Happy Friday! A few sales of note – Anthropologie has extra 25% off sale items (lots of petite sizing if you filter for it) with code SALEONSALE, and LOFT is having one of their 40% off everything promos. *Update* thanks to a reader who shared stackable code INSIDER473 for 20% off $100+. I wanted to share some items from the latter that I tried on this month. The jeweled sweatshirt style has been around for ages, but I thought this option was noteworthy since the color scheme, price point, and fit were all great. The material is cozy and was a casual, non-boxy fit on me.
The small jewel clusters are individually sewn on versus in one long stitch (where if you lose one, you lose ‘em all). I’ve stayed away from embellished pieces as I was sure they’d be dry-clean only, but the label actually reads machine wash! I’d probably only run it on the delicates cycle, maybe turned inside-out and placed in a mesh bag.
I keep gravitating towards bow tie-neck tops – this one has a cute print in a slightly stretchy and lightweight material. I wanted to show the full length and think it’d be cute tucked into skirts. On to the jeans…several of you recommended LOFT’s “modern skinny” white jeans this summer. I was so excited to order them, but the pair I got was really bunchy at the butt – so bad that I didn’t take photos. I almost wrote off that cut altogether, but on a whim tried on these jeans that fit almost perfectly. Length of the 00 / 24 petite is ~2” past my ankle which I don’t mind for a casual small cuff.
I noticed on their website they now have petite dark wash legging jeans with real 5-pockets (so hard to find as they’re usually “faux”) but they are online exclusives. If anyone has tried that cut, please share thoughts! I am curious how they compare to Gap’s denim legging mentioned above, which fit nicely.
I tried this peplum tee as it reminded me of the one Cee wears often and well. I thought it looked and fit better in-person than it appears on the model. Online the sleeves look boxier but I did not feel that in the fitting room. I like that the faux leather trim is around the neckline as well. Torso material is really lightweight and chiffon-y, which works with the more flowy cut. 
Lastly, this jacket looked shrunken-fit on the hanger and it did indeed fit well, with sleeves just about ~1″ long on my shorter arms. The material was a nice medium weight made of 97% cotton, 3% spandex. The color and design are not really my style but I wanted to share for anyone interested. For reference, I am trying xxs or 00/24 petite for all items in this post.
Yeah, V cute! It fit me perfectly (LP, my usual LOFT top size)!
I love the different shirts you have paired with your colored jeans. You have such a great and fresh style! And your flatss, they're to die for!!
Sara Welsh | http://falafashionline.com/Jeans
I ordered the sweatshirt (yes, am a BIG fan of those) and the blouse here (hope it fits)! My issue is upper arms, BUT LOFT blouses usually DO fit me nicely.
Thanks so much Jean! Dress arrived and fits perfectly (except for the length, as I am a shorty!) so I'm pretty much set to go!
Thanks so much! I have to admit I was also weary of the OTK style and found the thought of it to be a little dominatrix. I've since converted to a fan though and find them to be not only lengthening but also super warm on the legs : )
I'm sorry if Blogger ate your comment! Hate when that happens. I would do a gray or cream-colored skirt, or a deep mustard yellow could be unexpectedly harmonious. Hope you get to try it on!
Hey Jean, idk why my comment didn't post, I'm new to the blog so I probably did it wrong. I'm curious what color skirt you'd pair with the polka dot blouse. I love it on you, but I'm thinking more for work tucked into a skirt. I'm 5'4 with a "straight slender" body type and have a long torso, so I like to tuck things in to elongate my legs. 🙂
I'm familiarizing myself with your blog and came across your entries about boots! I also have short and narrow calves. I have to admit that I never thought over-the-knee black leather boots would look so unbelievably classy! Thank you for the advice- you've got a new fan!
Thanks for the advice Jean! 🙂
Loving the tie-neck blouse. Very cute print!
Style by Joules
Hi there – boots are super hard for ladies with short and narrow calves (like myself), but if you have tall but narrow calves the options are more plentiful! If you shop certain retailers like Nordstrom you can filter for "narrow calf" – however I find that although the calves are narrow, they hit too tall on shorter women and are uncomfortable to walk in. The only boots I've found in the past that fit in both aspects are on the pricier side by Aquatalia and Stuart Weitzman. Since I don't own many pairs at all I found those to be worth the money, but would love to find some less expensive options. You can also go custom with brands like Poppy Barley for what would hopefully be a perfect calf/leg fit!
Have you shopped at H&M;? Many of my dresses are from there, and they have knit flared/skater dresses to more professional material fit and flare dresses. The sizing runs small compared to american brands and I often don't even need alterations. Banana Republic also has professional-looking flare dresses at a higher price point, but if you look for their 40% off sales it's not bad for a staple piece.
I see a lot of bright colored dresses (especially in maxi form) at the weddings I've been attending and don't think that is too flashy for a southern California late afternoon/evening wedding! I certainly would not be offended by the vibrant dress you linked to. That's my personal opinion and observations though, and I'm not familiar with customs or what's acceptable/unacceptable in various cultures. Hope you nail down a dress that you feel comfortable in and enjoy the wedding!
Hi there and congrats on your new job! I think your best bet is to dress conservatively and put your personal style (if it's more feminine or fashion forward, etc) aside for at least the first month or two so you can begin to establish yourself in terms of work ethic and skill set, plus also observe how your peers and higher ups dress in your group. For my first year at work I pretty much stuck to suiting separates with a blouse or cardigan as I didn't want to draw any attention for fashion choices. Conservative doesn't need to mean boring though as you can still look sharp and add small details like necklaces or printed/colorful blouses that make you feel good about yourself.
Thank you for this code! I posted up above and hope that others were able to take advantage : )
Hello! I am beyond thrilled to have just found your blog! I am hoping that in the spirit of falling temperatures, you could revisit any boot recommendations you have? I ogle all of these riding boots and chic women dressed for cold wet weather!
Hi there – the two look really similar (taupe being a smidge darker) that I honestly wouldn't have a preference for one over the other, especially in terms of versatility. Both are a light neutral that I don't think you can go wrong with. It does look like the taupe color is offered for the $895 version that comes with a quilted detachable liner, and the trench color is for the $795 version without that liner, so in that sense I would think the one with liner is more versatile as you can wear it through cooler weather.
It was xxs petite for both. Happy shopping!
Ah good to know! I know you were a big advocate of the modern skinnies and I loved how the pair here fit – must've gotten a bad apple with the white pair I ordered this summer.
I'm trying on the modern skinny jeans from LOFT, also linked above : )
Hello, I am a college student looking for more professional clothing. I am 5'3'', and my best friends mom is a tailor, so I can fit in regular, girls, and petite sizes. I am wondering were to buy relatively inexpensive a-line/skater/fit and flare dresses, thank you, love the blog so much!
Hi Jean (and everyone else, please weigh in too!), sorry to hijack the thread, but I have a question that's driving me crazy, and as you've been to many weddings as a guest (and are in the process of planning your wedding as well!) I wanted to get some insight!
I'm entering that phase where everyone's getting married, and going to a wedding in San Diego. Wedding starts at 4pm, and then cocktail hour, and then buffet. Ceremony will be done in a..courtyard type setting, so no grass to worry about for heels to sink into, but, my issue is the dress to wear! I wanted something long, and flowy, and simple enough, so I could dress it up or down, and be able to wear many times after the wedding too. I found this dress:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/amanda-uprichard-silk-maxi-dress/3483675?origin=PredictiveSearch-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid;=0&fashionColor;=&resultback;=151&cm;_sp=personalizedsort-_-searchresults-_-1_1_A
And while I don't usually like Pink, on impulse, I just ordered it. Do you think the color is too loud or flashy? I have been researching, and apart from the no white rule (I'm safe on that count at least!), the world seems divided on color, black is okay now if it's not too sombre, red is also acceptable-I thought the pink was very lovely, and the bridesmaids will be in a deep eggplant type color, so that's okay too.
Any thoughts? Are some colors just too bright to be worn? If a guest turned up at your wedding in this, would you be offended? Anyone? Thank you!!!!
Hi Jean! Do you have any tips for a "first day at a new job" outfit? I've read your old posts on how to build confidence in the work place when you are petite (& look young). One thing I'm concerned about is dressing overly feminine may have me written off as someone who can't handle tough situations. Help! How can I maintain my femininity while still show that I mean business?
Cute picks – thanks for sharing!
FYI – there's an additional 20% off $100+ code that I was able to stack on top of the 40% off. Code is: INSIDER473
Hi Jean, this question is about the previous post because I was not sure if the question will get to you if it's not in the current post, my apology. So I went into the Burberry store and tried on the Reymore trench taupe color and it looks very nice. Nordie already sold out for small sizes the trench color of the Reymore but they still have small sizes for taupe color. I like both color. Which color do you think is more versatile taupe or trench ? Thank you for your opinion Jean.
what size is the blouse and sweatshirt, would love to know for online ordering, There really isnt a LOFT close by to where i live. Great post! Thank you!
Thanks for alerting me to this sale! I really like that coat on you.:)
<3
Daisy | Simplicity Relished
I was look at their sales too! Awesome picks<3
http://www.shallwesasa.com
Hi Jean, love your fitting room reviews and that you've featured the destructed modern skinnies– I've been living in my old pair all summer (the 24P fits just a smidge past my ankle, so usually I keep them rolled up for a casual look). I really liked the dark wash legging jeans when I tried them on– the inseam is about an inch shorter than the destructed modern skinny. I have a bit of a booty so they look fine in the back, and judging by the fabric and other dark wash Loft jeans I own, they seem like they wouldn't stretch out by the end of the day. Ultimately I didn't keep them because I already own a pair of dark wash AG legging jeans (which, sadly, do stretch out with extended wear), but if I were to replace them at some point I would definitely consider the Loft pair based on the overall petite fit and price point.
I like your different looks 😉 !!
You look great !!!
Pauline
http://lesselfiesdepauline.blogspot.fr
I love the jeans you're wearing XD I really want a pair of destroyed jeans that are not completely destroyed. Where are yours from?
xoyaoyao.wordpress.com
just love the sweater 🙂
Saci
ChocolateFashionCoffee
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Love your picks! And now I will fetch immediately my jewellery sweater out of my closet, thanks for the inspiration 🙂
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
That jeweled sweater looks really good on you!
Yvonne
http://tellmeyblog.com
Love the clothes of LOFT. My favorite is the grey sweater.
Avi
http://www.petitefashionmonster.com
Cute picks!
http://www.eyelikefashion.com