perfect skirt!!
http://almostinsiders.wordpress.com/
they are currently selling this blouse (similar) in nordstrom rack for $14 🙂 link to picture of blouse: http://www.lyst.com/clothing/two-by-vince-camuto-roll-tab-sleeve-wrap-front-highlow-top-shadow-heather/
Vince Camuto is petite friendly too ^.^ I got mine in heather grey. it's cotton but it drapes really well.
Thanks for the info Jean. I'm a petite Chinese gal too and it is hard to find close that fit. Most things are either too long or too wide.
fabulous look and you are absolutely beautiful [: i love your skirt especially, it's really elegant and trendy! looking forward to seeing more posts from you and keep up the great work lovely!
if you're interested, let's follow each other! do let me know!!
Xxx
http://www.thedancingpencilonpaper.blogspot.com
I absolutely love this look- so chic and beautiful (just pinned it!) and also loving the tweed jacket in the other look as well!
http://www.asequinloveaffair.com
Yay the Ann Taylor necklace is back! Time to stock up before it's gone again!
You look chic and gorg as always Jean!
The outfit is so classy! I love the pairing of the turtle neck and necklace! Look fabulous as always Jean!
Jenn
A Petite Treat
The link for jcrew bag goes to ann taylor. Could you correct it Jean? Wanna buy that bag, wanna buy that bag~~ Thank you! <3
What a perfect skirt! I really want to have this one now! Exactly what I like!
Mel
http://melandeve.com
I saw that blouse at H&M; lately, thanks for the review
You always look stunning, the skirt looks perfect on you, and love your hair, oh, BTW, I got the GAP jeans in, hip and thigh fits perfect except the waist is a little bit big, but I can manage that with a belt, thank you so much for your suggestion on the sizing….xoxoxo
I love silog breakfast, we grow up eating them and they are relish ! Next time I am in NYC will def stop by. Love the styling here. Classic and sophisticated, very Jean.
xo
Sam
http://fabulouspetite.blogspot.com
I love Maharlika! Next time you're in NYC I highly recommend their sister restaurant, Jeepney– more of a Filipino gastropub vibe and great comfort food and drinks. Their kamayan dinner is a gluttonous delight 🙂
Love this elegant and chic outfit! Great photos capturing NYC backdrop well! Hope you enjoyed your NYC trip!
Suzie Q
http://www.StyleCueBySuzieQ.com
Wow those heels really glam up an already super chic ensemble! Love this post and can see the weather was great. Beautiful 🙂
Love it!
Where did you get that lovely black leather jacket? You always seem to find the ones that fit us petite ladies the best 🙂
I really love that skirt, it's very sophisticated and it has a lot of personality.
http://www.ericasedition.blogspot.com/
I really like the skirt and the drape top!!
http://ohthatnana.blogspot.com/
That 1st outfit is very feminine and sophisticated and the 2nd one is perfect casual outfit!
http://lartoffashion.blogspot.com
Very pretty outfit, Jean! I'll have to try that restaurant when I'm in the area. Garlic fried rice sounds very tasty. 🙂
https://www.etsy.com/shop/CelebrateColours
I've been a solid customer of WHBM for almost two years now. The quality is really wonderful and though they rarely have coupons (at most 25% and 30% on black friday), many things make it to sale and can be really affordable. Plus, 5% off and free shipping for returning customers (see rewards program they have) is great. I'm glad to see you featuring them and hope you do more reviews with their items!
Thank you, Joules! I wore my SW 50/50 boots for touring around
Thanks Graciella! My boyfriend Nick takes my outdoor photos. I usually donate my no longer worn stuff or pass it down to my same-sized cousin.
Gap real straight cut with destructed wash
Hi Indah – it was in petite sizing. There were some sizes available when I posted last night but they look to be gone now – maybe check back for restock or see if some of your local stores carry petite?
Hi AZ! they are very old from Cole Haan, found at Marshalls
Hi Tina! That one is from Blank NYC (got it at Nordstrom) and is faux leather. Anthropologie has a tweed jacket on sale now, and if you don't mind the risk of shopping on ebay there are numerous options on there from Asia sellers.
Absolutely gorgeous skirt that looks great, especially after you took it in. I have a few pencil skirts I need this done on and am just not brave enough to do it myself. Props to you!
Lauren / http://www.casualglamstyle.com
Thanks, Olyvia! I don't have a tutorial, but fellow blogger Mary Ann has a very detailed one on slimming the sides of a skirt which I've pinned. This tutorial involves a waistband which is more complex. http://www.pinterest.com/pin/7599893092994778/
I love this outfit! The print on the skirt is very pretty, and I like the simple color palette you went with. I really want to start experimenting with big layered necklaces like this too–you always make it look so chic!
I'm curious–what shoes did you wear for walking when you were out and about?
Style by Joules
Hi Jean:
You look gorgeous! I was wondering who takes your pictures outside? They are great. Also wondering if you ever sale some of your stuff?? Ok enough with my questions right!? Love your blog!
Nice skirt 🙂
http://www.outofstandards.blogspot.fr
I cannot find boyfriend jeans. What style are your gap jeans here?
You look so pretty in that monochrome skirt, the print is gorgeous. In your second outfit I liked how you put denim and classic blazer, they look very chic together. Wish you a very nice weekend! <3 xoxo
http://www.stylehenge.com
This outfit is so you – polished and classy. A simple alteration really makes the world of difference. I love the white blouse on you as well. I stopped by a local H&M; last week but couldn't find it. Might have to order it online. Thanks for the shout out and have a wonderful weekend =)
I loove looks that can double up for day and night. You look great! 🙂
xo
Maggie A
LOVEMAVIN/YOUTUBE || LOVEMAVIN/BLOG
Absolutely gorgeous! So chic and elegant 🙂
Stunning!
http://www.thetouristoflife.com
I love the skirt, too and pairing a look with a moto jacked I like always so much. I neither don´t know WHBM but I'll have to try it out 🙂
You are a really beautiful woman with a wonderful taste!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.blogspot.de
hi, did you bought the skirt in petite size or regular?
please reply to indahpertiwiy@gmail.com
thank you
what a fantastic skirt! I think it definitely looks better after the alterations!
from – The Lion's Den
Hi Jean,
Could you please share information about the flats that you wore in the very last picture? Thank you!
AZ
I'm a new follower and absolutely love your style. Can you share some info on the leather jacket pictured above? Also I've been looking for an inexpensive tweed jacket. Do you have any recommendations on where I can find one?
I LOVE this skirt on you! It's so classy but the print gives it some edge. I also LOVE that you paired it with a moto jacket. I've never tried WHBM so I'll have to try it out sometime. You look stunning. Beautiful photos in NYC with a classic yellow taxi!
NEW POST up…
http://www.eyelikefashion.com
http://www.eyelikefashion.com
http://www.eyelikefashion.com
xoxo
I am a big fan of WHBM and have been buying their clothes for years. I have a very similar pattern skirt from previous seasons and love it.
Love how you paired it with such classic pieces. And I just adore those heels!
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
I really love how you update us on your solutions to styling and comparison pieces. Such a great idea, and very informative for us readers.
I often have problems with skirts hanging too low on my waist (blaming it on my long skinny torso). Did you ever post how you slim your pencil skirts so that they raised the waistline? Your pencil skirts always looks so amazing on you! I need to find out how to make my skirts look like that 🙂