Review: Ann Taylor Greenhouse Ponte Skirt, Blue Lapis Sheath Dress, Parallel Dot Tucked Dress, Neon Belts

ATGreenhouse1
Greenhouse Ponte Seamed Skirt – size 00P
Jacket: Loft – size XXSP (buy here)
Shoes: Christian Louboutin – size 35 ( buy here)
Measurements: waist = 12″ laying flat across, hips = 16″, total length = 17 1/4″
Material: 72% rayon, 23% nylon, 5% spandex – Dry clean only

I was so happy when I put this skirt on and realized it ran smaller than both my cobalt blue skirt  and chili pepper mini. Both of these skirts have a 13″ waist and is loose on me.  The green fits perfectly.
Ponteskirts.jpg
Likes: The fit is really nice on someone my size. The other skirts that are similar usually slide around my entire body because of the 1″ difference in the waist.  The ponte material is soft and great for traveling.  I can see me bringing this with me for my upcoming travels.  It has a hidden back with snap closure for a seamless fit. I much prefer back zippers to side zippers.  It’s easier and cheaper on alterations and it just looks better.
Dislikes: The only downside I could find was that the skirt is unlined (so is my cobalt blue skirt).  It would be perfect if they threw in some lining.
Verdict: Keeping
AnnTaylorBlueLapis1
Measurements: shoulders = 12″, armpit to armpit = 14″, waist = 13 3/4″, hips = 16 3/4″, total length = 33 3/4″
Material: 100% polyester
Likes:  I had really high hopes for this dress and was hoping to replace my unlined Banana Republic blue dress.  The color is very rich and gorgeous- exactly what I expected from the pictures online. I really liked the simplicity and streamlined silhouette.  It’s a great work dress to wear alone or with a cardigan/ blazer.  This is a very similar material to the green and cobalt blue ponte skirt

Dislikes: It’s quite big and loose on me. I think it would look great on someone 1 size up from me.  I figured that I would be able to fill out the chest area and make it work but it’s not very flattering on me. The waist area is huge.  The entire dress is unlined. Does it really save that much money to skimp on the lining? The price is steep for a polyester dress that is unlined.
Verdict: Return
AnnTaylorParallelDress1
Parallel Dot Tucked Dress – size XXSP
Shoes: Christian Louboutin – size 35 (buy here)
Measurements: shoulder = 11.5″, armpit = 13″, waist un-stretched is 11″, hips = 15.5″, total length = 34″
Material: 96% polyester and 4% spandex – machine washable
Likes: The dress fits nicely and is very slimming. Armholes are nice and small.  The polka-dot motif is adorable and my favorite part is the tucked/pleated neck detail.  The waist is shirred and the fabric is a jersey stretchy fabric. The dress is fully lined.  There are no zippers or hooks which is nice so you don’t have to twist your arm trying to zip up the back.  I like the fact that you don’t have to worry about wrinkles throughout the day- major plus.

Dislikes: The color is supposed to be dark navy but I swear it’s black. I wish it was more of a true navy color. 
Verdict: Undecided (possibly keeping) After taking photos, I am keeping!
AnnTaylorParallelDress2
Perfect Patent Neon belt in shocking pink- size XS
I also got the neon blue lapis and am keeping both.  I love Ann Taylor belts.  The XS’s usually fit without having to punch extra holes. My belt rack looks like the Ann Taylor belt section. My collection has grown quite large. They are nice quality leather belts that fit- you can’t go wrong.  I can usually score them for around $16-$21 with coupons and promotions.

What are your thoughts on the items I am keeping?

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Leave a comment!

  1. That skirt is gorgeous! Is the color more of a lime green like in the picture comparing the waistlines or more true to the first picture with you wearing the skirt?

  2. The fit of the blue dress is definitely disappointing… I finally made it in store to try it on and the waist is disproportionately huge. The polka dot is gorgeous though – I didn't even notice it until you reviewed it. That might be my next purchase… thanks for the review!

  3. That ponte skirt is incredibly adorable, love the colour and the seaming. And that polka dot dress looks killer on you…totally covers but also totally sexy.

    <3 cambria
    jupefashion.blogspot.com

  4. May I ask how much you got the green skirt for? Seems like the full price is a bit steep for an unlined skirt… but it's SO cute! πŸ™‚

  5. The sweater cardigan you're wearing with the green skirt looks a bit too tight. It gives you a dumpling top look from the back (and I know you're are faaar from pudgy!). I think you should size up on it.

  6. I tried one size up and the shoulders and everything did not fit. I think it's the way I am posing or the pictures because it doesn't look like that IRL : )

  7. The green skirt is lovely. Great color, and the fact that it won't twist around your waist and need readjusting all day (I hate that!) makes it a keeper. The blue dress is a definite return… the fit makes it frumpy-dumpy. I LOVE the fit of the black polka-dot dress. That is a definite keeper as well.

  8. I am so in love with that polka dot dress on you……it's perfect!! I didn't see that one, I'm going to have to check it out.

  9. Thanks a lot for your review. I am the same size as you..you just convinced me to order the blue dress!

  10. So jealous that you got the green skirt. Looking fabulous, Annie!
    Have you seen a similar blue sheath dress in Loft? Doesn't come in petite sizes, but I saw an SA wearing it in regular size. Just gorgeous. I don't even see the dress online. I'm a bit turned off by the fact that Loft is carrying limited supplies in store and online, and some items are online only and some are in store only. Very annoying.
    Oh love the new neon belts you got. I have to pick a few up when the next sale arrives. πŸ™‚

  11. The dotted dress is sooooo gorgeous on you – glad you're keeping! Also love the color of the green mini and am wondering how it'd look with cobalt.

  12. My favorite is the polka dot dress. You looked so classy! The fit seem perfect on you, too. I would wear it with a larger belt due to the details around the waist.

  13. The polka dot dress on you is just so stunning! It reminds me of that show Pan Am!

    The blue one seems not worth it for the high price and being unlined like you said. The green skirt looks nice on you, reminds me of your pink one. I wonder, what do you think of the pants that are coming out this Spring in this green? For instance, J Crew has a pair. I like the idea of green on a skirt but am worried about too much greenness in a pant. What do you think?

    A Preponderance of Fashion

  14. The polka dots dress is very flaterring on you, it seems to fit and hugs your curves nicely. Gotta love the green skirt.

  15. I'm not a big fan of pants and think maybe green pants may be a bit much but that's just me. Some people love colored pants/denim but I don't get it…lol

  16. Thanks for your candid response. I recently bought 2 pairs of colored pants from J Crew but they had the green pair displayed everywhere and I felt like the only one put off by it πŸ™‚ I'm sticking clear from the green but I did pick up 1 pink and 1 fluorescent red pair for easy preppy color-blocking πŸ˜€

    xoxo

  17. I'm glad you're keeping the polka dot dress. It's too pretty! And omg Ann Taylor Ponte skirts are the most comfy ever! I own one in black and gosh, you just reminded me that I haven't worn it in forever lol

  18. That polka dot dress looks AMAZING on you. I'm working on having more looks that are covered up but sexy like that dress looks on you. That way it can go day to night without a hitch. Sigh.

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