As my fellow Nordstrom shoppers may know, early access starts tomorrow (Thursday 7/13) for their biggest sale of the year! I’ve been getting your messages all month about sale reviews – you guys are on top of it! For those who aren’t familiar, Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale is when they launch brand new arrivals for next season (not old merchandise) at discounts of up to ~40% off, and prices go back up early August. There’s usually great deals on staple jackets, sweaters, boots, and jeans, which I’ll be combing for the best fitting options! Check back tomorrow morning for my blog post – I’ll share the best deals that might sell out first plus what I ordered, and this weekend I’ll post fit reviews from the sale!
J.Brand cropped jeans sz 24 (perfect length for petites), M.Gemi heels sz 35.5
Today’s reviews are a bit of an odd combination. I get requests for leather jacket recommendations, so wanted to share a recent find while sizes are still in stock. Since we’re in the heat of summer, I also wanted to include some reviews on swimsuits that are petite-friendly!
For an edgier look, I usually turn to my trusty faux leather jacket (runs small; see my review), but this genuine leather option jumped out at me with its simple, elegant style and gorgeous “toffee” color. It looks effortless layered over a basic cami and jeans, and the drape detail makes it easy to transition over dressier looks, too.
Fit & Sizing: This jacket feels tailored and on the slim side, but is a little big on my frame. The shoulders of my other jackets measure 14 – 14.5″ across, and this one was about 15″ including light padding. I hemmed and hawed over it for so long, because the overall look is right up my alley. In the end, I decided that at this price point, I need more fitted shoulders. The sleeves when unfolded are about an inch or two long on me (no surprise, as I usually get my sleeves shortened), but are slim throughout and are also soft enough to be scrunched up.
I’m trying on XS regular and it feels true to size for that. If only this jacket came in xxs!
Material: Lined and is made of a soft, thinner leather that drapes and moves along with you, without excess bulk. There’s also well-placed side angled pockets with zippers. Even though the XS is big on me, it doesn’t look as obvious because the pliable leather conforms more to the figure.
Measurements: XS measures 15” across the back shoulders, 17” across armpit (hard to measure due to the open front), 24” sleeve length, 18.5” back center length. I’d recommend this to someone who usually wears 0P / XS and up.
Jumping back to summer now with some swimsuits! These didn’t work out for me personally, but have potential so I thought were worth sharing.
This one piece has a lot going on in the body-flattering arena: wrap style neckline, ruching on the lower side (always appreciated for concealing trouble areas), and a waist tie belt to help make that area look narrow. It ties behind your neck halter style, which helps adjust the fit per your own torso length. This suit is lined throughout but note it doesn’t have any padding at the bust.
Although the fit on me was pretty good, I just felt the overall style and coverage was a little conservative for me. With one-pieces, I don’t mind more sex appeal with a higher leg cut, a cheekier behind, or some other detailing like cutouts. I think this might look more exciting on someone a little curvier. Here’s the same suit on me in floral print:
This below was a wildcard – I actually liked it more than I thought I would, and the fit is great for petites. I’m just not sure it’s my style. With ASOS one pieces, I’ve had varied experiences on the torso being too long or too short, but this in size US 0 felt right for someone my height. Typical of ASOS this suit doesn’t have bust padding, however the black color, ruffles and tassels together make it unlikely to notice anything poking through! In contrast to the suit above, this also has pretty cheeky butt coverage on the backside.
As a lover of almost all things retro style and palm print, I was naturally drawn to this last suit. This bikini bottom is cut lower on the legs and rear end, so is good for someone looking for full coverage all around. The XS is pretty snug on me in both pieces, except in the bust cups, which had some gapping on me.
An XS top is listed by the brand (Kingdom & State) to fit an A to B cup. More specifically, I think the XS might be best suited for a fuller 32B to mayyybe a 34B. It’s always tricky when tops with cups are generalized in letter sizing like xs /s/m, instead of by band and cup sizes!
Sadly I’m sending this suit back to spare my swim neighbors of nip slips, but on a positive note, these wedges are keepers! They look super cute on, as platformed wedge versions of my Soludos flats. These did not require breaking in for me like the flats did (and boy did they), but I do feel the wedges run at least half a size big. I’m usually between 5 and 5.5 – I took a 5 in these and still have room for a toe pad cushion insert so that my heel can fit firmly against the backside.
That’s it for today! Don’t forget to check back tomorrow for Anniversary Sale goodness!
Love looking through your posts , just wondering where you got your full length mirror? I’ve been looking for a pretty framed full length mirror and it hasn’t been so easy to find!
Love how thourough you are with your reviews! So much good stuff! Esp love the leggings
I would LOVE to get that suede moto jacket! I know they have it in several other colors & prints as well! I love the Kate Spade bags as well! Kate is my obsession
Love all your picks! Especially the topshop peplulm jacket!
Love your picks, Jean! Especially the palm tree print swimsuit! Love that it's both modern and retro…great find!
That drape jacket is beautiful on you. I love the taupey colour paired with the white, it just looks so fresh!
Sarah Lilly || The Lilly Mint Blog
Loving the leather jacket!
These swimwears are amazing. I congratulate the sense of style 🙂
This black swimsuit is so cool. Love it!
xx
http://www.mybeautrip.com
Love the drape leather jacket. I have a similar one in black from zara from last year haha.
XOXO //
SINCERELY OPHELIA | NYC Petite Fashion Blogger
The neckline of the cami looks so good on you but the pictures from website seemed low neck line. Did you adjust them ? I really love your picks :)!
Thought this was a top before realizing it was a cami, please post if there are any nice formal white tops you like but with an edgier detail.
Thanks for posting such lovely stuff!
Hi Jean – can you kindly let me/us know what type of "toe pad cushion inserts you use"? I would love to know. I usually use heel liner to stop a loose shoe from rubbing my back heel and would love to know if toe pad cushions works as a better option. Thanks!
Love your blog, Jean! Do you have any recommendations for wearing slips under dresses that fit petite and not-so-busty gals (32AA).
all swim suits are catchy! love your choices babe 🙂
BeautyMarkLady
I am so attracted to this swim suit! It has retro vibes! 🙂
BeautyMarkLady
Hello! Been following your blog for a while, but this is my first time posting a comment. I always awaoid wearing camis like that because I can never figure out what kind of bra to wear (I can't go without a bra). I'm a 30D. Any suggestions? Would you mind sharing which bra you're wearing in the first picture with the leather jacket?
These are all such beautiful pieces! I'm not petite but I definitely wouldn't mind trying out all of these swimsuits!
https://officiallychic.com/
Love the palm print set, so lovely for Summer!!
Rebecca
xx
http://www.peppermintdolly.com
Beautiful look
The Pink Pineapple
New post:http://thepinkpineappleblog.blogspot.com/2017/07/moschino-crucero-2018.html
Love the palm print swimsuit! So vintage looking and I love it!
http://www.allthatjae.com
I love the colour of your jacket! I'm desperate to get more beige into my wardrobes – neutrals are one palette I don't have much of, but absolutely love!
I hope you have a great Wednesday,
Michael
https://www.mileinmyglasses.co.uk
Love this beautiful combo with the nude shades and the white pants!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
Absolutely love it!
http://www.evdaily.blogspot.com
I found this post so helpful, thank you! The drape jacket is lovely and it's great that it fits petites too. And SUPER SUPER thank you for the suggestions to petite swimwear, because I can never find any that fit me!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com