Supersized Edition of Fitting Rooms Reviews!

Columbus Day weekend - seeing as how any holiday is ripe with sales, how could I NOT go to the mall(s) today?!  We hit the outlet mall first to visit Banana Republic and the new LOFT outlet.  Then headed off to the regular LOFT to check out the extra 40% off sale items.

I tried on and documented what seemed like a thousand different items so get ready for pictures galore!  :)

First, the LOFT outlet store.  Since I'm sure you've seen the bevy of LOFT related posts, you can imagine how excited I was to find out there was a LOFT outlet semi-close.  We'll start with today's OOTD (86 degrees F today!):

Dress: H&M, XS

Necklace: DIY Paisley Ruffle

Shoes: My oldest (~14 years!) and comfiest wedge sandals.  

I can't even tell what brand they are anymore.

Fitting room reviews after the jump...

LOFT Outlet, Wine colored petal cardigan, $18, XS

This fits pretty true-to-size and I rather liked the color.  It's a little similar to the LOFT Ruffle Front Cardigan but the material is a little stiffer and thicker.

Verdict: Buy

LOFT Outlet Ruffle Top,  $26 (I think), XS

The shoulders fit perfectly but the torso was too loose.  I really wish it had at least tapered the top a little to give it an overall slimming effect, but oh well on to the next item!

Verdict: No go

On to Banana Republic Factory Store...

BR Factory, Belted Tweed Skirt, Sz 2P, $59

This fit pretty well and I like the material but I felt like $59 was a bit steep.  I'll keep an eye out for it at a future sale.

Verdict: Not right now

BR Factory, Shawl Collar Navy/Gray Striped Sweater, XS, $32

Did I mention I love stripes and anything remotely resembling a nautical look?  This fit pretty well, it was a tad loose at the top but I'm not as picky about this since I know I'll be wearing winter layers with it.

Verdict: Buy

BR Factory, Check Peplum Jacket, Sz 0, $65

This fit well in the waist but the bust was very baggy for me and didn't look very flattering.

Verdict: No 

 BR Factory, Gray Cardigan, XS, $24

I really liked this cardigan and its detailing but there are so many gray cardigans  hanging in my closet already.  Since there wasn't another color I wanted (other colors included Wine, Black, Smoky Blue, Light Blue - I think), this went back to the rack.  I may kick myself later for this.

Verdict: Pass, but kinda regretting it

The last stop of the day was the regular LOFT store.

LOFT, XSP, $18 

If you remember, I tried on this top here in regular XS but the armholes were too large and the material was see-through.  The XSP above fit much better and I almost said "yes," but I already had the LOFT Flutter Sleeve top in this same exact color.

Verdict: No for now

LOFT, Bow V-Neck Top, XS, $21

I love this!  It has a slim enough silhouette and I love the gold shimmers underneath the chiffon layer.  It's a tad on the low-cut side, but I can alter the straps or wear a cami under it (like I do here).

Verdict:  Buy

LOFT Twill Cropped Military Jacket, Olive Green, 0P, $24

I was VERY pleasantly surprised by this jacket.  It's slim fitting and cinches in very nicely at the waist.  Most importantly, from what I could tell, this looked good from every angle - front, side, back.

Verdict: Buy, buy, buy!

LOFT Sequin Shell, Silver, XSP, $21

This looked gorgeous on the hanger and horrible on me.  It seemed to give a ballooned out torso effect - extremely unflattering. 

Verdict: Big fat no

I feel pretty good about today's purchases.  I was a little more controlled with the buying this time around so I'm giving myself a tiny pat on the back.  :)

How about you?  Are you hitting the Columbus Day sales?