In The Banana Republic Fitting Room

Here's the second part of my old fitting room pics... and this time it's Banana Republic.  Like always, the pickings are slim (but what can I say, I'm a creature of habit).  Since most items were a fail, I included stock photos so you can at least see what they're supposed to look like.  Here goes!

1. Silk Halter Tank in XXSP:

I almost ordered this online in the print version to try, but I'm glad I didn't because it doesn't fit!  Was just large overall including an odd poofing above the waistband in the back.  It's also a bit see-through, but also comes in black which I can see looking nice on someone a size bigger and larger-busted than me.  Verdict: Pass.

2. Graphic Ruffle Neck Shell in XXSP:

Ugh, I really didn't like this one.  The material was stiff and didn't drape well, which didn't help its boxy cut.  I also didn't much like the colors in person.  I think I'll take a ruffly LOFT blouse over this one any day.  Verdict:  Pass.

3. Textured Ruffle Jacket in XXSP:

I kinda liked this jacket on the hanger... but not so much on me.  It was big and ill-fitting virtually everywhere, I wouldn't even know where to start to get it altered.  BR jackets are a fail for me unless they start sizing down or introduce size XXXSP *sigh*.  Verdict:  Pass.

4. Ruffled Military Jacket in XXSP:

This one was a teensy bit smaller than the last, but still a no go.  The material is 100% cotton and machine washable, so it might make a nice casual jacket for someone a size up... but personally I think I prefer a bit more waist definition.  Verdict: Pass.

5. Silk Tiered Ruffle Tank in XXSP:

Finally something with a little bit more potential!  I initially thought no on this one... was roomy as you can tell, and I didn't know how I'd style something with such voluminous bottom ruffles like this.  But when I threw a cardigan on (see below), I actually started to like it!  The 100% silk material makes for very nicely draped ruffles.  It's definitely not for bottom-heavy body types, but is great for anyone looking to create hips (or disguise a flat rear like me).  Verdict: Want, but likely wait for sale.

6. Cashmere Ruffle Edge Cardigan in XXS(P?):

If it weren't for the $160 price tag (100% cashmere), I might've walked out of the store with this one.  Feels super super soft and light enough for spring, and the iPhone pics aren't doing the color any justice.  Comes in an array of spring colors and reminds me of the popular LOFT long cardigan except with ruffling along the edge.  Verdict: Stackable sales please!

So what do you think?  Was I delusional about the silk tiered ruffle tank (due to the many fails of the other items)?  Have you found any winners at Banana Republic lately?  Please share!

Alterations: Ann Taylor Texture Pencil Skirt

I recently made a trip to the tailors, which never fails to leave me in a state of mild shock over how much tailoring costs can add up... but I have to say that I absolutely love the results!  One of my favorite alterations this time is the Ann Taylor pencil skirt that I mentioned in the last post, which turned out fantastic!

I probably should've taken proper pics, but was so excited by how it turned out that I just grabbed my phone to snap away, and also threw on the ensemble that I was planning to wear for my presentation, which again was inspired by this stock photo:

My initial thought was to get the skirt hemmed, but my tailor convinced me to get the sides slimmed, which would allow it to fit better overall.  With that alteration it would sit higher on my natural waist, and would therefore hit me at a good length without any hemming needed... and she was right!  I thought she did a beautiful job and it feels seriously amazing on... I think this is probably the best fitting pencil skirt that I currently own!

Here again is how the skirt looked before:

And here again is the after:

Blouse: AT Charmeuse Ruffle Shirt, size 00P (post)

Skirt: AT Riley Texture Pencil Skirt, size 00P      

Shoes: AT Perfect Leather Pumps, size 5

Unfortunately it was a cold rainy day today and I was freezing even with the added cardigan & white coat:

So instead of wearing this outfit, I made a last-minute decision to switch to the petite-favorite (and warmer) Banana Republic tweed dress that I'd also just gotten back from the tailor.  I took a few iPhone pics of it but they turned out blurry, so I'll have to retake the pics for another post.

I'm so glad my presentation is done... a big thanks to everyone who shared helpful public speaking tips and words of encouragement!  I actually had a really good turnout of attendings... some of whom I'm sure came for the free catered food lol, but it felt good to have an audience to show the fruits of my labor to nevertheless.  Now that it's over, I can relax and enjoy my one week of vacation time that starts today!  I hope you guys are having a fantastic weekend! :)

Fitting Room Reviews: LOFT, Banana Republic, H&M

Work has been stressful lately for me, and so I haven't been able to really keep up with the blogger world.  But I still check Twitter and try to read some my favorite blogs during random free moments, even if my comments haven't been so timely!  In any case, I've been holding on to a bunch of fitting room pics that I haven't had a chance to incorporate into proper posts, but I figured I should share them so that they might be somewhat helpful while the items are still available.

The first store up is LOFT...

1. Abstract Print Shell in XXSP:

The armholes were good and the neckline was slightly on the low side but I can probably still go without a cami.  It also comes in a couple of solid colors, but I like the print which is great for spring and I believe is the same print as this cute pencil skirt that's now available in petite sizing.  Verdict: Want!

2.  Cotton Metallic Tiered Jacket in 0P:

There was no 00P in store, but I doubt sizing down would've helped the silhouette of this jacket.  I liked the soft lavender color, but layers of ruffles all around just made it too puffy and boxy.  Verdict: Pass.

3.  Deep Cowl Neck Shell in XXSP:

A simple knit top with an overall decent fit.  I thought it was slimming on me, but I'm afraid the material will pill after a few washes.  Verdict: Wait for deep discounts.

The next store is Banana Republic...

1. Classic Trench in XXSP:

I was hoping BR had improved their sizing since the last time they offered a classic trench.... but no such luck.  Their XXSP was still a size too big on me, and doesn't look quite right even when cinched.  Verdict: Pass.

2. Brigitte Double-Knit Ruffle Dress in 00P:

Despite being a knit dress, it was still loose on me especially in the bust.  The only thing I did like was that the material was a thicker knit.  Verdict: Pass.

3. Cascading Ruffle Dress in 00P:

Loosey-goosey fit, thin material, may be better if belted... but I thought it was overpriced at $130.  Verdict: Pass.

And finally, my visit to H&M was once again largely unfruitful... that is, except for this jacket!

I must've made 4 trips to different H&Ms trying to find a jacket that PAG reviewed several months ago, but without success.  Imagine my delight when I spotted this jacket which looks almost like an exact duplicate, and also fits tiny!  The price is not bad either at $35, and it also comes in black as well as a peach color that you can see on PetiteLittleGirl here.

Hope you enjoyed the virtual shopping trip!  As always, comments and opinions are welcome.  I've been trying to cut back on the spending so didn't end up buying anything (except for the H&M jacket), but it's always good to know which items are winners so I can snatch them up if they go on sale later!

Review: New Banana Republic Petite Finds

I feel like it's been forever since Banana Republic came out with any real winner for petites, so imagine my surprise when every item in my last BR order was a hit in terms of potential!

First is the Mosaic Print Eve Wrap Dress in XXSP:

Even though wrap dresses are touted as a wardrobe essential for petites, I usually find that even when I wrap them as tightly as I can humanly manage, most are too low-cut and loose everywhere except for at the waist where it's tied.  This one is probably the best-fitting wrap dress that I've ever tried on (including my other LOFT ruffle wrap dress), probably because there's a bit of stretch in the smooth silk/viscose material.

It's a definite winner for me in terms of fit, but is still quite expensive at $84 after discounts.  I also wonder about the versatility of the print:

For some reason I wasn't able to find this dress on their site when the recent 35% off sale was on.  But now it's back... must be another item BR was "saving" for after the sale like Kelly of AlterationsNeeded had discovered.

Next is the Textured Mini Skirt in XXSP:

I bought this one because all the reviews said it runs too small... which was a good sign for me!  Although it's strange but I don't see those reviews anymore on their site, I wonder if BR removes negative reviews when an item doesn't sell well.

I think it looks better IRL than in the stock photo.  The waist is slim enough to sit near my natural waist, and the "mini" length hits me at a good spot.  It's also fully-lined which is a plus.  

Cardigan: LOFT V-Neck Long Cardigan, size XXSP

My only quibble is that the slight A-line shape flares out a bit (although not even as much as the J.Crew Wool Bell skirt).  But since I managed to re-buy it at the current sale price of $18, I think it's a keeper!

Last is the Vertical Ruffle Cardigan in XXSP:

I've accumulated quite a collection of cardigans this season from LOFT & J.Crew, so I don't really need another sweater.  But I got it on a whim because I was drawn to the "vintage green" and also wanted to see if BR sizing has improved any.

Love the material which is incredibly soft.  Fit is slightly slouchy but I suspect will be better after a wash/dry.  It also comes in a pretty light pink, but is still quite expensive despite coupons ($52) so I won't be keeping.  Although if it ever goes on super sale, I probably wouldn't mind adding it to my collection :)

If anyone is interested, BR currently has 30% off everything until 2/3 with code BRJAN30, although it sometimes shows 20% so you might have to clear cookies to get it to work.  It's rare that I don't find a single lemon in an entire order from any retailer, so I hope BR continues to improve their style offerings and sizing and finally give the petite favorites LOFT & J.Crew some competition!