Wednesday, February 22, 2012

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 or I am selling mine if anyone is interested)
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?