Santa Monica Place has a ton of stores and I haven’t been to them all yet.
I’ve passed by Ted Baker several times before but I never went inside because it seemed intimidating from the outside. But now that I’ve gone inside, it’s really quite friendly and the SAs are so sweet! The clothes are definitely on the higher end, similar to Theory, but with trendy, youthful styles.
Since it’s an international brand, the SA told me that the sizes run a little small. I scouted out a couple of dresses and a work outfit to try on to see if their claim was correct. When people tell me that brands run small, I’m the first one to test it out because most stores don’t have sizes small enough for me.
The SA provided me with heels to go with the clothes which was a nice touch so I could get a better idea of how the dresses look.
The dress in size 0 hits right at my knees and the body proportions are perfect in the shoulders, bust, waist, and hips. The sleeves are too long as you can tell from excessive bunching.
As much as I like the fit of the dress, the style is very Gothic Lolita…which is not a look I’m going for. So I had to pass.
Next was this shift in size 0.
There was black slip that went under the sheer dress top. It’s supposed to be a mini but it’s still a decent length for me. The sleeves are too long and the overall fit is too loose, especially since it doesn’t have any zippers. The metal detail in the center is pretty heavy as it pulls down the neckline.
It’s a cute party dress though.
Then, I saw this metallic sheen sweater dress in size 0.
The length hits mid thigh, which isn’t bad at all. But it doesn’t hang well and it looks quite shapeless on me. It definitely needs a belt to add structure to this dress. I think for taller people, it would make a fantastic holiday tunic.
As for the work outfit, I fared better.
The black trousers in size 0, the smallest size, was too large overall and about one size too big for me. The graphic top in size 0 had everything that I love about a top, a higher neckline, an interesting print, and a simple silhouette. The knit cardigan in size 0 was my favorite piece since it’s different, it’s slim-fitting, and it’s warm.
I’m still on my shopping ban, so I can’t buy anything, but if I could, I’d buy the cardigan. I don’t usually buy such expensive things, but a few key pieces require more money and this cardigan would be worth the purchase. I haven’t seen anything like it that fits as well as this one.
I’ll be back to check out Ted Baker since I know that they will have some items that fit (just not long sleeve tops or pants). For a non-petite brand, this place has a lot of petite friendly items, especially for those who are larger than a size 0.
What do you think about Ted Baker?
{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
Wow, I really love all those outfits on you. So classy. And I love the color palette!
Thanks! I think Ted Baker is one of the more sophisticated stores I’ve been to so the clothes definitely reflect a more refined taste. =)
I like the metallic sheen dress it reminds me of the night sky. The last outfit is also perfectly coordinated!
Thanks! When I stepped out in the last outfit, the SA loved it too…saying that she didn’t even think the top and cardigan would look so nice together! That made my day! =)
I can’t say no to draping, so I really like the metallic sweater dress. I’ve heard of Ted Baker but have never tried on their clothes before. Do most department stores not carry their line? On an unrelated note, their fitting room is gorgeous! Fit for a queen
I’ve only seen the Ted Baker store, but I think it’s available at Nordstrom’s and ASOS as far as I know. Btw, the fitting room was the “deluxe” (handicapped) one since I picked up so many pieces to try on. The other fitting rooms are much smaller, but they’re still pretty nice on the inside.
My favorites are the cardigan and the cowl neckline portion of the sweater dress. Like Cee, I was impressed with the dressing room
Ted Baker has some great pieces that are more than just simple basics. And the fitting room was very swanky indeed…it had a burgundy velvet curtain to close the room which added to the fabulousness! =)
I am loving your fitting room pics with the gorillapod or whatever it’s called! I see them in stores and never thought of this nifty use for them until you mentioned it.
The dresses don’t fit atrociously for a regular zero..but I agree with you they aren’t to die for. My favorite piece out of all these is also the last cardigan. how unique!
Thanks! I got tired of holding my camera and trying to take photos in the fitting room, so the gorillapod came in handy.
The fit of the size 0 isn’t that bad, but it really depends on the style of the garment. Also, I did pick a lot of “looser” items which contributes to the bagginess shown. I’m sure the more fitted stuff would fit better. =)
I just discovered Ted Baker too! I saw the brand at Nordstrom recently, and the sizes looked small, but my size was all sold out to try on. Glad to hear the sizing is petite friendly! I loooove that cardigan!
That’s awesome! It seems they’re gaining grown in the US, or at least in LA. The cardigan is amazing! =)
I’ve never walked into a Ted Baker either but it’s good to know that they do have a few petite friendly items. That cardigan looks really cute on you and I love all the details in the front center. The color is perfect too!
Oh, and I’m surprised how posh the Ted Baker dressing rooms are! Looks like a pretty comfy place to sit behind you!
Ted Baker has a couple of items that are quite unique and I love that about them. Plus, the dressing rooms are quite lovely…it makes it more fun to try things on! =)
I have never tried on any but have heard of it. So glad to see it on a petite! Thanks for the post!
Thanks! I think Ted Baker is probably another place for me to scope out new trends and ideas…they have cute items, but the smaller sizes are harder to find. =)
i love the first and second dresses! the details are so lovely.
Thanks for sharing! They have some interesting pieces, but I probably wouldn’t have pulled the trigger on any of them either except for the cardigan (although I think I’m just about cardigan’ed out this season!). Your fitting room pics are great btw… does it take long to set up? I always wonder if SAs get suspicious when I spend too long in fitting rooms busy taking pics
I know the feeling, no more cardigans for me next year! As for the fitting room photos, it doesn’t take that long to set up…I usually have the gorillapod already attached and I know what settings to set on my camera, so it’s quick and painless. Also, most of the SAs don’t really pay attention to how long I spend in the fitting room (since I bring in a lot of items). Unless they’re on commission, then then won’t leave me alone. =)