Inevitable Purchases: Ann Taylor Loft & What I Wore (Sunday & Monday)

Ikat Blossoms  Print Skirt ($69.50), size Large

I'd seen this skirt online and stopped in Ann Taylor Loft this weekend specifically to see it in person. This little lovely did not disappoint. I tried on a Large and an Extra Large thinking that the XL would buy me some length and make the skirt work appropriate. It turns out that with a fully elasticized waist the Large was big enough to sit on my waist or pull down onto my hips.

Is it a tad bit short for work? Probably. Will I wear it to court. No. Could I wear it for an office day. You betcha! I refused to pay $69.50 for it so I'm holding out for a coupon or sale.

Knit Empire Dress with Shoulder Ties ($49.50), size Medium

This dress immediately reminded me of the Tonal Gingham Dress at Anthropologie. I love the style of that dress, but worried that the surplice top might be too low and that the material might be a bit too heavy for summer. The Ann Taylor Loft version is a knit so it's considerably lighterweight. It also only has one ruffle at the hem which seems a bit less busy (and more likely that I can wear this dress again once ruffles go out of style). And at less than half the price, this baby seems like a winner to me! Still I'm going to sit tight because I know a promo code is just around the corner and Ann Taylor is notoriously difficult regarding price adjustments. Click here to see me in the Tonal Gingham Dress.

Here's what I wore shopping on Sunday:

Top, Ann Taylor Loft, size Medium (from spring 2009)

Neapolitan Cardigan, J.Crew, size Medium (available here)

Kut from the Kloth jeans, size 14 (waist taken in and hemmed) (available here)

Shoes, Puma, size 9.5 (from DSW fall 2008)

I absolutely adore my Neapolitan sweater. The color and pattern are so pretty and I can layer it over any color I want! I walked passed J.Crew today, but didn't go inside. Is it weird that I really hate going into stores when I'm wearing items currently for sale in the store? I felt like such a dork when I strolled into Anthro wearing my Two Paths Trench a few weeks back. Then to make matters worse, the SA came running up to me to comment because she had just finished putting up a display of the trench. I clearly need to get over this, but am I the only one that feels weird about that? I hope not!

Here's what I wore to work today:

Drifting by Dress, Anthropologie, size 12 (available here)

Cardigan, Ann Taylor Loft, size Medium (from spring 2009)

Belt, Kohls, size Medium

Shoes, Franco Sarto, size 9 (from Marshall's spring 2008)

Necklace, Handmade by my sister-in-law

Earrings, Kohls

Bracelets, Kohls ($11 for 20)

I wasn't sure if I could dress this dress down sufficiently to make it work appropriately, but I really wanted to try because I love this dress so much. I don't want it to be for evenings out and special occasions only! I added the chunky necklace and straw-esque shoes to make the dress more casual. I was in court all morning and got a ton of compliments on both the dress and my necklace. I've worn this necklace many times before and nobody has said anything, but the combination of dress + necklace has really been a hit!

The weather is finally cooperating and this week we're expecting temperatures in the 60s! Perfection! I can't wait to get home and go for a run!