I promise I will post pics -- nobody's home to take them right now.

Last week I saw an ad in my Facebook feed for this NYC company:
https://mmlafleur.com/survey/

I had just been freshly returned from one of my many NYC business trips of late, and feeling desperately in need of a style refresh that befits that city, which I'm practically commuting to and fro lately. Harried, tired, feeling ratty, and with so little time to B&M shop these days, I clicked through to their site and looked at their clothing and got intrigued enough to order a Bento Box -- with Angie's insistence that yes I can wear regulars not just petites echoing in my head. I figured it wouldn't hurt to give it a try.

I can't remember everything I selected on the survey, but I do remember saying I didn't mind spending $, that I had an apple belly, that I am currently edging into a size 6p at Ann Taylor, or a 4 regular. That I didn't mind *minor* alterations but would not make major ones. And I fudged my title a bit -- putting down my aspirational one (I'm up for a promotion.. so cross fingers). And said that I travel a lot -- so mix & match & travel friendly and also *comfortable* were very important to me.

I got my box today. Beautifully packaged, with easy return label and a feedback card with prices and information.

It also comes with a book, which I suppose is the only accessory you get with your first order. The marketing person in me says "smart!" It costs $26 and is shrink-wrapped, with a sticker saying to read the introduction online here http://mmlafleur.com/shop/wear-to-work... before opening the shrink wrap (which means you've bought the book). I really don't need anymore books as we've been madly decluttering, but I think I may bite and check it out.

It was only after I placed my order that I saw on the site that they are getting petites this Fall. I didn't know if I'd get petites or regulars. Everything I rec'd was regular.

I received 3 dresses and a sweater. All the dresses were size 4 regular.

Pic 1: The Morandi Sweater in Oatmeal in XS/S
http://mmlafleur.com/shop/morandi-oatmeal
This is the first thing I tried on, and I had to laugh, because over my shorts and tank top it looked like the Big Lebowski's bath robe. And well... oatmeal? Not my best color. It seemed too big, and ugh... a belt? I don't do belts all that well. I set it aside....

Pic 2: The Narie in Kalamata
http://mmlafleur.com/shop/narie-kalamata
The kalamata is a rich burgundy, which I love. I zipped this up and wow... just wow... it's got stretch and it's comfortable and it looks like I magically dropped 10 pounds! What's more the length is just right. Right at my knee. The only nit is that it kind of sticks out a bit in the back at the zipper -- I think because my shoulders are actually not wide enough for it (imagine that). I suspect this is a super easy easy tailoring fix though -- just needs to be taken in at the zipper, or a couple of darts added at the back neckline.

Then I tried the sweater over it and... magically... I actually liked it together!!! Yes even belted. Especially with sleeves pushed up, and left open just a bit in the front. With a gold chunky bracelet. And nude pumps. Or even my SW Chanel-like ballet flats, because it looks just fine with flats too. Or with chestnut boots, or heck, the new snake skin boots.....

Pic 3: the Sarah 4.0 in Peacock
http://mmlafleur.com/shop/sarah-4-0-peacock
I loved the rich color but was dubious about the sleeves, thinking it'd make me look like a line backer. But no. It does not. I do already have an ink AT sheath, but this one ... I like the fuller coverage neckline. I like that it is simple but not plain. I also like the longer length -- right at the knee. No alterations required for this one. Again, super stretchy, comfortable, can sit and bend and walk etc... and makes me look like I dropped 10 lbs! I don't know where my belly went. It's all sucked in, without feeling like a girdle. And yes that Big Lebowski sweater works over this one too. I also tried it with my new Talbot's navy suit jacket. It's not an exact match, but so close enough, I think it works.

Pic 4: the Emily in Black
http://mmlafleur.com/shop/emily-black
All of the above.... stretchy, comfortable, fits well.. elbow sleeves, yeah!!!.. This one has a slight A-line to it, and slit pockets. I'm on the fence about the pockets. I think they are cute, and who doesn't need pockets?? Can tuck a cell phone in. Can pin my badge to the pocket. The pockets are low, more at the hips, so they aren't adding to my belly. They do poof a bit, but I don't know if they poof to "deal breaker" levels.

I'm really tempted to keep them all. And order more Bento boxes. I love this concept, and I love the idea of building a professional wardrobe of simple easy travel friendly pieces that look polished and are easy to accessorize.

Overall: these items remind me a lot of Theory, which I've long loved, but which doesn't always love me back, because of fit issues. These fit a lot better than Theory on me.

I will post pics of me wearing so I can get the YLF critical review before I have to ship any returns back -- but in the meantime -- what's your gut reaction? Especially knowing me and my lifestyle and work needs?