This is the last of my unseasonable cold-weather posts, but just had to share a few items while they are at great prices. Do the boots above look familiar? They’re the lower-heeled, below-the-knee sisters of the ones I got from the Nordstrom sale, on big clearance from last year. Thank you to an anonymous reader for the great suggestion! She wrote: “I got these last winter and they are perfect. I’ve sprayed them with suede protector from Clarks and so far so good…I am 5 feet tall and the shaft height is perfect.” My friend saw this comment and ordered quickly. She video chatted me today and the boots looked really nice…slim-calf and short-leg friendly indeed. I got the measurements of a size 5 from her: 2.5″ lower heel, 11.5″ calf circumference when unstretched (material is stretchy suede), 8.25″ around the ankles, and 14.5″ shaft height. Very different from the listing measurements, which makes boot shopping online all the more difficult. My friend found them to run narrow in the almond toe, so sounds similar to my experience with their OTK “Marina” boots.
Next up, now I almost never encourage shopping in the kids department these days. Sure the sizing may be small, but the proportions and cut rarely fit right on adult women. I’m making an exception in recommending this knit coat that is surprisingly chic, flattering, and of good quality…and is an absolute steal at under $50!
The cut is a swing jacket / A-line cut, and the material is a 100% cotton sturdy knit, stretchy fabric. The top portion is a marled grey and the bottom is navy – a very classic color combo. Please note I’ve lightened the photo a bit to show the details. Fit wise, I’m trying on an XL (14/16) for a looser look and have the sleeves cuffed up 2 inches. There is a little room to spare in the fit of this size on me. And as with most shift-style items, I would recommend this cut for those with smaller busts so that the A-line doesn’t pull at the chest.
This top is listed as “narrow in shoulders” with a suggestion to size up – I’d say true to size and fits just like Ann Taylor petite tie neck blouses. The machine-washable poly makes this a nice silk substitute, and the styles transitions easily from work (wear underneath suits and tucked into skirts) to casual wear.
These Articles of Society jeans are not on sale (still very affordable at $49 retail), but I gave them a try because I’ve been so pleased with my white jeans from the same brand. I was very impressed with the slim fit throughout and the feel of the denim. They reminded me a lot of my J.Brand dark skinny jeans which are one of my go-tos. I’m trying a size 23 and have the bottoms rolled up twice – the inseam is 30″ so shorter ladies will either need to do the same or get a hem, which is an easy alteration. I will definitely be buying more of this brand going forward, especially after seeing how well my white ones last through wash and wear.
I also wanted to show the Michael Kors Jet Set tote (on sale for $132 from $198) with the large logo medallion tucked away. There are 4 versatile colors including merlot and dark dune, shown above. If you’re in need of a basic work tote, this has many solid features: the size fits a laptop, coated saffiano leather makes it easy to maintain and wipe clean, lots of zip compartments inside, large compartment on the outside, protective metal feet, and adjustable straps to get the right over-the-shoulder fit. In the photo above, the tote looks more oversized on me than it did in-person, due to the photo angle.
For another everyday tote option in supple, less structured leather (and for under $100!), this suggestion from my original post is still available in classic black and tan with good reviews so far. It reminds me of Cuyana’s signature totes except with a few more features. The little detachable pouch is a bonus clutch that can be worn on its own.
Leaving you guys with a few reader favorites from the Nordstrom pre-fall sale. Thank you all so much for the numerous item recommendations, many of which sold out during early access (ie. Lorac $15 palette was a popular one)! Here are a few with petite-friendly sizes still left in stock:
– Rag & Bone Margot booties, $350 on sale from $525. From Anon: “I LOVE the comfort and style of the Rag and Bone Margot bootie. I have very skinny ankles, these look great on with the narrow ankle opening…they also come as small as size 5 (35) but run about half size small. I wear 6.5 and the 37 fit nicely.”
– BP plaid shirt, $24 on sale from $38. From Lucia: “Picked up the BP Plaid shirt in Navy peacoat yesterday and am happy to report that it is super comfy! I also got compliments on it today from my coworkers & bf so that is always a plus hehe. However, I’m a bit curious to see how it will hold up in the wash.”
– Vince Camuto ponte knit ankle pants, $49 on sale from $74 and starts in size 00 petite. From Anon: “My mom and I needed non-nonsense black ankle pants for work, and these have 100+ reviews with 4 stars. They are SO comfy and slimming! I got a 2P, 5’1″ 115 lbs 32B-26-36.”
Hi there – I'd be happy to share some! We're waiting for photos from our photographer…didn't realize it takes about 8 weeks for wedding photos so it'll be sometime late next month : )
Hi Crystal, if these are similar to the pair that I got, the suede is stretchy but will not stretchy comfortably beyond an inch or two, in my opinion.
Hi there – I'll keep my eyes open for short shaft boot options that may be wide calf friendly!
Hello! The two that I own are pretty different styles – I have a Nine West smoking slipper loafer and then the Ivanka Trump pointed flats. The Nine West feel more fall/winter to me in style so I've been wearing the other ones in warmer weather – both feel similar in comfort levels. I do love the Halogen pumps but they don't make them anymore unfortunately! I've tried numerous similar options and think the Sam Edelman ones on sale are extremely close.
why are the pictures not working 🙁
Amazing leopard print heels!
xx
http://www.mybeautrip.com
Jean! I just bought the Michael Kors tote. Thank you so much for the tip.
Hey Jean,
Not really relevant to this post, but I've been searching for leopard print pointed-toe flats and pumps. I know you had a recent post reviewing 3 different leopard print flats from Nordstrom, but I noticed that you have owned several different pairs of leopard print flats (via searching 'leopard' in your search box). Which would you say is your favorite/most comfortable? Would you also say the Halogen pumps is your favorite? 🙂 Thanks so much — I love your blog!
The first and the second look are so cool!!!
http://federicaferraro.com/en/
Any recommendations for a wide calf in a petite shaft size? At 5'5", but with a pants inseam of 29", and the highest I like for knee shaft height is 15", preferably at 14", unfortunately my calf circumference is 16" (I can squeeze into a 15 1/2 if needed, but cannot easily with jeans). I've been searching for years for a knee high pair that can be dressed up or dressed down.
Those boots are so cute!
http://www.vanitysalad.com
wondering how stretchable is the calf session? for the boot. i have very big calf.
Me too! Jean, show us 😀
Love that coat!! Awesome Look!!
Xoxo,
Love from http://www.trangscorner.com {a lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and food blog}
Hi!
Are you going to put more pics of ur wedding and dress pretty soon on your website?? Im dying to see them 🙂
Love that kiddie coat! So many great sales tips. I found that the MK tote would not accommodate
my 13" laptop so I ended up with the Tory Yorkie that is not on sale- sad me. Wish designers would think about that inch or two that gets lost with the wedge shaped east/west bags.
Perfect timing! I've been hunting for some new jeans and the articles of society jeans look exactly what I want.
That floral shirt is so pretty! I'm a sucker for all flower prints. Also the colors are great and I bet it's a great transition piece for fall!!
Xo
Pauline
http://www.prettypetite.org
Love that big MK tote!
Enclothed Cognition
You're so good at shopping the sales! I love that kids coat on you.
Lifestyle by Joules
You also get 6% cash back if you buy through Ebates from Lord and Taylor! So that's another $18 off the Elisha boots 🙂
Love your coat and the floral shirt! So chic<3
Shall We Sasa