Classiques Entier is a Nordstrom brand marketed towards the business casual crowd. Found in the same section where Theory is sold, this brand carries toned down trends and work appropriate separates. While Classiques Entier doesn’t come in petite sizes, this brand does come in size XXS. For some reason, I can’t seem to find size XXS online (tsk, tsk Nordies), but I did find some options in my local Nordstrom store to try on.
This stretchy ruffle top fit decently in size XXS. It’s cut really slim, and the neckline stops at a flattering length, which is a plus. I’d like to see the armholes higher, as a tiny bit of my bra peaked out from the side, but this happens to me with a lot of tops, even petite ones, so I can’t complain too much. The length is a bit long for me, but a simple hemming would fix this cheaply. Does Nordstrom hem tops and blouses for free at full retail prices? If so, then the length isn’t an issue at all.
More after the jump!
I had high hopes for this silk faux wrap top. It has a side zipper, a waist tie, and looked really small hanging on the hanger. It was certainly cut slimmer than the Ann Taylor silk tops I tried on recently, but was still a bit baggy in the bust. As with the ruffle top, I would like to see the arm holes higher, and the length shorter. The main issue I had with the top was the waist was too low, which is to be expected because it’s not a petite size, so it’s made for a woman with more height and a longer torso than myself. The most tell-tale sign of this was from the side, where the fabric poofed out around my shoulder blades. I couldn’t get a good shot of the side view, so you’ll have to take my word on this one.
I also took a look at suiting options in size XXS…and…well…it’s not very small at all. I didn’t even bother trying them on.
Verdict: Look for slim cut, stretchy pieces without waist details, unless you have a longer torso and the details hit you in the right spots. Skip the suiting separates all together…they’re huge! The silks run slimmer than a lot of other brands, but again, watch for waist details that don’t sit in the right place.
Classiques Entier could be a resource for slim cut work basics for petites, but beware as they are cut long, and for a taller person.
Great review on a brand that I've never heard of before. But no XXSs online is a bummer. I get so confused whenever I go into a Nordstrom store. What do those department names mean??
That's too bad the wrap top didn't fit – but you're right, unless it is petites, the location of the waist is most likely several inches too low. It looks very nice on the regular sized model when the fit is right : )
I've seen this brand at Nordies before and been curious about the sizing. Thanks for reviewing! That first top is really cute!
great info and advice – I'm really enjoying your posts.
The first top is cute! But it does look long-ish. I don't really shop at department stores for some reason (must be scarred from memories of drowning in kids/juniors departments with glitzy colors and low-quality polyester items lol). Maybe it's time to give Nordstroms a chance…
I own a pair of Classiques Entier Pants, Petite. I bought them a few years ago at a Nordstrom in south Florida and have never been able to find another pair anywhere else. I love, love, love them and can't believe I cannot find another like the one I own, petite!