LOFT

This is a compensated review
by BlogHer and Loft.

When I lived in New York, one of my favorite indulgences was to stop at Loft on my way home from work. Their clothes are classic enough to meet my work needs, but with a young and sassy flair that makes me feel cute, even when I need to look professional. They have lasting value, too (I just retired my favorite cashmere sweater after eight years of continuous use), and they fit my budget. So, I was only too thrilled to accept BlogHer’s invitation for an Loft shopping spree with my own personal stylist and professional photographer to document the experience.

When I arrived at the store, everyone was incredibly welcoming, and the store was hopping with a DJ and festive treats. I acquainted myself with their newest collection, which was sophisticated, while also fun and flirty.

I readily turned myself over to the stylist, Hailey, telling her that I wanted to break out of my “Mom Jeans,” and, having recently lost twenty pounds, I wanted to show off my newfound figure. She encouraged me to try on pieces that I never would have considered on my own,

and got me into my first pair of “Skinny Jeans,” which were two sizes smaller than the jeans I was sportin’ last May. Woo-hoo!

We were presented with a Style Challenge, which was really fun and filled me with fantasies of fancy parties and cocktails after work.

For the first ensemble, called “Look Pretty At Every Party,” Hailey dressed me in a fabulous little black dress that showed off my arms and made it even more fabulous by adorning me with a chunky gold necklace and bracelet cuff. I felt quite glamorous.

For the “Perfect Desk-To-Dinner Look,” she paired classic gray wool trousers with a black, rose-covered cardigan, glistening with rhinestone buttons, that left me feeling elegant and feminine.

Finally, for the pièce de résistance, “Have a Perfectly Casual Holiday,” I found myself in a pair of rinse-wash modern skinny jeans, fitted black ruffled jacket and sequined lined cami. At this point, I was feeling young and chic and ready to go out on the town.

Before I could go out on the town, however, I had some decisions to make. I loved all of the choices that Hailey had presented, but I’m practical by nature, so had to really think about which clothes would fit with my current lifestyle. That’s when Loft Sales Associate Kristen swooped in. She recognized that, these days, I’m more of a jeans and t-shirt kind of gal, so while she convinced me to keep the rose-adorned cardigan for those days when I need something extra special, we decided I’d wear it with the skinny jeans, and, to be on the safe side, I got a pair of tulip wash boot cut jeans as well.

She spent the next couple of hours showering me with comfortable yet flattering camis and tees, and, by the time I closed the place down, I felt like I’d been shopping with one of my very best girlfriends. I came home with a flattering new collection of tops that were casual enough for every day wear, but each containing elements that make me feel extra special and pretty.

Thank you to everyone involved. I had a wonderful time getting to be Queen for a Day.

You too can be spoiled by Loft and BlogHer. Leave a comment with your vote for the best outfit choice, and you will be entered for a chance at a $200 Loft gift card. To get you started, Loft is also offering 20% off to all of my readers with the coupon code below.

20% Off Coupon

Be sure to check out other reviews on Blogher.com's review/ giveaway/round up page. You have 15 chances to win!

BlogHer.com special offers page

To enter for the $200 gift card, leave a comment stating your favorite outfit choice and an email address to contact you. Contest runs between Dec. 10 - Dec. 25 2009. Winner will be chosen through Random Numbers Generator.

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:

Official rules

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