Ann Taylor Friends & Family sale reviews

From now until August 11th, take 40% off store-wide at Ann Taylor with code FRIENDS40. I’ve been waiting for a promo to pick up this signature tote (formerly the “gallery tote”) in the new taupe shade. I normally wouldn’t advocate multiples of anything, but my two gallery totes from past seasons have gotten tons of use and the faux leather has held up really well. I was so excited to see this new color as it makes a perfect cool weather neutral.

The faux leather this season is pebbled which I personally am a fan of. The material feels less structured than last season’s (see on me) but more so than last year’s (see on me). The color is matte and true to the online stock photo, which I had trouble capturing under the glaring fluorescent spotlights in-store. I also liked these sandals in the same versatile taupe but in genuine leather, however didn’t get to try since sz 5 & 5.5 are online only.

Next up, I tried on this colorblock dress in a flattering flared silhouette. The textures are tweed with a faux leather waistband and exposed metal back zipper. Sz 00P had an inch or so of room in the torso and waist for me, but it fit much closer than other dresses I tried. I didn’t buy but thought this was nice if you like feminine pieces with edgier details.
ann taylor flare dress

Tweed & faux leather dress, Sole Society Anneke heels c/o (runs 1/2 sz small)

Lastly, how cute is this split neck dress from the sale section? My friend usually wears a 0-2p and sized down to a 0P in this one. She’s 5’2″ and the hem hit her just below the knee. I thought the silhouette was super flattering.

stripe dress

Here are a few other picks from the sale – you can tell I’m in a basics, neutral state of mind! I love a good trench and was excited to see the short one below available in petite sizing, but alas the fit is more tapered at the waist and I really wanted a flared, swingy silhouette. I actually ended up getting the BR Heritage cropped trench which doesn’t come in petites, so it’ll require quite a bit of alterations (and is not cropped on me). I hope to share a review of that soon. You can click images below to shop, and please share any favorite sale finds!
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24 Comments

  1. Anonymous wrote:

    Is the Tote strong enough to hold a firm laptop?

    Posted 8.12.14 Reply
  2. Vanessa wrote:

    Love the bag! I'm a bit hesitant to purchase bags online though because of its size compared to mine (I'm 4'11). How do you decide if a bag is a good size when purchasing online?

    Posted 8.10.14 Reply
  3. Miss Hot Couture wrote:

    I have been eyeing the tote too but haven't pulled the plug!

    http://www.misshotcouture.blogspot.com

    Posted 8.8.14 Reply
  4. AhleesOhn wrote:

    hi Jean! I'm usually a lurker on your blog. I went into Loft today hoping hoping to get my hands on a tote, but they told me it's only online. do you know if only certain stores carry them?

    Posted 8.8.14 Reply
  5. rodelma lopez wrote:

    lovely sale…love the tote bag and the shoe they are beautiful

    Posted 8.8.14 Reply
  6. Taylor Jane wrote:

    Hi Jean, I've been following you for a year now and I'm look forward to your posts every time. Great video tutorial!

    Posted 8.8.14 Reply
  7. Jean wrote:

    Their classic knee-length trench looks really nice! If you get it on one of their 40% sales it'd be a good value : )

    Posted 8.8.14 Reply
  8. Jean wrote:

    Hope you enjoy the bag, Lisa! I use a base shaper for mine from a year ago, but this year's pink one was stiff enough that it didn't need one. Will have to see once this arrives how the base feels.

    Posted 8.8.14 Reply
  9. Jean wrote:

    Hmm, it worked for me too! I wonder if it excludes international (if you're not US-based)?

    Posted 8.8.14 Reply
  10. Jean wrote:

    Hi Joyce! Definitely – I bring mine to business formal clients and think it's perfectly fine. Good luck in your interviews!

    Posted 8.8.14 Reply
  11. Joyce wrote:

    Hey Jean! Do you think this bag would be alright to bring to a medical school interview (more on the formal side)?

    Posted 8.7.14 Reply
  12. beautylanparty wrote:

    I love the colorblock dress! The leather is a nice touch though I think the white inlay was an interesting choice. Kinda wish it were black leather too instead! 😛

    Posted 8.7.14 Reply
  13. Lisa wrote:

    Weird! It worked for me today.

    Posted 8.7.14 Reply
  14. Ash Ea wrote:

    Love all of these beautiful dresses!

    Enter my Michael Kors Tote GIVEAWAY 🙂

    XOXO

    Posted 8.7.14 Reply
  15. Tracey wrote:

    The same tote in three different colors, oh boy! I totally get that though as when you find something that works, might as well as the variety. I have done the same. 🙂

    Posted 8.7.14 Reply
  16. Hems wrote:

    Been eyeing that tote for a long time now…but i don't need a such a formal bag right now..maybe in future.. that trench jacket in khaki is making me excited for fall!

    xo

    http://agoldentulip.blogspot.com/

    Posted 8.7.14 Reply
  17. Mei Fleming wrote:

    LOVE LOVE LOVE the tweed & faux leather dress.

    http://www.eyelikefashion.com

    Posted 8.7.14 Reply
  18. Anonymous wrote:

    Just and FYI – none of the coupon codes are working on the site.

    Posted 8.7.14 Reply
  19. Lisa wrote:

    I ordered the tote in taupe! Thanks for the discount. I'm so excited bc I'll be interviewing this fall and need a nice looking bag. I'm please to hear it's good quality. The tote in your past entries looks so pretty esp against your petite frame (I'm petite too!). Looking forward to seeing you model the taupe tote. 🙂 P.S. Do you use a base shaper for this bag?

    Posted 8.7.14 Reply
  20. aimeelynn wrote:

    it's a shame they dont have the signature tote in pink this time! loveddd that colour 🙁

    Posted 8.7.14 Reply
  21. Li wrote:

    I like the heels! I've been thinking about getting a new nude color pump.

    Li @ SimplyLi.com

    Posted 8.7.14 Reply
  22. Christine de Leon wrote:

    I love that trench dress!

    from – The Lion's Den

    Posted 8.7.14 Reply
  23. Anna Chen wrote:

    Love the gallery tote! Was able to get it for less than $40 from your recommendation on Instagram so thank you! (: I love the BR jackets. Planning to splurge on the BR knee-length trench soon.

    Posted 8.7.14 Reply
  24. Temi Truly wrote:

    Love the signature totes and colorblock dress!

    ❤ Temi Truly
    New Blog Post: Graduation

    Posted 8.7.14 Reply

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