It's here! Nordstrom pre-Fall sale: more petite-friendly reviews

Trouv� leather jacket size XXS regular, Rag & Bone jeans (sz 24), BP ankle booties

Happy Friday morning! The Nordstrom Anniversary sale finally opened up to the public this morning, with several petite-friendly and extended sizing options still available. Please refer to this post for my list of petite-friendly suggestions last week. I was bummed they did not appear to restock items that sold out during early access like the utility jacket I got, but do check back if you loved anything in case there are returns. Here are a few more reviews from the items I tried...

Trouv� leather drape collar jacket - For a regular sized item, the fit of an XXS was surprisingly great. This is a thinner jacket with drape, almost like a waterfall cardigan, and the leather is super soft and supple. Other features include hidden pockets in the front for your hands, and a little clasp if you want to wear it closed. In the photo above, you can see that there is a tightly ribbed material on the inner length of the sleeves, which gives it that close fit. I'm big on narrow sleeves and these fit very nice and slim.

On the downside, it is regular sizing so the sleeves were inches too long on my short arms. For fellow short-armed ladies, this wouldn't be a basic alteration because of the zippers. An alternative is you can wear the sleeves casually scrunched up at the elbow like the models show it on the item page. As beautiful as this jacket is, I'm not sure if I will keep it because I'll likely get more wear out of my faux leather Blank NYC one (runs small). For anyone who prefers genuine leather, would definitely recommend giving this one a try while sizes are still in stock (I see it's racking up some 5 star reviews already). I love that it's a more feminine and elegant take on the typically edgy moto jacket, and the sale price of $219 is very good for supple leather.

For those who don't mind faux, Blank NYC also has a new faux leather jacket out that is a very reasonable price under this sale. Silhouette looks like everything a traditional moto jacket should be. Unfortunately it is not noted to run small, so probably best for those who typically wear a 0/2 regular and up.

BP 100% cotton cardigan (7 colors!) size XS fits slim, Zara heels, AC pearl jam necklace c/o

  Banana Rrepublic pants + shirt (similar in petites & on sale)

This pocketed cardigan comes in 7 colors and is an easy layering staple for work and casual wear. Petite ladies can definitely pull off longer sweaters - pair with skinny bottoms like leggings + a tank, or slim ankle pants. The material is a lightweight 100% cotton and the fit is slim and narrow through the sleeves (I have them folded up once). It's machine washable, but would keep this one out of the dryer as with all my cardigans, to maintain the shape and also not let it shrink.

Free people pullover, Rag & Bone jeans, Halogen heels (this year's sale version)

Free people pullover (4 colors) - I LOVED the way this top looks and drapes in the front, but my back was chilly! I know the open back is part of the design, but I just wasn't used to the feeling of breeze over there. I would need to wear a tank underneath each time, so unfortunately this one is going back. The fit of a regular XS was petite-friendly though, as you can see the length hit just right in the front (not too long that it'd be a tunic) and the 3/4 sleeves work on short arms.

A few other items Nick & I picked up or already have from this sale:

Clarisonic sensitive replacement heads - 4 pack, a no-brainer at $16.25 each. If you don't have a base Clarisonic cleansing system, check out the ones on sale starting at $79. It's amazing how much more makeup comes off on that brush after I think I do a good job washing my face by hand. Also, would not be able to get through winter without it as it keeps my dry face clear of flaky skin. Nick and I actually share one base machine and keep our own brush heads in separate baggies.

Men's cedar shoe trees, perfect for stocking up as gifts for the guys in your life. Nick has been asking for some for a while and I kept forgetting each bday and holiday, so he was ecstatic to get these and already asked for a few more. They look good quality in-person with adjustable toe width. The tricky part is figuring out what size you need - had to spend quite a bit of time reading the comments for help. I got the size L for his size 11-11.5 shoes and they were a good fit inside.

And on the note of men's shoes, Nick has these Sperry boat shoes in dark blue leather and loves them, as well as these Vans textured sneakers (on sale for $70 and $35, respectively - very good for classic styles from these brands).

Next up, from my cousin's order. She's very similar to me in size but a few years younger and more casual / boho in style. There were a few items from her order that are great alternatives to staple pieces I've posted about over the years. First up, if anyone remembers the popular Ann Taylor and Old Navy striped tops from years past, this BP crewneck pullover is a great dupe, especially for the sale price of $24! The design is classic with no odd bells & whistles, and the fit is pretty petite-friendly for a regular sizing item! Comes in three color choices - trying on the navy stripe below. Material is on the thinner, lightweight side and is machine washable.

BP crewneck pullover, size XS (3 colors), Rag & Bone jeans, BP ankle booties

Tons of ways to style and layer this, including with the ever popular fleece wrap cardigan:

Confirming that the Halogen denim shirt that's part of this sale appears to be the exact same shirt that I own from last season (see it styled on me). The xxs petite also fits the same as mine. The Tencel material is soft, and is weighted to have an almost sueded feel. Would recommend as another staple.

Nordstrom Fall sale winners: Treasure & Bond jacket + sweater

Treasure & Bond jacket (so many useful features - read on below) and layered sweater 
*coat is an army green color in-person; my lighting makes it appear more yellow*

I cranked up my air conditioning to do a few reviews from the Nordstrom Anniversary sale! As mentioned before, this is a sale on new, Fall merchandise and prices go back up for the season on August 3rd. If you don't have a Nordstrom card to get early access, you can use the "save to wishlist" button and order later when the sale is public on July 17th.

Rag & Bone jeans (sz 24), Ivanka Trump flats, BP ankle booties (sale version)

First up, this Treasure & Bond utility coat looks lackluster in the stock photos, but turned out to be an unexpected gem in all senses: it fits without alterations, is super functional, is in a versatile style that you see year after year, is machine-washable, and is a very reasonable price for a piece that can convert from a fall jacket to a winter coat. Let's take a closer look...

Measurements of size XXS regular: 14" across the shoulders, 27" total length, and 22" sleeve length. I was especially thrilled that the sleeves were not too long. Material is a quality blend of 97% cotton / 3% spandex on the outer, and 100% poly on the liner. I wanted to point out that the jacket itself, without the removable liner, is already fully lined.

No, I don't think this sherpa liner was intended to be worn as a vest, but I just wanted to clearly show what the removable piece looks like : ) When I first picked up the box this came in, it felt like bricks and I was confused as to what I could've possibly ordered. Turns out this jacket with the liner can easily be heavy enough for late Fall / early winter (especially if you layer underneath). For those who live in mild climates, this can probably serve as a winter coat. The liner is comfy and cozy, and I liked that it was piped in a stylish olive trim.
Next, I wanted to point out that every pocket is functional - no decorative fluff here. In addition, the lower pockets have two ways of entry as shown above. I love the option on the right as it's the most comfortable way for me to rest my hands and keep them warm.

How cool is this - the hood rolls up into a small tube and zips in and out of the collar. It has a drawstring as well to cinch the opening to your head size.

While trying on this jacket, I thought to myself all it needed was a drawstring waist cincher. Lo and behold, when I took off the sherpa vest what do I see? The waist is cut straight, so you can use this drawstring to "shape" it to your body.

A small zip pocket for coins and valuables, in addition to the many snap pockets. The elbows are also reinforced with stitched patching.

On to this layered sweater, also from the same brand. I inadvertently ordered the exact outfit in their lookbook with this sweater and utility jacket, but hey it works. This is a "pre-styled" piece so you can throw it on over skinny bottoms and look ready for the day without a moment of thought. It's hard to gauge materials over the internet, but the knit of this sweater is very soft and comfortable, and not too thin. The blend of the sweater is 55% pima cotton, 25% viscose, 15% nylon, 5% cashmere sweater and the plaid shirt is 100% cotton. Please note the shirt does not actually go underneath the entire sweater - it's just a faux-layered look.

Fit on me in size XXS is a slouchy casual fit, long enough to wear with leggings in my opinion as it just covers the crotch. As you can see below, the sleeves are a little long on short arms but as with most casual sweaters, you can push them up for a scrunched look. Measurements of an XXS: 14" across shoulders, 26" approx. total length, and 22.5" sleeve length.

Closeup - sweater has a waffle-like texture and the plaid has a soft, broken-in finish. This is my first time buying from Treasure & Bond and I have to say I'm impressed by quality and fit. On every item listing it also says 5% of profits are donated to organizations that empower girls and women, which is a bonus.

 Rag & Bone jeans (sz 24), Halogen leopard mid heels (this year's sale version)

And unfortunately this one was a miss - the Soia & Kyo double face wool coat in size XXS. I got sent the wrong color, but that issue aside, the material was itchy on me and unlined. I do know that unlined is typical of "double face wool" construction but the overall piece just felt more like a thick cardigan / robe than a true coat to me. This will be going back. My orders were sent in piecemeal (also ended up pulling the trigger on these Cole Haan OTK boots with a very slender calf measurement) so I'll be updating with more hits and misses as they arrive!

Life lately via Instagram (& 25% off sale purchases)

Rag & Bone jeans, Bric's luggage, Nine west loafers
Ann Taylor tote, AC scarf c/o, J.Crew blazer, Nine west loafers

The above has been my comfy travel uniform as of late...spring is nowhere to be found in Boston, to the utter dismay of my floral dresses and sandals collection. My Rag & Bone jeans above were a splurge earlier this year but have proven their worth given how often I reach for them. The brand is on Shopbop's F&F sale exclusion list, but the code (SPRING25 for 25% off - ends tomorrow April 9th) surprisingly worked when I tried it at checkout! Shopbop has just a few sizes left, but good old Nordstrom is automatically matching the 25% off (discounted price is already reflected in the item listing) with a full range of sizes in stock.


I don't really discriminate by brands and wear both LOFT clearance jeans and "splurge" jeans alike, but there's something about the texture, comfort and resiliency of R&B denim that makes me willing to pay more. With the 25% off, I picked up a more destructed pair (starts in sz 23! I got my usual 24) which have been on my wishlist after coming highly recommended by my friend Kelly. If destruction is not your cup of tea, their strongly reviewed "Kensington" wash looks like a perfectly versatile, slightly-faded option.

Reiko Kaneko mug (also on sale with 25% off) - a small gift to self from earlier this year, and a nice pick-me-up each morning at the office!

I'm also in desperate need of sunglass variety and would appreciate any recommendations for flat nose bridges. I've had such poor luck with fit, I ordered the following (all on sale as part of Shopbop's 25% off event), with fingers crossed that at least one will sit properly on my face: Rayban matte classic aviators in a neutral gradient, Karen Walker Harvest in a unique silhouette, and a more delicate Karen Walker "special fit" pair. The special fit line in itself was intriguing to me...per the description, "They are designed with less curvature of the frame, a narrower distance between the lenses, and high nose pads to prevent the frames from sliding or resting on the cheeks." Hmm! I'll have to report back on if this is the solution that flat-nosers like myself have been waiting for.

LOFT floral tee (old), Chicwish skirt in XS (cut shorter), Sole Society Cadena heels c/o

Michael Kors medium satchel, AC pearl jam necklace c/o

I threw this on one morning and had a good long pause before leaving the house. Even though the pattern mixing followed my rules of big scale (large florals) vs. small (thin stripes) and keeping within a similar color family, I thought the combo was a little crazy for my typically conservative self. Nick gave an unexpected nod of appreciation, and I ended up loving the look more as the day went on. Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with with your pairings, and push yourself out of your comfort zone every so often!

If I lived on my own, I'd probably be eating my guilty pleasures of ramen or frozen pizza every other meal. I'm thankful for health-conscious Nick who is always working to sneak in something more nutritious. This breakfast I actually loved - "no-cook refrigerator oats" (followed this general process) made with coconut milk (not the thick kind in cans, but the lighter ones by the almond/soy milk section) topped with a little honey, fresh fruit, and granola. Yum. 
We were driving around in the middle of nowhere after a morning of picking wedding rentals (good golly, why are there so many types of chiavari chairs?), and stumbled upon a gem that was N&H Saigon subs. If you ever find yourself in the Raldoph, MA area, give this little place a try. It was tasty and filling with very friendly and genuine service (unexpected at an Asian restaurant) by the husband + wife owners.

The best days at the office are when puppies come to visit. Having a stare-off with Lola (in my J.Crew pumps + Modcloth skirt).

All images via my Instagram - follow along here!

Basics + blues (Rag & Bone The Skinny jeans review)

H&M blouse (similar in petites), J.Crew blazer, Baublebar necklace

Rag & Bone jeans sz 24 (also sold here), Halogen heels, MK medium Sutton bag

I've gotten several questions on Instagram about these jeans and realized I haven't done a real review yet! I've been reaching for them quite a bit over the past two months, as evident via my IG. I was first turned onto Rag & Bone by Kelly of Alterations Needed - the knee fading and distressing on her jeans always actually hit at her knees like they're supposed to, which fellow shorties know is a rarity with premium denim (the dreaded shin holes!). Kelly mentioned that the details on R&B "skinny" cut jeans were always proportionately placed for her 4'11" frame (although still long in length), which I can happily attest has been true.

I tried on several washes and finishes at my local Nordstorm (which had plenty of 24s and even a few surprising 23s in stock) - these are The Skinny cut in La Paz wash, a medium dark blue with a small patch of distressing under each pocket and a little at one knee. It's a good amount for anyone who wants to ease into destroyed denim (or back into, should I say, remembering the "mudd" pairs from my high school days). The weight is on the medium to heavy side, with very comfortable stretch.

The inseam on these is 29" so not as long as most R&B jeans (I tucked an inch in, right above the frayed style hem). I'm wearing the sz 24s and find them to be true to size, with a half inch waist gap on me. These regular rise style fit much better than the high rise style I tried on before, which had a 2-3" waist gap on me. I forgot to take a back view photo of these, but will be sure to next time!

And here is the MK Sutton bag I got in the pale blue - a very pretty color in person. I'm a creature of habit and can't stop gravitating towards this type of satchel with top handles and removable long strap, but it works for my lifestyle. I was worried this wouldn't fit a laptop for work, but my 13" Macbook Air slides right in diagonally, and fit a pair of shoes and some snacks to boot!
On a shoe note, I often share these Sam Edelman "Delilah" d'orsay pumps as a similar alternative to my Halogen ones, and finally got to try them on in my size. The size 5 fit me well (they start in an obscure sz 4!) and I would say runs on the narrow side in the front half. Overall they are a lighter shade of brown than my Halogen pumps, and another difference is a small black patch on the upper back.
Another pair of jeans that I tried on and really liked (but went for the R&B with distressing over a solid wash) were these Citizens of Humanity Avedon ultra skinny jeans in "ventana" wash. It's amazing how within one brand and one general cut, the fit can differ so much. I've tried on CoH Avedon jeans that were baggy, super long, and high-waisted on me in the same size 24, but these "ankle ultra skinny" fit nicely throughout and as a bonus, no hemming needed.

Trying on Chelsea 28 top sz XS (shoulders a little wide), CoH jeans sz 24, BP ankle boots

On the model, it's amusing how the jeans look like highwaters and the blouse a belly shirt! When shopping online I always look for items that appear a little too short or shrunken in the stock images, since more often than not that translates into a good regular fit on petites.

Thank you to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post!