Friday, April 29, 2011

Help: To Tailor or Not To Tailor?

Now that Ann Taylor carries 00P and XXSP's in-store, I was finally able to try some stuff on. I had a bunch of things but only liked three out of like 10 things I tried on. For some reason, I was compelled to buy this complete suit. There was just something about it, the texture maybe or who knows if I just got suckered in by the 40% off sale. Let me know if you think this is alterations worthy:
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Top: Ann Taylor Ruffle Shell (factory)- size XXSP
Skirt: Ann Taylor Textured Pencil Skirt- Size 00P (buy here)
Jacket: Ann Taylor Cotton Blend w/Hidden Placket Blazer- size 00P (buy here)
Belt: Ann Taylor Porcini Belt- size XS (similar here)
Shoes: Aldo Patent Taupe Pumps- size 5 (buy here)
I've been wanting a white/cream skirt suit for the longest time. Since my Theory Gratian Ivory suit was un-successful... I've been on the hunt.  I found one linen skirt suit set  at the Ann Taylor factory but it was about the same price as this one! I decided to pass because it seemed to wrinkle really easily. 
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The jacket at first glance on the hanger looked like an "old lady" blazer..almost borderline senior citizen? Maybe it's the hidden placket style or the 3 buttons-not really sure.  But when I tried it on, it felt like it sort of fit (minus the sleeves). I would wear it unbuttoned which I think will look much better and less "old". I typically wouldn't even grab it to try on but since I found the matching skirt, I figured why not. 
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I love the texture of this suit. It's different and the Ecru color is really pretty. So I would have to tailor the skirt hem, possibly the sides, and the blazer sleeves. The waist is big but I think I can get away with it wearing a belt.  I am torn. I do love the color, texture and length of the jacket so I am leaning towards yes to tailoring? I know I would get a lot of use out of the skirt since I can mix and match. This could potentially be a super cute suit once it's tailored!
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Blouse: LOFT boyfriend hidden placket- size XXSP (AT's version here)
Ann Taylor Yvonne Tweed Skirt- size 00P (buy here)
Belt: Ann Taylor Perfect Patent Belt- size XS (similar here)
Shoes: Christian Louboutin Simple 100's- size 35/5 (buy here)
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Here is another item I found during the 40% off sale. I tried on 9 different skirts and only this one I fell in love with.  Ann Taylor skirts have never fit me right. The waist and hips are always too big which means more money on alterations. Not that I need ANOTHER tweed skirt but this one just felt so right when I tried it on! I like that it's very light weight which means maybe I can get away with wearing it year round. It could be a little more fitted and I am considering taking up the hem....but the 00P isn't as big as all the other skirts.  I got it for about $41 after discounts. Not bad considering some of my H & M pencil skirts are $34.95. It's fully lined and the quality is amazing.

So please share your thoughts with me. Is the first suit worth tailoring? And do I need to take up the hem on the tweed skirt?