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 really love your outfits. You've made me realize the impact that accessories have on changing the look of an outfit. I love the necklaces that you wear and would love to start wearing some… But I'm required to wear a lanyard with my ID for work. Any ideas on how to be able to wear both at the same time but still get the same impact?
Gorgeous, love the entire look!
Where are your dresses from? The blue, turquoise, white and mint ones from this page? They are gorgeous!
If anybody has one of these Ann Taylor Oasis Cabochon necklaces that they don't want, please let me know. Thanks! elilly@gmail.com
I bought the AT necklace when it went on final sale. I've received lots of compliments on it whenever I wear it. Thanks for blogging about it. I called my local AT store and asked if they had it before heading over. They were able to hold it for me for the day.
i'm not sure if they carry it since i typically wear S but i'll check next time i stop by.
I can't wait for your post! Thanks Jean!
~MCL
love your style! also very creative with the scarf on the chanel!
<3 Kelly
SavvySelections.blogspot.com
I wore my AT necklace this weekend, and loved it! Here is our post today featuring it! Thanks again for helping all your readers dress well, but smartly! 🙂
http://thedoubletakegirls.com/
Lindsay and Whitney from the DTG blog
Thanks Jean! Yes, staying a top of twitter is the insta way of knowing :)!
Hi jean
I love how you tied this bow on your bag. Very classy. Are you able to show me how you did so?
Ps Love love love ur style. I wish you were my sister. I could raid ur wardrobe everyday hehe 🙂 keep up the fab stuff xxxxx
Lys ( sydney Australia)
Hi Kristi – I'm sorry to hear that! They tend to have low volumes in stock of each piece, and smaller sizes usually go first. I'll keep my eyes peeled for similar items : )
I like options from the juniors dept. Target has quite a few. They fit smaller width wise, and a hem is one of the simplest alterations you can do or pay to have done : )
Hi Lisa – I use shopstyle too and email subscriptions, but I usually rely on other bloggers and readers for sale alerts!
Hi there – it's just a simple ponytail cinched slightly off-center, with an asian velcro bumpit for extra volume up top : )
MCL – this is a great question and one that I've discussed with fellow female professionals several times. I have a post in the works and you've reminded me to post it soon (hopefully this week). I also appreciate the other responses/tips here and look forward to reading more thoughts on the topic.
Hi Grace – thank you! Usually when I buy skirts, I look for knits or lightweight wool. Before I decide whether or not to keep something and snip off the tags, I'll wear the item briefly at home and sit around, etc. If it wrinkles then I usually send it back. This is the reason I have so few cotton skirts (like J.Crew's cotton pencil skirts) – they usually wrinkle without fail after a few sittings.
Aw, thank you, Mere! I love this mint dress so much – hopefully they'll bring it back in a shape that doesn't require crazy sleeve reconstruction!
I LOVE your pearl version. Thank you for the spelling correction!
Hi Bela – thank you! The material is 100% poly. It feels like a thicker ponte and is very smooth to the touch. It holds up nicely and didn't pill/get fuzzy with wear like knits.
SPG – unfortunately, blue dress is very old from BR factory.
Without makeup, my look is very simple and I've often been mistaken for a young teen. I have a few makeup videos on this blog – please just go to the right hand sidebar and search for beauty or videos on YouTube.
Thank you! I think I was subconsciously inspired by birkin toters with their scarf-decorated bags.
Hi Danielle, I don't know the seller as I got it from a friend for my birthday, but she said she ordered it from etsy.
THanks for the details! I just checked it out. I wasn't familiar with this skirt last year and the commenters keep referring to how amazing previous versions were in comparison! Hope it works out to you, and if it doesn't, you should try the AT and compare.
Dress is from H&M.; I don't think I've ever been to the flagship store. If they have extended petite sizing, then I'm there!
Hi there – I really don't have any ironing tips. I don't usually iron at all but a recent white cotton dress was so wrinkly it required it. I like certain polyesters or thicker materials like wool or tweed that don't wrinkle.
I like the mint colour of your dress and the white dress also looks good on you:) and the necklace really fits to everything…
http://rambutan18.blogspot.de/
I love the necklace you paired with this
class look
http://pinktistic.blogspot.com/
Please come comment and follow 🙂
I remember your post on this dress. It looks great with the necklace. I agree with all the other comments, I think you could look good in anything!
After seeing the Modcloth top (I think it was called Brandi's Something in the Era) you featured, I signed up to have the Modcloth notify me when it was back in stock. I got the email notification yesterday while I was at work and planned on ordering a size small when I got home. When I checked later last night, it was already sold out in small! I would like to think there are many other petite readers out there who did the same. Ah well, it looked great on you and it may be a sign that it wouldn't have looked as great on me. 🙂
I remember when you DIYed that dress. It still looks great <3
Gorgeous!!
xx,
L.
WLL
Any maxi dress tips for petites? Every maxi dress is too long or big on me 🙁
FYI to ladies who looked for the necklace: The necklace was out of stock at my local store and since it was a final sale item, it didn't show up in their system. My SA called a nearby store, and they took my card info over the phone and are shopping it to me. Your local store SA may be able to call around as well.
I live in CO too, and I'm not used to the indifference to fashion here. I am definitely the most overdressed person wherever I go…miss the East coast! :). I did getvthe last AT necklace today. The pendant style in this necklace is a nice alternative if your local AT is out of the bib style. It was marked down to $14.99, and I also got the matching bracelet for $9.99!!! Thanks for the inspiration, Jean!
I really love how you styled this Jean! I wouldn't have thought of mixing that minty blue/green with the turquoise of the necklace and cornflower blue of the scarf – love it!! 🙂
The necklace is very cool looking. I love your outfits in each & esp the dress w/the jacket.