This is a compensated review
by BlogHer and Loft.
by BlogHer and Loft.
I received a $200 LOFT gift card in exchange for participating in this event, but all comments and opinions expressed are purely my own and not influenced by this.
Most women love shopping, and I’m generally one of them. Except that now that I’m a mom with two kids, I don’t quite have the time or patience for shopping the way I used to. This is only partly due to the fact that I apparently lost my fashion sense when I gave birth, so I have a hard time finding clothes I like that look good on me.
Enter the LOFT (formerly Ann Taylor LOFT). I’ve always been a fan of theirs and have fond memories of trips to the LOFT in Michigan City to go shopping with friends after I graduated college, although I haven’t spent as much time there lately as I now think I should have.
The LOFT invited me to a holiday event at their store on the Magnificent Mile in Chicago, and I jumped at the chance to have a stylist dress me. We had a 45 minute style challenge (and I was a challenge!). We had to put together three perfect holiday looks: the perfect party outfit, an office to party outfit, ad a casual holiday look.
Poor Helen (my dedicated stylist – I love saying that!). I told her that I was game for everything, but I warned her that I also might veto things, as many things that are fashion forward tend to accentuate features I’d rather avoid. Let’s just say that the whole belting a sweater trend is going to pass me right on by.
With a photographer in tow, Helen and I started touring the store. The music was loud and pumping, as they were having a shopping event that afternoon (visit eventsatLOFT.com to find one near you), and I was a little overwhelmed at first. Helen obviously knew the store well, and ohhh those colors and clothes!
We decided to work on the holiday casual outfit first. Helen pointed out a few sweaters that she thought might be a good fit (ha, ha?) for me and left me to peruse the tops and pick out a pair of jeans. We decided that the boot cut was probably the jean I wanted, and then Helen said something to me that made my day. It was probably the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me.
Don’t bother trying the curvy jeans. You are not curvy. You have really nice legs, and you don’t need the curvy ones.
I almost cried when she said that. I grabbed a pair of jeans that looked good – feeling like a celebrity with my paparazzi snapping trillions of photos of me. However, I decided to let Helen chose my top. She pulled out a great midnight blue silk sleeveless blouse to go under a fun beige sweater that had all sorts of cool, drape-y layers to it. While I liked the sweater, I had no idea what to put under it, and I would never have even tried the blue blouse. She also picked out a truly funky matching necklace to finish it off, and we headed into the dressing room.
The jeans were amazing. In fact, I bought a pair of them because they fit so well. Usually when I buy jeans, they fit in the waist and the thighs and everything, but there is some excess material under my rear that isn’t the most flattering. These were perfect. Yay! One sixth of an outfit was complete.
Apparently my thinking face is crabby. I certainly hope that Helen knows that I wasn’t unhappy with any of this. This is an outfit that I tried on first that I had to think about.
The sweater unfortunately did not work for me, but we loved the blouse. We kept working and pulling out other options (Helen was very patient with my vetoes – I may not know what I like, but I’m still picky) of things that were really quite cool but just not quite perfect for me. Then we had the brilliant idea of switching out the blouse for a different color so we could do a black sweater over it.
Ta da! Fuscia blouse with matching necklace and the black sweater to fun casual finish it off. You know I liked it when the whole outfit came home with me. And none of it was on sale (ok, except that during the shopping event, the whole store was 30% off!). One down, and I was a happy camper.
(Have I mentioned that I hate pictures of me? Especially when I’m having bad hair days. And they aren’t candid photos? I make a horrid model!)
The second outfit was the office to party look. This one went pretty quickly, as we found a cool suit that I would never have chosen for myself. It’s a cut that I’m going to have to remember, as it was surprisingly flattering. This was one of the best parts about this event. The whole outfit I would never have chosen – I don’t wear suits that often anymore, I would never have picked up that print for myself, and the cut of the jacket would have meant that it would have stayed on the rack. Yet, check it out – it totally works.
Our last outfit was the truly fun one. I got to dress up in my perfect party outfit. Again, Helen chose a skirt and top that I would never have picked up for myself – that skirt was so much shorter than what I usually wear! – but they were great together. I definitely needed something to put on top of the blouse, but LOFT had several good choices. We finally narrowed it down, and sadly my day of glory with people who dress me was over.
The people in the store were so nice. Everyone from the store manager to the associates working the floor were as friendly as can be – even when they didn’t know I was there for something “special.”
The event was so much fun, and I’d forgotten how much I love the LOFT. I didn’t even get to see the whole store, but I’ll have to visit the store closest to me soon to do a closer look. I wasn’t the only one who benefitted from the LOFT’s generosity, and you can, too. There were fourteen other bloggers around the country who also enjoyed this special event, and we’re all giving away $200 gift cards to the LOFT– that’s fifteen chances to win a $200 gift card! BlogHer.com special offers page
Want to win one here? Make sure you follow the rules, and I’ll be drawing a random winner on December 25.
Even if you don’t win the gift card, you still win. Go to the LOFT for this exclusive 20% Off Coupon for your in-store purchases (valid through 12/31/09).
This contest is open until December 25 at 9pm CST. I must have a valid way to reach you, so leave me your email address in your comment or be sure your profile has your email address visible. No duplicate comments will count. This giveaway is open to US residents age 18 and older. Winners will be selected via random.org and must respond within 48 hours of being notified by me or I will select a new winner.
Mandatory Entry: You must vote for your favorite of the three outfits I was dressed in: holiday casual, perfect party, or office to party and tell me why you liked it best. If you don't do this one, no entries will count.
Bonus Entries (leave a comment for each entry):
Earn one additional entry for Tweeting this contest (leave a link to your tweet as your comment).
1) Earn one additional entry by blogging about this contest and leaving a link to your post in the comments.
2) Earn one additional entry by following this review blog.
3) Earn one additional entry by following my “regular” blog Honest & Truly!
Good luck!
Dude, you're an awesome model! I could totally see you on a TV show - what is that one where they send you on a shopping trip? Of course that would be implying that you don't know how to dress, and you do.
ReplyDeleteOkay, I'll just shut up now and enter because obviously I'm digging a very deep hole here.
LOVE the first outfit. I'm all about casual. Plus the fushsia is a fun color.
Also, I'm following this blog. See me over there? In the little follow box? Yep, me.
ReplyDeleteAND I follow your regular blog. Have for quite a while actually.
ReplyDeleteAnd see how your hair is growing out after the Big Cut!
Ooh, I like holiday casual, because that color looks fantastic on you and great for the holiday!
ReplyDeleteYou know I follow here...
ReplyDelete...and over on the "regular" blog. :)
ReplyDeletePersonally I'm a huge fan of the casual outfit. Pink looks really nice on you! Plus its a nice change from usually "boring" winter colors.
ReplyDeleteI follow this blog :) (and love it very much!)
ReplyDeleteI follow your other blog as well... and I love it just as much as this one!
ReplyDeleteThe jeans and sweater combo is my favorite!!!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite is the holiday casual!
ReplyDeletemaddox_amy at yahoo dot com
I like the first outfit - the fuschia blouse is so great!
ReplyDeleteThe office to party look is great! That tweed jacket is something I need to go out and try on myself - absolutely love that jacket!
ReplyDeletejillhayes06 at gmail dot com
I like the casual look!
ReplyDeleteI love the holiday casual outfit!!
ReplyDeletetlc1982@aol.com
I'm a blog follower of this blog.
ReplyDeletetlc1982@aol.com
Love the first look - such a great color!
ReplyDeleteI love the holiday casual look!
ReplyDeletemdosborne26@gmail.com
Holiday casual!
ReplyDeletesaw99a @ yahoo . com
I liked the Fusia first outfit best!
ReplyDeleteaziperstein@yahoo.com
Outfit #1 is my fave :) Love the pop of color!
ReplyDeleteForgot to say why... great color on you, and you look the most comfortable in it.
ReplyDeleteI like the first one!
ReplyDeleteacmcconville@hotmail.com
I think #3 is cute. All pieces can be used in such a wide range of other ways, so it would be a great collection to add to your wardrobe! Looks like so much fun!
ReplyDeleteChristina
christinambw@gmail.com
I vote for the holiday casual - love the color!
ReplyDeleteI love the holiday casual.
ReplyDeleteI like outfit #1 (holiday casual) the best on you. That blouse color looks great on you and although I'm usually not a fan of heels with jeans you make it work well!
ReplyDeletelove the holiday casual!
ReplyDeleteI love the perfect party outfit! It looks great on you, and I especially like the black cardigan that can be used for a casual outfit as well.
ReplyDeletekstabler@cbizmmp.com
The first casual look...the beautiful blouse really made you sparkle!
ReplyDeletei like the third look. ;)
ReplyDeletebrandiroo24@yahoo.com
Like the fun casual look because of the great splash of fuschia.
ReplyDeleteI like the first one.
ReplyDeleteOffice to party- because the skirt looks great on you. You're definitely a skirt person :)
ReplyDeletealanadanielle88@gmail.com
I like the casual one. You look great!
ReplyDeletejedoggett@embarqmail.com
Holiday casual!
ReplyDeleteThe casual outfit, the color of the blouse and the black sweater just pop on you (the pop is in a good way).
ReplyDeleteI love the holiday casual because I love the pink and black on you!
ReplyDeletemdmerenghi@gmail.com
I'm following your review blog.
ReplyDeletemdmerenghi@gmail.com
I'm also following your other blog!
ReplyDelete#1 is really pretty. Love it. :)
ReplyDeleteLove that office to party jacket!
ReplyDeleteI really like the party outfit! Fabulous!
ReplyDeleteYou look great in all of them! Oh, how I wish i was tall! I love the first outfit best, but I'm partial to jeans.
ReplyDeleteI love LOFT, too. It's one store I can ALWAYS find something in.
Look #1, the color is fabulous!
ReplyDeleteKelsey Kim
www.courageousmother.blogspot.com
I really like your Holiday Casual outfit!
ReplyDeleteI think the casual holiday outfit is terrific. The blouse is the perfect color on you.
ReplyDeletekaybejaybe@gmail.com
I follow this blog.
ReplyDeletekaybejaybe@gmail.com
I also follow your regular blog :)
ReplyDeletekaybejaybe@gmail.com
I Like outfit #1, I like the pink top the best!
ReplyDelete~Erin
Jones-y@rocketmail.com
Love the holiday casual.
ReplyDeleteI love the holiday casual look. So cute!
ReplyDeleteI like the holiday casual outfit--the fuschia looks really pretty with your coloring. The other outfits were cute, but they needed a pop of color!
ReplyDeleteThe holiday casual looks so nice on you. I love the loft. It's the only place I can go and find a pair of jeans that fit. Happy Holidays!
ReplyDeleteholiday casual- gotta love the fuschia
ReplyDeleteI love the holiday casual. Cute, cute!
ReplyDeleteI like the first one! I love that pink! I can't wear that color so I love when other people can! It looks great on you!
ReplyDeleteI liked the last one. The perfect party outfit.
ReplyDeleteI like the casual holiday look. The fuschia top really lights you up!
ReplyDeletemnkarbonne@gmail.com
I like the first outfit the best. Great color!
ReplyDeletei like t he 1st on w/ the pink sweater!
ReplyDeleteI love the holiday casual.
ReplyDeleteI will go with outfit #1. You look great!
ReplyDeleteI love outfit #1! Very pretty!
ReplyDeletethe holiday casual is my fave - that pop of color looks great!
ReplyDeletedreamzz12{at}aol{dot}com
tweeted
ReplyDeletedreamzz12{at}aol{dot}com
http://twitter.com/DeeGee13/status/6594939192
dreamzz12{at}aol{dot}com
ReplyDeleteblogged
http://the-prestigiator.xanga.com/718122211/holiday-loft-contest-12/
I'm all about the first outfit!!
ReplyDeleteI am not a fan of Ann Taylor but LOFT has always been my friend. Until I read this post, I forgot I have a gift card from there with a balance and I desperately need some jeans that actually fit well. I'm on my way. BTW, you look fabulous!
ReplyDeleteOooh, the first one! Love that fuschia blouse.
ReplyDeleteLauren
alsace77 AT yahoo DOT com
My favorite is the one with jeans because I LOVE my jeans!
ReplyDeleteTweeted
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/MommyKennedy/statuses/6619673260
Added to my "Giveaways Galore" Page
ReplyDeletehttp://thefrugalkennedys.blogspot.com/2009/06/givaways-galore.html
I'm now following this blog!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to have to go with the last one, the perfect party outfit! :)
ReplyDeletecalidreamin87 (at) gmail (dot) com
Tweeted!
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/calidreamin87/status/6622148428
I follow this review blog!
ReplyDeleteI follow your regular blog!
ReplyDeletelove that fuschia top in your casual look. It is beautiful on you.you are rockin that look.
ReplyDeleteI love the first outfit!
ReplyDeleteI like the first outfit on you best!
ReplyDeletei love the office to party look - a suit that's not black! i didn't know they even made those!! ;-)
ReplyDeleteYour casual look is my favorite!
ReplyDeletejillk77 at aol dot com
Loved the first outfit!
ReplyDeletemy vote is for holiday casual
ReplyDeletefollowing this blog
ReplyDeletefollowing your regular blog
ReplyDeletetweeted http://twitter.com/annedoggett/status/6646171979
ReplyDeletejedoggett@embarqmail.com
Look #2! The jacket is adorable!
ReplyDeletecristina.m.harris at gmail dot com
I like outfit #1 (casual)! tzappile@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI love the perfect party outfit, very cute!
ReplyDeletetuesdayef at aol dot com
I love the casual outfit. It looks comfy yet so cute!
ReplyDeleteyour second look is adorable.
ReplyDeleteI love look #1!!
ReplyDeleteI am totally stuck in mom-jeans. Going shopping next weekend so this post came at the perfect time!
perfect party looks awesome
ReplyDeleteHoliday casual outfit - love the top!
ReplyDeletewww.JustOneWeek.net
I love love LOVE the first outfit with the pink blouse. I think that looks wonderful on you!
ReplyDeleteRebecca B.
shadesofpink812@yahoo.com
I blogged about this, too! :)
ReplyDeletehttp://rebeccaandallan.blogspot.com/2009/12/win-loft-gift-card.html
Rebecca B.
shadesofpink812@yahoo.com
I'm following your blog now, too!
ReplyDeleteRebecca B.
shadesofpink812@yahoo.com
Oh, and guess what? I'm following your other blog as well! :)
ReplyDeleteRebecca B.
shadesofpink812@yahoo.com
My vote is #1
ReplyDeleteI am a new follower!
ReplyDeleteI am an Honest and Truly follower!
ReplyDeleteHoliday Casual!
ReplyDeletesamanthajocampen at gmail
I liked choice #4, the sweater you looked oh so happy to try on.
ReplyDeleteI love the pink! The Loft is such a great store.
ReplyDeleteoutfit #1 FTW!
ReplyDeleteI like Holiday Casual. The jeans and boots are really cute together!
ReplyDeletemcbrady13 at hotmail dot com
Following this blog!
ReplyDeletemcbrady13 at hotmail dot com
Following Honest and Truly!
ReplyDeletemcbrady13 at hotmail dot com
holiday casual -- I liked seeing how the look evolved and the end result is smashing
ReplyDeleteHoliday casual rocks! That color shirt is fabulous on you, and the boots are very cute with the jeans. You look great!
ReplyDeleteI follow the giveaway blog.
ReplyDeleteI follow honest and truly!
ReplyDeleteI love the holiday casual, because the fuschia top is marvelous!
ReplyDeleteurchiken at gmail dot com
Hey there! Holiday casual in my vote, it looks pretty on you! I'll keep my fingers crossed till the 25th!
ReplyDelete-BB
bartendingblogger@gmail.com
I'm also a follower of this blog
ReplyDelete-BB
bartendingblogger@gmail.com
I am also now a follower of honest and truly
ReplyDelete-BB
bartendingblogger@gmail.com
I normally dont even like pinks, but wow! that outfit looks fantastic on you!
ReplyDeletefollowing here
ReplyDeleteand following over there!
ReplyDeleteI like The holiday casual.The fuschia is a great color on you!
ReplyDeletehoneybeez80@yahoo.com
Just loved the fuschia blouse with black sweater. Looked great on you.
ReplyDeleteTweeted
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/LisaSVance/status/6814779579
I follow this blog.
ReplyDeleteI like holiday casual. It looks comfy.
ReplyDeleteJeanette Huston
chewysmum79@yahoo.com
I blogged this giveaway here
ReplyDeletehttp://mommyblessingsinsmallbundles.blogspot.com/2009/12/win-200-loft-gift-card.html
Jeanette Huston
chewysmum79@yahoo.com
I tweeted you here
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/gijeanie/status/6817034813
Jeanette Huston
chewysmum79@yahoo.com
Hi Michelle! My fave outfit is the casual one. That fuschia blouse is awesome! Plus, I'm a total jeans gal and am always looking for great options to dress up my favorite denim.
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower of this blog!
ReplyDeleteI'm also a follower of your other blog, Honest & Truly. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI like the casual outfit. The color is great on you and the necklace is really cute!
ReplyDeletethe first one...fuscia! wow!!
ReplyDeleteYou look great in all of them but I really like the holiday casual outfit on you with the fuschia top.
ReplyDeleteI am a new follower on google friend.
ReplyDeleteTweeted, thanks so much for the chance!
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/WendiP/status/6821540820
I like the fun casual one! You did a GREAT job modeling and it sounds like such a fun day!!
ReplyDeleteBonus comment - I don't think I already follow your review blog (not sure where I've been on this, SO sorry!) so I'm joining now! hugs!
ReplyDeleteI like look #3- it is so classy and cute!
ReplyDeleteMJ using hubby's google account
butterflyrouge(at)yahoo(dot)com
I follow Honest & Truly!
ReplyDeleteMJ using hubby's google account
butterflyrouge(at)yahoo(dot)com
I liked the perfect party look. The top is adorable and the skirt is so pretty. Perfect for any type of event!!
ReplyDeletetweeted http://twitter.com/carogonza/status/6853039151
ReplyDeleteblogged http://theartofrandomwillynillyness.blogspot.com/2009/12/blogher-and-loft.html
ReplyDeleteThe holiday casual look is definitely my favorite, you look awesome in it!
ReplyDeletetweeted:
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/princessla66/status/6860236720
I follow this review blog.
ReplyDeleteI now follow your “regular” blog Honest & Truly! Cool blog!
ReplyDeleteI like the perfect party outfit!
ReplyDeletematt_owns_me{at}yahoo{dot}com
I now follow this blog on FriendConnect
ReplyDeletematt_owns_me{at}yahoo{dot}com
I now follow your regular blog (Honest and Truly!) on FriendConnect
ReplyDeletematt_owns_me{at}yahoo{dot}com
Tweet: http://twitter.com/BountyHunter338/status/6860580481
ReplyDeletematt_owns_me{at}yahoo{dot}com
love the Perfect Party look!! thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeleteLove the office to party look the best!
ReplyDeleteluckyduckys AT gmail.com
Love the office to party look! How Fun! What a great oppurtunity!
ReplyDeletecassandra@aubut.net
I follow your regular blog!
ReplyDeletecassandra@aubut.net
I follow your review blog!
ReplyDeletecassandra@aubut.net
Love the office to party look!
ReplyDeleteLove the Office-to-Party outfit. Looks good on you!
ReplyDeleteMichelle... I honestly and truly LOVE LOVE LOVE the Holiday Casual on you.. Fushia is a great color on you. That is the best outfit on you!
ReplyDeleteDorothy
dpdiehl@Hotmail.com
My choice is the holiday casual because of the color. Color is big this season!
ReplyDeletenotsosahm (at) gmail (dot) com
I am now following this review blog :)
ReplyDeleteI am following Honest & Truly, too :)
ReplyDeleteI just retweeted your tweet about this post. Can you tell I want to win?! My favorite store is Loft. I've gotten some SWEET deals there :)
ReplyDeleteI love Loft!! I like the perfect party outfit. Because I think you could reuse the different parts for more casual outings and because who doesn't love getting dressed up for parties?
ReplyDeleteMy favorite outfit is the first outfit because it can be worn many places and it looks like something I would wear. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteaccoupons at gmail dot com
I follow this blog
ReplyDeleteI follow Honest & Truly
ReplyDeleteI follow both blogs and here is my tweet.
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/WeaselMomma/status/6890860551
I hope I didn't have to leave 3 separate comments.
The perfect party outfit gets my vote.
ReplyDeletekc@mominthecity.com
I like outfit #1 (holiday casual) best on you! You look fabulous!
ReplyDeletekimkchang at gmail dot com
blogged!
ReplyDeletehttp://givemeagiveaway.blogspot.com/2009/12/another-blogher-giveaway.html
I like the perfect party outfit - you look very classy and elegant in it :)
ReplyDeletedkbsharma@yahoo.com
I like the holiday casual look.
ReplyDeleteSuch a tough decision! I believe my favorite is the Holiday Casual Look.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Aimee
sierranelsby (at) gmail (dot) com
* Tweet *
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/Nelsby/status/6907921402
Thanks!
Aimee
sierranelsby (at) gmail (dot) com
Oh my goodness, I LOVE the top in style #1!
ReplyDeleteangela.henderson327@gmail.com
Holiday casual is my favorite! Looks great!
ReplyDeleteLove that fuscia blouse outfit, very cute! What a fun giveaway, I love Loft.
ReplyDeleteThe casual look is my favorite, I love the fuschia blouse! The color is great!
ReplyDeleteI like the holiday casual outfit best, I love that fushia blouse.
ReplyDeleteajolly1456 at gmail dot com
I blogged about the giveaway
ReplyDeletehttp://lunaj1456.blogspot.com/2009/12/loft-giveaway-from-blogher.html
I tweeted
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/lunaj1456/status/6968446995
ajolly1456 at gmail dot com
I follow on google friend connect
ReplyDeleteajolly1456 at gmail dot com
I follow your Honest and Truly blog on google friend connect
ReplyDeleteajolly1456 at gmail dot com
perfect party all the way!
ReplyDeleteI like outfit#1 - very versatile.
ReplyDeleteI love number two! That color must be the NEW black, seems to just look good on lots of people:)
ReplyDelete#1 is cute!
ReplyDeleteholiday casual is my fav look as it is the most flattering to you and I think it would be more flattering to all body shapes
ReplyDeleteScott
nynekats at aol dot com
tweeted http://twitter.com/RePurrPussed/status/7004534686
ReplyDeleteScott
nynekats at aol dot com
following this blog
ReplyDeleteScott
nynekats at aol dot com
following honest & truly blog too
ReplyDeleteScott
nynekats at aol dot com
I really liked the Holiday Casual look on you. For me, I love the color of the shirt...what a great punch!
ReplyDeleteAngie
one 4 earth at aol dot com
I tweeted this giveaway here: http://twitter.com/FotoMacro/status/7004543703
ReplyDeleteAngie
one 4 earth at aol dot com
I follow your blog.
ReplyDeleteAngie
one 4 earth at aol dot com
I am following your other blog too.
ReplyDeleteAngie
one 4 earth at aol dot com
My vote is for the holiday casual - I think it looks great!
ReplyDeleteI like your Office to Party look.
ReplyDeletecharisscharity at yahoo dot com
tweeted.
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/ccboobooy/status/7016410215
charisscharity at yahoo dot com
following Honest & Truly!
ReplyDeleteccboobooy/charity
charisscharity at yahoo dot com