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?

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?