Guilty…of Shopping the Juniors Department

Necessary Objects Flat Collar Blazer, size x-small :: Ann Taylor Factory shell, size xxsp :: Paige jeans, size 23 (hemmed) :: Christian Louboutin Simple 85 Pumps, size 35 :: Ann Taylor Perfect Patent Skinny belt, size xs :: Vintage feather brooch :: Iridesse pearls :: Alex and Ani bangle

I try my best to avoid shopping in juniors departments, but this little rust colored blazer called out to me and I was powerless against it! If you’re gonna shop juniors, the Nordstrom B.P. department is my hands down favorite, and pretty much kept me clothed all through college. I had the stretch camisole in almost every color (I think a few are still sitting in my closet somewhere), and I navigated my first job interviews in a B.P. button down. I also have fond memories of a little white shrunken blazer that I literally wore to death by graduation.

I roam through the B.P. department every now and then, but most things don’t appeal to me anymore, and those that do, are usually a poor fit. That is…until this little blazer crossed my path!

Tip: Juniors sizing runs narrow, but doesn’t necessarily run short. Juniors sizes are often designed for a teen of 5’4″ – 5’5″, so items are not made with a very short person in mind. However, juniors tops and jackets are often cut with a higher bust and shorter back, which can be a good fit for shorter women. (source: wikipedia)

Note: the color is much more brownish orange-red than the photos show. This photo location tends to skew colors slightly.

The fit is small, the color of this particular jacket is a pretty fall “rust” color, and the lining is a cute stripe perfect for cuffing. What grabbed my attention (besides the color) was that collar!

The flat collar is a sophisticated touch, well beyond it’s years as a juniors item. I also appreciate the waist seam, which adds a little peplum touch to the bottom, and the shrunken fit is perfect for a shorty like me.

That lapel was just screaming for a brooch!

All it’s missing is a little hook closure right at the waist seam. It looks really nice closed at that seam, and I plan to add a closure to it myself a little later. In a perfect world, it would also be a little more structured, as I can imagine how wonderful it would look if it were tailored out of a little stiffer fabric. But I guess the slouchy look is okay too. :P

My Rundown:
– Fits small!
– The details are mature despite it being a juniors item.
– Love, love, love the rust color, with ivory being a close second.
– Will look even better closed at the waist seam after I add a little hook closure to it.
– Runs smaller than H&M blazers (H&M size 2 blazers are always too big in the bust and shoulder for me).
– Fabric feels nicer than H&M blazers.
– Sleeve length is perfect on me, however sleeves are too wide to wear un-cuffed. I probably won’t alter them since I like them cuffed.
– Bit expensive for a juniors item ($59) but I couldn’t pass it up.

Product Info, Size X-Small (laying flat):
Length: 20″
Shoulder: 13.5″
Bust: 15.5″
Waist: 14″
Sleeve: 21.5″
61% Polyester, 34% Rayon, 5% Spandex
Lining: 100% Polyester
Dry Clean

I loved the rust (it’s one of my favorite colors to wear), but the white looks even more sophisticated and prim in real life, and I plan to search for it once it goes on sale. I imagine it paired with lots of black accessories to chic-it-up. The black jacket, in my opinion, looked a bit cheap compared to the others.

I must admit, I second-guessed myself when I walked out of the Nordstrom B.P. department because I usually really dislike juniors items, and thought I’d get it home and decide it looked too young. After trying it on and taking these photos, I’m pretty happy with it, and already have some more styling ideas to “chic-it-up”.

Readers: Are you like me and avoid the juniors department, or do you shop it freely?