As I was walking through the mall the other day, the Club Monaco window displays caught my eye.
I had to see if this store was petite friendly since I’ve noticed some bloggers love their things. So, I pulled out a few pretty items to try on in the fitting room. They do have 00 sizes, but they are rare to encounter. So instead, I tried the size 0 and XS.
I love this blouse in XS. It such a pretty color and the floral detail is subtle and interesting. It’s too bad the sleeves are long. The pants in size 0 are low slung and quite loose. Plus the tapered shape isn’t fitted at the bottom so it looks awkward.
This dress in XS fits well with the elastic waistband and the length goes right to my knees. However, the bunching above the waistband isn’t flattering . If I was taller, this would be a great holiday dress.
The skirt in size 0 fits at the waist and the length works for my height. The top in XS is loose, but it’s decent as a layering piece. The blazer in XS is way too big and shapeless, even for a boyfriend style.
The wrap dress was on sale in size 00. It fits really well, but the collar flap was overwhelming. The suede jacket in XS was so soft and luscious, I wanted to keep it but it’s one size too large.
The sizes for this brand didn’t seem very consistent because some tops in size 0 almost fit me while others were swimming on my frame. I picked similar styles to compare and it was haphazard how some fit and some didn’t. The pants are definitely too big and too long. And the dresses are a hit and miss since length isn’t an issue so much as the fit.
Club Monaco has well-constructed pieces in such luxe fabrics that interests me but they aren’t petite-friendly. It was like a treasure hunt to find one piece that I could wear off the rack without any alterations. I like window shopping here since they have great ideas and styles but I’m not so sure about future purchases.
Do you shop at Club Monaco and what do you think about this brand?
{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
Love Club Monaco though I haven’t been there in over a year, the clothes actually fit me ok but I am bigger than you in the torso so I think that’s why it fit me better. I think you definitely have to take the 00 or the 0′s that run small! The last jacket looks so good on you, it’s a little big but I think it’s just your style!
I thought the same way too about the last jacket. I was so tempted but the price tag deterred me for now. Plus I’m on a shopping ban, so I’ll have to find an alternative later. =P
I had a pair of shorts and a top from Club Monaco. I picked them up during my last trip to SoCal. There isn’t a Club Monaco available where I live. Their sizes aren’t very petite-friendly
I absolutely love these pieces! They’re perfect for layering and looking sophisticated for fall and colder weather. My favourites are that top and dress
I love Club Monaco clothes (my boyfriend shops there exclusively) but I have had zero luck with their clothes fitting. Their clothes are very well constructed, but it’s just way too much work to find something that only kinda fits.
Great review though!
cuteandlittle.com
I have that same blouse. it’s even in one of my blog posts, but I returned it because it was too overpriced for me. I still miss/want it. haha
@PetiteLittleGirl: There are a couple of Club Monaco stores here, I usually just pass them by. I have one skirt from them, but it’s elastic and it’s a tad long too.
@Angie: I love the outfits too and I have to figure a way to create similar looks with what I already have.
@Kileen: I agree, some of my guy friends only shop there too. I guess it works better for the boys.
@Laura: That blouse is amazing and I want it too…but maybe if it’s on sale and if I can get it altered. =P
I’ve never been to Club Monaco. And I love the wrap dress on you!!
Thanks! It’s really pretty, but the collar bothered me.
I have never seen or tried this brand before! Interesting! I really like the blk dress with sparkles…so cute!
The holiday dresses are coming out so I think this one will work for winter festivities.
I have tried club monaco but just thrifted. From what I’ve bought I’ve been really impressed with their quality. We don’t have one of their stores anywhere near here, but I guess that’s a good thing since they aren’t petite friendly and I would definitely be tempted to buy. The first blouse you tried on has such great detail to it and the wrap dress is beautiful (and slightly reminiscent of Banana Republic). Great review!
Jess – how did you take these cool fitting room photos?
The blouse is my fave out of all the things you tried on and it had me rushing to check this post from my google reader. Their prices are a little high for me for what you get even though they do have a student discount I think. Bummer that it’s not too petite friendly, but I’ve done enough shopping lately and i bet that first top is pricey!
Oooh – I really love the floral detailing on that first top! We don’t have Club Monaco out here (at least to my knowledge) but it seems like many stores are unfortunately inconsistent on sizing. I wonder why…
@Callandra: I do love their quality and if I ever find it at a thrift store, I’d probably take it with me and alter it to fit since the styles are so amazing!
@PAG: I picked a Gorillapod, which is like a wrap-around tripod. It’s great because I can take fitting room photos without having a camera in the shot. Club Monaco has pretty decent sales, but it sucks that they don’t have an exclusive online store.
@SewPetiteGal: Club Monaco isn’t a widespread brand, but they seem to do well wherever they are. I’m not sure why so many brands are inconsistent, I wish I knew.
I love club monaco! i really like the skirt on you and the first cream blouse!!! i wish they made petite clothing though
love your blog by the way! you should check mine out, i could use some moral support since im just getting started 
http://fabpetite.blogspot.com
Awww, it’s such a shame that the sleeves were too long–that white blouse looks great on you. Also, that silver skirt is so gorgeous!
I have a small frame but long legs. I find most of my nicer pieces from Club Monaco. They quality and style is very good. Because I have a small figure with long legs I get stuff hemmed or taken in but I only buy it with that intention if I LOVE the piece.
I am really liking your blog!