Saturday was a gorgeous near-60’s day – I squeezed another wear out of this light coat before handing it over to my tailor. His queue is now a lengthy 2-3 weeks (secret’s out! skilled, inexpensive tailor tucked behind the pho shops), which makes no difference since there’s nothing but cold and snow in the forecast.
For anyone interested in these BP booties, please note from my previous review to consider sizing up. I initially went with my usual sz 5 and loved how they felt with thin tights. I wore them out and about before realizing how they’d fit over thicker socks. They were very snug on me over cotton socks, but thankfully I had a small-footed friend eager to take that pair off my hands.
I re-ordered both grey and black in half a size up, and was sad (but alas not surprised) to find the ankle opening to be incrementally wider. I didn’t expect to keep the black over the grey, but when paired with jeans and tights, I thought this color showed the ankle gap a little less conspicuously. Compared to my other thin-heeled black booties, these provide much more stability for walking longer distances.
From my last post, thank you jannyisms and for3v3r16 for pointing out that LOFT has a super similar version of the Ann Taylor flutter sleeve dress. The fit of both are pretty much the same – slightly boxy A-line shift shape that requires a little slimming. Major differences include:
– LOFT’s: fully lined (yay) but the sleeves are raw cut (why?!), soft scuba material is medium weight with a little stretch, thin cutout line around the bottom opening, more pink tone
– AT’s: unlined with finished sleeves, thinner material with no stretch, panel stitch detail across the torso, more of a peach-nude tone
After discounts both were about the same price. There was no clear winner but I went with the LOFT version for the scuba material and full lining, and will try to find a solution to seal those raw cut sleeves. I could’ve waited for a better sale (cue 50% off everything from the good old days) but mall time has been a luxury lately.
And what familiar sight did I see while browsing the store? An ivory floral lace dress similar to one of my favorite pieces ever. The lace texture is unfortunately not thick crochet or intricate like Ann Taylor’s prior year versions, but it is a similar-looking option. Petite sizing appears to be online only so I can’t speak to the fit.
Leaving you guys with a random fitting room shot from the iPhone files. This Zara top could add fun spring color and print even to a conservative wardrobe. I can see it paired with a black pantsuit, or layered over a turtleneck with a pencil skirt for work. I’m trying on a sz S here which was a slightly loose but comfortable fit. The peplum was surprisingly not too low on me, unlike most Zara item waistlines. Material felt like a very thin version of Clover Canyon’s stretchy neoprene. Downside was the raw-cut edges (again!). Passed as I already own a floral peplum top in a similar color scheme, but wanted to share.
Can you do a tutorial on this hairstyle? I know it's a simple ponytail but it has this messy voluminous in the front that i like:) Thanks!
What size is the kids Gap dress? Thanks!
Thank you! 🙂
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Hi there – I'm not using it here although I still do use it quite a bit. I'm so sorry to hear your ebay experience was bad! It is risky ordering from sellers overseas but i guess i've been mostly lucky. I have not looked on Amazon yet, but if you have Asian or Japanese grocery or marts nearby, I've seen them there. I did this look just using bobby pins pushing up the pieces at the top of my head : )
ah, I do have the fray check. I was thinking of finishing the edges with a thin strip of fabric like piping : )
Hi there – I got the ones with the black heel : )
Thank you Joy for this recommendation!
I go to a tailor in Chinatown on Knapp St. He doesn't have a store name and only speaks Cantonese, but I have many non-Chinese friends that go to him and just communicate through gestures. He is located across from the grocery store on that alley/street, and you can see his sewing machine through the big window. His hours are supposed to be 9AM-5PM, but in case he closes up shop later or earlier I'd suggest going later or earlier than those hours.
They're H&M;!
^ Katherine and V –
I have not treated these for the weather. My cobbler has a variety of leather treatments but I just haven't looked into them yet. I also have not yet had to do a leather cleaning other than just wiping them down with a slightly damp paper towel, but will report back if I do.
Very beautiful and elegant ! I love your outfit !
Bye
Johanna
http://janna-dana.blogspot.fr/
Thank you so much for showing us all these great finds. I go threw different parts of your blog during study breaks to make notes of items I can look for that will work in the clinics/hospitals once I start my third year of medical school. You're an invaluable tool!
Love the outfit.
Love the whole outfit! So effortlessly chic! Fellow Boston blogger here 🙂 xo
Jyotsna
http://www.cuppajyo.com
Jean,
Could you share how you clean these boots? Thanks!
Hi Jean,
I own the same pair of BP booties! Was wondering if/how you've treated your boots for weather?
Such a cute look! Loving your clutch! Loving that flutter sleeve dress!
xx
Giovanna
http://www.HeyLoveBlog.com
Perfect combination of preppy, professional, and sassy! I adore this outfit.
Anne
Rays of Rossi
Where are those tights from? Love how opaque and dark they are?
Love this outfit 😀 Especially the leopard clutch !
http://www.outofstandards.blogspot.fr
who tailors your clothes? i'm looking for one in the boston area as well!
Hey Jean, nice boots! & the snowy setting looks gorgeous!
If you want to try a pair of ankle boots with minimal to no ankle gap, try Steve Madden's Panelope. They are sold out in most places, but if you can get your hands on a pair, I highly recommend them.
http://www.shop.com/Steve+Madden+Womens+Panelope+Ankle+Boot-937223315-hit40069737%3D0-p+.xhtml?sourceid=298&gclid;=CKiA57Wkr70CFdBqfgod06gA-A
I own a pair and they fit very close to the ankle, which I think is rare when shopping for ankle boots. The only downside is I'm not sure high maintenance the suede material will be.
shortandsweetjoy
I was thinking the same thing as Ping…great shape for you!
Hey Jean, did you purchase the black 'Trolley' booties with the brown or black heel?
love your simple and chic outfit!
xo, Liz
http://oyouclassy.com
http://oyouclassy.com
Such a pretty outfit! Love the white coat paired with the stripes and leopard. The cozy, oversized scarf adds the perfect touch!
Suzie Q
http://www.StyleCueBySuzieQ.com
Am I the only one that is freezing in Boston this winter? I cannot wear anything but knee high boots and I don't even take the T to work. I wore a dress with tights and pumps today and I have a scarf and I am half numb from the cold:(
E
I really liked the LOFT version of the flutter sleeve dress, but the raw cut sleeves were a dealbreaker. Have you ever used Dritz Fray Check in your sewing projects? That might be a possible way to seal the raw cuts on the sleeves. I've used it to prevent fraying on the edges of ribbon and cord for my crafting projects. A tiny dot of it goes a long way (plus, it doesn't leave a super visible residue behind, stays intact through machine washing, and the fabric remains pliable after it dries). I've never tried sealing raw cuts on larger pieces of fabric like a sleeve, though. Perhaps the raw cuts aren't a huge deal if you plan on dry cleaning the dress rather than machine washing it!
Wow, I adore that peplum top! Great styling. I like the color palate that you put together!
-Alex of http://snippetswithalex.com
Hi Jean, are you using the Velcro bumpit in this post. Your hair look great and natural. I watch your video about the bumpit and ordered it from ebay some times last year, I never reveived my order I never used Ebay before and that was a bad experience and I don't think I will try ebay again. I was wondering if you know any seller from Amazon might have it? I like Amazon a lot, have not had any issue with them. Thank you Jean . I really like how your hair looks
Great look! I love combination of white/off white color with light brown, or dark terracota hue, you made very pretty and eye catchy combination with the leopard print infusion. You look super stylish darling! <3 xoxo
http://www.stylehenge.com
I totally agree with you on the unfinished/raw cuts. I hate them! When on earth do retailers sell items like that–they just look unfinished.
Style by Joules
That coat looks very expensive and very "Jackie O" – I was surprised to see it was from H&M;! I want to pick it up in pink for the spring, it is so cute. I can't wait to see it after it has been altered!
Lauren
http://www.casualglamstyle.com
You look gorgeous! That floral print peplum is so fun!
You look stunning! I love the color combinations
http://www.thetouristoflife.com
This is really lovely!
http://missbagaholic.blogspot.com
You look again so wonderful in this outfit! And you wear the great coat which I bought also due to your recommendation, thanks for that!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.blogspot.de
LOVE this classic chic look! The leopard touch really pops this look!! It's amazing. You look soo soo chic!
OUTFIT POST:: PINK NAUTICAL
http://www.eyelikefashion.com
http://www.eyelikefashion.com
http://www.eyelikefashion.com
xoxo
I love the splashes of leopard with your outfits that you sometimes include, it just brings the outfit to another level..
On another note, I hate raw edges on my garments too–they always seem to come out so funny in the wash =
Demi
http://carbonchic.com.au
Jean! Those sunglasses looks so good on you. I'm going to have to try those the next time I'm in BR.
Another lovely outfit…!!since the pricing policy at loft and ann taylor is soooo unreasonable for international customers I dont order from them :(..like that peplum top…will be trying it…Thanks for sharing…!