I’ve gotten a few questions on what to wear while casually at home, such as this from anonymous: “I have trouble finding something to wear at home and not look sloppy…if you could do a post on different outfit ideas for lounging at home, that would be great.” For me, home is a safe place to “let go,” and 90% of the time I’m roaming around in full pajama sets or Nick’s over-sized tees. If there’s anyone other than us then I usually spare their eyes and simply pair a longer top or tunic sweater over leggings. For chillier days, this Bobeau fleece as an added layer is perfect for staying super comfy but still looking put-together.
Here are other ways that I’ve showed this cardigan (on sale, and makes an awesome gift!) – which is your favorite?
I also love to layer the fleece under other jackets for insulation, plus the added dimension of the drape front. Here’s this Blank NYC faux-leather jacket again which runs on the smaller side (see my review).
I don’t often post infamous leggings on here, but do think they’re a wardrobe stable and can be chic when paired right! The key of course is to wear a longer top that covers your crotch (my sweater here is borderline a little short for wearing with leggings in public). For going outside, pair with flats/loafers, ankle booties, or my favorite…with over-the-knee boots for an elongating look.
I’m desperately in need of new leggings though – used to stock up on ones from H&M; but there’s an extra foot of material bunched up at my ankles (harder to hem because it’s a knit, and the leg opening is so narrow) and saggy butt and knees. I came across these petite leggings that have a 27″ inseam with good reviews and might give them a try. If you have longer legs, these Hue leggings in ~29″ inseam have a whopping 1,000+ reviews and nearly 5 stars so they must’ve gotten something right! Would love to hear your legging recommendations for shorter legs, with materials that don’t stretch out or sag.
I usually don’t use the button on this cardigan, but it can create a chic poncho-like effect when fastened. When layering under jackets like this that are worn open, it also helps keep the chest area fully covered:
These photos were snapped while we were running errands (had the Sheinside black + white coat in the car as my top layer) and stopped outside Polka Dog Bakery, the cutest shop for canine lovers. Dogs on walks a block away would catch a whiff of the treats and practically drag their owners to the front door. No dog for us, but we’ve become “aunt and uncle” to a few friends’ puppies and have been spoiling them accordingly : )
Hi I was wondering what size was your fleece cardigan?
Hi Petite Ladies! I'm selling last season's J. Crew cocoon coat in Size 8 Petite if anyone is interested. It is listed on eBay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/J-Crew-Stadium-Cloth-Cocoon-Coat-Sandstone-Sz-8P-Petites-/161515452595?ssPageName=ADME:L:LCA:US:1123
(Sorry Jean for posting this on your blog – I just wanted people to be aware of it!)
Beautiful lady you are, so stylish!
Hi Jean, I want to jump on this thread to vouch for Lululemon crops. I own 3 pairs and they've held up very well over the 3 years that I've had them. The material is thicker than some less expensive athletic leggings, and the shape holds up after many washes. I baby mine a bit by putting them in mesh laundry bags and air dry them whenever possible. I agree with Amanda that they do something magical for the rear-end region!
If you're looking into Lululemon leggings, I want to suggest 2 things to consider.
1. The length of the pants might be too long for shorter gals. I'm 5' 4.5" with a longer torso/shorter legs structure. The pants were waaaaaay too long for me without hemming. The crops sit about 2 inches above my ankles. If the crops can act as full-length leggings, you can save about $10 to $15 by going with the crops rather than the pants.
2. There's a reflective logo on the back of the left knee area on some styles. Some people have mistaken it as a sticker getting stuck on me when they didn't know it's a printed-on logo. If you're going for a more put-together look, the logo might detract from that. On the days when I wear mine to work with a longer sweater and boots so I can go workout right afterwards, I prefer the 2 styles below because the logo is printed on the waistband instead on the leg.
http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/crops-yoga/Wunder-Under-Crop-IPLUX?cc=0001&skuId;=3548278&catId;=usyogacrops
http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/crops-yoga/Wunder-Under-Crop-II-Fullux-RD?cc=0001&skuId;=3568101&catId;=usyogacrops
Good luck with your search!
Hi Jean! Do you have a special way you care for your BP tall transit boots? I'm not sure if they'd be treated the same way as other distressed leather boots and don't want to ruin them trying!
Hi Jean, I love how you've styled this cardigan… in fact I love it so much that I've ordered one from Nordstroms. Let's hope I like it as much as you do. In your post, you mentioned you stay lounge in your pajama's when you're home alone. Have you found any cute pajamas for petites? My measurements are similar to yours. I find they make pajamas so large that I'm swimming in them! I don't mind a little loose but it seems like most are just too big. I've tried the petite VS pajamas which are fine but the flannel can be a little thin depending on what year I've bought them. I've just ordered a pair from Pajama Salvage in Girls XL & Womens XS but have yet to receive them. If you have any other ideas, I'd love to hear them. Have a wonderful holiday season!
Hi Jean,
As always, your response is valued, thank you for taking the time. Neiman Marcus SF suddenly had new a shipment earlier this week for Balenciaga city bags and had more colors to pick from so I ended up getting a midnight navy and very happy with it. Looks black at times with some varying degree of lighting but it should be versatile for all seasons in the Northeast. 🙂
Are you visiting the Philippines anytime soon?
I've purchased leggings from Old Navy that are comfy. Only downside is it's a bit on the thin side. I've also purchased Vera Wang leggings from Kohls, but they're a bit long (I'm 5'2") so I have to fold the bottom.
This is absolutely gorgeous!
xx
Lauren Elizabeth
Petite in Pearls
Thank you for your suggestion! I did not even think of try a small corner first; you are so great and thank you so much Jean . I'll certainly try that method . I do appreciate you take the time to reply!!
^Thank you ladies so much for the awesome suggestions on leggings! Seriously an abundance of options at really good price points : )
I do…I know it's not nearly as easy as machine washing but I want to try to avoid pills as long as possible so do take the time to wash in the sink : /
Oh man – I can relate to how tough it is to find a good dry cleaner. I'm always wary each time I try a new one, and have sadly ruined a few special pieces like Theory dresses and the like due to their "processes." Although I do violate the tag rules for a few lower-priced pieces like Banana Republic sloan pants and dresses from Nordstrom without noticeably detrimental results (to me, anyways), I haven't been brave enough to do so for designer items. If it's not dirty, try hanging it by a open window and let it air out natrually, or try fabric odor neutralizer sprays. If you really want to handwash, try a corner of the dress that is maybe less conspicuous like the fabric belt, or the hidden corner of the bottom if it's a wrap style dress, and then dry and look for fading or other changes in the fabric before proceeding. Good luck, and thank you for your kind words!
Hi there – thanks! I actually only have one pair (that I can think of, anyways!). They are the Stuart Weitzman mainline over the knee boots.
Hi Marina! Yes I do dry clean or launder all items before storage since stains can "settle in" if you don't take care of them. I store everything in under-bed zipper bags and I put large cedar chips in to (hopefully) guard against bugs eating away at the material. I haven't tried air saver bags personally since I wonder if they will make silk wrinkly while in storage, but that method must be popular for a reason!
Hi Danielle – I'm so glad the tulle dress worked for you! I thought it looked gorgeous online and I hope it's another hit for Manila. I would go with black for Balenciaga but of course it's your personal preference on what you'd wear more. I think it's perfectly OK to wear light colors in winter and I like that the contrast is a fresh look. I would just personally be more wary of caring for a designer bag in cream/beige, especiallyl if you want to wear it frequently.
Hi Lacey – eeek! I have no idea. I just googled "cat urine on leather" though and a lot of suggestions popped up, hopefully from ppl who actually have experience with the issue. I'd suggest checking that out since I unfortunately don't have first-hand tips.
I'll pass along your suggestion, he's been a recluse blogger lately though ; )
Thank you ^ for both great tips! I also use a sweater shaver, but by the brand Evercare found at Bed Bath & Beyond (also on Amazon I believe). It doesn't have the best reviews for some reason but I've used it for years and it does the simple job of shaving pills just fine, as long as you're careful to pull the material taut so it doesnt shave holes into it! I have no tips about deodorant stains but will definitely look into the Shout spray gel recommended above : )
Hi Amanda, which style Lululemon leggings in particular would you recommend? Was looking on the website and overwhelmed by choices! Free hemming is always a plus : )
And how exciting that you and your boyfriend are getting ready to embark on the next stage in your relationship! I'll pass along your compliments to Nick. Mine is a round cut solitaire from Blue Nile, a retailer that he said he was very happy with. The setting is a "petite" style which means a thinner band, with stones halfway around. If you two are unsure with what size to go with, my best recommendation is to visit a jeweler together and and try on a variety to see what you both are most comfortable with. Best wishes to you guys!
These leggings: http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1017517&vid;=1&pid;=119084002
They don't look like much in the pic but they are fantastic. Thick, sturdy and so, so inexpensive that it is ridiculous! I'm 4'11 3/4" and 98 pounds and (sadly) wear a girl's medium in these…they fit as a 3/4 length legging. The girl's large are just not tight all the way down the leg and I have really muscular legs!
love the way you layered a jacket over the cardigan…and so many great info about petite leggins from the readers…cant wait to try a few..
xo
Hems
http://agoldentulip.blogspot.com/
My favorite leggings are actually Old Navy Active leggings! They come in petite sizes and are a little more substantial than typical leggings, plus you can't beat the prices! I know they're meant for exercise, but I wear them for day to day looks similar to the ones you posted 🙂
Jean, I bought a pair of grey leggings from White House Black Market that are superb. They come in petites, and those are the only leggings I can wear, all the others are way too long and they are a pain to shorten. Mine are the Signature Ponte Leggings, they are of thicker fabric and the waistband is wide so it doesn't roll over when you wear them. Highly recommended, here's a link http://www.whitehouseblackmarket.com/store/browse/product.jsp?maxRec=15&pageId;=1&productId;=570121085&viewAll;=&prd;=Petite+Signature+Ponte+Grey+Legging&subCatId;=cat8739285&color;=&fromSearch;=&inSeam;=&posId;=8&catId;=cat8739284&cat;=Petites+Pants&onSale;=&colorFamily;=&maxPg;=1&size;=
Do you handwash and line dry the cardigan as suggested, or have you had luck with another less time-consuming method?
Love the outfit!
http://www.bluelabelsboutique.com
H&M; Kids Leggings always do it for me. I've had some for years and they are indestructible.
Thanks a for the useful tips, I'll definitely try them out 🙂
I'm not Jean, but I do have recommendations for both of your questions. The Conair De-Fuzzer (http://www.amazon.com/Conair-CLS1-Battery-Operated-Fabric-Defuzzer/dp/B008I25368/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid;=1418066939&sr;=8-2&keywords;=conair+shaver+fabric) works amazingly and can be used on all fabrics that pill or get fuzzy. And the best solution I have found for those stains is Shout spray gel. Right after I take off the clothes I spray some and rub it in. The clothing can then sit in your hamper until you're ready to wash it. It's the only thing that has ever worked for me, and I've tried bleach, Biz, Oxyclean, baking soda, white vinegar, changing deodorants…pretty much every other solution out there. Good luck!
Oh how gorgeous.. Love the combo of this look!
Hope
http://www.hhdesignsblog.com
I love the American Apparel winter leggings! I've had mine for 2 winters (approaching 3 winters now) and they are excellent, even for Toronto winters. Super warm and I haven't had issues with pilling or fading!
super cute! I live in my boots, a total must have for the season!
XO Courtney
http://www.ColorMeCourtney.com
Dress Outside The Lines
I NEED that cardigan. Love all the looks you've came up with, especially the first one, with the black boots!
xoyaoyao.wordpress.com
Great Looks Jean! You pair your boots perfectly for that effortless look.
http://www.racheldinh.com
Victoria's Secret carries leggings in the catalog in lots of colors and fabrics/textures, and several lengths.
I really love how those black OTK boots look on you…I always am scared to try them being short, but this makes me want to!
hi Jean, I have the DVF wrap dress similar to the one you recommended in one of your posts. It's 100% silk. The tag said: "dry clean only". I wonder if you would consider hand wash it at all. To be honest with you I had my expensive items dry cleaned and never had good experience, maybe I have not found a good dry cleaner. My DVF dress is not dirty, it's just has the food smell after I wore it to a dinner at a restaurant. I know if I hand wash it, it would be at my own risk, I just wonder if you would at all. Thanks for your advise. I Love your blog. I learn so much from your blog Jean. I find your style not only chic but very practical and many women can relate to.
Hi Jean,
Notice you have a few OTK boots. Which is your fav? Thx!!!
Really enjoy reading your blog!!!
Very cute day off look! Love it!
xx
Yvonne
http://tellmeyblog.com
Hi Jean,
Wanted to see if you could do a quick post on how you store your summer clothing during the winter and visa versa. Ie do you launder all items, how you store silks and wools vs poly blends, if you recommend air saver space bags, etc. if not a post, could provide your input in a reply? I was simply honking of laundering some items and storing all silks, poly, chiffon dresses together in an air saver bag… Thanks!! Mariana
I love seeing you restyling your loved pieces.
Hi Jean,
It's me Danielle again. Ended up getting that Anthropologie tulle sheath dress that you recommended for holiday parties, thanks again! I'm moving to New York next month and was considering a Balenciaga City bag since it's light and has that optional shoulder strap that would work well when wearing bulky coats or parkas. I wanted to ask you which color you would suggest for all season wear, black or beige/cream? As much as I'm trying to stay away from the normal black, I feel that I can't go wrong with it. What do you think of wearing a light colored bag in the dead of winter?
I hope you had a wonderful weekend despite the rain!
~Danielle
I super recommend Uniqlo leggings. They are inexpensive and I own 7 or 8 pairs (both black and their jeggings). I'm just shy of 5'2 and always have issues with length on pants/leggings but these fit perfectly. Maybe it's because it's originally a Japanese brand but I think it's great for petite people.
PS: Nordstrom rack sells Zella leggings too. If you don't need true winter leggings for outdoor exercise, this might be a good alternative.
I LOVE Athleta Polartec Power stretch 2 tight. It's their winter legging and perfect for exercise, lounging at home or running errands around town. It's really thick, warm and versatile. I also love Uniqlo Heat tech base layers which are more affordable and lightweight. A few years ago, my favorite leggings came from American Apparel – they were thick, comfy and around $40…I haven't checked the quality in recent years, but I was never able to look back on cheaper leggings after that experience!
I just ordered that sweater from Nordstrom.com in a teal color. 🙂 My favorite leggings are from LOFT. Their petite-sized ones have about 25" inseams. The ponte ones are quite warm, too.
Love this new blog!!! I love it for 2 reasons! First, you're doing more casual outfits! I'm seriously in need of tips on this. Second, I love it when you show us ladies how to use the same piece to create different looks! You should be a professional stylist Jean!!! I love your blog!! Please keep it going no matter what! You're awesome!
Help! I just discovered my cat has peed on my Kate Spade handbag. It really reeks and the leather looks pretty ruined. Since this could have happened weeks, maybe months ago, do you think all hope is lost? I'm willing to have it professionally cleaned – any recommendations or advice is very much welcomed!
Love the layered look of the leather jacket over the cardigan and long sweater, so cool and chic! Such a versatile outfit too as removing the outerwear will instantly transform the attire into a style which can be worn at home without looking slopping!
Prudence
http://www.prudencepetitestyle.wordpress.com
Thanks for sharing! I'm around your size and recently came across these leggings (http://www.express.com/clothing/sweater+legging/pro/7353348/cat1620001) and they are extremely comfortable and surprisingly fit very well without alterations.
Athleta makes a fleece lined legging which is super warm and thicker than your average legging. Love them!
Can you pretty please ask Nick to do another Gift Guide for Men?? Thank you!!! 🙂
Hi Jean, I have two practical questions which are irrelevant to styling : how do you remove sweater pillings and how do you deal with the stain from body spray / deodorant on clothes (especially white ones) ? Your reply is appreciated 🙂
LOFT makes incredibly comfortable, sturdy leggings that come in petite sizes. I've had the same thick pair that keep me warm in cold Chicago winters for four years now, and even though winter lasts about nine months out of the year in Chicago, they still haven't shown any signs of wear! I scored mine for $10 on sale, though they're totally worth full sticker at $50.
I love how you layered a jacket over the cardigan! Hmm, my favorite look without the jacket would have to be the one on the far left! -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey's
Beautiful cardigan and boots:)
Shall We Sasa
Zella live in leggings are comparable to Lululemon ones and at the last anniverary sale went down to 30+ bucks! Unfortunately there's only one style (the live in legging) that offers XXS (which is equal to a size 2 in Lululemon wunder unders). I haven't used my Zella leggings to workout in since I usually only like working out in capris, but they're great everyday leggings!
LULULEMON LEGGINGS SERIOUSLY SAVES LIVES!! I highly recommend them to all my girlfriends! I wear them year round. They even keep me warm in Chicago's winter time! On the expensive side, but such great quality (mine have lasted me +2 yrs) and make your bootay look amazing 🙂 They come pretty long but I got mine altered for free in store!
By the way, my boyfriend and I are in the market for engagement rings & I seriously LOVE yours Jean!! (good job nick!) What type is it and how many carats if you don't mind me asking? We're looking into possibly 2 carats but not sure how it'll look on my size 4.75 finger. Thank ya!
-Amanda
Lovely outfit. I agree the button makes the cardigan look like a poncho, awesome 2 in 1.
~~~Diana~~~
http://www.TheNeonFactor.com
I love the Kenneth Cole sweater paired with the cardigan! And I agree with the previous comment, that I doubt you could ever look sloppy. 🙂 I like that you showed a more casual outfit though; I have similar pieces in my closet, so this is definitely a look I could re-create.
~ Christina
http://www.mabellechristina.blogspot.com
I even can't imagine that you could be sloppy! You show perfect weekend outfits which I wear often in a similar way. A nice cardigan, a shirt and skinny comfy pants paired with nice boots – thats all, but you are a master in combining such outfits <3
Lovely greetings from Bavaria, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com