Ann Taylor & LOFT Fitting Room Reviews

1. Ann Taylor Factory cornflower blue sheath, sz 00P. On sale for 40% off plus 25% off coupon. I liked the simple silhouette of this sheath and the asymmetrical ruffle detail.

Verdict: Pass. Material was "crinkly," torso needed slimming, and the length needed hemming.

 (Click photos to enlarge)

2. Ann Taylor Factory petal front shell, XXSP. On sale for 25% off plus another 25% off coupon. Petite sizing available only in dusty mauve or blue. It seems to be a trend for AT Factory to bring back all the regular store favorites from one whole year ago. I missed out on the silk version from last year because small sizes sold out while it was still pricey. The factory retail price is quite high for the significantly shoddier material.

Verdict: Purchased in blue. This top was likened to a wedding cake or fishy scales by Twitter friends, but I was drawn to all the ways Chloe wore the regular store version last year.

3. Ann Taylor Factory chiffon-trim cardigan, XXSP. On sale for 50% off plus another 25% off coupon. 

Verdict: Pass. I wanted to like this, pockets and all, but the rayon material felt very crappy.

4. Ann Taylor Factory ruffle front halter, XXSP, $50? On sale for 25% off plus another 25% off coupon. Came in solid colors as well as two prints.

Verdict: Pass. Would've looked pretty tucked in, but armholes were HUGE. My bra was clearly visible from both sides.

5. Ann Taylor (regular store) silk camp shirt, 00P. This shirt was a huge hopeful for me. I loove the tulip and cafe latte colors it comes in, and the material felt luxe and draped nicely.

Verdict: Pass. The shirt is not cut slim enough for tiny petites, but would be a classic on someone a size up from me (or if you shell out for slimming alterations). If it can't be tucked into skirts (see 3rd pic - sides looks really poofy) then it's a pass for me.

6. LOFT Lightweight Wool Blazer, sz 00P. LOFT's blazers seem to be getting more slim-cut in the torso, but the sleeves are so big n' wide! The torso fit me decently, but wide sleeves are my pet peeve.

Verdict: Pass.

7. LOFT rolled sleeve drapey shirt, sz XXSP. I was really enticed by this shirt after seeing it on tiny PetiteXXS here, but then Callandra mentioned here that it was really roomy.

Verdict: Pass. I found it to be quite puffy and roomy (I think Liane managed to find one that ran extraordinarily small!), and didn't look right even when tucked in.

8. LOFT Marisa cropped trousers, sz 00P. I had expressed hope for LOFT's Marisa cropped trousers since the tweed version last season ran small.

Verdict: Pass. Nope...this season's crops are back to the generous sizing. The waist, hips, and thigh throughout were too big for me.

All in all, I managed to escape this week with only one Ann Taylor Factory purchase plus a pair of final sale shoes at Ann Taylor (regular)'s 40% off sale items event. My local store had a few of the petite-favorite tie-neck silk shells (from this post) for $35.99 and perfect skinny belts for $11.99.

Readers - any good finds to share from this week?