J.Crew Petite Coats Review: Colletta vs. Lady Day Double Cloth

After my last successful experience with the J.Crew Lady Day coat, I became infinitely more interested in their Colletta coat. On the model, Colletta looks more feminine and flattering, with a shirred waistband and flouncier skirt. When the Thinsulate in orange went on sale for $130, I jumped at the chance to try it on:

J.Crew Colletta Double Cloth Coat in 0P, Torch Orange

Forever 21 $3.50 tights in gray one-size (buy here)

Tory Burch Reptile Reva Flats sz 5

And here shown with the collar folded down:

J.Crew Colletta Double Cloth Coat in 0P (left) vs. Lady Day Double Cloth Coat in 0P (right)

Immediately you will notice that the Colletta is shorter than the Lady Day. I thought that a shorter length would be more flattering on a short gal (for new readers, I am just under 5 feet tall), but the photos above say otherwise. The Colletta almost feels like a child's coat on me - short and wide and flared.

J.Crew Colletta Double Cloth Coat in 0P (left) vs. Lady Day Double Cloth Coat in 0P (right)

An issue I have with both coats is the high placement of the "waistband." It is nearing empire waist territory which I try to avoid for the youthful n' pregnant effect. The Lady Day (right) drapes closer to the body, but the shirred waist on the Colletta (left) exacerbates the empire effect.

From the back, the Colletta waistband looks lower-placed, but that is an illusion created by my longer hair and the shorter overall coat length:

J.Crew Colletta Double Cloth Coat in 0P (left) vs. Lady Day Double Cloth Coat in 0P (right)

In my rush to return the Colletta I forgot to take measurements, but the Lady Day in a 0P measures: 14.5" across the shoulders, 17" across the armpits, 14" across the waist band, 33" total length, and 21" sleeve length. The Colletta has the same exact shoulders/sleeves/chest measurements, but is wider and shorter starting under the bust and below.

Verdict: The Colletta may be better suited for women with curvier hips to fill out the shirred, flouncy skirt. On shorter women, the Lady Day may have a more elongating and slimming effect. The waistband placement on both jackets is high, so petites with longer torsos may want to opt for the regular sizing.

Readers - did any of you purchase either jacket above? If so, please share your experiences and post a link if you took photos.