Read on below for 4 great sales going on this weekend, with my top recommendation from each one!
1. ANN TAYLOR
The deal: 40% off sitewide with code FRIENDS40
My pick: Nicole patent sandals
These babies have finally been restocked, and small sizes won’t last long! The neutral, leg-lengthening color pairs with everything and the patent leather is super easy to wipe clean & maintain. The block heels are comfy to walk in, and have accompanied me on dozens of trips over the years and even throughout my pregnancy! See them styled here, here, here, here just to name a few. I found the front strap to fit a little narrow – I’m usually between a 5 and 5.5, and took the latter in these.
Also check out: this staple crossover tee (see on me) and their amazing shoe collection. I tried on these classic camel slingback heels and these “mom-friendly” tan loafer slides – both were very flattering and felt true to size for me.
2. Uniqlo
The deal: Select markdowns here; buy 2 Heattech thermal pieces, get $5 off
My pick: Lace pencil skirt (4 colors)
A well-fitting lace pencil skirt for under $20 ?!? XXS (available online only) is currently in stock for every color, which almost never happens, so don’t miss out if you need this size. It’s very fitted on me at the waist and slightly loose at the hips. Skirt is fully lined but the white color is still a little sheer, so stick with skin-toned undies. I’m going to exchange this for the lilac to push myself outside of safe neutrals!
XXS measures: 12″ across waist, 17″ across hips, 23″ – 24″ length. Waistband does not stretch, but the rest of the skirt does slightly.
Also check out: their super lightweight airism leggings (I have XS), cocoon 3/4 sleeve sweater (see fit photo) and cocoon short sleeve sweater. I didn’t get a chance to photograph the last sweater yet, but it is SO chic with a touch of slouchiness.
3. Nordstrom
The deal: Tons of new markdowns made this week!
My pick: Leith ruched dress
The ever popular, flattering knit dress that I wore on repeat up until mid-pregnancy is now 20% off, with select colors at 40% off. See my older review of this piece in XS. XXS was introduced later and should fit better on someone my size.
Also check out: lots of new Reformation markdowns on pieces that are still full priced on their own site! I’ve tried on both 0/xs regular and petite in this brand and both actually worked on me depending on the style.
4. J.Crew Factory
The deal: Up to 55% off throughout their site, PLUS extra 20% off $100+ with code 20MORE.
My pick: Scallop camisole (40% off + qualifies for extra 20% off)
This old fave (pictured above with the Uniqlo lace skirt) comes in 6 colors. Ended up getting it in green and black too over the years! Perfect with jeans, shorts, or under a cardigan or blazer for work.
Also check out: So many pieces caught my eye, including these leather loafers (55% off), woven flats, and this super cute ruffle seersucker 1-piece swimsuit that I have no place to wear to! Ladies who can wear regular sizing should also check out their classic sweater blazer, which runs big per reviews otherwise it’d be in my cart.
Please post a pic of an outfit idea when you get the lilac Uniqlo lace skirt! I am also trying to expand my closet to beyond neutrals! Thanks!
I’m usually an 8 in shoes. Should I size up in the BCBG heels (the Gianvito Rossi look for less ones)? Or do they stretch with a few wears?
I had to do a double-take on that skirt from Uniqlo. Uniqlo? I’ve never seen anything like that there – it’s not plain, and it’s very chic. I can’t imagine when you’re able to buy these things but by them time I see your posts, all the smalls in the good colors are sold out. That’s ok – not complaining. And I love those shoes. Every time I see you wear them I want a pair. Unfortunately, I can’t wear high-heeled shoes any more, but as soon as I see them with a less-than-two-inch heel, I’m buying ’em. Thanks Jean. Love, Val
I love when you share these sales and outfit ideas, it is such a help! I wore that Leith dress so much last year and thanks to your post I was able to grab another one on sale for this summer. I have a feeling the xxs small is going to fit better than the xs I have and I’ll definitely wear black all the time! Also, random request, but I remember you saying that you were going to do a post on the Gucci mules vs loafers. I’m super curious your thoughts on that! Will you be sharing soon?
I’ve been following you since my freshmen year of college and I have long since graduated (3 years ago). Last year I missed out on the Ann Taylor block heels and this year I managed to snag them thanks to your post. I got them in both colors so I can’t wait to use them!
Hi Jean,
I want to ask your advice again. Do you have any recommendation for good quality suit jacket (workwear)? Thank you!
I love that Leith ruched dress! It’s so flattering and just amazing! I like the long sleeve version as well. Happy weekend!
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
Ahhh that lace skirt is sooo cute <3 🙂 Definitely need to get one!
XO, Elizabeth T.
http://clothestoyouuu.com
FYI more sizes came back in stock for the Uniqlo skirt when I checked today. And Free shipping!
Merci for the heads up info, love ♥️these sale!
I am obsessed with those Ann Taxlor sandals!! Such a good staple shoe. Also, how pretty is that white lace skirt – so cool that you are going to get the lilac color, I can imagine it looking sooo pretty!
Xx Janine
https://walkinmysneaks.blogspot.com/
So happy to hear that Uniqlo’s on sale! I love their stuff – affordable and easy to mix and match. 🙂 Plus, they have stores in Hong Kong so I can actually go and try the pieces out in real life to make sure they fit! 😀
http://charmainenyw.com
Here’s an idea for a blog post. I’d love to see a list of stores that carry petite sizes and their return policies. As far as I know, most stores where you (and I) shop charge a fee for shipping and handling when we return by mail (Nordstrom, Loft, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Black and white, HM). As a result, I try to return any items that don’t fit at the store, to avoid the fee, which is a hassle for me. But some stores don’t: Madewell, ASOS, Modcloth, Zappos. Any others? This is very handy, and I’ve come to give preference to stores that offer this convenience to their customers. Would love to see a complete list.
Off the top of my head, these stores that I post about regularly have free return shipping:
– Nordstrom
– White House Black Market (for non-clearance petite pieces)
– Shopbop
– M.Gemi
– Topshop
– Urban Outfitters
– Revolve
– Neiman Marcus
– Amazon Prime fashion
– Zappos
– ASOS (orders over a certain minimum)
From what I understand, Madewell and Modcloth on your list (unless you choose store credit instead of a refund) actually don’t have free returns. Everlane does not have free returns but they utilize a service called Happy Returns with more brick & mortar locations than their actual stores.
I don’t usually mind paying a return shipping fee because time is money and shipping is expensive these days! I went to mail a small package recently and it cost about $20, so if a company offers free shipping one way and I just need to pay $5 to $8 in return fees to try on items, I think it’s pretty reasonable.
This is great info! I would love a post on strategies for ordering and trying on clothes without breaking the bank on returns. I also just find mailing packages somewhat intimidating (so advice on that would be great) and always seems to have things that are waiting to be sent back, which sometimes means I run out of time in the return window. Now I try to only order things that I can return to a store in person. I do love Zappos’s policy – I think I had 90 days to get around to returning shoes which was great since I got a ton of heels to try so I had plenty of time to decide about them!
Hi Jean – Thanks for the detailed and quick reply.
I started researching your list a little, and will continue doing so. You mention that WHBM has free return shipping for non-clearance petite pieces, but I can’t find that information in their site: https://www.whitehouseblackmarket.com/store/page/frequently-asked-questions/17.
“Please note that when we receive your return, we’ll deduct $7.00 USD from your refund for handling fees. ”
I’m wondering if you have more information about this that I couldn’t find out.
Likewise, I found the following on Nordstrom’s website: https://shop.nordstrom.com/content/return-policy?cm_sp=corp-_-corp_CustomerService-_-globalfooternav_retexchg&origin=footer.
“Shipping Charges: Unfortunately, we cannot refund shipping charges.”
Also, I don’t see anything on the Modcloth site saying that they charge for return shipping. Am I missing something?
“Receive a refund back to your original payment method when you use our FREE return label. ”
Madewell says that return shipping is free if we’re a Madewell Insider, which I believe just means that we need to create an account.
https://www.madewell.com/returns.html
“For Madewell Insiders, return shipping is free if returned within 30 days.”
Am I missing something with my quick research of these stores? It’s easy to overlook the details sometimes…
Hi Bea,
WHBM: If you click on their petites collection, you’ll see in red font below each item where it says free shipping and free return shipping on petite items.
Nordstrom: The sentence that you’re looking at refers to refunding shipping charges like if the customer pays for express shipping or something. I order from there a lot and each package comes with a free prepaid label.
Modcloth: Yes it looks like returns are free, but initial shipping is not unless you meet an order minimum.
I have a Shoprunner membership as well, but if the primary stores on their retailer list that you’re plan on shopping at are only Ann Taylor and WHBM then I dont know if it’d be worth it for you. Especially since WHBM already offers free shipping & returns!
If you sign up for shoprunner.com (free for MasterCard & American Express) you can get free 2 day shipping & free returns with only a $25 purchase at lots of stores including Ann Taylor. I don’t live near an Ann Taylor & this is how I do all my purchases from there & it’s fabulous no extra cost when I have to return
I was actually considering this. It works both for Ann Taylor and WHBM, two stores that offer petite sizes. I’m on the fence about it because it just solves the problem for two stores that I know I like – I wish it worked for more stores. They have more stores on their list, but I don’t have the habit of buying from those. Dana – have you tried the service for any of the other stores?
I have Shoprunner, too, and it’s helped a lot in the shoe department! I have a small size 5 shoe, and very flat feet, so I have to try on TONS of shoes. Like 10-15 pairs for every 1 I keep. Services like Shoprunner save me so much time, because they seem to be offered for many of the shoe companies I purchase.
Love your Gianvitto Rossi heels, what color are these?
Thanks! Color name is just “white.”
I have an unusually small foot (2-1/2 in children’s, sometimes a 4 in adult size) and it’s so hard to find adult-looking shoes and well-fitting socks. Do you have any suggestions?