Petite Lookbook: Business-y in Boucle

I first saw this skirt tweeted by fellow petite moneymaus and fell in love with the thick boucle texture. Since the description said "mini," I ordered a size up from normal hoping to wear it to work. In person the texture is fab, but I'm a little on the fence about the fit and price. As usual, lovely readers, your opinions are appreciated : )

Boucle Jacket: Theory "Tessen," sz 00 (altered here)

Top: Banana Republic XS (sides slimmed)

Boucle Skirt: Un Deux Trois Mini Skirt in kids sz 14

Shoes: Aldo sz 35   Akoya pearls: eBay  Belt: Theory

Ah yes, I'm back in the kids department despite all efforts to avoid it. Continue reading for more pics...

Fit: The fit of kids stuff, although a decent option for tiny petites, just doesn't allow for womanly curves (not like I have any...but still!). This skirt is snug across the hips for me, although there is still a little room at the waist. This causes some riding up around the hip area (nothing too bad, though). 

Quality: Thick boucle that is fully lined, which is nice. If I were to nitpick I would say the back buttons are big and cheap looking (sign of kids). Material is polyester/rayon/spandex blend, which is nothing special in itself, but the resulting boucle is tres chic.

Measurements: Kids sz 14 is 12" across the waist, 14.25" across the hips, and 16.25" in length. Remember the material is thick, plus there is lining, which makes the true measurements a little smaller than what I've listed.

Value: Paid full retail at $58, which I think is pricey for a kids skirt by a brand I've never heard of. I also hate paying full price. On the other hand, we pay just as much if not more for women's skirts and may have to spend even more $ on alterations. This skirt passed the boyfriend test (aka he had no clue it was kids...and he has a good eye for "kiddie fit" faux-pas!).

Overall, the texture is what's drawing me in. I can see this paired with almost all my jackets and cardigans for work ensembles. Below - right under where my hand is you can see an example of the creasing that I mentioned. Not 100% sure what causes it.

Readers - what do you think? At $58, would you keep or return?

PS - Burberry why must you tempt me with this little boucle jacket? I'm more open to their kids jackets after my last order, but this is still exorbitantly priced for what it is.

Trench Quest, Part II - Burberry Kids sz 12

Ever since I started blogging, I've been slowly distancing myself from the kids department. The kiddie section is great for bargains, but 90% of the time there is something about the garment that just says "KIDS." This month, however, I was lured in by Burberry's selection of (relatively) affordable kids trench coats. Many readers have been asking about the fit of these, so I ordered a few (3, to be exact!) in the name of experimentation.

 Trench: Burberry Girls Mini Ivybridge, sz 12Y / 152cm (adult version sold here)

Jeans: H&M kids sz 11/12

I picked up the Mini Ivybrdige in sz 12Y/152cm (my height exactly!) for $475. In comparison, the adult Ivybridge sells for $995. This one fit the best out of the three. Continue reading for my review...

Material: the trench material (53% cotton, 37% poly) is much more in line with what I am looking for (unlike the Nordstroms coat) but it was still a little off. The material didn't seem like it was treated with any water-resistant coating, and it looked like spills or stains could easily seep in and settle. It also seemed wrinkle-prone.

Cut/style: Aside from having no defined waist, this cut is pretty much exactly what I want. Very classic look, nicely-proportioned collar & lapel, gun flap (in the kids coat descriptions, they call this a "fun flap"...lol!), and buckle detailing.

Fit: Shoulder width and sleeve length were perfect. The torso, however, was quite boxy when un-belted (see pic below). Measurements showed that there was NO difference between the underarm and waist, so the body was just straight up and down (surefire sign of a kids coat). If I were to keep this, I would need the sleeves slimmed, maybe the waist nipped in, and possibly the length shortened.

Measurements: Slimmer than the womens' 2P from Nordies. 17" across at the underarms, 17" across at the waist, 20" across the bottom. 36" total length, 22" sleeve length, 6" sleeve width, 14.5" shoulder width.

 Trying it on with flats:

Special notes: 

1. The belt was a measly 35 inches long (the belt on my raincoat is 56 inches) and it was attached at the back center (see below pic), so you couldn't move it around. There were also no prongs nor belt holes in the belt.

2. I called the Burberry store to see if alterations on full-priced kids coats were also free. They said yes! I just have to mention though that every time I get alterations at the Burberry store, they try to pressure me against getting everything I want done (I do ask for a lot). My advice is to listen to what they have to say, but stand firm on exactly how you want your coat to fit.

Overall, I was surprisingly pleased by this coat. The other styles I ordered (Boys $475 trench and Boys $375 trench) were not worth photographing...but here is one anyways, just for laughs:

I thought that kids coats were "unisex" but boy was I wrong...the boys coats were shapeless to the max and made me feel like friar tuck. Also...surprise! Look at the inside! (I kinda like the gray though...lol)

So overall, what do you guys think? If you were in my position, would you shop Burberry kids for the lower price, or "splurge" all the way for a grown-up's coat?

Bargain Finds at Bloomingdales Pre-sale

If you have the chance this week, check out the sale racks at Bloomingdales' women and kids departments. This Thursday (5/27), they are having 40% off already-reduced items plus additional 20% off with coupon, but they are pre-sale-ing this weekend. I didn't have a coupon, but the SA was happy to give me both discounts upon being asked.

At my store alone there were 3 racks of Theory sale merchandise, plus plenty of contemporary womens' stuff. With an extra 40% + 20% off tacked on, the prices weren't bad at all...so go soon before everything is picked over! My tip for petites is to not look only for your tiny size. If you find something you like, more often than not the SA can help locate your size at another store.

I wasn't planning on stopping by the kids department, but racks of "premium" white denim caught my eye. Petites who wear up to a sz 25 can probably fit in kids jeans (they go up to 14 or 16), but may need a hem job.. This is what I tried on:

1. True Religion Girls Julie skinny jeans, kids sz 12. $106 $33.07. These are currently on Bloomies online for full retail price. Click here for the adults version.

Pros: I love the weight and stretch of TR jeans - I already own the same style and size in dark denim, so I knew that I would like these.The length was good, and could probably accommodate someone 2 inches taller than me.

Cons: My biggest issue with their kids jeans - and this is a biggie - is that they use a SNAP button closure! It looks just like a real button, but I guess snap is easier for little kids. I'm guessing the inseam was 29-30 inches, based on how much I had to cuff.

Continue reading for more sale finds...

2. 7 for all Mankind Girls Roxanne skinny jeans in kids sz 12, $99 $29.80 after discounts. Click here for the adults version.

Pros: skinny tapered leg was slimming; back pockets made my tush look good.  

Cons: the denim was thin and felt like a mix between twill and denim. I could see the front pockets through the fabric. The waist was very snug and would be too tight on me if the pants shrunk at all.

After much deliberation and nagging my disinterested boyfriend for his opinion, I ended up with the True Religions. I just felt that the denim was of higher quality and the overall fit was more comfortable than the 7's. 

3. J Brand Girls 12" Skinny Jeans in dark denim, kids sz 12. $110 $36.96 after discounts. I tried on these as well as the J.Brand denim leggings ($110 $26.40 after discounts - still full price on Crewcuts!) but the regular denim ones were the winner.

I've been interested in J.Brand ever since spotting the adult 10" skinnies on AlterationsNeeded and A.Fashion.Deliberation. When I saw that these were the 12," I didn't think they would be narrow enough, but they are actually quite skinny (hopefully I remember to keep these out of the dryer). My legs look stubby in the fitting room pics, but I think these jeans will look great with some heels.

All in all, I ended up with 2 pairs of designer denim for a great price. I've paid full price before for True Religion kids, as they were already substantially cheaper than the adults line. I've been wearing them for 3+ years and still love them.

Other items that I loved, but ended up passing on:

1. Theory Maryelia Skirt - still full price here at Barneys, but only $68 after discounts at Bloomingdales. There was only sz 0 at my store, and a $14 shipping charge to get sz 00 from another store (shipping is free for items over $150). The SA said this skirt nearly sold out the first week it arrived. I hope a fellow petite picks this up ... I love the wide waistband and pleats. Here is the style # for easier locating:

2. Theory Caprine Jacket as seen here on AlterationsNeeded. I just love it on her! The "Crunch" material was crisp and lightweight, perfect for warmer weather. It was just $140 something (was $415) after sales despite still being full price on the Theory website. It was hard passing on this, but I have too many black jackets. Definitely have your SA search for this if you are interested!

3. Aqua kids brushstroke dress with 100% silk skirt, sz L. $29 after all discounts. I'm always on the lookout for kids clothing made with nicer materials, like silk or cashmere. The fit of a Large was comfortable and lightweight. The poly/spandex top has little white and navy stripes, and the silk skirt has a colorful brushstroke print. Those who want longer length can probably size up to XL.

Happy shopping! Feel free to ask me any questions about sale info if you are interested in any of the above items.

Designer styles in the little girl's department

Over the past few seasons, I've noticed more and more designers expanding into children's collections. Phillip Lim, Chloe, and Marc Jacobs are just a few examples of labels you can find at Saks kids. Aside from the lower price tag, these miniature renditions may also fit tiny petites better.

Womens: Burberry Prorsum S/S 2010 knotted skirt trench, $3,495.
I fell in love with this, and apparently other women did too because it sold out quickly.

Kids: Prorsum kids knotted skirt trench

Still outside my budget for a trench, but this costs one-third the adult price for a very similar style. I believe sizing on kids trenches goes up to a 12; call the NYC Burb store for the best kids selection.

Here is another Burberry - the lovely ruched epaulette trench modeled by Emma Watson. Click here for the kiddie version. Sigh, lucky little girls...

Read on for more children's finds.

Shoes are another big category where designers are doing the "mother and daughter" versions. I've seen ballet slippers for kids from Repetto, Prada, Dior and Burberry, although most sizes only go up to a kids 2 or 3. Tod's Kids on the other hand goes up to European sz 35, which is a womens size 5.

Womens: Tod's Leather Ballet Flats, $395

Kids: Tod's Ballerina Flats, $215

Womens: Tods 2-toned flats, $425

Kids: Tod's 2-toned flats, on sale for $144

Tory Burch was a little more business-saavy (darn her!), and only offers her children's Revas up to a kids sz 3. I wear a 5.5 in most shoes, but sized down to a womens 5 in Revas. I tried on a pair of kids sz 3s recently and found them to be half to one size too small for me. I think ladies who wear sz 4.5 - 5 womens would have no problem with the kids 3's, especially since the leather ones stretch with wear. The logo medallion is also smaller on the kids shoe, which I really liked. Sometimes I find the big medal logo a bit obnoxious.

Womens: Women's leather Reva flats, $195

Kids: Girls leather Reva flats, $95

Dolce Vita is a shoe brand that has been mentioned by several bloggers lately. We all seem to echo the complaint that their womens shoes only start at sz 6. Fortunately, they make kiddie sandals in very similar designs, going all the way up to a girls sz 4. Some of my finds...

Womens: DV "Saint' sandal, $70

Kids: DV "Hannah" sandal, $60.

Womens: DV Ontario Twist sandal, $50

Kids: DV "bubbles" sandal, $30. 

Here's one last childrens' shoe pick, just for kicks. I actually really love this low sandal (I'm big on comfortable, low wedges) and can see myself wearing it with sundresses for strolling:

Kids: DV Demi-Wedge Sandals 

Readers - anyone else guilty of browsing the kids department? I'd love to hear about any good finds!

Petite Lookbook - Crazy for Paisley

It's no secret that J.Crew petite sizing irks me. Numerous posts have been done showcasing the ill fit... the saggy City Pant and Wool Stretch Jacket in 0P on AlterationsNeeded, and the frump-a-licious Skimmer Pant in 00p on Pint-Sized Musings, just to name a few. Despite all the confirmation that J.Crew is not for tiny petites, silly me ended up impulsively buying a dress on final sale. But worry not ... a quick trip to Hemmingway Tailors was all it needed!

Revealing...the J.Crew Terra Paisley Dress, post-alterations:

Dress: J.Crew Terra Paisley Shift in P0 (alterations : straps shortened, sides taken in, hemmed)

Sweater: Aqua Kids cashmere bolero in girls sz L

Shoes: Aldo satin Arnoldoa pumps (sold here)

This dress has proven to be ridiculously versatile - it looks nice as a "skirt" when peeking out under a black cardigan or jacket, it's classy with heels for dinner, and chic for a night out when worn with ankle booties.

Shop this look in petite-friendly sizes:

The Bold Patterned Dress
I looked long and hard online and couldn't find anything similar to the above dress! Bummer : ( Some other picks, though:

1. Nanette Lepore Exotic Shift Dress in 0 - so $$, I can only dream!
2. Ann Taylor Petite Patterned Sheath Dresses (in leopard, graphic or pink floral) in 00P

I have never tried on anything from Lily Pulitzer so I can't attest to the sizing, but I have a sinking feeling that it's not petite-friendly. I usually do not care for their bright and busy garments, but I rather like this classic sheath with gold lace. Have any petites tried this brand in size 0?


The Kiddie-Department Shrug
1. Nordstrom Girls Bolero Sweater in L or XL
2. Flowers by Zoe L/S Shrug in L or XL (no large sizes left online, but check Bloomies in-store)

I'm lovin' this little cashmere shrug from Aqua kids (Bloomingdales in-house line). Not bad for $30 something during their winter sale! I've been wearing it non-stop with all my higher-waisted dresses. I like digging for boleros or shrugs in the children's department, since the typical "short n' wide" fit issue doesn't apply!

 

Let's look at the dress again pre-alterations with baggy arm holes and shapeless waist and hips (see old post here). Oh...and is that the dreaded underarm flab I see peeking out of the arm holes?

 And after the ladies at Hemmingway did their magic:

 

The dress has a side zipper and side pockets, which complicates alterations. My tailors ended up taking the torso in along the two back darts, resulting in a larger front panel than back - oh well! The loose arm holes were surprisingly fixed by taking up each strap by an inch or so. As for the hem, this dress is intended to hit at the knee (per the J.Crew model pic), but I had it shortened so that the busy print would not overwhelm my frame.

 

Perfectly done - clean alterations both inside and out! Total cost: $40 including a 20% discount. Very hefty price for alterations alone, but I have no regrets since I've already worn this 3x in the past month!

I had been in a serious frenzy hunting for a printed silk sheath after seeing this little number by Nanette Lepore on ChloeConspiracy. How gorgeous is that outfit? The J.Crew find couldn't have come at a better time ... my bf was ready to bop me on the head if he heard me babble about "Chloe's NL dress" one more time.

I loved this dress so much I wore it to dinner the night I got it back. Here's a photo of it "in action." Silly bf could not stop stuffing his face with pork chops for one second : )

I'm very sorry for the delayed responses to comments and emails - they are much appreciated! After 13 hours of staring at small numbers on a comp, I just want to trudge back to the hotel and pass out, so I've been checking and responding on weekends. CFA books haven't even been cracked! I think I'm gonna make it a goal to post 1x a week...any suggestions or requests are welcome : )

Petite Do or Don't? Gap Kids Dandelion Brocade Miniskirt - $19.99

This just came in the mail yesterday and I'm pretty undecided about whether or not to keep it. On one hand it looks a little childish (my boyfriend winced when I took it out of the box) - you know you're in the kiddie department when there is ELASTIC on the waistband! I would also need help figuring out what occasion or even season to wear this in ... can't figure out how to make this Winter-appropriate, so I'm thinking Spring?

On the other hand, I really like the colors and I think the fabric is unique. The pleats and pockets are also plenty cute. This skirt first caught my attention here, but all the larger kids sizes were already sold out. I called my local store with the style #, and they located some larger sizes at a different store. Shipping is a flat $6 from other stores (or free for Luxe members).

In person, the material is not as shiny as it looks in the photo below. The metallic threads were extra-reflective due to my camera flash.

I think this skirt has potential to look more "mature" if styled correctly. The base is textured ivory jacquard with embroidered dandelions in taupe, gray, and silver metallic threads. I have it paired in the pic above with some neutrals - Aldo Cythia dark taupe heels and a stone-colored long J.Crew cotton cardigan. The bf was pleasantly surprised and commented on how the skirt transformed into "casual chic." Similar cardigan and pumps sold here:

Click "Read More" to see sizing information.

I used to always go for a kids size 12 without any hesitation, but now things have changed. Not only have I become more modest (bye-bye abercrombie kids micro minis!), but kids sizes in certain brands have shrunken considerably! I specifically asked the Gap saleslady to locate a store with both a 12 and 14, because I had no idea what size I needed.

Please excuse the lighting which is all over the place - poor lighting kills pretty colors and textures!
Front View - The kids size 12 (left) vs. the kids size 14 (right):

Side View - Size 12 (left) vs. Size 14 (right):

Back View - Size 12 (left) vs. Size 14 (right):

The difference is only slightly noticeable in the pics, but the 14 was larger in the waist, hips, and length. If I end up keeping this skirt, 14 is probably the size for me.

Thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated. I think someone needs to tell me to get out of the kids' department before I go overboard : ) The sales associate who rang up my order over the phone was shocked (and possibly appalled) that this skirt was for myself!