LOVE Your Pants with LOFT

Women might wear the pants in most relationships (I may or may not be speaking from personal experience), but how many of us find it tough to find pants that fit? It's nearly impossible to find pants that don't gape at the back, don't give us thunder thighs, and don't give us muffin tops and let us eat them, too. Pant shopping, it turns out, can be a harrowing experience for even the most zen-like among us. 

Luckily LOFT has got it all figured out; They teamed up with Fortini-Campbell, a leading research agency, to get to the bottom (literally) of what women really want when it comes to pants. I'm talking 10,000 women, 4 hour sessions and 400 pairs of pants by LOFT and its competitors. The upshot? The LOFT team measured, re-measured, ripped, and lengthened, leaving no stitch unturned to create the perfect pant. Here's how they did it:

• First they focused on the rear (don't we all?), shortening the pant rise just a little to prevent sagginess and adjusting the rear pocket for ultimate perk appeal.
• Second, they slimmed out the thigh area by using less fabric, thus erasing excess bulk.
• Next, they lowered the knee break slightly to create the illusion of a long, lean leg (LOFT claims that this makes legs look up to 2 inches longer).
• And finally, waistbands were made wider and given an interior lining to smooth and flatten the tummy. 

The best part? This isn't just one pair of pants we're talking about. They have 45 different pairs, in loads of fits, lengths, fabrics, styles, colours and prints to suit every woman. In fact, LOFT guarantees that their pants will fit 9 out of 10 women. I have yet to put these LOFT-y claims to the test but promise to report back the minute I do. SOOO worth a try for the possibility of finding the perfect pant, non? Can't wait to hear what you think. 

P.S - If you're heading to Toronto Eaton Centre next Thursday - Saturday from 3-7 pm, don't miss the LOFT Pant Clinic (see above for details) with shopping expert Theresa Quick. 

Ann Taylor and LOFT Now Shipping Across Canada

A sunny shot from the Ann Taylor Spring '13 Campaign - photo courtesy Ann Taylor

In more amazing-for-those-not-living-in-the-city news, Ann Taylor and LOFT just announced that they now offer shipping to over 100 countries, including our own home and native land. Huzzah! Both companies are offering free shipping on orders over $100 US until March 17th, so now's the time to get on it.

Happy Friday and happy March Break! And if you haven't already - check the post below for yesterday's fab contest to win 1 of 2 chic sets of TASCHEN books from Chapters/Indigo. If you aren't planning a trip to Paris, NY or London, it's the next best thing. x

Oh, and here's my spring/summer wish list from Ann Taylor so far. Shopping on the job again (bad girl):

Ponte Flounce Dress, $128 

Ankle-Strap Sandals, $118 

Ikat Pencil Skirt, $78 (available in June) 

Embroidered Floral Dress, $214 

Diamond Colorblocked Skirt, $95 

Poetic Slim Cropped Pant, (available later this month)

Gwen Lace-Up Exotic Heels, $170 

Color-Block Dress, (available in July) 

Two-Tone Envelope Clutch, $44 

LOFT Comes to Canada

Photos courtesy: LOFT

Just announced: LOFT is coming to Canada!  The US retailer will be opening its first international location at Yorkdale Shopping Centre in late 2012, the latest in a slew of chains to open up shop across the border, including Ann Taylor who will open two Toronto stores this fall.

LOFT offers versatile, accessible, and affordable fashion with a decidedly feminine feel, special and unexpected details, and a flattering fit.  “Canada represents a natural step as we move to expand internationally, and we are excited to open our first store outside the U.S. in such a vibrant city like Toronto,” said Gary Muto, Brand President. “LOFT offers women apparel and accessories that have great style, quality and value, and we believe our product fills a void in the market.”  

While we wait for the doors to open, be sure to visit LOFT.ca to join the email list and follow LOFT for updates leading up to the store's grand opening on Twitter and Facebook.