I’m sure you guys can tell from my recent posts, but I think Ann Taylor is killing it with their latest collection. Now if only they’ll bring back the original perfect pumps, I’ll be all set : )
They are having 40% off site-wide (code WEEKEND40) so I wanted to share and recap on my favorites this season. Each of these pieces fit me with no alterations needed (yay!), and the quality was surprisingly good. I was happy to see features like the piping on jackets or embroidery on dresses going all the way around to the back (which is how it should be, but perhaps I’m just jaded by so many “shortcuts” these days), lots of 100% cotton fabrics, full linings, and details that look expensive in-person. Here’s my picks from the sale:
1. Collarless tipped jacket (reviewed here). This is an AT home run, and I don’t expect sizes to last too long. It’s truly nice quality for the price and a staple that I can see myself wearing for decades! You can make it look youthful and fresh with boyfriend jeans / shorts, or elegant and mature with trouser pants or a sheath. I have 00P and have already shown it on here both with ankle trousers and a shift dress. Here is a third way to wear it, with a patterned piece in a similar dual-color scheme:
2. Lace embroidered tunic dress (online exclusive). This piece looked like it could easily be from Anthro for double the price. It’s fully lined except at the sleeves, has an invisible side zipper with a clasp at the neckline, and the crochet lace details go all the way around. Given the tunic nature it is a looser fit on me in xxs petite, so size down if you’re usually in between sizes and want a closer fit. I was worried the 100% cotton would be a wrinkled mess after a long day of sitting, but it looked just like this 10 hours later. Perhaps it’s the placement of the crochet lace which hits right around the hip / leg joint (typically a major wrinkle area) when you sit down. I got so many compliments on this one…colleagues were actively snapping photos of it to send to their friends looking for bridal shower / rehearsal dinner options.
3. Striped tiered camisole – A machine-washable, classic striped camisole with a feminine twist (in this case, a generous ruffle and piped edges) to wear under blazers and cardigans. This doesn’t come in petite sizing but I noticed the shoulder straps are adjustable. As some of you have already seen on my Snapchat, it’s a great, casual fit on me in regular xxs with the straps adjusted.
4. Sleeveless eyelet shirtdress – one of their many shirtdress options available in petite sizing. See my review of another printed one here. The pure white one felt really summery and crisp to me, and I liked the eyelet details (that once again, wrap all the way around to the back both at the shoulders and hem). The material is a comfortable 97% cotton, 3% spandex and the skirt part is fully lined.
A key difference to note between this eyelet dress and the other one I reviewed is the eyelet version buttons only down to the waist, and has an invisible side zipper for getting in/out of the dress. The printed and pink ones button all the way down the front, and have on-seam side pockets. I know pockets wouldn’t have worked with the side zipper but am still bummed they’re not on this version! Fit wise, all of the shirt dresses fit me in 00 petite. A reviewer mentioned it was too long and I didn’t think so at all – I’m particularly short at 5 feet tall, and this hit me right above the knees.
5. Tassel scarf (2 colors) + striped tee (3 colors). I was stressing a bit before Paris and Nick surprised me with this scarf in blue and tee in 2 colors. Not a bad pairing if I may say so myself! They got plenty of wear on our trip and the tees are good 100% cotton basics. See the pink on me here in xxs petite, layered under a jacket.
And from my older reviews:
– Breezy linen sweater – now on markdown plus extra 40% off. See my original review here, styled casually here or for the office here.
– Mitered striped dress – I don’t own this one, but thought it’s a great spring/summer piece in what feels like a wrinkle-resistant fabric. See my review of it in 00 petite.
Nice dress! You look like an angel in it!
The AT white tunic dress is gorgeous! And I love the BP wedges – so classy for summer
Enticing,Exalted………………….
https://girlscloths.wordpress.com/
Hi Jean! I just discovered your blog when I was reading a Buzz Feed article about fashion in conservative offices. It's exactly what I needed to get inspired, refresh my wardrobe and start planning my outfits so I actually use the jewelry that I have. I'm so envious of how gorgeous that AT jacket looks on you. I'm 5'1" but broader (downside of working out?) and unfortunately I just looked broad. I'm excited to see what you post next… and I'm in love with the Ferragamo flats and the YSL chain wallet. On my wish list they go!
Hi Emeline! I recommend anyone who cares about proper fit to find a good tailor. I really don't find it to be stressful because for me, it's part of the process and fun of looking and feeling confident. I think the right attitude helps a lot with shopping. A few petite-friendly brands that I know are available in the UK are ASOS and Topshop, both of which usually do not require any alterations or shrinking for me! I also like H&M; which runs narrow, but may occasionally require hemming or shortening of the sleeves because their sizing isn't petite. Boden petites is also fun, but their sizing starts a little bit higher.
I do love the fit of BR dresses although there is some inconsistency there, too. The sloan dresses fit like a glove whereas some other styles can be baggy. I have plenty of BR in my closet like numerous pairs of their sloan pants which I posted recently. Both stores are hit or miss for me seasonally, but AT's current collection with the whites is very much my style. To avoid grouchy salespeople in general I tend to shop online : )
Hmm…I haven't experienced shedding at all! I handwash it though…did you machine wash?
By any chance do you have issues with that particular sweater shedding a lot? I purchased it too, and the lint from it just gets everywhere, even after washing!
I think Jean's upper arms must be slimmer too. I just measured mine, and they are 10 inches around, and I have rather "big"/muscular-looking upper arms for my frame (5 ft 1/2 in tall and 108 lbs). I bought the bobeau fleece in xxsp, and thought the arms were too snug at first too. However, they do stretch out and start to have some extra space after wearing for a while. I ended up reaching for it quite a lot over the winter, wearing it over sleeveless blouses and close-fitting jersey knit tees. I'm glad I didn't return it. Sadly, however, the arms were way too tight in Jean's favorite faux-leather jacket from Blank NYC in XS, even though it fit nicely everywhere else on me. That's how I know her arms are slimmer than mine.
That's odd. I just measured mine and its 9 inches. I ordered the bobeau fleece in xxs petite and the arm is snug. Can barely wear a long sleeve shirt under it.
But you have a long sleeve button up shirt under it and still have room in the sleeve.
Hello – it's approx 10 inches around, but most of the items I buy and wear can accommodate another inch or two. I get sleeves slimmed a lot by my tailor.
You just need skin-colored underwear! I have a drawer full and wear them with everything…nothing shows through for me under this dress.
Hello, mine is approx 20" but it is a loose knit and hangs on the body so that might affect the measurement slightly. Also, I have washed mine and it could've shrunk a little too.
Hi Kim, try the "find in store" button online if you really want it!
Oops! Thank you!
Hello – thank you for your concern! I appreciate it. Yes, Jezebel did contact me for permission and comments for the article (although the original US Irvine people did not).
Try the in-store locator!
Hi Jean, I found your blog recently and I love it so much.You have a great sense of style!
I'm 5'1 and small. You get a lot of your clothes tailored and sometimes shrink clothes to make them smaller. Do you recommend I do the same? The process seems quite stressful and time consuming.
I'm actually from London and I would like to know if you happen to like any British Clothing brands? If you do,which ones do you recommend for a petite person? 😀
Thanks and all the best !
Emeline
I'm petite and small, 5'2 97lbs and I've found that AT dresses almost never fit me. Almost always cut boxy and large in the waist and sometimes chest also. I gave up on them awhile ago. But BR petites almost always fit great. Surprised you don't feature more of their stuff. I get incredible deals and sales with their card and the cust. service so much better. Have you ever noticed the grouchy uptight AT sales and customer service ppl? They act like they are doing you a favor much of the time, no thanks.
Love this dress, but tried it on and it is very sheer! You will need to wear some kind of body shape wear underneath. Made it a deal breaker for me.
This comment has been removed by the author.
Love this dress, but tried it on and it is very sheer! You will need to wear some kind of body shape wear underneath. Made it a deal breaker for me.
Amazing dress!
xx
http://www.mybeautrip.com
Hi Jean Do you have the measurement of the back length of the AT breezy sweater?
I always thought that a tunic looked bad on petites because it makes us look shorter.
But…
WOW! You look amazing and tall! (My mind has changed. Tunics do look good on petites!)
HI Jean This is probably a weird request, but can you tell us the diameter of your upper arms. I often look at the room you have in your sleeves to judge what size I should order.
I remember when I was younger, I thought Ann Taylor was something my mother would wear. But you're right, I think they've been killing it lately with their stuff. Same with Banana Republic. That specific dress you're wearing is absolutely gorgeous, but I just wouldn't know where to wear it to. I might have to call my girlfriends out to have a classy girls dinner somewhere!
coffeeslag
COFFEESLAG choices from the NetAPorter Sale
You look so pretty!
Looks beautiful!! Nice dress!!
Love,
Kisses and hugs from http://www.trangscorner.com {a lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and food blog}
The lace details of the tunic is absolutely gorgeous! Perfect piece for summer!
Prudence
http://www.prudencepetitestyle.com
It looks beautiful on you!!
~ xo Sheree
http://poshclassymom.com
IG: @poshclassymom
That dress is stunning on you! I saw it in store and tried it on, but it didn't look so great on me. haha 😀
Easy, Frugal Style
I saw the tunic dress in store and can vouch for how pretty it is. I am really bummed that the jacket is sold out already in 00P. Saw it in store but didn't have time to try and wasn't sure about the bright white. I know white is on trend now, but am not a huge fan of this trend. Wish I had just bought first and thought later. You look great!
OBSESSED with that flutter neck top! Love Ann Taylor!
http://www.theteafortwo.com
Just wanted to let you know the correct code for the 40% off is WEEKEND40 🙂
This dress is so absolutely gorgeous! I love the details 🙂
Enclothed Cognition
Hi sorry, posting again because I had, after posting comment to some old post that just came up in the address bar, realized that to get your attention it is the best to leave you this in newest post of yours. I couldn't help but notice this is you in the article's photos. I hope that you approved them to use the before after photos. http://jezebel.com/the-truth-about-that-uc-irvine-before-and-after-job-i-1453488963/1453976645 It's two photos, one in boxy shirt and trousers and flats, and another photo in fitted top and skirt and heels. Something about job interview clothes.
Your tunic reminds me of a doily, so beautiful! Loving the sleeveless eyelet shirtdress 🙂 -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey's
Darn, I really wanted the Chanel dupe jacket, but it looks like 00 Petite and 0 Petite are sold out! Hope other readers have better luck.
That dress is gorgeous. The lace pattern of that dress is so pretty.
Diary of Elegance
http://diaryofelegance.blogspot.ca/
How adorable it is!
Ann | http://annrobiefashion.com/