LOFT Fitting Room Review: Spring Looks

Over the weekend, I stopped in Ann Taylor Loft and tried on some pretty spring looks. Nothing was on sale so I resisted and walked out empty handed. I definitely found a few items I'll be keeping an eye on.


First up is this lovely watercolors silk shell in XXSP. The fit of this top was pretty good. My only complaint would be that the arm holes were bordering on tight for me. But I've had that problem before in XXSP Loft tops so I may size up to XSP when it goes on sale. I really liked how the neckline is gathered giving the impression of ruffling without the full-on ruffle. This top would be perfect for an Easter brunch tucked into a white skirt! Gorgeous! Unfortunately, this top is not available online so I'll have to stick to my resolution of stalking the stores instead of shopping online ALL THE TIME.

Verdict: Wait for sale!

Next up is the Pleated Ruffle Button Down Top in XXSP. This one I didn't love because it was reminiscent of a clown collar or pirate shirt, albeit much much more subdued. The fabric was also quite sheer. And again, the arm holes were almost too tight on me.

Verdict: Pass

Finally, I tried on the Petite Woven Ruffle Neck Dress in 00P and really loved it! The ruffles had the perfect amount of frill and the skirt portion had tiny strands of sparkly thread. The hem hit right above my knee which is a perfect lady-like length. Also, I had no problems with the arm holes in 00P so this dress was also very comfortable. The top was not too sheer and I would fill it out a bit better with the proper undergarment. My brother-in-law's Marine OCS graduation is coming up and I'm thinking I could wear this for his big day. What do you think? Is this dress graduation appropriate?

Review: Old Navy Sliver-Wedge Boots

I've been following Cee's 30 for 30 at to brighten my day and was intrigued by the look and fit of these Old Navy boots on her (see them on her here). They were delightfully inexpensive, only about $35 on sale and with 2% cashback, and they looked stylish, versatile, and comfortable.

Old Navy Sliver-Wedge Boots in Camel

Normally, I wouldn't consider synthetic leather shoes, but I need to go no holds barred when it comes to finding boots that fit. For reference, I'm 5'3" and 95 pounds with shoe size 7 and calf circumference 13.5". 

The Old Navy boots have a shaft circumference of 15". Normally, this would be too big for me. But the reviews on the website were mixed as far as sizing so I thought I'd give it a whirl. Size 7 was sold out so I ordered a size 6.5, which surprisingly fit my foot well. Here are the boots on me:

Unfortunately, the boots did not fit my calves well at all. Even with socks and jeans tucked into them. Major bummer. They were really cute and looked more expensive than they were. I can see these fitting someone with slightly shapelier calves (but not recommended for anyone shorter as the boot shaft hits me right below the knee).

I know that boot season is nearly over (although I'm not convinced that this winter will EVER end), but knowing me, it will take from now until the Fall to find the right boots.

I Am Petite No More Review: Joe's Jeans Provocateur Petite Fit Bootcut Jeans

Based on my past experience (all good) with Joe's Jeans, I went out on a limb and bought this pair of the Provocateur jeans online even though I had never tried on the Provocateur style before. Let me just jump the gun and give the verdict first...I LOVE THESE JEANS!! They make my legs look long and lean and I feel freaking fantastic (and mighty tall) in them. Keep keep keep!!

As you may recall, I had ordered both the size 23 and size 24 in hopes that one of them would fit me. Luckily, size 23 fits almost perfectly - no waist gap, fitted in the hips, butt, and thigh with no weird wrinkling in the back, and no hemming required with 2.5 inch heels or higher. My heels these days are normally 2 inches or lower so I'll most likely get them hemmed. According to the tag, these jeans are made especially for petites: "The Provocateur Petite Fit - this silhouette has a shorter inseam and a higher knee break to elongate the leg..." which addresses the problem with hemming jeans that were made for taller girls.

Here is the size 23 on me wearing 2 inch heels. It would've looked even better with higher heels, but those sexy shoes will be in storage for a good long while.

Joe's Jeans Provocateur Petite Fit Bootcut Jeans (buy here, here, or here)

Measured flat, the waist is 13", hips are 16", thigh is 7.5", and inseam is 31". You can see that I have a full break in front because the heels I'm wearing are too low.

From the back, you can see that the hem is barely above the ground. The original hem is distressed along the bottom edge. I'm actually not a fan of the distressed hem so if I were to shorten these jeans, I could save some money getting a regular hem for $8.

Anyway, these jeans are super comfortable and the denim is soft and thick. It is very difficult finding size 23 jeans so I'm extremely happy I took the risk in buying these! These jeans are going to last a long long time. Love!

As for the size 24 jeans, they were definitely a bit big on me. The stores are currently selling the Provocateur style for $153-$174 but only in size 24 online. For reference, those jeans measured in at approximately: waist 14", hips 16.5", thighs 8" and inseam 31". I'll be returning the size 24 tomorrow unless another petite wants them for the awesome price I paid plus shipping.

Review: I Can't Breathe and I Love It!

Yesterday I knocked on Gap and today I take it all back! I love you and the awesomeness that is your legging jeans!! I finally gave in and bought these very very popular jeggings in faded dark wash (see on Extra Petite and Really Petite) for $48.65 and in faded medium wash in sizes 00P and 0P for $20.99(!!) during the recent 30% off sale and ebates discount (referral link here).

Let me just say this. I love these jeans!! No wonder they've been reviewed to death. And you'd think I'd catch on a little bit sooner or pony up to buy them earlier but then you'd be thinking a lot of me. With that said, here's my final nail in the coffin of the Gap Legging Jeans review.

I originally wanted the faded dark wash (the 2 on the right) but ended up also buying the faded medium wash (the 2 on the left) because they were on sale. And you know what? I like the faded medium wash better. It fits better (more on this in a bit). And it's only ~$21 with no alterations needed!!! They're currently on sale for $24.99. **Update 1.30.11 - Get an additional 30% off with code GAPSALE30 to get these jeans for $17.49 (sizes 00P, 0P and 2P still available)**

If you click on the photo to enlarge, you can see that the fit is a little funky depending on the wash. The faded medium wash in 00P and 0P are almost exactly the same size in the waist, but the 0P is slightly longer (about 1 cm) so you get more of that scrunchiness at the hem. The leg in this color is very very fitted and the fading along the front of the thighs is very slimming. I could barely breath when pulling these on and it was awesome. After about an hour of wear, they stretched out and were as comfy as sweats (very important factor when crawling around the floor with the little peanut). The only question is: keep the 00P or 0P?

Gap Legging Jeans in Faded Medium Wash - 00P

Same jeans in 0P

The 00P and 0P in the faded dark wash is surprisingly much bigger throughout. It has the slightest waist gap in both sizes and the thighs and knees are loose on me! The color was also a little too dark for my taste. I guess I'm just a grittier kind of girl. So for almost $50 each, these darker jeans will be returned.

Gap Legging Jeans in Faded Dark Wash - 00P

Same jeans in 0P

Verdict: Keep 00P or 0P in Faded Medium Wash

Here's another picture comparing the sizes of the jeans in natural light to show the color better. Also for reference, the H&M Super Sqin Jeans in size 27 that I reviewed here has the same waist circumference as the 0P in Faded Medium Wash but the H&M pair sit lower on the hip.

Front to Back: 00P Faded Medium Wash, 0P Faded Medium Wash, 00P Faded Dark Wash, 0P Faded Dark Wash

Are you a member of the Sisterhood of the Gap Legging Jeans?

Review: Forever 21 Chainlink Trim Sweater Jacket

I saw this jacket on the Forever 21 website and immediately wanted it! I love the navy color, the chainlink trim, and the fact that it's like a thick cardigan, but with more structure. This piece is 100% cotton and would be perfect for spring. It also fits in with the nautical theme that I really like.

Forever 21 Chainlink Trim Sweater Jacket - $34.80

I bought this jacket in size small and it fits me really well. I hesitated to post photos of myself wearing this because my picture taking skills are atrocious and the jacket honestly hangs and fits pretty much like the stock photos on the Forever 21 website. On the website, the 5'10" model is wearing a size small and here I am at 5'3" wearing the same size! Yet somehow, this jacket fits just as well on me as on the model.

The jacket in size small fits well in the shoulders and tapers in nicely at the waist. The sleeves are 3/4 length which I love because I always push up my sleeves. And the bottom of the jacket hits at the top of my hip. The color of the jacket is the same as the one seen in the stock photo. I used flash in my photo and it washed out the color. (Please forgive my poor camera skills!) The material is a stiff cotton which lends a nice structure and weight to the jacket. It'll be really great for spring and summer after I put the wool and cashmere away!

Verdict: Keep!

Review: H&M Super Sqin Jeans

I've been looking for a good pair of skinny jeans and was so excited when Jean at Extra Petite raved about the Gap Legging Jeans in faded dark wash. Since then, I've been waiting for a Gap sale or coupon because I wasn't ready to spend the $69.50 for it at full price. But then I saw Really Petite review a super inexpensive pair of jeans at H&M - the Super Sqin Jeans. She bought the lighter wash on sale for $10, but full price is only $19.95!

I'm by no means as tiny nor as fit as Really Petite, but I thought I'd give it a shot. The darker wash jeans were not on sale at the store I visited, but I bought it anyway because they were so comfortable! I normally wear a size 24 in jeans, but in the Super Sqin jeans, I wear a size 27! Or so I thought. (Note: these jeans need to be hemmed in all sizes.)

After wearing the jeans around the house for an hour, I noticed that the seat and knees were a little loose with these weird wrinkles between the rear and thighs. Is this normal? I'm not sure if it's because the jeans are too big or if the fit is off. Perhaps I don't have enough junk in the trunk to fill it out properly. The back pockets are also disproportionately large.

I tried the jeans on in a size 26 as well but I could barely pull them up! Maybe that's how tight they're supposed to feel going on as they're stretchy. I wonder if the size 27 will shrink if I wash them.

Verdict: Wash and shrink? Return for smaller size?

What do you think - keep or not to keep? Any idea why these jeans would have these wrinkles in the back?

Ann Taylor Review: 40% off Entire Purchase

I went to Ann Taylor today to check out their semi-annual sale - 40% off everything in the store - and walked out with 4 cardigans, 1 sleeveless sweater, 1 dress, 1 skirt, and 2 scarves.

Solid Merino V-Neck Cardigan in XSP - $78 now $23.99

First up is the Solid Merino V-Neck Cardigan in XSP - $78 now $23.99. There were lots of colors and sizes in the store and it was marked down to $39.99 (it's only marked down to $44.99 online). I bought frosted wisteria, black, med pebble heather, and coral rose. Here I am wearing coral rose and you can see how thin the fabric is. The fit is terrific though (I'm 5'3" and 95 pounds) - it's fitted in the sleeves and torso. Just be careful with the sheerness in the lighter colors. Verdict: I'm keeping black and will probably return coral rose and frosted wisteria in exchange for the darker colors of colonial blue and black raspberry.

Twinkle Sleeveless Cowl Neck Top in XSP - $78 now $29.99

Next is the Twinkle Sleeveless Cowl Neck Top in brown, size XSP - $78 now $29.99. I love this top! It has a little sparkle so it'll go great underneath a blazer for daytime and on its own at night. The shape is sophisticated and the fit is terrific. My only problem here was getting the cowl to drape just so. But once I got it, it looked great. Verdict: Keep!

Long Sleeve Pleated Neckline Dress in 00P - $79.99 now $48.03

This picture does not do this dress justice! It's no longer available online so I don't know what it's called but it's a long sleeve black wool dress with pleating detail along the neckline. I'm wearing it in 00P and no alterations will be required! It's just the perfect dress for the office but it also can be glammed up for night. Below is a picture of the dress on the mannequin in the store window. You can see a little more detail here and I love how it's styled with a bold necklace.

Next I bought the Wool Sateen Lace Trim Skirt in size 00P - $118 now $47.99.

Wool Sateen Lace Trim Skirt in 00P - $118 now $47.99

Again, the picture does not do this skirt justice, but you can see the lace detail, which is along the side seams of the dress, online. The fit of this skirt is amazing! The waist is snug, the sides skim my hips, and the length is just above the knees. No alterations needed! The lace trim adds just a little something to an otherwise plain, but well fitting, black skirt. The price seems a little high at $47.99. What do you think? Is this worth keeping? Verdict: Maybe

Finally, I bought 2 scarves.

I love this scarf! It's a long infinity scarf with a little sparkle that I looped around three times. It's surprisingly lightweight and airy - it's made of 44% alpaca, 29% acrylic, 18% wool, 6% polyester, and 3% other fiber. And it's only $48 now $17.99. Verdict: Keep!

The lighting really does not bring out the vibrant color of this long wrinkly and sparkly scarf. The color is navy with silver sparkles. And the fabric is lightweight and sheer - 82% wool, 10% metallic, 8% nylon. It cost me $38 now $11.99. Do you think I can wear this in the spring? Or is it too much of a winter scarf? Verdict: Maybe

Have you checked out the Ann Taylor sale? What did you buy?

Review: Jergens Extra Moisturizing Hand Wash

As a new mom who washes her hands 30-40 times a day (I wash my hands before and after every diaper change, before every feeding, and basically after I touch anything other than the little peanut), it's inevitable that my hands will get dry and cracked. But that's just it. My hands are great!

Jergens Extra Moisturizing Hand Wash

I attribute this lucky happenstance to my religious use of Jergens Extra Moisturizing Hand Wash. I wash with this hand soap every time (except when I was away for the holidays where my hands got wrecked!). The soap is a white shimmery liquid that smells a little sweet, lathers up lightly, and washes off easily and cleanly with just a nickel-size amount. It's also super cheap! Only $2.19 for 7.5 fl oz at drugstore.com - and it lasts me about 2-3 months! My only gripe is the packaging - not so pretty. I take care of that by pouring the contents out into a pretty dispenser. Perfect!

Post-Holiday Haul Review: Banana Republic 50% off Sale Items

I am on a roll with my shopping resolution! I braved the mall chaos last weekend and came back with a couple goodies from Banana Republic. I was quite surprised to find that the prices in the stores are much less than you find online. Who knew I was paying so much more online? Banana Republic was, and I think still is, having 50% off all sale items in-store. Online, they're only offering 30% off.

Italian Spun Pointelle-U-Neck in XS - $64.50 now $18.49 in stores. $54.99 plus 30% off online.

Here is the same sweater on me in gray (color not available online).

This is a nice casual weekend wool/cashmere sweater! The body is slim fitting but the arms are not. The seams are sewn to look like a sweatshirt but it has nice pointelle detail on the front u-neck area, sides, and down the center of the back. I got it in size XS, but it's also still available online in PXXS and PXS in several colors for $39.99 plus 30% off.  

Verdict: Keep 

Belted Striped Shirt in Blue Stripe - $69.50 now $20

This was a last minute purchase and I think I'll return this one. I don't need anymore casual button down shirts! This shirt drew me in initially because I liked the tie waist and the striped chambray material. And I could see myself wearing this in the summer with a little white tank and shorts. It's available online in gray stripe as well as blue stripe in size XS for $49.99 plus 30% off.

Verdict: Return

Vest in XS - $89.50 now $18.99, in-stores only

I should really take a picture of myself wearing this. On the hanger, it looks like an old man vest, but on me, I think it has a snow bunny ski slope kind of cute! The fit of this is a tiny bit loose and the arm opening could be a tad too big, which will make the entire outfit look sloppy. But if I wear it with a thicker layer underneath, it would fit just right.

Verdict: Maybe

What do you think? Should I keep or return these items?

LOFT Fitting Room Review - 50% off Sale

Fresh from my new year's resolutions, I decided to take a stroll to my local Ann Taylor LOFT today. I haven't been in one in over 2 years so I was really excited to see if their clothes would fit me as well as they seem to for other petites. It was an extra bonus that LOFT is still having 50% off all sale items.

LOFT Abstract Print Blouse with Tie in XXSP - $44.99 now $22.49. 

This blouse was really cute and cheerful but it was too tight for me in the underarm in size XXSP, which was the only small size left. Too bad because I can see myself wearing this tucked into a fitted skirt to wear to the office. Verdict: Pass

LOFT Blouse in XSP - $29.99 now $14.99

This blouse is no longer available online but there were quite a few of them at the store. This was the only item that actually fit me. I liked it but didn't love it as it's not really my style. I see someone a lot more fun and flirty than me wearing this top! Perhaps on a date. Verdict: Pass

LOFT Tank Top with Sequins in XXSP

I had been eyeing this top online for awhile and was so excited to see it on sale at the store! The top fit me ok but the drape was less than flattering. And the sequin detail at the neckline kept folding in on itself, making it look sloppy instead of elegant. Verdict: Pass

LOFT Shoulder Detail Sheath in 00P - $49.99 now $24.99

I have way too many little black dresses to justify buying another one. But there's always something so easy and nice about LBDs. I really liked the ties at the shoulder for this dress, but again, the fit was lacking. It was a little tight around the hip but too roomy up top. Verdict: Pass

LOFT Marisa Scuba Pants in 0P

These pants were a very nice thick material and a lovely gray color. The length was pretty good too - do I dare say that I wouldn't need to hem these with the right pair of shoes? The waist, however, was way too big. Verdict: Pass

Unfortunately, I didn't find anything to buy this time. But I did discover my LOFT size for future reference! OP in dresses, OOP in bottoms, and XSP in tops (I'm 5'3", 95 pounds, 30-25-33).

Review: J.Crew Petite Ever Peacoat in Navy

Last week, I bought the J.Crew Petite Ever Peacoat size P0 in navy. I've been looking for a well-fitting classic navy peacoat and I was hoping this one would fit the bill.

J.Crew Petite Ever Peacoat in Navy

Look and Feel:
The color is a very deep navy - almost black in low lighting. The coat seems to be well made, not scratchy when I run my hand down the front and not stiff like the J.Crew Thinsulate coat I bought several years ago. But it's still wool so when I first threw it on over a t-shirt, it felt a little bit itchy against my bare neck and arms even though it's very nicely and fully lined. Normally, I would be wearing a long sleeve shirt or sweater under this coat and the itchiness wasn't a problem once I threw those things on.

Fit:
In the past, I've had problems with J.Crew petite coats fitting me too short in the arm and J.Crew regular coats fitting me too large in the body. This coat's sleeve measures 21.5 inches and hits me at 1/2 inch below my wrist. When I bend my arm, the sleeve hikes up to about 1/2 to 1 inch above my wrist. Normally, I like my sleeves to reach halfway down my palm so these sleeves were about 1-1/2 inch too short. The bottom of the coat hits about 3 inches below my hips.

Sleeve hits right below wrist

The body of the coat fits a little roomy on me in a t-shirt, but with a sweater and scarf, it fits much better. I tend to like my coats very fitted - and from the front, this coat seems a bit boxy. The shoulders are perfect.

From the back, it tapers in at the waist and looks quite nice.

Conclusion
I really wanted to like this but I feel that the itchiness and the short sleeve make it a no go. What do you think?