The Before and The Ugly

Before I start getting mean, I have to admit how much I hate shopping for suits. I don't like how I look in them and how masculine it makes me feel. If it wasn't for an important work function I have to go to soon, I wouldn't even think of getting a suit. I wasn't going to post these pics, but if anyone else is curious about how Ann Taylor suits fit, here they are for you.

Ann Taylor Triacetate Stretch One-Button Long Jacket. Size 00P.
What I like: the jacket is well made, it is lined and the material feels like the tropical wool material.
What I don't like: The fit is too big all around & not flattering at all. The length is too long for someone my height and I have a long torso too! They call it the Long Jacket for a reason...haha! I feel like I'm playing dress up in my mom's clothes. I honestly would equate this 00P to a size 6 at H&M.
Verdict: This is one is a definite return!

Ann Taylor Triacetate Ruffle Jacket. Size 00P. No longer available online, but if you're interested the Style # is 260413.
What I like: I do like the ruffles rather than the normal collar/label which makes it look more feminine (big plus in my book!). I do like the length of the jacket.
What I don't like: The sleeves are a tad too long and the jacket is too wide and roomy.
Verdict: I'm keeping and taking this to alterations to get it slimmed and to have the sleeves shortened.

Ann Taylor Triacetate Stretch Skirt. Size 00P.
What I like: I like the material and how the skirt drapes. It is lined and feels/looks well made.
What I don't like: The length is too long and the waist is too big.
Verdict: I'm keeping and taking this to alterations to get the waist slimmed and to shorten the length.

You guys are probably wondering why I'm keeping and not looking for better? Well, I really don't have time to look and don't want to look. Shopping for a suit is as fun as shopping for toilet paper. So it'd be easier just to take it to alterations, pray they will do a good job and call it a day.

BTW when I saw the word "stretch" in the description, I thought maybe it'd fit more snug. The material does not feel stretchy at all. Too bad I can't throw it in the dryer and make it shrink. LOL!

Post-alterations pics to follow in the near future...

It must be good lighting...

I started a new skin regimen lately and I'm not sure which product it is, but I'm loving the results. I did a post here about Perricone MD High Potency Eye Lift. I love that so much that I decided to give the Perricone MD High Potency Evening Repair a try. I have only been using it for a week, but I feel like the results are amazing! My skin looks more radiant, smooth and so much more hydrated. My foundation goes on so much smoother and just looks better. I'm also using a new foundation per Jean's recommendation. I tried her MAKE UP FOR EVER Duo Mat Powder Foundation when I was in Boston and just love the coverage it provides. My skin also tends to get oily throughout the day and this kept me looking pretty matte which I love. When I found out through Ms. AubreyOhDang! that the Clarisonic Mia had a price cut, I finally gave in and bought one myself. I now look forward to washing my face at night and in the morning. LOL!
My skin is also unedited in all the photos.

Outfit details:
FP Dress. Old.
Ann Taylor Double-Ribbed Trim Cardigan. Size XXSP. Color lime leaf. I love this cardigan and how versatile it is. I have worn it once to work and once here during the weekend.
Rocha pumps from Nine West. Size 5. Runs a 1/2 size too big. I normally wear a 5.5.
Alexis Bittar 'Miss Havisham' Crystal Necklace. (similar here)
See by Chloe bag. I totally have forgotten about this and glad I found it. I wore it to the mall today and some girl came up to me and asked me about it. (similar here)

Gap 30% Off Your Purchase Makes Me Shop

I had no intentions of shopping, but saw the promo and couldn't resist the 30% off. Picked up both the Sleeveless colorblock bell dress & black Sleeveless bell dress in 0P. With the discount, each dress came out to be $48 (original price $69). What a steal right?!

Promo Code: GAPFALL
Expires: 10/12 Sunday

Since my credit card was already out, my naughty fingers couldn't resist and scrolled over to the Piperlime page. I needed new nude pumps and these Pressely Michael by MK fit the bill and had good reviews. The heel height is 3.5", not too high and looks comfy enough to walk around in. I might as well give these a try before they run of my size 5.5! And just and FYI, the gap promo will not apply to these shoes.

Photo Booth!

Wearing Above: Pin-Up Lashes c/o Benefit Cosmetics
It's so dramatic and great for parties -- love it! It's a layers of brown lashes and black lashes combined which is pretty much the same concept of wearing 2 strips of lashes together.
Be sure to check out Benefit's post featuring all their lashes.

BR 40% off Today from 12-4pm (Online Only)

I just wanted to do a quick post about the BR 40% off sale this afternoon. Elle from FF&FF asked me about this necklace (see above) when I wore in this post. If anyone else is interested, you can get it at BR with the 40% discount. I have gotten so many compliments on it and I wear it with everything. I wished I had a better picture & promise it looks much better in person.

My other picks are: Petite Lace Trim Jacket (love the soft feminine color) & black petite Gemma Wrap dress (I've always wanted a wrap dress, but don't have one!)

Use code: BRTUES40

Ann Taylor: A Very Successful Round 2

Saddened by my last Ann Taylor order from this post, I decided to place another order. I'm much more happy with the 2nd round of stuff. I purchase all these items with a 40% discount as well.

Ann Taylor Lace Detailed Stretch Silk Shell. Size 00P.
I really really wanted to like this top and keep it but, unfortunately the fit around the bust area just doesn't look right. It's hard to tell in the pics, but the darts on the bust is placed very low. You can tell the bust area looks messy and just off. If it wasn't for that issue, this shell would be a keeper. It's absolutely beautiful and I love that it's made of silk.

I had an anonymous reader ask me about the pumps I wore from the last AT post. They are the Rocha pumps from Nine West and I am wearing it here (in pic above and below). My normal size is a size 5.5, but I had to go down to a 5.

Ann Taylor Drape Neck Button Front Blouse. 00P.
I love everything about this blouse and I swear it looks even better in person. The sleeves are perfect and not too long at it. It's blouse-y, but not excessively blouse-y in a big way. It looks great tucked in or not. The drape scarf/collar is detachment so you can wear it with or without it. I think it's look either way you wear it. I'm definitely keeping this and see myself wearing it with lots of outfits.

Ann Taylor Double-Ribbed Trim Cardigan. Size XXSP. Color lime leaf.
I am in love with this cardigan. The color is so pretty and not too bright. The fit is pretty perfect, I can't find anything really to complain about. It also feels really soft and cozy. It's a great sweater for the fall to keep you warm because it's neither too thin or too thick. Looks great buttoned or no buttoned.

Ann Taylor Doubleweave Stretch Wool Pencil Skirt. Size 00P.
I like this skirt a lot and I'm indecisive about keeping or returning it so your input would be helpful.
This is a nice quality skirt with lining inside. It's very comfortable to wear and the is appropriate for the office. I wished it was a tad slimmer on the sides. There is a slight waist gap, but nothing terrible. Overall, I think the skirt looks pretty nice. I'm undecided if I want to keep it due to the waist gap. What do you ladies think: return it, alter it or wear it as is?

Ann Taylor: Petite Striped Sweater, Flounce Back Skirt & Print Dress

I purchased these items with the 40% discount. Today is the last day to take advantage. I just checked the site and it looks like they have more new stuff.

Ann Taylor Striped Cafe Crewneck Sweater. Size XXSP.
The sweater is a combo of cotton, rayon & polyester blend. The sweater is a little thinner than I have hoped. The metallic part of the sweater itches my skin a bit. I like the fit and the length of the sweater. It's a good basic sweater, but nothing special. I'm leaning towards return because the sweater makes me itch.


Ann Taylor Flounce Back Skirt. Size 00P.
I had such high hopes for this skirt. Unfortunately you can see that it doesn't fit me at all. I think it suppose to sit higher on the waist, but it kept falling down. The skirt is also is unlined and has an elastic waist band which makes it feel very unfinished/cheap. I'm definitely returning.

Ann Taylor Melded Shell Print Dress. 00P.
The dress has a nice print and I like the sleeve length. It's hard to tell in pics, but the torso area was a tad loose. The material feels thin and cheap like a cotton t-shirt with spandex. I'm returning this as well.

I have another order coming in from Ann Taylor. I'm crossing my fingers for better success!