/ Bella Picks

Loft has a new BOGO promo now taking 50% off your second Top or Sweater purchase (no code needed). You buy top or sweater at full-price and get 50% off the second. I found a few things I’d love to try on in-store.

Loft just ended a 50% off flash sale at 10AM E.T. I bought a few things. I’m really looking for some new wide-leg trouser jeans and bought the Loft Wide Leg Trouser in both a 28 and 29. The lone reviewer stated she took her smaller size due to the amount of poly and stretch in the denim. I’m also very intrigued to see how the Softened shirts feel. They are getting great reviews and also sound like they hold up well to washing.

Are you shopping the Loft BOGO?

/ Reviews

I tried on several dresses over two fitting room visits to Ann Taylor. Currently, the have a 40% off promo with code WEEKEND.

~ Sleeveless Shirtdress, Navy, size 8 ~

I love the cut and style of shirt dresses. I try to stick with sleeveless styles as the ones with sleeves are usually a little snug in the arms for me. The size 8 was perfect on me. The pleats on the skirt don’t create a whole amount of fullness. The pockets are hidden in the mix of the pleats. This also comes in Hot Tropical Coral. I saw that color in store as well and though it would go well with my skin tone, I will stick with the Navy. There’s also a Denim Shirtdress that has a pencil skirt bottom. I know I’d need an 8 or Petite 10 in that as it looks very lean and small in the arms.

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~ Striped Double V Sheath Dress, Small –

This is a fitted knit dress fit well in the Small. I don’t mind the length going past the knee but would like to try the Petite Medium to see if the length will hit me closer to the knee. There are vertical stripes on the side, breaking up the front horizontal stripes, and, in my opinion, create some shape. This was another of my favorites that I tried and made me long for Spring to come quickly. I can see wearing this with flat sandals or heeled espadrilles.

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~ Spacedye Flare Dress, Small ~

I wasn’t too sure about this dress on the hanger. I kind of liked the spacedye pattern but didn’t know how it would look when I tried it on. I’m still on the fence with the dress since the pattern is horizontal on top and vertical on the skirt. The Small of this fitted dress fit fine though I think I would prefer the Medium a little more. The length is just below the knee for me so a Medium would be a little longer. There’s also a midi skirt in the same pattern.  I think, even on sale, this dress is a pass for me.

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~ Tweed Shift Dress, size 6 ~

This dress is currently on sale and you can take an additional 60% off, not 40%. I liked this dress and the fit of the 6 was good, especially through the hips. I like the color mix of the tweed and it’s not very thick. If I worked in an office this would definitely be in constant rotation since it would be so easy to just add a Navy Blazer. It also has a matching tweed jacket.

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Code WEEKEND will get you 40% off regular-priced items and 60% off sale. There are several types of dresses on sale, plus the 60% off, to choose from.

Are you shopping any dresses during the Ann Taylor WEEKEND promo?

/ Bella Picks

Ann Taylor has a promo for the long weekend, taking 40% off your purchase with code WEEKEND.  I was able to try some things on last weekend that I’ll be sharing soon.

The print on the Shadow Floral Pencil Skirt and blouse are reminiscent of the Inky Floral from J Crew last Spring/Summer. During a 50% off promo last weekend I bought the Embroidered Dot Perfect Shirt. The size 8 worked for me.

The dresses are what really got me when I did try-ons. Especially the Sleeveless Shirtdress and  Striped Double-V Sheath Dress. Those two are on my list to find in-store this weekend. The Striped Midi Dress sold quickly in-store and I didn’t have an opportunity to try on a Small or Medium. I’ll also be looking for the Drapey Crop Pants to try on as well.

Have you checked out the Ann Taylor WEEKEND promo yet?

/ Bella Picks

Banana Republic has a new promo of 40% off your purchase (exclusion apply) with code BR40. There are so many new pieces on my wishlist at Banana. Though I know I won’t buy it, I have been waiting for the Watercolor Pencil Skirt to show up online.  It certainly looks like a print J Crew would do. It comes in a full skirt and blouse, though only Petite sizing is left.

I love the Pima Cotton the Banana has so I would really like to try the Cashmere-blend Turtleneck in Stripe. It comes in solids too. I am fond of the Ryan-Fit pants and have the Chambray Lightweight Pants on my list to try on. I would love to add the Pinstripe Shirtdress to my closet so I’m hoping one of my stores received it.

As far as toppers, I think the Suede Trench is divine but as a BR Pick, it’s excluded from the promo. I’ll probably need to settle for the Extra Fine Merino Trench Cardigan.

What are you looking at during this promo?

/ Reviews

~ Midweight Striped Boatneck Tee, Cherry Red/Ivory, Medium ~

This next tee is what started the Stripe Sickness. The Cherry Red is a true red and very saturated in person. I have maybe two items in red and this will be the third. This also comes in Navy as well as a Colorful version, which is Jade/Navy/Ivory. The Medium fit well through the shoulders and arms but is boxy through the body. I don’t think I could size down to the small without stretching the arms and chest some.

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~ Patio Pant, Vanilla White, size 6 ~

I’ve tried these on several times, in different sizes. I tried on the 6 and 8 this time and only found a difference in the waist and hips. The length was still about the same. I think $30 is a good price for them to then add a $10-12 hem job (I can’t do it myself). If suspect the white may move back to full-price once Spring rolls around. That and the Navy are great staples for Spring.

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They both look great with the Gemma Flats in Stripe (still not online).

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A few more Red, White and Stripes options for you. I think the Halogen Flats are my favorite.

I really love this Cherry color of the Midweight Striped Boatneck Tee. I may even have an opportunity to wear it this weekend when Husband and I go antiquing in the Hill Country.