LOFT Fitting Room Reviews + Drybar Brush Crush First Impressions

OUTFIT DETAILS: LOFT Drawstring Utility Jacket, size XXSP (review of size XSP here) | Ann Taylor Cheetah Dot Camp Shirt, size XXSP | LOFT Performance Denim Leggings in Vivid Dark Indigo Wash (past season favorite), size 27/4P | Michael Kors Alexis Espadrilles (found at T.J. Maxx, select sizes and colors are available via eBay here)

Happy Wednesday! I wore this outfit the other day and I love how utility jackets are versatile for throwing together quick outfits that still look put together. I meant to share new fitting room reviews last week but I got swept up spending time with our families and then I came back to a busy work week (I’m currently up late to publish this post and I need to be up early for work). I took a much needed break from posting to social media since I never put down my phone and I enjoyed being more present around my loved ones.

I believe we might be on the cusp of a new LOFT sale since LOFT and Ann Taylor sales sometimes overlap. Meanwhile LOFT cash is redeemable in stores as of Monday, September 10 through Saturday, September 29, 2018. For online purchases use code LOFTCASH for $25 off $50+ valid on full-price promotional items.

Click here to see the leopard print blouse without the utility jacket over it. It’s my first animal print blouse and I really love this trend in moderation for fall. Stay tuned for another way I styled this blouse for work in my next post!

OUTFIT DETAILS: LOFT Denim Jacket (past season favorite, similar here) | LOFT Ruffle Back Mixed Media Jumpsuit, size XXSP (review here, featured here) | Ann Taylor Gretel Metallic Leather Slides (past season, current season version here) | Ainifeel Genuine Leather Small Crossbody Bag (review here) | Sunglasses

I really love how much use I got out of this simple black jumpsuit. It has washed well on cold and air dried and it doesn’t wrinkle badly.

Lou & Grey Drawstring Cowl Dress, size XXS regular (review of size XS regular here) | Ainifeel Genuine Leather Small Crossbody Bag (review here)

I wore this grey dress often last week while on vacation because I purposely didn’t pack a lot (I was only seeing family). I like the super soft material but I realized that the dress is slightly too swingy for my preference. It washes well on cold and air dried flat. It’s a really cute dress and I did get a few compliments when I was out and about at the mall including one associate at Ann Taylor that asked to feel the dress.

FITTING ROOM REVIEWS

For size reference
I’m 5′ 2.5″, currently 108-110 pounds and I’m usually size XS petite in
tops and 0/25 petite in pants and jeans if an item runs true to LOFT
sizing. If you’re new to my blog I typically share the link to a short
video clip below each still image. It’s the same video clip I sometimes
share to my Instagram stories. I’ve also been slowly updating Pinterest with some try-ons for those that prefer a more visual search of my reviews.

LOFT Double Breasted Blazer, size 00P | Ann Taylor Cheetah Dot Camp Shirt, size XXSP | LOFT Performance Denim Leggings in Vivid Dark Indigo Wash (past season favorite), size 27/4P (similar here, I’m eyeing this pair of black legging jeans) | Click here to view the clip from my try-on

I like the idea of this navy blazer but the buttons hit a little bit higher in size 00P and the overall length is shorter than I prefer for this style. I couldn’t find other sizes to try on but I wanted to try on sizes 0P and 00 regular for comparison. If you don’t like the gold buttons at the sleeves (they look a bit extra to me) you can easily unbutton and cuff the sleeves once which effectively hides the buttons from plain view. Update 9/21: Click here to view a clip of size 0P on me which was too loose. I am passing on this blazer for the aforementioned reasons at the beginning of this paragraph.

LOFT Button Pocket Flounce Dress, size 0P (review here) | LOFT Bluebird Ruffle Collar Utility Blouse, size XXSP | Ann Taylor Mila Leopard Print Haircalf Pumps (true to size, review here) | Click here to view the clip from my try-on

Special thanks to Erin for sharing this outfit idea with the bluebird blouse and this navy dress! If you’re into feminine outfits then you may like this outfit combination but I decided it wasn’t for me. The dress runs true to size as reviewed here and the bluebird blouse fit me in size XXSP since I have a smaller chest although I am usually size XSP.

LOFT Floral Shoulder Button Ruffle Shell, size XSP | LOFT Boyfriend Cardigan, size SP (review of size XS regular here) | LOFT Skinny Bi-Stretch Ankle Pants in Julie Fit, size 00P

Click here to see the Marisa fit on me for comparison. I typically only reach for the Marisa fit for LOFT pants since I have minimal curves but I ate really well last week and the Julie fit was more comfortable at the waist and hips. I am usually size 0P but in LOFT pants I go down one size since 00P often fits like my usual size 0P. There are a lot of reviews about the odd fit of these bi-stretch pants but the thicker, stretchy fabric draped well and flatters my smaller thighs. For once I found that pants don’t look too baggy on my legs. I really wish these ankle pants came in other colors since the petite inseam is on point. For reference I’m 5′ 2.5″ and currently 108.5 pounds.

I went up one size from my usual to size SP in the boyfriend cardigan so that I would have room for layering it over tops with long sleeves.

The floral shell has cute gold buttons and I took in my usual size XSP. It is slightly sheer but for me it works with a nude bra.

LOFT Posy Flounce Cap Sleeve Top, size XXSP | LOFT Skinny Sailor Pants in Marisa Fit, size 0P

I thought this mini floral print top was cute but size XXSP was a bit shorter than I prefer and too loose fitting. Note that I am usually size XSP in LOFT tops when they run true to size.

LOFT Skinny Sailor Pants in Marisa Fit, size 0P

I tried on my usual size 0P in these sailor pants and they fit true to size but I did not like how the creases show. I wish the fabric had a smoother fit. Note that the pant legs have a slimmer fit.

LOFT Floral Ruffle Henley Dress, size XSP

I love the dark floral print trend for the fall but my usual size XSP in this dress was too small especially up top. The arm holes were really narrow and even unbuttoned the top portion of the dress was too narrow on my small chest (I take a 32A in petite bras). Due to the poor fit up top the rest of the dress didn’t lay well and it was oddly unflattering so I quickly took it off.

Thanks to your support I have an upcoming sponsored post with LOFT! I am beyond excited about the opportunity to work with my favorite brand via my blog and Instagram and I look forward to sharing more later this month!

LOFT Drawstring Utility Jacket, size XXSP (review of size XSP here) | LOFT Striped Shoulder Button Ruffle Shell, size XXSP | LOFT Modern Skinny Jeans in Staple Dark Indigo Wash, size 25/0P | Click here to view the clip from my try-on

I previously reviewed this utility jacket in XSP here but I found that sizing down helped with the fit.

LOFT Striped Shoulder Button Ruffle Shell, size XXSP | LOFT Modern Skinny Jeans in Staple Dark Indigo Wash, size 25/0P | Click here to view the clip from my try-on

I sized down in this striped top but after a week of eating well while on vacation I regret sizing down since it got a bit snug at the chest and arm holes on me. I love the micro stripes. The top is slightly sheer so some may prefer to layer with a nude cami but for me I was okay with just a nude bra. Check out my review of the solid white color here. This flutter sleeve style is also available in other colors and a pretty floral print (review at the top of this post where I took my usual size XSP).

LOFT Modern Skinny Jeans in Staple Dark Indigo Wash, size 25/0P | Click here to view the clip from my try-on

If you prefer straight leg jeans then I recommend these modern skinny jeans which LOFT brings back quite often. I took my usual size 25/0P. The 26.5″ inseam is slightly longer than usual in petites so this pair covers my ankles as opposed to exposing them. The ankle opening isn’t as narrow as I typically prefer but they manage to look classy and work appropriate with a pair of sleek pumps. This pair doesn’t have any rips or holes and the whiskering and medium wash is classic and timeless.

LOFT Flounce Mixed Media Shirttail Top, size XSP | LOFT Modern Skinny Jeans in Staple Dark Indigo Wash, size 25/0P | Click here to view the clip from my try-on

This thin t-shirt top was really cute with the peek of the white ruffle/flounce on the bottom for added interest. Size XSP was a looser and longer fit (good for food babies) but I was worried that the sleeves of size XXSP might be too snug. I’ll have to try on size XXSP in another visit for comparison.

LOFT Lilac Garden Button Flutter Dress, size XSP | Click here and here to view the clips from my try-on

Special thanks to Ly for bringing this dress to my attention! This floral print is really pretty in person but I didn’t love the fit on me even with the belt at the waist. If you like this lilac garden print it’s also available as a blouse. It fits true to size but if you’re curvy then you may need to size up to accommodate your chest, hips or both since the 100% polyester fabric has no give.

LOFT Pleated Distressed Denim Jacket, size XS regular | Lou & Grey Drawstring Cowl Dress, size XXS regular (review of size XS regular here)

Visually I thought that this new denim jacket might fit me but when I tried it on size XS regular it was too loose on me but I like the cropped length. I am usually size XSP in their denim jackets if they run true to size but I believe this jacket only comes in regular missy sizes. It runs true to size if you fit missy sizes at LOFT.

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Shoreline Sneaker (true to size) | Click here to view the clip from my try-on

I love white sneakers and I found this pair for under $30 at TJ Maxx. The black outline stands out and I like how this pair looks with casual outfits. I have this style in grey which I haven’t worn recently. You can check out more Converse Shoreline styles here.

DRYBAR BRUSH CRUSH FIRST IMPRESSIONS

I recently got a new hair cut before vacation by a random stylist at my local salon without checking for online reviews about her (big mistake). I was really upset that she cut way more than the agreed upon 1″ since I only wanted a trim. I was so dissatisfied with my hair post haircut that I purchased the new Drybar Brush Crush. It’s a straightening iron that looks like a paddle brush. The first day I used it (as shown in the clip above) I really liked the results but I can’t seem to recreate the same results which could be due to the rainy and humid weather this week.
 My thin, fine hair type is prone to frizzing in the heat and humidity no matter what I do to it. Note that I found that the Brush Crush doesn’t do anything to help prevent weather related frizz (at least for me). The brush accommodates much higher temperatures (up to 450 degrees) than I require. I tested the brush and anywhere between 310-340 degrees worked well for straightening my fine hair. I will try to film a brief demonstration of how I use it but I’m not sure how helpful it will be. So far I’ve only come across online videos of people with wavy and curly hair reviewing the brush. I checked my analytics and I received 5,246 impressions and 13 direct messages on Instagram (unsure if that’s indicative of the level of interest across my silent followers) when I shared the above clip in my stories. Sharing hair and beauty products is admittedly outside my comfort zone since I prefer to focus on clothing reviews.

FYI. If you do too many passes with the Brush Crush it will flatten your hair and you will lose a lot of precious volume at the crown. On a related note, I’m intrigued by this hair tip for volume at the crown.  My husband’s cousin had actually mentioned this hair tip to me when we last met up in Taiwan but I forgot about it. She had found and picked up a crimper at Watsons. Can anyone recommend a good hair crimper? I sometimes get so focused on the negative reviews that I am not sure which one to get.

I also ordered the Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer & Volumizer to try since my old John Frieda hot air brush is looking a bit sad from wear and tear after only one year and 3 months of ownership. I meant to order the Revlon brush but I was being cheap and ordered the John Frieda one which was half the price although it does work well. I could never master holding a round barrel brush and hair dryer at the same time so using only one hair tool at a time is a major plus in my book.

Update 9/21: I shared a quick IGTV video on the Drybar Brush Crush versus the Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer & Volumizer the other day. I returned the Drybar Brush Crush which I think that it is too hot for my thin and fine hair type. I was testing it at 310 degrees and with misuse you can make your hair flat and lose precious volume. On the other hand, the Revon Volumizer is easy to use and creates my desired volume. I use
the LOW setting for my hair type. I don’t have the patience to section and dry my hair so I still dry it with a regular
blow dryer. I only use the Revlon device for styling and creating volume.

I had the GHD classic 1″ inch styler maybe 10 years ago that I loved and I may just get another instead if the Revlon brush doesn’t do the trick. I abused that one by not wiping it down and I didn’t store it in a pouch so it only lasted me about 4-5 years before the residue I got on the ceramic plates made it not work as well. A few years ago I  had purchased an older version of the T3 SinglePass Compact Iron when it was offered in a grey color (the latest/current version comes in white) but it never compared to the efficacy of GHD iron. I felt that the smaller size made a difference in how well the straightening iron worked and again I was trying to save money by not buying a full-size model.

Thanks for stopping by!