Jacket That Runs Small: Theory Gratian Jacket

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I've had my eye on this tweed jacket since it first popped it's little head into my local department stores early this shopping season. I found it in a size 0, which was a little big, but I liked it so much I made a mental note to search out the size 00. Of course, I searched high and low, and the size 00 was sold out everywhere!

Theory Gratian Jacket in "Lecture", $385

Then, my local Bloomingdale's stocked up sizes in preparation for the holiday shopping season, and lo and behold...there was a tiny size 00 waiting for me to snatch it up!

Jacket: Theory Tweed Gratian Jacket, size 00

Top: H&M

Jeans: Paige Premium Denim, Laurel Canyon, size 24 (hemmed & waist taken in)

Shoes: Cole Haan Suede Pumps

I love jackets, but they are really hard for me to find. I need short, slim cuts that don't overwhelm me, and I find most jackets add too much bulk. This is why I wear a lot of sweaters. Sweaters don't add as much bulk, and I search out the ones that fit close to my body so I can get that nice waist definition I love so much. I hate baggy!  But I secretly pine for beautiful jackets...and the ability to wear them. So, when I found this jacket, I got really excited.

This jacket is described as "cropped" which is probably why it worked so well on me. I don't know about you, but I really hate this "boyfriend" trend. Long and baggy might look good on tall girls, but on me, it makes me look like a little kid who raided mom's closet. I also like the single hook & eye closure on this jacket, because it creates an X on my body, as in, it exaggerates the bust:waist:hip ratios.

I also like this jacket because the tweed fabric is on the thinner side, which means it drapes nicely on my frame. Thick fabrics always just hang straight down and completely cover any waist definition I have. This jacket cuts in slightly at my waist, which makes it look like I actually have a waist! Imagine that!

The details on this jacket are also petite girl friendly. The lapel is nice and small, the hook & eye closure is high, so it rests at my empire waist, and the side pockets lay nice and flat.

I liked this one so much, I actually paid full retail! Ouch! But I knew if I walked away from it, I'd never see it again. Now I've got my fingers crossed it'll go on sale so I can get a price adjustment!

Cole Haan Online Sample Sale on Rue La La

photo: Rue La La

Cole Haan shoes are some of my favorite things in the world, so you can bet I'm gonna check out the online sample sale on Rue La La tomorrow. Look for shoes with "Nike Air", because they have extra padding that makes them surprisingly comfy!

What: Cole Haan Sample Sale
Where: Rue La La
When: Monday November 30, 2009, 11am EST

Want to check out the sale but not a Rue La La member? Click here for an invite:

Rue La La Invite

Stuart Weitzman Online Sample Sale on Rue La La

photo: Rue La La

Stuart Weitzman produces a lot of shoes in sizes 4 and 4.5, so it's probably worth checking out the online sample sale tomorrow on Rue La La!

What: Stuart Weitzman Sample Sale
Where: Rue La La
When: Friday November 27, 2009, 11am EST

Want to check out the sale but not a Rue La La member? Click here for an invite:

Rue La La Invite

Keep your fingers crossed there will be some small shoe sizes!

Ann Taylor LOFT Tweed Pants Have Arrived!

The Ann Taylor LOFT Marisa Fit tweed pants finally arrived, and I'm in love! These are my new favorite dress pants...and the alterations are minimal. Just the waist needs to be taken in! How awesome is that?

Ann Taylor LOFT Petite Marisa Grey Tweed Lean Fit Flare Leg Cuffed Pants, $79  $49.99

Size Petite 00 on me:

The waist is a little big:

Pants: Ann Taylor LOFT Marisa Tweed Pants, size Petite 00

Sweater: American Eagle Cashmere Sweater, size XXS

Top: H&M, size XS

Shoes: Cole Haan Suede Pump (similar here)

Not only are these pants slim in the leg and thigh, but they are fully lined as well! I really appreciate a fully lined pant...it makes them feel so much more expensive than they are.

I know these pants are sold out online in size Petite 00, but the "Locate in Store" function on the Ann Taylor website says it's still available in several stores...and at $49.99...you can't go wrong. If you call customer service or talk to a sales associate in store, they should be able to find a pair of these and get them sent to you.

These are so incredibly cute! I can't wait to get them back from my tailor! I have a feeling I'll be wearing these a lot!

Related Posts:

Dress Pants for Tiny Petites: Ann Taylor

Feeling Brave? Bet on Price Adjustments...

It's the week before Thanksgiving, and that means stores are getting ready for the most awesome shopping day of the year...Black Friday!

So...what does that mean? Stores are getting fully stocked in preparation for the onslaught, and planning their markdowns. This is a good week to look for merchandise in small sizes, since stores will be stocking their inventories. For instance, I found this Theory jacket in size 00 over the weekend that I had been searching for since the beginning of the season. It has been sold out in size 00 for months...and wouldn't you know it, my Bloomingdale's store decided to re-stock their sizes just before Thanksgiving!

This time of year it is also prudent to be educated in the art of the price adjustment. As it gets closer to Christmas, stores will mark down merchandise and offer promotions in an effort to get you to buy, buy buy!

The best merchandise always goes quickly, so if you're brave, snatch up tiny sizes soon, and then keep track of price markdowns. If your item goes on sale...get a price adjustment!

Some price adjustment policies:

Ann Taylor and LOFT: 7 days on regular price merchandise (see policy here)

Banana Republic: 14 days (see policy here)

Bloomingdale's: 14 days

Nordstrom: 2 weeks on regular price merchandise (see policy here)

Saks Fifth Avenue: 7 days on regular price merchandise (see policy here)

I bought the Theory jacket at full retial price, but you know I'll be keeping an eye on the sales in the hope I can get a price adjustment on it!

Sass and Bide Online Sample Sale on Gilt Fuse

photo: Gilt Fuse

Way back when I posted about Ksubi jeans running small, a lot of people commented that Sass & Bide jeans also run small. For all the Sass & Bide fans out there, Gilt Fuse is having an online sample sale today starting at 9am PST, 12pm EST.

What:Sass & Bide Sample Sale
Where: Gilt Fuse (by Gilt Groupe)
When: Mon. November 23, 2009, 9am PDT

Want to check out the sale but not a Gilt member? Click here for an invite:

 

Gilt Invite

Wrap Dresses For Petites: BCBG

What's my favorite kind of dress, you ask? The wrap dress of course!

Why, you ask? Well...you see...because you can wrap it tightly around petite curves in a flattering and fitted way!

Check out these BCBG petite wrap dresses:

BCBG Matte Jersey Wrap Dress, $98

Also available in red and black, these dresses are available in size Petite XS! I tried some BCBG petite dresses in size Petite XS in this post, and the fit of the wrap dress was fantastic! This would be a great basic dress for the office, holiday parties, or just everyday looking stylish.

Did you know BCBG only offers dresses in petite sizes at Nordstrom and Bloomingdales? Weird huh?

Get free shipping at Nordstrom on $100 or more with code: HOLIDAY09

Related Posts:

Dresses That Run Small: BCBG Petites

Petite Cashmere on Sale: American Eagle Outfitters

Remember the cashmere sweaters I bought from American Eagle Outfitters a little while back? Well, they've gone on sale! And the size XXS is available in every color!

I picked up this one in the Heather Grey and Chalk:

AE Cashmere Cardigan, $79.50 $59.95

And this one comes in five colors. I like the grey and navy:

AE Sexy Scoop Cashmere Cardigan, $79.50 $59.95

I'm wearing the cardigans in this post here.

The size XXS is only available online, but you automatically get free shipping on $100 or more.

And...I found a coupon code for 15% off! Code: 56489457

Using this code makes each sweater $50.96!

**UPDATE** These sweaters are "Buy One, Get One 50% Off"!

Related Posts:

Tiny Cashmere: American Eagle Outfitters

More Disappointments: Ann Taylor LOFT

Speaking of Ann Taylor LOFT...here are some things to pass on during their Friends and Family sale. 

First of all, I have a weird thing for tie-neck details on shirts. I think it started with a Lucky Magazine cover where Milla Jovovich wears a silky purple tie-neck top under a tweed menswear vest. I liked it so much that I've been searching for the perfect one ever since.

Last year, I was obsessed with this one by Diane von Furstenberg, but the proportions of the size 0 wasn't right for little ol' me. The tie-neck details were perfect, but the bust darts and waist detail was too low...it would need some major tailoring to bring it up from the shoulders, which I'm not sure would even be possible. I waited for it to go on sale to justify high tailoring costs...and wouldn't you know it, my size was all sold out in nanoseconds. I still think about that top sometimes...it makes me sad.

So you'll see a theme in some of my recent purchases. Every time I see a tie-neck top in a small petite size, I have to buy it, hoping it will fill the tie-neck blouse shaped hole in my closet. Like this one from Ann Taylor (read the post), and now this one from Ann Taylor LOFT:

Ann Taylor LOFT Low Bow Top, $49.50

Here it is on me:

Top: Ann Taylor Low Bow Top, size Petite XXS
Sweater: Aqua Cashmere Cardigan, size XS
Jeans: Paige Premium Denim Hollywood Hills, size 24 (hemmed & waist taken in)
Shoes: Cole Haan Genevieve Open Toe Pump, size 5

Unfortunately, this top is too big and flouncy. On the model, the tie-neck detail looks small, soft and drapey. On me, it was big, stiff and unruly. Not to mention, notice how the shoulder hangs off me, while it sits perfectly on the model, which makes my shoulders look smaller than they are. The width of the top is also too large for me, and would need to be taken in. This top is 100% polyester, so I'm not interested in investing money in the form of alterations costs into this garment. Still no tie-neck blouse for me...oh well.

I liked the color of this sweater, and have had pretty good luck with the size Petite XXS, so I threw this sweater into my order to get free shipping ($125 minimum):

Ann Taylor LOFT Shirred V-Neck Cardigan, $49.50

And on me:

Sweater: Ann Taylor LOFT Shirred V-Neck Cardigan, size Petite XXS

Look at how shapeless it is on me! Awful!

It's ok though, because I got this one from Banana Republic (size Petite XXS) that fits way better. Take that LOFT, and your sadly shapeless, overly large sweaters!

Maybe some day I'll find the perfect tie-neck top...*sigh*

Related Posts:
Success! Some Tiny Petite Finds at Banana Republic
Ann Taylor...You Did Me Wrong This Time Around

Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor LOFT Friends and Family Event

Save 30% at Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor LOFT starting today through Nov. 22. Spend $100 and get free shipping!

30% off at Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor LOFT

Through Nov. 22, 2009

Code: FRIENDS

Free Shipping on orders of $100 or more

No code needed

I have my eye on a few things...like this jacket and super cute slippers from LOFT...and this cashmere sweater  and silk shell from Ann Taylor...

Success! Some Tiny Petite Finds at Banana Republic

I ordered a few things way back when Banana Republic had their "After 5 Style Event" for 30% off, and I'm excited to announce...I will be keeping a few of them! Yay! After all the Ann Taylor dissapointment in the last week or so, this picked my spirits back up. So, without further ado, here are my new BR items:

Banana Republic Petite Italian Merino Cardigan, $69.50

 I loooove sweaters, I wear one almost every day. Even in the summer (I've been known to wear sweaters in both Hawaii, and Costa Rica...both very hot, humid places...) because I'm always cold...or will quickly get cold once I enter a very air conditioned place. This one caught my eye because I loved the maroon color, and I thought the striped ribbon detail on the inside of the button placket was a fun detail to add interest to an outfit.

Here is the sweater in size Petite XXS:

Sweater: Banana Republic Petite Italian Merino Cardigan, size Petite XXS

Top: Paul Smith Button Down, size 38

Jeans: Paige Premium Denim Laurel Canyon, size 24 (waist taken in and hemmed)

Shoes: Cole Haan Genevieve Open Toe Pump, size 5

Jewelry: 16inch Akoya Pearl Necklace and 36inch Ruby and Silver Necklace (similar here) (and here)

I really like this sweater. The merino wool is soft, not scratchy, and the color is beautiful. There is also a gray I have my eye on...but I'll play the waiting game and see if I can snag that one on sale. The sizing is also much better, as this sweater fits like an XXS. I've had a lot of BR Petite XXS sweaters swamp me completely. Also, take note that wool sweaters shrink when you wash them, so even though this sweater doesn't fit tightly on me now...I expect it to fit beautifully after I wash and air dry it.

Next up, this silk skirt:

Banana Republic Petite Silk Color-Block Skirt, $79.50

Here is the skirt on me in size Petite 00:

Skirt: Banana Republic Petite Silk Color-Block Skirt, size Petite 00

Top: B.P. from Nordstrom, size XS

Shoes: Cole Haan Grey Suede Almond Toe Pump, size 5

This skirt falls at the top of my hips, which is lower than it is intended (it looks to fall near the waist of the model), but that's fine by me. Because I have a shorter torso, I generally don't like tucking shirts into my bottoms, so by leaving my top out, I look more propotioned anyways. I'm loving this maroon color right now, and the whispy silk of this skirt falls nicely. I'm thinking holiday parties! Bling this up with some fun sparky jewelry, and you're ready to go! Maybe even a flower brooch!

I should note here I also bought this top in size Petite XXS:

Banana Republic Silk Georgette Rosette Top, $80

Pfff...this is no XXS...BR, what were you thinking! I didn't even take a picture of myself in this one, because I wanted this post to be full of positivity. But if you're thinking about this one...don't even bother. It's a tent. Literally. I could fashion a little teepee out of it and live under it if I wanted to. Okay, maybe it's not that big...but it certainly didn't fit.

Petite Fit Guide: Improper Fit of a Regular Size Blouse on a Petite Woman

Advice for clothing the petite woman is often misguided and unresearched. I get frustrated when I see a "Petite Advice" item in magazines or websites that states, "alter down regular sizes" or, "shop in the Juniors Department". The people writing these things are obviously not petite women, or have ever had to go shopping with one. I can stand in dressing rooms for hours, tugging and pulling at fist fulls of fabric, wondering if my tailor could nip or tuck an item into shape. I've found it also takes a keen eye to figure out exactly how something should fit, when you've never seen it fit properly on yourself in the first place!

Recently, I was in H&M looking for anything interesting, and found a little button up blouse that looked cut really slim. I liked the cut, style, and color, so even though it was polyester (yuck!), I was curious to see how it would look on. When I got into the dressing room, my eye first fell on the slim cut of the top, and fit in the arms and shoulder. "It fits!" was my first thought...but then I looked closer and realized something was off.

I stared for a little while and then realized what the problem was. Can you see what the issue is with this blouse? Click "Continue Reading..." to see the answer.

Accessories to Spice Up a Wardrobe: Flower Brooches

Fall makes me want to layer tons of things all over myself...colors, textures, camisoles, sweaters, vests, jackets, jewelry...sometimes all at the same time. I have to stop myself, because, as a tiny petite woman, too much is easily overwhelming. My new favorite sweater and jacket accessory is a fun brooch. Pinned on a jacket lapel or sweater front, it's a fun way to add some detail and color to an outfit. As with most things, I start out small, and then over time get brave enough to go a little bigger. My brooches were all little dainty things, but then I found this awesome, big, flower brooch at White House | Black Market, and now I can't stop thinking about them.

I love the idea of a statement brooch. I especially love the size. It's big enough to grab attention and be a fun accessory, but I still feel comfortable wearing it. Use one in a highly contrasting color to add interest to what would otherwise be a boring outfit.

Pin: White House | Black Market Mesh Flower Pin, $14.99 on sale

Sweater: Aqua Cashmere Cardigan, size XS
Top: H&M, size XS

Other amazing pins I'm pondering (do I really need more of these? I think I do!):

Chanel White Covered Knit Camelia Brooch, $599.99 (the ultimate flower brooch! Yum...Chanel!)

White House | Black Market Tweed Flower Pin, $25

Spiegel Lace Rosette Pin, $14

White House | Black Market Feather Flower Pin, $30

White House | Black Market Garnet Flower Pin, $14.99 on sale

Forever 21 Houndstooth Tweed Brooch, $3.80 (super affordable!)

I could go on and on...so many great ideas!

Related Posts:
Brand That Runs Small: White House | Black Market

Review: Gap 1969 Jeans in Size Petite 00

There was a lot of hype and good press coming out about the new Gap 1969 premium denim line. Lots of people were saying good things about the fit, styles, and of course, the price ($60-$70 for premium denim? Sold!). Thankfully, Gap had the good sense to make their new jeans in petite sizing...but unfortunately, only available online. So, being the curious girl I am, I decided to get one of each jean in size Petite 00. If these really are the great fitting jean everyone is touting them as being, then surely there must be a good fit for little ol' me, right?

I should add here that I suffer from a syndrome that most women scoff and roll their eyes at...but it's made my jean shopping 100 times more difficult than they could ever imagine. What affliction is this, you ask?

Chicken Legs n. - Very thin, bony human legs, so named for their resemblance to the thin, scrawny little legs of a chicken. (thank you, Urban Dictionary)

Just try and find flattering jeans that I can't grab a fistful of fabric off the thigh! Oh the horror!

So, knowing this, I ordered 6 pairs of jeans, one in each style, all in size Petite 00, in the hopes one might work.

First up, the Sexy Boot Jean, in Saturated Wash, size Petite 00:

Jeans: Gap Sexy Boot, size Petite 00
Top: H&M, size XS
Shoes: Cole Haan Genevieve Open Toe Pumps, size 5

These were the best fit out of the whole group. The waist was decent, the rise was nice and low, and the length was perfect on me (I have REALLY long legs for my height, so I luck out with petite length pants...they're usually perfect with heels). What I didn't particularly care for was the fit in the thigh (a little baggy, but less baggy than the rest of the jeans) and knee (really baggy). If you are even just a smidgen bigger than I am, or are not afflicted with chicken legs, then these will probably work really well for you.

I won't bore you with the rest of the jeans, unless you want to see how they fit. See five more Gap 1969 jeans in size Petite 00 modeled on little ol' me by clicking "Continue Reading" below.

Tiny Cashmere: American Eagle Outfitters

American Eagle Outfitters has some cashmere sweaters this season...and because the brand is marketed toward teens and college students, they tend to run small. I sometimes pop into American Eagle for tank tops, and other basics, but I've also bought some sweaters there in the past.

I'm always on the look-out for fitted cashmere sweaters, so when I saw this one at ae.com, I knew it had a chance of running small.

American Eagle Cashmere Cardigan, $79.50

I thought I might be able to find them in-store to try on, so I popped into my local AE stores, but none of them had the sweaters in stock. I was stuck ordering online where they happen to carry size XXS (not available in stores unfortunately), so I figured since I was ordering online anyways, I may as well go for the tiniest one they have. AE also accepts free in-store returns, so now all I needed was free shipping and hopefully a discount code. I got free shipping because I bought over $100 worth of merchandise (I bought two sweaters), and found a discount code online for 20% off. I ordered the Heather Grey and Chalk, and patiently waited for the package to arrive.

They're here, and I'm glad I found these, because they run tiny! The size XXS is really fitted on me. I could probably even size up to the XS if I wanted to, especially since cashmere shrinks a little bit when you wash it (always air dry!). I'll be keeping these sweaters for sure, and taking them to my dry cleaner so they don't shrink too much.

Sweater: American Eagle Cashmere Cardigan, size XXS
Top: Diane von Furstenberg, Size P
Jeans: Paige Premium Denim, Hollywood Hills, size 24 (hemmed and waist taken in)
Shoes: Cole Haan Geneviere Open Toe Pump, size 5

These sweaters are a pretty thin cashmere, but they're still nice, soft, and perfectly fitted. Not to mention only $80! For cashmere, this is a really good price. And, really...you can never have too much cashmere.

Also of note, there is a little embroidered eagle on these cardigans, but it is the same color as the sweater, and hidden at the bottom and off to the side. This is good, because no petite woman wants to advertise she shops in stores for teens, right?

Another cashmere option at AE:

American Eagle Sexy Scoop Cashmere Cardigan, $79.50

These will probably go on sale relatively soon, so if you're brave, you can wait it out and hope the small sizes are still available. Otherwise, grab them soon while the size XXS and XS are still available in every color.

Banana Republic "After 5 Style Event"

If you have a BR, Gap, or Old Navy card, then you can take advantage of the BR "After 5 Style Event" today starting at 5pm ET.

30% off orders of $100 or more when you use your BR, Gap, or ON card
From 5pm - 11:59pm ET on Nov. 5, 2009
Code: AFTER5

25% off orders of $100 or more, no card needed
Code: BREVENT25

**I just received a different code in my inbox today for use with a BR, Gap or ON card. I guess if one doesn't work, try the other! New Code: BREVENT30**

I have my eye on a few things...like this skirt for holiday parties (great color...and in silk!), or this sweater (I love the inside ribbon stripe detail).

Happy shopping!

Ann Taylor...You Did Me Wrong This Time Around

Ann Taylor and I were having a glorious love affair. First, I fell in love with the small fitting pants. Yes, they needed alterations...but they were minimal, and the best fit I had found by far. Then I found this great top I adored. I thought I had found my perfect match. The styles were what I wanted, and I was batting 1000 with the size petite XXS. So I picked up some things I had my eye on after they went on sale, and with fingers crossed, waited patiently for the package to arrive.

Oh Ann...you disappointed me this time.

First up, this silk top:

Ann Taylor Silk Tie-Neck Blouse

And on me...it's not quite as glamorous:

Top: Ann Taylor Silk Tie-Neck Blouse, Size Petite XXS
Jeans: Paige Premium Denim, Hollywood Hills, Size 24 (Hemmed & Waist Taken in)
Shoes: Cole Haan Genevieve Open Toe Pump, Size 5

Sweater: Abercrombie & Fitch Cashmere Sweater, Size XS

The top is a bit baggy in the torso, which can be taken in by a tailor. However, look at those sleeves! First of all, they're too long. Secondly, they're too baggy. The top length could probably be taken up a bit as well. Even when I throw a sweater over it...something is just not right. I really like the idea of this top, but I'd have to get an awful lot tailored for it to fit the way I want it to. Final verdict: ehh, I just don't love it enough to pay for all that tailoring. Back to the store it goes.

Next up...this top:

Ann Taylor Short Sleeve Tie-Neck Top

And, on me:

Top: Ann Taylor Short Sleeve Tie-Neck Blouse, Size Petite XXS

Sweater: Abercrombie & Fitch Cashmere Sweater, Size XS

First of all, this top is a polyester rayon blend, so it takes a few knocks just for that. I'd probably like it better if it were silk. This top obviously needs to be shortened, and the thick fabric doesn't drape very nicely, which makes it look baggy over my waist. It looks way better with a sweater thrown over it, and folded up at the hem, but I'd rather have a top that can do double duty, that is, can be worn by itself, and not just under something. I just don't particularly like the shape of this top without a sweater or jacket over it. Final verdict: I don't want to pay to alter polyester (yuck!), and I'm just not in love with it. Back to the store it goes.

Last, but not least, this jacket:

Ann Taylor Houndstooth Tweed Jacket

And, on me:

Jacket: Ann Taylor Houndstooth Tweed Jacket, Size Petite 0

Top: H&M, Size XS

WOW is all I have to say about this one. Way too big...way to boxy...this one is going back to the store pronto.

Nothing good in this group. I'm a little disappointed because I was hoping at least one of the tops would work, but my bank account is a little happier this way, so I guess it's not all bad.

Related Posts:
Ann Taylor Shopping Spree!
Dress Pants for Tiny Petites: Ann Taylor