Work is taking over my life, so just popping in with a quick review to celebrate the arrival of spring (although it certainly does not feel like it)! Ann Taylor is currently running 40% off everything -use TRENDS40 online- which is a great time to pick up their faux-leather gallery tote (in navy, soft pink, or black) or statement pearl & chain necklace. Love, love both of these pieces which have been on heavy rotation for me over the year. I first received the bag as a gift, and despite some serious beating around and chronic wet weather, it’s proven to be durable and low-maintenance while having more professional-looking structure than a Longchamp. So many women have stopped to inquire about it and are surprised to learn it’s from AT. 
Soft peach/pink is everywhere this season and I have been loving the ethereal, feminine feel. I don’t own much of this color so was enticed to try some pieces on. Probably wouldn’t wear this creamsicle palette from head to toe (a few pops of floral or leopard would be perfect), but threw everything on at once for photos. I had been wanting a Gallery tote in a second color for a while, and this versatile new option pushed me over the edge.
I didn’t get to take more photos of the tote, but am happy to do so later. The four zippers pull down to expose more of the same exterior faux-leather material, unlike previous versions which had (in my opinion, an odd choice of) print fabric lining. There is an inside pocket with zipper, a magnetic snap closure across the top, and AT added a small exterior pocket this season. Please note from my past review that I’ve been using mine with a base shaper inside.
Measurements of tote: 10.75″ high, 13″ wide across the base which expands to 18″ wide up top with the zippers, 4.4″ deep, and 8.75″ handle drop. The upper width is bigger than what I look for in totes and is borderline overwhelming on a ~5 foot tall frame, but I’ve accepted this due to all the other positives. Material is 100% synthetic leather which wipes clean easily.
Ann Taylor flutter panel dress (avail. in reg or petite) Moving on to this pretty dress, shall we? This can be a difficult color to pull off as it’s very similar to lighter skin tones. In-person it’s a soft peach which I really love, and think it’ll look less washed-out with color and print accents. The cut is a loose shift-style and will require torso slimming alterations if I keep it. I’m a big of the fluttery statement sleeves combined with a simple torso shape – less rigid and more fun than my usual pencil dresses. Material is an unlined crepe-like 100% polyester with invisible back zipper. For the price I expected this dress to be lined and could’ve done without the paneling across the torso. Nevertheless, I am leaning towards keep unless I come across something better.
Measurements of 00 petite: 16.25″ across the armpit, 15.25″ across waist, 16.5″ across hips, 31″ length, 18″ across the widest part of the sleeves from shoulder to shoulder. 
Lastly, please excuse the terrible photo quality but this dress is another one of my favorites from the current line. Classic cut, neckline, and colors, plus a touch of fun with the metallic glean from the dark bronze stripes. It’s hard to tell but the light gray stripes are in a linen texture.The fit is true to size for AT and would require 1-2 inches of slimming along the torso for me. I think this dress would be very flattering on someone in the right size, with a belt right at the navy midsection to further accentuate the waistline. I passed as I have plenty of pencil dresses and stripe pieces, but wanted to share.
Hello, Jean!
Oh my goodness. You are hands down the chicest blogger around! I love all of your outfits, however, your blue dress and pearls really caught my eye! I am in the process of trying to update my wardrobe; I've been rocking sweats in public for far too long! Ha ha ha!
It's fantastic to see what your blog has become. You've got a great thing going here!
All my best,
Kate Gene 🙂
Hi Jean,
I love love love your style and your blog 😀 I usually get work place outfit inspiration from here as your outfits strike the perfect balance between fashionable and work-place appropriate.
I have a question for you: I noticed that you have the jcrew everly pumps and ferragamo varina's (2 shoes that I own as well). My question is about your manolo blahnik bb pumps. I will like to buy a pair for my upcoming graduation but I don't know what size I am. Can you please compare the sizing and/or list your sizes in the everly, varina and manolo bb pumps just so that I have a better idea of what size to order?
Thank you soo soo much 😀
mk
Hi Jean, Thank you for your review on the tote! I live in Vegas and decided tonight was the night for a trip to the Forum Shops at Caesars… in search of a great summer tote. Stopped in Coach, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, and Michael Kors along the way toward Ann Taylor and can honestly say the second I put on the AT, it was love! I was ready to spend for the right one, but this felt like it – and with the 40%, it feels like a steal to all the others! LV's Neverfull seems to sloppy for work and the Totally just doesn't feel pretty on the inside. Coach had some nice spring solutions, but they were almost so classic, the options I liked seemed just a tad too plain. Fendi has a bag that feels like a cross between the Totally and NeverFull… and for slightly less than the now listed prices at LV… but it wasn't summery enough for me. And Michael Kors… eh – I wasn't into it. The AT material is great – soft to the touch and yet without the weight of leather. The color is perfect. The blush one I saw at Coach was just a little to pink. This AT remains neutral and timeless. I prefer the bag with the zippers up as well and plan on finding some pretty poofs and a base shaper for it. SOOOO satisfied with this purchase. Great price. Appreciate the heads up. Can't wait to wear it with Navy all summer!
Hi there! I don't have many bodycon dresses but the ones I have tried have pretty sturdy bands that serve as "built in" shapewear. Unfortunately I haven't had too much luck with trying spanx (do own one pair of their high waisted bike shorts but lines still show through) so can't give any recommendations : /
Hi Dice! It's definitely not necessary, but maybe a lighter gold, black, or even a contrasting red could be interesting to highlight the waist.
Hi Jean,
What kind of belt would you wear with the Ann Taylor Textured Stripe Dress?
I'll have to check out the Flutter dress from Loft that your readers have mentioned.
Hi Jean! I love your blog. I'm curious what kind of shapewear you wear when you wear bodycon dresses? Thanks!
I have been very disappointed with AT recently. Most of their clothes are now made of cheap synthetics – polyester/viscose/acrylic. The price points have not changed though. Looks like they are spending all their money on advertising and roping in celebrities rather than creating quality garments.
Yay on the striped dress! And thank you + for3v3r16 above for the heads up on the LOFT version. I ended up getting that one instead. You're spot on about the +/- … if only LOFT/AT made a combined version that nixed all the flaws.
I really love them! They are pricey but I get so much wear out of them commuting to work, on the weekends, traveling, you name it. It's a little odd at first wearing such tall boots, but I find them to be a lot more lengthening on my shorter legs than boots that hit below the knees.
Thanks so much for letting me know about the LOFT version! I was headed to AT to get a price adjustment and checked out the LOFT dress. The cut and fit are super similar. The LOFT color is more pink whereas this is more nude (preferred the AT color), that one is lined whereas this one is not, and I do like their scuba material (slightly thicker with a little stretch) a lot. However the LOFT flutter sleeves are unfortunately raw cut, whereas these are finished. After sales both were the same price and I had a tough time deciding, but got the LOFT one. I don't think you can go wrong with either since they're so similar, but it just boils down to personal preference.
Hi Jillian! Thanks for sharing your try-on experience. I can see how this straight-cut shift style wouldn't be the most flattering to show off curves. It is borderline still work appropriate for me so I can imagine it'd be too short for someone even a bit taller. I'm sure you'll find something better down the road : )
Yay, that sounds absolutely gorgeous for a summer Edinburgh wedding!
I think they are gone : / I still like their shoes but not like the originals. Have you checked out J.Crew? Pricier but quality is most similar to original ATs and their sizes accommodate small feet (I usually go up half a size in j.Crew shoes than I did for AT).
Hmm, I didn't feel it was flimsy compared to my longchamp which is super pliable. It's definitely not a stiff or thick material but I like how that keeps it lightweight. Happy to hear you enjoyed the original one!
Hi there – I would say true to size to small, but in general I go up half a size for pointy toe shoes to avoid toe pinching. The YSLs were one of my first pair of pointy heels so I had gone with my usual size, and they definitely needed some stretching out in the toe area. Good luck finding a pair!
beautiful…thanks for the update
Jean, I've seen you and Wendy both wearing these gorge YSL black pointed pumps with wooden heels. I love love them on you guys and was scouring some consignment sites. Do they fit TTS? Thank you so much!!!
I love the original AT tote thanks to your original review! 🙂 Glad that they have an updated version with more pockets and in a spring color! Might just need to pick it up 😉 The only thing I wish was done better in the first bag was that I felt the material was a bit flimsy. Based on the new bag reviews on the AT site, it seems like the material is more stiff. Do you find that to be true?
Suzie Q
http://www.StyleCueBySuzieQ.com
Jean, any idea what happened to AT perfect pumps? Been waiting forever for them to release more, and it looks like they've stopped making them?
You look gorgeous in the nude color I think it is a very sensual color, especially in contrast with black hair, absolutely beautiful! <3 xoxo
http://www.stylehenge.com
Thanks for this post! I've been looking for a dress to wear to a wedding in Edinburgh this summer and after seeing it here I ran out and took advantage of the sale! The Petite sizes fit great and the price was fantastic. I'm paring it with my nude Louboutins and am relieved that I can cross this off my list of things to do before my trip!
I tried on the flutter panel dress yesterday. I'm 5'1" around 115 lbs, curvy and usually wear a P2 in Ann Taylor. I wanted to love this dress so much, but it fit really weird in the back, probably because my figure is more hour glass than straight. I also didn't think the length was work appropriate, but it would work well for a wedding or other event. I was happy to see how nice it looks on you though because it really is a pretty dress.
The pink dress looks so pretty on you! Great outfit ideas, too. I have to check them out. Thanks for posting!
I was leaning toward that tote, but wasn't 100% until your review. thx for the heads up on the sale!
I really love that blush dress with those leopard pumps!
Jenny
http://www.chibistk.com
The striped dress was totally on my radar when I went to AT yesterday! I was able to get it for a pretty great price with the 40% off plus extra 10% off for cardmembers. Just FYI, there is a similar flutter panel dress available at LOFT right now in the same color. I liked it because it doesn't have the stitch panel detailing across the torso area, giving it a cleaner look overall. The downside is that the flutter sleeves have a raw cut edge to them.
I'm so in love with your Ann Taylor dress – not only because I'm a huge pink lover! It's in sum adorable and looks like especially made for you <3
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.blogspot.de
These outfits are perfect for work! Love your picks, thanks for sharing.
xo,
Dana Kay
http://danakay16.blogspot.com/
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HI Jean. I love the Ann Taylor flutter panel dress, it just call out spring. Thanks for your review on it, cuz I was looking to get it. But until I saw something similar to it from Loft site : Flutter Sleeve Dress in Refined LOFT Scuba for least. I don't know if you saw it yet? What is your take on those dresses, since it similar in style, just the material different? ( I guess ) Would like to hear your intake of those two dress. I'm still leaning toward the Ann Taylor dress, but would love to hear your take on it.
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LOVE the blush dress! It's absolutely the perfect color and I love it with the leopard heels!
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xoxo
What's your opinion on the 50/50 boots? I'm as petite as you are (slightly taller at 5'1'') and I've been reluctant to get them because I worry I'll look like the cat from Puss in Boots… You seem to be able to pull them off wonderfully.
What do you think?