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!

In The LOFT Fitting Room

Dear lovely readers, I'm terribly sorry I haven't been blogging much lately.  My work schedule this month (early morning shift) isn't agreeing with me and I feel perpetually tired.  I'm also on call this weekend, which is a 24-hr shift with no rest, so there's not even some weekend shopping to look forward to.  Lol... I really don't shop that much, honest!  That said, I do have a whole bunch of fitting room pics stored on my phone from prior shopping trips, which I wanted to share so I can finally delete them.  The first set is from my most frequented store... LOFT! :)

1.  Roll Sleeve Drapey Shirt in XXSP:

This first item is also my favorite!  I love the slinky feel of the blouse, and it drapes absolutely beautifully!  My store only carried this "Evening Sand" color, but it also comes in a "Teak Green" online.  The only issue I have with it is that it's quite sheer and usually would definitely need a cami.  But given the strategic front pocket placement, I think I can get away with a nude-colored bra.  Verdict: Want!

2.  Tiered Ruffle Shell in XXSP:

This one never caught my eye at first, but looks lovely on Kelly at AlterationsNeeded.  It doesn't hang quite right on my frame though, and I'm not crazy about the banded hem.  Verdict: Maybe if on super sale.

3.  Pleated Ruffle Button Down Top in XXSP:

This one was obviously a fail.  Huge and shapeless and I'm not a big fan of the asymmetric ruffle.  My search for a white ruffle top continues.  Verdict:  Pass.

4.  Double Breasted Striped Jacket with Patch Pockets in XXSP:

This is an older item and is no longer available online, and any remaining stock is probably on the clearance rack.  I actually quite liked it despite being initially wary of the stripes.  The material is a thick knit and is very comfortable.  I initially passed and was waiting for it to go on sale, but it seems to have sold out at my store.  Verdict:  Not available.

5.  Island Flower Peplum Top in XXSP:

I like that the neckline and armholes fit, but the side view just wasn't very flattering on me.  I'm on the fence about the print as well.  On the upside, this is a good top to wear to a buffet since it can probably camouflage a post-binge tummy.  Verdict: Pass unless deeply discounted.

6.  Twist Pleat Shell in XXSP:

Last but not least, this is another great LOFT spring shell!  If I didn't already have the Abstract Print Shell from the last post, and this exact same style blouse in two solid colors (see here & here), I'd be all over this one!  Verdict: Must... control... self.

I have more pics from another store (can you guess which?), but will save it for part two.  Thanks for reading and have a happy St. Patrick's Day!  And also Happy Match Day to any med school readers out there!

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!

Mini-Moon Revisited: San Ysidro Ranch

*** The lucky winner of my gift card giveaway is... AubreyOhDang!  Thank you everyone for entering! ***

My short vacation is sadly coming to an end, but I had a great time and thought I'd share what I've been up to.  When hubby and I got married, we never actually went on an official honeymoon because of time constraints... but we did spend some time at an amazing place called San Ysidro Ranch which is a short drive away.  They offer private individual cottages and a secluded and peaceful atmosphere, as well as amazing food and impeccable service.  It's definitely a splurge but we loved it so much that we had to go back!

We stayed at a different cottage this time, and here's a quick tour starting with the private entrance:

The foyer:

A welcome message & treat:

The fluffy & romantic canopy bed:

The window desk overlooking the back patio:

The bathroom:

The free-standing tub:

The picturesque private patio surrounded by forest green...

... complete with a hot tub and outdoor shower!

The bedside fireplace to snuggle by after hot-tubbing in 50-degree weather :)

The cottage also has a separate living room, and here's where we ate most of our meals:

One of the best parts about staying at SYR is that we could order room service from the excellent on-site restaurant menu.  We took tons of food pics but this post is getting long, so I'll just share some of our favorites.

They make the most amazing crab cakes I've ever tried:

And the best tortilla soup in the world:

Pan-Seared Salmon with Wasabi Mashed Potatoes, Baby Bok Choy, Soy Ginger Sauce:

16-hr Braised Beef Short Ribs with Boursin Whipped Potatoes, Broccolini, Smoked Sea Salt:

The food was great, but I also loved the little touches like fresh flowers with each meal:

I brought a few outfits along to take pictures of, but ended up doing mostly nothing except for lounging around and watching HGTV.  Here's as close to an outfit pic as I got on this trip:

We did spend some time trying out a new lens for our camera, which I thought turned out pretty nice pics for its relatively inexpensive price.  I know this was a picture-heavy post, but I hope you enjoyed the vacation recap!