LOFT Feature: Abstract Print Shell

LOFT recently sent out a request for outfits featuring spring blouses for their Facebook gallery, and the first thing that immediately came to my mind was the Abstract Print Shell that I mentioned in a previous post.  And here's what I sent in!

Skirt: LOFT Slim Denim Skirt, size 00P (post)

Cardigan: LOFT V-Neck Cardigan, size XXSP (post)

Shoes: AT Perfect Leather Pump in Porcini, size 5

Belt: AT Perfect Skinny Belt in Porcini, size XS

Necklace: Nordstrom Glass Pearl Necklace in White

Long-time blog readers may remember the denim skirt from my very first LOFT haul, which I initially thought I would have to alter.  But lo and behold, after just one cycle in the washer/dryer, it shrank enough to be wearable as is!  I still need to belt for it to sit at my true waist, but is definitely passable and hopefully will continue to shrink a bit more over time!

I also tried on a more colorful skirt with this top just for fun, and although it's brighter than what I'm used to, it definitely makes me feel like spring is almost here!

Skirt: Urban Outfitters Chiffon Drape Skirt, size XS (post)

So which pairing do you prefer?

The vibrant chiffon... or the understated denim?

If you haven't already, check out all the fabulous ladies and their outfits on the LOFT feature here!

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!  

Lace Skirts: H&M vs. LOFT

Remember back when I posted about the LOFT lace skirt?  Well it seemed like most of you liked the style but not so much the fit of it on me (and I agreed!).  I also mentioned back then that Kileen was kind enough to pick up the popular H&M lace skirt in my size for me... and I knew I would have trouble deciding!  And since I'm planning to make a return trip this weekend, it's final decision time!

And here they are... the H&M pencil vs. LOFT scallop-edge lace skirts:

More views of the H&M:

I know there's quite a bit of size inconsistency in this skirt, but the fit of the waist was pretty good on me (mine measured 12" across).  The length, however, hit me below the knees and I felt slightly overwhelmed in it since the material is a bit stiff as some of you had mentioned.  And to be honest, it wasn't the most flattering side view since my behind isn't *ahem* quite generous enough to fill it out.

As for the LOFT skirt:

Again, it sits low on the waist and can only be worn underneath tops, unless I get the sides slimmed as Jean suggested.  This skirt ended up being $20 less than the H&M, so I guess I wouldn't terribly mind getting it altered.  Here's how it would theoretically look after alterations, which comes a lot closer to how it's supposed to look:

I love the silhouette of the H&M pencil skirt, but I'm leaning ever so slightly towards the LOFT, since I generally wear skirts in casual settings and not to work.  But the LOFT skirt does require a trip to the tailors, as well as a little more TLC in care (hand vs. machine wash)... decisions, decisions!

Which would you go with?