K/R: Cranberry coat, Eileen Fisher cardi & yet more jackets - YouLookFab Forum

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K/R: Cranberry coat, Eileen Fisher cardi & yet more jackets

Aubergine

Veteran

I'm sorry for clogging the forum with K/Rs, but it turns out they're really helpful, especially for things that can be tricky for me to judge. So here's a few things I ordered on sale from Nordstrom:

First up is this lovely cranberry coat. I love the color, the asymmetrical top and a-line, the gold details, the general air of sauciness. I really, really want to keep it. I have a feeling this size might be a little snug, especially with thicker sweaters, so I have the next size ordered and on its way. Thoughts on both counts (the awesomeness of the coat and potential sizing issues)?

Second is a black merino cardigan, the first Eileen Fisher anything I've ever tried. I've been looking for just a simple, good-quality drapey black cardigan that I can trust to last me a while, and I'm pretty sure this might be it. This would pretty much be a weekly staple for me in every season except summer. If this weren't way more than I've ever paid for a sweater, even on sale, I'd just keep it without a second thought. But, since it is, I wanted to see whether there's anything I'm missing.

Third is a knit blazer, because I'm determined to find a blazer that works for me at some point before the heat death of the universe. I ordered this in both this adorable brocade and plain black, and I really like how they look from the front, but it looks like they're doing that shoulder-pulling thing in the back. I'd size up, but they're out of stock in the next size. But at least I think the style might be promising if it comes back in stock or there's ever a new version.

I also ordered this coat in what I thought was teal, but which looked more like navy. Sadly, it's not even worth showing you the picture. Blah style, weird fit, not teal -- just no good all around.

Thanks for looking! Any feedback/opinions welcome!

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20 replies

Latest reply was from Aubergine

abc

Veteran

Red coat style is great! I'd like to see the size up but I think you're on the right track here. Watch shoulder fit on the size up or post another k/r

EF is a keeper!!! Love it belted.

Blazer I say try sizing up if it is possible - due to fit in back. Blazers can be hard. Nice to see you seeking PPP.

Gigi

Veteran

I love the coat! It is a little saucy :^). Perfect for winter! I do think it looks a little snug too. Does the waist seem too high? Maybe try in a misses'?

I love the EF cardi! I think it looks perfect, and the color is really good on you. I like how the sleeves are a tad on the long side...adds to the casual look. I vote keep on that one! :^)

Yes, the blazers are doing the shoulder-pulling thing. :^( The brocade is really neat and not something that "everyone" is wearing. Have you thought about trying the misses' in this one, as long as the larger sizes are sold out? I'm just wondering if the misses' would be cut a little larger in the shoulder area and might take care of some of these problems.

Do you like this blazer? It is from Loft, so I obviously can't speak to the quality, but I thought it was cute:
http://www.loft.com/petite-pol.....8;defaultC

MuseumGal

Veteran

I agree with everything abc said. The cranberry is gorgeous on you, hope the next size up is a keeper!

Liz

Veteran

Lovely coat -- glad you're trying a size up. Beautiful color!

On the knit blazer, sad the next size up isn't available. Can you try the size two sizes up? Depending on how the sizes are scaled, two sizes up might be just the ticket.

Aubergine

Veteran

Thanks, abc, Gigi, MG, and Liz! Glad others like the coat and cardigan as much as I do, and that my instincts about the coat size were right. I'll definitely post a comparison when I get the other size. I think my waist might just be that high, but it may be worth trying the misses' too, because you never know.

Gigi and Liz, trying the misses' version in the blazer and trying the size two sizes up are both good ideas. I just looked, though, and those are all sold out too. (FYI, what I have on here is a MP.) Apparently, nice knit blazers on sale for $30 go super-fast!

Gigi, thanks so much for the link to the polka-dot blazer! I think it's really, really cute. The only thing I wonder about would be that it might be a little "too cute," since I'd want to be able to use it for dressier/more conservative work-related stuff. Although there's no reason I couldn't have that one and a more sedate one.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I like all of these pieces on you. I agree that a size up in the coat is needed, but it looks like the right proportions so I'm hopeful it will be just right. Gorgeous color and style on you.
I'm really liking the Eileen Fisher sweater on you. It looks perfect as is. I do like Eileen Fisher quality, but I will say that some of the sweaters can pill just as quickly as less expensive ones. Even so, I'd keep the sweater because it looks (and probably feels) fab, and you'll wear it a lot.
I wish the blazer worked, because it does look great from the front. To me it looks like you need a cut that is shorter-waisted. Is it available in petite sizing?

Aubergine

Veteran

Thanks, Firecracker! That's good to know about the pilling, so at least I'll be warned. And that's a small price to pay for a sweater that I really, really like. And this is the petite blazer -- I'm just ridiculously short!

Anonymous

The EF sweater is gorgeous.

I agree size up on the coat and blazer, but your instinct and choices are spot on.

Liz

Veteran

Aubergine, just coming back with a thought: Since you're working out the sizing and fit issues on jackets and blazers, why not do a try-on trip to a department store with a petite department, just to experiment with blazers and experience how they fit? The more you try on in a range of sizes, the better you'll get a feel for what to look for as you do online ordering.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Agree the coat sized up should be great. I love the EF cardigan on you, although I prefer it without the belt. I think I might have a belt over cardi poison eye so take that into account.

Aquamarine

Veteran

I agree with the other ladies. Love the EF....is it true to size and did you get the petite?

Neel

Veteran

Another keep for EF cardi. Looks lovely on you.

The cranberry coat is such a yummy colour!! I am hoping the size up is better as this one already looks pretty good on you.

I vote return for the brocade jacket. I wish it fitted better there is definitely pulling at the back. Hope you find a replacement soon.

Windchime

Veteran

That coat is wonderful; I hope the next size up works for you. If it does, you will probably give me coat envy!

Another definite thumbs up from me for the E.F. cardigan. What an elegant piece!

I bought an Olivia Moon ponte blazer last fall and love it; it's been a workhorse for me. It's comfortable and adds polish without calling attention to itself. I too would encourage you to go try on blazers and find something just right for you.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I love the cardigan. Definitely keep that - it's fantastic on you.

Now, I am in absolute full agreement with Liz. The next thing on your agenda is a big "try on" mission to a place that has one or more department stores with a petites department. In fact, I wouldn't hesitate (if there is a Nordstrom's near you) to book a stylist appointment and tell her your issues. You are hard to fit in tailored items. But that doesn't mean you won't find some eventually. This coat and those cute jackets are still too small -- but sizing up may help -- and if not, how great would it be to find a brand that works well for you.

Have you checked Talbot's? Most of the stuff is quite classic and maybe not your cup of tea, but for items like coats and blazers you may find them good. They carry a wide range of sizes.

Aubergine

Veteran

Thanks, everyone! Yup, the EF sweater is a petite and seems pretty true to size.

And trying on a bunch of blazers in person is a good idea! I'm such a novice here that it would definitely be good to have a baseline for how different brands and styles fit. There may be a Nordstrom trip in my future.

Edit: Suz, talking to a stylist at Nordstrom would make a lot of sense. And Talbot's is a good idea, too. I actually have one corduroy jacket from their outlet a few years ago, and I know I always hear about how they have a really good selection in petites.

shiny

Veteran

That EF sweater is totally fab and I bet it will be a true workhorse. It's worth the extra $, I think, if you consider cost per wear.

I don't own any EF myself, but in *general* merino tends to last longer and not pill. I have merino wool sweaters I've owned for a decade that still look just fine.

Cranberry is lovely on you but yes you probably need a larger size, to accommodate layers.

Jacket - same fit issues as the other one. I like Liz's suggestion of going to a department store and trying on a bunch of jackets in various sizes.

gryffin

Veteran

Aubergine - Most favorite piece is the EF cardigan!! Stellar!! Love on you belted, plain. Fabulous. I really like the coat. I always buy my coats roomy. I love the color and style but you always want the option to layer. I bought my coat (summer) too snug. It's great with thin layers but not comfortable with thick and I am kicking myself over and over!! So I would definitely check out the size up - but style, color fab!! The brocade blazer is so cute from the front but I agree it's doing less perfect things in the back. I definitely think you will find one that looks stellar from all angles!!

E

Veteran

I *love* that coat! Can't wait to see it in the larger size (because you need to be able to wear sweaters underneath for winter). The waist looks like it's hitting at your actual waist, so I think the next size up will be just perfect. Your sweater looks great too.

Jackets are so tricky to fit. I like the idea of doing a big try on, although I'd suggest some Starbucks or similarly sugar-y refreshment to keep you going. And wear whatever type of shirt you'll wear most often underneath. I have one blazer that's unlined cotton velveteen, so trying it put it on over a sweater is a nightmare!

DonnaF

Veteran

Great cardi! Assuming a bricks'n'mortar Nordstrom is within a reasonable distance, have the SA do a system search for the brocade blazer in the size(s) you want. Sometimes an item sold out online is still available in a store somewhere. A sweater jacket I wanted was sold out early on during NAS and was nowhere to be found in the Lower 48, but it was mailed down to me from the Anchorage store! It doesn't always work, but IMHO it is worth asking if you like something enough.

How does Olivia Moon run size-wise? I have this blazer on my wish list:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ol.....n=wishlist
Because the photo makes it look like it is cropped or runs short with bracelet length or shortish sleeves, I am thinking of ordering both Petite and Regular sizes although I am normally a Petite at 5'1". Olivia Moon jackets are always marked down, so I am thinking of playing chicken on the price with the hope that my size will still be available at that point. Hopefully, others aren't thinking of linen yet. The unlined jacket I bought last year proved to be a real workhorse as a third piece.

Aubergine

Veteran

Gryffin and E, I definitely want to be able to layer the coat over heavy sweaters. I'm so sick of having to relegate certain things to only wear when it's cold enough for a puffer. And caffeine and sugar would definitely make a blazer try-on day better!

Donna, I can definitely check if the next size is available in-store somewhere. Hopefully it won't have to come all the way from Anchorage! I think these might run true to size, but it's hard to tell, since I don't know what my size in blazers actually is. The linen one is really cute -- would be great for work in summer.