Shopping at the LOFT for Holiday Looks and Giveaway

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.

Comments

[Amanda]

Love the dress!

[Elle]

love that holiday dress up look!! so fab!

[Susan]

The Holiday dress is SO cute!

[Kendra]

I love the dress in outfit #3. It looks fabulous!!

[Teresa]

I love the dress for "holiday dress up attire" That color is stunning!

[Hayley]

Work to happy hour!!

[Laura]

love the 3rd look! what a great dress!!

[Anna M]

Holiday casual, and I love the bracelet too! Good choice :)

[Susan]

You look really pretty in the holiday dress up. Actually, you look lovely in all the outfits! Ann Taylor Loft is the only place I can shop for jeans. They have a curvy jean that fits my child-bearing hips quite nicely. hee hee.

[cindy]

If I were picking one of those for myself I would pick #1 but I love #3 on you the best! That's a great color on you!

[megan hughes]

I think look 3 is just stunning on you!!!

[kim yamaguchi]

Definitely look #3. The color is amazing on you!

mnkarbonne@gmail.com

[Susannah]

I definitely like the casual day time look the best. Cute!

[erin]

#3! i love that dress & have it myself!

[Susan]

The dress looks so nice on you. That would be my #1 pick, but I also like look #2.

[Megan]

It is a tie between looks #2 and #3. But the color of that dress is so fabulous. I guess I am leaning towards #3. Looks like the day was a lot of fun!

[Janet]

I looooove the dress with the petal trim! You look gorgeous!

[DG]

the third one because the fuchsia dress looks amazing on you! :)

[DG]

tweeted!

http://twitter.com/DeeGee13/status/6595044390

[DG]

blogged!

http://the-prestigiator.xanga.com/718122420/holiday-loft-contest-14/

[Jacquie]

I'm loving #2. Those shirred cardigans are my favorite... I have 2 of them... and they're on sale right now!

[eryn]

I choose the work to happy hour look. Love the color of the cardigan.

[Ashley C]

I love you in outfits #2 and 3....but #2 is my fav!

[Lauren]

I love the party dress! Such a beautiful color!

[Deirdre]

I choose look #3. the dress is really pretty on you.love the color.