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Interview with Jean of extrapetite

Today’s interview is with one of my favorite bloggers and somebody that you may recognize from around the blogosphere – the lovely Jean from the blog, extrapetite. Jean is one of the best bloggers out there and I love that her posts not only showcase her amazing style, but also are informative and well thought out – she always wants to make sure you make the right decision in purchasing, and that you get the best deal.

Jean blogs about a topic that is close to my heart- being petite. I am 5’1 and have always had a difficult time finding clothes that fit me. Jean’s blog has regularly helped me navigate what to buy for my height and is a must read for not only for petites, but for all fashion lovers in general. Here we go, enjoy meeting Jean:

Who are you, and where do you live?

My name is Jean and I currently live in the historical city of Boston, Massachusetts.

What are some other types of blogs that you’d wish there was more of in the blogosphere? Like “suit loving girl” or “women in finance” or anything else?

I wish there were more blogs that showcased style for business-casual and business-formal environments. For work, I think it’s important to look polished and confident, versus trendy or fashionable. I follow a lot of regular fashion blogs, but would love some inspiration for the workplace. I chuckled at your suggestion of “suit-loving girl” … if there are such blogs out there, please let me know!

What are some of the most worn pieces in your wardrobe right now?

My ASOS Petite pencil dresses (low quality, but gotta love their free shipping & returns), and Ann Taylor striped tee. A classic striped tee is guaranteed to get a lot of wear in any woman’s wardrobe!

Links: (http://www.extrapetite.com/2011/03/review-asos-petite-tailored-pencil.html) and (http://www.extrapetite.com/2011/07/summertime-business-casual.html)

What were the key wardrobe investments that you’ve made that have been worth it?

My Chanel classic flap and wallet on chain are my favorite investments. Although it may take some saving and a ton of research (plus patient hunting, if you don’t want to pay retail), I think it’s worth it. The classic flap foraged through half a century of style, and is probably here to stay for many more! And the wallet on chain – what’s not to love? A convenient little hands-free bag that converts into an elegant clutch.

What about the items you bought that you now wish you hadn’t? You seem to be very efficient with getting rid of “non worn stuff” – where are these items now?

The splurges I make under the circumstances of a sale are usually the ones I fall “out of love” with. This is different than stalking a coveted item until it goes on sale, then snatching it. For this reason, I should avoid designer outlet stores! I regret splurging on a Burberry coat on very negligible sale at the outlets.  With my judgment clouded by the outlet-shopping environment, I thought it was a worthy purchase, then spent much more getting it altered. Now, I’d rather carefully select an item that I really love and even pay full price for it, than buy several items on sale that only piqued my attention because they were on sale.

For everyday items that I no longer wear, I do turn to blogsales. These items often travel to California homes (I guess there are lots of petite women out there!). However, I have trouble of letting go of splurges that don’t hold their value at resale (ie. coats). I need to convince myself to let go!

What would you love to add to your closet? Your “holy grail dream items” ?

I thought hard about this question, and currently don’t have anything I’m coveting! I’m very happy with my stuff right now. I make informal lists of things that I want to look for, and the last item I crossed off was a classic double-breasted trench coat.

What are your petite pet peeves? 

My petite pet peeve is slouching! I see short women on the subway hunched over, and know that they’ll instantly look taller and more sprightly if they just straighten their back and shoulders. Aside from that, I don’t think there are hard fashion “don’ts” for petite women (ie. midi skirts, Capri pants) because I’ve seen women shorter than me who have rocked it all, with confidence.

You often feature your boyfriend Nick in your posts. Can you tell me more about your relationship?

Nick and I are very different, but we complement each other quite well. He works in the creative field whereas I like numbers, he’s from the laid-back West coast whereas I’m from the less-friendly East, yet we can come together to make some mean Chinese food. He’s a quick learner, especially when it comes to folding dumplings and other dim sum treats!

What are some of the very crucial tips you’d like to pass on about how to shop and dress? Lessons that you’ve had to learn the hard way?

Taking a photo of your outfit really shows what works on you and what doesn’t …more so than looking into a mirror! Also, when shopping, it’s helpful to have an informal list of wardrobe “want” items and slowly work off that list, buying quality pieces. I want to emphasize the importance of not letting sales cloud your good judgment (from question #5).

Finally, tell us something that most people don’t know about yourself! 

My longtime readers know this, but my first attempts at blogging was a personal finance blog called “Fashionable Finance.” I’m a closet coupon-clipper, and a savings & investing nerd (but not very skilled at it!).

 

I hope you all enjoyed meeting Jean – she was so sweet and really took her time to give such thoughtful interview answers. Jean, thank you so much – and for more of Jean, check out her blog here.

47 Comments

  • Reply
    PetiteLittleGirl
    July 20, 2011 at 12:19 pm

    Such an awesome interview. I love Jean and her blog =) Thank you for putting this together!

  • Reply
    vanda
    July 20, 2011 at 12:26 pm

    Amazing girl, I will visit her blog! She has this FANTASTIC sense of style, this is an amazing TALENT!!!!

  • Reply
    breakingrumours
    July 20, 2011 at 12:26 pm

    I love Jean and her blog,I learnt so much from here(ie not slouching and alterations are important for clothes to fit me just because i'm about 5 feet only) thank you for having her as one of your amazing interviews!

  • Reply
    MissA*
    July 20, 2011 at 12:31 pm

    I enjoy Jean's blog even though I'm not a petite (am 5'7) but I love her style 😉

  • Reply
    Yaya
    July 20, 2011 at 12:37 pm

    I've always loved Jean's blog – it's so informative! Even for someone who isn't on the petite side, plus, the quality of her pictures are just gorgeous. =)

    http://www.atelier630.com

  • Reply
    Julie
    July 20, 2011 at 12:48 pm

    What a cutie that Jean is! She's just gorgeous.

    I almost hate to admit it but I literally laughed out loud when I realized my mistake. When I first read her blog URL, I read it as "extra appetite" and thought her URL was just a play on those words and she liked to eat, and then I was like, gah… how can she eat so much and stay so thin. haha. obviously, I now realize it's "extra petite."

    I think this means I need another cup of coffee this morning.

  • Reply
    Chocolate, Cookies & Candies
    July 20, 2011 at 1:28 pm

    I've been a fan of her blog for a couple of months now and she's absolutely fabulous! She has a sensible approach to dressing well which I love.

  • Reply
    Chocolate, Cookies & Candies
    July 20, 2011 at 1:28 pm

    I've been a fan of her blog for a couple of months now and she's absolutely fabulous! She has a sensible approach to dressing well which I love.

  • Reply
    Chocolate, Cookies & Candies
    July 20, 2011 at 1:28 pm

    I've been a fan of her blog for a couple of months now and she's absolutely fabulous! She has a sensible approach to dressing well which I love.

  • Reply
    Marella
    July 20, 2011 at 1:30 pm

    Amazing outfits dear and great blog!
    Following! Follow back? <3

  • Reply
    C'est La Viii
    July 20, 2011 at 1:31 pm

    I follow Jean and she's awesome! Her pics are great and I love her tips on shopping and saving!

    http://www.cestlaviii.blogspot.com

  • Reply
    B. in the Know
    July 20, 2011 at 1:33 pm

    Thanks for the great interview! I love the way Jean styles herself – very chic!
    Much love,
    B

  • Reply
    homestilo
    July 20, 2011 at 1:34 pm

    Looking at her images just made me realize something: Although you are both petite and into fashion, you are not overpowered by your clothing- well done!

  • Reply
    questforfashionsense
    July 20, 2011 at 1:40 pm

    Lovely feature on Jean, Kat! Btw, re: suiting, I follow corporette and Capitol Hill Style for professional work wear as well.

  • Reply
    Olivia
    July 20, 2011 at 2:12 pm

    Thanks again for another great interview Katherine – and the interesting articles you are "reading now"!!

  • Reply
    Corina
    July 20, 2011 at 2:49 pm

    So many beautiful looks!! Loved!!!

  • Reply
    Mindy♥
    July 20, 2011 at 3:01 pm

    Excellent interview! I absolutely adore Jean and her blog as well! 😀

  • Reply
    Keri
    July 20, 2011 at 3:22 pm

    Aw, she's lovely 🙂

  • Reply
    B.Inspired
    July 20, 2011 at 3:33 pm

    I recently discovered her blog as well and I am so glad you have been able to use the advice in her blog to suit your wardrobe needs! She does a great job reviewing various pieces and takes great photos!

  • Reply
    Annette
    July 20, 2011 at 3:42 pm

    Wow, I just may have fallen in love! Really like her style and her answers… I'll definitely be checking out her blog.

  • Reply
    JenlovesBal
    July 20, 2011 at 4:39 pm

    Love Jean! 🙂

  • Reply
    DSK Steph
    July 20, 2011 at 4:54 pm

    I love Jean!! 😀

  • Reply
    amy b.s.
    July 20, 2011 at 5:21 pm

    that suit! she looks amazing!

  • Reply
    Sunshine
    July 20, 2011 at 5:29 pm

    awww thanks Kat for doing this feature; Jean is definitely my favorite blogger!!!! <3

  • Reply
    K
    July 20, 2011 at 6:02 pm

    Thank you for this fabulous interview with Jean!

    I would love to know if she has any particular suggestions for choosing a tailor, as she seems to get her clothes tailored quite often – I was especially amazed at the stunning job that her tailor did on the lapels of her wool Burberry cute. I have yet to find a better-than-average tailor and was wondering if she could pass along any "secrets", ha ha.

  • Reply
    Plami
    July 20, 2011 at 6:15 pm

    I love every outfit! You are so stylish and beautiful!

    XoXo
    Plami

    http://fashion-thrill.blogspot.com/

  • Reply
    laura
    July 20, 2011 at 6:38 pm

    wonderful interview! Jean is such a lovely gal!
    ♥ laura
    the blog of worldly delights

  • Reply
    Carly
    July 20, 2011 at 7:17 pm

    Loved each outfit more than the next…what a polished and beautiful woman!
    Thanks for sharing.
    C

  • Reply
    Anonymous
    July 20, 2011 at 7:48 pm

    What a wonderful and inspiring person to interview! I love it 🙂

    She's adorable, and actually totally gorgeous! Petite smeshite, she rocks it 🙂

    xxMelissa

  • Reply
    Mary Lane
    July 20, 2011 at 9:03 pm

    Ok, well I just fell in love with this girl so thanks for introducing me to her! I too wish that there were more blogs that focused on business-appropriate attire. Not all of us can wear hot pink blazers and leather shorts to work!

    http://www.stylish3.com/marylane

  • Reply
    Melanie
    July 20, 2011 at 9:06 pm

    B E A U T I F U L! I can't pic a favorite ;p

  • Reply
    girl in the poodle shoes
    July 21, 2011 at 4:53 am

    GREAT POST! Love her style, definitely going to check out her blog right about…now. Thanks!

    Girl in the Poodle Shoes
    ^Follow the link to come visit my style blog…!

  • Reply
    Ruth
    July 21, 2011 at 11:42 am

    I love the idea of wearing suits and dressing business-like for the workplace and putting a distinction between work and downtime. However I work in a laboratory where the ideas on work dress are very slack and mostly 'jeans and tshirt' oriented. Apart from closed toed toes… anything goes really.

    How can I pull of a corporate outfit, without looking like I'm going to visit my grandmother? How do I make matching items (i.e. blazer + skirt) work without looking like I'm dressing far above my years (I'm only 19)?

    xxxx
    http://www.flossyblossom.blogspot.com

  • Reply
    Make Mommy Chic
    July 21, 2011 at 11:56 am

    Hi Katherine, thank you for making me smile this morning. Execellent post 🙂

  • Reply
    Holly
    July 21, 2011 at 5:25 pm

    great interview! I love her blog as well, seeing her outfits reminds me that I should try to wear more fitted clothes so i'm not swimming in them all the time!

  • Reply
    projectroe
    July 21, 2011 at 8:27 pm

    wonderful interview! I owe it to Jean and extrapetite.com in feeding my fashion blog addiction!

  • Reply
    Sarah
    July 22, 2011 at 2:43 am

    Katherine – I am SO glad you do these interviews. I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I've seen the name of Jean's blog but have never visited because I'm SO FAR FROM petite!!! Thanks for opening my eyes to this, she has such amazing style and I've spent hours going through her posts! 🙂

    -Sarah
    http://pencilskirtsandlattes.blogspot.com/

  • Reply
    Chic 'n Cheap Living
    July 22, 2011 at 6:20 am

    Ooh love her style because it's quite similar to mine! Love her Ann Taylor dress
    And have been stalking it forever!

    xoxo,

    Chic 'n Cheap Living

  • Reply
    audrinajulia
    July 22, 2011 at 6:22 am

    She's beautiful and lovely. Like you she has the charm to be loved by readers. Must check out her blog for some more pointers when hunting for a petite type and be an inspiration as well. Thanks again for this amazing interview.:)

  • Reply
    Tara @ Haute Lunch
    July 23, 2011 at 11:42 pm

    Jean is definitely gorgeous! I agree with her pet peeve, no matter how tall a person is!

  • Reply
    Mi_Mi
    July 24, 2011 at 9:31 pm

    wow i love her and the outfit soo cute^^ soo pretty..in love with this blog^^
    Mi_Mi
    x
    mi-miworld.blogspot.com/

  • Reply
    American Gypsy
    July 25, 2011 at 10:27 pm

    i'm a petite girl, too, and had no idea jean existed. love her style and can't wait to root through her closet, so to speak! thanks for sharing.
    xoxojess

    http://www.americangypsyliving.com

  • Reply
    Angie
    October 19, 2011 at 1:49 am

    this is a nice and thorough interview! i've been reading jean's blog for a long time now and really like her informational posts incorporated with fashion. thanks for the interesting read!

    pandaphilia style

  • Reply
    Maggie
    December 27, 2011 at 8:05 am

    i am researching to buy my first chanel bag and came across Jean's review. Really helpful! And she is a pretty, stylish girl and dish out sensible and unbiased reviews.

    Thanks for the interview

  • Reply
    Scallops, scallops | Feather Factor
    May 15, 2012 at 8:45 pm

    […] == "undefined"){ addthis_share = [];}Hello….did you all enjoy meeting the amazing Jean yesterday? Yes, me too! I went home and rooted around my wardrobe yesterday night – I was […]

  • Reply
    Paul
    June 25, 2012 at 11:17 am

    I think women looks pretty when they slouch. I look up pictures of women slouching.

  • Reply
    catalina
    October 2, 2012 at 6:13 am

    Why shows pictures of unheakthy food, there are thousands of women that have problems with theur weight????

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