I wanted to share this with you before the small sizes sell out. I originally bought this at full price but then returned it and re-ordered for the buy 1, get 1 free sale Forever 21 is having through Labor Day weekend. It also comes in a light gray color but I am afraid the color will be too light and see-through. I love the twist design and fits really nicely. It's very sexy so I will either layer with a cardigan/blazer or wear it for date night. The length is perfect for someone my height.

I also ordered the bold floral print sheath dress as part of the BOGO sale so I ended up getting my surplice dress for free! I suspect the floral sheath will require some slimming but I'm okay with that :) I had a couple of other dresses in my cart and they all sold out immediately in my size.

Blouse: H&M {old} - size 2 (similar HERE and HERE)

Skirt: Club Monaco - size 00 (buy HERE)

Pearls: Loft {old} (similar HERE)

Purse: Chanel 

Shoes: Talbots in praline - size 5 (similar HERE and HERE)

Here are a couple of outfits that I wore to work this week. I have been stalking this big dot circle skirt for months and miraculously one popped up in a 00P recently. This post is a bit random so I apologize in advance:) It's a compilation of fitting room items, OOTD's (outfit of the day) and Banana Republic's Friends and Family sale.

Icon Trench in wool/cashmere - size 00P

COLOR: The color I have here is called heather acorn. It's available in a navy and cabernet (gorgeous burgundy). I love the heather acorn. It's neutral and classic.

PRICE: $345 - It's very expensive and I am hoping for a sale soon. I don't think I could spend this much on a coat. I have two lady day coats from last year that should tie me over for now. Do I really need this coat or do I just want it 

Shoulder to shoulder = 14"

Sleeves = 23 3/4"

Waist = 16" 

Total length = 36"

Here is a comparison photo to show you the wool cashmere in 00P is a bit longer in length and about 1" shorter in the sleeves compared to the 00 regular.  All in all, both fit pretty similar in size except the sleeves. 

From left to right: Sandra printed tie-neck blouse , Blush nude envelope clutch, Rosette peplum dress

I apologize for the back to back Ann Taylor review posts but wanted to get them up before small sizes sell out:)

** Today only- get free shipping on full price purchases when you use your AT card. Use this code for 25% off one full price item: ANNWELCOME8 ** (works with the free ship promo)

These fit amazing in every area. The problem I have with pants is there is always a waist gap and the length is always too long. These hug me and are so comfortable. I will see if the butt stretches out after wearing it for a full day (will keep you posted and update with measurements later).

I am always in search for great pencil skirts and this one is great except it's not lined. The length is nice for work and comes in a vast array of colors to choose from. It does fit looser than the AT ponte skirts. (will have measurements later)

If anyone has the deep verdue (yellow/mustard) color in a 00P, please let me know if you change your mind. I have been stalking the website and still hasn't come back in stock:

I just ordered both colors of this lace pencil skirt since I have been having great luck lately with Ann Taylor. My burgundy lace F21 skirt is such low quality and I am afraid it won't stand the test of time.

I was too lazy to take pics of my Canvas platform wedges and Cork platform wedges in natural but both run very small. This is great news for ladies that typically cannot fit the size 5 AT pumps. 
What are your thoughts on all of these items?

It has been so incredibly hot in CA that I don't know how much more of the heat I can take.  I was so excited about my H&M pencil dresses that I took them out for  spin yesterday (in 110 degree weather). I wanted to pair it with a blazer to show you both ways but it was way too hot.

They fit 1/2 size smaller than Ann Taylor and very similar to J.Crew shoes. You may want to order 2 sizes to see which fit better as long as they are not final sale. Hope this helps!

***UPDATE***

Here a few random things I found yesterday that I think is worth sharing. 
Nordstrom Rack contrast blouse - $34.95 (see here for tag info)

Banana Republic Factory blouse {style# 220540} - size XXSP (on sale for $38 from $54.99) See it here tucked in skirt. The fit is really nice and is a great dupe to the J.Crew blythe blouse  except it's polyester. The sides are slim and require no alterations which is a huge plus. I think it's still expensive for a poly blouse but I did purchase it.

The famous BR factory tweed belted sheath dress is back in stores! I saw this when I was in the Midwest but was too lazy to tweet about it but wanted to share in case anyone missed out last year.

Ann Taylor factory - size 00P {style #: 285566}
I must have been in a rush and not thinking when I bought this because I realized I have a similar skirt but in a jersey material from the regular AT.  The fit is nice but slightly roomy in the waist. The navy crochet lace dress  just like the cream version last year is on major clearance for $35. I couldn't help but take the 00P hanging on the rack home.

Zara skull and chain blouse - $49.95
Here are some online orders that I recently got:

Zara kids blazer - size 11/12
The fit is boxy and wide like I expected so will be returning.

J.Crew maritime-stripe blazer in navy - size XXS
I originally wanted the dragonfly blue but at the time I placed my order, it was sold out so I settled for this one. Low and behold, it popped back up and I was able to snatch it. I'll probably keep the navy/white since it will get more wear. I've been searching for a striped blazer ever since I sold my LOFT one last year.

Pleated polka dot skirt- size 00
The waist is really big- will be returning.

J.Crew Sydney patent sandals in neon azalea - size 5
I originally was stalking the bronzed clay (blush/nude) color but of course it was not available. I decided I needed a pair of pink shoes in my life and for $50, I thought this was a great deal for leather Italian sandals. J.Crew shoes run about 1/2 size smaller than Ann Taylor pumps which means the size 5's fit me perfectly!

And yes I am already wearing my red H&M blazer (same as yellow version) I was searching all over for. I found two extra blazers in size 2 yesterday, both were claimed for but now someone backed out so it's available if anyone is interested.
Have a happy rest of your Sunday! : )