Ann Taylor LOFT Oversized Zebra Jacket Review

I had been wanting to find this in an XS to try on since it came out a few weeks ago, so when LOFT was having 40% off last weekend, I ordered this jacket to try.  It's now sold out online, but I'm sure it will pop-back eventually or you can find it in a store.

This is an XS.  It's hard to get an idea of the length with my huge belly.  I also have it on with a dress here, which is why it looks like I don't have any legs!  I had my mom try it on for me and it even looked ridiculously short on her... and she's only 5'1" and doesn't have a long torso like me, so...

The back.  There is a pleat, but it really just serves to make the jacket fit even bigger and billowy.  I think "oversized" was supposed to be referring to the print, but I think it also refers to the fit of the jacket!

Bottom Line: CUTE idea!  But this jacket only works in theory... at least for me.  The print, quality, fabric, and price are great (it's 50% right now online) but the fit and cut is just weird.  The XS is still huge (and I'm 38 weeks prego here!) and the cropped length is going to be super-tough to pull off.  This is a return for me.  I'd LOVE to see pics or reviews of others who can make this work!  I'm bummed, I really wanted to love it!!

LOFT 50% off Sale Finds and Current President's Day Promo

Before I forget, I found 2 really great sweaters and a pair of earrings at ATL at the start of their "Extra 50% off Sale" promotion.  I'm not sure if they are still offering this in-store, but  it's definitely worth a look around your next time in the store. 

Cowl Neck Sweater - Size Medium - $15

Nothing super-special about this sweater, but I like that it's low cut enough in the neckline that it doesn't look like a conservative turtle neck.

Lounge Full-Zip Tunnel Neck Sweater - Size Small - $19

Loving the length of this butt-covering sweater for over skinny jeans and tights!

Can't go wrong with these great little fish-hook earrings.  They are set in gold. $8

ATL is currently running a President's Day promotion of "50% off Select Spring New Arrivals". Unfortunately, the items they selected aren't exactly the ones I was hoping for, but these are some of my faves.

Knit Dress w/ Pleats - $34.75

Voile Trim Scoopneck - $14.75

Basic V-Neck Tee - $16.50

Ok, this one isn't 50% off, but I'd like to see how it compares to my current obsession from J.Crew:

Vintage Slub V-Neck Tee - $29.50

I want this tee in like every color, but I might check out the ATL version the next time I'm in the store to see if it's a nice 1/2 price alternative.

LOFT is also offering free shipping on $125+ orders.  JC is still running the "Private Sale" of 20% off any order of $175 or more with promo code SHHH through Sunday ... but not free shipping.  Happy Shopping!

{Exciting Announcement} and Slight Shift in Topix... maybe?!

As some of you may already know (who read my other mommy-related blog) I am expecting our second baby August 1st!  And since I post many IRL pics of clothing, I figured I better go ahead and let the cat out of the bag before it becomes... shall we say, obvious!

I was 15 weeks on Sunday and surprisingly I'm still wearing most of my regular clothing (just with pants unbuttoned and fastened with a ponytail holder) ... which is much different than my experience with Connor since my butt and hips spread so quickly that by 6 weeks I HAD to wear maternity pants just to get them above my knees!  ahhh!

Tummy at 13 weeks... and my new favorite Juicy PJ's I got from my mom for Christmas!

I mention that there {might} be a shift in topics only because it seems that fashion might not be on the top of my priority list for the next few months.  However, I've found that old habits die hard and even yesterday I was in the JC dressing room trying to figure out what (if any) of the new items I can size-up in and wear through early spring.

So, with that said, I have a feeling there won't be much of a change in the blog, but I'll be highlighting some of the more versatile pieces I find, as well as cute maternity gear!  Just as with the first time I was pregnant (3 years ago) it's difficult for me to find cute, non-tent-like maternity clothing in a decent price range. 

Example: Old Navy has some cute stuff for cheap, but the quality isn't ALWAYS great (althought I love their preggo swimwear)  A Pea in the Pod is pricey and doesn't have a store anywhere in my area.  LOFT is online only in my area and mostly has just work-looking-stuff.  Motherhood Maternity, Sears, JCPenney is cheap but BLAH!  etc....

During my previous pregnancy, I purchased most of my everyday and work clothing at Target from their Liz Lange line and from Old Navy.  Unfortunately, all the ON's in my area have phased out all their maternity sizes from the store, so now you have to buy AND return by mail. BUMMER!  So, this time around I anticipate focusing on Target.  As for the items where quality and fit is a bit more important (aka: jeans) I definitely threw down more dough (and it's totally worth it!)

So, for now I plan on staying my my regular clothing for as long as possible (meaning I can still shop JC, AT, LOFT, etc... for now!) and then trying to get as much use out of my old maternity clothes as I can!  Luckily, as far as JC goes, I can still focus on jewelry, shoes, handbags, etc.... plus, it will still be HOT in August after I have the baby, so I can wear some spring/summer stuff than, too!

Have any great ideas on where to shop cute maternity dresses, workout gear, etc...?  Please comment here!