Express Petites // Summer Layers

Petite Soft Trench Coat (wearing xs petite) available in regular sizing here // Petite Double Ruffle Tee (wearing small petite) also available in regular sizing here // Petite Ripped Jeans (wearing 00p)

Still celebrating the fact that Express decided to make short girls everywhere happy by offering sizing for women 5’4″ and under! (Still patiently waiting for every other retailer to jump on board..). Express launched their petites collection at the beginning of this year and it was full of so many great denim & outerwear options for winter. With June in full swing & July just around the corner (how), they just launched so many cute pieces for summer!

Chicago weather can be pretty crazy – one day you’re in a jacket and being blown over by the wind, and the next it’s 90 degrees. I’m pretty much cold 90% of the time regardless of the time of year, so I like to keep a bunch of layering options in my closet for all occasions. This pinky-peach trench is the exact jacket I’ve been wanting for nights in the city. Even though the days are hot, the nights still drop down to the 60s – which calls for a silky, soft, and elegant trench to layer over any summer outfit. The notched lapels and sash tie compete this classic coat that can transition through the seasons. Underneath, I’m wearing a petite double ruffle scoop neck tee that comes in a bunch of other colors here. It’s soft, light, and great for tucking into high-waisted jeans – like my new favorite petite distressed denim I’m wearing. They’re called ‘leggings’ on the website because they’re pretty stretchy and light. Check out the entire petite collection here.

One more thing! Just a reminder for all my Chicago girls – I’m hosting a ‘summer sculpt’ class at the Equinox in Lincoln Park this Thursday 6/15 at 7:15. It’s a strength & conditioning workout for your entire body! The class is free and you can bring a friend, but space is limited and is filling up quickly. To RSVP, email shanevidal.charles@equinox.com. Parking is validated – come work out with me!! See you soon xo

Thank you to Express for partnering on this post. All photography by John-Philp.