Happy Friday!! For this week’s Fit Review Friday, I have a petite wool moto jacket and suede booties from Ann Taylor. As per usual, you can find my measurements for comparison here.
Note: Ann Taylor has 50% off almost everything (excludes cashmere & select suiting) with code FALL50 through Sunday, 10/25. Some things that have caught my eye include this 100% cotton windowpane scarf, this silk twill skinny scarf, this speckled sweater, this chunky knit (I like the grey!), and this button-shoulder sweater (easier to pull over frizz-prone hair). A similar promo is also running at LOFT (with code HALFTIME), where I have my eye on this 100% cotton stripe long sleeve tee.
On to the review…
Ann Taylor Petite Boiled Wool Moto Jacket // Size xxsp
*50% off with code FALL50
The words “wool” and “moto” directed my attention to this piece, and I loved the idea of that light grey color. When it arrived, sure enough, the color is divine and the cut is pretty cute. The fabric is a wool/rayon blend, in that nubby texture you’d expect from “boiled” wool. I’d describe it as medium weight…not too thin, but not thick either.
As far as fit, it’s probably about a size too big on me, most notably in my most frustrating of fit areas, the shoulders. Even though they measure the same as the Banana Republic burgundy blazer (which is now on sale with an extra 50% off with code BRSALE), something about the structure of the BR blazer looks fine on me, while the shoulders on this moto jacket just appear to droop. I also found the sleeves a little wide and long compared to similar sizes at other retailers (notably BR and J.Crew).
This was not a keeper for me for a few reasons…first, the afore mentioned fit issues meant it wasn’t anything special on my frame, and second, the details just weren’t there for me, like the hardware used on this piece appeared too dainty for my taste, and the side pockets were non-functional. The side pockets are real working pockets, but they are slanted so that you can’t shove your hands in there like I’m oft to do. The jacket is a cute idea, but ultimately not for me.
The approximate measurements of size xxsp are as follows (laid flat & zipped):
Shoulder: 14.5″
Bust: 16″
Waist: 15″
Sleeve: 21.5″
Bicep: 6″
Length: 22.5″
Ann Taylor Deirdre Suede Bootie // Size 5
*50% off with code FALL50
As a short girl, I hate the way booties look on me, so I don’t own a single pair. However, the only booties I kinda like are ones that dip down in front, because I feel they are less leg-shortening than the usual straight across the top styles. Unfortunately, booties with a front dip are hard to come by, so when I saw these available in suede, I had to give them a shot.
Unfortunately, true to usual Ann Taylor shoe sizing, these are too wide on me. With a narrow foot, high arches, and toothpick legs, these just felt like little stylish buckets on my feet. My ankles just kinda stirred around in the wide top opening, and my feet were free to slip and slide around on the inside. There’s a back zipper, but I didn’t need it because my feet just slipped right out on their own. These will probably fit someone closer to a size 5.5 better than myself who runs as a small size 5. Oh well. Maybe you’ll have better luck than I did.
The suede in “dark camel” is a very nice shade of tan, and the heel height is a comfortable 3″. The suede isn’t very luxurious, and is quite rough to the touch, but it’s on your feet and is going to get beat up, so that’s forgivable for the price. If these had fit me properly, I would have kept.
I see that size 5 seems to have sold out online, but if anyone is interested, I just returned these yesterday afternoon to the Ann Taylor store at Hillsdale Mall in San Mateo, CA. Ann Taylor stores will ship to your home for I believe around $8 (correct me if I’m wrong…it’s been a while since I’ve had AT ship from store), and if you have an Ann Taylor card, they might waive the shipping charge. Phone number is: (650) 571-1030.
Kelly,
A timely post for me as ive just finished hunting for perfect booties for my 4’11 self :-) the winner was the rag & bone margot booties. They are $$$ but I just bought two ex-display pairs on eBay (camel Nubuck & black leather) for bargain prices. They run one size large. I’m normally 35.5 but 36.5 is a perfect fit. So comfortable – they feel like they don’t have a heel. The front dip makes them petite friendly & they are narrow at the ankle. Plus they look a bit edgier than a sleek shoe bootie. Very happy with my purchase & I have to recommend to my fellow petites :-)
Thanks Lorraine! I’ve had my eye on those too, but haven’t bit the bullet. It’s looking more and more like those will be winners for me also. =)
I bought the same booties (in black) because of the dip! I hope they work out, I sized down.
Good luck Kat! If you sized down, you’ll probably be ok. I saw some of the reviewers said they sized down also.
I do think that the only boots that fit me are what is called Chelsea boots.
As they are boots with no zipper but pull on, they can be pretty narrow to the ankle area.
And may look good with trousers and dresses. The other boots (booties ?) I own I only wear with trousers (no slim mind you) so I have no trouble to have them a bit large around the ankle.
I understand your issue: funny as so many women do wear sometimes very large booties (even with skirts) at the ankle area without batting and eyelash. I do not like that at all but well, to each her own.