#9
This outfit is coming at you (almost) exclusively from the Loft. I tell you what, I am a walking talking advertisement for that store.
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| Trouser pants, Button-up, Cardigan, and Necklace: all from The Loft, Belt: TJMaxx, Shoes: Thrifted |
A few years ago, my mom flew down here to the desert to spend some time with me and the family,(in other words, spoil my children for several uninterrupted days). During the visit we initiated a little shopping excursion to the local outdoor mall. During the outing, I began communicating to my mother (whining like a teenager) that I was sick and tired of shopping because I might take 20 items into a dressing room and maybe 1 would fit. Sure, if I went to preteen stores like Aeropostale I could find all kinds of skinny jeans, hoodies, and graphic tees that fit, but as I was now getting in to my late 20’s I really felt as if I had outgrown those stores, if not physically at least mentally. A few months previous, I had driven 25 miles to the closest Banana Republic with a petites section, only to find that they’re smallest of the small was still huge. No thank you, I don’t think I want to pay that much for clothes that are still way to big.
As I was in the midst of my full blown whine session, my mother suggested that I try The Loft, because they had petites and she thought the clothes really fit my style, or at least what I was beginning to understand was my style. I think I pacified her by saying, “Oh, okay great, yeah I’ll definitely try that out.” In my head I was imagining some Grandma-esque store to the tune of Christopher and Banks or such, with a “mommy fit” petites section. I know you know what I mean. So I didn’t go and try it out. Every time I spoke to my mom for the next few months, she humbly suggested that I go and try The Loft. Again and again I avoided it. Until, finally one day I decided to appease my mother and go in. Mostly so I could say that I went in and prove that once again, another store was not for me.
The moment I pushed through those floor to ceiling glass doors, my fashion life changed forever. The store was head-to-toe gorgeous. Filled with colors and patterns and fabrics that made me weak in the knees. It smelled heavenly, the glass topped accessory tables sent sparkly reflections across the room, and the petites section was a work of art. Racks and tables of the prettiest petite clothing I had ever seen. I tried my best not to fall into a complete frenzy (it is a pretty nice store after all) but I was scooping up clothing as fast as my little arms could manage it. I swept happily back to the dressing room, and for the first time in, well ever, pretty much everything fit. The 00P pants, were actually made for a 00P, hallelujah. I had the feeling then, that it was just the beginning of a long love affair with the loft. I was oh, so right.
To break it down a bit more for you, here’s what I LOVE about The Loft:
First, an most importantly, their clothes fit. Their petites were actually made for petites. You would be surprised how rare this actually is. Secondly, their clothes are gorgeous. The fabric, the style, colors, everything about their stuff is sartorial heaven. Third, the service is impeccable. Of the several different Lofts I (let’s be honest) frequent, I have never had poor service. The employees are attentive, fashionable, fun, and interested. I never have to carry anything around for more than a minute before it is graciously whisked away to a dressing room for me, and they are always eager to fetch a different size or color or make suggestions. Fourth, the dressing rooms are a-mazing. They are large, and have ridiculously good lighting. No nasty fluorescents here. Every dressing room is equipped with warm front lighted mirrors that make pretty much everyone look amazing. Oh, and they have this awesome little orange bench in each dressing room filled with books so my kids can sit and read while I play dress up. And believe me, those kids know the drill. Fifth, they bring you water if you’re thirsty. Do I even need to explain that better? Sixth, their sales are to-die for. Let me just demonstrate. I purchased a top a few weeks ago, a fabulous sequin and chiffon shell that was originally 69.99. It had been marked down to 29.99 and then 24.99. The day I went in they were having a 60% off their sale items. What did I pay for this 70$ top? 10 bucks. I dare Walmart to beat that price. And that’s not a rare occasion. I never pay full price for anything in that store, so I get beautiful high quality clothes for a steal. Win, win.
I could go on and on (and it seems that I have), but we are all busy, so I will just end by saying, do yourself a favor and check out The Loft. You will not be sorry.
Those trouser pants look awesome on you! I too love the Loft :)
There’s nothing better than finding a great clothes stores that you love, trust and brings you fashion satisfaction!
Another great outfit! We have very similar style.
I’m a bit older than you, but I remember when I realized I had outgrown the “teen” retailers. It was great to discover stores like Loft, Lands’ End and Boden. Makes the “transition” much more enjoyable.
~ TCC
thecasualclassicblog.blogspot.com
You look great, those jeans are so nice and I love that necklace. The Loft is really a great store and I wish I lived close enough to go to one.
Whoa, SOLD! =) I’ve never been inside LOFT before, but I’ve only recently come around to the idea that I should (a) not look like I’m 15 when I’m actually 24 and (b) be willing to spend a little more for quality clothes. I’ll go in soon (after this 30-day shopping ban is over).
PS, I hope you really do contact LOFT and offer to do some affiliate work for them. I used to work as a blogger liaison, and let me just say, bloggers like you are a dream to connect with for any media-savvy company! All it would take is to say, “Hey, I love LOFT, and my readers know it, and I’d love to work on some projects together. If not, no worries – I’m gonna keep pimping your stuff out.” =) Seriously: do it.
I love Loft, but it is definitely a clearance buy for me. I can’t afford to shop there very often!
p.s. I gave you an award!
Cardigans and Cookie Dough
Hey there
Found your blog thru Kendi
Like you, I too am a Loft addict
Great clothes, great fit, great price
NUFF said
You look so pretty in this! The loft is a truly fantastic place — love all of their clothes and their styling!
i had the same misconceptions about the LOFT but boy was i wrong!! it’s definitely one of my fave stores and you rock their styles so well. i love the statement necklace on you and it makes the whole look very flirty and feminine!
cute and little
Ah beautiful! You should model for them!!!!
I just tweeted this to LOFT. I hope they visit your blog because you really did a great job styling this outfit! Adorable!
i’m not petite, but i still love loft. awesome stuff. and you are rocking their merch, let me tell you! (okay, someone just snuck in and typed that under my account…i don’t use words like “merch.” what’s wrong with me?!?) the necklace is the killer here. love it. and those pants are a perfect fit on you.
-brittney
http://adayinlifetoo.blogspot.com (fellow remixer)
I couldn’t help it. I posted this on the LOFT facebook page. I loved your post. Your expressed my feelings for this store so well I thought it was me talking.. well writing! You are gorgeous and your style is impeccable!
I am little and can’t wait to check out the Loft! Your style closely matches mine and in the world of behavioral therapy I have to be dressed professional, yet still be able to chase after an escaping child who’s throwing a tantrum. I’ve always passed by the Loft and wondered how you were fitting into their clothes… but this post cleared it all up & I can’t wait to go check it out.
P.s. I totally realize I’m about 7 months behind with this comment in relation to the post date… but I JUST discovered your blog and have been glued to the computer for at least an hour!
http://www.BigPraiseLotsOfYays.com