Brand That Runs Small: White House | Black Market

October 26, 2009

I went into White House | Black Market a long time ago and loved their aesthetic, but the sizing was too big for me at the time. Since then, they have introduced a size XXS, and now I’m hooked! 


To relate to you how bad my obsession has become, I’ve been in 2 different White House | Black Market stores in the last 3 days!

  White House | Black Market is chock full of classic styles in black, white, and grey, but with interesting details and twists. This season, there is a big emphasis on Chanel inspired sweater jackets, ruffles, tweed, and all the things that get me all excited these days. I went online and picked out a few things I liked, then headed to my local stores to see what they had. Check out what I picked up…all on sale!

I don’t like the way they styled this sweater jacket, because when I first saw it online, I thought the weird printed ruffle collar was part of the sweater. Ugh! When I did some more snooping around the website, I found the shirt they used underneath the sweater, and realized it was just bad styling…not part of the sweater. In real life, this sweater is cropped and fitted, has a small bit of shiny thread running through it, and has a tweedy look. It also comes with a detachable black and tweed flower pin.

I like this top because the ruffles are small and tightly concentrated, so they don’t overwhelm me. Too much ruffle is a bad thing, but these are just enough to be fun, without looking too crazy. This top looks cute under a V-neck sweater, with the ruffles sticking out, and big, fun earrings.

This pin is fun because I can stick it on anything…sweaters…tops…jackets…my hair. It has an alligator clip, as well as a pin backing, so you can stick it anywhere. And now for modeling pics!

Sweater: White House | Black Market 3/4 Marled Sweater Jacket, size XXS 
Top: H&M, size XS Jeans: Paige Premium Denim, Laural Canyon, size 24 (hemmed & waist taken in) 
Shoes: Cole Haan Grey Suede Almond Toe Pumps, size 5, (another option here) 
Necklace: Iridesse 80 inch Pearl Strand (similar here) (and here)

Check out White House | Black Market for camisoles, tops, and sweater jackets in size XXS. I tried on a skirt in size 00 that ran a bit big, so unless you want to do some tailoring, skip those.

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  • Anonymous

    If you use the code "8936" you can receive $20 off $80 at WH/BM thru 11/1/09. Love your blog!

  • Alterations Needed

    Awesome! Thanks for the coupon code. I'll add it to my promotions list in the sidebar.

  • Anonymous

    Have you tried any of the bottoms in 00? Or is it only the xxs tops that sometimes work at this store. Just curious. I haven't seen one of these stores in person before.

  • Alterations Needed

    I tried on a skirt in size 00, and it wasn't falling off of me, but it wasn't fitted either. It would need some tailoring. I didn't try any pants or jackets on this time.

  • PetiteAsianGirl

    Love your finds! They have lots of discount codes on retailmenot, too. I need to pick up that flower pin for my boring black tweed separates. There's a WHBM outlet near me and I've only tried on an 00 blazer and a pair of pants, and they were too big. I guess XXS in stretchy knits is the way to go!

  • Anonymous

    I love WHBM also! I take a 0 or 00 in a dress & they fit to a T. Also when we go to Foley, Al. I hit the outlet store & it isn't like a factory store at all. Just like the rest of the stores. Great prices too. The only thing I wish is they had more color! I love red, blue, pink, lavender, etc. I love your blog….we need more petite stores, don't we?

  • Alterations Needed

    "we need more petite stores, don't we?"

    Yes we do!

  • Nukem

    I love your pearl necklace, I kept meaning to ask you where you got them, thanks for the info!

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