LOFT Fitting Room Reviews: Spring Dresses

It's that time of year again, when I can start thinking about wearing dresses with bare legs! (I've been waiting for this for far too long.) I pretty much live in dresses in the spring and summer, because they are the easiest thing to wear. Put a dress on, some shoes, and an instant outfit! I've recently become a huge fan of LOFT's fall/winter offerings, so when their spring new arrivals came into stores I decided I needed to go try some on. Haven't done fitting room reviews in awhile, but here you go!

Scatter Print Drape Dress ($79.50)

This dress would be perfect for a spring tea party (if I were the type to attend tea parties). Love the blue against the white, and I love the drapey neckline. I would have totally snapped this up because I'm a sucker for a ladylike dress, but the dealbreaker was the bubble hemline. I'm not a huge fan and thought the dress would be better with a normal A-line.(Sizing: I took my typical size 4 in this dress and it fit pretty well.)

Diagonal Ruffle Dress ($89.50)

Tiered ruffles are something I usually love, but I thought that it was a little too over the top on this dress. I thought it just added a bit of bulk on me. I do love ruffles, but I think my style is slowly gravitating away from it. There are only so many tiered ruffle items a girl can have in her closet. (Sizing: thought it ran a little big, this is a 2)

I don't see this dress online, but as you can see it was kind of fail on me. It may have been that I grabbed a bigger size by accident. On the mannequin they did have it with a wide tan belt and it looked a lot cuter. I can't decide if I love the colors or not, I think they can be fresh for spring, or a bit like your Palm Beach grandma. (Sizing: grabbed an M instead of a S, which is probably why it looks a little awkward on)

Island Flower Dress ($79.50)

I thought that this shift dress was really pretty, especially with the slate grey background. This would probably be a great dress to wear to work in the summer that can easily translate into a night out. (Sizing: took my normal size 4)

Faux Wrap Shirt Dress ($79.50)

I wanted to love this so badly! The marine blue color is gorgeous, and this would be a perfect dress for work. But it was just too roomy for me on top, and fit a little too awkwardly. I didn't check to see if this dress came in petite, maybe that will help. (sizing: This is my normal 4, not sure if sizing down would have helped)

I am still undecided on my opinion on this trench. I think it could be cute for spring, but I do have a lot of light jackets and such already. Love the ruffle collar, but unsure of how good the trench looks unbuttoned/untied. I liked it but would definitely wait for a great code or sale.

Unfortunately I walked out of my shopping excursion empty handed. LOFT has a pretty decent collection of spring dresses at reasonable prices, but I just wasn't WOW-ed by anything and had the "have to have it" feeling. Maybe I am getting a bit wiser in my shopping decisions. Let's hope so. 

Quick Snap: First Day of Work

What I'm wearing:
*J.Crew Navy Blazer
*Forever 21 Bird Print Top
*Madewell Skinny Jeans
*Target "Kasia" Boots in Cognac
*Forever 21 Reading Glasses Necklace

This is actually what I wore yesterday on my first day of work! I was really busy all day and exhausted when i was home to post unfortunately. A blazer always makes me feel all business-y. Luckily my office is super casual so I can continue wearing whatever I want. I wanted to look put together for my first day at my new position, but not look overly dressed up. This look was perfect for that I think, and it worked great for drinks after work with a girlfriend as well!

I'm working on some fitting room reviews from LOFT... so keep an eye out for those!

So Long Weekend

So now it's Monday night of Presidents' Weekend, and my long, long weekend is drawing to a close. I had a great few days off before the holiday weekend, which included me enjoying the beautiful weather that New York had for a few precious days. I had a lot of fun this weekend, which included an epic day drinking episode on Saturday and I paid dearly for it on Sunday. I love brunch! Unfortunately this also meant that I spent absolutely no time on blogging or taking outfit pics, but it was nice to have a break. I love this blog but I try not to let it get in the way of real life.

I tried to go shopping, and I don't really know what it is but I haven't really been wanting anything lately. Maybe I'm running a fever? (Checks forehead. Nope, I'm not sick.) This is what I wore while going to run some errands today.

What I'm wearing:
*BB Dakota "Bostwick" Jacket" in Camel
*LOFT Striped Mohair Tunic
*Forever 21 Scarf with Fringe in Ochre
*LOFT Cotton Leggings in Black
*Target "Kasia" Boots in Cognac
*Forever 21 Scalloped Shoulder Purse

Nothing fancy, just a very comfortable outfit, easy to change out of to try clothes on. These photos were snapped in the F21 fitting room. I actually found a few items that I wanted to try on and walked out with a couple of new tops. One of which I'll be wearing tomorow, when I start my new job. I am a bit nervous about it, but I am confident in the outfit I picked out to wear. I'm almost as nervous as if it was the first day of the school year.

Some quick snaps from the weekend...

 

Clockwise: (1) A quirky little yard in the LES. (2) Pork bun from Ippudo.  (3) Snow! (4) My rolling rack collapsed. This means I have too much stuff.

Hints of Spring

What I'm wearing:
*H&M Slouchy Sweater Tunic
*American Apparel Petticoat Slip Skirt in Black
*Black H&M Tights
*Marc by Marc Jacobs Hillier Hobo in Black
*Michael Kors Glitz Chronograph Watch in Rose Gold
*Forever 21 Necklace

I'm amazed at the gorgeous weather in New York City right now! It feels so great to be walking around without shivering, and not bundled up from head to toe. This weather isn't going to last, but the air definitely has a hint of spring in it. Something to look forward to! I'll be happy to kiss all of my winter clothes goodbye.... but I love these boots and decided I need to squeeze in as many wears as I can before it gets too warm to wear shearling lined boots.

I've had the last few days off because I'm starting a new job next week! I feel lucky that I have been able to enjoy this great weather. No work 'till Tuesday. =)

all the gold & all the guns in the world

What I'm wearing:
*anthropologie Cable-knit Sweater
*anthropologie Reed Shirt-dress (similar here)
*Black H&M Tights
*Ugg Lynnea Ankle Boots in Tan
*Mulberry Alexa Bag in Oak

I love layering sweaters over dresses because it breaks up the pattern a bit. The last few times I've worn this dress I felt a little too prairie girl for my taste, so I decided to layer a chunky sweater over it this time. This sweater has a bit more of a golden olive tint to it than the brown it looks here.  

Some have requested a photo of the Alexa being worn cross-body, so here you go! This little bag can hold a TON (all of the things I need on a daily basis) and I love that I can have my hands free when needed. You know, when I need to go shopping, eat a hot dog on the street, or text on my phone. 

Eye on the Horizon

What I'm wearing:
*anthropologie Horizon Lines Dress
*anthropologie Elodie Lily Cardigan
*Black H&M Tights
*American Eagle Purple Suede Flats
*Mulberry Alexa Bag in Oak
*anthropologie Submerged Necklace

This dress is also another oldie-but-goodie that was hanging all lonely in my closet. Whenever I wear this, I feel super feminine. It probably has to do with the scalloped hem and the pale pink top (it looks white in these photos).

I've been carrying the Alexa non-stop since I got it. You will probably get sick of seeing it on the blog but I really love it so much! With this bag crossed off my wishlist, I really don't have anything else that I want at the moment (shocking, I know!). But surprisingly that is a really nice feeling. 

How cute is the octopus? This necklace is a little over the top but I love it. It's the whimsical details like that that make me fall for anthropologie's accessories. 

Sweets for the Sweet

What I'm wearing:
*Diane von Furstenberg Julian Wrap Dress in Red Leopard
*J.Crew Boyfriend Blazer (similar here & here)
*H&M Black Tights
*Frye Lisa T-strap Mary Janes in Black (similar here)
*Mulberry Alexa Bag in Oak

Happy Valentine's Day! I am fully aware that it is a completely commercialized, Hallmark holiday, but I just love all the pink and the hearts that are everywhere. I decided in honor of the holiday I'd wear my red leopard wrap-dress that had been sitting unworn in my closet for far too long.

Meet the newest addition to my closet! I have been lusting after the Mulberry Alexa for a very long time, but never pulled the trigger on it. This bag is actually a gift from my family as a Valentine's Day/early birthday/new job celebrating present! I had a tough time deciding between the regular size and the oversized, but I ended up with the regular because I can wear it anywhere, and it's a great size to wear cross-body. The oversized looked just a bit too big on me, and I already have some bigger sized purses.

Baby You're a Firework

What I'm wearing:
*anthropologie Leifsdottir Museum-of-Modern-Birds Sweater Dress
*Black H&M Tights
*Kate Spade Purple Suede Wedges
*Foley & Corinna Mini City Tote in Black
*Michael Kors Glitz Choronograph Watch in Rose Gold

This sweater dress is definitely one of my favorite purchases from the stint I had working at anthropologie during the fall of 2008. As I've said often on this blog, I am terrified of birds and have recurring nightmares about them poking my eyes out. But for some reason, I adore bird motifs on clothes and such. Probably because they don't look like real birds, just cute versions of them.

I'm off to a nice girls' night out in Atlantic City tonight! It was a last minute trip, but we decided we all needed a break from the city. I've only been once before, and I'm super excited!

Today I am featured on Effortless Anthropologie's "Things You Love Week"! Check out what I and other bloggers love!

Yellow paper and a faded picture

What I'm wearing:
*Aqua Cashmere Zip Tunic (similar here)
*Vintage Kissing Mice Belt (similar here)
*Farr West Lace Trim Half Slip (similar here)
*Black H&M Tights
*Frye Lisa T-strap Mary Janes in Black (similar here)
*J.Crew Necklace
*Rebecca Minkoff Studded Fling in Peacock (new version here)

This is a look I totally copied from my friend Linda (see here featured here). She wore a fabulous lace dress layered under a sweater. I've been on the lookout for a similar dress, but then I realized that a lace-trimmed half slip would work just as well. The annoying thing is that sometimes the slip can slip down in an awkward way (exhibit A, the photo above). But I still love the look, and will suffer through it.

I love this cozy sweater tunic, it was a Christmas gift from my mother and I've been wearing it non stop while just relaxing at home, and have worn it to work with leggings before. I think the lace slip dresses it up a little bit. I love that the lace has a floral design. It kind of has a granny feel to it and I don't mind.

Peacock is one of my favorite Rebecca Minkoff colors. When I spotted this studded clutch at a Nordstrom Rack in Chicago (where I was there for a wedding), I grabbed it right away. I like that you can tuck the chain into the clutch really easily. I even carried this to the wedding I was attending, ignoring the boring clutch I had brought with me.

I'm probably way behind everyone else, but I'm currently listening to The Civil Wars "Barton Hollow" album that was bought on a whim, and I have to say that I love it. It's a nice break to the country and pop I've been listening to lately at work. Anyone have any music recommendations? I like pretty much everything, except maybe rap.

Like a Summer's Day in May

What I'm wearing:

*Vince Striped Cashmere Cardigan

*Forever 21 Jersey Knit Dress (similar here)

*American Apparel Winter Leggings in Black 

*Frye Dorado Slouch Boots (similar here)

*Michael Kors Skorpios Ring Tote in Chestnut

*anthropologie Mint Drop Necklace

I am in the process of editing my closet at the moment, and one of the many positive side effects of attempting this grand feat is that I discover items that I love, but have forgotten about. I have been pretty good about not shopping as much lately, although that has a lot to do with the fact that I haven't really seen anything that I love, more than my self-control.

During my closet organization, I re-discovered this jersey knit dress that I wore quite often last summer. I realized that I love this army green shade, and that this dress could totally be winter-ized with some thick leggings and a cozy striped cardigan. 

I haven't bought anything new clothing-wise in over 2 weeks and I feel great about it! I know I need to "shop my closet" more, and stop getting such a rush over new purchases. I have such a hard time letting go of my things, I need to re-think what my material possessions mean to me in my life. Sometimes I feel like I get wrapped up in shopping frenzies and need to just re-focus on what is really important. This doesn't mean I'll stop shopping, but it will help me figure out what will really enhance what I already own, or what will merely add to the clutter in my closet. I have enough clutter already, I really don't need to add to it! 

Raspberry Fields Forever

What I'm wearing:
*J.Crew (outlet) Gingham Shirt (similar here & here)
*Joie Willa Skirt in Stain
*Hue Opaque Tights in Blue
*anthropologie Snakebite Belt in Grey (similar here)
*Cole Haan Wedges in Black Patent
*Rachel Nasvik "Penelope" Bag in Grey
*American Eagle Pearl Necklace
*Michael Kors Black Oversized Watch

When I first put this top & skirt combination on, I felt like a giant raspberry. Then I decided to add some blueberry tights. So it's berries all around. This went against all of my fashion instincts, but I decided, why the hell not? I don't really shy away from color, but these tights are a bit out of my comfort zone. Like I do often, I used grey as a neutral to tone down the look (not sure if it's toned down at all though).

So I don't really care about football at all, but I did watch the Superbowl last night, and had fun eating junk food and drinking wine (I know beer is the drink of choice for football, but I just wasn't in the mood) while watching the game and the commercials. I wasn't really blown away by any of them, but I think I liked the talking baby one (with the accent) and the one with the little mini Darth Vader! And of course I loved watching Glee afterwards. Loved "Thriller" and "Need You Now", I thought it was a really great episode! Definitely enjoyed it more than the football game. I did root for the Packers (if only because I went to a Packers-Titans game when I was in college) so I was mildly excited that they won.

Probably the highlight of my Sunday was going to lunch at Ippudo. My lovely friend Stephanie told me all about this ramen place, and after trying it earlier this year, I was hooked (and have been back several times). Ippudo has the most delicious pork buns (pictured above) I have ever eaten! (I think I've eaten more pork products in the first month of this year than I did all of last year.) They are perfectly fluffy pockets of bun-goodness with delightful pork within, topped with a little bit of spicy mayo. I could eat these for days.

The ramen ain't too shabby either. This is no ordinary ramen straight out of the package into your kitchen pot. This ramen is yummy, flavorful broth combined with amazing noodles that just warms you up inside. You want to finish this dish to the last drop. I am absolutely obsessed with this place! Unfortunately they don't take reservations, and there is often an hour and a half wait, but we lucked out this time thanks to the Superbowl and only had to wait about 20 minutes (this is a second in Ippudo time). If you aren't in a hurry, I think it's a great place to grab a simply scrumptious meal.

Find an old fashioned girl...

What I'm wearing:
*LOFT Nautical Striped T-shirt in Bright Gold
*J.Crew Schoolboy Blazer in Grey
*Jessica Simpson Jeggings (c/o JS)
*anthropologie Tawny Acres Boots (similar here)
*anthropologie Stormy Seas Necklace in Grey (similar here & here)
*Michael Kors Black Oversized Watch

Finally Friday!! I remember when I used to drive you'd hear that song on the radio around 5pm, and I would get so excited! (Anyone else?) Now I don't really drive anymore, and most Friday I'm still at work at 5pm, but I think I'm going to have to d/l that song somewhere and play it anyway. I've had a rough week and I am so glad that it is finally over, and the weekend is here! Now I just have to get through the rest of today....

Grey & yellow is one of my favorite color combinations to wear. Yellow is such a sunny, happy color, and the grey tones it down a bit so it doesn't look too over the top. So when I saw this grey/yellow striped top, I snapped it up with my grabby little hands. Apparently grey is what I love to wear lately, since I added the grey schoolboy blazer & the grey stone necklace. I haven't reached for this necklace in ages, which is really a shame because it is quite a lovely piece, but I think it goes well with this top.

Still Like Kissin' in Cars

What I'm wearing:
*BCBG Cashmere Bell Sleeve Sweater (similar here)
*Gap Square Print Pleated Skirt
*Hue Opaque Tights in Heathered Grey
*Target Kasia Boots in Cognac
*Forever 21 Necklace
*anthropologie Felt Flower Hair Clip (similar here)
*Michael Kors Glitz Chronograph Watch in Rose Gold

Feeling a little burnt out today. I blame a big chunk of it on the dreary weather. Whenever I see bloggers from the South or the West coat, I am filled with jealousy at the sight of their bare legs and light jackets.

I'm not really sure about the amount of grey that is in this outfit. I started off with a different idea in my mind, but of course I was rushing in the morning, couldn't find the top I was looking for, and kind of settled for this. I do love this brightly printed skirt (bought on clearance at Gap!) and still love these Target cognac boots.

The title of this post is from a song off of the Country Strong soundtrack, which I am currently obsessed with. I love country, and I haven't even seen this movie yet, but I can't stop listening to the music from the movie!