I haven't shopped at LOFT for a while because I'm slightly sized out of their dresses, skirts, and pants. However, I did score 4 of their awesome long cardigans a while back which fit great. Working with what I have, this was the best I could do for "festive":
Dress: J.Crew paisley dress as seen here, sz 0P altered
Cardigan: LOFT V-neck long cardigan sz XXSP
Skirt: Sweet Velvet Petites Grace Pencil Skirt sz XS, pinned back
Pumps: Ann Taylor Perfect Pumps sz 5
I love the thought of layering a dress under a skirt to make it more versatile. However, the ensemble I have here just doesn't work. My dress is empire-waisted and the skirt is low-rise. Ideally you'd need a fitted dress that tucks in nicely, and a naturally high-waisted skirt. To be attempted again in the future...
I have a full review planned for this Sweet Velvet petites skirt later, where I will touch more on fit and quality. I wanted to mention now that they are having 40% off their entire online store until December 31st, 2010, with code CHRISTMAS. Kelly and I both tried on the Audrey Dress a while back, which fits very tiny in sz XS.
*Disclosure: This skirt was gifted to me by Sweet Velvet Inc.
Hard to see from here that the dress is empire-waist b/c when I saw it on Tara's blog, it was not obvious. I really like the rich, jewel-tone skirt combined with those shoes.
ReplyDeleteDo you plan on altering the skirt or returning?
love your ouffit posts ^^
ReplyDeleteyou look amazing in anything!
happy early christmas XD
I really like the skirt (in desperate need of a red one that is more fitted) but I prefer higher-waisted skirts so I recently ordered one from AT in 00p. If that one doesn't work out I'll definitely order this one from SV since I love skirts with pockets. I really like your J. Crew dress everytime you wear it - it's surprisingly versatile! :)
ReplyDeleteYou look amazing! It's the skirt that drew me in, and I love how nice it looks on your waist. Too bad you had to clip it behind you :/ Oh, and the long cardigan is superb! I just LOVE the olive color on you!
ReplyDeleteit's an xs and you still have to cinch it? girl you are one tiny lady! haha But I love the color on you!
ReplyDeleteGreat holiday outfit, the J.Crew dress pulls the whole look together and makes it so chic! You always have such classic looks and it's a shame that the Sweet Velvet skirt is a low rise skirt because the color is so vibrant!
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays! =)
Thanks for the shout out! I wouldn't have known you weren't happy with your outfit, it looks amazing in the pictures...and I'm wearing that same green cardi today :)
ReplyDeleteI was wondering how the skirt could be even higher-waisted, until I saw the clip in the back, hehe. The colors you paired together along with the paisley print is one gorgeous combo!
ReplyDeleteI love the burgundy and olive green color combo. I really like this skirt especially the color. I wish the cut is smaller. Do you know the measurement for the waist? I am a bit bigger than you so it might fit me. With 40% off, it costs only $36.00. I would love to try this skirt if the waist isn't so big
ReplyDeleteSadly LOFT has not been granting me my 15% off teacher discount on top of currrent promotions!! I have been meaning to email customer service again, because just a couple months ago my return email from customer service said that I should be receiving the discount. Lately, most LOFT associates in-store will not give me the 15% discount combined with the current promotion. I had to pry it out of one store once, showing them the email, but the sa said that was the only time she would grant it. :/ So confused!!
ReplyDelete@AubreyOhDang! Whoops, I forgot to add the disclosure..thanks for the reminder! I got this skirt from SV so I am not returning, and I'm hesitant to alter because then the pockets won't lie right. I've worn it already as-is...to be shown in a later post.
ReplyDelete@Elle Can't wait to see your AT skirt! I loved their red wool one but I don't want to shell out for necessary alterations again.
@PetiteLittleGirl Aw darn, I did take measurements but they're lost somewhere at home. If you tweet at or email sweet velvet I'm sure they'll respond to you w/ the measurements!
@Michelle oh dear! I remember reading about all your great LOFT deals with the teacher's discount on top so I threw that tidbit in. I'll edit it now...sounds like it really depends on who you get at the register! For 15% that's not combeinable with sales, its not a good deal at all considering all the discounts they have for regular customers. Hope you get that worked out with customer service!
I really like the color combination! So festive :) I think for a skirt like this it'd look better sitting on the natural waist line... unless its super short. nonetheless this is a gorgeous outfit!
ReplyDeletethe skirt is such a pretty colour. love the subtle christmas palette going on too
ReplyDeleteI love this ensemble on you and the colors are really perfect together! i agree that the skirt is a bit big on you but it will look perfect once altered!
ReplyDeletecuteandlittle.com
Great idea of wearing a dress under a skirt as a top! I never would have thought of that. Too bad it didn't work for this outfit. Love the dress though!
ReplyDeleteI have never thought of wearing a skirt over a dress before! Maybe I'll give that a try some time! :)
ReplyDeletewow so pretty.. in a very professional way. Great idea with the skirt =) Merry Xmas!
ReplyDeleteI love your outfit !! ^_^
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas, Jean! =D
@Michelle: I tried getting the 40% off sale + the $25 off $50 savings card + 15% off teacher's discount. DENIED!!!! DENIED!!! DENIED!!! haha. I guess I was trying to be too greedy. I also noticed they were not allowing 15% off on top of other discounts. Really not cool. Please update us once you have it solved w/LOFT's customer service.
ReplyDeleteThe skirt looks super cute (after clipping)! I've never had the guts to wear a bright bottom, unless it'a a white or beige color.
ReplyDeleteQuick question - I was wondering what the circumference of the thickest part of your arms are? A while back, I tried on two different LOFT cardigans (size XXSP) and I could barely fit my arms through the sleeves! The cardigans fit amazing everywhere else, so I wasn't sure if I should size up, since the cardigan fit well in the shoulders. Thank you!
I agree with kileen - love the subtle take on the Christmas palette (burgundy and olive with an "ornamental" top as opposed to fire-engine red and holly green). I like the proportions too but understand that they only work as long as the skirt is clipped. Bummer!!!
ReplyDeleteDid you consider how the ensemble might look with boots (cognac? gray?) rather than heels?
What a wonderful concept to layer a dress under a skirt! I'm so glad you posted the savings code for sweet velvet petite's. After seeing your picture on Tara's post I rushed over to their site figuring if the skirt was slightly big on you it might fit me perfectly. The price was a bit off-putting since I've never tried any of their clothes and I'm insane about paying for shipping. You look beautiful here as always and the color mix is divine. Merry Christmas!!
ReplyDeleteSkirts usually run about 1 inch extra on petite waist.
ReplyDeleteI really love that J. Crew paisley dress and love it even more that it can be versatile enough to be worn layered under a skirt! You're going to have me searching for paisley fabric now :)
ReplyDeleteMerry belated Christmas Jean! I love that cardigan on you - and you rocked the paisley print so well!!!!
ReplyDeleteLOL I think I have that clip you are using to clip your skirt at home. Excpet mine is blue and has a magnet on the backside and is currently holding a bag of cheetos up on my fridge.
I am absolutely freaked about getting makeup on my spirit hood - but the fur is kind of two-toned so it helps mask any type of powder that might go astray. :) Also, it is dry clean-able so at least I know there is that option too. :)
I love pencil skirts and this one looks fabulous, you've convinced me to get it. The CHRISTMAS code isn't working though, I emailed the site about it, but plmk if you know anything about this. Thanks girl!
ReplyDeletethe colors you're wearing are darling!! beautiful shades girl!
ReplyDeletehope you had a merry christmas!!
Janine - same to you sweetie...happy holidays and best wishes in the new year!
ReplyDeleteCallandra - yes the price is much more feasible with the 40% off! Let me know if you decided to get it with the discount. I think the XS would definitely sit higher on your waist but I'm unsure of how the angled side pockets would lie.
Sunny - Hi! As soon as I saw your comment I sent her an email as well. I hope the problem is fixed and let me know how the skirt fits on you! Be sure to wash it in your sink before wearing as noted on the website for this item.
Taromelon - aha, finally got to reading these comments and I'm glad we discussed this in person : ) I don't havea measuring tape on me but yes I have less "muscular" arms than you, but check out Vicky's Daily Fashion. She did complain on some sweaters that the arms are too narrow but since they are sweaters, the sleeves stretched out after a few wears.