I need help deciding which to keep and return! I was really hoping to snag the rosemist (online exclusive color) but they were all out of the 00P when I placed my order. But maybe that’s a good thing since I have so many pinks in my closet. Let’s start off with this petite shell with necktie and pintucks top:
Likes: I love the fact that the material is 100% silk. The color river rock is super pretty and neutral which will go with a lot in my wardrobe. The necktie and pintuck detailing is adorable. I love that it’s ultra conservative which is perfect for work but it has a sexy flare to it.
Dislikes: The armholes are slightly too big so you doubt I would wear w/out a cardigan or blazer. For someone smaller than me, you have have to get it slimmed. Silk is gorgeous but extremely hard to care for and you have to be super careful when wearing it. You can see this shell on Kelly, Elle and Jean.
Likes: The fit is perfect! It’s a very similar fit to my favorite Loft v-neck long cardigan. The material is really nice and soft. You can clearly tell it’s Ann Taylor high quality.
Dislikes: The color is a bright color but not neon bright. It’s different for Spring and Summer but is it too bright? The price tag is a bit steep even after the 40% discount. One of my favorite beauty bloggers- Becky from Everyday makeup bought this cardi too and I can’t wait to see it on her!
Likes: I love love love the color (chalk). This is exactly what I have been looking for. I have a Bebe skirt in this color but it’s too big and don’t want to invest the money altering it. Anyone who knows me knows I love pencil skirts.
Dislikes: The fit is not perfect by any means. The waist is still too big but can be held up okay with a belt. Measures 12 3/4″ laying flat. The hem needs to come up (20 3/4″ long) at least 1-1.5″ and it possibly needs slimming. So does all the alterations plus the steep price tag warrant me keeping it? Jean tried this on in the fitting room- see her post here. Undecided….
So what are your thoughts? I definitely am keeping the necktie shell. But undecided on the skirt but I do love the color and think it will be perfect once it’s properly tailored. As far as the cardigan, I love how different the color is and it actually looks pretty good with this outfit (un-planned).
Please share your thoughts with me! Keep or return any of the above?
I think the shell is adorable, albeit not as adorable as the petal and ruffle shells in your other posts. I personally wouldn't keep it because of the armhole issue; big armholes bug me to no end and make me feel self conscious. It also looks slightly big/saggy.
The cardigan is bright and cheerful – I love it! I definitely don't think it's too bright but I guess it depends more on your comfortability factor and how comfortable you feel pairing it with other items in your closet. I, for one, couldn't pull this off… I don't have enough experience with colours, let alone bright ones. Banana Republic had quite the assortment of bright coloured cardis when I stopped by yesterday; have you checked those out?
The skirt is a gorgeous color but you're right, the fit is big and boxy. Although the colour is the perfect shade you've been looking for, I think you can find a great colour AND fit.
The cardi looks much more muted on AT's site, so I'm surprised to see it's such a bright yellow. But, I think because you're darker, the yellow looks amazing against your tan. I say keeper for this 🙂
Why would you rather alter the AT skirt and not the bebe skirt? If the bebe skirt is nonreturnable, I would alter that and return the AT one. (I'm assuming the color is the same and the type of alterations is similar too).
If you end up not keeping 3 items, do you still get the 40% off promo?
I really like the colour of the skirt and I'm sure with some alterations it will fit you perfectly. You wear skirts a lot for work so I think if it's something you've been looking for then I think you should keep it. The cardigan is bright, but I like bright! I think it will be nice for Spring and Summer. As for the blouse, I'm not sure if I'm loving the fit on you – something about it is off for me. I much prefer your previous LOFT purchases better.
Just like Elaine, I like the color of the skirt. I remember your Bebe skirt and they are very similar. This one looks a bit boxy but not too bad. The shell is adorable but I am also not a fan. I don't love the cardigan. The bright yellow color seems a bit off. I would prefer the mustard color. If you're going to keep one. I vote for the skirt.
I like the shell the best…the skirt is a pretty color and quite versatile but I do have to ask like Cee, why not just alter the bebe?….The cardigan I like with your skin tone (obviously not paired with the olive shell 😉 ….but it will look very nice with summer colors for sure!
lol I am about to be a bad influence but I would urge you to keep the skirt and the top! I am not a fan of the yellow cardigan but the other two items look great on you!
p.s. you can return items and the 40% off would still apply. I returned two of the four tops I got and had no problem. 🙂
The shirt is too cute! I didn't think that color would be my favorite (river rock…) but it looks great with your skin tone! I think the skirt is very classic, but it might be possible to find something similar for cheaper? I'm not a fan of the color of the cardigan. It looks too bright. If you were returning any of them I'd say the cardigan.
I love the shell. Yes, I love the river rock color on you. I would have totally bought this top if it wasn't 100% silk and dry clean only. 🙂 Skirt obviously needs alteration. I'm not so sure about the cardigan. I think the color might be a little weird since you are pairing it with a more natural color – river rock. I don't love it with this outfit, but I'm not totally ruling it out.
Love the cardi. Definitely not too bright or too yellow. The shell is pretty, but I agree with Aubrey that if the armholes are too big, you may feel self conscious and that is NO BUENO. The skirt is pretty, too, but pencil skirts are a dime a dozen, so if the price was steep and alterations are required, you might look elsewhere. Moms Have Style, Too!
i definitely love the skirt and top combo! very sophisticated!
and i really do enjoy the cardigan! it's spring time now! or about to be, at least. bright colors are so in! i love this whole outfit put together.
but at the same time…as far as the skirt goes, do you think it is worth keeping, especially if you need to do so many alterations to it? or do you think you can find it for a better price somewhere else?
I don't like the cardigan on you.this canary color dooesn't illuminate your skin tone.Yellow would be nice on you but not this tone.An oranger one like jean-extra petite wears toaday or a lighter yellow would be appropriates.
If alterations for the skirt are too expensive then returning it mights be better!!
I love the shell on you,it's a very vintage and classic style!!If the silk is not a good quality it will be hard to take care of it but if it's a good one it would be ok.i wash my silk items by hand.
Hi Annie! You look beautiful as always! But I'm not too crazy about the color of the cardigan. I agree with previous comments about altering the Bebe skirt you already have and possibly returning this one. As far as the top, it is very pretty…but not as pretty and flattering as other ones you have. How does it look under a blazer?
i love the shell!! the color is beautiful and i love the necktie detailing. as for the cardigan, if you're ok with the bright color then i say keep it! not everyone's comfortable wearing such brights so definitely see how you'd feel about it. but the fit is great and it can be tucked into pencil skirts too!
as for the pencil skirt, i love the color but think it does look a little boxy on you. if you're ok with having alterations done, i say keep it. personally i would keep it but i just have such a hard time finding good white pencil skirts that are opaque enough that I don't feel self-conscious.
I say keep everything in your first ensemble! However if the skirt is too big I say pass it up and try to find a better fitting one – they're out there!
I love the yellow cardi! It is so perfect for spring! But of course you know I love bright colors 🙂 I think you have the perfect skin tone to pull it off!
I agree with you that the skirt will look great with some alterations! My favorite is definitely the taupey shell, I really think it can be a staple in your wardrobe.
Shell: did you pin the armholes? It doesn't look like it's gaping at all. Judging from the pics, I'd keep it.
Cardi: bright yellow is supposed to be the colour of the season. You prob could mix it with other things in your closet throughout spring and summer. Keep.
Skirt: prob easier to find a better fitting skirt. Not worth all the alterations if just a cotton blend. Return.
I've been following your blog for a couple of weeks (from Europe), but this is my first comment. I like the color of the shell but the fit is not good, especially around your waist… The skirt could be very pretty after alteration. I think your're right with the cardi, the colour does not compliment your skin tone. Overall, none of the clothes are WOWs, you definately have much prettier items in your wardrobe!
I actually love the yellow cardigan with the silk blouse! You should keep both of those and the BB skirt. As for the chalk pencil skirt, I would agree with others about it maybe not being worth the alterations as you will likely be able to find another one that fits right off the rack. As usual, Annie – you are a vision of classic sophistication!
I think the shell is adorable, albeit not as adorable as the petal and ruffle shells in your other posts. I personally wouldn't keep it because of the armhole issue; big armholes bug me to no end and make me feel self conscious. It also looks slightly big/saggy.
The cardigan is bright and cheerful – I love it! I definitely don't think it's too bright but I guess it depends more on your comfortability factor and how comfortable you feel pairing it with other items in your closet. I, for one, couldn't pull this off… I don't have enough experience with colours, let alone bright ones. Banana Republic had quite the assortment of bright coloured cardis when I stopped by yesterday; have you checked those out?
The skirt is a gorgeous color but you're right, the fit is big and boxy. Although the colour is the perfect shade you've been looking for, I think you can find a great colour AND fit.
The cardi looks much more muted on AT's site, so I'm surprised to see it's such a bright yellow. But, I think because you're darker, the yellow looks amazing against your tan. I say keeper for this 🙂
Why would you rather alter the AT skirt and not the bebe skirt? If the bebe skirt is nonreturnable, I would alter that and return the AT one. (I'm assuming the color is the same and the type of alterations is similar too).
If you end up not keeping 3 items, do you still get the 40% off promo?
I really like the colour of the skirt and I'm sure with some alterations it will fit you perfectly. You wear skirts a lot for work so I think if it's something you've been looking for then I think you should keep it.
The cardigan is bright, but I like bright! I think it will be nice for Spring and Summer.
As for the blouse, I'm not sure if I'm loving the fit on you – something about it is off for me. I much prefer your previous LOFT purchases better.
Just like Elaine, I like the color of the skirt. I remember your Bebe skirt and they are very similar. This one looks a bit boxy but not too bad. The shell is adorable but I am also not a fan. I don't love the cardigan. The bright yellow color seems a bit off. I would prefer the mustard color. If you're going to keep one. I vote for the skirt.
Really pretty! The shell is playful and pretty for work 🙂 I really like them!
I love the skirt paired with that top. They're gorgeous on you! I dislike the cardigan simply because it is too yellow.
xx The Little Dust Princess
I like the shell the best…the skirt is a pretty color and quite versatile but I do have to ask like Cee, why not just alter the bebe?….The cardigan I like with your skin tone (obviously not paired with the olive shell 😉 ….but it will look very nice with summer colors for sure!
my favorite is the necktie blouse. and like cee and callandra said, why not alter the bebe skirt? i would return the cardi.
lol I am about to be a bad influence but I would urge you to keep the skirt and the top! I am not a fan of the yellow cardigan but the other two items look great on you!
p.s. you can return items and the 40% off would still apply. I returned two of the four tops I got and had no problem. 🙂
Definite favorite is the blouse and the color is just gorgeous!
I say return the skirt if it requires alterations since you already have a Bebe skirt in the same color.
I feel torn on the yellow cardi. I think you always look gorgeous in bright colors but this might be a little too bright?
I am absolutely loving the outfit Particularly the ruffle shirt…
The shirt is too cute! I didn't think that color would be my favorite (river rock…) but it looks great with your skin tone!
I think the skirt is very classic, but it might be possible to find something similar for cheaper?
I'm not a fan of the color of the cardigan. It looks too bright. If you were returning any of them I'd say the cardigan.
I love the shell. Yes, I love the river rock color on you. I would have totally bought this top if it wasn't 100% silk and dry clean only. 🙂 Skirt obviously needs alteration. I'm not so sure about the cardigan. I think the color might be a little weird since you are pairing it with a more natural color – river rock. I don't love it with this outfit, but I'm not totally ruling it out.
I love the cardi and the shell – great buys. The color combination of the two is so unexpected but very pretty.
I think the skirt could work, but it sounds like it would need a decent amount of tailoring. Not sure if it's worth it.
Love the cardi. Definitely not too bright or too yellow. The shell is pretty, but I agree with Aubrey that if the armholes are too big, you may feel self conscious and that is NO BUENO. The skirt is pretty, too, but pencil skirts are a dime a dozen, so if the price was steep and alterations are required, you might look elsewhere.
Moms Have Style, Too!
i definitely love the skirt and top combo! very sophisticated!
and i really do enjoy the cardigan! it's spring time now! or about to be, at least. bright colors are so in! i love this whole outfit put together.
but at the same time…as far as the skirt goes, do you think it is worth keeping, especially if you need to do so many alterations to it? or do you think you can find it for a better price somewhere else?
I don't like the cardigan on you.this canary color dooesn't illuminate your skin tone.Yellow would be nice on you but not this tone.An oranger one like jean-extra petite wears toaday or a lighter yellow would be appropriates.
If alterations for the skirt are too expensive then returning it mights be better!!
I love the shell on you,it's a very vintage and classic style!!If the silk is not a good quality it will be hard to take care of it but if it's a good one it would be ok.i wash my silk items by hand.
Hi Annie! You look beautiful as always! But I'm not too crazy about the color of the cardigan. I agree with previous comments about altering the Bebe skirt you already have and possibly returning this one. As far as the top, it is very pretty…but not as pretty and flattering as other ones you have. How does it look under a blazer?
everything is a keeper except for skirt. Try to buy things that fit instead of having to keep altering it.
i love the shell!! the color is beautiful and i love the necktie detailing. as for the cardigan, if you're ok with the bright color then i say keep it! not everyone's comfortable wearing such brights so definitely see how you'd feel about it. but the fit is great and it can be tucked into pencil skirts too!
as for the pencil skirt, i love the color but think it does look a little boxy on you. if you're ok with having alterations done, i say keep it. personally i would keep it but i just have such a hard time finding good white pencil skirts that are opaque enough that I don't feel self-conscious.
cute and little
LOVE the shell, its so versitle and you can wear it with so many things. xoxo jcd :: cornflake dreams
Just discovered your blog and I love it!!!!!!!!!!!! Love your style also!!!!
I say keep everything in your first ensemble! However if the skirt is too big I say pass it up and try to find a better fitting one – they're out there!
I love the yellow cardi! It is so perfect for spring! But of course you know I love bright colors 🙂 I think you have the perfect skin tone to pull it off!
I agree with you that the skirt will look great with some alterations! My favorite is definitely the taupey shell, I really think it can be a staple in your wardrobe.
Shell: did you pin the armholes? It doesn't look like it's gaping at all. Judging from the pics, I'd keep it.
Cardi: bright yellow is supposed to be the colour of the season. You prob could mix it with other things in your closet throughout spring and summer. Keep.
Skirt: prob easier to find a better fitting skirt. Not worth all the alterations if just a cotton blend. Return.
I've been following your blog for a couple of weeks (from Europe), but this is my first comment.
I like the color of the shell but the fit is not good, especially around your waist…
The skirt could be very pretty after alteration.
I think your're right with the cardi, the colour does not compliment your skin tone.
Overall, none of the clothes are WOWs, you definately have much prettier items in your wardrobe!
As soon as you added the cardigan, I was hooked! You always look so classy and chic!
http://work-it-blog.blogspot.com/
I actually love the yellow cardigan with the silk blouse! You should keep both of those and the BB skirt. As for the chalk pencil skirt, I would agree with others about it maybe not being worth the alterations as you will likely be able to find another one that fits right off the rack. As usual, Annie – you are a vision of classic sophistication!