BB Dakota Groton Tweed Skirt & 20% off Chanel Sale

I've gotten many questions regarding a skirt on my sidebar, so I apologize for this past-due review. Unfortunately, size 0 is sold out on most sites, but it could pop back in stock or even show up on a sample site (got mine from Gilt). My photog was out of commission today, so here are my first ever-attempts at self-photography. It's darn hard!

Top: Ann Taylor Factory Petal Shell in Winter White, sz XXSP

Skirt: BB Dakota "Groton" Tweed Skirt sz 0 (buy here)
Cardigan: Martin & Osa sz XS (similar here in XXS on sale)
Belt: AT Perfect Patent Belt sz S (buy here) (hole-puncher info here)

Style: The style of this skirt is meant to be high-waisted and short, with a slight tulip poof. This really isn't a skirt for professional wear due to the length - more fun and flirty. Nevertheless, I've worn it to work a few times already over opaque tights, which makes it look less inappropriate. I wish I could find a skirt like this with a classic pencil silhouette.

Fit: I got the size 0, and the waist fits me perfectly with no alterations. There is an inch of room on both sides of the hips, but due to the style I think it's passable. Length hits me at mid-thigh. Aubrey from ProudyPetite is slightly bigger than me, and reviewed this skirt here.

Measurements: size 0 is 12" across the waist, 17" across the widest part of the hips, and 16.5" long.

Quality / Value: The tweed material (or is this technically called boucle?) is nice and thick, but I'm bummed that this skirt is unlined. I'm not sure how the decision was made to not line an itchy skirt that retails for $90! I got it for $40 on Gilt plus shipping, and was too lazy to return it. The lowest price I've seen was $26.99 on Modcloth.

Verdict: Like the material, but don't like the silhouette or length. I already wore it a few times so I'm keeping. I'm not sure if I'd buy from BB Dakota anymore because the style and cut are truly that of a junior's clothing line - good for casual wear but not for work.

My perfect pumps arrived last week along with my Ann Taylor Factory petal shells. Twitter friends saw a preview, but here they are again. The petals are washed out in my lackluster self-pics, but in-person they are very pretty as expected. The shoes are also a nice, neutral rich brown - looks identical to their Cognac pair from 2009. Size 5 fits me perfectly.

Shoes: Ann Taylor Perfect Pumps in Saddle Brown, sz 5 (buy here)

I also wanted to share a promo that I came across on the Purse Forum. Bloomingdales usually offers a small discount off your entire purchase, on the first day you open their store credit card. Usually this discount is 10%, sometimes it's 15%, and twice a year - it is 20% off. It's rumored that from March 10th-13th, 2011 the 20% off will be happening. This is a rare, rare opportunity to get a discount on brand new Chanel.

The discount is taken off the back-end, which means it shows up on your credit card statement. At the register, however, you will be charged the full price. Your entire purchase has to be made on a Bloomingdales credit card to get the discount. Intrigued, I called around to do some research, and this is what I found out:

- 2011 retail prices: Rectangular Wallet on Chain - $1295 to $1575, Petite Shopping Tote - $1600, Small Classic Flap - $3200, Medium Classic Flap - $3400, Jumbo Classic Flap - $3700. Nauseating, yes I know.
- There are only three Bloomingdales that carry Chanel: South Coast Plaza in CA (714-824-4721), New York City (212-705-2856), and Chestnut Hill in MA (617-630-6723). They usually only have classics in black or beige, so no fun colors.
- They can ship to any state in the US. Some SA's told me it's a $25 fee, and some told me it's free.
- Tax will be charged based on the shipping address. I was told tax will be charged regardless of whether or not there is a Bloomingdales store in your state, which doesn't seem right to me.
- Usually they give new cardholders a $500 credit limit. Your SA can help you request a limit increase the day you open your account.
- On March 10-11th, cardholders get triple rewards (9% of your spending back in gift cards).

I personally prefer to save $ and buy pre-owned, but the prices of pre-owned classics these days are sometimes almost comparable to a new one with this discount. I know a few bloggers have been bitten by the Chanel bug, so hopefully this info is helpful for those considering a new investment piece.