***Anita, hopefully you will read this- I am so sorry I didn’t see your comment and the porcini belt is already sold BUT I have the perfect skinny lizard belt in pumice stone in XS avail (regular store and genuine leather). Megz– I have an extra BR gray dress in 00P for you- please email me for details:) ***
Oh boy, I really went overboard this past weekend! I am still recovering from yesterday. I don’t even know where to start, there is so much to share! Let’s start with Banana Republic factory.
I was elated when I spotted the gray version of the famous BR tweed dress in 00P hanging there waiting for me to buy it. I didn’t even try it on because it’s exactly the same dress as the tweed so I knew it only needed the hem to be taken up. I don’t know why it looks like there is a sheen to the fabric in the picture but it’s a very pretty gray in person. I will be taking up the hem on this dress for sure.
I also found this navy blue dress with a cute ruffle front detail but they didn’t have 00P so I ended up calling to place an order from a different store. Here is what the 0P looks like so just imagine it more fitted. The material is not all that great, but I love these type of dresses and I can see myself wearing a blazer or cardi over it with a belt. Let me know if anyone needs the tag. Shipping is $5 from outlet to your home- not bad considering outlets are usually far away. I was able to get it for $40 (60% off).
I also tried on this tweed skirt suit but the skirt was a bit big and the jacket wasn’t cheap enough for me to pull the trigger but it fit really nicely. And it’s actually super cute (better in person). I’ll wait for a bigger sale and hope I can track down a 00P.
Next up is LOFT factory. I found this super cute red velvet blazer in 00P on major clearance. I have nothing like it in my wardrobe so I figured, what the heck. I’ll make it work somehow. I can always wear it as a jacket too. I picked up an extra one if anyone is interested for $25 plus exact ship.
I also scored some accessories that are NOT outlet quality. I found out that it actually shipped from a regular LOFT store this past weekend so I bought a ton of them (possibly for future giveaway) and also will have some up for grabs.
I am sure you all have heard the madness about the infamous Ann Taylor chiffon ruffle shell and the petal front ruffle shell when Jean tweeted about it on Saturday. I have been waiting for this since last year! When Kelly introduced the petal front shell, I was too late and only found the XSP in the same color but it was WAY too big so it got returned. I have been wanting this forever! So a HUGE thanks to Jean for letting us all know. I think every petite has picked this up via phone. I ordered every color (I got 6 colors except blk) immediately via phone except for black. And picked up the petal front shell in both winter white and pink. I happened to spot the black chiffon front ruffle tank at my local AT factory in an XXSP and was thrilled. It is super pretty in person so I bought that too. You can never have too many shells and it’s PERFECT for me because I wear blazers and cardigans everyday to work and always am in need of pretty shells to go underneath.
I also picked up these 3 belts in XS. The snakeskin is genuine leather, the purple and porcini are not BUT they do hold up really well and you can’t even tell they are not real leather. My gray one I got back in Winter has been holding up really nicely. I was so pumped when I saw the matching porcini belt that goes with my AT pumps so I couldn’t resist. These are the only belts that somewhat fit w/out having to punch holes.
On the way back from the outlet stores, I stopped at Ann Taylor regular store and found the “genuine” leather porcini patent skinny belt on sale for $12!!!! It’s a small but it actually is about the same size as the XS factory belt. (Kelly found this out too in her recent post). So now I have an extra porcini in XS if anyone is interested or else I will return it.
And I picked up this cute super TINY and petite friendly red/orangish blazer in size 2 at H & M. This color scares me because it’s so bold but the fit is so nice and it’s a cropped style which I love and is very petite friendly:) Look how nice the sleeves and everything fit..love it!
I scored a really nice leather wallet at Barney’s for $25 (I won’t bore you with pictures but it’s so soft and pretty) and hubby scored an Italian leather briefcase (reg. $1000) for $275. It actually came from the Barney’s store just 2 days ago. And he treated himself to 3 suits (Brioni- reg. $5000- on sale for $350) and 2 pairs of Italian shoes at Saks outlet.
Wow, you did great! My favorite is the gray dress in the first picture. I like it better than the tweed version and it is so flattering on you. Your blazers are also really cute, especially the raspberry velour – how great will that be around the holidays? They just look a bit odd paired with your casual, faded skinny jeans. I picture a pair of darker, boot cut jeans with heels to make you look a bit more refined.
What an amazing haul Annie you did sooo good!
Ok the dress is AMAZING! Yes just take up the hem and it will be perfect! I love the blazers that you got – the bright colours are so fun. That velvet blazer is gorgeous – I would take that off your hands but I think the 00P would be too small on me (I have one LOFT blazer in 0P).
Sounds like your hubby did really well too!
@AnonymousThank you! Yeah, for the sake of time, I didn't have time to really style any of these blazers, just wanted to quickly share my finds:) I agree, it would look better with dark boot cut jeans- which sadly I do not own…LOL
@curls-and-pearlsThank you! I do love my gray dress..LOL I am obsessed with sheath dresses:) And are you sure it would be too small for you?
Awsome Annie – you really cleaned up! I tried on the gray sheath dress too and fell so in love, but wasn't willing to pay $60.00 for it. I tried on the blue dress with the ruffle collar but the fit was strange (you know how outlet stores are) so I passed it up too. I actually have that Loft outlet jacket…fell in love last year and had to have them ship me a 00p from another store. I tried on that H&M jacket too, but the only color that had was a blush color and for the price of $60.00 I passed it up. (Don't know if I could have though in the color you got – gorgeousness!!)
Oh my gosh, where to start?!
Love the tweed sheath on you and loving the gray version too.
I love my ribbon twined with pearls necklace, so I'm happy you're able to score some from LOFT!
I like the red H&M blazer on you. Do keep it! I actually don't think you'll have trouble wearing it because you've worn bright pink before (last PFC challenge dress?).
My favorite is the BR dress. It looks lovely on you. Personally, I think it looks even better than your tweed one. All you need is a simple hem job. You've got so many great things past weekend. I didn't have a chance to shop at all. Too many things were going on for me. I am looking forward to see all your shells. 🙂
Looove the gray dress and the pearls! 🙂
The red velvet blazer looks almost dark pink! I really like the fit on you. My favorite out of the bunch is that bright orange H&M blazer with the black ruffles coming through! Heehee, I'm guilty of ordering the shell ruffle top and I definitely sized up on it since all of the tiny bloggers look like they fit nicely in the PXXS.
I'm loving the dress on you and the red blazer is bold, but definitely looks amazing on your body. I should snatch that up from my H&M too!
xx The Little Dust Princess
I love both those blazers. They are bold, but such nice silhouettes and will really make you stand out when you wear them.
Your haul was amazing! The gray BR dress looks so good on you. I'm very interested in taking a necklace and the porcini belt off your hands if possible!
I looove the ruffle dress soo much! It looks great! 🙂
I love both blazers…they will be so perfect to spice up an otherwise neutral outfit! Glad to hear your shopping trip was so successful 🙂
I live out my shopping addiction vicariously through you. I'm curious and interested to see what your closets must look like…it seems like you have an endless supply of clothes and an endless selection of outfits to wear. You got some awesome finds this weekend! =)
Can I just say how jealous I am of your shopping haul? Good move on getting the BR sheath dress. The fit, the belt, and especially the pockets make it so worth getting the dress in another material.
And thumbs up on H&M blazer. I understand what you mean about it being a bold color, but the cut and the material seem to be really good quality. I LOVE how you paired it with the black ruffle shell and jeans. It really makes for a great casual chic outfit!
Love the grey dress on you! I agree with others, I like it even better than the wool version – much more versatile. I'm going to an outlet in the Chicago area tomorrow and can't wait to hit up the BR outlet! Thanks for the reviews!
Great finds…both you and hubby!! I think the H&M jacket is great! Do not be scared of the color…it looks great on you!!
"Bore" us with the wallet picture! :p
Ooh shopping spree! I'm going to live vicariously through you 🙂 Such great finds – I really love that first gray dress on you!
Your first BR dress is gorgeous. It fits you like a glove and it looks luxurious. Great pick. It seems like you had a blast during this shopping trip 😉 Those belts are pretty too.
I'm so jealous- loving the grey tweed dress- if anyone sees another one PLEASE pick it up for me- Elle had no luck trying to hunt one down for me 🙁
That ruby blazer is gorgeous too 🙂
I love your haul!! Can I just say, that I love that you have added denim to your wardrobe?? They're flattering on you and look great paired with some of your workwear! 😀
P.S. I scored three pairs of jeans at Bloomie's…here's hoping they fit when they ship in.
Love your black pearls and red velvet blazer!!!
Fashion Panache – Perfect Patialas for Sale
I like the velvet blazer b/c I love jewel tones, but I don't love the H&M red/orange blazer. Why is the arm length cut so short like that? I have issues w/cropped arm or leg lengths to show wrists or ankles. how would one describe this even? instead of sleevesless, short sleeves, 3/4 sleeves, or long sleeves, would this be considered 5/6 sleeves?! No seriously. Can someone teach me what this type of sleeve is called so I can make sure to avoid it in the future?
Lovely dresses! I tried on the H&M in navy and loved the fit and material. I had to pass on it though because of the weird sleeve length. On me, it makes my hands look huge!
omg, so many great finds from the outlet!! i'm so sad i didn't get a chance to go. i was really looking forward to it all weekend. ah well, my wallet is probably better off for it. i love the AT ruffle blouses and the bold jackets look great on you!! i'm happy to see you expanding your color selections. you look beautiful in bright colors! and you're also super sweet for picking up extras for other petites out there! we love you, Annie!! 🙂
cute and little
@CallandraHow cool you have the Loft blazer too! CurlsPearls bought my extra one:) And the navy ruffle dress doesn't fit perfect- a bit loose but I love it..and got a great deal:)
@CeeHehehe YAY! I did score big time…love everything I got:) I hope I will be able to wear the HM blazer…color scares me..LOL
@PetiteLittleGirlReally? You think so? I love my tweed dress more..maybe because this one needs the hem taken up. I'll probably like both equally:) So excited for my shells! Been waiting forever for them!
@Karri Haen WhitmerThx Karri! The pearl necklaces – I have extra if you are interested:)
@BanhannasI'm surprised you sized up because you look tiny in your blog pics…yep- the blazer is a darkish pink red…didn't know how to describe it..LOL
@The Little Dust PrincessI'm nervous about the bright color of the blazer but the fit is amazing- you should pick it up!
@Ski PetiteI agree, they are bold and hopefully I can pair them up with my outfits:)
@AnitaOMG! I am so sorry- I didn't see this until now and the porcini belt is sold BUT I have the pumice stone belt from the regular AT avail in XS- just as nice and genuine leather if you are interested. And I have 3 diff necklaces, do you want them all? I have extras's in all 3 styles- all gorgeous! Email me at [email protected] 🙂
@AprilThx April! 🙂 I love the ruffle dress too! Just got my size today!
@TaraThanks Tara! 🙂 It was a bit too successful..LOL
@StylepintLOL!!! I have 4 closets but now hubby has taken over one so I am down to 3….LOL
@R.L. Thanks R.L! Your comments always make me smile:) And thx for the heads up on the AT shoe sale!!!
@Recovering ShopaholicI hope you find the dress:) Thanks for commenting!
@MichelleHehehe really? I didn't think anyone would care about my wallet- although it was a great find:) Maybe next post? LOL
@SewPetiteGalLOL You are too cute!!! Thanks for your support SPG! 🙂
@NelahIt's so nice having you back Nelah!!! Thanks so much:)
@MegzI have an extra one for you! Email me at [email protected] for details 🙂
@JThree pairs of jeans? OMG! What brand and size! I want to see!! LOL
@Mitr Friend – BhushavaliThanks so much! 🙂
@AubreyOhDang!LOL oh Aubrey- you crack me up..I actually like the sleeves! They are probably supposed to be 3/4 but I have short arms…hey- less tailoring costs for me 🙂
@CanadianpetiteYou and Aubrey don't like the sleeves but that's actually what I like- too funny:) I love that I don't have to spend money on tailoring them which is always a plus!
@kileenAwe..Kileen…*hugs* you are so sweet! Right back at ya babe!!!
Incredible deals, Annie. The ruffle shell looks so pretty on you! Now I'm extremely happy that I ordered. You know what I think the best deal is of your trip? Your hubby's loot. That is unbelievable.
The tweed skirt suit looks like something my mom wore in the 80s….oy vey! All you need is teased hair and you're good to go for a costume party – LOL
VERY EXCITED!!!!!! Have emailed you about the dress Annie! Thanks sooooooo much!