LOFT Ruched Collar Casual Jacket

Ann Taylor LOFT had an extra 30% off sale items recently and I ordered a couple jackets that were still available in XXSP (I can't resist sales!).  I wasn't expecting too much because their jackets are usually small enough that I always want to try on, but only to find that they run slightly too big and hence, shapeless and not flattering.

One of the items I got was this Ruched Collar Casual Jacket in XXSP:

It looked promising because of the waist ruching, which I hoped would make it fit better.... and I think it did! The khaki color wasn't available anymore, so I got it in the coastal fog, which is a darkish grey:

The ruched collar can be worn up or down:

The amount of waist-ruching is adjustable by re-tying the knots in front, which solves my biggest problems with too-large jackets... the barrel side-view and gaping back-flap.

All in all, not too shabby for a $30 casual jacket?  Unfortunately it's out of stock online, but LOFT is having 50% off sale items in-store right now so you can probably get it for even cheaper!

J.Crew Cashmere Plisse Cardigan

 

I ordered this Cashmere Plisse Cardigan in XS as filler to get free shipping... but ended up really liking it!

The fit was a pleasant surprise... although the 3/4 sleeves end at my wrist bone as always lol.  The material is 100% cashmere and is super soft, although quite thin.  I actually think the thinness allows it to drape better on me.  Although the color says "pearl," the shade is a very light pink/lavender.  Admittedly, the tulle part of the trim did throw me off a little (I thought it was all chiffon), but you can hardly tell from a step away.

It's on sale for 50% off at $99, but is still a little pricier than I'm used to paying for cardigans.  I just really like it because makes me feel all frilly and feminine (and a little fobby for some reason!).  Even hubby approves and he usually is bland about my purchases.  This might be an unexpected keeper!

UPDATE:  J.Crew is now having a 20% off sale items and free shipping with $150+ order with the code "EXTRA20" until 4/30.  I'm totally re-ordering this cardigan and the Grand Ruffle Shell (see post), which is now only $11.99!!

Shopping Spree: Gap

I haven't shopped at Gap in forever.  Even when they came out with their petite line, I tried on a couple things but still found their XS Petite to be too big.  I think I actually have more luck with GapKids items than the grown-up line!  I recently took a quick look at their new Stella McCartney collection after seeing a cute pair of Pleated Sailor Shorts on Stylepint's blog:

I ordered the shorts in size 12 and the fit is decent but the shorts are not flattering on me.  The pleats balloon out my thighs and the front band of fabric gives me tummy pooch, so this one is not a keeper.

I did get a couple other items while I was at it, including this Stella Mcartney Piped Mini Skirt in size 12:

I don't love it but it's kinda cute, and I can probably wear it with my Ugg boots:

Yes I realize Uggs are ugly but they're soooo comfy!  And I like the fact that I can wear them barefoot!

I also needed a hoodie to wear over my scrubs since even SoCal weather is super chilly when I'm walking to/from work at 6 am.  I ended up getting the Cozy Fleece Hoodie in XSP because reviews said that it runs small:

The fit is actually quite slim and the material is thick and warm.  The best part is I got it for only $11 after discounts!  There's still a lot of colors left and it's even cheaper now, if anyone is in the market for a hoodie.

Typical Week

Cute... and true!

J.Crew Grand Ruffle Shells Galore!

A few weeks ago, ExtraPetite blogged about the J.Crew Grand Ruffle Shell:

When it went on sale for $22.75, I thought it was a good deal and ordered the XXS in all the colors it comes in to get free shipping:

The same shell was also blogged about by ReallyPetite and ABiggerCloset, and I find it interesting that the same top fits so differently on different people!  Although it's not quite as flattering on me, I still like the fit of it and am planning to keep at least one.  Now my dilemma is which color(s) to keep!  I was leaning towards the chalk, slate, and/or light berry.  The good news is that the price has since dropped and now it's only $14.99!  I also found a working free shipping code ("AC64QY") for purchases of $150+.  It almost makes me want to return these and re-order to save a few bucks!

Shopping Spree: Armani Exchange

Armani Exchange is one of those rare stores I've found that (sometimes) carry a size XS small enough to fit my XXS self :)  Their clothes are usually a little too trendy for me though, but once in a while there are some good finds.  There were only a few things that caught my eye (and still available in my size) this time.

First is the Strapless Bubble Dress in p0:

The fit is actually pretty good considering it's a strapless, and I like that it has pockets.  The color, however, wasn't really what I expected.  I wanted more like a rich true red, but this was more of a hot-pink kind of red.  I'm not sure what I'd wear this to... so it's probably a return.

Next is the Lightweight Printed Trench in XS:

I have to admit that I almost didn't even try this one on, because the printed fabric just kind of threw me.  I know it's in the name!  But for some reason I thought it was a slubby fabric instead of an actual print.  Here's a close up of the pattern:

I've been wanting a light trench since the almost-but-not-good-enough Ann Taylor LOFT trench that I've reluctantly decided to return.  The fit of this one was a pleasant surprise!  Even from the side it was fitted... which was a big contrast to the LOFT coat.   And because of the pleated design it actually gave me a butt which is virtually unheard of!  The sleeves are too long though, but that seems like an easy fix.  If only it was in a different fabric... I would keep it in a heart beat.  I'm still thinking about keeping it anyway.  I got it ~$63 after tax, so it's not a huge investment... but it's $63 I could put toward the perfect trench...

I also tried the Mesh Moto Jacket and the Printed Cardigan in XS:

But they definitely did not work, and I was tired of taking pictures so I didn't even bother.  I do like that A|X has a generous return policy and pays for return shipping as well, so off they go!

Shopping Spree: Ann Taylor

My shopping spree continues with Ann Taylor, which I've actually never ordered from before.  Their price points are a level above Ann Taylor LOFT and Banana Republic, where I would probably say most of my clothes are from.  But with the 40% off promotion they had, how could I resist?  Unfortunately though, I don't think I found any keepers.

First is the Shadow Flower Print Cowl Neck Dress in 00P:

I had low expectations for this one because a fellow petite on AN's Forum had already found it to be ill-fitting.  It wasn't as bad as I'd expected, but the cowl neck just sits funny on me.  And it makes me feel kind of dowdy, so this one is a bust (ha!).

Second is the Graphic Print Silk Dress in 00P:

This one also just fits funny.  There's extra fabric at the armholes and the waist could use some taking in (although I didn't bother to use the included self-waist tie).  From what I've been told, silk is expensive to alter so I'm not sure it's worth the extra investment.

Third is the Silk Georgette Petal Halter Top in XXSP and the Mixed Media Skirt in 00P:

It's like I'm playing dress up!  Here's how they look tucked in:

Not so much better.  Ideally they should probably fit me more like this (with extra fabric held back):

The top is really pretty and I'd be tempted if it'd fit better.  It's probably impossible to alter though because of the intricate design.  The skirt is a definite no... I really only got it because it was on sale for such a good price.  But the material is a stretchy cheap kind and the elastic waist band is way too big... not flattering at all.

Last but not least, my favorite item of this order... the Sofia Peeptoe Pump (worn in all the above pictures):

I've been hankering for a peep-toe pair of shoes for a while now.  These are pretty cute and they're in satin, so they're good for dressy looks.  I got them in a 5.5 and the fit is okay, but I feel like my heels are slipping out a little bit.  But if I size down to a 5 I think my toes would be overhanging the peep-toe part (peephole?).  I'm tempted by these but may just hold out for the perfect pair of peep-toe pumps!

Blow-Dryer Blown Out

I used to always air-dry my hair until my hairdresser told me that it was better to blow-dry (really??).  I was skeptical about the hair health benefits but have recently gotten into the habit of daily blow-drying anyway.  I found that it actually keeps my hair straight even after being slept on and saves me 10 minutes of fixing bed-head hair in the morning ( = 10 minutes more sleep!)

Then last week somehow some of my hair got stuck in the back of the dryer (which I had to cut off), and since then my blow-dryer has been making threatening noises and smelling like burnt flesh every time I try to use it.  I have this horrible premonition of an exploding blow-dryer with shards of plastic embedded in my eyeballs if I keep trying... so I think it's fair to say it's time to get a new one!  I've had this one for 7-8 years already so it's been put to good use.

So, while I definitely have not exactly done any extensive research, my top 2 contenders are:

T3 Featherweight ($200)

Sultra Sophisticate ($280)

Why these two?  Only for the reason that these are the ones that Sephora carries and I'm determined to get it from there since I have some gift cards that should cover most of the cost after the 15% off promotion (code "BI15" until 4/19).  It's still a lot of money to be spending on a hair dryer but I figure since it's something I'm using everyday, it's worth an investment to keep my hair healthy!

Does anyone have any experience with either brand?  Any recommendations for other hair dryers?

BR Fuschia Blouse

When I first saw AlterationsNeeded's Easter outfit, in which she wore this BR fuschia top that ExtraPetite also featured in older post, I did a double-take and thought for a moment that we all had the same blouse!  But no... I was sadly mistaken, as mine is the same color but is definitely not silk.  It looks like I missed out too because the silk 00P version probably would have been fantastic fit.

But for curiosity's sake, I dug out my version of the blouse and took some pictures.  The material is a smooth stretchy spandex blend, and here's a close-up of the ruffles:

I typically would probably wear it with jeans/leggings and a long boyfriend cardigan:

Blouse: BR Sleeveless Ruffle Top in Deep Fuschia, size XXSP (stock photo)

Sweater: BR Boyfriend Cardigan in Black, size XXSP (stock photo)

Jeans: A&F Kids Mackenzie Flare in Dark, size 12 Slim

Shoes: BCBGeneration Emma in Moka, size 5.5

But it can be work-appropriate tucked into a pencil skirt:

I'm usually more conservative when it comes to color choices, and this is pretty much the only fuschia item I've ever bought (and even then I had some second thoughts).  But I guess sometimes you just need a pop of color in your wardrobe!

Confirmed Celebrity Sighting!

A couple weeks ago, I ran into Anne Hathaway at an Apple store... it was my very first celebrity sighting!  This is the picture I snapped of her and her boyfriend:

But of course you can't really tell who they are!  But I guess the two paparazzi I saw following them got some good shots... look what I found on the web:

I even saw them steal this kiss too!  Aww... how cute :)

Anyway, that's my see-I wasn't-making-it-up post.  Again, for those who don't recognize her, this is Anne Hathaway (who plays the White Queen in Alice in Wonderland):