Stuart Weitzman Lowland boots in londra c/o also sold here (review; protector spray)
This is the year of a few fashion firsts for me, including my first puffer coat, snow boots, and who knows what else to come! I can’t tell you guys how many questions I’ve gotten over the years on both of these items, but couldn’t share recommendations based on personal experience. I never saw myself as a puffer girl as I love the look of tailored coats, but finally found one I love. The addition of a removable faux-fur hood to J.Crew’s petite puffer made all the difference to me. The faux fur looks fluffy and of high quality (not to mention very warm), and the silhouette of the belted coat is actually pretty shapely and flattering!
Sizing is a little tricky as I’ve mentioned several times already…I found this coat in petite sizing to run small and shorter at the sleeve length. J.Crew sizing used to skew big for me, but this coat in my usual xxs petite is snug with just a sweater on.
One of the features I love is a knit material at the end of the sleeves with thumb holes (to keep wind/snow from going up your sleeves), which even on my short arms just reaches to where my thumbs are. Ladies who usually have trouble with petite sleeves being too short should probably check out the regular sizing instead. I had also tried on the xxxs petite (thinking J.Crew sizing still ran big) but I couldn’t even get it on. This is great news for the really petite ladies out there who usually feel relegated to the kids department! I bought my usual size but after wearing a few times, wish I had tried on 1 size up. Here’s how it looks on me fully zipped up:
I also love that the pockets are lined in a warm fuzzy fleece, but my personal peeve is top-down pockets instead of slanted ones for easier hand entry. Warmth-wise, I’m a puffer novice so I find this to be comparable to my wool coats, but am guessing it falls in the medium warmth range amongst all the puffer options out there. I don’t think this would be warm enough for the harshest of winters without layering underneath. I’ve tried on both lighter and heavier ones, but few options were available in petite sizing without alterations needed.
Which puffer did you end up purchasing?
Which puffer did you purchase?
Hi Jean! Is this the black wintress puffer or the gray?
Jean, thank you! Like you I've been hesitant to get a puffer coat, but I finally broke down this year and decided it was time. After trying on so many coats I was about to give up, until I saw this post. Finally found a winner! I love this coat. Of course now that I finally have a warm puffer, Chicago is experiencing 60 degree weather in December.
Hi Jean! First of all, I love your blog. Thank you for taking the time to share your tips and fit reviews, they're really helpful! I'm tinier than you are (4'8", 80 lbs.) and got the puffer coat in PXXS after seeing your post. It fits perfectly (Hallelujah)!!! Oh and if I'm not mistaken, the vertical pockets right below the chest are for warming the hands. 🙂
I can't live without a down coat in the winter. I live in Baltimore which is much milder in winter than Boston. I don't know how you did it. I love that it's light and you don't need many layer and it doesn't take you long to warm up.
It's down filled polyester meaning the shell is polyester and the filling is down
Hi Jean! This is a fabulous coat on you. I have a question on petite coat sizing for J Crew. I'm thinking about ordering the double cloth lady day coat (it's on sale right now), but it sounds like their sizing runs small? I typically wear xsp in most stores like J Crew and Ann Talyor (sometimes xxsp depending on the item, but I find that most of the time the fit is better for me in 1 size larger than yours). Should I order a 2P rather than my usual 0P? It's a final sale online, so I wouldn't be able to return or exchange it. Thanks for your help!
I've got a short down coat but have been looking into buying a longer puffer coat lately–the Chicago winters must be getting to me. I really like the one you chose!
Lifestyle by Joules
That jacket is exactly what I need!
http://thegirlfromconnecticut.blogspot.com
I purchased it in Tall and love the long arms. The touches of gold and faux fur sold me on it as well. I love reading your blog even though I'm always a tall for inspiration. Prettytallthings.blogspot.com
I ordered the puffer coat in Navy after seeing it on you! Can't wait for it to get here!
I have another question about Hunter Rain Boots. I have the kids version but love the Tour version that you have also. I'm only 4'11, I'm wondering if the Women's 5 would be too tall or if the height is a bit shorter than 16 inches in a 5 since it's a smaller boot? I wish they had a Tall Kids that was 13-14 inches instead of just 12.5! What's your advice?
Loving those boots!
xo | The Fashion Forecast
How did you survive this long in Boston without a puffy coat???! Haha, great post as always!
Agree on the Wintress sizing. I am always looking for the smallest size, and initially purchased the xxxsp with excitement, and I was absolutely shocked it was too small. I could get it on, but the shoulders were really tight. But the real sign that it was too small was that the waist belt was placed way above my belly button. I almost wonder if the sizing was meant for a kid. For reference, I'm 5' tall and 85 lbs. I exchanged for a xxsp and it fits well, although there is no wiggle room for really thick sweaters.
HI,
It's so fun to see you in Freeport, ME! I hope you got a chance to check out LL Bean. They're signature line is fun, but needs tailoring for the smaller set. The LOFT outlet there has some good finds.
The jacket looks very nice and suits you very well!
Best wishes from Germany
Sabine ~ Style Up Petite
Great choice on your first puffer coat. I still haven't gotten my first one yet even though everyone has been telling me how warm and light these things are comparing to the traditional top coats. Especially now that I move to a city with milder climate, I need a stronger reason to actually get one. Several friends have recommended the Uniqlo Ultra Light Down as they are super warm, light and packable. Have you tried those?
Speaking of J.Crew, I recently got the J.Crew Icon Trench Coat in Wool Cashmere and am loving it! For those of you who is trying to take advantage of the 30% off promotion, this will be a good purchase!
Julia || Closet de Jules || Recent Post – J.Crew Icon Trench Coat in Wool Cashmere
Wow! Love that coat!
Xoxo,
Love from http://www.trangscorner.com {a lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and food blog}
Super cute coat! You look so cozy & warm!
MISS LUCIA | Fashion & Lifestyle
I need a new winter puffer and glad to hear you say it runs small because I tried a much larger size than I normally am in store because it's all they had and it actually fit me which freaked me out a bit haha. I'm still debating this one but people seem to say the quality seems poor plus it's still too expensive for me so not sure!
Hi Jenna,
I emailed J Crew and asked, and it is 100% polyester down. Personally I'm looking for feather down so I had to pass on this, but it's definitely very cute if you are braver in the cold than I am!
That jacket looks beyond cozy and I love the boots!
http://xoxobella.com
Hey Jean, can you share what's the down and feather % in this jacket? Thanks!
Can you please review the Madewell bag? I've been eyeing it for ages, but never get around to going through with it!
Jean, I would love to see a post with a few professional office holiday party looks, esp if going from office straight to party.
wow the coat looks really great! Love it:P
Shall We Sasa
Jean i purchased the jeans below after reviewing a prev post but my size 24 no longer avail online. Luckily found in my local store. Wanted to share in case you can get credit for this purchase!
http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/m/product/4122057271234.jsp#/
The Wintress looks great on you! I agree that it runs one size small. I would say it's light to medium weight for a puffer, but the nice thing is that it's packable.
I ultimately went with the J.Crew Nordic parka, because it's one of the warmest coats I tried on that's still reasonably stylish. I reviewed it on my blog for anyone who's interested.
Jean i can't thank you enough on how much you've inspired my style. I look forward to every one of your posts! I almost purchased the j. crew puffer coat because of you but i bought another last yr and couldn't justify :-/ I've recently started following your site and have purchased many lovely items thanks to you!