Notes from the Dressing Room-Print and Color Happy at LOFT

I had some time to kill one afternoon and popped into LOFT. Imagine my surprise and happiness when everywhere I turned there were color and tons of print options to be found. I even left the store with a wishlist. I managed to sneak in some dressing room pics and since LOFT is offering 40% off everything until Sunday, you guys need to run out and find yourself some new goodies. Use code FRIENDS if buying online.

Wispy Feather Print Bubble Hem Shell, $49.50, available here

Seamed Pencil Skirt in LOFT Scuba, $69.50, available here

I was immediately drawn to the skirt because it reminded me of a burgundy skirt that I tried on at J.Crew recently. I loved the color but not the fact that it was cotton. I just know if I bought it that I would be a wrinkled mess considering most of my day is spent in a chair. Anyway, this is a great alternative. The fabric is stretchy, but holds you in, the length is respectable (plus it comes in petite sizes), and it is the perfect piece to work with so much. I tried on in my regular size and it fit perfectly. Overall, a great piece to have in any closet. This went on my wishlist.

The top was just a piece I grabbed to work with one of the bottoms I picked up. It has a cute feather print and nice draping. I'm not always a fan of the bubble hem, but as you can see a tuck in will still create a top that works. Fit is tts to slightly big.

 

Sequin necklace tee, $49.50, available here

Color Pop Pleated Fluid Skirt, $59.50, available here

I love a good tee and thought that the sequin trim was a nice feature on this one. However, it just wasn't love. I don't like how the sequins stop on the side to draw attention to the pleat detail. The material of this is pretty thin and sheer, however there was another darker color available. They headed in the right direction with the sequins, but the gap kills it for me. If you happen to like this, fit is a bit loose.

This skirt is so much fun!! The pleating and material makes it one of those skirts that flows and you want to shimmy in which I might have been doing in the dressing room. The fit is tts, the length is a smidge short, but not enough that you would have to worry about bending over and it is easy to wear (just slip it right on). This one came in other colors including purple which is the one available online. This gets a big thumbs up from me and also went on my wishlist.

 

Marisa Dash Print Textural Stretch Crop Pants, $49.99, available here

J.Crew is top dog when it comes to printed pants, but LOFT is certainly trying to take a piece of the territory. This was only one of several pairs of printed pants I encountered this visit. This print is subdued enough to work with the pattern adverse people out there, but it is also simple enough that it could totally work with so many colors and would be perfect to do some pattern on pattern action. My only complaint would be that I'm not sure about the length, but a pair of heels would make it all good. They were comfortable, the slim fit was flattering and the print is great. Fit is tts.

Cheetah Print Shirt Dress, $69.50, available here

This was probably my favorite item. You might be wondering why considering its shape, but when I put it on, I just thought it was perfect (almost). This would make a great item to just put on and go, especially on those days when you don't want to think about what to wear (this usually happens to me when Monday hits). Throw this over your head and you're completely ready. The print gives it some interest, but it can certainly be jazzed up with a bright color shoe, a belt and/or some fun bangles and bracelets. Plus, it has pockets!! You can't beat that!! I tried this on in my regular size (L) and it was a bit baggy. I didn't mind the looseness, but would probably consider sizing down. This is one piece that I might buy, especially with the 40% off code. If the color is too boring for you, there's another cute dress in a bright color and tie neck here.

Star Print Trench Coat, $98.00, available here

I have two perfectly good trench coats in my closet, but this one had me thinking, I could use a third. The star print is so cute. The stars are small enough to just add some dimensions to an otherwise simple piece without being distracting. I tied it in the back in the first picture and you can see it has shape to it. I do think this was a bit big, but not sure if I would size down only because I imagine it being tight if I had a sweater on underneath. The material was relatively thick. Overall, I thought it was really cute, but it gave me pause because this seems more appropriate for spring than fall.

Well, that's all for this visit. I thought there were some great new pieces and after looking at the website, there might be more to add to that list.

Have you checked out LOFT lately? Are you taking advantage of this promotion?

Notes from the Dressing Room- LOFT

Today is the last day for LOFT's 40% off everything sale, so here are a few dressing room reviews to get that wallet ready. Use code SHOP40.

1x1 Rib Tank in Purple Orchid, $14.50, available here

Tie Dye Printed Skirt, $39.50, available here

This tank was soft, available in plenty of colors and I really love that the straps are wide enough to camouflage a bra strap. I would definitely say thumbs up and take in your normal size.

This tie-dye skirt is a more of a watercolor stripe, but it still has some personality. The material is extremely soft and the fit is tts. The only issue I had was some slight poofing along the seams and in the back. It's not as extreme as these pictures make it look.

Long Sleeve Striped Boatneck Pullover, $59.50, available here

 Chambray Sailor Trouser Pants $69.50, no longer online, check stores (Tag #89182697)

I saw this sweater and immediately thought of this similar one from J. Crew. The LOFT version has less and wider stripes, but shares the same boxy, flowy shape. This sweater is made of linen so it is slightly itchy and is a bit see-through.What is up with that? Why would I want to layer in the summer? Considering where the stripe is you might be okay just wearing a nude tone bra. However, it has cute little pockets on it and would be a perfect way to wear a sweater without it being too heavy. Great for those times when you go from outdoors to a frigid cold office or building. Most definitely size down (I would say two sizes but it might be too tight in the arms).

These chambray pants are perfectly on trend with the wide leg width. Cute sailor detailing with the buttons and the fabric is soft. I tried these on in the petite size and it would be perfect for wearing flats. They must be popular because they are now sold out online, but my local store had plenty of sizes on the rack. Fit is tts.

Jacquard Sheath by Lela Rose, $98, some sizes available here

This Lela Rose for LOFT dress is so lovely and lady-like. I could really see the First Lady wearing this dress. It has a fitted shape and some nice metallic detailing on the skirt part. I tried this on in my regular size and it was a bit tight (size up or down according to your waist and bust). This was a tempting buy, but I thought waiting for a sale would make it an even better buy. 

Lace Scallop Dress, $98, limited sizes available here

I'm having a thing for lace these days and thought this dress would be a good try on. Although it is in that sheath shape that can easily go into shapeless sack territory, I thought this dress was perfect in having some shape, but not being skin-tight or a muu-muu. It has a nude underlay which reduces any worry of being see-through and a lovely lacy edge. This dress is tts and might work with a cute belt (definitely some ribbon belt). This gets a thumbs up.

Crossover Belted Dress, $49.50, sold out online, but check your store here

This orange dress just jumped out at me from the racks and landed on the top of my dressing room pile of clothing. It is absolutely adorable. It has faux wrap action going on which I tend to like better than the fussiness of working with wrap dresses. The color is wonderfully vibrant and the belt gives it some shaping (although it can be removed for a more substantial belt, if you so choose). The material was a soft jersey and the length was just right. The only issue I had was the deep v, but that's nothing a camisole can't fix. Overall, this dress is a big winner.

I only walked away with these sandals that I saw in a magazine months ago and wanted. They have been getting lots of love.

Will you be checking out LOFT or taking advantage of the Fourth of July sales?

Notes from the Dressing Room- Blooming at LOFT

During a recent lunchtime stroll, I decided to give LOFT a look see. I'll admit that LOFT isn't one of my usual shopping hangouts, but I know they have great sales (judging by the 40% off email I received) and can have some really nice items (my otk boots are one of my faves and the jewelry section always has interesting pieces). My strategy was to look for color and pattern, which was surprisingly difficult. They definitely took the nude trend and ran with it for spring. You'll also notice a theme with what I did find on the racks.

Watercolor Floral Shift (not online yet, Style#256985), $79.50, similar dress here

This dress is like a flower explosion, but done in such a pretty way. I thought this was a cute dress and it fit well (no shapeless sack here). As you'll see in the second picture, it doesn't zip all the way up because there is a keyhole tie at the very top. When I look at the pictures now, I think it would be a total winner if the neckline was a bit lower or the straps were more tank like, but overall, this was a thumbs up. My regular size wasn't available so I sized down in this. It was a slightly snug fit, but not uncomfortably so. I would say it is true to size.

 

Pintuck Dot Trim Dress in Pink Cloud, $69.50, available here

I thought this would be a pretty feminine dress to try and it certainly is. But this dress was just meh and nothing spectacular. I tried this on in my regular size and had some major peek-a-boo action going on with some of the buttons. If I were interested in this dress, I think it would look a lot better with a different belt.

 

Hidden Placket Button-Front Shirt in Raspberry, $44.50, available here in multiple colors

Watercolor Floral Print Pencil Skirt in Milk White, $98.00, limited sizes available here but check stores

I love the vibrancy of this top (although it does come in more subdued colors; the navy is lovely too)! But be prepared to find a pretty sheer and blousey looking top. Judging from how it looked when I pulled the fabric back, this could be one of those times when sizing down would be a bit more flattering.

Does this skirts pattern look familiar?? LOFT was really loving the flowers this season and if that dress is just too much for you, this skirt would make a great sub. It was comfortable and well-fitted. I definitely love the print and the length was just perfect. Be aware that this is a linen blend so wrinkle city will be the destination.

Foil Knit Sweater (not online, Style #254852), $49.50

Pansy Bloom Shorts (not online, Style# 255917), $44.50, similar available here

And it's the return of the flower print!! You know I love the other two flowered items and these shorts are no exception. So vibrant and perfect for a relaxing weekend paired with a tee, espadrilles and a cute straw fedora. The length didn't feel indecent, the shape was flattering and fit was true to size.

This sweater gets a thumbs up and it's because of some wonderful gold shimmer throughout. The main color is rather neutral, but the gold thread gave it just enough interest to make it more fun. I sized down in this sweater and it fit just fine.

As you can see, flowers were pretty much the only pattern I found through out the store (other than stripes) and there weren't a ton of fun colors. Despite that, there are some gems to be found in the store and I will certainly be back. Are you an Ann Taylor or LOFT fan?

****Take 40% off your order with SPRING40****

OOTD- My Working Girl Uniform

I was looking through my pictures and thought with these details (gold button blazer, anchor belt, tall boots), I look like I'm wearing some type of military inspired outfit. If I don't say so myself, this would be ten times better than head to toe camouflage.

This long forgotten dress (that definitely needs to be hemmed even further) was the perfect addition to my neglected otk boots and my fun new belt. I saw that little number on Madewell's website and knew it would be perfect for my ever growing belt collection. I think I'm subconsciously working on a rainbow of colors. Yellow belt, I've got my eye out for you next!

Outfit Details:
Pink dress- (thrifted)
Blue blazer- Ralph Ralph Lauren (secondhand)
Tan OTK boots- LOFT
Blue anchor belt- Madewell (available here)
Handbag- LV Speedy
Brown pendant- Forever 21

OOTD- Going Super Duper High

I'm ages behind on the over-the-knee boot trend, but when there are concerns about venturing in Pretty Woman territory; I had to make sure this would be a lasting and appropriate purchase. I feel in love with these boots after spotting them on Noel from The Owls Are Not What They Seem. I peeked in LOFT one day at lunch and there they were, just waiting for me at a fantastic price. They make me feel super fly and not at all like a high price call girl waiting for Richard Gere to whisk her away in a limo to live happily ever after. Imagine that!!

What's your take on otk boots? Do you have a pair in your closet?

Outfit Details:
Blue blazer- Ralph Ralph Lauren (secondhand)
Printed dress- Rachel Rachel Roy
Pink studded belt- Matthew Williamson for H&M
Tan boots- LOFT

I'm Walking On Sunshine??

"I'm at lunch mother and why are you calling to tease that you're leaving work early?"

Confession...there was no sunshine yesterday, so instead I was walking on water, slush and snow. Mother Nature decided to send a snowstorm our way and although I would normally be cursing the fact that the weather sucks, I took the opportunity to enjoy wearing my new boots and umbrella. Being able to stomp through puddles and seeing doggies during my ventures outside in the treacherous weather made it ten times better.

I felt like I was wearing fifty million colors in my outfit and I don't know what the deal is but instead of reaching for pants to stay warm, I've insisted on reaching for a dress/skirt when the temperature is freezing outside. Is anyone else experiencing AWB (abnormal wardrobe behavior)?

Outfit Details:

Dress- Tucker for Target (similar vintagey vibe here)

Blue grandpa cardigan- Madewell (similar here)

Brown belt- thrifted

Brown/orange socks- J Crew

Crystal necklace- gift from LOFT

Brown duck boots- Lands End Canvas (available here)

Handbag-Louis Vuitton Speedy

Dog umbrella- dav (available here)