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!

Urban Outfitters: Scuba, Military & Faux Fur

I was recently lured into my local Urban Outfitters store by an "extra 50% off sale items" sign out front.  And while I didn't find any worthwhile sale items to blog about, I did try on a few other things, including a seriously small skirt... the BDG Zipper Miniskirt in XS ($38):

I couldn't believe how small this was!  I'd say the XS is probably similar to a size 10 kids skirt unless you like your skirts really really skin-tight.  I also grabbed a size S in another color to try because even that looked tiny as well:

To be honest I'm not sure which size fits me better!  They both feel quite short though (or maybe I'm just not used to having skirts hit me at that length).  The material is a stretchy knit, and almost reminds me of the recent LOFT scuba material except not quite as thick.  They only had those two colors in store, but a quick search online showed that it's available in seven different colors.  I hate paying retail so I passed, but maybe if it goes on sale :)

Next was the military-esque Collection Officer Coat in XS ($79), which looked like it ran small as well:

Sorry about the grainy pics, my iPhone picture quality is usually better, I think their mirror was dirty or something. The coat looks pretty good in front, but side view was still a bit boxy and the sleeves were a little roomy. I also wasn't sure about the rather drabbish green color, but it also comes in a blackish grey online:

And finally, since I can't seem to find the H&M faux fur collar that I saw on ExtraPetite (or any other H&M items for that matter), I tried on the UO version - the Pins and Needles Faux Fur Collar ($28):

The color is a darker brown and it seems a bit shorter, but otherwise it's pretty much the same idea.  I couldn't make myself pay almost twice the price though since the H&M version is only $15, so again I passed.

I couldn't find any juicy UO coupon codes, except for GIFTED which gives 10% off full-price items, and wasn't tempted enough to make an order.  Will be biding my time and browsing online in the meantime, waiting for a good sale and/or coupon codes! :)

Mini Urban Outfitters Haul

This post is probably overdue since one of the items - the infamous UO peplum blazer -  has already been reviewed by Chloe, AN, Stylepint, and Jen (now just waiting for PAG and PetiteLG to join in the fun... did I miss anybody else??).  But what the heck, now you can directly compare and see that petites are not all the same... we're all of (slightly) different sizes and body shapes! :)

Since I'm sure everyone has seen that blazer by now, I'll save it for last.  First up is the Kimchi Blue Print Strapless Pintuck Dress.  I'd missed out on the eyelet dress that ran incredibly small and was too tight even on AN, so I wanted to see if their other strapless dresses are similarly petite-friendly.  Here it is in size XS:

The pintuck detailing is nice, and there is smocking along the mid-back, which lends to a decent fit.  It stays up pretty well but I wouldn't say that the bodice feels super tight/secure.  This was $27 when I ordered, but is now on sale for $20.  I'm a bit on the fence about this one, mostly because I'm not sure when or what I'd wear this to.


Next is the Cooperative Pleated Bow Strapless Dress in XS.  This dress was just asking to be belted, so I tried both skinny and wide belts:

Review says not for the big-chested... which is good for me because that's definitely not my problem!  The front ruffle is flattering for my body type, and the material is a casual light knit.  It's a pretty simple dress which is pretty cheap at $13 and comes in several other colors.  Hubby likes it so I guess I'll be keeping it!

I also got the Thistlepearl Chiffon Dress in size 0 upon hearing that it runs small:

But although I had no problem fitting into it, when the too-long straps are shortened, the front hem becomes almost indecently short, so it's a pass for me.  It looks pretty good on Jen who's a couple inches shorter though.

And finally, last but not least, the Kimchi Blue Knit Gingham Peplum Jacket in XS:

Here it is again over the other strapless dress:

This is probably the best-fitting blazer I own... but probably because it's a knit fabric.  I do like the herringbone pattern and the interesting design with the peplum back.  The buttons are a little cheap and very loosely attached (but that's easily fixed).  It's also probably still a bit big on me, particularly in the bust area, but not a deal-breaker by any means.

And that's it!  I think I exercised excellent self-control this time and didn't go way overboard like my last UO haul that needed three blog posts to cover!  Hope everyone is having a great Labor Day weekend! :)

Eyelet & Ruffles

It's my Dad's 55th birthday today! And here's what I wore when we decided to take him out for an impromptu dinner last weekend to celebrate:

Top: J.Crew Grand Ruffle Shell, size XXS (post)

Skirt: Urban Outfitters Pins & Needles Eyelet Skirt, size XS (post)

Belt: Banana Republic Skinny Leather Belt, size XXS

Nothing special... just threw it together from whatever clothes I had left that wasn't in the laundry.  The skirt was brand new and I think I wore it with the tag still on!  It's the same one as the white eyelet skirt from my last UO haul.  I already have a white skirt from LOFT so I decided to keep the blue version, especially since it was a steal at $11!  SoCal weather finally started to heat up recently, but I get cold so easily in air-conditioned places so I always make sure to bring a cardigan. 

Cardigan: Banana Republic Italian Merino Cardigan, size XXSP (stock photo)

I've been on a couple of easy rotations recently so my schedule hasn't been too bad, but it's about to get real busy.  I'm also in a specialty where I have to pass three different board exams before I can be board-certified, and the first one is coming up in September.  So I foresee a lot of work and stressful times ahead in the upcoming weeks.  I probably *shouldn't* spend so much time online but let's see if I can manage to stay away!

Review: Urban Outfitters Part III

This is the last part of my Urban Outfitters review.  It's a little bit of a mixed bag, so bear with me.

First is the Pins And Needles Frill Tie Back Tunic ($16) in XS:


It's called a tunic, but I found that it was long enough that I can probably wear it as a dress:

I actually quite like this one, since the tie-backs make it very fitted.  Definitely a more casual "dress" but very comfortable and the blue is neither too dark or too bright.  It also comes in ivory and grey, and I think I might be keeping this one.

Next is the Kimchi Blue Watercolor Dress ($29) in XS:

Unfortunately the neckline on this was too low and was showing half my bra:

The fit would be perfect if the straps were taken up by a couple inches.  I didn't really like the print when I first saw it, but I suppose it looks a little better on.  Not sure I like it enough to try to tinker with the straps though.

Next is the Bycorpus Scalloped Lace Short ($6) in XS:

This one almost looks smaller on me than it does on the model!

It's pretty sheer, so definitely only for lounging around at home by yourself or with a significant other.  It does make me feel all pretty and feminine, and gives me hope that other UO shorts can run small as well.

And then there's the not so great, starting with the Cooperative Sunday School Dress ($58) in XS:


On me, it bears little resemblance to their stock photo:

I almost wondered if they sent me the wrong dress because the material is very stiff.  Even belted, I don't see how it would drape like it does on their model.  I feel like I'm wearing a blue burlap sack... definitely a return!

Also not great is the Truly Madly Deeply Leaves Slub V-neck Tee ($9) in XS:

I knew it was going to be loose-fitting and was planning to layer it like a tunic:

But even then, I think the armholes are too low and the V-neck too deep.  And for some reason the graphic was centered instead of off-set like in the stock photo.  Not a keeper for me.

And finally, the Pins And Needles Chiffon Waves Tunic ($9) in XS was also a fail:

The neckline and armholes are super low and this picture was taken with the shoulder seams already yanked up halfway down my back, otherwise you'd be able to see my whole bra.  The chiffon ruffles are pretty but the tunic material is really thin and feels like it's starting to pill already.  I'll be returning this one as well.

And that's it!  Again, I'm overall pretty pleased with my first UO experience, because there's quite a few potential keepers in the bunch, including several dresses and skirts and the pretty lace blouse.  Their sale prices with additional discount coupons are pretty reasonable.  One downside is that they do have quite a bit of selection on their site, which can be slightly overwhelming to browse through.  But their free shipping and free return shipping encourages me to try things that I otherwise may not have (although I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing!).

Review: Urban Oufitters Part II... Skirts!

The second part of my UO review will be all about skirts!  I didn't realize I'd ordered so many... with the extra 10% off coupon, I think I just went and got all the skirts that were on sale and still left in my size!  But that turned out to be a good thing because apparently UO is a great place to find petite-friendly skirts.

But before I get started on the skirts, I wanted to show the Kimchi Blue Lace Panel Blouse (from the last post) in the other 2 colors:

I really like it in the light grey as well.  It pairs well with a black cami underneath.  The black color I would pass on because you can't see any of the pretty details.

The black skirt I'm wearing above is the Staring At Stars Tulip Skirt ($13) in XS:

This is actually one of my favorites out of the bunch.  It's 100% cotton and the fit is fantastic. 

The details aren't showing up well, but there's a row of buttons running down the center front and some ruching along the back.  The snug waist is perfect for tucking in tops, and the bottom doesn't flare out too much so it's good for wearing under tops as well. I don't have a casual black skirt yet so this is definitely a keeper at a mere $13.

#2: The Lucca Couture Chiffon Drape Skirt ($18) in XS:

This is a sort of a tulip skirt with pockets and an exposed zipper down the back:

The chiffon drapes well and feels great, and I like that the waist also fits snugly without needing a belt.  The only con is that it kinda flattens me out on the side view, so I'm still on the fence about this one.

#3: The Pins And Needles Eyelet Skirt ($13) in XS:

I almost couldn't pull this one over my hips!  I kept thinking that there must be a zipper somewhere but there was none... just an elasticized waistband in the back:

It would probably look a lot better when not so wrinkly, and I do like the fit.  It's also fully lined and has pockets, and is also a bargain at $13.  I already have a casual white skirt from LOFT though, so I'm not sure if I should keep this one.  I'm also not sure how I feel about the eyelet pattern/texture:

#4: The Pins and Needles Hook & Eye Full Skirt ($18) in size 0:

The fit on this one is more loose, and it sits on my hips rather than my waist:

The material is a heavy-weight knit, which feels solid, and there's these giant hook-eye closure detailing down the sides.  I'm just not super excited about this one though... It's okay but I'm probably going to pass.

#5: The Kimchi Blue Tiered Skirt ($18) in size 0:

This one also sits on my hips rather than my waist:

And as you can see, there lots of extra material at the waist.  And even though it looks okay from some angles, it just doesn't feel like it's fitting right.  The material is polyester and the drape is slightly stiff.  Verdict: probably return.

#6: The Kimchi Blue Lace Stripe Skirt ($27) in XS:

This skirt was also reviewed by ExtraPetite, and the details are so pretty!

The fit is fine since it's an elastic waist.  Again, the cons are that the lace paneling doesn't go all the way around and that it requires a slip.  What I didn't know is that the color is a little hard to coordinate.  I tried it with tops in white, nude, black and stone (above), and nothing really looked right. 

I'd also got it in black, and with indoor lighting it looks like you can get away with nude-colored underwear and no slip... but I can't guarantee what it'll look like outdoors or in bright lighting!  I don't think I'm going to keep either though, for the above reasons and also because I'm already keeping too many things from this order!

Phew! I think that was my longest post yet!  But all in all, I'm very happy with my UO experience so far.  It seems like their skirts with partial or full elastic waists run extremely small, while regular zippered skirts run bigger and sit on my hips.  With free shipping and free returns, I'm definitely keeping them on my list when shopping for skirts!