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***50% off at Ann Taylor, today only!

Last weekend Ann Taylor had 50% off everything. I haven’t shopped at the store since my friend stopped working there. They always have some pretty clothes I just can’t get past the 100% Polyester in most of their offerings. But, at 50% off I can definitely re-consider having the sisters in my wardrobe (Poly & Ester…credit goes to Gigi for that).

The Zebra Jacquard Skirt has been styled in the window and even caught MamaBella’s eye one during an afternoon of shopping. Though the outer zebra portion feels, and looks, like a linen blend it is actually 100% Polyester. I grabbed several sizes in Regular and Petite. Unfortunately I did not take my camera with me but everything you see here was in the dressing room with me. The size 6 was tight across the hips and I dared not sit down for fear of a ripped seam. The 8 was too long for my taste. The 8P was a good length but still just a touch tight in the hips. I could sit down but an extra bite of cake could alter this skirt. The size I took home with me was the 10 Petite. There is a touch more room through the hips and the waist is comfortable. The length hits at the top of my knee.

  

The side seams have a solid trim which is also at the hem.

The back zipper seam does not match up but with all the various Zebra stripes it really doesn’t bother me. There is a lovely Coat that I was so tempted to get as it was beautiful. But where would I wear it? Even at $100 the sensible thing to do was leave it at the store. 

I chose a Medium in the Polka Dot Colorblock S/S Top; again 100% Polyester. This is unlined but not see-through. The colorblock is the collar, button placket and in the back across the shoulders. There is also a little pocket in front that blends in with the shirt. It was just too adorable to pass up.

The hem is hi-low which I didn’t even notice until now.

The Skinny Stripe Top looks like something J Crew would offer. I grabbed a Medium so this does run TTS. This is lined, has a boatneck and cap sleeves. It’s not too boxy and almost seems A-Line to me as the material just skims the chest area and then floats away from the body (I sounds like WNTW.)

Yep, it’s a keeper.

Lastly, is the Eyelet Bodice Dress. I just love a Navy Blue dress. The color is just classic. The way some women gravitate towards all Black is how I am with Navy. This dress is very chic. The size 6 had the Girls pulling the buttons so the 8 Petite came home with me.

The “Eyelet Bodice” is lined in cream giving a nice nude contrast to it. 
Definitely need to tone those arms to make that cap-sleeve look prettier.

Don’t fear ladies. There’s a hidden zipper down the back which allows you to step in to the dress.

I’d definitely wear this to work, with a cardigan. The only problem with this dress is that the bottom portion is not lined. I’d Spanx it for sure and spray with Static Guard as well.

I am really happy with all of these purchases from Ann Taylor. There were several items with the Zebra print, though some were black and white and not Navy Blue and white. I cannot wait to wear the dress! Have you tried the newest items from Ann Taylor. 

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The Trellis Floral Skirt is an early new arrival for Spring. It reminded me of the quickly sold-out Collection No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Shadow Floral, but at a much better price point. I will admit I was a bit shocked to see it being sold for $89.50. Not that I’m complaining. I think we’ve seen iterations of these types of skirts for over $100. It’s nice to see the lower price on this beautiful skirt.

I ordered a size 8 in this skirt as some of my other skirts that had “Sits above waist” in the description were also size 8. That was the best choice. I vary between a 6 and an 8 depending on the cut, fabric, style, etc. But I have noticed that the “sits above the waist” vs the “sits at waist” compares to an 8 vs 6 for me. I take a 6 in Cotton pencil skirts and an 8 in the Wool, for example. If you are consistent in sizing then take your normal. If you are between two sizes then take the larger.

The A-line is just slight enough to not make this a pencil skirt but still very wearable for everyone. The side seams are not lined up but with such a busy print I don’t think anyone will notice.

But, the back zipper seam is matched up almost perfectly. The length is 20 inches and just perfect for me. On my skirt there was at least 1 1/2 inches to let out so some of you taller ladies could let out the hem. I don’t know if that varies on each skirt. It is lined in Poly.

The background is not white but ivory. The material feels like the Double-Serge Cotton, maybe just a touch thinner but still very sturdy. 
This is one skirt that I didn’t mind paying FP for. Have you tried the Trellis Floral Skirt yet? 

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I stopped in to Old Navy last week to search for some random thing for my brother and saw the Ponte-Knit Blazer in Heather Gray. Jean at Extra Petite recently reviewed this blazer and I knew it was something I wanted to try-on.

My store only had a Medium and a couple of Small and XS left in the Gray. The look of it on me is not a great as Jean but I do love the fit. The sleeve-length is perfect.

I prefer the blazer un-buttoned.

It’s a knit so I will treat this more like a sweater than a true blazer. I can wear a tee or a thin sweater underneath without issue. Anything thicker will make the blazer not fit.

I also saw this cute Anchor Sweater and grabbed a Medium as well. It’s a very cute sweater and is great for those who love the Nautical theme. The fit is TTS. Old Navy is pretty consistent about that. 

I am not sure this is a keeper. It was on promo for $18 but I think it’s a returnable $18.

The Blazer comes in Indigo and Navy Stripe, which I really liked as well. I think I may go back and try a Large to see how much looser the fit is.
Have a Great Day! 

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During the “TAKENOTE” promo I ordered the Collection Darby Eyelet Loafers in Natural Black. I already have the Calf-Hair Leopard Loafers and they are very comfortable. These are just a bit different because the upper is not lined in leather like the other Darby’s.

As soon as I saw them IRL they reminded me immediately of the Valentino Lace Espadrille. The upper is airy like those.

I took my normal size 7 in these and they fit perfect. I like that the upper is trimmed in leather.

The heel has a nice leather piece that should keep the the upper from tearing. The Valentino’s look like they would rip or snag easily. 

The material makes the shoe see-through but you can’t really see much.

The Natural Black color is a better match for what is in my closet. I am worried that the bend at that occurs at the front of the foot when you walk will eventually cause the material to rip or tear. I hope that doesn’t happen, especially after the first wear.

I am happy I was able to get these on promo. Both these and the Lucie (review) were on my wishlist as soon as they hit the website a few weeks ago. 
Have you been able to try the Darby in Eyelet? 

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I made a quick return to J Crew last week and saw the Zigzag Stripe Shorts. They immediately reminded me of the Riviera Short from a Summer or two ago and were priced crazy ridiculous at $150!

Riviera short

I brought home a size 8, my normal shorts size. The waist is a touch loose but fit exactly around my hips and booty. The inseam is 3 inches but I do wish they were an inch or two longer.

The pocket has contrasting stripes. I like this so you can tell where they are. They are not on-seam which I like because they don’t add bulk to the hips. 

These seams match perfectly in the back which is a plus. 

I had only planned on buying one pair of shorts for the Summer and unless something cuter than these comes along I think I’ve found my pair. They will be great with the White and Blue items in my closet but I may also try a bright Yellow or pale Pink. 
Have a Great Day!