Weekly Shopping Update: 11.21.2014 (+ Ann Taylor Fitting Room Reviews)

Retailer: J. Crew
Discount: In stores & online: 30% off winter picks. Plus, extra 30% off fall sale styles with code SHOPNOW
Picks: Full Skirt In Bonded Satin, Buffalo Check Bomber Jacket, Cashmere Patch Pocket Hoodie, Skirt In Bonded Crepe, Dolman Sweater, Rib-stitch Turtleneck, Cashmere Chunky Turtleneck, Mixed Tweed Dress, Box Pleat Skirt in Crepe, Plaza Skirt in Tweed, Prom Midi Skirt In Bonded Satin, and Quilted Boyfriend Fatigue Jacket.

Stadium-cloth Standing-collar Coat

Retailer: Forever 21
Discount: Free shipping on orders of $30+
My picks: Ruched Knit Dress, Classic Moto Coat, Asymmetrical Draped Zipper Top, Mélange Boyfriend Coat, Plaid Woven Coat, Sheer Lace Peplum Top, Classic Cape Blazer, Quilted Faux Leather Moto Jacket, Textured Midi Skirt, Textured Woven Overcoat, Baroque Pattern Lace Top, and Classic Bouclé Overcoat.
Recent order: Twisted Drape Top and Turtleneck Poncho Sweater.

Turtleneck Poncho Sweater

Cable Knit Mock-Neck Sweater

Collarless Textured Knit Coat

Double-Breasted A-Line Coat

Retailer: LOFT
Discount: 50% off select items
Picks: Chambray Two-In-One Top, Floral Jacquard Short Sleeve Dress, Ballet Boatneck Sweater, Starburst Jeweled Sweatshirt, Lou & Grey Blockstripe Moto Jacket, Quilted Skirt Dress, Stitchblock Sweatshirt, and Split Neck Shirred Blouse.

Double Plaid Infinity Scarf (additional color here)

Retailer: ASOS
Discount: 25% off ASOS All-Stars
Picks: Victoriana Lace and Organza Top, Premium Checked Jacket, Sweetheart Skater Dress with Half Sleeves in Texture, Cami Swing Dress with Pleated Skirt, Dolly Skater Coat, Boyfriend Shirt with Elasticated Cuff, and Top with Clean High Neck.

ASOS Poncho in Cable Knit with Roll Neck

Retailer: Ann Taylor
Discount: 40% off select styles with code PARTY40
Picks: Cable Trim Sweater, Versatile Tie Blouse (love!), Jewel Neck Sweater, Cashmere Cable Sweater, Sequin Tuxedo Dress, Champagne Lace Tee, Merino Wool Cowl Neck Sweater, Merino Wool Wrap Sweater, Winter Lace Top, Crepe Wrap Top, Embellished Ann Cardigan, and Cashmere Turtleneck Poncho.
I stopped by Ann Taylor last week to try on the holiday collection. Here are some pictures and short reviews:
I loved the Day Coat online (especially in “Smokey Pond”) but thought it was a bit too insubstantial for New England winters in person. The fit (below in XXS) was also loose and boxy.

Day Coat

And though I was not particularly impressed by the Ombre Plaid Coat‘s stock photo, I fell in love with it in person. The coat in XXS (below) fit me (5’2) fine in overall length but the sleeves were a little long. The material was cozy and warm. The Chalet Coat was also a winner for me; it reminded me of the J. Crew Wool Melton Duffle Coat (reviewed here), just with a less boxy shape.

Ombre Plaid Coat

Chalet Coat

Another style that I loved (and plan to collect in all colors) was the Cable Turtleneck Sweater. The XS fit me in a relaxed way and the material was not scratchy.

Cable Turtleneck Sweater

I also tried on the Jeweled Shift Dress and the Shimmer Flounce Skirt. The former looked beautiful on the rack and the mannequin but the shape was not perfectly flattering on my already rectangular shape (I’ll give it a shot). I think when styled properly, it could work for more body types. Both styles fit true to size (below in 00P).

Jeweled Shift Dress

Shimmer Flounce Skirt

I really wanted to love the Wool Blend Open Cardigan but the XXSP was much too tight for me in the arms with layers underneath and the larger sizes didn’t fit me well in the torso. I also felt it was a little overpriced so if you are interested, wait for a discount (and Ann Taylor isn’t stingy with those).