This is a compensated review by BlogHer and Loft.
I have been a fan of the Loft store for quite some time. But as the recession hit, extra money to go shopping disappeared. So when the ladies at BlogHer and the Loft asked me to take part in a review, I jumped at the chance to check out the newest styles and update my wardrobe.
It got even better as I was paired up with the fabulous, Haley, a professional stylist who helped me pick out clothes that maximized my assets to look "hot"! I also got to meet one of the Loft's Sales Associates, who knew everything about the store and what was in stock. She knew it all and even loaned me her "spare pair of heels" to make sure my looks were perfect.
We were tasked with creating three looks within the store. As I remembered, the store was airy, bumping with hip beats and the associates were eager to help. I appreciated that the sales ladies were all different sizes and ages. It put me immediately at ease since I consider myself a "big" girl and wasn't quite sure if I'd find clothes that fit. In so many stores, sizes 12 and up are limited, making shopping even more challenging. When I gotta battle five ladies for the one size 14 dress, it is NO fun.
For 45 minutes I got the inside skinny on The Loft and all it had to offer. I asked Haley a ton of questions and had a ball. A few tips I picked up:
1.) Doesn't matter what size you are - jewelry always fits! This season you can layer necklaces and thick, bold metal bracelets are in.
2.) Pairing chunky sweaters with skinny jeans or slimmer cut pants are key.
3.) Tshirts with a lil' sparkle can inexpensively dress up any outfit day or night.
4.) When choosing evening attire - try big color or great details. Don't go overboard with both as they can be distracting. You'll look more like a "don't than a do"
We came up with three looks (Hey, don't make fun of the lack of makeup and stylish hair. LOL!):
1.) Casual Day Time Attire: Curvy Boot Leg Jeans ($59.50), textured Shawl Cardigan ($89.50) and a black Cascading Ruffle Top Shell ($49.50).
I slipped these jeans on and they fit PERFECT. Seriously, that NEVER happens to me. They are snug in the right places, have a little stretch and are a great dark wash. The sweater is super cozy and the top can go with not only jeans but slacks and skirts. Like the necklace kinda "sparkly rocker!"
I am ready to hit the PTA meeting, have a casual lunch date or go shopping.
2.) Work to Happy Hour Attire: Black Jewel Neck Tee ($49.00), Blue Shirred V-Neck Cardigan ($49.50) and black Flannel skirt ($39.50).
When I meet with clients, I want to look casual professional, yet creative. I was drawn to the fine details on this blouse and paired it with the cardigan. The flannel skirt was my favorite. I would not normally pick out what I thought was a "Short" skirt on the rack, but seeing it on changed my tune. It has two pockets, perfect for hiding business cards when I am out "networking". Throw up my hair, jewelry, lipstick and sexy heels and I am ready to have drinks.
3.) Holiday Dress up Attire: Shimmer Dress with Petal Trim ($98.00)
It took us exactly 5 seconds to find this dress and know that it would be perfect. It is gonna look awesome with boots or with heels. I love the sexy feel of the fabric and the empire wait helping me look slimmer and taller. Now who can't use a little of that magic?Overall, I found shopping at the Loft super fun. What is not to love really, when there are nice sales associates, good music, snacks to provide sustenance and a stylist ready to help. But on a regular day, it would be easy to expect that you can find clothes that are easy to mix and match with things you already have. You can find something for a special occasion and can find stuff to just hang out in- my kinda store.
YOU CAN HAVE A NEW LOOK TOO! Leave a comment below and tell me which of my new looks you like best. With a tight budget I can't buy them all, so would love to know which one do you think is a MUST have!
The winner will receive a $200 gift card to LOFT! They have some great sales going on - so that little card can go pretty far.
You can also go to the BlogHer roundup page and check out 14 other stories -so you have 15 chances to win!
Coupon Code: You can get 20% off your purchase by using this coupon!
Entry Details:
To enter, leave me a comment below and tell me which LOFT look you liked best from above. The contest will begin at 12/10/2009 and will end 12/25/2009. Make sure that the e-mail address you leave is correct.
Rules:
No duplicate comments.
You may receive an additional entry by linking on twitter and leaving a link in the comments.
You may receive an additional entry by blogging about this contest and leaving a link in the comments.
This giveaway is open to US Residents aged 18 and older
Winners will be selected via random draw, and will notified by e-mail.
You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
Please see the official rules here.
Love the second look...so cute!
Posted by: Barbara | 12/10/2009 at 12:05 PM
The purple dress is my favorite, so pretty!!
Posted by: Mandy | 12/10/2009 at 12:12 PM
Holiday dress up!!!
Posted by: Sarah P | 12/10/2009 at 12:26 PM
Holiday dress up is a great color and cut on you!
Posted by: Amanda | 12/10/2009 at 12:31 PM
I like the work to happy hour. Adorable!
Posted by: Angela | 12/10/2009 at 12:32 PM
Ooh, I would have to say work to happy hour! I love the dress and think the sweater is adorable, too. Looks like fun!
Christina
christinambw@gmail.com
Posted by: Christina | 12/10/2009 at 12:40 PM
Love the dress up look! The color is great on you!
Posted by: Cory | 12/10/2009 at 12:49 PM
Oh, definitely the Holiday dress up!
Posted by: JennaG | 12/10/2009 at 01:12 PM
Love outfit #3! That shimmer dress looks great on you.
Posted by: isaacsmommy | 12/10/2009 at 01:18 PM
love the holiday dress up attire
Posted by: rachel e | 12/10/2009 at 01:21 PM
I love the holiday dress-up attire!
kstabler@cbizmmp.com
Posted by: Kristen | 12/10/2009 at 01:28 PM
I love the holiday pink/purple dress!!!
Posted by: Tara | 12/10/2009 at 01:41 PM
The party dress.. the color looks beautiful on you!
Posted by: Annetta | 12/10/2009 at 01:55 PM
Holiday dress up is my favorite. so cute and love the color! :)
Posted by: brandi | 12/10/2009 at 01:59 PM
Love the holiday dress!
Posted by: Mary | 12/10/2009 at 02:14 PM
Absolutely LOVE that Work to Happy Hour Attire for your. Very professional yet very sassy! I love how one outfit can get you from latte to cocktails.
Posted by: MicroBlogginMom | 12/10/2009 at 03:25 PM
i like the casual holiday!! very stylish yet it looked really comfy too!
katelin
katelin.demel@yahoo.com
Posted by: katelin | 12/10/2009 at 03:38 PM
Ok so I'm torn- the navy blue sweater looks great on you, but so does that pink dress. Ok, if I have to choose, I'd say the work to happy hour look, but only because I have to choose!
Posted by: Alana | 12/10/2009 at 04:51 PM
I like the casual day time look. It is something that I would wear.
You look great!
Posted by: Annette D | 12/10/2009 at 05:05 PM
Holiday Dress up Attire! so cute.
Posted by: Mrs. Money | 12/10/2009 at 05:31 PM
The dress look so great on you-can't pass on the perfect dress. That is too hard to find.
Posted by: Linda V | 12/10/2009 at 06:17 PM
I love the Work to Happy Hour Attire look! :)
Posted by: Mindy | 12/10/2009 at 06:34 PM
I love the casual look in number one but since you have a gift card go with the dress in #3. So cute.
I love the jeans at Loft and will buy more for sure. They fit so nicely and I have a hard time finding a good fit in jeans (thinner legs, thicker midsection, no butt! ;))
Posted by: Laurie | 12/10/2009 at 06:41 PM
I love the dress in outfit number three! It's such a great color for you!
Posted by: Rachel H. | 12/10/2009 at 07:46 PM
Look #3!! Yes, I know, not something you would probably wear everyday, but everyone needs a great party dress!!
Posted by: Kelsey Kim | 12/10/2009 at 08:09 PM