More Disappointments: Ann Taylor LOFT

November 18, 2009

Speaking of Ann Taylor LOFT…here are some things to pass on during their Friends and Family sale. 

First of all, I have a weird thing for tie-neck details on shirts. I think it started with a Lucky Magazine cover where Milla Jovovich wears a silky purple tie-neck top under a tweed menswear vest. I liked it so much that I’ve been searching for the perfect one ever since.

Last year, I was obsessed with this one by Diane von Furstenberg, but the proportions of the size 0 wasn’t right for little ol’ me. The tie-neck details were perfect, but the bust darts and waist detail was too low…it would need some major tailoring to bring it up from the shoulders, which I’m not sure would even be possible. I waited for it to go on sale to justify high tailoring costs…and wouldn’t you know it, my size was all sold out in nanoseconds. I still think about that top sometimes…it makes me sad.

So you’ll see a theme in some of my recent purchases. Every time I see a tie-neck top in a small petite size, I have to buy it, hoping it will fill the tie-neck blouse shaped hole in my closet. Like this one from Ann Taylor (read the post), and now this one from Ann Taylor LOFT:

Here it is on me:

Unfortunately, this top is too big and flouncy. On the model, the tie-neck detail looks small, soft and drapey. On me, it was big, stiff and unruly. Not to mention, notice how the shoulder hangs off me, while it sits perfectly on the model, which makes my shoulders look smaller than they are. The width of the top is also too large for me, and would need to be taken in. This top is 100% polyester, so I’m not interested in investing money in the form of alterations costs into this garment. Still no tie-neck blouse for me…oh well.

I liked the color of this sweater, and have had pretty good luck with the size Petite XXS, so I threw this sweater into my order to get free shipping ($125 minimum):

And on me:

Look at how shapeless it is on me! Awful!

It’s ok though, because I got this one from Banana Republic (size Petite XXS) that fits way better. Take that LOFT, and your sadly shapeless, overly large sweaters!

Maybe some day I’ll find the perfect tie-neck top…*sigh*

Related Posts:
Success! Some Tiny Petite Finds at Banana Republic
Ann Taylor…You Did Me Wrong This Time Around

Tagged as: , ,

  • Jess

    Have you ever tried Ann Taylor regular size 00? The petite size 00 is just a tad big on the waist but fits pretty well everywhere else- the only problem is the legs are too short for me! I'm wondering if the regular size 00 would be a close fit with longer pant legs?

  • Emily

    I have such a hard time finding 00 petite in our LOFT store…and I love that tie neck top, but had the same problem. Several things they have now look really cute, but are too big and boxy on me!

  • caini

    Sometimes I find xxs sizes here, but it always tends to look I'm totally shapeless. As a matter of a fact, most of my clothes make me look I'm shapeless, not a 25 year woman! it makes me look even younger and makes me frustrated. It seems for me that they design clothing in XXS sizes expecting a short but heavy and "curvy" woman, not slim one. It's funny, my mom always complains saying that the clothes are all for slim people and I always complain, saying the desgin clothes for fat women.

    Oh I've had my obssessions but I've always had to keep in my dreams as it is simple impossible to make me clothing dreams come true. This year I started dreaming about a tieneck top too, so I decided to make one myself. I started making it and it turned out to nice!!! :)I was so proud of myself! but it's still in my box of unfinished stuff because lately I haven't had time to finish anything I've started… :/
    If I happen to find a tie-neck top that fits in me when I'm there I'll be the happiest woman in the world! hehe

  • Jennifer

    I think the blouse looks better on you than the model! Also the sweater is more of a relaxed/Boyfriend fit than the one from BR. Which happens to be the trend now. I would've kept both!

  • Alterations Needed

    Hi Jess,

    I've never tried the regular size 00, but if you look at their size chart, the hip measurement is 1 inch larger, and the waist measurement is 1/2 an inch larger than the petite sizes. They would probably need to be taken in on you, but at least you'd have the extra length!

  • Sara

    In the past I have had good luck at LOFT, but I am becoming increasing disenchanted w/ them for two reasons:

    1) I walked into my local LOFT store and noticed that had moved the petite section. At first I wondered, "why?" Then as I browsed the new section, I realized why: They had decided to reduce size of their petite section.

    2) Their new website has problems with the size filters. If you try to filter by petite XXS, some items will come up that are no longer available in XXS.

    To Emily: I have noticed that you can usually find more XXS and 00 if you go to a LOFT store that is located in a low-income area. Just an observation.

  • Anonymous

    I have to agree with Jennifer: You look adorable in those tops! I do agree that the tops on the model seem to be a less generous fit, however, the bow detail between the two pictures is tied differently and so it appears to be "larger" on you. The model's tie is looser thus appearing more draped. Try not tying the bow so taught and letting it drape while the ties curl in. The cardigan fits you exactly as it does the model. By the way… did u keep either item? just curious!

  • Alterations Needed

    Nope, I didn't keep either of these items. I really like fitted sweaters, so the sweater was out right away. The top was pretty stiff, which I didn't like, and the tie-neck detail was unruly! I just didn't get that epiphany of "oh! I like this!" when I put it on…so I sent it back to the store.

  • Emily

    I have such a hard time finding 00 petite in our LOFT store…and I love that tie neck top, but had the same problem. Several things they have now look really cute, but are too big and boxy on me!

  • Jess

    Have you ever tried Ann Taylor regular size 00? The petite size 00 is just a tad big on the waist but fits pretty well everywhere else- the only problem is the legs are too short for me! I'm wondering if the regular size 00 would be a close fit with longer pant legs?

  • Keck_l

    Its Loft. Their clothes are very boxy. Im
    5’10 and size 4/6. Forget buying blouses…so big in the waist area. Regular AT is better.

Previous post:

Next post: