Although sweater season is (hopefully!) a bit of a ways out, a few of you requested try-on photos of this Halogen jacket from Nordstrom’s Anniversary sale. As mentioned before, the material to me is slouchier and thin, more like a knit cardigan than a jacket. I also mentioned that the material seemed snag-prone due to a looser, light knit. Despite this it was a keeper for me, because the fit was surprisingly good and cardigans are tough to alter. After I bought this I read reviews and saw Halogen makes a cotton version that’s apparently a lot sturdier – petite sizing must’ve sold out lightning fast, but the black color remains in all regular sizes.
I wouldn’t recommend this moto-inspired piece for a business formal office, but for business casual it makes a good “keep at desk” layer for when the AC is blasting. It also looks good with white or distressed denim and a simple tee for lounging around. Add patterned heels + a cross-body bag and you’re good to go for a comfy night out.
Jacket measurements of xxs petite (keep in mind material is stretchy): 13.5″ across shoulder, 14.5″ across chest, 13″ across waist, 19″ torso length, 20.5″ sleeve length.
Composition: 35% cotton, 48% acrylic, 17% nylon. Hand wash cold and lay flat to dry.
Here’s a closer look at the Halogen leopard pumps which I’m super happy with. You guys will definitely see these in many posts to come! The upper is a haircalf material and the heels are suede, with the same suede again as trim. The insoles are decently cushioned and the pointy toe is not cramped & uncomfortable like some styles. I read the reviews on how this ran “so small” so was nervous and ordered both 5 and 4.5. I ended up sticking with my usual size 5 and thought these fit comparably to Ann Taylor (half a size big relative to J.Crew).
Also tried on this embellished chambray shirt the last time I was in a store. Thought this would look good with simple cotton shorts, white or colored denim, striped or printed bottoms and the like. This is an XXS petite, and it’s hard to tell in the photo but it was a roomy fit. Would recommend sizing down unless you want a true “boyfriend style” fit. The embellishment had good weight to it and each cluster was individually sewn on, so if one comes loose, everything won’t come unravelling off.
I didn’t get anything else from the sale, but here a few other well-reviewed items that are good foundation pieces for any wardrobe:
1. Stretchy knit blazer – mine from Old Navy (now sold out in petites) are my ultimate work-to-weekend piece and get so much wear. This one is 100% cotton with no dry cleaning needed – care instructions says hand wash cold and lay flat to dry. Calson just started offering extended sizes (xxs and 00 petite) this year but I haven’t found it in-store yet to try.
This jacket has rave reviews online, and I got this feedback from reader Paige M. (thanks Paige for the update!): “I ended up buying the Caslon Cotton Knit Jacket (in Grey/White stripe) that you recommended, and I am thrilled with it. I had been struggling to find a knit blazer that fits comfortably, and this is the best. It fits great, good quality, and is as comfortable as a sweatshirt. And you can’t beat the price! I like it so much I am going to order another.”
2. Well-draping blouse – This is a basic wear-with-everything top that’s updated with “blousy” material in the front with stretchy knit sleeves and back. I’ve reviewed a Pleione blouse before and really liked how well it draped and looked nice even with the simplest denim combo, but ultimately found the fit of XS petite (smallest offered) to be a little too long and roomy. Sizing for this again starts in XS petite, plus please note the descriptions and reviewers all say it runs a solid 1 size big.
3. Versatile-colored peacoat (4 + colors) – what a steal for a cute peacoat under $40. This is from the juniors department which I try to shy away from as a grown woman, but still get drawn for the smaller fit. Material quality is the biggest thing I look for in coats – this one is a poly and wool blend which I would’ve really liked to see in person but couldn’t find. Reviews are mostly positive and note that sizing runs small.
I wore those pumps to work and received compliments on them immediately! I also ordered my usual size and found that it was a perfect fit.
That green peacoat was also in my cart, but I decided against it. Living in Canada and ordering from Nordstrom is hard 'cause of shipping/returns.. I didn't want to risk it not fitting!
jessydust.com
Love those leopard print heels!
Liz @ ShoppingMyCloset.com
Style Me Wednesday fashion link-up
Love both stylings of this jacket. Leopard shoes go perfectly.
http://www.eyelikefashion.com
Great recs! I also picked up the leopard pumps during the sale and I LOVE them!!
I love all the blazers and the peacoat!
Leopard prints are timeless. I have a pair of leopard pumps from J.Crew and they are one of my go-to pieces ever since I started working. The colors are so close to Asian's skin tones sometimes I wear them like my nude pumps 🙂
closet de Jules
I would love to get the leopard pumps. But I am so confused about the sizing. A ton of reviews say the pump runs large. Half the bloggers online say they run tts and half say we should size 1/2 size down. Wish I had a store close to me to try them on first.
That skirt in the first set of photos makes your hips look huge. Very unflattering.
ROTFL. As if. Makes her look proportional.
I really like the weekend potential of the halogen jacket!
Ugh they're out of colors! Any recommendations on how I can get the blazer in black?
hey jean
could you do a segment on job interview clothes
As always you look so polished and amazing!
http://finefantasies.blogspot.com/
Love that chambray shirt, and the green pea coat. Some good pointers on the draped blouses and knit blazers.
xo
http://agoldentulip.blogspot.com/
I had been looking for a nice pair of leopard heels just like this for so long! It's hard to find them at a decent price. Thank you SO much! I went straight to Nordstrom's website and they were already out of my size in the leopard print, so I headed to the store where I could order them. I went a half size down… Anyway, I cannot wait for them to arrive!! As a petite person, I am so happy I found your site. You have amazing style, and good advice! Thanks!
http://bake-share-eat-repeat.blogspot.com/
Such cute look! Loving the more casual one with the leopard pumps! Adorbs!
xx
Giovanna
http://www.HeyLoveBlog.com
Love your pairings for your purchases! Your recommendations and reviews are always so helpful for us extra petites. I'm pretty happy with both the leopard heels and peacoat in red that I just received! The pumps are true to size for me; the coat in XS fits well on my 5' 0" frame.
love that jacket styled two ways! looking great per usual!
I love the Halogen moto-jacket best with the bf jeans and pumps!
http://www.misshotcouture.blogspot.com
Never mind, I'll go in and order it. Thanks to another reader!
Hi there – if you take the style # from online, you can call any nordstrom and speak to someone in the women's department. They can do an inventory search for you in their nationwide system, take your credit card info over the phone (if they have it) and ship to your home for free. No need to go in! Also there is a 'locate in store' feature on the website so you can also check if your local stores have the item in stock, but I wasn't able to find these Halogen jackets in stores.
Hi there – for interview clothes I think basic and conservative is key! If you're interviewing at a professional firm, I would suggest a suit in navy, gray, or black with closed toe pumps no higher than 3.5." You can wear a silk or silk-like blouse (H&M; or LOFT has lots of these) underneath as an alternative to a button-up shirts for a less stiff look. Good luck!
So glad you were able to order them! In the future, if it's not convenient to visit a store any SA should be able to order for you over the phone and ship for free.
Hi Shannon! Good to know about the coat fit and I'm happy you like the heels as well : )
Aren't they awesome for the price? Surprisingly, leopard print in the right color scheme and not-too-wildly-high heel are hard to come by.
Hi Sue – unfortunately I think the d'orsay (open middle) style fits every foot type differently. So you could either size down half a size or stick with your usual, then exchange for free if it does not work out. Good luck!
Just ordered the knit blazer in a couple diffrent colors and sizes and I cant wait to try them on! I have been looking for a knit blazer for awhile now and these seem perfect with a great price point as well. Thanks for posting this!
I love the jacket on you! I would wear this for casual rather than work though.
http://www.petitestyleonline.com
Thanks so much Jean! Love your site and your reviews are so helpful.
All great pieces, Jean! I am so flattered that you quoted me on the Caslon jacket. 🙂 As promised, I ordered the second (in navy/white stripe), and it's my new favorite wardrobe piece! I still can't believe how well it fits and how comfortable it is.
Hi Jean, sorry to trouble you with this, but is it possible for you to put the direct link to the jacket that you wore in the first photo? Many thanks! 🙂
Wait! Found it! 🙂 http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/halogen-boucle-knit-jacket-regular-petite/3671701?origin=category But is it grey or green?
Hi Mirada! I got it in green : )
Woa, I love your outfits, it looks so great. The color combination is really nice 🙂