SALE ALERTS
Ann Taylor – Get an extra 50% off sale styles. This sale includes my favorite seersucker jacket reviewed here. Valid in stores and online. Shop my other sales picks here:
LOFT – Get 50% off select full-price styles with the code HEATWAVE and an extra 50% off sale styles. I highly recommend this striped shirttail tank dress I featured here (review of size XXSP and XSP here). Valid in stores and online. Shop my other sales picks here:
FITTING ROOM REVIEWS
LEFT TO RIGHT:
Ann Taylor Eyelet Stripe Flare Dress
Ann Taylor Lace Shift Dress
Ann Taylor Embroidered Trim Dress
I tried on the following items from Ann Taylor this past Friday but I didn’t get a chance to post about them this weekend.
Ann Taylor Lace Shift Dress, size 0P
Andre Assous Josie Espadrille Sandals (review here, similar here and here)
First up is this pretty lace shift dress which I’ve been dying to see in person. Size 0P was very loose on me with a few inches to spare on each side. There was no 00P for me to try but I believe that’s the size I need. I’d say this dress runs at least one size bigger so I would recommend sizing down. I noticed that the dress I tried on in store had extra row of eyelash lace detail along a part of the hem that they forgot to trim. If you zoom in on the right picture near the back of my knee then you might be able to see what I mean. I didn’t notice this defect with any of the other dresses that were on the rack so I assume this dress must have missed closer inspection. Click here for a close up of the dress on the mannequin in store. The shift dress is meant to skim your figure because the lining will bunch up if it’s too tight and it will be noticeable due to the lace details.
Ann Taylor Embroidered Trim Dress, size 00P – now on sale and 50% off in dark begonia!
This embroidered trim dress looked gorgeous on Sara here in the coral (dark begonia) color so I figured I’d give it a try and it was 60% off that day too. Today it’s on sale and 50% off in the dark begonia color. This is another dress that fits one size bigger since 00P fit me perfectly. Unfortunately my bra straps show through the cutouts on the shoulders (I tucked them in neatly in these pictures) and I don’t like wearing strapless bras so I passed on this dress. The length hits a few inches below my knees so it was almost midi length on me. I liked the light, breathable fabric they used and the overall fit is very slimming and flattering.
Ann Taylor Eyelet Stripe Flare Dress, size 2P
I tried on this eyelet stripe dress in this post in 0 regular and I think the proportions of the regular missy size will work best for some petites with a longer torso. Size 2P hits me a little too high above my natural waist. I also noticed some puckering of the zipper in the back of this particular dress which I hadn’t noticed in my previous try on. I’d say this dress runs true to size for petites but one size smaller for regular missy sizing.
Ann Taylor Draped Tweed Jacket
I spotted this pretty draped tweed jacket on the racks but I searched and couldn’t find my size to try on. I like the soft tweed-like material which isn’t thick since it feels more like a cardigan. I can see this jacket as a great layering piece for the fall and winter without the usual bulkiness underneath a coat.
Ann Taylor Suede Crossbody Saddle Bag
I thought this suede crossbody saddle bag was gorgeous when I saw it online and I wasn’t disappointed when I saw it in person. The quality is decent for the price (especially if it goes on sale which it will) and I like the classic shape. I personally like the classic black color better than the red since it looks more expensive. I’m just wary of suede as the material will need to be treated and any scratches will be noticeable.
LOFT Painterly Midi Dress, size 00P
I popped into LOFT when I tried on the embroidered strapless maxi dress I reviewed in this previous post. I had actually tried on this painterly midi dress that same day but I forgot to upload it. In any case I didn’t love this dress because the bodice is unlined and you can clearly see the outline of your bra. A skin tone bra might help but the waist is shapeless and lacks a belt to make it more figure flattering. I’m trying on size 00P here so I’d say this dress runs at least one size bigger. The spaghetti straps are not adjustable but they were the just right length on me.
HITS & MISSES
Maison Jules Tiered Scallop-Trim Tank Top in Snow White (size XS), review of the lemon print here
LOFT Cropped Cotton Cardigan, size XSP (review here, back again for summer 2016 here)
Ann Taylor Mini Pebbled Signature Tote (review of white version here, summer colors sold out but fall colors now available)
Banana Republic Jeans (old
Ann Taylor Margo leather sandals (review here)
I loved this scallop trim tank top by Maison Jules so much that I ordered it in the lemon print (review here), Snow White, Water Drop and Sunfish colors. After trying on all the colors I was tempted to keep the colors but I plan on returning the Sunfish (yellow) color because I know I’ll rarely wear it. The white color is actually a similar replacement for my beloved lace hem cami from The Limited (last seen here). One of the spaghetti straps got caught on the edge of the lint trap in the dryer and snapped off after much twisting and turning.
Maison Jules Tiered Scallop-Trim Tank Top in Snow White (size XS)
Maison Jules Tiered Scallop-Trim Tank Top in Water drop (size XS)
Maison Jules Tiered Scallop-Trim Tank Top in Sunfish (size XS)
Kate Spade Pretty Little Thing iPhone 6 Case
Hello Kitty Puzzleball
Cat Pen Set
Meadowbelle Market Personalized bar ring and twist ring in sterling silver (c/o), review here
I love this Kate Spade iPhone case that I ordered as my sole purchase from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. This polka dot version is really cute too. I’ve been stalking this zip front vest but every time my size pops back in stock it’s snapped up before I can finish checking out.
Lastly, I wanted to do a quick update on the Old Navy low-rise rockstar skinny jeans that I mentioned in previous posts. I finally ordered them in the rinse wash in 0 short, 2 short and 4 short and I found that the style fits true to size to one size bigger. The short inseam was perfect for petites (I’m 5′ 2 1/2″ and prefer a 26.5″ inseam). I ordered three pairs in size 0 short and each pair fit slightly differently. I was able to shimmy into one of the size 0’s but the low-rise crotch did me no favors. Size 2 short (which I actually own from previous years) fit me in the waist but the thighs and legs were too baggy since I’m bigger in the waist but I have skinny legs. Size 4 short (which I also own from previous years) was way too baggy all over. In tugging on the size 0s I noticed that my hands turned a bit blue so there is some transfer of color to be wary of as well. Needless to say I’m still on the lookout for new petite-friendly jeans since many of my favorite jeans are starting to fade.
RECENT OUTFITS
Here are a few outfits that I wore recently since I haven’t shared many actual outfits on Instagram.
LOFT Crane Swing Back Sweater, size XXS regular (review here, size XS regular review here)
Old Navy jeans (old, similar here)
Ann Taylor Sleeveless Shirtdress, size 0P (review here)
Ann Taylor Eleanor sandals (review here)
I washed this sleeveless shirtdress on cold and air dried it with success instead of dry cleaning for those that are contemplating on doing the same. It does require some steaming to get out some slight wrinkling. I found that the dress wrinkles a bit throughout the day and my bra straps kept on being exposed since the arm holes are cut in a little more than I would prefer. I had mentioned the latter issue in my review of the version of the dress here. I’ll probably be letting go of this dress in the near future in case anyone is interested.
LOFT Banded Cotton Tee, size XS regular (sold out)
Ann Taylor Textured Flounce Skirt, size 00P (sold out, review here)
Ann Taylor Gallery Tote (old review here, current version here)
Bandolino Mikea Sandals*
*Runs true to size to 1/2 larger; black available here and here; similar here
Thanks for reading!
