J. Crew & Ann Taylor Outlet Fitting Room Reviews

Despite a nasty cold, I was determined to check out the Presidents Day sales going on at the outlet mall yesterday.  I visited J. Crew first (in-store prices are noted but current online deal takes additional 20% off):

Factory Cotton Shift Dress, Modern Red, Sz 0, ~$70 (buy here)

I'm not sure if there's something wrong with my eyes but it seems like every time I try on something red, it looks very orange to me.  I really liked the pleating details, the cotton material, and the wide waistband (it attempts to define my nearly non-existent waist) but felt like this shade of red / orange looked a little off against my skin tone.  In store, this was 30% off but online you can get an additional 20% off using code FABFEB.  I'm always surprised when an online deal is better than what's going on in-store.

Verdict: No, nice details but unsure of coloring

Factory Stripe Knit Blazer, XS, ~$60 (buy here)

I love J. Crew blazers and this was no exception.  The fit of XS is larger than the fit of their typical Sz 0 blazer.  I thought the navy stripes looked striking against the red / orange dress and I'm just a fan of stripes in general.

Verdict: No, I have something similar already but if it goes on further sale, I may consider snapping it up

Factory Printed Cecilia Dress, Sz 0, ~$75 (buy here)

I absolutely loved this dress on the hanger.  The navy / tan paisley print and vintage feel of the silhouette seemed perfect for spring / summer.  Though this appeared flattering in the mirror, the photo said otherwise.  I'm going err on the side of caution and trust the photo.  How do you decide when it's mirror vs. photo?

Verdict: No, lovely print but not flattering 

Factory Boys' Workwear Shirt, Sz 14 (buy here)

Lastly, I couldn't help but try on this Boys' gingham shirt.  The fit is obviously boxy but I do like the red / gray print.

Verdict: No, I have too many gingham shirts as is and I should stop buying shirts just to layer underneath other items 

I then headed to Ann Taylor where the whole store had an additional 40% off lowest marked price:

Striped Sweater, XS, ~$36

I loved the gold buttons on the shoulder and the rust color but the slouchy effect just didn't do it for me.

Verdict: No

Ruffle Shell, XS, ~$24

Loved the color but too body-conscious for my taste.  I think you'd be able to see the outline of my lunch!

Verdict: No

Dotted Shell, 0, ~$18

This seemed to be a semi-strange combination of fitted and blouse-y.  The top portion fit my shoulders and chest well but then it seemed to flare out at the bottom.

Verdict: No, wasn't sure of silhouette

Yellow Silky Shell, XS(?), ~$30

I was very close to buying this for the yellow color but then I noticed that the vertical "stripes" were misaligned.  Notice how the right "stripe" seems more widely spaced from the center than the left.  I didn't think to check if this was on all the shells or just this one.

Verdict:  No

Not sure if I was feeling particularly picky / stingy from being sick but I wound up leaving the mall empty-handed.  Are you taking advantage of the sales this weekend?