Ann Taylor - 2 dress reviews

I keep on returning to Ann Taylor this fall for work appropriate clothing. I haven't shopped there in years but am liking some of their colors and shapes. I do find their fit challenging at times - I feel like I'm in between a petite and a regular - and I do wish they would stop using so much polyester but I think they are definitely trying to be a bit more on trend.

Redefined Lace Sheath Dress (Size 2)

I really love this dress. I feel like it was made for me. Plenty of room up top to accommodate the ladies but not too big on the bottom. Nice little structured waistband and a long exposed zipper down the back (which many will hate). I do have to admit that on this type of dress a hidden zipper would be more appropriate but it's not a deal breaker. The lace is stretchy, although not overly so, allowing the dress to form to your body. I am a navy whore at this point. I can't help myself. Love it. At $99 this was a splurge for me but I think I can use it for all my concerts. Love sleeveless when I am playing piano!

Striped Ponte Shift Dress (XS) 

Here's where I think AT goes a little wrong. The material of this dress is super yuck way too much poly. It's a shame too because I think the idea is there. The darts at the bustline really help slim this dress down and make it more flattering. I like that the entire dress is not striped. The length is great. Overall it is a little big on me but they didn't have an XXS nor did I bother looking that hard since I would not pay $69.99 for this dress. Maybe $30.

What have others found at Ann Taylor recently?

J Crew Reviews! New Arrivals...

It has been quite a while since I have stopped by La Crew. I do like to make a trip when things have recently arrived because it's my chance to try on the right size of things I may want to buy later. At this point, I basically refuse to pay full price, or even close to full price since there seems to be no reason to! I liked a lot of what I saw and will definitely be adding some items to my wishlist.

Perfect Shirt in Aegean Plaid (size 4)

This shirt is so cute and I LOVE the color of the blue in it. I'm not a huge fan of the puckered fabric but the upside is that it makes the fit a little slimmer and thus more flattering. This was a size 2 which is one up from my usual size and I definitely think I would take this. I think this is because of the aforementioned puckered fabric. For the less busty, you could probably take your regular size. Super cute!

Unknown Shirt (size 2) 

I find it pretty unbelievable that my local store would have anything that is not online yet but I didn't see this. It is adorable. There is pleating at the neckline which I would normally abhor but somehow it worked on this shirt. Would look lovely tucked into a pencil skirt or just like this with jeans or cords. Me surprisingly lovey.

Silk Boy Shirt in French Hen (size 2) and No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Graphic Print (size 2)

This is a twofer because I was running out of time and wanted to try on as much as possible. More on the shirt in a moment. The skirt. Boo. It fit so oddly. It was my usual size 2 but was HUGE. I actually rechecked the size because I thought I must have grabbed a 6 or something. Plus the skirt is really long and that much pattern on a barely 5'4" lady is not good.

Put me in the yes to hen camp. Granted I love a good silk blouse and can almost never turn down something navy but still. It's really cute. Have a feeling this one will hit sale and then I will make it mine. My usual 2 felt good. 

Jules Dress in Italian Paisley (size 2) 

Yeesh. This color palette is dreadful on me. I don't think I'll ever find my Jules because I just don't think it's a flattering shape on my but I wish it was. On the silk versions, I notice that the seam across the hips tends to make the fabric sort of pucker in and out giving you a funny body line. It's hard to explain but the seam goes in and then the fabric goes out under that and it makes you looks hippy. Not loving.

Merino Zigzag Sweater (XXS) 

Oopsies. totally grabbed the wrong size. When I saw it on the rack I thought it was going to be one of those gigantically oversized things. Not so. I barely got it over my head and there is absolutely no give to the knit because it is so thick and dense. I actually loved the feel of the sweater. Reminds me of something hand knit in Ireland. And not itchy at all. But again, there is NO GIVE at all. I would at least need a XS or possibly even a S. It's busy but I love the colors. 

All in all, I like what I'm seeing. Now if only final sale would go away! Anyone else try on some of these new goodies?

Anthropologie Reviews!

Even with the deluge of sales lately, I sure haven't found much that I have to have. Maybe that's a good thing :) Here are few items from Anthro:

Nocturnal Wings Tank (XS)

I luvs me a good bird print and I really love a good Anthro lounge item (note less expensive) but.... I just don't get this blouse. Completely see-thru and I would never want to put a cami underneath. The birds were a-calling but I couldn't answer...

Cerulean Stripes Shift (size 2)

Something else I love? A good shift dress! But dang are they tricky. They pleating at the bustline ruined this for me but that's because I am really busty. If you are less well-endowed I think this would be cute in a chain gang/ laugh-in sort of way. The material is nice and thick which I greatly appreciated.

Striped Scenery Sweater (XS) in Brown Motif  

I found this sweater a bit shapeless and blah on but the colors are divine! It feels very delicate and I love that you could layer different colors under it for different effects. May reconsider at sale time. Feels slightly oversized/slouchy.

Avian Myth Shift (size 2) 

I was immediately drawn to this but grabbed two sizes since it looked like it ran a little small/short. The 2 fit fine in the top half but the bottom was TIGHT. Too tight.

Size 4. Definitely closer to how it is supposed to fit. The top felt a little loose but my butt could move again so I'll take the trade. I still don't know if it does a ton for my figure or complexion but it's definitely intriguing.

Side view. Acceptable :)

Lousy back shot. I do love the slightly open back to contrast with the higher neck in the front. And, although many are not fans of an exposed zipper I always like the slight edge it gives a piece of clothing.

Big sale of some coveted items today! Anyone bite?

Talbots and Ann Taylor Reviews

Whoops. I have a new schedule and new job and I still have not gotten into the "flow" of fall yet...

I have to say, one of the real perks of having a more active work life is being able to dress a little more nicely. It sounds silly but I find it a real mood lifter to have to put on more than jeans and a t-shirt in the morning. Of course I also realized that my closet is a bit short on official work clothes so I thought I'd try to fill the gap. I normally do not shop at Talbots or Ann Taylor but they have been having some good sales! I got some skirts at Talbots for $11! Anyway, on to a few quick reviews:


Elite Stripe Bateau Tee (XS) in Bright Emerald/Ivory

 
I like this tee. It is a nice, thick knit but not too thick. It has a little piece of fabric on the shoulders that is a cute detail. There is still something sort of old lady about it for me but if I was in need of more stripes (which I'm not) I would be tempted.

Ann Taylor Cowl Neck Halter (size 2) in black

So, this is polyester but it doesn't bother me. It drapes beautifully in the front although a bit low. Wondering if the girls aren't a bit too much on display for a performance. There is a cute little snap on the cowlneck to help close it up a bit which is a cute feature.

Colorblocked Double Layer Shell (XS) Bright Cobalt 

Yes that is my goofball daughter running into my hand while I try to stand still. Picture taking has become a challenge now that she's stopped napping but it is definitely more hilarious!

Oops. I think this top looks cuter in person but in these pictures it looks like a maternity top. I LOVE the color and I love something with a little room for a tummy pooch for those not so thing days. Hmm...

Ann Taylor Back Zip Denim Top (XS) 

I had my doubt about this top because when I raise my arms it sort of lays funny and then I have to pull it back down but.... I actually sort of love it. Very artist smock looking but in a good way! There is a cute little faux leather zipper on the back which I also love. I think this could be quite versatile.

Flower Garden Print Skirt (size 2) 

I thought I liked this from the front. Cute little print, good fit, nice length..... but...

hello! way... too... much...information. I think this is due to the lack of lining. Alas. I thought I could break my J Crew pencil skirt habit! The fit was decent with a bit of looseness in the waist.

Paisley-Swirl Pencil Skirt (size Petite 2)  

This print is so cute and would go with so much! The length on the petite is short enough to show the knees but not be obscene for work. The 2Petite was definitely a bit too snug. The 4P felt a little roomy but better. I'm sort of debating between the 2 regular and the 4P and will try to post pictures later. How can you resist a fully lined pencil skirt for $20.99???

More to come... when I have a day off :) Anyone else find goodies in the Talbots sale?

J Crew Reviews - a few sale items and a liberty

This week is crazy! I just started a new job and my daughter started a new school! So glad it is Friday and everything went smoothly. Ah... to breathe again. Here are a few super quick reviews:


Liberty Perfect Shirt in Assorted Florals (size 2) in Vintage Brights

Meant to take a close-up of the print. It is so charming! lots of stars in muted colors. Although some of the brighter/louder liberty shirts appeal to me I think this one is one of the more wearable ones. Fit great in my usual shirt size of 2.

Short-Sleeve Sweatshirt (size XS) 

I stole the layering idea from Ina in Wonderland who styled it with the Tartan Boy shirt here. This sweatshirt would normally never even get a 2nd look from me but somehow it is so cute! My usual size XS was perfect - with just enough drape but not baggy and not too tight. My only complaint is that cute little rolled sleeves are literally rolled and with no stitches to keep them in place so I'm not sure how it will turn out after I wash it. Love how it dresses down a cute button-down shirt.

Tippi Sweater in Garment-Dyed Linen (XS) in Neon Pink 

I LOVE my purple linen tippi. The Neon Pink is even brighter than it looks in this picture. It is truly fluorescent. A bit too much for me. 

Back-Zip Tee (XS) in Navy 

These are terrible photos but this t-shirt is literally perfect. Just loose enough and the little pocket and back zip are lovely. The other color, strawberry, is not as depicted on the monitor. Sort of more coral and much brighter. Thank goodness my lovely VPS let me return it.... "just this once".

Hope everyone has a great weekend and had a great first week of school...