A Few Recent Purchases + Uniqlo Womens Blocktech Coat Review

Rachel Zoe V-neck Henley Sweater, size XS (also available here but only in size XS) | Ann Taylor Ecru Skinny Ankle Jeans (old favorites, similar here) | Furla Piper Crossbody (old favorite) | Soludos Ibiza Sneaker | Click here to view the clip from my try-on

The first day of fall is tomorrow and I’ve been looking for some basic items but so far many of things I’ve ordered have missed the mark. This v-neck henley sweater is one of the few items that worked out. Size XS is a relaxed fit and I like the longer length (25″ length in the front and 26″ length in the back). For size reference I’m 5′ 2.5″ and 113 pounds.

Uniqlo Women Blocktech Coat, size XXS | LOFT Destructed High Rise Skinny Ankle Jeans in Vivid Light Indigo Wash, size 26/2P | Banana Republic Recycled Knit Slip-On Sneaker

I saw these slip on sneakers in store and I ended up ordering them when I got home despite all the negative online reviews (it doesn’t hurt that they were $20 after discounts and redeeming $35 in BR Rewards). I like the ecru color compared to the Rothy’s sand color. The almond toe in the front makes them look longer/bigger than the Rothy’s sneaker on the right but in my opinion they feel like the same size. The BR slip on sneakers run a half size bigger so I can see why there are a lot of negative reviews warning about blisters in the back heel (where the tab is). The Banana Republic sneakers are fine for short walks (30 minutes) on even surfaces but when I wore them out last weekend I could feel my heels shifting around when walking on cobblestone and uneven sidewalks in the city. Fortunately, I did not get a blister walking around for about two hours even though my feet ended up swelling from the heat which made my pink toe rub a bit against the side of the toe box.

If you take a chance and order the BR slip on sneakers then I suggest test driving them around the house to see if you notice any rubbing in the back heel. Otherwise I recommend the Rothy’s sneaker since the round toe box is comfortable without any break in period (I went up half a size for comfort) and they come in white and other basic colors.

For lighter color footwear I always try to wipe them down the shoes with a baby wipe at the end of the day to help keep them clean and stain free.

Update 5/22/22: The BR slip on sneakers did eventually break in after a few wears and I realized they’re machine washable too just like my Rothy’s sneakers. Aesthetically I prefer the white color and the almond toe in the BR slip on sneakers compared to the rounder toe box of the Rothy’s sneakers. The BR slip on sneakers also look a bit more slimming on the feet.

LEFT: Banana Republic Recycled Knit Slip-On Sneaker (Ecru, size 7) | RIGHT: Rothy’s The Sneaker (Sand, size 7.5, review here)

Uniqlo Women Blocktech Coat, size XXS | Nine West Ieni Flat Slide Sandals (review here) | Click here and here (back view) to view the clips from my try-on

I ordered this new Blocktech coat even though Uniqlo only accepts mail returns for online orders which would normally prevent me from ordering if I can’t easily return something in store. I overheard the associate at the register offer another customer the option to exchange their item for another item in store when they informed them that they no longer accept returns for online orders in stores. I intended on keeping only one color but both colors are versatile paired with everyday outfits. Note that it’s a thin coat so it won’t keep you warm but the relaxed fit is comfortable for layering underneath.

Lancaster Paris Ikon Bag (sold out, similar here)

I had been searching for a longer raincoat to use while walking Ralphie since I often get rained on and a baseball cap isn’t going to cut it once it gets colder. The hood on the Uniqlo coat is a good size as seen here and I tested the Blocktech fabric under running water and it beads right off while still feeling dry. Ralphie stepped on the light natural color when I was wearing it but the stain from his paws wiped off easily. I like the zippered side entry pockets to keep items such as keys secure. You can cinch the waist from the inside with a built-in elastic in the back of the coat for a more figure flattering shape as seen here. The fit of the coat is a slimmer cut so if you’re curvy through the hips and rear then you might want to try sizing up. The measurements of size XXS are as follows: 15″ shoulders, 36″chest, 14″ upper arm circumference, 23″ sleeve length, 35″ waist and 35″ total length.

The function of the Blocktech fabric is as follows (copied from the tags of my husband’s coat since I threw out my tags):

• Prevents water from soaking into clothes.
• Blocks wind from seeping through the clothes.
• Long-lasting resistance to water from rain, etc is achieved through a water repellent agent fixed to the fabric’s surface.
• Prevents sweat-generated moisture from accumulating and allowing moisture to escape from inside the clothing
• Optimum fit achieved by stretchable fabric.

If it’s helpful you can refer to the online reviews (4.8/5 starts) of the last year’s women’s parka here. The Blocktech coat is also available in men’s here and my husband went to try-on and purchase it in store after I showed him my new coats. His usual size XL is a relaxed fit which is perfect for fall layering. Update 9/28: It’s raining cats and dogs today and my husband wore his coat out without an umbrella. He told me that the Blocktech coat kept him nice and dry (and the material stayed dry) which was a nice change compared to his North Face jackets which get soggy (his North Face jackets are similar to umbrellas which need to be kept open and dried before closing for storage).

Update 9/30: I’ve been wearing this coat in the mornings but it’s in the mid 50s here so it doesn’t keep me warm. The coat is more narrow through the hips (especially now that I wear it zipped up) so I’m curious how size XS would have fit compared to size XXS which I got. If I see it in store I’ll try it on for comparison.

Since I can’t resist a good rain jacket I also have the J.Crew lightweight jacket (review here but I have yet to wear it in the rain), a thin oversized raincoat from Zara (seen here) and a Burberry raincoat I splurged on a few years ago (seen here).

Uniqlo Women Blocktech Coat, size XXS | c/o Amazon Goodthreads Women’s Washed Cotton Boyfriend Shirt, size S (review here, similar here) | Ann Taylor Ecru Skinny Ankle Jeans (old favorites, similar here) | Soludos Ibiza Sneaker | Click here and here (back view) to view the clips from my try-on

I noticed a listing for my exact bag (shown above) on Poshmark here. Note that I got it at T.J. Maxx a while back for $79.99.

Uniqlo Kids Stretch Long-Sleeve Sweatshirt, size 13 | Uniqlo AIRism UV Protection Cropped Leggings, size 13 | Cushionaire Elane Sandals (true to size for me) | Click here to view the clip from my try-on

I got this sweatshirt (the logo on the chest says “Escape To The Wild”) and the cropped black leggings in store in girl’s size 13. The sweatshirt is so soft and it’s a loose fit on me and it fits similar to the grey henley sweater at the top of this post. The cropped leggings (available in other colors) have a 20″ inseam and the waist should stretch to fit a 24-28″ waist. You can see where these cropped leggings hit (about mid calf) in the sea green color since the girl model is 5′ tall. On me these Uniqlo cropped leggings are the same length as the Zella crop leggings (review here) I had to recently retire. The AIRism material is smooth and the wide waistband (2.5″) is very comfortable yet supportive. The material is thinner so I won’t be able to wear them in the winter.

Uniqlo Women Blocktech Coat, size XXS | Uniqlo Kids Stretch Long-Sleeve Sweatshirt, size 13 | Uniqlo AIRism UV Protection Cropped Leggings, size 13 | Celine Pico Belt Bag | Soludos Ibiza Sneaker | Click here to view the clip of the outfit on me

Below is a recent outfit I wore to walk Ralphie in the morning when it was in the mid 50s (fall is definitely here in New England).

Click here for a closeup of the key chain

I got this cute horse key chain on Amazon. It arrived nicely packaged in a dust box, the edge is smooth and the stitches appear to be even on the one I received.

Lastly, I’m looking forward to the Nili Lotan X Target fall collection which launches on Saturday, September 25 at 3AM EST. The collection has a lot of timeless fall pieces for $80 and under that I’d love to try and I hope I can snag some of the items in my size before they sell out.

Thanks for stopping by!