As promised, here’s what I picked up during the LOFT F&F sale, starting with my favorite:
Petite Suiting Pencil Skirt in size P00:
I really like this skirt, and I think after a few alterations, it would be perfect.
What I like: The details! The front pockets are really cute, and I really like the pleat in the back. It’s based on these extra details that I’m thinking about getting this skirt altered. Without those details, it would just be another pencil skirt. The extras really make the skirt interesting, and make me want to add it to my wardrobe. Especially since I suspect my other pocketed skirt is too small for me (Too small for me? That’s something I don’t come across everyday.). Oh yeah, and it’s fully lined.
What I don’t like: It’s a rayon blend, which isn’t a bad thing, but I would really prefer wool. It actually looks exactly like wool, so maybe I’m just being too picky? The length needs to be taken up a bit, and probably tapered a bit at the end.
As for alterations, I’m thinking about getting it hemmed to mid knee, and then tapered at the bottom (especially since getting it hemmed will just make the bottom wider). I was thinking about getting the waistband taken in so it sits higher on my waist, but I’m not sure if it would be flattering on my short torso’d body type. What do you ladies think? Is the waistband placement flattering on me?
More after the jump.
Petite Silk Skirt in size P00:
This silk skirt has me on the fence.
What I like: I love silk, so it gets major points for that. The silk fabric feels really soft, like it’s brushed silk or something, and it’s fully lined. The ruffle detail is really cute, and it has pockets! I love pockets.
What I don’t like: The cut of this skirt has the ability to make me look bottom heavy at certain angles. Maybe it’s the color, since lighter colors tend to look wider, but either way, I was a little self conscious of that when I was trying it on.
I think I will be passing on this one, especially since I have a Phillip Lim skirt that looks almost exactly like it that I bought last year.
Petite Dobby Military Jacket in size P00:
When will I learn about AT and LOFT jackets? I just keep trying, and each time, it’s the same thing. Wide and shapeless…yikes! I think the photo speaks for itself. I’ll be passing on this one.
In answer to PetiteAsianGirl’s question about the Ann Taylor top’s tuckability from my last post…see this photo here. It tucks nicely, but because the silk is so smooth, so also slips out pretty easily. I’m so fidgety, I would probably be shoving the top back into my skirt all day.
Great review! The skirt definitely looks like it has potential. On someone my size it probably wouldn't even need alterations. I think it would look nice on you if it sat 2 inches higher closer to your natural waist.
The silk skirt is pretty and indeed very reminiscent of your other skirt. I think it looks nice with a blouse tucked in, and again – sitting higher on the waist. That way the poof you see will be moved up to the hip area and make the bottom look less heavy. And that jacket…sigh. I wish they would slim down their sleeves and just nip in the sides! The length looks great on you, though.
Thanks for the tucked in pic. Lately I've found myself in need of an accessory reminiscent of a garter belt clip, so that I can attach tucked in tops to my undies or something. Does something that exist? I currently just tuck into undies, but its not so comfortable plus tops still tend to come out.
I agree with PAG that the skirts would probably look much better if they sit closer to your natural waist… That's a problem I have with most skirts actually… even when it "fits", the hip pouf still sits low at my thighs and make mes look dumpy and bottom heavy. I think being short-waisted is a good thing because it makes your legs look longer!
I wish LOFT would make more fitted jackets too… actually recently picked up a LOFT jacket that has rusching at the waist which makes it more fitted that any other LOFT jacket I've tried on. Maybe I'll post a picture on of these days!
The suiting pencil skirt looks great on you, AN! I agree with you on AT's and LOFT jackets. I actually don't own any jackets from them because I haven't find one that flatters my body after years of searching. I tried on couple when I was inside the factory store couple weeks ago: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yebNoXwNURs/S9EVVxSvfsI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/EEwiwsmA83w/s1600/April+018.jpg
and
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yebNoXwNURs/S9EU_bBeoJI/AAAAAAAAAFA/j-T_LE1Kgak/s1600/April+016.jpg
shapeless and very unflattering!
I think the waist alteration on the skirt would be good, especially if you don't want to hem it much above the knee. The longer the skirt, the more important the high waist, in my opinion. I think that proportion makes every petite look leggier.
I also have a short torso and although I like the "legginess" of it, I don't like to look out of proportion. I think the first skirt could come up slightly, maybe an inch, but I typically like my skirts to fit a little lower as it seems to give me some curves in the hip area. But maybe I'm just not being trendy enough???
I bought the same pencil skirt, and I liked it but I ultimately returned it because I thought the pockets created an unflattering line on me – if you take in the waist so it sits higher, the pockets will sit higher and might have the same effect – right now the pockets are at your hips so it's not an issue, but if they sit at the lower tummy I think they tend to create a pooch.
Just food for thought…
Darn….I love the look of the dobby jacket on the hanger but I agree it is too wide. I had my fingers crossed you were going to come with a reason for me to give it a second chance but, sadly mine is going back too….sigh. Thanks for your review!
sassyjib
Thanks ladies! I just got home from work and tried different waist heights with the pencil skirt. I think it can sit just below my natural waist, and look really nice. Tailor…here I come!
PAG – Try mitten clips!
http://www.amazon.com/Mitten-Clips-Dont-Lose-Mittens/dp/B0030CRKT4/ref=pd_sim_misc_1
You can even buy the tiny clips at most fabric stores, and sew some elastic between them yourself. I've seen the same idea used to clip skinny jeans under the heel of your foot, to keep them tucked into boots!
Petite Suiting Pencil Skirt in size P00:
Proportion and silhouette is perfection. Fit: I would slim the skirt so it follows the line of the body. Most of petite ladies require higher waist and shorter length but you are exception since your legs are going on for miles. Extremely pleasing aesthetics.
Omg – fantastic. Thank you! I will be ordering now.
Higher waists seem to be what is most stylish right now. But sometimes the high waists make me self conscious because I am so high waisted to begin with, and they make my small torso look even smaller.
That skirt has a really nice shape, and I think it will look gorgeous on you after a bit of tailoring!
I really like the gray pencil skirt and I can't wait to see it once you get it altered! Please make sure to post after its all done!! I agree- the length definitely needs to come up. I agree w/the other ladies- it would look fantastic if it was at your natural waist! Great reviews!!! :)
I'm always interested in what makes us petites look taller (and for me slimmer) and found your pictures really interesting. In the first one you look really tall with flattering curves. Love the length on you, very mature and sexy. In the second one it looks as though the skirt has some extra width just at the hips, which along with the top which is a little too long with this ensemble, creates the illusion of a long waist and pair shape. The jacket just does not have enough shaping in the waist area to be flattering on a petite frame, like you I keep trying but cannot make this look succeed on me either. Love your blogs, very educational, please keep it up.
I'm always interested in what makes us petites look taller (and for me slimmer) and found your pictures really interesting. In the first one you look really tall with flattering curves. Love the length on you, very mature and sexy. In the second one it looks as though the skirt has some extra width just at the hips, which along with the top which is a little too long with this ensemble, creates the illusion of a long waist and pair shape. The jacket just does not have enough shaping in the waist area to be flattering on a petite frame, like you I keep trying but cannot make this look succeed on me either. Love your blogs, very educational, please keep it up.
I really like the gray pencil skirt and I can't wait to see it once you get it altered! Please make sure to post after its all done!! I agree- the length definitely needs to come up. I agree w/the other ladies- it would look fantastic if it was at your natural waist! Great reviews!!! :)