OUTFIT DETAILS
LOFT Lacy Ruffle Cold Shoulder Blouse, size XXS regular (review below)
Ann Taylor Step Hem All Day Skinny Jeans in Sienna Wash, size 25/0P (review here)
Ann Taylor Violette Suede Bow Pumps (past season, similar here)
A-Bag Plus reversible large set (gifted by Palla Handbags, review here)
Click here to view the clip from my try-on
I recently did a sponsored post with Ann Taylor and this fringe top and chambray jacket are my favorite new pieces. I noticed that Anh of 9to5chic also picked up the same jacket. I had to shop in store for this second post to pick out my outfit so I settled on size 0 regular. I personally purchased the jacket again in size 00P during the last sale when it was 50% off. I’ve been trying not to settle on the fit because if something doesn’t fit well then I don’t feel good in it and I’m less likely to wear it. I’m a bit curious about size 0P since the sleeves of size 00P are shorter. I noticed that the sleeves of size 00P hit me in the same place as the model in their online stock image.
Ann Taylor Fringe Sweater Tee, size XS regular (c/o, review here)
J.Crew Pull-On Toothpick Jean in black, size 25 petite (review here)
Click here to view the clip from my try-on
The jacket runs true to size in petites but the regular missy size felt more generous so you may want to size down if you prefer a closer fit.
Ann Taylor Step Hem All Day Skinny Jeans in Sienna Wash, size 25/0P (review here)
Adidas Cloudfoam Advantage Sneaker
Click here to view the outfit on me
I love stripes and anything with a funnel neck so obviously this top came home with me.
SALE ALERTS
LOFT – Get 40% off select full-price styles and an extra 50% off sale styles! Valid in stores and online. Since no code is needed you can use code FEB419CC online for an extra $50 off $100+ full-price styles. Items in the sale section do not apply towards the $100+ minimum for the $50 off. This extra code also excludes Lou & Grey styles. Shipping tip: http://bit.ly/FREEshipover50.
Ann Taylor – Get 50% off select full-price styles and an extra 40% off sale styles. Use code REFRESH. Valid in store and online. Sale ends 4/10 at 3AM ET.
Ann Cares cards are back! Purchase an Ann Cares card online or in-store to save an extra 20% off for non-cardmembers or an extra 25% off for cardmembers on in-store purchases only. Valid at LOFT, LOFT Outlet Stores, Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Factory Stores and combinable with current in-store offers on full-price promotional purchases of $100+. This is the second year you can purchase the Cares cards online! 90% of the Cares cards’ purchase price is donated to BCRF and the promotion ends May 14, 2018. This means that you can also expect to see the LOFT Cares card in a week or two. Both the Ann Cares cards and LOFT Cares cards work across the aforementioned Ann Inc. brands for in-store use.
Old Navy – Super cash redemption started yesterday. I ordered the following with my $40 in ON super cash. Yes, I ordered one pair of girl’s jeans in size Large plus since I was curious about the fit. The online reviews said that the pant legs run really slim but the ankle opening might be too big for my preference but I’ll find out once I receive them.
FITTING ROOM REVIEWS
Click here and here to view the clips from my try-on
I took this pretty new blouse in my usual size XXS regular. The chest is a bit narrow so you may want to size up if you have a larger bust.
LOFT Performance Denim Leggings in vivid dark indigo wash, size 27/4P (similar here)
Converse Shoreline Sneaker (runs true to size to 1/2 size bigger)
Click here to view the clip from my try-on
I love this striped top but when I wore it on Friday I realized that I probably should have gotten it in my usual size XXS regular for a better fit. It’s true to size for a very relaxed fit.
Click here to view the clip from my try-on
This jumpsuit is surprisingly flattering and comfortable. I’m not a fan of the 100% rayon material since you have to let it dry and then steam out the material in order to relax the fabric if you notice any shrinking/shortening. I am eyeing this new jumpsuit since it’s a rayon blend which does wash well.
Click here and here to view the clip from my try-on
This tweed dress was on my wishlist but it’s a bit too wide for my straight figure in my usual size XSP. I haven’t had a chance to try on size XXSP for comparison. If you are a bit curvier then this dress should fit you better in the hips.
Click here to view the clip from my try-on
If you love this flowerbed print it’s available in other styles here. I really wanted this dress to work but the fit is very odd since the hips are snug while the chest area is very loose fitting. Size XSP felt about two sizes bigger if you see my video clip here.
Click here to view the clip from my try-on
Also available in shorts and plus size. This top is really cute and I fit my usual size XSP but it has a short and boxy fit so it would look best with a half tuck in front or tucked in. I didn’t love the elastic inside the sleeves but the details of this print are really cute.
Click here to view the clip from my try-on
This top runs true to size but size XS regular was very long so I needed it in petites which is currently sold out online. It is slightly sheer since you can make out the outline of my dark jeans in the above picture on left.
Click here to view the clip from my try-on
This top is really cute and size XS regular fit true to size. I would prefer my usual size XXS regular for the best fit. It’s currently 50% off too!
Next I was trying on this top with some denim shorts and this olive colored one caught my eye. The leg openings of these shorts weren’t too wide on my thin legs for once but the waist runs at least one size bigger. I had a huge gaping space in the back.
Click here to view the clip from my try-on
I love the pretty lace stitch on this sweater which fits true to size. I would prefer my usual size XXS for a better fit. The top is unlined so a layering cami (this one is petite friendly and true to size) is required.
Click here to view the clip from my try-on
I received a request to try on this sweater and I found that it has a slouchy fit but it does run true to size.
The denim contrast on these shorts is not as drastic as pictured in the online stock image. These shorts run true to size but the leg holes are a bit wide on my chicken legs.
These button fly shorts run true to size. I previously reviewed size 25/0 regular here and as I suspected size 24/00 fit me well. Unfortunately I do not like how these shorts make my legs look so I passed on them. The cut makes me feel very rectangular.
This peacock print is so cute and it’s available as a dress, scarf and socks! I found that my usual size 24/00 regular was a bit loose on me in the waist. I would suggest going down a size for the best fit if you have a straight figure like me. If you’re curvier then you may not have this issue.
Click here to view the clip from my try-on
The sleeves on this sweater are so cute and it’s also available in stripes. You may also like this dress which has the same style sleeves. The sweater has a slightly boxy fit but it drapes well and it looks cute with a front tuck. The overall length is slightly shorter and the white color is not too sheer. I like both the white and the pink colors when I saw them in store. Size XS regular fit me well but I’m sure I could take my usual size XXS regular if I wanted to. I’ll have to pick up one of the two colors during the next sale.
Click here to view the clip from my try-on
This pretty tee fits true to size. It comes in white, pink and yellow and I noticed that the white color is slightly sheer since I could see the outline of my black jeans. The floral detail across the chest helps to hide any bra lines and the longer sleeve length is great for covering your upper arms. For some reason I didn’t love this tee on me since it has a very relaxed fit but perhaps it would look better with a half tuck. I’ve been wary of doing a half tuck with thinner tees because I get the dreaded mysterious tiny holes near my belly button and then the tee becomes trash.
Click here to view the clip from my try-on
This striped top is at the top of my wishlist. The shoulders are a bit wide on me so I probably need this in my usual size XXS regular or XSP. I’d say this top fits true to size to slightly larger for a flowy fit. The material isn’t sheer so I didn’t find it to be see through with a nude bra on.
Click here to view the clip from my try-on
I thought this tee was really cute when I saw it online so I was happy to find it in stores to try on. This tee runs very large so I would suggest going down a size for a better fit unless you like how it looks in their online stock image in the picture paired with the shorts. I probably need this tee in XXSP after trying on size XS regular.
Click here to view the clip from my try-on
If you’re looking for black pants with a relatively skinny ankles then you may want to try this pair. It’s not as narrow at the ankles as my favorite black jeans from a few years ago but it’s tapered enough. I noticed the material is not as soft and stretchy as their other denim but I fit my usual size 25/0P. The petite inseam is a bit longer (likely close to 27″) so it doesn’t show my ankle bone which is what I usually prefer.
Click here to view the clip from my try-on
I thought the fit of this twill trench coat was laughable as you can see here. I tried on size 00P but I had to double check the size on the tag because it fit about 2-3 sizes larger than normal. I didn’t like the yellow undertone of the twill fabric and it’s missing the unique floral lining they used the prior spring.
This necklace is on my wishlist. They’re actually two separate necklaces sold as one set. I love them layered together but I really want the shorter necklace since I love the brushed gold finish.
LOFT Luxe Leather Envelope Crossbody Bag
I spotted this crossbody bag in stores and it’s well made and looks very versatile.
This necklace was so pretty in person. I wish they were separate necklaces so that I could have the option to wear them together or apart.
LOFT Floral Smocked Flare Dress
How gorgeous is the red color of this new “raincoat”? Up close and in person the material they used did not appear to be water resistant. I came home to find that this coat is only offered in regular missy sizes so I was a bit disappointed.
LOFT Lace Dot Peplum Blouse, size XXS regular (review here)
J.Crew Pull-On Toothpick Jean in black, size 25 petite (review here)
A New Day Jayme Bow Ballet Flats (review here)
This chambray trench coat was at the top of my wishlist for Ann Taylor’s mid March set of new arrivals. I had originally settled on size 0 regular since I had to shop in stores to pick out my items for my sponsored blog post. I ended up purchasing this coat in size 00P since I wasn’t sure that I could exchange it due to the special code I was provided to secure my gifted items. Size 0 regular was oversized on me but I can usually pull off various sizes since I have a smaller frame but longer arms. The flaps on the petite size doesn’t require me to sew them down but I did have to sew them down in size 0 regular since the white underside of the fabric kept showing.
Here are the measurements for the jacket in both sizes:
Size 0 regular – 14.5″ shoulders, 38″ bust, 24″ sleeves, 23.5″ overall length
Size 00 petite – 13.5″ shoulders, 33″ bust, 22″ sleeve length, 22″ overall length
Ann Taylor Cotton Sateen Tie Front Sheath Dress, size 00P (c/o, review below, review of size 0P here)
This jacket is very versatile and it looks great styled with a skirt, sheath dress and jeans.
I also picked up this scalloped sandals to complete my spring looks since all of my other shoes didn’t look quite right with the above dress and the skirt below. I paid full-price but I will wait for a sale to pick up another color or two. They are very comfortable and friendly for wider feet. The straps are very flexible so they did not give me any blisters or require any break in. The heel height is also very manageable and the 3.3″ block heels are surprisingly friendly for city walking.
Ann Taylor Floral Eyelet Pencil Skirt, size 0P (c/o)
Ann Taylor Ring Pearlized Drop Earrings (c/o)
J.Crew Rattan Clutch (past season, similar here and here)
I originally wanted to pair this eyelet skirt with this LOFT blouse but my usual size XXS regular was just too loose on me so I ended up tucking in this fringe top which I liked a lot better.
I ordered this lilac tee in size XXSP after trying on size XSP and XXSP in stores in the vine print (review of size XXSP below, review of size XSP here). This tee fits true to size for a relaxed fit but I wanted a closer fit so I took size XXSP so that the tee wouldn’t be too swingy on me as seen here. The top is not too sheer and I didn’t find it to be see through.
I recently had another LOFT style event with my coworkers at my local LOFT and my boss picked out these cute flower earrings. I couldn’t get these out of my mind so I ordered them during the last sale and I love them. I wish they would package their jewelry with a bit more care since the earring posts can arrive bent if the poly mailer packaging is not handled with care during transit.
I’ve been stalking this stepped hem tank in white but meanwhile I’ve tried on this tank in sizes XXS regular, XSP and now size XXSP. It’s double lined and drapes well and I like the longer overall length. Size XXSP fits me best for my smaller chest. This tank runs true to size but you may want to size down or stalk the petite sizes if you don’t want it to be tunic length as shared in this blog post. I was able to return my previous two orders since I noticed that you can return items marked final sale online as long as ‘final sale’ is not noted on the order receipt or if it was on sale with a .44, .77 or .88 price prior to the discount. In the previous sales where it was marked as final sale online the price prior to the discount was not final sale. However, the current $24.88 price before the extra 50% off discount will make it a final “final sale” item for $12.44. My most recent receipt for size XXSP is marked “final sale” in the item description.
Click here to view the clip from my try-on
Once again I got these flower flats after seeing them on Lilly (she’s such a enabler). They run true to size and I took my usual size 7. I ended up moving the last petal (seen over the top of my feet in this clip) closer to the other petals so that it’s not by its lonesome. I recommend breaking in the back of the heel with the palm of your hands. They come fresh out of the box looking like a V-shape in the back heel. After you soften the back of the heel with your hands it should be more of a U-shape which is more comfortable and hopefully reduces break in time and blisters.
This dress ran one size bigger for me so I took size 00P. I have a smaller chest so I wish I filled out the top better but I plan to wear a cardigan or jacket over it anyway. I wore it out last weekend and the skirt portion does get a bit wrinkled when you sit down but it’s not bothersome unless you’re planning to take photos in it.
Ann Taylor Embroidered Eyelet Full Skirt, size 00P
I love this top and skirt together. I ended up going with the striped top in my usual size XSP. The skirt ran one size bigger so I sized down to 00P which fit like my usual size 0P.
This eyelet dress is very classy and it fits true to size in the waist. The bust runs a bit larger so if you have a smaller chest then you may notice some gaping up top. I didn’t get a chance to try on size 00P for comparison. If you like this floral print they also offer a clutch that is very well made.
I’ve seen a few bloggers that typically work with Ann Taylor feature these bow flats. I tried them on for size but I didn’t love the large bow or color selection so I passed on them. They run true to size for me. This style is also available in this eyelet version for the spring which looks really cute.
Ann Taylor The Wide Leg Marina Pant, size 00P
Click here to view the pants from my try-on
This ruffle shoulder sweater is cute but I wish the stripes went all the way down instead of stopping at the waist. It’s also available in sold navy and yellow here. I found that it fits true to size and it’s more fitted at the waist so it can show the outline of your pants if you don’t tuck it in. I tried it on with wide leg pants (above) and regular jeans (below) so that you can get an idea of how it looks. Personally I didn’t love the large ruffles on the shoulders so I passed on this sweater but I like the idea of it. I’ll have to try it on in petites to see if the proportions fit me better.
This is a cute simple top that I picked as one of my gifted items. It fits true to size and I can’t wait to wear it with white jeans for spring. I was looking for the navy color but they only had this blue in store in the petite section.
This white top is really pretty and not see through with a nude bra but I ended up going with the striped version below. This top runs true to size but you can size up for a more relaxed but still flattering fit. If you plan to tuck it into skirts and pants you may want to stick to your usual size to reduce the excess material on the sides.
Ann Taylor Modern All Day Skinny Jeans in Mariner Wash, size 24/00P (previously reviewed here)
I love these jeans and the petite inseam is on point. I’m waiting for a good sale to snag a pair. They run true to size but due to the stretchy material in this wash I prefer going down a size so that they won’t stretch out too much.
This dress is very boho and not my style but I tried it on out of curiosity. I didn’t like the midi length on me but it could be due to wearing flats. I found that it runs larger since I had to go down one size. The dress is lined with a detachable slip inside.
This cheery tee runs true to size but size XSP was too swingy on me so I prefer the look of size XXSP. I prefer the lilac print I reviewed above. The top is not too sheer and I didn’t find it to be see through.
Size XS was a relaxed fit on me so I would have preferred my usual size XXS if I was ordering online. It fits true to size for a relaxed fit. This top is a thicker material so it is not see through.
This dress is beautiful and well made but it runs one to two sizes larger thanks to vanity sizing. Size 00P was very roomy in the waist on me so I had to pass on this dress. It also comes in white and the thicker material is very flattering and not see through. When the dress is on you can’t tell it’s too loose on me but if you play the clip then you can see how much extra material I can grab on the sides. The v-neck is modest and not too low.
Speaking of vanity sizing this dress runs big. The details are really pretty and I grabbed size 0P but it was extremely oversized. I also tried sizing down to 00P but I looked like a scarecrow in the dress. It runs 3-4 sizes larger. The sizing was so laughable I couldn’t even take pictures of it.
I wanted this top from my wishlist but the arm holes of the sleeves were too big so they didn’t lay flush against my arms. I’ll have to try it in petites to see if that fits better. Hopefully they have another sale soon so that I can order it online since my local store didn’t carry this top in the petite section. It fits true to size for a relaxed fit.
DESIGNER INSPIRED REVIEWS
Click here to view another closeup of the bag
I was a rebel and I ordered this bamboo bag from one of the listings that was Amazon prime but without any reviews. The bag didn’t come packaged in a box so I was nervous that it was damaged in transit with only a light bubble wrapping but it was fine. This seller includes a free scarf with the bag. I ordered the small size which is a bit narrow but it does fit my essentials (card holder, phone, lip gloss, keys) inside. What I didn’t like about this bag was the uneven bamboo slats and some of the areas I ran my fingers against felt like those disposable chopsticks that you didn’t break cleanly. I’m unsure if I should to order the Muico brand to try to see if it’s made any better. FYI. Courtney recently reviewed it in her Instagram stories. I like the look of the unique look of the bag but it’s not the most comfortable choice to carry for going out. I’m curious to see if I’ll see anyone actually carrying it in the spring and summer once it warms up here in the Boston area. I’m personally convinced it’s just a blogger prop.
Click here and here for more closeups of the bag
This Chole Nile inspired bag is another blogger favorite I was curious about. The outside of the bag looks okay but the brassy hardware was a bit scratched on the one I received but perhaps that is the intended look. I didn’t like the inside lining of the bag which was very cheap plastic and the lining was puckered in the bag I received as you can see from the video clips I shared. Even if no one else sees the inside I couldn’t justify keeping it so thank goodness for free returns with Amazon Prime. The bag has a very heavy weight to it and the black outline around the edges is uneven in some places.
I also ordered this Hermes Lindy inspired bag in the pink color and it should arrive in the mail on Tuesday so I’ll do another update on how that bag works out. I love the shape of the Lindy but I can’t imagine spending $8k+ on a bag considering how fickle I am about my bags these days.
BERSHKA
I came across a new brand last week called Bershka which is a sister site to Zara. I’m curious about their quality. If only they had the same return policy as Zara. This crepe blazer comes in a lot of colors. This pug and cactus print top is adorable. I’m eyeing the following shoes: 1, 2, 3, 4. These bags look cute: 1, 2, 3.
Thanks for reading!
