I don’t normally suggest shopping in the children’s department, but I have to admit that every now and then a great gem can be found. For example, this outfit is partly made of kids items. The blazer is from J.Crew Crewcuts that I had tailored to eliminate that usual kids boxy fit. It’s 100% wool and better quality than a lot of women’s blazers I’ve encountered. Now the newest kids item to make it into my closet is this Breton tee from Saint James.
The famous Saint James “Meridien” tee is often labeled unisex and marketed to both genders; great for that slouchy cool look on average sized women, but bad for petites who may be swallowed whole by that unforgiving sizing. In the comments of a post from last year about classic Breton tees, a reader (thanks Eveange66!) noted she buys kids Saint James for a petite fit. Genius! As it turns out, Saint James kids tees are hard to come by in the US, and up until recently, I had never actually seen them offered anywhere. Then Nordstrom came to the rescue, as I stumbled upon the classic heavy cotton Meridien in a full range of kids sizes. I ordered the biggest size available (10y) and hoped for the best! When it arrived, I was happy to see it was a perfectly scaled down version of the classic.
I’m wearing size 10Y in these photos, and it’s a slouchy fit, which is exactly what I wanted. I could probably also fit in the 8Y for a trimmer silhouette, but I’d fear shrinkage in the wash. I figure the 10Y gives me enough slouch now while still giving plenty of allowance for possible future laundry shrinkage. The tee features a slight boat neck, straight boxy torso, oversized shoulder, and sleeves that start wide and slowly taper to the wrist. The sleeve length is akin to a bracelet sleeve on me, and features that iconic “Saint James” label at the upper arm. The 100% cotton is a heavy knit, almost like a sweater, and the color “Ecru/Marine” is a cream with navy stripes. I’ll also note that the kids version is much more wallet friendly than the adult version, by nearly half the price.
For those interested, the measurements of size 10Y (laid flat) are below:
Shoulder: 16.5″
Bust: 16″
Waist: 16″
Length: 21″
Sleeve: 15.5″
Bicep: 7.5″
— Details —
Blazer J.Crew (old) (similar)
Tee Saint James
Jeans Rag & Bone
Shoes LOFT (similar)
Wallet thanks to Emerson Fry (similar)
Belt Linea Pelle (similar)
Necklaces vintage & Downtown L.A.
Watch Larsson and Jennings
Bracelet Frye
— Altered —
Blazer has been slimmed
Pants have been hemmed & ankle slimmed
Thanks for sharing this find, Kelly! The price is just too good. Even though my sizing’s a little different than yours, here’s to hoping a kids size 10y fits me ;P
Good luck Sophia! I hope it fits!
It’s an awesome idea to check out the kid’s department for petites and really fantastic that the top fits you well! Thanks for sharing!
Prudence
http://www.prudencepetitestyle.com
Nice jacket.. I will definately suggest this idea to my friend who is petite. she always complain that she dosent get clothes for her size.
My favorite blazers are some kids’ ones I got at H&M. They’re jersey so they can stretch a little where needed, and the sleeves are easy to roll or scrunch up.
At 4’10 and only 93lbs. I peruse the kids section quite often. Have you tried any of the jcrew girls pants? There are some styles that look identical to the womens…I am also on the hunt for flat or low heel black women’s riding boots that will fit my short legs and won’t hit the back of my knees. Any suggestions???
Hi Rachel! I tried J.Crew girls bottoms a few years ago, but haven’t been enticed by anything lately. The right cut can definitely work for me though! As for boots, Jean found some good options lately. I’m not a fan of the way boots look on me, so I’ve successfully avoided them up to this point. =P
Check out her recent post here: http://www.extrapetite.com/2015/10/petite-friendly-narrow-calf-leather.html
I am 5 ft tall and 98 pounds. Have you tried the 000 size in J Crew? Also they have free shipping on kids clothes, so try the pants and let me know. I just got a terrific black puffer with faux fur trim from Lands End kids in size 12. It’s perfect and saved $ on it as well. What size shoe/boot do you need? Try Sole Society…good luck!
Hi Catherine! Yup, I’ve been picking up J.Crew size 000 petite in a few items and have had really good luck! Some items were even too small! I tried J.Crew girls pants a few years ago and had some luck with sizes 10 and 12, but haven’t seen anything there lately that was intrigued me enough to purchase. Thank you for the Land’s End kids tip…I haven’t looked over there for any hidden gems. =)