GAP Broken-in straight khakis review

When I was people-watching in DC, I spotted this girl wearing neon yellow pants with a blue denim jacket that struck a chord in me. I wanted yellow pants! That night, I decided to search for some online. I found many appealing ones, but so expensive though like these 7 For All Mankind ones in Citron and Neon Yellow, or these Rag & Bone denim leggings in Neon Yellow. Since this is considered a trendy item, I'm not willing to pay big bucks for it. Then came along these GAP ones that fits the budget....

GAP Broken-in Straight Khakis in Vibrating Yellow

(Original price $49.94,  mine was 30% sale at $34.97)

For you online shoppers, my specific body measurements for reference are: lower waist measured under belly-button 29", widest part of hip/seat ~34", and upper thigh circumference (thickest section) 20".

When I went to my local store, this is how the regular size 0 looks on me:

 Gaping at back of waist and some flaring at pockets.

They didn't have the Vibrating Yellow in size 00, so I tried the Becca Blue in size regular 00 below:

The regular 00 may not look tight, but they felt tight...especially when I tried to sit down. The waist band doesn't have a lot of stretch. 

Thus, I made the assumption that the size Petite 0 (sold online) would probably be my best fit, which should fall between regular 00 and regular 0 (and with better length for the short legs). Here's how they turned out:

My assumption was spot-on! They fit comfortably! I love that it's a bit looser throughout the legs, which is much better for hot muggy days. The fabric is lightweight yet sturdy, has some stretch, and feels soft and nice on the skin. The length can be rolled up once or twice for a more ankle or cropped look. The only issue I can think of is the wrinkling at the back of my thighs. Overall, I'm digging these pants for casual warm days!

If you are looking to order these pants online, please note they do run large. I normally wear size 2 or 4 in GAP jeans, so I was a bit surprised to be wearing a size 0. Also, these pants seem to be made for people with some junk in the trunk (or pear-shape bods).

Side note on the "denim jacket": this is a popular item, especially in city vacation spots. It's warm, sturdy, and gives a relaxed attitude. Finding a classic denim jacket that is not too dark, too light, too stiff, or too boxy...can be difficult. The one I'm wearing is a thrifted SO juniors brand at Kohl's. As with most mass-produced jackets, the sleeves are always too long. I had mine chopped off. Come to think of it, maybe the denim is a bit too blue for my bright pants? I probably could use a duller, lighter shade in the denim jacket...

Fall blazer for Spring

I recently found a houndstooth blazer on the clearance rack for $20 at my local H&M. On further inspection, I think this might be the same suit pieces as seen on Alterations Needed, Extra Petite, and Stylish Petite back in 2011! Kind of weird how it made its way to my local store now in 2013. However, my blazer doesn't have the elbow patches or the polka-dot lined inside pocket, so maybe this is a different renewal edition. Sometimes I forget that Kelly, Jean, and Annie are indeed tiny petites in their size 2's. I felt this H&M sizing definitely ran small. I had to take the jacket in size 4, with sleeves shortened (another $20 in alteration cost), and the skirt in size 6!

I was sort of bummed that I would have to store away the brown houndstooth blazer in the back of my closet to wait till Fall to wear it.....until my eyes landed upon page 135 of the March 2013 J.Crew Style Guide....men's section again....

.....granted it's a lightweight silk-linen jacket being advertised here, it gives off the same effect as a houndstooth jacket from this Fall 2012 J.Crew catalog clipping:

Both can pass as Spring looks, no?

Lastly, I was excited about the "real" chest pocket on my blazer. I don't own any handkerchiefs or pocket-squares, but I do have several handmade hair scrunchies lying around. Making scrunchies out of scrap fabric use to be my hobby back in junior high school, haha. Although scrunchies are out-of-style for a long time, who knew they'll come in handy now...

....and still useful in tying the hair back when they go awry.

Maybe I should pick up this hobby again!