I love my share of drapey blouses, but sometimes nothing feels more classic than a crisp white button-up. There’s so many options on the market today in slim fits and with feminine details – a far cry from the masculine, boxy shirts that haunted me when I first started working.
I went into Ann Taylor recently looking for a tipped shirt, but ended up finding this cute dotted one instead. You can’t tell in the photos, but all of the dots are embroidered rather than printed, which is a nice touch of quality. The fabric is 97% cotton, 3% spandex which is also a pleasant surprise in today’s world of synthetic materials.
These Steve Madden “Stecy” heels are my new favorite sandals, but are not for prolonged standing/walking given the heel height and strappy-ness. I have a detailed review in the works about how these compare to a few other similar styles I tried, but wanted to share before small sizes were gone. I’m wearing the blush patent in size 5.5, and would say they run true to size with a pretty narrow footbed. A close contender for me was the Vince Camuto “Court” sandal in beige which was more walkable/comfortable, but alas I wanted something higher with thinner straps.
I also have a review coming up about this Saint Laurent wallet on chain (so many color options!) – a new buddy for my beloved Chanel one. Some of you may have seen a slightly different version of this bag on my Instagram – long story short, that one was in calfskin and upon closer inspection, was shipped to me with several scratches on it already. I sadly realized the material would be too high-maintenance for my lifestyle, so I exchanged it for a version in durable caviar leather which I’m now in love with.
FYI, I took this shirt in size 00 petite with no alterations needed. Ann Taylor has an entire line of button-ups titled “perfect shirts” that come in petites, which should fit consistently. This one also looks cute with ripped jeans for the weekend, or a basic pencil skirt pairing for more conservative offices:
So classy, love this look:)
http://www.vanessasrunway.com
Very elegant and feminine look! I love it
http://www.morestylethanfashion.com
Love all the leopard print shoes you've been posting! 🙂
Erin | Erin and Katherine Talk Beauty
I love the pop of blush!!
http://www.vanitysalad.com
Omg this outfit is so adorable! I love mixing up prints and this is up my alley! Thanks for the inspiration!
-Amanda
http://www.blissfulgal,com
Your outfit is so stylish and chic. I love the polka dots paired with the strips. It's so pretty. I love it.
Diary of Elegance
http://diaryofelegance.blogspot.ca/
No worry Jean, the confusion is not on your part at all and I don't blame you at all. I just don't like how Ann Taylor does it, for whichever sale style not qualify for the extra 60% off they should specify it under the item when customer still browsing so no time wasted just to find out after items are already in the cart. As always, I love your blog very much. I appreciate your professionalism
Love your blog and have benefited greatly from your style advice! Was curious about your opinion on the SM Stecy sandals since they get such mixed reviews. I love the way they look but was concerned about quality/comfort.
Thanks so much for posting on Instagram about the new sales – I just purchased both the tipped and dotted shirts!
This look is adorable on you! This skirt is so fun and goes well with this collared shirt. This bag is also perfect for Spring.
astylishlovestory.blogspot.com
Thanks Jean! You might be right. Shipping fee is a service after all so they might be required to collect taxes. I wish they combined shipping for Ann Taylor and LOFT stores so I could buy from both and pay shipping once just are Gap, ON & BR.
On a side note, I would love to get your opinion on The Limited clothing. In the past few years I have noticed that I always start my shopping at AT or LOFT but end up buying stuff from The Limited. Their selection might not be as vast as AT or LOFT but I believe each of their pieces are more classic & make better wardrobe staples and I would say quality is much better than LOFT and almost at par with AT. Btw, they carry petite sizes now as well and their regular sizes are not as huge as AT/LOFT.
Wow, tell us how you navigated on those uneven, brick road. 🙂 Seriously, love the dotted shirt you are wearing. I love AT perfect shirts!
Hi Jean
Thanks for the speedy reply!
Yes, I'm looking for a solid white one. Not sure if I should go for something chiffon or more cotton-like, though. I always seem to have trouble keeping chiffon blouses from bunching out of my skirt : (
I'm aiming for something under $60 but if it fits well I'm kind of flexible with my budget.
I'm 5'0 and generally wear size 0 or xs. Not sure if this will be a good reference but the gingham button down shirt from jcrew factory in xxs fits me really well.
What a gorgeous outfit! That skirt looks fantastic on you and I love the swing in the pics!
Hi there – I'm sorry for any confusion on my part, but the dotted blouse I'm wearing is a newer arrival and not a sale item. I posted a few items in my second paragraph that are part of today's flash sale, but the blouse I'm actually wearing is not…it was on sale this weekend during a tops promotion, but that has ended. I'll post again when it's included in a new sale!
Yes it can hold almost double what a Chanel WOC does : ) The monogram flap bag I thought was gorgeous but personally, I prefer tote satchels for toting more stuff and then smaller crossbody/convertible bags for other everyday occasions. This was just based on how little wear I saw my Chanel classic flaps get compared to the WOC or my Prada satchel. It's a beautiful bag for the right person!
Thanks! It's Essie Fiji
It's unfortunate but it's a state policy…about half the states in the US right now require that businesses charge tax on shipping for online orders. They collect it from the businesses – the businesses themselves are not making any profit on it (or at least, certainly should not be!).
Hi Shira – no secret other than just moving around quickly and looking a little crazy on my neighborhood street : )
Not any real secret, but a mix of the below: 1) I sometimes tuck it into my underwear for more secureness 2) each time I go to the restroom I give it a good tuck, and 3) i haven't tried this personally, but there are shirt clips that can also clip to your underwear…not sure how comfy that'd be though!
Yes it is quite a bit roomier! It can even fit a pair of sunglasses in side … love it : )
I want to let everyone know that not all sale style qualify for the flash sales (current now) extra 60% off. I call customer service , they said because some styles sale fast (like the dotted blouse you wear in post ) and they don't qualify but they don't let you know until after you select the item and it is in your bag. I realize this because some of my items automatically went down for the extra 60% and some stay the same. I am so disappointed at Ann Taylor for doing this, I don't think it is nice of them to do that . Anyway, thanks for sharing the finds Jean
LOVE the bag Jean. And the whole look. I was worried the new saint laurent monogram would look too flashy but it looks amazing on you. Also, this bag looks huge! much much bigger than the chanel WOC – is that true? Maybe you can also include a word or two about the monogram flap bag that you featured (in grey) on instragram recently for the MK bag you bought? Thank you Jean!!
Amazing look!!! Love it so much!
Lovely combinations again – so stylish 🙂 and shoes 🙂 🙂 Wishes from Finland –Anu
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Super cute look! I love the dotted top it's such a nice variation on a classic!
http://www.tailoredandtrue.wordpress.com
I love this look! Between my spring-induced obsession with black and white, and the fact that as I teacher button ups and full skirts feel like a part of my uniform – this is perfect!
Kate
Myteacherstyle.blogspot.com
Such a cute skirt!
Liz @ ShoppingMyCloset.com
Even though my style is more all black punk rocker, I love how feminine your outfits are. Especially that dotted shirt! I'd pair it with skinny black leather pants and heels.
coffeeslag
coffeeslag: workout gear
Love your nail polish color! What color are you wearing?
I just bought some stuff on Ann Taylor today and besides paying for the steep shipping they already charge I just realized they also change a shipping tax on top of shipping (in addition to usual sales tax on clothing)!! I hadn't noticed this before! But suffice to say I am not buying stuff online on Ann Taylor anymore but it just seems wrong to charge tax on shipping cost!
Jean, what's your take? Did you notice this in your confirmation emails from them.
amazing outfit, so in love with the print mix and especially with your skirt! So beautiful and lovely! <3
http://www.vogueetvoyage.com
I love the pattern mixing!
http://www.lexiandlady.blogspot.com
I love the outfit! And thanks for the review on the shirts! I've been scared to buy one because I wasn't sure how they'd fit.
Easy, Frugal Style
This look is gorgeous and I love the way you got the skirt to move like that for the photos! What's your secret?? 🙂
http://asequinloveaffair.com
I love how you paired two different patterns for a perfect look! The fit of the dotted shirt is great and the shape of that skirt is beautiful.
xx Daniela / Fashion Shower Blog
How do you tuck your shirt so it stays in? Mine always tend to ride up after awhile and balloon out.
Hi Mandy – are you looking for a solid white button up? What's your budget and size?
Oh bummer! Thanks for letting me know!
Your shirt is so chic!
Hi, great picks but just wanted to let you know that the coupon TOPS40 has already expired!
Love the flared skirt! So cute and elegant!
statement necklaces:
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I really love the flared skirt! It looks beautiful with the polka dots!
Joyce
b-w-validation.com
Love the mix of stripes and dots! Great look.
|| D I A N A ||
http://www.TheNeonFactor.com
Pretty skirt indeed!
Shall We Sasa
This outfit is so lovely!
Would you happen to have any recommendations for white buttons ups? I've been searching for one that doesn't look too formal or stiff but have had no luck 🙁
I like how you mixed patterns here! Stripe and polka dot and the polka dot and leopard.
x Dori
http://www.dorigamii.blogspot.com
I love this caviar Wallet on a Chain even more than the one you posted on Instagram (although that one was beautiful too!). I find that I REALLY have to reduce what I'm carrying with my Chanel WOCs – this one seems a lot roomier – I can't wait to read your review on it!
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I'm sacred to wear flared skirt. I'm petite too.
But looks good on you! 🙂