Recently, Maison Jules reached out to me about a fun campaign called “Pieces of Paris.” I was asked to share two of my favorite spots around my hometown of Boston that reminded me of charming Paris. Café Madeleine is a small French patisserie in my neighborhood which instantly popped into mind as one. Their wonderfully flaky croissants (esp. the ham and cheese) rival the ones we had in France, and their other baked goods like this caramel cake are some of the best I’ve had. We can’t indulge too often but it’s a welcome treat every once in a while, especially when we have visitors!
On to my outfit – Maison Jules is a new to me brand (sold only at Macy’s), so I popped into a store to try on numerous pieces for sizing and fit. I was pleasantly surprised that the pieces ran small and most of the tops and skirts fit me right off the rack. I’m always looking to show different petite-friendly brands on here to help expand everyone’s options! This outfit can easily be made office-friendly by swapping out the tall boots for a pair of classic black or fun fall-hued pumps. If your office is slightly more casual, black ankle booties would also work well.
If you like circle skirts, I adore this windowpane one which is full but not poofy at all due to the drape. It’s made with a stretchy, thicker-weight material and has two comfortable side pockets. There’s a back zipper but the waist is also elasticized which helps achieve the right fit. When un-stretched, an XS measured 12″ across the waist (elastic stretches up to 13.75″ across) and 20″ in length. And you can’t tell in these photos, but this mock-neck sweater is a shorter length which can be worn over button-ups to get that layered effect. When lying flat and un-stretched, an XS measured 12.5″ across the shoulders, 15″ across the chest, 22.5″ long sleeves and 18″ long overall.
I usually recommend leaving a bit of a gap between the top of your boots and the hemline your skirt or dress. I’m sure I’m breaking some fashion rule here by not doing so, but I wanted to try something different and liked the results. In addition to the lengthening effect, a prime benefit of over-the-knee boots that you don’t hear much about is the warmth! My knees are usually the first to get cold, but are insulated and warm when wrapped in a taller boot.
This is the first of two outfits I shot for Maison Jules – stay tuned for my second one and other favorite Parisian-inspired spot. The other pieces I will be featuring from there are this knit blazer and faux-leather cognac skirt (xs in both fit me without alterations). Thank you to Macy’s for sponsoring this post!
I know this is an older post, but I found this on Pinterest and think this is a stunning outfit! You always look so put together and beautiful! I hope I can re-create this look for the holiday season.
Love this!!! The skirt fits so well. It's flowy but not overwhelming in your petite frame. I often find that is a problem for petite women. You look divine. Thanks for showing the world that petites are stylish too.
Debra
Stylewise by Debra
I absolutely need your entire plaid skirt outfit!! Would you mind sending me the link?
So chic!! Love the long sleeve with the plaid and those knee high boots are gorgeous! Love your style lady.
XO, Jessi
mywhiteT.com
Beautiful look <3 I love your top 😀
What a beautiful look!! I love the skirt!
Blonde in Cashmere
Can this outfit be worn at the office (as is)?
Aww, this is such a cute look! I love your top!
xx, Diane || http://www.dizined.com
No, I appreciate that. I just wanted to make sure it wasn't too thin before purchasing. Thank you Jean for being so responsive and for the care and detail you put into your posts! I have found your blog really invaluable as a petite undergrad who is transitioning to more adult styles.
I absolutely love this Fall look with the skirt and the OTK boots! So elegant. Can't wait to see your second styled look with them!
xo, Suzie Q
StyleCueBySuzieQ.com
That's darling with the little beret : )
I personally prefer not exposed zippers. I've actually had my tailor convert a few on some pieces that I feel really strongly about the zippers on. I've also brought this up to some brand contacts who I've met, and they've said exposed zippers are pretty popular with shoppers, so I'm sure there are plenty of ladies who do like them!
Thank you for reading, Barbara, and for your kind comment!
Thank you, Angela! I appreciate that.
Hi Kelly – in recent years I have not seen the classic styles included in any sales or F&F; promos, unfortunately. Sometimes at the end of a season I'll see a trench at Saks/Nordstrom/Neiman in maybe one or two random sizes left (never small sizes) on markdown.
Not thin but also not thick – a medium weight. Sorry I can't describe it any better!
Hi Jennifer! I added some details to the measurements above, including how wide the XS waist can stretch to at a max. I'd suggest comparing to some of your skirts!
I wasn't familiar with the Mason Jules brand but when I saw this adorable snail sweater at Macys I had to have it! http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/maison-jules-crew-neck-snail-intarsia-knit-sweater?ID=1585916
Lovely post! The dress looks very chic and I love Parisian bakeries.
Love this!!! Really pretty!
Loving that flared skirt, though I have to ask you how you feel about exposed zippers. I think it would be perfect without it.
And you make a great point about the tall boots. As a Chicagoan, now I'm considering buying a pair!
lifestyle by joules
This skirt on you vs the skirt on Macy's website….. NOW I see why they hired you for this one! 😉
Beautiful post!
OneThousandJoys
Nice Café and beautiful outfit
Such a lovely skirt!
You looks so cute!! Love your dress!!
Xoxo,
Love from http://www.trangscorner.com {a lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and food blog}
This circle skirt looks really cute, and it can be dressed up and down!
xx
Yvonne
http://tellmeyblog.com
Love this look! It's so classic and chic! This post reminded me that I need to update my black boots for the fall. The ones I'm working with are all beaten up.
Beautiful outfit! I really like the boots. I can't wait to see more. 🙂
xoxoBella | http://xoxobella.com
Perfect look for fall! I have to admit, the boots look just great on you 🙂 Much love, Carmen
http://carmitive.com
Lovely outfit! Your boots are awesone.
xx
http://www.mybeautrip.com
Love the look!
Made in Mauve ☆ Bloglovin
Looking absolutely stunning in love with the outfit, perfect combination. two thumbs up.
http://artadorned.com/
Such a lovely look!
Laura xo
http://www.bigglassesandcoffeecups.blogspot.com
Jean, I recently discovered your blog and love it even though I live in a much warmer climate. I like that you focus on higher quality items and that you discuss both the fit and quality. I have already picked up many tips. Thanks for keeping your content at a high level.
This is such a cute outfit and post! And an excellent example of a sponsored post that's still really authentic to your readers. Great job!
Love seeing these options for those of us who are petite… Versatile, pretty, and they'll keep you warm. Especially delightful avec un peu de Paris in my home town!
http://DailyPlateOfCrazy.com
Lovely outfits! Jean, I am thinking to purchase a Burberry trench coat. Base on your past experience do you know if it ever go on sale at Nordstrom or similar retailers? Your input is appreciated! Kelly
Great pictures
PERFECT look! Love overknees!
xoxo Lynda
http://fashion-petite.com/
I've looking for some inspiration for over-the-knee boots, so I love this outfit!
How heavy is the sweater?
Perfection! I love everything about this outfit. It needs to find its way into my closet very soon 🙂
http://www.lexiandlady.blogspot.com
Always enjoy reading your blog entry. I find your content very consistent and that's definitely a plus for readers. Love your blog and your style Jean!
Jessica || http://www.mycubiclechic.com
Love the outfit, especially those boots! <3
MISS LUCIA | Fashion & Lifestyle
HI Jean! I'm new to your blog and loving your style. Since you mentioned above that the Maison Jules pieces run small, would you recommend going up a size? I'm usually an XS in tops and skirts with an elastic waist.
Love your boots, babe<3
Shall We Sasa
I really like this look! I might need to try on that skirt- love the classic and simple way you styled it!
http://asequinloveaffair.com
Love your very beautiful French inspired look! I have in general a weakness for black and white looks 🙂 Wish you a very happy weekend!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
your lashes look so full here! and those boots can totally double as a leggings during winter 😉
This is really cute! I love the monochromatic look.
http://www.maggiealamode.com