LOFT fitting room reviews in XXSP and 00P

Today (Monday) is the last day to submit entries for my summer work outfit giveaway (feel free to send em' until midnight). Coincidentally, I came across a LOFT store this weekend that was stocked with XXSP and 00P items. They were having 40% off all regular priced items, so I couldn't resist trying some items on.

I know retailers shun in-store photos...but I think it can be a great marketing tool for them (for positively reviewed items, of course). What do you guys think? Should bloggers stop photographing items that they don't actually own?

1. Ornate Zebra Pencil Skirt in 00P, $69.50 before discounts.

Liked: Simple black and white animal print on a classic pencil silhouette, in a smooth, cooling fabric. I have a lot of solid tees and tops which need to be jazzed up by a print skirt like this.
Disliked: As you can see from the 3rd pic, the 00p was a bit big on me. I prefer my pencil skirts to sit higher up on the waist and hit right above the knee.

In the last photo (below right) I am holding in an inch or two from the back - so if you are a little bit bigger than me, then this would fit well.

Continue reading for more reviews...

2. Beaded Ribbed Tank in XXSP, $29.50 before discounts.

Liked: very pretty satiny trim on the neckline and store detailing. Ribbed material was very stretchy and even a little snug on me. Great after-discount price for an embellished tank.
Disliked: bra lines showed through ribbed fabric, but this is more so because my push-up bras are NOT seamless. I need a seamless one ASAP! The model online shows no visible bra lines whatsoever.

3. Blooms Print Empire Dress with Ribbon Hem in 00P, $89.50 before discounts.

Liked: This was my favorite item on the rack...
Disliked: ... and my least favorite one on the person. It looks so cute and romantic on the model online, but was just frumpy and long on me. The 00P was not snug on me and the babydoll cut did not flatter.

4. Modern Slim Leg Jeans in sz 00P, Rinse Wash, $59.50 before discounts.

Liked: My fave item from the batch! I was so surprised that these almost fit me considering the 00P skirt and dress were big. I know these don't look too fitted in the pics, but I always shrink my jeans in the washer/dryer. **edit - per comments below, readers said LOFT jeans stretch out instead of shrink after washing** I really liked the color, the stretchy fabric, and the cut. Overall a great option for those who with slightly bigger legs and want slimmer jeans that aren't "cut-my-circulation-off Skinny."Also an awesome value for denim.
Disliked: The waistband could be more snug. I thought this was odd because the thigh and hips pretty much fit me, but the waistband had an inch or two of extra room.

5. Shimmery Jacquard Skirt in 00P, $69.50 before discounts.

Remember this? AlterationsNeeded posted it and got some mixed feedback. I had seen this in store before and did not like it at all, but since she loved it so much I decided to give it a shot. Consensus....? Cute!!

Liked: First of all I thought the waistband was icky black elastic. It is actually a sturdy grosgrain ribbon. Secondly the shimmer was more delicate than I remembered it to be. I also didn't realize it was fully lined with comfy pockets until I saw AN's review.
Disliked: although this is much cuter than I initially thought, it is still not my cup of tea. I'm just not a shimmery gal...my Gap kids jacquard skirt has not yet seen the light of day.

Shopping verdict: Since I spent so much at the outlets last weekend, I did not get anything during this trip because nothing was perfect for me. My top picks for petites are the zebra pencil skirt and slim jeans (if you are at least half to one size up from me). I also came really close to picking up some baubles:

I am so impressed by LOFT's earrings this season. These were beautiful and weighty - not at all like plasticy costume jewelry. I passed on these gems because I already got some J.Crew crystal jewelry from the outlets last weekend, but I just saw that these are all sold out online!

Anyone get anything from the 40% off sale recently? Please share : )