Ann Taylor Petites and Conscious Collection Reviews

I went back to H&M today specifically to find this little peplum top. It was my instant favorite from the price list for wearing on hot summer days, and quite affordable at $12.95. It reminds me of my well-loved TopShop floral tee, except that was an overpriced $40. Good news: I found a sz 2 in a pretty floral print, versus plain white. Bad news: it's tagged at $18. I'm going to contact customer service about the price discrepancy.

While there, I also stumbled upon this safari-esque orange & cream circle skirt for a mere $9.95. I've been looking for bright, easy-to-wear skirts for summer that aren't too short (the winds are gusty here in Boston!). XS was sold out so I took home an S. It's 100% cotton so it will hopefully shrink.

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As detailed in my previous post, the Ann Taylor family of stores is having an epic 40% off your entire purchase (regular & sale items) promo from today until Sunday. No coupon needed in-stores. I popped into my local store and there were so many cute finds to be had. Even with 40% off though, items were still pricey, so I limited my purchase today to favorites only.

1. Knit Jersey Striped Crossover Dress in XXSP, $88 retail & Citrine Belt in XSThis is pretty much gone online, but it's worth hunting down in-stores. I believe there's free shipping for AT cardholders. This navy and white dress was love as soon as I put it on. The knit material grazes my figure nicely but is not snug (aka no dreaded "S" shape at the tummy & tush). The faux-wrap V neckline is perfect and I love the side gathered pleats.

I've been eying this belt since AT touted "citrine" as one of their hot summer colors. It's similar to my beloved yellow cardigans, but with a slightly neon zing. Verdict: Bought both at 40% off, plus a $15 coupon ; )

2. Yvonne Tweed Sheath Dress sz 00P

This has the potential to be a classic tweed sheath dress, but the neckline was gappy for me and the entire torso and hips were too roomy. Verdict: Pass. Recommended for those a bit bigger than me.

3. Cascade Dots Print Dress sz 00P

This dress was so darling, and I especially liked the bow tie which cinched the waist in (sorry, hard to see in these photos). The material is mostly cotton, which I don't like for dresses as much as drapier fabrics. Verdict: Passed. Still too pricey after 40% off discount, and I had already found a navy/white dress.

4. Luxe Chambray Shirt and Golden Texture Pencil Skirt, both in 00P

I already have a beloved chambray shirt, but I've been curious to try this one nonetheless. It's basically the typical chambray shirt, but more structured, tailored, and refined, and it's very nice. It's cut slimmer than the Target sz XS one I have, but also pricier. I'm happy with mine, but if I didn't have one already I'd snatch this up.

As for the skirt, I've tried it on previously yet I keep reaching for it because I love the neutral color and speckly texture. As with all AT pencil skirts, fit is a lil' big on someone my size without alterations, but I love all my AT pencil skirts for work, and believe they are worth the alterations.

5. Shibori Floral Ruffle Shell

This shell looked slim-cut on the hanger, and sure enough it fits tiny. It's a stretchy material, and was a snug fit on my torso. The armholes and neck hole were both small. I like the generous ruffle detail down the front side, but from the side view it's a bit bulky looking. Verdict: Pass. Liked the fit and cut, but didn't love the print or price.

Last but not least, I saw my friend try on the Bateau Lace Dress (regular sizing only) and did a double take. The material and crochet pattern is completely identical to the lace items out at the Factory stores now. Material content says it's slightly different, but I inspected it carefully and could swear it's the same. Price is also exactly the same ($198). The only thing different is the neckline, and I like the Factory version better, hands down! I'm curious why they brought it back to both regular and Factory stores, at the same price nonetheless.

Next up, as many of you already know, H&M's environmentally "Conscious" collection hit stores today. Being the dork that I am, I printed out the price list and circulated the store like a hawk looking for highlighted pieces. I was so engrossed in my hunt that I ran smack into a low-hanging sign and almost gave myself a concussion.

1. Scalloped High-Waisted Shorts sz 2, approx $18 retail. I've tried on a number of similar frilly scalloped items this season and most looked ridiculous. This didn't look too ridiculous, and the waist actually fit small. Material is flimsy and probably sheer, though. Verdict: Purchased w/ 20% off.

2. White Denim Sheath Dress sz 2, approx $30. This isn't part of the Conscious collection but it was hanging together. I really like white for summer, but it has to be done right. The torso fit slim, but the neckline was low and gappy on me, and you can see all the seams right through the fabric making it look a bit hoe-y. Verdict: Pass

3. Assorted Boyfriend Blazers sz 2, approx $50 each. I was extremely disappointed with all these blazers. They were roomy, and overpriced in my opinion for H&M. The middle one was a huge hopeful for me after seeing the photos, but it looked very cheap in person. Verdicts: PASS.

4. Linen Boyfriend Blazer sz 2, approximately $40 retail. I'm kind of determined to find a longer casual blazer to wear over short dresses and skirts. This was better than the above in material, structure, and price. Wonder if I can fry it in the dryer without it shrinking funny because it's lined in a poly material. Verdict: Put on hold. It also comes in a light pink.

5. Eyelet Shorts sz 2. Price...forget? I was disappointed that most shorts (except for the scalloped ones) in this collection ran quite big for H&M. These would be cute as sultry little shorts, but instead looked like a diaper on me. Verdict: Pass.

6. Last but not least, what I personally thought was one of the prettiest pieces in the collection: Scalloped bubble dress, sz 2, $50. This has a brocade skirt and lighter top, which is a lovely combo in person. As you can see, however, the neckline is WAY too sexy for this girl. The "V" goes all the way down to the waist w/ no crossover. For something this revealing, my girls would need a trusty push-up bra versus flat little pasties. Verdict: Pass.

My local store only got one shipment, so more items will be trickling in this week. I'll be back to scope out some more pieces I had my eye on. Overall today, the damage was $61 at Ann Taylor and $14.40 at H&M. Not too shabby for pieces I really like.

Readers - Please share what you picked up from today's events!