This is a compensated review by BlogHer and Loft.
I’m small potatoes in the world that is Blogger. I write about what’s important to me: my job, my kids, my life. I don’t venture into politics are give my opinions on anything very worldly. I focus on potty training, teen training, and the all too often “sharing-those-bodily-functions-with-others-is-just-plain-rude-young-man,” little boy training.
So you can imagine my surprise and utter elation when I was contacted by the cool ladies at BlogHer asking me to take part in a review of the LOFT store in Dallas and to host a contest. Hmmmm, let’s see. No dirty diapers? No smelly socks? Beautiful women’s clothes for me to touch and feel and try on? AND I get to give away a cool prize? I was sure they had mistaken me for someone else so I wrote them back and said, “You do realize you’re dealing with me, right?” And for some strange reason they were good with that; in fact they said I was perfect for the assignment.
Well alrighty then!
I took daughters Reagan (14) and Keaton (12) with me to Northpark Mall on Saturday for support. When in doubt, my children have no qualms telling me if I look ridiculous in an outfit or that my butt looks big.
Yeah, I love ‘em so.
We entered LOFT and there was a DJ set up with all of his dj-ing equipment. I know nothing about DJ’s but I do know the music was funky and fun and just loud enough to make you bob to the beat while you shopped. There were tables set up full of delicious cookies, brownies, and other snacks, along with juices and bottled water. My girls were in heaven.
We were greeted by the sweetest store manager who graciously thanked us for coming, explained what would be happening, and the best part…she handed me a $200 gift card for Ann Taylor Loft. I think I felt my knees buckle.
Soon I was whisked away by the LOFT stylist who had pulled together several outfits for me to try. I have to admit, I was extremely skeptical of the items he had chosen for me. I went into the dressing room expecting the worst, only to discover that clearly my wonderful stylist was unusually gifted in the clothes-choosing department and I needed to keep my mouth shut and let him do his job.
My first outfit was chosen as a holiday casual look, with the winter white color scheme offset by the shimmery gold blouse and faux fur neck warmer. My stylist said it is important to always leave a belted sweater partially open. Now see, I didn’t know that; but as I looked at the completed outfit I definitely understood his position.
Our next goal was to find a fun holiday dress. Now, you must know, I am a freakishly tall woman (5’11”) and I don’t find clothes easily. The stylist brought me this cute little grey dress and I thought I would surely look like my two-year old playing dress up. Again, he knew exactly what he was doing. That little knit ruffle dress began simple, with only a sequin scarf placed ever so cleverly across my shoulder.
My stylist at work.
He then added a beautiful flower-adorned cardigan that I have to admit made me look quite sassy.
And just when I thought we were done with the little grey dress, he changed the whole look by adding a blouse over the dress along with another pretty cardigan, this one with a fringed neckline. And check out that chunky ribbon necklace…it just tied the whole outfit together.
And yes, I bought that grey dress. Who could pass up so many different look opportunities from one little dress?
Finally, we went for a little more formal holiday look. This black sweater dress with a velvet bow was left for last because my stylist thought it wouldn’t work. With the help of yet another wonderful sales associate who grabbed some black leggings for me to try, the stylist was pleasantly surprised at the outcome. He made a mad dash for that funky metal shards necklace and the perfect bracelet to complete my holiday look.
The black dress went home with me as well. I wanted it; I needed it. In fact, I begged my stylist to consider living with me too but he just laughed off my totally sincere request. What woman wouldn’t love that?
I must say, my time at LOFT was utterly fantastic. The clothes were beautiful and the employees met my every clothing need. They spoil you there. In fact, they've allowed me to offer you a coupon code just for checking out their items: 20% Off Coupon
Now go, do yourself a favor and let them take care of you. Not only will you feel fantastic because of the unique individual attention you’ll receive, but you will look absolutely stunning at your holiday festivities this year.
And if you want a $200 gift card to use while you're shopping at LOFT, read this:
The LOFT Contest
Official contest dates: December 10th - December 25th
Contest Theme: What is your favorite LOFT look for this holiday season?
The prize: $200 LOFT gift card!!
To enter, leave me a comment below and tell me what LOFT look works for you - or you may leave a link to your post on your own blog in the comments below. The contest will begin at 12/10/2009 and will end 12/25/2009. Make sure that the e-mail address you leave is correct.
Rules:
~ No duplicate comments.
~ You may receive an additional entry by linking on twitter and leaving a link in the comments.
~ You may receive an additional entry by blogging about this contest and leaving a link in the comments.
~ This giveaway is open to US Residents aged 18 and older
~ Winners will be selected via random draw, and will notified by e-mail.
~ You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
Please see the official rules here: LOFT Style Challenge Official rules
Also, don't forget to check out the other reviews for up to 15 more chances to win! BlogHer.com special offers page
