Fast Food & Fast Fashion

OOTD: Canterbury Blues

2012-03-01T10:08:00.000-05:00

While February has come to an end, it is my hope that I'll make buy less and wear more a permanent goal. Thank you, everyone, for your support and thoughts.

I am sort of sporadically working on a reflective post on the month but as I am a serial procrastinator it'll probably be mid-march before its completion. In the meantime, I have a packed posting schedule filled with posts containing items whose fate has not yet been decided. I'll definitely require your help in deciding which to keep and which to return.

H&M blouse (a gift from my friend Alexa), J. Crew skirt, F21 belt, LOFT blazer & necklace , Kate Spade wallet (solid colored version here), and Ann Taylor pumps

The February Challenge: Day 14 : Pants Dilemma Revisited

2012-02-29T09:45:00.000-05:00

Thank you all for your candid responses to an earlier post in which I sought out your advice for what I should do with my beloved Theory pants. Just as I was getting ready to hem it to ankle length, bf urged me to use the style snaps (which, btw, didn't work for me; if you are interested in trying them, I have a few spare ones that I can send you) that I bought a long while ago to bring the pants just three inches shorter before I get it taken up more.

So here's a look at the pants again. I am starting to waver as the pant legs are not tapered near the ankle area and I fear that it would look awkward at that length. I am reminded again why I constantly struggle with pant length.

Ann Taylor shirt, H&M jacket, Theory pants, F21 necklace, Coach bag and Ziginy shoes

I walked around the house the other day and played around with the pants folded up in a variety of ways and still can't determine the best course of action. I think I'll have to sleep on this some more...so back in the closet these pants go.

Petite Fashion Challenge #13 : Stylish for Under $100

2012-02-28T20:00:00.001-05:00

I own a range of higher and lower priced items but it doesn't often cross my mind how much I spend on individual outfits. In reviewing my old blog posts, I was surprised by how infrequently I wear some of the most and least expensive items. I guess I subconsciously go with the mid-range pieces.

Annie of Really Petite is the host for this month's petite fashion challenge and she challenged us to create a professional outfit for under $100 (shoes and accessories are excluded). I had grand plans for this challenge (like actually creating a complete outfit, bags and shoes included, for under $100) but found that it's much more difficult in execution. I can't wait to see what other ladies come up with.

I ended up going with my trusty J. Crew coat (bought on super sale), a LOFT necklace, and a LOFT dress which clock in at just under the allotted budget.

J. Crew Lady Day Coat - bought it on sale for $59
LOFT Ruffle Two-Fer Dress - bought it on sale for for about $20
LOFT necklace - $18
Bag & shoes - I won't count these, but over the $100 budget

Visit Annie's blog for a complete list of participants.

Affordable Suiting : The Limited Complete Suits for $50-70

2012-02-28T11:02:00.000-05:00

I am not normally a proponent for the Limited (as I find their clothes to fit slightly big for someone my size) but this is such a great deal if you are slightly bigger than me. And if not, their suits look fairly basic and should be easy to alter if you are skilled in that respect.

The deal: $100 off on purchases including one jacket and any skirt or pants. To make the deal sweeter, use code 241 for $15 off any $50 purchase. Jackets are typically priced between $100-$130 and skirts are in the $50 range.

Sizing: the Limited runs size 0-16 or XS-XL. I find that the 0 runs similarly to size 0's from Banana Republic. The Limited does not carry a petite selection.

Below is a sample order I put together. The subtotal after the $100 has been deducted is $57.90 and with the extra $15 off and the $8.95 shipping charge, the total comes out to $51.85 (plus any applicable sales tax). A pretty good deal if you are in the market for suits.

Here are some of my picks:

Soft Tailored Jacket | High Waist Pencil Skirt

Modern Jacket | High Waist Pencil Skirt

Stretch Sateen Skirt | Collarless Jacket

Crystal Pleated Midi Skirt | High Waist Inverted Pleat Skirt | Colorblock Pleated Skirt

Exact Stretch Classic Flare Pant | Drew Slim Leg Pant | 678 Colorful Skinny Jean

Will you be getting something?

The February Challenge: Day 12 : Black Leopard

2012-02-27T08:43:00.001-05:00

Impulsiveness can be a monster. The story of how I ended up with this Ann Taylor Factory jacket is a familiar one (at least for me). It goes something like this...Girl travels an hour to bargain hunter mecca. Girl didn't see anything worth buying. Girl didn't want to leave empty-handed and decides to undress the mannequin to try on the black jacket on it. Girl decides to order the jacket in her size, sight unseen. Girl receives it a week later in the mail, didn't love it but didn't want to drive to an outlet location to make a return. Jacket is worn once and then sits in closet for months until this outfit was put together. The end.

These days I am much more careful about purchasing items that cannot be easily returned. The lesson was an expensive one (as this jacket and many others with similar stories serve as a constant reminder of my delinquency.)

How often do you experience buyer's remorse these days?

AT top & shoes, AT Factory Jacket, J. Crew coat, skirt & necklace and Prada bag

Bag Baby : Prada Large Calfskin Framed Tote

2012-02-25T21:13:00.000-05:00

I received numerous inquiries about this particular bag in the last few weeks so I thought I would dedicate a post to it.

In the future, if you see something in an outfit photo that you would like to know more about, just email me. I don't always respond in a timely manner but I will try my best.

I am by no means an expert on Prada bags but have started to read up on them since acquiring this bag. The only other Prada bag I own is a nylon backpack passed down to me from my mom so please share with me your experiences in the comments below.

This particular style was available in argilla (taupe gray, as pictured) and nero (black). Some features that appealed to me were the gold-toned hardware, detachable shoulder straps, the inner pockets, and the size.

I like the versatility that a bag with both handles and shoulder straps offers. Most bags I own have silver hardware so the gold hardware is a nice (albeit dressier) change. It also measures 12 inches tall, 15 inches wide, and 7 inches deep which is the perfect size for a petite person who likes big bags.

The bag retailed for $2295 but I got mine on sale for a little over $1400. Unlike brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior, etc., Prada bags do get discounted so their resale value tend to be low. I personally wouldn't have paid full price for this bag and would encourage you to wait for a sale. Prada is typically included in department store gift card events so keep your eyes peeled for those saving opportunities.

I am generally a fan of this bag. If I had a bone to pick I would say the calfskin is fragile, in that they are susceptible to fingernails and pointed objects, and marks show up even on the black bag. I also don't like that the bag doesn't have a top zipper. Aside from these small inconveniences, I have been loving this bag.

The bag fits everything except my work laptop (which is a monstrosity that won't fit in any bag except my nylon laptop bag) and isn't too heavy even with all of my everyday essentials packed inside.

It went on sale a few weeks ago so I don't imagine it is still available through a department store. At this point, I would encourage you to seek out outlet stores (both Prada and department store outlets) or discount retailers like TJMaxx (only runway stores will likely carry premier designers like Prada) if you are interested in buying it.

What bag do you use for work? What criteria do you use when you shop for the perfect work bag?

OOTD: Polka Dotted Guilty Pleasure

2012-02-24T09:52:00.000-05:00

I have a confession to make: I totally cheated on my challenge. Last weekend I wore the polka dot dress from F21 that I bought recently to go shopping.

One of my favorite blog friends was interested in buying this dress and asked to see a picture. Since I can never find time to take pictures when I am home, I thought I would just wear it out and ask J to take outfit pictures for me.

The dumb thing is that it was too cold that day to remove my coat for pictures so I didn't even get a good enough picture of the dress to show her. K, I owe you one.

F21 dress, J. Crew coat & belt, Talbots cardigan, Chanel bag, and AV booties

Polka dots are all the rage these days, have you succumbed to this trend?

Shoe Lust : Miu Miu Mary Jane Platform Pump

2012-02-23T09:05:00.000-05:00

I have a soft spot for mary janes. They can look a bit immature but I love that the straps keep the shoes securely on my feet. I ordered two pairs during the big end-of-the-year sale at Nordstrom's but ended up returning the black ones.

I have always been a Miu Miu fan and was excited to find a pair of shoes in Cipria (the light beige color pictured below) on sale. I usually wear 37 or 37.5 in European designer shoes and ended up keeping the Cipria in 37.5 (I should note that the size 37 also fit me).

In pictures the shoes look almost pinkish but in real life the red is almost absent. I would call them a light beige rather than a light pink. I think Cipria (or "face powder" for someone with fair skin) is a pretty good description for the color.

The shoes are well made but by no means are they worth their original price tag (which is a hefty $700). I got them for almost 60% off. The heels are about 5" tall (with a 3/4" platform) but on my feet they feel more like a pair of 3-in heels. They are still not made for standing on your feet for eight-hour days but definitely not uncomfortable for their height either.

Do you wear mary janes? What are your thoughts?

The February Challenge: Day 10 & Day 11 : Weekday vs. Weekend

2012-02-22T09:04:00.000-05:00

If I didn't have a day job and lived in a castle, I would wear nothing but this all day (though I wouldn't mind this pretty little number either)...but the reality is that functionality always trumps imagination.

I don't consider myself someone who has a well defined sense of personal style - I know I like scallop edges, lace, tulle, and bows but from there it's a crapshoot. It is then unsurprising that my day-to-day looks can vary quite a bit.

Do you think having a definable personal style is pigeonholing or is it just the result of a well thought out wardrobe?

Stella McCartney for Target top (similar), Lauren Conrad dress, Forever 21 shoes (similar in cobalt), and Ann Taylor bracelet

I bought duplicates of this Ann Taylor tie neck top last Spring and have only worn them a handful of times. I should really ban myself from purchasing duplicates.

Ann Taylor top & shoes, J. Crew skirt, H&M blazer, and Prada bag

The February Challenge: Day 9 : Ruffles & Tweed

2012-02-21T13:00:00.001-05:00

I bought this ruffle shell last year and have only worn it once. I was organizing my closet the other day and decided to make wearing this a priority.

Having completely run out of ideas for how to style it, I held it up against everything in my closet and found its match in the J. Crew dauphine jacket. I have to say, I really love them together.

Do you normally build your outfit around one item or does it come together more organically?

J. Crew shell (similar) & jacket ($$$ version here), YSL skirt, Ann Taylor belt, F21 shoes, and See by Chloe bag

The February Challenge: Day 8 : Crested

2012-02-20T21:33:00.001-05:00

I went through a phase when I loved crested blazers and "collected" a few. I have since decided that they can be a little too prep school and now face this dilemma between keeping them or donating them.

J. Crew coat & skirt, Talbots blazer (similar), Yesstyle blouse (similar), Ann Taylor belt & shoes, and Prada bag

What are your thoughts on crested blazers?

Review : J. Crew Flair Skirt in Double-serge Wool

2012-02-17T10:53:00.000-05:00

The J. Crew Flair Skirt in Double-serge wool is one of my favorite finds from the retailer last fall. I admittedly went a little crazy in collecting the colors but they've proven to be a solid choice on days when I need a little more mobility than what pencil skirts can afford me.

I received a few emails asking for a more detailed review so here are my thoughts.

The material used is nearly identical to the No. 2 Pencil Skirts I reviewed recently (post here) but the colors offered are much more subdued. I believe henna (brick red), cool pine (pine green), dark navy, purple dawn (light pinkish purple), heather acorn (camel), and black were the colors available.

The flair skirt in 00P is the best fitting J. Crew skirt I own. The waist fits perfectly at about 12inches across and the shape flares out just enough to give my otherwise shapeless behind a boost.

The beautiful fall colors are also perfect for dreary winter days when paired with a pair of wool tights.

From top to bottom: Henna, Cool Pine, and Dark Navy

I also bought the skirt in a classic plaid print. The 00 regular is about an inch wider in the waist and several inches longer. The fit isn't as perfect but the subtle change in silhouette gives the skirt a little more versatility.

And lastly, here's how the flair skirts stack up against the no. 2 pencil skirt in terms of shape.

No. 2 Pencil Skirt in 00P vs. Flair Skirt in 00R

No. 2 Pencil Skirt in 00P vs. Flair Skirt in 00P

Here are the measurements for the flair skirt given to me by J. Crew's live chat service. I find that the waist measurements given were about an inch bigger than when I measured so feel free to subtract an inch from the waist measurements in the table.

I've mentioned this previously but I find that the more "straight" shaped you are, the more flattering this skirt will probably be. A few shapely ladies advised me that a more filled out behind distorts the shape of the flared out bottom slightly so please take that into consideration as well.

Let me know if you have any other questions. For those of you who bought it, what did you think?

February Challenge : The Current Damage

2012-02-16T08:37:00.000-05:00

Now that we've crossed the midway point, I thought I would do a mid-month evaluation. The two objectives of the challenge were: wear more old stuff and buy less new stuff. I've done a pretty good job of wearing older items that haven't seen the light of day in months but am tanking the other part of the challenge.

I hope to return ~~a bulk of these~~ half of these by the end of the month...once the initial euphoria passes and reality sinks in. I haven't exactly decided which to return yet (with the exception of the Jason Wu pieces) but hope for more clarity with time.

What have you bought this month? Is there anything on my list you think should definitely be returned?

The February Challenge: Day 7 : Nude + Gingham

2012-02-15T08:00:00.001-05:00

(I am trying to post chronologically but it's proven difficult to do with my leaving the camera memory card all over the place so I am posting as I edit them. My apologizes)

My wardrobe is a cautionary tale for impromptu purchases.

Many of my "former flames" are rarely worn because of various issues with fit and this Dolce & Gabbana skirt is no exception. I bought it last year and haven't touched it since because I couldn't bear to alter it but didn't particularly like the length on me.

AA Blouse, Dolce & Gabbana skirt (similar), J. Crew necklace ( here and here), Ann Taylor belt & shoes, and Prada bag

I pulled it out of my closet the other day and fell in love with it all over again. Sure it doesn't do anything for my proportionately shorter legs but I love how I feel in them. Short legs be damned!

My mom fell in love with my J. Crew bubble necklace after I sent her pictures of my red one while she was on vacation and asked me to order one for her. Since she hasn't had a chance to claim this yet I borrowed it for the day.

I am a recent convert of the loose blouse and fitted pencil skirt trend. How do you feel about this combination?

Jason Wu for Target® Long-Sleeve Sheer Blouse in Blush Dots & Happy Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T08:43:00.000-05:00

I don't have a Valentine's Day related post prepared for today so I thought I would share a few pictures of the Jason Wu for Target blouse that I bought on opening day.

Bf and I braved the early morning crowds for the launch (ok, we ambled over at 9:30 thinking it would be a breeze) and was unable to find any of the items (this, this, this, and this) I wanted in my size. We left defeated and decided to instead spend the money on breakfast.

On our way home from a hearty meal we decided to stop by another Target where bf spotted this blouse, which is on the top of my list, in xs. I was ecstatic to be able to go home with a piece from the highly coveted collection.

To be completely honest, I was already having second thoughts about this blouse by the next day (because of its sheerness) but since bf and I went through so much trouble to get it I had to keep it. However, when I put this on for these pictures bf noticed a huge hole in the back that can be mended but I ultimately decided to return it.

Jason Wu for Target blouse, Dahlia dress, J. Crew tights, and Corso Como shoes

I ended up ordering this blouse and this skirt online to try. I'll have the post ready next week.

And a picture that I have been saving for today...a few weeks ago, my brother, the bf, and I ordered curbside takeout from Outback and discovered that the chicken atop the pasta is heart shaped. We thought it was the neatest thing ever...even though it's probably unintentional.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

The February Challenge: Day 6 : Fanfare & Townhouse

2012-02-13T08:30:00.002-05:00

The ASOS pussybow dress seen here hasn't been worn in several months. It was one of the items that I had picked for the 30x30 challenge that I did last summer and was then relegated to the back of my closet once the challenge ended.

A simple two-tone dress is the ideal blank canvas to paint on; belt it to further accentuate the colorblocking trend and try a skirt over the bottom or a cardigan over the top and it's a brand new outfit. For a lazy morning dresser like me it's a clear closet staple.

J. Crew coat & jacket, ASOS dress (similar here and here), Ann Taylor belt (in black) & shoes, Talbots gloves (similar), and Prada bag

Do you own a two-tone dress? How do you wear it?

J. Crew Petite No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Double-Serge Wool Review

2012-02-11T08:00:00.013-05:00

I feel less guilty when I splurge on "work" clothes so that splinter accounts for a huge chunk of my clothing bill every month. My latest and most questionable splurge are these neon colored pencil skirts from J. Crew.

I didn't get a very good discount on them but expect to get quite a bit of wear out of them after my February Challenge concludes. The gold is a definite keeper but the other three I'll have to dwell on some more.

From left to right: Spicy Gold, Neon Azalea, Bright Blue and Viridian Green

Let's start with what I don't like about the skirt: the weird pouch in the front that can probably be mistaken for early signs of a pregnancy. Alas, I am not pregnant so this is not a welcomed look.

I think the pouch may be a result of the waist being somewhat baggy on me. Though I've learned that my waist extends rather substantially after a meal so I am at this juncture not bothered by this waist gap.

The four skirts shown here are not perfect replicas of each other size-wise but the sizing discrepancy isn't very pronounced so if one color fits chances are good that the others will too.

Here are the measurements for the No. 2 Pencil Skirt in double-serge wool, information courtesy of J. Crew's live chat.

These No. 2 Pencil Skirts in Double-Serge Wool also runs similarly large compared to other J. Crew Pencil Skirts and about a size bigger than the Flair Skirt in double serge wool, which measures merely 12 inches across the waist for the 00P.

If you are even a bit smaller than me, then I would advise you to stay away from J. Crew pencil skirts as I don't know if this skirt is easy to alter.

Do you have any other recommendations for pencil skirts in vibrant colors? Please share them with me in the comment section. Thanks!

Bag Baby : Loungefly Hello Kitty Red Patent Embossed Bag

2012-02-09T14:00:00.001-05:00

I let my inner five-year-old get the best of me earlier this month when I succumbed to the sweet lure of Hello Kitty.

Twitter friends helped me decide which color to get when I struggled between the teal and the red. It is also available in brown and a lighter red.

This particular bag looks strikingly like the Louis Vuitton Alma Vernis (but in place of LV logos it is embossed with hello kitty heads and bows).

The bag is very roomy but fairly light. It measures 17 inches tall, 12 inches wide, and 7 inches deep. It has a 5 inch strap drop. The zipper zips all the way to the base of the bag so it can fully accommodate larger items. It is constructed from manmade materials so I don't know how much weight it can sustain at once without breaking.

The bag is, all in all, a worthy purchase for Hello Kitty lovers. I have two small things to nitpick; one of which is a personal preference and the other is structural.

I removed the big red bow hanging tag that the bag came with because I find it a little much (I realize the irony in this...). In addition, I suspect the bag may be dent-prone so I would be careful not to accidentally sit on it or put it under heavy objects.

I realize Hello Kitty embossed accessories are not everyone's cup of tea but is it too kiddish for someone in her mid-twenties to use casually?

A few other designs that may potentially be of interest if you like this red bag.

1. City Bag 2. Coin Wallet 3. Card Wallet 4. City Bag

The February Challenge: Day 5 : Hemming Woes

2012-02-08T08:00:00.002-05:00

I bought these Theory pants last summer and briefly contemplated doing my own DIY hem but abandoned the plan at the eleventh hour because I didn't have enough confidence to operate on such a fine piece of garment.

Ann Taylor blouse, J. Crew coat, Theory pants, Ziginy shoes, and Prada bag

I also haven't decided how much to hem it so it's been gathering dust in my closet. It is pictured at the original length and it's obvious that it won't work without a serious hem job.

How much do you typically hem your pants? I suffer from serious hem job regret sometimes which is part of why I don't own too many pairs of pants.

The February Challenge: Day 4 : Awkward Lengths

2012-02-07T08:00:00.005-05:00

There's often a good reason for why some items never get worn. I can't count on two hands how many things get passed over by me on a daily basis because of a perceived flaw in length. This skirt is a prime example of that.

Today's blast-from-the-past was purchased from a TJMaxx runway store in MA a few years ago and at the time I was drawn to the lovely print and had bought it without trying it on. The skirt was marked as a sample item from Versace but I doubt that it actually came from the Italian fashion house.

Yesstyle blouse (similar), TJMaxx skirt, Prada bag, and Ann Taylor shoes

I thought about getting it hemmed on several occasions but never made the effort to actually get the job done. Is it time to finally pull the trigger? Maybe the length is passable off the rack? Or maybe it'll find a better home in the donation pile?

What would you do with it?

The February Challenge: Day 3 : Because Sometimes One Gingham Shirt Just Isn't Enough

2012-02-06T08:00:00.003-05:00

I am still trying to learn how to double up on button downs on weekends to add interest to normally bland outfits. So far the only pairing I am confident of is the gingham on gingham look. I am hoping to branch out into mixing bold plaid shirts next.

There are a few rarely worn items in this post. The Juicy Couture blazer was one of my favorite outlet finds this summer but has been forgotten because of how many similar items I own.

The Crewcuts dress received a lot of wear when I bought it initially but ultimately it was hard making a child's dress work for me in the long term. I have decided to reserve it for weekend wear or trips to the beach.

Crewcuts shirts & dress, Juicy Couture blazer, See by Chloe bag, and Corso Como shoes (also here and here)

Cee recently did something similar and executed the double gingham look better than I can ever hope to. See her post here.

All About the Ann Taylor Perfect Pump and Perfect Covered Platform Pump : Part II

2012-02-06T01:46:00.000-05:00

This is a continuation from Friday's post. Today I'll share a few pictures of how the Perfect Pump compares with the Platform Pump.

What the pictures illustrate fairly clearly is that the platform pump is taller and while not too much taller than the 3.5-in heel Perfect Pump, the difference in comfort is pretty substantial.

After I took the pictures, I spent two days breaking in the patent pumps and found that while I can walk around the office in the Perfect Pump without any discomfort (I do kick them off when I am sitting down behind the desk), the Platform Pump becomes somewhat intolerable after about four or five hours.

I also took some comparison pictures of my workhorse black nappa Perfect Pumps (I apologize for their weathered appearance, I wear them several times a week) and the Platform Pump.

The platform does make the height a little more friendly but for women who live in the city and walk a lot to and from the office, the Platform Pump is not the most practical choice.

Lastly, I want to show a few comparison photos of shoes from 2010 and shoes from this past fall.

Platform Pump
Left : 2010 version; Right: 2011 version

The platform pumps do differ slightly in design. From the photos it would appear that the 2010 version (in grayish olive) has a slightly thicker platform and runs slightly bigger than the 2011 version.

As for the perfect pumps, the 2010 version seems to run slightly bigger than the 2011 version. The difference is negligible but this demonstrates why it's always preferable to buy shoes in person.

Sorry about the delay in getting the second half of this review published. I was having some trouble with the auto-publishing setting.

All About the Ann Taylor Perfect Pump and Perfect Covered Platform Pump : Part I

2012-02-03T09:27:00.001-05:00

Long-winded post ahead. The Perfect Pumps pictured here are the navy patent ones that I tweeted about a few weeks ago. The Perfect Covered Platform Pumps in black patent are on sale here. I haven't had a chance to try the Perfect Pointy Pumps or the Perfect Kitten Heels so please share your experience in the comments if you own them.

I occasionally get emails inquiring about the Ann Taylor perfect pumps that I wear a lot at work so I decided to dedicate a post (or two) to discussing some of my likes and dislikes about the shoes.

Again, please bear in mind that everyone's feet are shaped differently (thus the shoe may not be comfortable for everyone) and I may have a higher or lower tolerance for pain than you, so please read this review with a grain of salt.

A few facts about my lifestyle and "experience" as a heel-wearer: I work a relatively sedentary office job and occasionally have out of town meetings. I live in the suburbs so I commute by car to work. I started wearing heels at a pretty early age and now have an affinity for tall heels (a habit I am trying to quit).

First, let's discuss fit. My feet (again, I am sorry if I always seem to repeat myself for shoe posts but I don't want to make people who randomly stumbled upon this post to have to dig in my archives for measurements) are "medium" (but a bit on the wide side) and I normally wear a 6.5 or 7 in pumps and 7 in flats. The size that fits me best at Ann Taylor is 6.5 but I have on occasion purchased size 7's when I can't find 6.5 on sale (and I rarely buy Ann Taylor at full price).

I would say Ann Taylor pumps tend to run about a half size bigger than pumps made by comparable retailers and about a size bigger than European shoemakers. However, I would urge you to try the shoes on yourself in stores to find the best fit. If you normally wear stockings at work, try these shoes on with stockings on. If you are normally barelegged, then try the shoes on without stockings on. I've noticed that shoes that I find uncomfortable barelegged tend to fit much better with tights.

As with all leather shoes, these pumps will start to stretch and loosen with wear. If the shoe slips on your feet when you buy them initially, they won't get better and will probably get worse over time. Go for a size that stays securely on your feet.

Next, let's discuss comfort. Ann Taylor perfect pumps have a 3.5 inch heel which actually feel shorter than that for seasoned heel wearers. I typically wear them all day around the office and they feel light on the feet for me. I consider them to be above average comfortable because the shoes don't pinch my feet and the leather is soft.

I would say if you are a regular heel wearer with neither extra narrow or extra wide feet the perfect pumps should cause no discomfort and should be easy to "master" (for lack of a better word).

As far as maintenance, I try to wipe down the shoes every month or so (I know I am lazy) and the leather has held up pretty well on my older pairs that receive significant wear. Shoes are meant to be worn and replaced so I am ready to dispose of them once they get worn down after a few years.

Lastly, pricing. The non-exotic leather versions are currently $155 and the more unique seasonal styles go up to $200. Since Ann Taylor is always running some kind of sale, buying at full price is not the best bang for your buck. The 40% off storewide sale is a pretty good time to buy a pair and happens about once a month or once every other month. Or, if you are extra patient, the seasonal styles can probably be had during final sale time for 60% or more off the original price. Of course, by that time sizes will be incomplete but popbacks are fairly regular.

Buy the Perfect Pumps here in exotic leather, nappa leather, and patent leather,

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The Perfect Covered Platform Pump is not as popular a choice as the Perfect Pump. It is less "comfortable" by virtue of the fact that the heel is relatively taller.

The heel height is 4.5 inches, which may seem daunting at first but the small platform takes away some of the stress on your feet. I think for ladies with small feet, this particular style may not work very well because the arch will be too steep for comfort. For someone with average feet (the 6, 7, 8, and 9's), the Covered Platform Pump can be a nice option for some additional height.

The Covered Platform Pump is about a degree more uncomfortable than the Perfect Pump so if you find the Perfect Pump intolerable then chances are good that you won't like the Platform Pump either.

Fit for the Platform Pump is consistent with fit for the Perfect Pump so you can take the same size in both shoes.

As for pricing, the Platform Pump is slightly more expensive than the Perfect Pump ($178 for the Platform and $155 for the Perfect). As always, wait for a sale because there are too many options out there to justify paying full price for Ann Taylor shoes.

Part II coming soon (maybe tomorrow?)

The February Challenge: Day 2 & J. Crew Collection Spring 2012 Lookbook

2012-02-02T10:18:00.003-05:00

Excuse my weird pose in the pictures. My remote control is in extremis so in every picture I captured I had just recovered from frantically clicking the release button.

The former flame in today's outfit is a Necessary Objects dress that had been in storage for about a year because it fits so tightly and shortly and is cut so indecently. It's between a rock and a hard place in that I wouldn't wear it for a special event (that's what pink poufy dresses are reserved for) but don't feel too comfortable wearing it for work.

I think I may have gained a few (not sure how many since I don't own a scale) since I bought the dress because it now bunches up as I get up after sitting down. sigh. After a few more wears, this will have to be donated.

How do you decide what goes in the donation bin? I sometimes have trouble parting with clothes that I haven't worn much and then J (the bf) will have to give me that extra push for me to make up my mind.

Aqua blazer (similar in cobalt), Necessary Objects dress, Ann Taylor necklace, CL shoes

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On an unrelated topic, I am head over heels in love with J. Crew Collection's (the higher-priced line) spring collection. It's been incredibly nice outside recently (yesterday it was in the high 50's at midday) so in my mind it's like Spring has already arrived.

The February Challenge: Day 1

2012-02-01T08:19:00.000-05:00

It's been a rough few months (three to be exact, but who's counting) for my savings account and saving goals. With seemingly endless end-of-the-year sales it was so hard for me to practice buy-less-wear-more (a piece of wisdom imparted to me by my very rational and fabulous blog friend The Way We Were). However, I hope February will be the beginning of a beautiful new chapter.

I have lamely titled this challenge the February challenge (no points for creativity) and the motive is to "rediscover" my closet. I become a monster when I put myself on a shopping ban so there will be no ban but in return no wearing of new items either.

I don't plan to stop shopping (because I find that, while unhealthy, it gives me enough distraction from work to not go crazy) but I will also only wear items from my existing wardrobe for the month.

At the end of the month, I will reevaluate what I've brought home and then decide their fate. A problem with me is that I love new clothes (almost unhealthily so) so I don't realize a problem until it's too late (tags ripped off and all). I hope a month is enough time for me regain composure and to truly scrutinize every purchase the way someone with a full-to-the-brim closet ought to.

Every day I will challenge myself to wear an item that I have not worn in the last year (or at least in recent memory...so some may have only been in exile for several months). I hope this challenge will reunite me with old flames.

(since I don't take outfit pictures nor post everyday and I do plan to still share deals on occasion - for those of you who pace yourselves, unlike me - this February Challenge series will probably run until March)

To get me started:

The "something old" in this outfit is a black knit blazer from Piperlime (it gets so little wear that I can't even remember the brand). It was one of those meh purchases that end up in storage for months at a time.

I guess today's big takeaway for me is that if something doesn't excite you when you first receive it, it likely won't be earth shattering months down the road either.

A&F top, H&M vest (similar), J. Crew skirt (floral version here), Ann Taylor pumps, and Chanel bag

Lastly, please vote for my blog friend I Am Khatu in the Fashion Blog World's Inspiration contest. She is contestant number 11.