C'est la vie + cropped sweater reviews

c'est la vie sweater (in navy or coral), ASOS dress (review), Kate Spade pumps and phone case - (on clearance) love the credit card slot
My wardrobe is heavy on skirts and dresses, so I've been searching for shorter-length sweaters that are more flattering with these pieces. With skirts, not having to tuck in a longer top means less unsightly lumps and lines. And layering a short top over a dress (as shown above) adds versatility without the efforts of tying and tucking. I found two pieces that I'm very happy with, and wanted to share details while sizes are still in stock.

This c'est la vie ("that's life") sweater is actually from the F21 kids department, but is available in 4 sizes up from the one shown above. My friend was placing an order so I added 2 sizes to try - my usual size L, and also an XS to serve as a cropped sweater. For sizing reference, my friend typically wears a 2P and kept the girls L for a similar look.

girls L (left) and girls XS (right)

The fit of the XS was what I was hoping for in a shorter sweater to wear with dresses and high-waisted skirts. The length of the L is better suited for someone my height to wear casually with pants / jeans, but please note it is wider throughout. Based on the difference between the two sizes I tried on, I'd estimate a S would have also fit fine for a cropped length. The stripes are navy (also available in a coral pink), and the text is printed on in black script. I love this sweater and see it getting a lot of wear.

Measurements of girls XS when lying flat and unstretched: 14" across armpits, 12.5" across waist, 18" long sleeves (estimated, since the shoulders/sleeves are raglan style), 16.5" length.
Measurements of girls L: 16" across armpits, 19" long sleeves, 14" across waist, 19.5" length.

Material is a stretchy thin knit, comprised of 82% cotton, 18% nylon. If possible, I recommend keeping all sweaters and cardigans out of the machine washer / dryer to avoid excessive pilling and color fading. I usually hand wash and then lay flat to dry.

Dream of the Crop navy cardigan (also in kelly green, red, and black) Ann Taylor crochet dress (old) and chevron skirt (old), Target chambray shirt
Next up is this short cardigan from Modcloth which has over a hundred rave reviews. Most ladies mentioned that it ran small, and I would agree as this S feels 1-2 sizes smaller. If you have questions on what size to get, some of the reviewers list their exact measurements and what size they ordered (plus an occasional fit photo), which is very helpful. I also read a lot of positive comments on the good quality material, which was surprising given the fully synthetic content (80% acrylic, 18% nylon, 2% spandex). Once I tried it on though, I do agree that the knit is nice and soft, and not too thin. These come in 4 colors and are cute, casual alternatives to wearing blazers with dresses.

Measurements of size S cardigan when buttoned up and un-stretched: 15" across armpits, 12" across waist, 14.5" length, 18.5" sleeve length.

I also wanted to share a review of this previously-mentioned Gap navy striped dress. The style of the dress is so cute and the material (stiffer but sturdy, slightly stretchy cotton) is a quality blend of 97% cotton/3% spandex. The pleated skirt is full-style but flattering in my opinion, and there are side pockets and an invisible back zip. Sadly, the fit did not work out for me. Here's the size 0 petite off the rack:

Gap printed fit and flare dress (also in red/navy), Ferragamo Varina flats

I don't usually wear this size, so how it fits on me is not a fair gauge of whether the dress runs true to size. My friend who wears 2P tried it on and said it was just a tad snug, so it may either fit true to size or run a half size big. The length is pretty short, so I wouldn’t recommend the petite sizing for anyone over 5’1” unless you are OK with a mini dress.

Measurements of a 0P: 13.25" across shoulders, 17.25" across armpits, 13.5" across waist, 16.5" long sleeves, 5.5" across middle of sleeve, 32" length.

I snapped this "clipped back" photo to show how I would've liked the dress to fit, but realized it was too much tailoring work. Specifically, narrowing the shoulders and torso while maintaining the symmetric pleat detailing around the back would be a tricky job. I do think the dress is adorable though, if the sizing and length options work for you.