Trip to Ann Taylor Factory

Friday, April 15, 2011

I wanted to take advantage of Ann Taylor/Ann Taylor Factory/LOFT's 40% off sale this weekend, but didn't know when I would have the time. I had today off from work and just so happened to wake up super early (for me), so I took that as a sign that today's the day for outlet shopping. Traffic is horrendous in my area; morning rush hour ends late and afternoon rush hour starts early, so timing is crucial. It was meant to be.

When Jean tweeted this Ann Taylor Factory Vintage Floral Lace Dress, size 00P, I remembered it looked awfully similar to the regular store's version that sold out almost immediately last year. It was big on her, so I had high hopes that the dress would fit me. I felt the dress fit me pretty well overall, but the waist seems like it's cut a bit too high? I also wish the dress was longer on me, but unfortunately the outlets do not carry 00 sizes. This dress retails for $198, but with 40% off, the total came out to $118.80. I decided to take this home with me and think about it some more.


The dress above also came in a skirt version. I'm wearing size 0P and it felt just a little bit big. I think 00P would've been perfect but I couldn't find the size. I'm also wearing the Ann Taylor Factory Georgette Petal Top, size XXS P, which is also a copy of the regular store's version from about a year ago. I passed on both.

See the dress and skirt on Extra Petite and the top on Fast Food & Fast Fashion.

Lastly, I literally gasped out loud when I saw this Ann Taylor Factory Flower Animal Print Sheath Dress, size 00P. I've been looking for the regular store's version for the longest time, so I was ecstatic to see this dress in stores. Again, I wish the outlets carried 00 because I would like the length to be longer. It fit me well everywhere except the bust. That area was super roomy -- I swear I can stick a loaf of bread underneath. It's probably not worth the alterations for me as a padded bra would probably fix that issue. The dress has a back zipper instead of one on the side, but I had no problems putting it on. The dress retails for $119.99, so with 40% off, it came out to $71.99. I ended up purchasing this dress as well.

What are your throughts? Are there any I should return or alter?

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22 comments

  1. I really like the floral shell (look fine tucked in) and that lace skirt together. The dress does look like it has an empire waist thing going on, I would have liked it if it conformed to your curves better!
    WOW Ann Taylor Factory can be a little pricy! Love the print on the last dress but geeee that price ... =0(

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  2. I'm just not crazy about the lace dress on anyone so far >.< I'm kind of confused by all the hype. As per alterations, there looks to be a little excess fabric in the waist/hip area but overall it seems to fit you really well. The second outfit is pretty cute!! The 3rd dress is darling on you but most of all... I love your shoes O.O.

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  3. Oh I really like the lace dress! I like that it's a bit "sweet" and not too sexy. Like a twist on eyelet or whatever it's called. The top looks a bit big on you in my opinion. I'm not feeling the last dress for some reason. It's really nice and you wear it well but it's nothing special.

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  4. Oh for sure keep the lace dress!!! I have the petal top in purple and blue but haven't busted it out yet...it doesn't look as nice on me as it does on you. Not a fan of the lace skirt for some reason....

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  5. The lace dress looks so beautiful on you and by far you are the one who wears it so well. It is such a pretty and unique dress in terms of color and design. If you feel it is too short, then you should return it because you may not wear it as often as you would like.

    Gel de la Mer package is on its way (sorry it took so long for me to ship)

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  6. personally, i like the lace dress the best. it's completely unique and it's got this simple quality that i bet you can style the heck out of in so many ways. it just looks like one of those really versatile pieces that you'll wear a lot (and thus get your money's worth!).

    HTH! :)

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  7. I'm not going to be super helpful b/c I like them all! Love the lace dress & the lace skirt especially. So wish we had an Ann Taylor factory nearby! I plan on going to Loft tomorrow to take advantage of the sale. I have a coupon for 20% off for signing up for email. Anyone know if they'll let me use that with the in store discount?

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  8. I really love the lace skirt. Too bad you couldn't find your size. I was also a big fan of the top and skirt combo on you. I actually though it was a dress at first.

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  9. I really love that last dress the most...so classy. Minus the loaf of bread, of course.

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  10. I love the lace dress on you, Cee. It seems to fit you well. The length is perfect for your height. If you're going to return something, I would say the last dress. I can tell that it's big around the bust area. It's OK. I am not in love with it. Have a great weekend.

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  11. I love the prints of both dresses but neither seems to fit you correctly. Both seem too big / floppy in the ribcage area? This could probably be fixed with a belt though!

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  12. i'm not a fan of the lace dress either..reminds me of a doily? LOL. i have the petal blouse from last year, but for some reason im not a fan of the outlet version?

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  13. Ah, Cee, I see the struggles of a taller shopper with a super slim build. The lace dress grazes my knees in 00P and I wish I could make it a little shorter! i agree the waist hits a bit high on you. In fact, both the lace and the last dress don't seem to fit you right because of the petite proportions. The skirt in 00P though would've probably been a winner on you!

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  14. Of all the items (and if I only had to pick one item), I think the Vintage Floral Sheath Dress looks the best on you. Would adding a belt at your natural waist line fix the high-waist issue? Well, on the plus side, it does make you look like you have really long legs, hehe.

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  15. Thank you everyone for the honest feedback. Having another pair of eyes really helps... but only makes the decision harder! I really should have tried on the dresses in size 0 just to compare fit. Gahh! I suppose another trip back to the outlets is in the works.

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  16. @Sarah - I think the coupon probably has a fine print saying one discount code per order, but it's worth a shot. You might get a nice SA :)

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  17. My fav is the lace dress although I think the price is pretty steep for something that doesn't fit you perfectly and you feel is too short. I like the print of the other dress but te fit is worst than the lace one so its a no go in my opinion. And the combo of the top and lace skirt is very pretty too - maybe you will get more wear out of the skirt than the dress since the length is right?

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  18. My vote is going for the lace dress and petal top....both my faves!! The skirt does look slightly off fit wise and the floral dress although pretty, I don't feel would be versatile because of the high neckline. That being said, I do think you look beautiful in everything....I'm so jealous of your height ;) (I bought that lace dress yesterday btw)!

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  19. Keep the first dress, Cee!!! (I can write a whole essay about why you should, but I won't bore you with it. Just trust me on this one. lol)

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  20. Definitely keep the lace dress!! The last dress is ok...looks like a great work dress, u just may need to take it in at the bust? Even though the lace dress is lovely, if you keep the second dress, you'll probably wear it more often!

    -Lor

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  21. If you decide to return the lace dress, id love to purchase from you since i dont have an AT factory near me :)

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  22. I love your animal printed dress but I think it would look better on you if it had a halter neck design because you have lovely collarbones, so you need to show them off and not hide them. I also have a similar dress from WHBM which my mom gave to me as a gift. Love your blog by the way!

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I'd love to hear from you. Constructive criticisms welcome!

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