LOFT is having their F&F; sale with 40% off sitewide using code SHAREIT. I wanted to share my top picks starting with this closet basic utility blouse, which comes in either collarless or collared (prefer the latter since the collar adds dimension when layering). I really love this drapey top (fit was good in xxs petite), and it’s been a travel staple since it’s comfy and doesn’t wrinkle on me. Nick was chuckling at breakfast today since mine now has a stain due to accidents from nearly each meal I’ve eaten while traveling, but no worries – it can just be thrown in the washer back home! It is thin and lightweight, so I would recommend the darker colors to avoid the risk of sheerness.
I have seen tons of these moto-style sweatshirt jackets this season, similar to a Halogen olive green one I got last season. The concept of these are great, as the moto-style structure adds a little dressiness while the material is all about comfort. For reference, this one is a lot thicker than the Halogen one and is medium to heavy in weight. I’m surprised to see reviewers mention snags since I actually thought the material didn’t feel snag-prone, but wanted to note that. It’s like a marled heather-y knit, and would look nice with jeans and tall boots or booties. I was trying on one size up from what I usually wear at LOFT and the sleeves were a tad long, so I’d say it runs true to size.
I finally got to try on their legging jeans (also in dark wash) in size 24/00 petite (cuffed in the photo above as they hit about 1″ past my ankles). They were very skinny in cut and narrow in the ankle opening, which I know some of you like and have trouble finding. My legs / knees are not straight, so these days I’ve been gravitating towards slim but not super skinny jeans, which are more flattering in that area for me personally. I preferred the fit of their modern skinny jeans (see on me here) which are a little less snug along the legs.
On the note of the modern skinny jeans, I wanted to share a quick story about an email I got from “Rob.” I don’t get many emails from men, and most of the ones I do go to the junk folder (ie. guys asking for used stockings or worn shoes…*shudder*). Rob’s email caught my eye as it came with a photo attachment of him and a beautiful, radiant lady. Apparently this was his fiancee, who went shopping for clothes for their engagement shoot and couldn’t find anything that came close to fitting. He was determined to help after she called him in tears outside of a mall. He hopped on a computer, somehow came across EP via an online search, and ordered a few outfits from my blog for her to try. Long story short, these jeans and the jeweled sweatshirt were keepers and their engagement photos are gorgeous. I enjoy shopping so much that I sometimes forget how frustrating it can be to find clothes that fit properly, no matter what size or body type you are. And that Rob – what a keeper!
This grey sweatshirt looks to be sold out, but I saw a few very similar versions including this peach one. The fleece lining of this is so soft and comfy, and it was not boxy. I got a question recently on how to wear neutrals without washing out your skin tone, and the quickest tip is to “sandwich” something of a different color in between the neutral item and your skin. With this top, you could layer a white or colored crewneck tee underneath, a collared blouse, or add a necklace that hits at the neckline junction so you won’t look like one blob of peach.
If you need any fillers for free shipping, I’ve been on a scarf kick this year and they also make great gifts for friends and family. They are hard to shop online since I really like to see and feel the fabrics in-person. My favorite out of the sale selection has to be a blue and grey plaid option which you guys may have seen me wear here and here. It’s very soft and did not feel itchy against my sensitive skin, so would recommend especially at 40% off. The scarf I’m wearing in the first picture of this post is similar in feel and size, with a slightly different color scheme and more muted plaid pattern.
Happy shopping! Please feel free to share any good finds + suggestions from recent sales!
I like her brown jacket. Especially the fit jeans. Find accessories that will add beauty to your outfit.
http://www.robecart.com
Thank you so much for your thoughtful and kind comment. I completely feel you on gaining confidence in general as you become more comfortable in smart wardrobe choices. I have to admit I do my fair share of consumerism, but am glad you have found certain tips and suggestions (like that sweatshirt – love it!) to be useful!
Congratulations on your new job! I remember the days before I knew where and how to shop for my stature, and can definitely relate on how frustrating and stressful it was, especially for workwear. Thank you so much for your sweet comment & feedback : )
I'm glad you enjoyed the story and that old post : ) It's nice to think how far several of us have collectively come since dressing like the "before" !
Stories like that are definitely rewarding! I'm glad you are going through a closet edit (have the toughest time doing that myself) – do consider a simple shortening of sleeves though on pieces that you like instead of donating, since that is a fairly straightforward alteration.
I never understand why retailers only post 1 photo of items, where you can't gauge any sense of the side, back, or closeup!
I am right handed – these photos are taken in a mirror so it's a reflection : )
Hi there – this is something I've raised to them numerous times in the past, but I just am not in a position of influence. I can only repeatedly share the feedback as well as comments and emails from shoppers like yourself, but encourage you to write in to them as well since power is in numbers. I really hope that as they continue to expand into Canada, they will eventually give shoppers there they same courtesy of promotions in the US since the exclusions are really disappointing : /
I'm glad you enjoyed it! Agree he picked things that ended up being a great fit. PS – trying a few recipes from your book this week : ) THank you again!
Hi Kim, thank you so much for your kind words : ) Yes, the sloans shrink both width and lengthwise, you just need to be really careful monitoring the dryer and keeping in mind that they might shrink down a smidge more as they continue to air dry outside of the dryer.
Hi Caitlyn! I am so glad that you like the scarf. It was a pleasant surprise for me since ordering those things online are hit or miss. Hope you enjoy the other plaid one too : )
Hi KC! Thanks for your helpful input as always. That's really disappointing that it took so much effort just to get the promo applied. I hope it eventually was resolved for you and wish the process was more smooth!
Good to know! Thank you!
Thanks for another great post, Jean! I loved Rob's story and though I know my boyfriend won't personally reach out to you, I'm sure if he could he would send his thanks as well. I just started a new job, and your blog posts have helped tremendously in finding professional clothing and shoes that fit. I've shed my share of tears at the mall or at boutiques because nothing fit right, so your blog has been a godsend for online shopping discount codes. 🙂 Thanks again, and please keep blogging!
Just wanted to add on to the pile that I love the story about Rob and his fiancee! It brought a big smile to my face. I've also bought quite a few items based on your recommendations, and when I'm getting dressed I always keep in mind your post about how to dress to look older. The photos were hilarious, btw 🙂
Thank you for sharing that story about Rob and his fiancee! I'm sure you're thrilled to know that you are an inspiration to your petite (and not so petite) blog readers. I am recently going through my closet and donating clothes with sleeves that are too long to the Salvation Army. Also, I am shopping at Loft more because of their prices and stylish clothes for petites. Do keep on blogging!
Banana Republic had a moto sweater jacket similar to the one you have on above, it was in grey but I don't think it came in petites, it now appears to be sold out. I bought a moto sweater jacket from them in a black and white pebbled fabric. From the pic they posted I thought it was more structured than it actually was, but I liked it well enough that I kept it. They only posted one pic of that jacket (they still have it in petites), I complained about that in my review because that made it harder to see what it actually looked like. I've been pretty happy with their petites, they mostly fit true-to-size although I recently had some trouble with a denim shirt I ordered in PM. It fit except that the upper arms were way too tight on me. Luckily the PL fit much better, which was good because the regular sizes didn't fit at all.
I also love the story about Rob and his fiancee, I sure can relate. Sometimes it's frustrating to find something you like only to realize it doesn't come in petite sizes and the sleeves or length of the regular are too long. You've inspired me to be more demanding of fit in my clothes, for example I refuse to buy shirts with sleeves that are too long anymore, there are too many places to shop to put up with that.
The skinny jeans look great on you. And I love the pink sweater!
X
Miri
http://currentlywearing.com
Love the sweatshirt jacket, it has such a flattering structure accentuating the figure and the material looks very cosy! Chic large collars too!
Prudence
http://www.prudencepetitestyle.wordpress.com
THese are all great selections!
i love the scarf! are you left handed, btw? you always snap photos with your left hand holding the phone-just an observation 🙂
I like that moto style sweatshirt jacket just wish it wasn't so expensive.. I am waiting for it to go on clearance or huge sale.
http://www.advsofapetitefashionista.blogspot.com
Hi Jean,
Since you have collaborated with the Ann Taylor brand before, maybe you could let them know that us Canadian shoppers are ALWAYS exempt from their promotions and I'm not sure why. It would be great if we could be included as well since all other websites that ship to Canada (ie department stores, banana republic, Jcrew) do not exempt us. Thanks!
Hi Jean! Love the picks! And I really enjoyed the story about Rob as well which was interesting because I also bought the jeweled sweatshirt and skinny jeans based on your recommendation! I've never commented before but I wanted to expressly thank you today because I was really realizing lately that Jean you have changed my life! I mean, knowing how to dress for my body type (very similar to yours in size and shape) has become so much more important now that I am entering my twenties and lost quite a bit of puppy fat. You provide such valuable resources with your tutorials, reviews, and petite guides! I hope you know what a great service you are doing for other small women out there 🙂 I love how your blog is so much more than about mindless consumerism and retail. I've learned so much about being intentional about my wardrobe selections as well as gaining the confidence to look my best in clothes, rather than hide in them. Thank you for everything Jean!
That is such a wonderful story about how your blog helped Rob to find an outfit for his fiancee. It looks like he did a great job choosing the sizes too.
Ok, the story about Rob! That is really sweet! I'm glad he landed on your blog–she looks great in that photo! I almost thought it was you for a second.
I'm really loving all of the Loft's scarves this season. They're still a bit pricey for what I normally spend on scarves, but they're very cute.
Style by Joules
Thanks for your picks Jean! It's never easy to find bottoms that fit you just right as a petite person. Appreciate it!
http://www.racheldinh.com
That blouse is so cute, and the Rob story is just so sweet.
I do agree that sometimes we enjoy shopping so much that we forgot some people may not enjoy it as much as we do or understand their body types that well, and shopping for things that fit could be a painful task. Thanks so much for sharing your tips.
xx
Yvonne
http://tellmeyblog.com
Jean, First of all, thanks for the great sales tips, and especially that bit about the BR Sloans. I tried these on and they were a tad large, and I was thinking, but they fit Jean so well (I am similar in size and body type to you)! Secondly, thank you for sharing that sweet story about Rob! Your blog really is great, and it has helped me so much in developing my own style, and just finding a better fit in general.
Love the cut of that sweatshirt you posted! Looks amazing and form fitting….but OH so comfy!
xo
kels
http://www.excusemyblog.com
Hi Jean, I just wanted to let you know that I really enjoy these types of posts! Your picks and reviews are super helpful. I am on a scarf kick as well and ordered the blue and grey plaid fringe scarf after seeing it on your blog. I *love* it! And coincidentally, this morning when I saw the Loft sale I immediately ordered the scarf in this post! Thanks again for your great posts. And the story about Rob and his fiancee is wonderful!
I bought the sloan pants from BR in lingonberry. They are almost a dark fuschia color rather than a maroon like the picture. Still a nice color, just a bit brighter than expected. Just wondering, did your Sloan shrink length and width wise?
I got the Friends and Family deal at Loft here in Canada as well. It said on the promo cards from the store the sale was in stores and online. Discovered this morning that the code wasn't working…. called them and at first they didn't believe me that the card says online for Canada as well, then they said they were having technical difficulties with the website so the code wasn't working. Eventually they took my order online but had to charge me the full price and then said they would refund back the difference in the next few days…. hopefully your other Canadian readers had better luck or they can try calling. ..
KC
They had the same moto jacket last Fall (in black) – I've had it for over a year now and can confirm, no snags to date 🙂
Aww love the story about rob and his fiancée; you are changing lives :p
Xo
Joyce
http://Www.teawithmd.com
What a super sweet story about Rob and his fiancee!
What a cool story! My favorite thing I've learned from your blog is to not overlook the kids section! I always have trouble finding small enough coats, I bet they would have some for me in the girls~~
Gina
Pink Wings
Hi Janki! I was in TX recently and couldn't believe how chilly it was. I wear a few of my wrap dresses through winter by layering a long sleeve V-neck tee underneath, slip skirt, and tights. Or a simple blazer over the top plus scarf, which I know isn't too creative. I would love to do more videos but our skills with recording and editing that medium aren't so great, so it takes a lot more time than it probably should : /
Love the pink embellished top!!
xo,Diana
http://www.TheNeonFactor.com
I love that your blog helped someone. I was thinking recently how glad I am I finally know what to wear and how to determine a good fit. I shudder at the ill fitting items I wore when I first started working.
I hope you do some more of those basic videos…it's a great way for me to cull my wardrobe. I have another request: what to wear for cold days at work? I have some lighter weight wrap dresses and I'd like to figure out how to use them now that it's getting cold.
That Rob story was super cute! And sorry that you have to deal with creepers. Love the blue and plaid scarf and utility blouse.
Thanks, Jean — definitely picking up that blue plaid scarf you recommended 🙂
Hello – not this time, since I recently purchased the utility blouse and plaid scarf in this post. Didn't get them for as good of a deal as 40% off, though, but I liked them too much to return and wait for a promo.
Great picks!
http://www.eyelikefashion.com
Hi Jean! Did you buy anything from either sale?