Thursday, October 28, 2010

My First Ann Taylor Loft Purchase & Review: Black Sheath Dress


I went to Ann Taylor Loft for the first time this evening. After reading so many positive reviews about the sizing, I wanted to see if it was true for me, being curvy and all. I spent less than an hour trying on things from the sales rack and walked out with this dress, along with a blouse. Here is my review of my first Ann Taylor Loft Dress.



Sale Price- $34.99 + 30% off= $24.49
Ann Taylor Loft Petite Sculpted Sheath Dress in 0P (similar here)
Forever21 Black Hoisery/Tights (similar here)

Walmart L.e.i  Tweed Maryjane Shoes (similar here)

 According to the Ann Taylor Loft size chart, I am an XSP in tops and 0P in bottoms and dresses. I was excited that this 0P was on the sale rack. 
 I thought it fit perfectly well when I was in the fitting room but after taking pictures for this post, I see a flaw. The intention of this dress is to "sculpt" the body with its asymmetrical design. I love the design but from the side, I look like I'm pregnant because of the extra space in the waist area that bunches up. 

Click to enlarge and see what I mean
The length of this dress is very petite friendly, in my opinion, but I think I am still in search of clothes that fit both my waist and hips. I wonder what an 00P would feel like? Probably a little tight in the hips and snug at the waist.

Nonetheless, I really like this dress. The quality feels expensive and thick. The top is lined. The bottom portion is not but it's of thick spandex material. Regarding the fit,  I can always add a thin belt at the waist to add definition to my waist. Without wearing a belt, this dress looks like a rectangle on me.

I thought it'd be nice to add a face to the body.

I didn't have much time to really try things on and get a feel if Loft is for me or not but for the most part, I am content and plan to be shopping there more.

Thanks for my sister for taking pictures of me, for this blog. I am pleased with how the pictures are turning out. Please let me know if you'd like more pictures with face, or no face. Thanks.

33 comments:

  1. Cute dress. Good thing it is thick and lined!! :) I like the asymmetrical detail/bunching at the waist but, you're right, it does look unflattering in some angles. BUT- I'm sure it looks great in person and knowing how skinny you are, I don't think anyone will get the impression that you "look pregnant."

    ReplyDelete
  2. let's take pictures OUTSIDE. this plain ole backdrop is NOT attractive! :) btw, it's a cute dress, and i just remembered that atl is a line for curvy ppl. i should check it out, although this really isn't my style. but looking through my closet, oh god, i don't even have a simple black dress. that's a staple material good! heheeee.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I like the dress. Maybe a size smaller will do the job and if the length of the dress was a bit shorter it will make you look taller. Just a thought. Otherwise, very chic and classy. I like the face with the dress it completes the look.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Maly: When this weekend is over with, maybe we can take more. Thanks for taking pics=) I appreciate it.

    Nkaonou: I would agree that a little shorter is better and about the 00P, I am not sure since there wasn't one on sale so I couldn't try it. My guess would be that it'd be a little tight in the hips.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love seeing posts with a face! Keep 'em coming! =)

    That dress is really cute. I remember Jean at Extra Petite mentioning it a while ago. Too bad the waist is a little big. You could get it taken in, or try wearing a waist belt and see if that helps rein in that extra fabric.

    ReplyDelete
  6. @ Alterations Needed: I had to go back to see what Jean said about it. I wonder if she'll make a post about it soon! I will try a belt first and then attempt to take it to the tailor. I've become so picky about fit upon reading all of the petite blogger sites!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I think Hanna (?) mentioned that it looked pregnant on her too! It must be due to the draping of the fabric, making it bunch. I really do like the length and the fit on you otherwise!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hello! How are you? Thank you for your comment! Feels good to be back to blogging, but I have so much to catch up on haha. I love your blog, you are definitely rocking these outits!

    ReplyDelete
  9. $24.50? Ahh and I thoguht I got an "OK" deal! I received my dress last week and made a video on it...I found the same issues as you! I wish there as a 00P in your store for you to try on. I think it would fit much better on you. I'm about to return mine (so bummed out, with a sunken cost of $7.50 for shipping) but am considering getting it tailored. I will link to your pics for reference on a 0P!

    And I love these pics. I don't think white background is boring at all - it really shows the dress details and fit.

    ReplyDelete
  10. You are so pretty! I tried the 0P and had the exact same issue. I looked exactly like a black stick of gum. How does it look with a belt? Good deal so I agree that it's worth "fixing" :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. I loved the feel of this dress too, but sadly the fit was all wrong. I was initially glad that this dress works for somebody! But too bad you're having the tummy pooch problem too. And more face pics please... it'd be a pity to hide such a pretty face! :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Diane the dress looks cuuute on you!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I like pictures with the face!

    ReplyDelete
  14. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Very pretty dress and it fits you nicely. I think it looks more flattering on a curvy petite like you. They really have to fix that middle section of the dress, it is not attractive at all. Face pics would be great, you are lovely :)

    ReplyDelete
  16. I tried on that dress too and had the same issues, it's too bad because I really liked the material. I wanna see more photos with your face in it, it just makes it easier to understand the whole look when you can see your face. Plus, you're so pretty, why hide? =)

    ReplyDelete
  17. I vote for photos WITH your face...you're so cute! I agree that a dress with a more fitted mid-section would look more flattering. For that price, I'd consider getting a quote from a tailor before returning. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  18. Diane, you're looking GREAT and I'm so glad to see you doing outfit posts! Definitely post photos with your face, it's so much more personal and you have a very pretty one!

    Keep going at this girl, you're doing wonderfully!

    Jen

    ReplyDelete
  19. love the shoulder ruffle. this dress looks gorgeous on you.

    -PK

    ReplyDelete
  20. I love that dress on you! It's not too long or too short, it fits perfectly! Great blog!

    diaryofashortgirl.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. You're so pretty! I see no reason to hide that lovely face. And omg, I am SO GLAD to find someone with very similar measurements to me! I'm definitely going to be following your blog. =)

    ReplyDelete
  22. You look adorable in that sheet dress. I haven't been at the Loft in a long time but I do love Ann Taylor's petites because they fit me so well.

    ReplyDelete
  23. i love seeing all your work outfits you make boring business look so pretty and cute!

    i'm hosting a gold birdcage bangle giveaway! please come and check it out :)

    www.lisalovescoco.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  24. great dress pick at such a great price!!

    Just Better Together
    come check out my giveaway

    ReplyDelete
  25. WITH face! You are so cute! and p.s. I replied back on my blog but just in case you missed it...Just ran upstairs to get my makeup bag!! So my everyday bobbi essentials are 1) hydrating eye cream 2) tinted moisturizer in medium (although I did switch to Laura Mercier when I'm looking for a little more coverage) 3) peach corrector for the under eye area 4) pressed powder in sunny beige 5) bronzer in golden light 6) a swipe of blush in tawny (super natural!) 7) and black gel eyeliner and mascara of course! Sounds like a lot but it looks very natural :)

    ReplyDelete
  26. awww i'm loving that dress. You can never go wrong with a black dress :)

    ReplyDelete
  27. Your face is too gorgeous to leave out! The dress is super cute on you but, I agree, a belt will do wonders.

    ReplyDelete
  28. You look great D! More outfit photos with your pretty face please :)

    ReplyDelete
  29. Hello! It's a very elegant outfit! I just love your blog.

    Kisses and hugs from Brazil :)

    http://dailycatwalk.blogspot.com

    If you follow me, I'll follow you back.

    xoxox

    ReplyDelete
  30. LOL Thanks! Yeay for asian skin!

    Wow nice dress! Classy and sophisticated. I would love to wear that to work or a formal evening because of the modest length. I can't believe it was only $24.50!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Wow! Can't believe that dress was so cheap!

    ReplyDelete
  32. How is the pregnancy coming? Hope you are staying comfortable these last few weeks. Pretty soon, you'll have your little one to dote upon! :) I just learned there's another curvypetite blog on wordpress - have you seen it?

    ReplyDelete