Loft Reviews: Marisa Pants and Lou & Grey

Right now Loft is offering 30% off everything which is great but I'm sure there is another crazier promo on the way. I always forget about Loft and then I see they are offering something tempting like extra 60% off sale and I think, hmmm, maybe I'll check it out. I do think they make cute workwear and I love the laid back style of Lou & Grey (sort of a lounge-ier version of Madewell, less edgy) but I'm always wary of how their clothes will wear. I've been burnt too many times by buying an adorable pair of pants there that fit perfectly only to have them be a droopy disaster by the end of the day. I have found some nice shirts there recently including the Tunic Softened Shirt (also in this version, I'm not sure there's any difference) which is a really lovely just long enough to cover the bum top in a crisp white. Lovey.

Tulip Essential Skinny Ankle Pants in Marisa Fit (size 0)

These are so cute and flattering. They are not super thick so I was afraid of the afore-mentioned stretching out syndrome. These pics are from a few weeks ago when I was in the process of seriously trying to lose those "last 5 pounds" so I passed but now that I am almost there I would like to revisit. There is a thick waistband that I loved because it helped hold in all my mommy bits. I'll take any help I can get.

Lou & Grey Spacedye Velour Top (XS)

Mmmm, mmm velour. It is so soft and yummy and I generally liked this top. What I didn't like was how it looked in the shoulders. Instead of any sort of shoulder seam (even a drop shoulder would have been nice), there is a seam that runs from the neckline down the center of the arm. I felt like it created an odd shape. Otherwise - yummy and soft! They also make pants, just sayin'.

Petalwork Essential Skinny Ankle Pants in Marisa Fit (size 0)

I LOVE this print. It's so adorable and just the right shade of red. These felt slightly thicker, stiffer and smaller than the tulip pants. Now that I have dropped a few I would like to try these again. Maybe I would go a size up? Hard to tell how they will wear. Perfect length for 5'4" me. They also come in a Mosaic pattern which is lovely and an adorable tuxedo style!

Lou & Grey Flecked Zip-Back Tunic (XS)

The shape of this was perfect - love the notch at the back and the length and drape were spot on (not too baggy). My only complaint was the color - it just does nothing for me. I think if you have darker skin it will look a lot better.

Lou & Grey V-Neck Tunic (XS) in Mood Indigo

The link is to the signature soft tunic. I think this is the same but it might be slightly different. It was just too big, I think I would need an XXS which is fairly typical for Lou & Grey for me. I twas SOOOO soft and I love the vee - perfect. Just felt a bit too shlumpy. Love this little stripy tunic by Splendid or this other cute stripy one also by Loft.

Overall some cute stuff. I might go back on try on some more things soon. What are you liking at Loft lately?

Anthropologie Reviews: Amadi Crosswrap Dress Siphon Midi Dress, Mixed Stripe Dress

Hello! Sorry for my absence - busy busy busy and I've been falling asleep after I put the kiddos to bed. Whoopsie. I have ben trying to get a little more active on instagram so if you have time check me out at #shoperarach.

Amadi Crosswrap Dress (XS)

I think this dress is quite flattering. The little keyhole at the neckline adds just enough sex appeal. The top is quite fitted so although I would keep the XS it is definitely form-fitting. My only complaint is the material - it's sort of sweater-y but almost feels like it has lurex or  something in it? Just a little odd. I saw this cute little polka dot number online and this Ralph Lauren one is similar but a little dressier. This dress by the same brand (Amadi) looks SUPER cute and flattering.

 Siphon Midi Dress (XS)

I'm always so drawn to midi dresses even though I know their length is challenging for me (5'4"). This is by Dolan - I really love this brand's dresses. The material is always soft and stretchy and so comfortable to wear. This could definitely use some spanx but overall it is like wearing a nightgown - in a good way! It has some nice seaming that creates a good silhouette and the neckline is just interesting enough. Love this less expensive one from Nordstrom that has a nice open back and this stripe tank version is also quite adorable. Here's another cute midi dress on sale from Dolan.

 Mixed Stripe Dress (XS)

I do love me some stripes. This is also quite cute. The skirt portion is a little funky. There was a little lump on the left side that I couldn't quite fix. Again, this is quite form-fitting but I would still stick with my usual XS. It does run a bit short with the tulip hem in the front. The material is stretchy, a little ribbed on top and not too thick. Look at this adorable summery version by French Connection. And loving this Loft version - work appropriate.

I like my recent Anthropologie try-ons but I can't help but feeling most of the sale items still need some 2nd cuts. Have you shopped Anthro's recent 30% off?

J. Crew Review: Some New Arrivals!

It's fun to hear the generally positive reviews of J Crew's latest arrivals. I'm really hoping that things start going right - better fit, better fabric, less crazy. I'm not really ready for spring yet but I love seeing the spring colors and prints drip in. So uplifting.
Speaking of spring, I just ordered these mugs from Rob Turner. They are reminiscent of my mother-in-laws cups and always make me feel so cheery. They remind me to take a moment to slow down and have a cup of tea.

Paneled Geometric Jacquard Pencil Skirt (size 2)

This reminds me so much of something else J Crew did recently. Maybe the Italian Tweed Sheath Dress? There's also a similar style at Loft but with a little flippy portion at the bottom - the paneling looks like it would be flattering. The J Crew one is made of a nice thick material and the paneling should be flattering (although I didn't find it particularly so). This is a size 2, I'm usually a size 0 in pencil skirts but I do waiver back and forth these days. I liked the way it fit in my waist - I'm so tired of things being too snug on my post baby belly. I wish it were just a bit shorter. Overall it's nice just not my style.

Colorblock Stripe Skirt (size 0)

I keep on trying this skirt on. Everyone's saying it runs true to size but it's definitely tight in my usual size 0. It's cute because it's simple but the length really is a little long for my 5'4" self. I'm liking the look of this adorable LemLem Colorblock Skirt as an alternative.

 Floral Lace-Shoulder Top (size 0) in Pale Rose

I generally like these flowy poly blouses from J Crew. They are simple and easy to throw on with skinny pants. I like this color and the lace detail is adorable. I usually size down in these blouses and while I liked how the 0 felt through the body it was slightly tight across the bust. Cute. Easy wardrobe staple.

 Tippi Sweater (size S)

I think I reviewed this previously but just wanted to give another shout out for this color. It's so great!

Plus, I think I like the new Tippi better than the old. The longer sleeves are better in my opinion. I almost always size up for a little more drape.

 Collection Cashmere V-Neck Sweater (size S)
Indigo Skinny Ankle Jean (Banana Republic size 26)
Ugg Chaney Bomber Boots (size 8 - half size up)

Here's what I wore shopping Not exciting but those BR Jeans are AWESOME and totally on sale right now. I wear them all the time and they look great - they give but don't stretch out too much.
The cashmere sweater has so many terrible reviews online but I have been loving it, plus the color is glorious. My friend has really good luck with Bloomie's Cashmere - I found this v-neck version on sale, and this more fitted version too. Plus the blue color on this one is gorgeous!

And my Ugg boots have been workhorses. For some reason I hate being bothered with socks so I love slipping them on but looking put together. They also come in suede and a higher version which is really tempting.Yahoo!

J. Crew Review: A-line Midi Skirt in Mirrored Floral, Lightweight Wool Tunic Sweater, Sunday Slim Chion, Tippi Sweater and Stadium-Cloth Majesty Coat

Boo on the promo today. I was so excited for free shipping but I wanted a better percentage off final sale. Actually I really just want final sale to go away but I'm not sure if that will happen any time soon. We did have some really good breaks from it this year so maybe it will come again?

Stadium-Cloth Majesty Coat (size 00)

I was so sad that this a) wasn't really in my size and b) had totally weird boob pockets that stuck out significantly. I love the style of this coat - it is so classic - and the stadium cloth is a material that J Crew does well and I love. Plus navy is pretty much my all time favorite color. But, those weird pockets on the sides of the boobs, what? Granted this jacket is 2 sizes too small but even in my normal size I'm convinced those little suckers would stick out like a sore thumb. Sad.
I found some other versions that I like but none as cute as the boob flap coat.

Lightweight Wool Tunic Sweater (XS) in spearmint white

This is a new arrival and I tried it on because I like sweater-y tunics (or I guess tunic-y sweaters as the case may be) and I like the color spearmint. This one is just fine although I certainly wouldn't call it a tunic, I would just call it slouchy. I liked my normal size XS, a size smaller would look odd I think. There is a cute little seam detail on the sides.

 Tippi Sweater (size S) in Vivid Cerulean

I'm generally a little meh about the tippi but I do like the color of this one. It will go with a lot in my wardrobe. I always size up as I like a little slouch and wiggle room in them so I felt happy with the small.

 Sunday Slim Chino (size 0) in vintage champagne

I keep on trying to make these work for me. I'm not sure if they do but the vintage champagne is definitely not good for me. SEE THROUGH. Majorly. I can see wearing them a lot (in a different color) in the summer though. Soft and relaxed.

 A-line Midi Skirt in Mirrored Floral (size 00)

This was clearly an online return. While I could squeeze myself into the 00 it did not fit - couldn't quite zip it to the top. This fits more like a pencil skirt in my opinion. I'm finding that the pattern is less thrilling in real life. The colors are so muted. I do like how it looks from far away.

The slit is high but not obscene in my opinion. The problem for me is the length. I love the idea of a midi skirt/dress but that length makes me look so short and frumpy. Taller ladies will look great though. It's made of a nice material with just a little give and overall it's pretty interesting looking. And $79.99 on sale already? Here are a few other a-line midi options:

What items are you considering with the current promo?

J. Crew Review: Toggle Coat, Cowlneck Sweatshirt, Perfect Cable Sweater, Mixed Stripe T-Shirt and Ridge Plaid Shirt

Now that the sale section is only 30% off it's becoming a little easier to resist the temptation of buying stuff I don't need. I keep on scouring though looking for a little bargain or random return. Although I'm looking forward to spring goodies I can't even imagine wearing them yet since it was -8 degrees this morning! It seems one of our pipes has frozen because our hot water is acting funky and the laundry isn't working. I can honestly say this might be the coldest day I've ever experienced! Luckily, a good day to cozy up on the couch with my 6 year old and watch a movie (while the baby sleeps). And of course, catch up on a little blogging...

Wool Melton Toggle Coat (size 0) in Heather Antique

I was excited to see this on the sale rack. I actually like this color quite a bit and the wool melton is lovely to the touch. The 0 was a bit tight so I would probably go with my normal size 2. It's a little long on my 5'4" frame but overall it's a nice coat. I'm not particularly into toggle coats or I might have purchased this one. I like this Petite Toggle Coat by Pendleton. On sale and I bet it's well made. This one with leather details is quite adorable too.

 Cowlneck Sweatshirt (XS)

I'm always looking for casual weekend wear that doesn't look too schmupy. I love the cowlneck on this sweatshirt - it stands up on its own which makes it extra warm and cozy. The lining is fleecy and the side pockets are great. My only quibble - the drop shoulders! Argh! I feel like they made me look thick on top. Otherwise this is cozy great loungewear.

Perfect Cable Sweater (XS)

I tried this on before in a size small but I prefer my usual XS. The only problem, as the online reviews state, is that the sweater runs a little short. Otherwise I think it is a great cable sweater - really classic looking, and I love the little buttons on the shoulders. I don't particularly mind the plastic buttons but they could easily be replaced if they were not your taste. The Tipped Cable Sweater also looks promising. I also LOVE a good cowlneck and would consider this lovely cable cowlneck sweater at Ann Taylor.

 Mixed Stripe T-Shirt (XS) in Ivory Black gray

Stripes. I can never resist trying on a stripe. The XS fit perfectly - fitted enough but with a little extra room. The sleeves on this are a bit roomy as well but in a nice way. The variation on stripes is fun - I mean how many different ways can you do a striped shirt? I feel like we've maxed out the variations. Cute, on sale, if you need casual stripes, yes! For me, I'm going to hold out and buy the Striped Boatneck Tunic if they offer free shipping again. Love this one as it feels slightly sweater-y, fitted and a bit longer.

Boyfriend Shirt in Ridge Plaid (size 00)

I love this plaid but my husband thinks it looks too butch. In any case, it's soft and flannely. That's about all I can say. This is 2 sizes down from my normal and I would probably just take the size 0 although I liked that the 00 looked slimmer. My main complaint is the pockets on the chest. I avoid pockets like the plague because I have a larger chest.

I'm so used to perusing the sale section in the morning but I haven't really bothered lately. Think I may be maxed out for now. Can you even believe that the midi skirt in mirrored floral is already down to $79.99? Review of that upcoming...