Ann Taylor hit it out of the park last season with this cabochon necklace. If I didn’t know better, I could’ve mistaken this for costume jewelry passed down by someone’s grandmother. It has good weight and makes a statement against any backdrop. I especially love wearing it with large pearl stud earrings to really bring out the white stones. It’s now on final sale for a mere $19.88 (sold out online) – I shelled out more, but it’s earned its worth in wears. Thankfully, I no longer work on a team of fashionistas who used to chastise me for wearing favorite pieces too much.
They would’ve never been on my radar if it weren’t for my friend Ping’s helpful review. I ordered my typical Ann Taylor size 5, and have been very pleased. Ever since sending back these Porcini perfect pumps over 2 years ago (I had just started working and was very thrifty…got them for 30% off but wanted to wait for 40% off), I’ve wallowed in regret countless times. There have been so many outfits that just needed a subdued taupe pump – and now that void is finally filled.
These pumps have a lower 3 and 1/4″ heel which is very manageable, and is made of leather inside and out. In my opinion, these are fairly comfy, but not as comfy as the almond toe perfect pumps…because frankly, no one’s feet are shaped like a triangle at the tip. Small sizes are currently sold out online, but I have seen occasional pop-backs. 
I also ordered this Polished Cotton Cropped Jacket to try on during their extra 40% off sale items promo. I thought the cropped length would be flattering on a petite frame, but something looked off – the long lapels were too reminiscent of a tux to me. Also, now that my arms are sore from ironing my BR Factory white dress so many times, I’m avoiding wrinkle-prone cotton suit separates. I tried this on so hastily that I forgot to take measurements.
While returning the jacket at my local store, this beautiful ponte skirt in “avocado” caught my eye. In person, it’s a lovely chartreuse color, almost like a muted lime green. The skirt runs smaller than their normal suiting skirts, but sizing is tricky with ponte – 0P was a tiny bit big on me, but a 00P would probably be too fitted around the tush and short for work. If you can fit regular sizes, my solution would be to order one size down in regular sizing (compared to the size you take in petite) to get the 1.5″ of extra length for work.
These skirts reminded me of my bright blue ponte skirt from AT, which I’ve stopped wearing to work because it’s borderline too short. The material felt softer than prior seasons but may be more pilling-prone as a result. One very pleasant surprise, though, was that the new ponte skirts are now fully lined, making them hang smoother and feel like much better quality. Am definitely adding the avocado to my wishlist for when a sale hits!
Readers – Have you picked up any of these Ann Taylor pieces? If so, I’d love to hear how you style them.
I have struggled with this question as well. I think it also might depend on what part of the country you are in. Some cities are a lot more fashion forward and designer labels are everywhere. And other places like Colorado, where I live, fashion is almost non-existant. I wouldn't dream of wearing my Louboutins to a Colorado office, but I might if I lived in NY or Boston.
You look great, Jean! What a great necklace, the turquoise is so versatile with so many different outfits, as photographed by your various sheath dresses! Love your taupe colored heels.
xoxo,
Suzie Q
http://www.StyleCueBySuzieQ.com
That is an adorable statement necklace! What a great purchase. I have not seen anything yet at Ann Taylor that I absolutely want. However I did notice that AT is really concentrating on their jewelry.
Helen
very chick!
Heheh, looks like the bathroom at my work.
You're right, the statement necklace certainly has a timeless, "passed down" sort of feel! What site do you use to alert you of sales? I use ShopStyle but wonder if there's a better/faster one!
omg gorgeous 🙂
xx [ aphrodite blue.com ]
Great outfit!!! That dress looks great on you.
octoberchic.com
Too hilarious about your fashionista former co-workers! Love your hair pulled back in the middle sheath picture. Tutorial, please? Thanks!
This is MCL, the poster of the question. Thank you for your opinion, Anonymous! I actually wanted to go back and edit my comment to request reader opinions as well =)
I am of your mindset as well, tending to err on the side of caution in the workplace. However, I started rethinking this issue because Jean frequently features work outfits with Chanel bags/Loubs. It's not clear to me if she wears the "designer" outfits for blog purposes and then trades the purse and shoes for more "practical" pieces for work, or if she really wears her designer outfits to the office. If it's the latter situation I would probably reconsider wearing designer things to the office, because in my opinion, Jean is really spot-on as to what is appropriate. Anyways, I would love to hear what other think on this issue!
Wow, what an interesting question, and a dilemma I remember facing several years ago in a similar situation. Sorry to offer an unsolicited two cents, but I veered more toward safety and conservatism because I didn't want to complicate work with more issues than necessary. In certain work environments, it is best to leave your personality at home and just be work-focused and not provide distractions that will get people talking. In the end, though, it probably depends on your personality. If you are able to ignore reactions to your wardrobe and still outperform everyone else, then let your personality shine. If reactions are going to get in the way of the way you perform at work, then avoid doing things that provoke them. Good luck!
I love the necklace on you and it looks stunning paired with all your outfit. I think I may have regret not getting it. =)
Hi Jean, I read your blog religiously and would greatly appreciate your advice on whether you think it is appropriate to wear designer pieces to a conservative corporate office. I, too, love and own a few Chanels and Loubs, but I am a little hesitant to wear them to my office because they are so readily identiable. What are your thoughts on this topic? My office consists of mostly women, and I would hate to be the target of any catty remarks. Thanks for all the hard work you put into your blog- it definitely shows!
– MCL
Beautiful necklace! I also like the pumps and the scarf.
Hi Jean,
I LOVE your site!! The necklace looks lovely on you 🙂 I was trying to find it in the stores but had no luck.
I just had a question that you could hopefully answer: I am at an office job so I sit for 8 hours each day, and every time I wear a skirt, it wrinkles in the front and back. Do you have any tips for keeping it looking pretty?
Thanks in advance for your answer!
Yeah, it's official, you look good in everything! 🙂
~Natasha Fatah~
~Natasha Fatah~
I was going to say the same!! Jealous of your tan. Looks like you got a hair cut too and it looks really nice. Reminds me I need to get haircut too. I got me too many split ends, not cute. LoL
I have to remind myself, "Thou shalt not covet thy favorite blogger's mint dress!" (But I do, anyways.) I love your style and this particular look is lovely!
Jean – that necklace looks fabulous on you. I'll have to check out my local AT to see if I can scrounge one up. 🙂
I didn't think I can pull off vintage-looking necklaces, so I passed on your version and got the white/glass stones instead. I've been wearing mine non-stop as well, from all-white outfits to v-neck blouses to extremely casual outfits. These necklaces seriously are such statement makers! I walked into an Ann Taylor store with the necklace on a few weekends ago and 3 SAs stopped to comment on it, lol. Probably trying to butter me up to buy more things.
PS – Not sure if you care, but cabochon is spelled with 2 o's 🙂
I love that necklace SOOOO unbelievably much!!! I love big statement necklaces like that with a slight vintage feel! Congrats on your find, it definitely does go with every outfit you've paired it with! : D
You always look so elegant and beautiful. I love every single one of those dresses on you. And that necklace is pretty amazing, definitely a great buy!
xo, Yi-chia
You look elegant and pretty in all those sheath dresses, and it's amazing how your statement necklace elevates your outfits.
I was wondering what material the H&M; mint dress is made of?
i never tried those pumps, wish i would have listen to ping's review. oh well, didnt need them then, suppose i dont suddenly need them now!
I would not have thought about mint + blue, but they look beautiful together! I'm in love with your blue dress! Is this a recent purchase? I looked for that AT necklace when it first went on sale but couldn't find it 🙁 So much for the lack of fashionistas living in Ohio LOL.
i love how you styled the necklace with different coloured dresses! gorgeous combos and the pumps are really pretty on you – the shade is a perfect neutral! xox P
Ur so beautiful. It makes a huge difference if u have a pretty face Cuz u basically look really good in whatever u wear. Any tips in what to wear or cover ups (makeup) if I'm not as drop dead gorgeous like u?
This outfit is complete perfection!
Love this color on you, the shoes work beautifully, the scarf is such an elegant touch and that necklace…I LOVE that necklace!!
You look gorgeous!!!
XOXO
http://www.princessmartha.com
I am so glad I came across your blog. I watched your videos on youtube about your chanel bags, and then came here.
I like how your style is feminine and chic without exposing too much skin. My personal style is quite similar, but I am a much larger sized (in width, but not really in height) lady than you! If I lost a lot of weight, then I can look here for more ideas about where to shop!
On this outfit, I love the mint colour and I like how you tied a scarf to your chanel flap. It reminds me of how ladies who tote Hermes birkins tie twillies and scarfs on their bags. This is a different look for the classic flap, which I think keeps it looking fresh with your outfit.
Beautiful dresses! Love them all.
the color of the dress is amazing! love the way you styled the dress!
xoxo
Mady
thegirlfromthemirror.blogspot.com
That's a great statement necklace and the fit of that dress is perfect on you!
i love how you alter all these items! gorgeous dress and i loveee the mint colour!
Laura x
demure-porcelain.blogspot.com
hey little lady. damn did u get tanner? looking so even toned and summer-tastic! Love, pinning!
Love the mint dress + statement necklace. Very classy outfit!
Kimberly
http://skinnyjeansandotherthings.blogspot.com
I love that necklace on you, such a beautiful and classy pairing!
Hi Jean,
If you don't mind me asking, where did you get your iPhone case from?
Thanks. 🙂
The Ann Taylor ponte skirt looks amazing in that chartreuse color! If you are interested, I came across a dupe by Halogen at the Nordstrom Anniversary sale for $46 (orig. $69).
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/halogen-seamed-pencil-skirt/3271600
Cardholders can purchase this now in petite or regular sizing, however non-cardholders will have to wait until 7/20. The closest color to chartreuse is their “green gold”, but from what I can see, it doesn’t look as vibrant as the AT version. The fabric for both skirts seems similar as well (spandex, rayon). However, the length is longer at 21” compared to the AT version at 18.5”.
Lol, you have taught me to be so thorough hence the long comment! I ended up purchasing a 0P in plum (purple nectar) and teal (blue ocean). I suspect a return or costly alterations, as I am only 4’11”.
I love how pristine your outfits are and how detailed you've become with picking out things that actually flatter you. You certainly have an eye for catching these things 🙂
kat
aneyeforfashion.blogspot.com
Love the sophisticated look! Gorgeous necklace and so versatile!
Love how you styled the necklace. Isn't it fabulous?! And so jealous of that bag!!! Cute idea with the scarf.
I am in LOVE with this entire look. You look so polished and gorgeous! That dress is amazing.
Creamy
arghhh…i just don't know what i love more…the dress or that necklace! both are AMAZING. i can't seem to get enough of nude heels either! you look adorbs!
xoxo, jenn
the stylish housewife
i really like the blue dress on you. Is it from AT too? Btw. Do you know about the AT flagship store on Madison Ave. Their sales are much better than other AT stores in NYC. Just wanted to share with you 🙂
I swear, I use this website so much just to get inspiration of what to wear at work. Looking forward to raiding Ann Taylor this weekend, to my wallet's disappointment.
Vivian
I actually just bought that necklace today on final sale! What a coincidence. AT is right next door to the store I work at so I can't help but wander in to admire things 🙂
I liked how you tied the scarf to your purse. It's really cute! Would you consider doing a post on how you iron your clothes? I have some pieces that are really difficult to get all the wrinkles out. It would be nice to get some tips on how to maintain and care for clothes. Thanks!
Argh, now I need those pumps and the necklace! My local AT is right next door to my son's Gymboree class – heading there on Sat and keeping my fingers crossed that the necklace is in stock!
Did you get a haircut? Your hair looks amazing!
Dear Jean,
I stumbled upon your blog a few months ago and glad that I did. Thank you for all the countless hours you spent to review and inform or share info about a product. Your style sense is professional, chic, fun and snappy as well.
The necklace is great with all above outfits!
thanks again. and yes, i'm only 5ft as well.