It’s been a hectic few weeks at work so please bear with my sporadic posts! I had been looking for a faux fur vest since last fall but never found one that felt quite right. It’s easy for me to to feel like the abominable snowman in too much furry volume. I wanted good coloring and texture of faux fur (which can often look cheap), plus hip-length coverage and slinky fit. The right vest can truly become a wardrobe staple since layering options are endless! I had an H&M; one years ago which was adorable, but the very shrunken/cropped style wasn’t substantial so I eventually parted with it.
My friend Ping recommended this one from Target of all places and I ended up loving it! I love her simple + chic pairing with a longer cowl-neck tunic sweater. XS in this vest appears to be sold out online, but try the “find in a store” button which is a nifty feature I use often. There were quite a few at the Boston South Bay location just a few days ago. Closeup and back view below:
I keep going back to basics this season and this outfit is full of them. For those who want to build a wardrobe of pieces that you can style and restyle, a chambray shirt, layering vest, slim black jeans and neutral boots are in my top 10 must-haves for cold weather. These BP boots are now 50% off and I can’t recommend them enough (please note from my past review they run about half size small in the foot area)! 
Unlike the vest market, petite chambray shirt options looks to be quite plentiful. If you don’t own a good one yet, here’s a few that caught my eye around the web that all come in petites and are all on sale today (including this affordable one at J.Crew factory with nice dark coloring):
Hi C – I think it would be pretty difficult, except maybe a side slimming alteration if that is all that your vest needs. It would be tougher to shorten the length or alter the armholes on one, but again there is nothing a good tailor can't do for the right price!
Hello! Chambray comes in all weights, or at least I've seen a variety ranging from paper thin to a thick and sturdier material. Also it depends on what type of winter climate you're talking about. In the Northeast you would definitely need a coat or jacket of some sort over a chambray shirt.
Thank you! Oh, I didn't see the black one. I don't know how old you are, but honestly think vests like this can be very chic and age-appropriate even for an older demographic when paired simply like Ping showed it in her IG!
Hi Rachel – good question! I would say it depends a lot on what "needs" you have in your closet (ie. how often do you try to put together an outfit and think "it'd be perfect if I had ___ piece to complete the pairing!") , and also if you'd buy something if it were closer to full price versus the sale price. I usually include just a few select suggestions with each big sale vs. a laundry list of things just because they are cheap. I already have plenty of animal print in my own closet but I thought for anyone who doesn't, the cheetah print skirt was one of the more classic-looking pieces out of the entire sale selection and would pair well with lots of colors. Of course there are always hits and misses with shopping decisions, but you can always edit seasonally but donating or selling the items that you didn't end up loving as much as you thought you would. Selling existing pieces that you don't wear very much (through sites like Twice or consignment) before buying new ones can definitely also help with staying on budget.
Hi Tara – my most worn shoes have got to be my tall black boots, my short black BP ankle booties from Nordstrom, leopard Halogen heels, navy Ann Taylor high heeled pumps for work, and my neutral-colored flats. Black is obviously a safe bet for winter and neutral like brown/tan go with everything in the summer. I like navy pumps for work since they are a bit softer than classic black and work both with cold and warm weather palettes. And leopard print I feel adds a bit of oomph to just about any outfit – can't get enough of it in shoe form!
Thanks so much…this one is J.Crew but very old. I think I've seen similar at Baublebar online.
Thanks! It's MAC "charismatic"
It's just long since I haven't had time to visit my hairdresser, but that's not a bad idea! Thanks for the tip : )
Hi Joyce! I go to Freddy at Zen Hair in Kenmore Square : )
Hi Jane – thanks! it's a very old J.Crew necklace.
Hi Cassie! Before putting on gloves, I usually swivel my ring so that the stone is on the palm side of my hands and then swivel it back after I take my gloves off. Usually my gloves are stretched taut over the backside of my hand but has a little more room to give on the palm side since the hand caves in a bit on that side, if it makes sense! I haven't had any distorted gloves yet with this trick : )
I love the combination of green + brown in your outfit! I have been trying to acquire a couple of button-downs to layer under sweaters, and I appreciate that you provided several options of chambray shirts. I was wondering what size you are in the JCrew Factory shirt? I look forward to your reply 🙂
http://blanc-mode.blogspot.com
Looks so luxe on you! One question: I noticed you are holding it in (hand on it) in every photo which isn't your normal posture. Does that mean it falls open in an awkward way at all? Thanks!
Love the fur vest! You always look so put-together and stylish 🙂
Carolyn xx
http://www.stylishmemories.com
Hi Jean,
Love your blog! I have a quick question but wasn't sure on which forum to ask you.
I wanted to find out what colors you have on your hermes belt…is it the black and gold color (or some other color (gold swift?)). Also did you get a brushed or shiny buckle?
The faux fur vests have been growing on me lately, but I've been hesitant to actually buy any as many of them do look very cheap. I don't know of any Targets near me, but I usually wear a medium t- large in juniors clothing, so I can probably find a size online that would fit.
You look fantastic! Stylish and weather appropriate! Love your blog and you are so kind to share where you've found your amazing pieces.
Awww, I love this style so much! You look so great 🙂
xoxo,
http://nada–blog.blogspot.com/
Hi Jean! Love your blog….what are your thoughts on altering a faux fur vest? I, like yourself, have a hard time finding a vest that fits my petite frame. In fact, I impulsed brought a vest from zara that i now regret buying because I think it overpowers my small frame. Would love to hear your thoughts or maybe even a post about it. Thanks!
-C
I saw this fur vest in Target over the weekend and had no idea what I'd wear it. I love how you've styled it here though, it's perfect for our mild Bay Area winter!
xoxo,
Andrea
http://www.andreaeveryday.com
Love the pattern of the vest! It's definitely interesting without being too overwhelming. What a great find.
xjole.com
Pretty!
http://sbr-fashion-fashion.blogspot.com/
So in love with your whole outfit! Perfect for winter! <3
http://www.vogueetvoyage.com
loving the sweater <3
xo
http://www.evesbreeze.blogspot.com
This vest is everything.
Meg | Meghan Silva's Blog
@MeghanSSilva on Instagram
Hi! Just a quick question- is chambray warm enough to act as a mid-layer for the winter?
Love the vest! I saw it in Target just last night and was so temped. I decided I'm just a bit too old for the look. It also comes in black (though the brown looks best). Super cute outfit!
Also a very belated congratulations on your engagement!
The vest looks great on you! I also appreciate your sale picks, the cheetah-print pencil skirt looks amazing. I have a question? With so many sales, especially around this time of the year, how do you decide on what items to truly buy for a great price versus over spending on all the great deals, only to later regret them since you have over spent on your budget? I would love to know your strategy or game plan for buying wisely during the sale season.
Lovely outfit and layering!
~~~Diana~~~
http://www.TheNeonFactor.com
I really like your style!
Love your blog — thanks so much for your polished and thoughtful posts! Faux fur vest=killer, and I like the earthy color palette: very "hunting lodge in New England!" I've always wondered about the progression of the "building your wardrobe" series you had started a while ago. I was wondering if you might do one for the shoes you wear most often — I love your taste, and want to build a shoe wardrobe that has just the right number of quality shoes!
Love the beautiful mixed shades of the cute vest and it fits you just right! I am also looking for a fur vest which is not too bulky and long, hopefully I can find one!
Prudence
http://www.prudencepetitestyle.wordpress.com
Love all of your outfits. Where is your lovely necklace from?
This outfit is absolutely beautiful,I had to pin it <3 I'm slightly biased against chambray,but the way it balances with the different layers,and the deep colors of this outfit are gorgeous.Hope to see more like this!
http://www.aswestumblealong.com
http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/7843547
I love that green sweater! Such a fun outfit.
Jenn
A Petite Treat
What lipsticks are you wearing? It looks really cute on you.
Hi Jean! Are you growing your hair out for the wedding? I did for mine so I had more to work with…yours look amazing right now.
Love how you did the layering with the multiple tops to keep warm! Such a great vest find at Target! I can't get enough of those boots 🙂
xo, Suzie Q
StyleCueBySuzieQ.com
Can I ask where you get your hair styled? I love the simplicity and how it is layered, but I've gotten enough bad hair cuts in the past to know not every stylist can successfully cut this style. I'm looking for a place to get my hair cut soon. I'm in Boston as well =) Thanks!
Love your brown vest from Target! I was eyeing it the other day too. It looks so good on you I might get one for myself http://www.kblossoms.etsy.com
Can I ask where your necklace is from? It's really pretty.
That vest looks so cozy! I have to second the J. Crew flannel PJs and petite chambray shirts– I basically live in these in on the weekends 🙂 – j
I love this outfit! I'm going to have to see if they have it at one of our local target stores 🙂
Side question about the gloves, I hope you don't find me asking, but do you find your engagement ring fits well inside them? I'd like to pick up a pair of driving gloves as well, I'm just worried with a solitaire style ring that it'll end up looking distorted. Have you had any issues?
Love the vest on you! I tried it, and it ended up looking ridiculous on me. Definitely going to check out the J.Crew Factory sale for a chambray shirt though!
that's such a cute bag 😀
I love the color of the sweater and your vest!
Love your vest<3
Shall We Sasa
I was looking for an affordable fur vest as well since the chance of wearing it day to day is relatively low for me. The thickness and color are perfect yet not too over the top. Thanks for sharing, Jean! I haven't really started shopping at Target for clothing until last year since I went to their Starbucks every day. My roommate used to provide business consulting services for them and said they've really stepped up their game in the fashion retail industry. I am especially excited for the recent announcement on their Lilly Pulitzer collaboration!
Julia || Closet de Jules
Recent Post: Think Warm Thoughts – Lilly Pulitzer
I'm impressed that the vest is from Target!
Liz @ ShoppingMyCloset.com
Thank you for sharing Jean! Looking for a vest that fits a petite frame perfectly can be tough, since some can be built too long. Beautiful look, classic pieces are the way to go!
http://www.racheldinh.com