Reviews...Ann Taylor and LOFT.

Since my birthday is fast approaching (Monday, to be exact!), I've been the happy recipient of more than a few gift coupons in the mail - one of which is for $15 off any in-store item at Ann Taylor/LOFT. So what's a girl to do except spend said coupon as soon as she can? I'm lucky enough to work within walking distance of both AT and Loft - oh, the perks of working in Midtown. 

On my last visit to both, I found a couple of items which I really liked. Since I'm on the hunt for the perfect work-appropriate skirt (the ones I currently own are either too loose, too tight, too short - in other words, I'm just too picky), I thought this might be the perfect opportunity to try a few on.

I apologize for the grainy, blurry, and all around horrendous quality of these photos - Blackberries definitely do not take editorial-quality pictures!

Skirt, LOFT Petite Piped A-Line Skirt in Harvest Tweed, Size 00P

First up was this pretty tweed skirt from LOFT. I loved the piped lining and the classic A-line shape - it's conservative enough for work, but the detailing keeps it from being your run-of-the-mill business outfit. 

Unfortunately, it was both too long and too wide at the waist - I would have had to take it in, slim it, and hem it, and at $69.50 (or $55.00, with my coupon) I didn't love it enough to purchase.The alterations would have equaled the amount of the coupon and then some. It's a pity this didn't fit a little better, though, because I did really like the material - tweed is just such a staple.

Jacket, LOFT Petite Piped A-Line Jacket in Harvest Tweed, Size 00P

In fact, I liked the material so much that I also tried the matching tweed blazer on. I suppose you could say it fit, but it was loose, and I'm of the opinion that if a tweed jacket doesn't fit perfectly, it just ends up looking matronly. Since tweed inevitably adds bulk to a frame, it's critical that it be fitted. 

Next up was an Ann Taylor skirt that I'd seen on Jean from Extra Petite and absolutely adored. Again, I apologize for the quality of the photo, since you really don't get an idea of how pretty the material looks.

Skirt, Ann Taylor Glazed Lace Pencil Skirt Size 00P

I was really excited to try this skirt on, because from reviews I'd read from other bloggers, it supposedly ran fairly small and was very petite-friendly - and since even 00P in AT is usually large on me, this was a must try. 

Results? Well - it did fit better than the majority of AT skirts do (and definitely better than the LOFT skirt above). However, it was still a little loose, and due to the elastic nature of the material (it's really thin, with an elastic sort of band) I wasn't sure how much alterations would cost, and it definitely wasn't something I could DIY. And for the price - $118, without the coupon - I'm not sure the skirt is worth it. However, since there's a 40% sale, I may just have to reconsider...

But then again, there are several other items I may splurge on instead, now that the 40% sale is back. All I know for sure is that another trip to Ann Taylor is definitely in order. How about all of you? Anything in particular that you're eyeing?