Oh the weather outside is frightful but that’s why we head over to indoor shopping malls!
Armani Exchange is similar to the Bebe store but with a strong European flair. There are logo rock-star tees, body-hugging pieces, and a lot of shiny accessories. It’s not a store I’m typically drawn to but I wanted to explore my options. Since they are an international brand, I guessed that the sizing may not be as inflated as some American brands.
The first stop, the jacket section. It seemed like the easiest choice since the selection was relatively limited and the sizes seemed quite small. This Cropped Peplum Jacket in XS was the first pick of the day.
When zipped up, the peplum really stands out and it fits my body quite well. The sleeves are an inch too long, but that’s a quick fix. The khaki color and style reminds me of a cross between a riding jacket and an asymmetrical trenchcoat.
From the back,the jacket has interesting details and the peplum adds volume to your backside, should you need. I love the curved seaming since it makes the jacket look more feminine with side details to minimize the waist.
The view from the side shows the tailored, slim-fitting aspect of the jacket and it looks good from every angle. When I’m done with my shopping ban, I might stop by again and pick up this pretty little thing.
The second item I tried on in the fitting room is a military wool coat in XS on sale. It’s not available online, but you can check the stores for this style. The double-breasted buttons are set closer together than most traditional coats and it creates a slimming effect.
The back view shows some ruched detailing near the small of the back adds some shape to the back of the garment. I don’t care for the back detail as much, but the silhouette shows off your curves.
The side view is slim and there’s still room for a heavy sweater underneath this jacket. It fits my body very well and all the proportions are spot on for a petite of my stature (5’1″) and build. This coat reminds me of the J.Crew Colletta Coat that many petites were raving about, but I think this one is more up my alley. A/X is going to be on my radar from now on for outerwear!
So, Armani Exchange might be a viable option for petites looking for great form-fitting outerwear pieces.
What are your thoughts? Have you tried Armani Exchange?
{ 23 comments… read them below or add one }
I love the first jacket you put on! I really like the ruffles on the bottom.
I haven’t tried Armani Exchange before. But I’ve been in there and every time I’ there, I don’t see anything that looks like it’ll be “me.”
I really really like the peplum jacket on you, the side view is PERFECT. I think from the front it looks big on you but I think for the side view alone you should get it.
I think A/X is a great fit for petites but it really wasn’t my style. However, you made me think I should at least pop back in to since its been a few years. I’ll let you know if anything works! Thanks for the review.
Initially I thought you were in a magazine spread because of the words on the mirror. Then I was like, wait, that can’t be right. =) Anyway! A/X does have some really nice things, I’m not sure if they’re short enough though, I’ve had a skirt and a pair of pants that were really long, but they do run small! That blue coat looks really nice on you.
I really love that coat on you, especially that color! I like how the peplum jacket really narrows at the waist, that flare is so unresistable. I think the armholes are a tad too big but that is just me thinking of reasons to not buy it myself. =0P
I definitely need a little volume on my backside! haha.
wow, these are great items. I like the military coat in navy.
do you know if armani exchange has good deals/sales? I’m on a budget here!!! hahah
Hmm…I know A/X has some sales and deals going on but they’re not as often or as low as other stores. Still, there might be something I’ve missed. =)
Wow, these are great finds! I will definitely be checking out AX in the future.
I like the first jacket b/c of all the neat details but I think the color of the second jacket is very flattering on you. But I don’t like the runching near the butt. haha.
I love anything and everything peplum, so I totally love that cropped peplum jacket! I really love the blue coat too…..and you’re so right about it resembling the coletta coat. I was noticing the resemblance before I even read your post! Fabulous!! I’ve never tried Armani Exchange, but I’ll def give them a try.
I do own an AX top, but can’t remember the last time I visited the store. Love the peplum jacket on you. It has a motorcycle look to it which I like. It’s definitely worth consideration when/if it goes on sale!
@Ivy: I agree, at first, A/X didn’t have much to appeal to me, but I think with the jackets, it’s renewed my interested in the store.
@Elle: Thanks! I think it looks great, but we’ll see if I have second thoughts when I try it on again after my shopping ban.
@Simple Subtle Style: I’m exploring new options and new possibilities by frequenting stores that I don’t usually walk into. Sometimes, it’s nice to try on different styles and looks to see if you can pull it off.
@Amanda: The jackets and some tops seemed to fit well, but the skirts and pants were still too large in the waist for me. But that seems to be the case for me at most stores anyway.
@Hanna: You’re totally right, the armholes are a bit low for a “petite” size, but it’s not that noticeable. I’d buy it too if I wasn’t on a ban! =)
@Jentacular: Definitely check them out! I was quite surprised to find these items and it’s going to be a new place I’ll be scoping out on my next shopping trip.
@Jarucha: I had the same thought too about the bunching near the bum. I could do without it, but it’s not that unflattering.
@Callandra: I’m totally with you on the peplum…I’m so drawn to it, I don’t know why!
@Cee: The peplum jacket does have a moto feel to it, which is probably another reason why I picked it up…it does remind me of an asymmetrical jacket I already have. =)
Oh! Love these items on you! I hope the peplum jacket is still available when you are ready to shop!
I recently became interested in A/X items…great fit! Definitely a place I will try to frequent more.
Woo! I love both jackets! The peplum looks a teensy bit wide around the shoulders, but overall looks great. I love the slight hint of moto jacket but with a touch of femininity.
The military coat does remind me of the Colletta from JCrew, but like you, I like this one better. The side view is better and slimming as well. I love it on you.
A|X also had jeans on sale, but I wasn’t too sure on their fits. Did you by any chance tried on their jeans and whether or not they run small?
I definitely vote for the first khaki jacket you put on! You look so chic in it!
besos,
ML
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I vote for the 1st jacket if you were not on a shopping ban! I love all the unique feminine yet edgy detail, which is so you! The 2nd one is cute, but the torso looks longer than i would like. I went to the Armani Exchange at South Coast Plaza 3 years ago when i was vacationing in Cali, and i fell in love with a lilac trench coat in the store, and was amazed it looked small! Unfortunately, I had no money at the time, and it was too pricey for me. But I remember it since, and keep telling myself that when I’m vacationing in an area with an A/X store, i’m heading towards the outerwear section for sure!
those two coats both look amazing on you!
The peplum jacket is gorgeous! I love the double row of buttons, the fit, and of course the peplum itself! We unfortunately don’t have Armani Exchange here but maybe that’s a good thing so I can resist temptation
Oh and forgot to comment on how much I like the new redesign – very polished!
I love that short jacket on you!!! It looks so good.
I LOVE the first jacket on you! It fits so nicely and you look super tall. Those boots are awesome too!!
I’ve always liked A|X for outerwear, they kind of remind me of BB Dakota in that the body is usually very slim but the sleeves can be long. I like both jackets on you! A|X can be pricey, but they often have 20% off coupons online & free shipping.