October 2012 Banana Republic Fitting Room Reviews and Recent Purchases

Yesterday morning, after a nice long nap, I spent a few hours of my post-call day shopping!  It's such a nice way to de-stress after a long night's work.  I hadn't initially planned on going, but I thought I'd take a nice browse through the sales racks after I saw the BR extra 35% off coupon (available on their Facebook page for 10/23/12 only).  I wasn't too impressed with the store offerings, but I grabbed a few items to try on for size.

Bridget Stripe Belted Knit Dress

Price: $59.99 (orig $89.50)   Size: small petite     Style #: 423736

I feel like I can never have enough nautical inspired clothing.  I'm not sure what it is about navy and white stripe patterns, but it never fails to draw me in.  The only downside is I know that all the "jail-break" jokes my attendings make are never going to end.

This was the only dress of it's kind in the entire store, which makes me think it may have been a returned item.  Store price is the same as the online price.  It looks like the dress has gotten great reviews online.  The material is 95% rayon and 5% spandex.  The weight of the material is very nice and the added stretch from the spandex adds immensely to the comfort.  Some reviewers state that the dress runs fairly large, but I like the looser fit of the small.  Since it has a tie-belt, you can make the waist as tight as you want.  My only gripe with that is that the material tends to pucker underneath the belt, but this can be fixed somewhat with re-positioning and smoothing of the wrinkles.  

Verdict: Bought with discount for $38.99

Printed Micro-pleat Shell

Price: $22.99 (orig $45)    Size: small      Style #: 421686

I really like the design and unique pleating of this top.  If you stare at it for long enough, it has a trompe l-oeil quality to it...pretty cool.  Unfortunately this was the smallest size left in stock, which did not allow me to compare the fit of this top in an extra small.  There is a price discrepancy between online and in-store pricing, with the online price being $39.99.  The material is 100% polyester, and it is a light and airy shell.  I think it would look fantastic underneath a suit or just as good with a casual blazer.

Verdict: Bought with discount for $14.95. I am still undecided about keeping this top, but after trying it on at home it is definitely not the right size.  I'll likely be returning this top.

Sandra Printed Tie-neck Blouse

Price: $22.99 (orig $69.50)     Size: X-small petite      Style #: 227255

I like the fabric design and the idea of tie-neck blouses, I just don't think they are very flattering on me.  The material is 100% poly, and it seems as if the online reviews are not so great either. 

Verdict: No

Sexy Side-zip Legging

Price: $49.99 (orig $89.50)   Size: 00p      Style #: 861542

I was super excited when I saw this in the sales rack, because it looked like it could be a cheaper alternative to the J.Crew Minnie pant that I love.  After a mini-arm workout pulling them on, I was quite disappointed in the length and cut of these pants.  Firstly, I was not a fan of the fact that the style is a tapered pant which is supposed to bunch and gather at the ankle.  In my opinion, this does not created a "sexy" and sleek silhouette but one reminiscent of 80's style legwarmers.  I much prefer the slim, cropped style of the Minnie.  Secondly, the calf and ankle area are super tight.  I do enjoy running, but I by no means have overly large calves and these pants were so constricting below the knee.  Lastly, the feel of the material is somewhat similar, but the Minnie definitely wins.  The BR pants are much thinner and made of viscose, cotton, and spandex, whereas the J.Crew Minnie is just cotton and spandex.  If you are interested in purchasing these pants, online price is better at $39.99.

Verdict: No

Gemma Wrap Dress

Price: $54.99 (orig $98)   Size: small   Style #423344

Again another lonely return in the sales racks.  This length is way too long on me.  The material is a mixture of rayon and spandex, making it feel cool and comfortable on your skin.  The tie-belt was truly quite long, and I believe I wrapped it around 4-5 times before tying it.  I would be interested to see how the x-small petite version fits.

Verdict: No

I also stopped by J.Crew and Gap, both of which had great sales going on.  

I picked up 2 pairs of the J.Crew Toothpick Ankle Jean in byzantine blue and shallow sea (mint color) for $24 each.  The ankle jeans fit me very well in the length department making them look like a regular pair of skinny jeans on me (no need for hemming!).  

Another great find was the multistripe long-sleeve boatneck tee which I got for $9.50 after discounts.  J.Crew still has the extra 30% off sales merchandise going on.

Gap had an extra 40% off clearance items for in-store purchases.  I was able to score some basic bras (strapless uplift, strapless multi-way, and demi plunge) and a t-shirt to wear with scrubs for work.  The bras came out to $7 or $8 and the t-shirt was less than $5.  I also picked out this wide-stripe sweater in navy for $7.80.  The in-store price is $12.97 for the sweater (before extra 40% off), while it's still $31.99 online.

ON Fitting Room Reviews

Old Navy recently released a high value coupon for 30% off your entire purchase valid only this weekend (10/12-10/14).  I decided to stop by the store after work to check out what's in stock. Here's a quick rundown of some of the items I tried on.

Printed Ruffle Sleeveless Blouse

I adore the bird print of this blouse.  The color scheme is so classic, and it's a fun print for casual wear or work.  The XS fit pretty well and the ruffle (not well pictured but along the neckline and the arm holes) adds a feminine touch.  100% cotton, so the material is also very breathable.  The shirt was on sale for $11.99 and my discount made the final price $8.39.

Verdict: Bought!

Roll-Cuff Blouse

The XS fit perfectly.  I really liked the comfortable fit of this slouchy blouse.  It's made of 100% rayon, but the material feels so cool and light on the skin.  It's not a complete button-down, which I actually think is easier to wear tucked in.   I also like the un-tucked look for a more relaxed and casual vibe.  My phone didn't really capture the colors correctly, but even in person the orange version was not that flattering on.  The blouse is not on sale and priced at $29.94 ($20.96 after the coupon.).  

Verdict: Returned the blue.  Will hold out for better quality (possibly silk?).

Pintucked Split Neck Blouse

Whoa, too big!  This was the smallest size of the blouse and it definitely does not fit me well.  If you are interested in this top, I would definitely size down.

Verdict: No.

 Color-blocked Top

Loved the color scheme of this top but also thought the fit wasn't too flattering.  I know it's supposed to be loose, but I'm not in the market for a maternity wear right now.  If you are interested in the blouse, I would definitely size down.

Verdict: No

Striped Color-Blocked Dress

This is a fun casual dress.  The color-blocked top adds a little bit of fun to this style.  Saw a very similar dress at the Gap as well.  It fit true to size.

Verdict: Not needed.

Stretch Corduroy Pencil Skirt

Tried this on in a size 0 regular.  The skirt was not my ideal pencil shape, maybe because it was a little too big on me.  Perhaps the petite version would be better.  I also thought the cut of the dress pouched out and really emphasized my hips in an unflattering manner.  However, the fabric felt comfortable and the stretch was actually really nice.  I would definitely try this out if I find a better size option.

Verdict: No

Sleeveless Chiffon Shirt

This sleeveless shirt is see-through and also quite baggy.  The fabric is light and airy.  Pockets are also a nice touch.

Verdict: No, not a good fit and didn't need it.

Target Mossimo Peace Sandal Review

Stopped by my local Target and found this sandal while browsing the clearance rack.  I know it's almost October, but it's still pretty warm on the East Coast.  I also have been wanting a pair of casual brown sandals for some time.  When I saw that they were on sale for $5.98, I grabbed them and headed right for the register.

Mossimo Peace Sandal

Definitely fit true to size.  Comfortable, although they have no arch support.  Love the unique heel backing.  My store had a million left in stock.  Also came in black and gold. 

I'm also waiting for this black and white Merona striped sweater to show up in stores, so that I can snatch it up.  Go here for a post of several of Target's fall arrivals (including this sweater).

H&M Spotted Print Shift Dress

Just a quick post about this dress, which is still in stores!  I had seen this print on several blogs in pant, top, and dress form.  I thought this print might be a little too much out of my comfort zone, so I had avoided it initially.  However, a few weeks ago I decided to try it on at H&M.  While it is shapeless on it's own, I really like the look of this dress with a belt to accentuate one's own natural waistline.  Every time I've worn it since I bought it, I have received so many compliments.  Just goes to show you that it pays to try stepping out of your comfort zone every once in a while!

 Item # 259736, price $29.95
For reference I am wearing a size XS, which has a loose and comfortable fit.
The material is viscose, polyester and elastane.  The fabric is pretty thick with no lining.  There is an exposed, gold quarter-length zipper in the back.  Very boxy if worn un-belted.

This was the fit of the dress off the rack:

And here with a belt to define the waist.  It's hard to see the color, but it's a skinny red belt (a $1.99 clearance find from ON!)

Remember to join the email list to receive 20% off one item at H&M!

2012 Labor Day Sale Fitting Room Reviews (Gap Outlet, HM, J.Crew Factory)

Hello, all!

I just stopped by a few stores on my wonderful day off and took a few photos to share with you.  Don't forget about this H&M coupon or this J.Crew Factory coupon!

GAP Outlet

Extra 40% off clearance.  Found some pretty good deals!

White Crochet Lace Dress with Sleeves

 

Item # 130518002. Pictured is a size 2.

I actually love this dress for casual wear.  Fully-lined with a back zip. It's on sale for $29, originally $75!  The lace seems like it snags pretty easily, but it's such a pretty dress.  The smallest size left was a 2, so I took it home to ponder.

Polka Dot Dress in Navy

Item # 8866100046. Pictured is a size 0.
Also fully-lined with a side zip.  This dress was a whopping $9, originally $60.  (40% off of $14.99...woop woop!).  Now that's what I call a good deal :) The size 0 was very constricting at the waist band, so it should fit someone smaller than me.  The next smallest size was a 4, but it should only require minor alterations.

VERDICT: Took both home with me!

H&M

I am a huge fan of the J.Crew Minnie Pant, and I wear my black pair to death.  The fabric is super comfy and I love the way it fits my legs.  I don't, however, love the price tag.  I was about to try out the J.Crew Factory version (the Winnie) in red, since I've heard it's pretty much the same pant but much cheaper, but held off when I found this H&M dupe. Of course the fabric is not as nice and it doesn't quite stretch as much, but it's only $12.95! I figured this would be a good experiment and if I'm actually reaching for these pants often, I'll go for the Winnie next time.  My store also had a burgundy color that sold out, so I'll definitely check back for it at least one more time.

 H&M red pants with side zip (pictured is a size 2).  Also wearing J.Crew striped classic tee.

No pockets womp womp

 H&M dot blouse ($14.95) and green side-zip pants

VERDICT: Bought both pants and the dot blouse.  For the pants I sized up to a 4, because it felt a little too snug around my hips. I think my total was like $35...crazy!

J.Crew Factory

My store was actually really picked over, but I have been keeping tabs on this skirt for some time.  The store had 40% off clearance items.  Since this skirt was not on clearance (full price $79.50), the Labor Day discount was 30% off.  

Factory Abstract Tweed Mini Skirt

VERDICT: The material of this mini is not actually tweed.  It's really just an abstract print mini-skirt that looks like tweed in photos. Size 00 fit well. I didn't really think it was worth $55, so I'm going to hold out for a better sale.  The Factory version of the Edie purse is on sale for $76 and I was very tempted, but didn't go for it.  J.Crew version is $238 and Factory version is 40% off of $158, with an additional 20% with the coupon.

Two Tweed Looks

I know it's been awhile, but I'm back! I bought the green version of the J.Crew No.2 pencil skirt (pink version here), because the color will work beautifully for fall outfits and it was on sale for $29!  It fits just as well as the pink one, but I feel like the color scheme is just more classic.  Prices were better in-store, but it's still available in certain sizes online with an additional 30% off with code LOVEIT.

 BR silk shell, J.Crew tweed pencil skirt, Talbots necklace, Ann Taylor perfect pumps

Talbots clearance find for $14.50!  The necklace has a great weight to it...not heavy at all.  My only issue is that the stones don't lie perfectly flat on my chest, especially the center one.

 Target chambray, J.Crew tweed pencil skirt, BCBG sandals, thrifted pearls

Do you prefer the silk, tweed, and emerald look?  Or the chambray, tweed, and pearls look?

Taking a break...

Hello, all!
I've been super swamped with work lately.  This shouldn't shock you, but 80 hr work weeks are not fun....  Not sure when I'll be able to get back into blogging, but hopefully soon!  In the meantime, I'm going to try to update my twitter and instagram more often.  Feel free to follow me there!