We flew to SoCal recently for our friends’ wedding and decided to spend some extra time in the area. Compared to Boston it’s a bit of a heat wave here, but the abundance of good eats sure makes up for it! These photos were taken by the Urban Light display in LA – it’s a tourist favorite but still leaves me in admiration each time.
Ann Taylor let me pick out pieces from their most recent collections to review – I chose the flared sweater dress last shown here, and also wanted to post these bold red pieces that I thought were notably petite-friendly. The style of the jacket feels like a nod to the timeless coats that Audrey Hepburn liked to wear. It first reminded me of this one, from the flattering swing silhouette (one of my favorite cuts) down to the collar and bracelet-length sleeves. With the collar popped up (see stock images), it felt reminiscent of her bright tomato funnel-neck number made famous in the movie Charade. The fit of an xxs petite is slim in the shoulders and sleeve width, which I think is key for swing-style pieces.
The material of the coat, although an entirely synthetic blend, feels of sturdy weight and good quality, as mentioned in the online reviews. Some said it’s a very heavy coat, which I think will definitely differ based on where you’re from. In my opinion it’d be suitable for ~60 degree F weather down to ~40 with a sweater layered underneath. The buttons are sturdily sewn on and covered with fabric, the jacket is fully lined, and there are two front pockets. The curved “shirttail” hem on both sides gives the swing cut a little something extra.
On to this sheath dress – I usually get my Ann Taylor dresses altered to fit so was surprised that this dress was fairly fitted on me off the rack. Reading the online reviews, several shoppers mentioned they had to go up one or two sizes from their usual size. I found the cap sleeve and V neck cut to be flattering at the décolletage area without revealing too much. I wore this, sans coat, to some pre-wedding festivities.
The stretchy fabric in a poly blend feels reminiscent of lightweight wool crepe on some of my Theory pieces. The downside is it is unlined, and I can see it’d be unforgiving with bra and panty lines if it were any more form-fitting, like some reviewers also noted. For dresses like this, I hope AT will listen to their customers and include a lining in the future.
Measurements of coat in xxsp: 13.6″ across shoulders, 16.5″ across bust, 20″ long sleeves (bracelet length), 30″ long. These are outer measurements, so please account for thickness of the material and lining.
Measurements of dress in xxsp: 15.25″ across bust, 12.5″ across waist, 33″ long
http://www.anntaylor.com/petite-pleated-flare-dress/390582?skuId=19805726&defaultColor;=5899&colorExplode;=false&catid;=cata000028 I bought the dress in the post and had to go up a size. It is so tight. What do you this of this red flare dress?
The red suits you great!
Fantastic dress, the cut and colour really suits you! 🙂
Ann Taylor coats run huge in the waist IME – it works for this swing style but not in most other styles
Wow, these lights look stunning! Love how you pulled off a red on red combo, you look absolutely amazing!
xx
Yvonne
http://tellmeyblog.com
Ah! I live in LA and I have yet to go T_T I think you look really classy in red on red and that coat is so timeless :3
http://www.deasynoel.com
Really love all the photos, and red looks so good on your skintone! I love seeing all your suggestions for AT, so helpful 🙂
Characters & Carry-ons
It's more professional to wear a matching suit. However, it can be pulled off!
I aspire to be as elegant as you one day. This is seriously gorgeous. You were born to wear that shade of red!
Enclothed Cognition
Hi Jean, your red dress and coat looks beautiful on you. Perfect for Christmas time http://www.kblossoms.etsy.com
This looks beautiful! I love all the red you're wearing. It's such a bold look!
xx, Diane || http://www.dizined.com
I love the red on red! It's very bold, but works well. Great coat!
http://www.maggiealamode.com
Hi Jean,
Love your blog. I have a question. If anyone has an answer, feel free to chime in. I'm going on an interview for grad school and I'm trying to pick out a suit. Is it appropriate to wear a navy suit dress with a black suit jacket or does it have to be all one color? Thanks!
Pretty dress! You look lovely in bright red!
lifestyle by joules
I am in love with the pictures and the shooting place! Wonderful!
The red dress is awesome and perfect on you.
Xxx
Petite and So What
Love this red look<3
Shall We Sasa
Thank you for the heads up!
Unfortunately was just there for the day…always wish there was more time to explore!
Haha oh I'm not so brave – we had to leave LA early so took these before sunrise when it was thankfully a balmy high 60's
Beautiful photography! Love the contrast of the red against the lights. The coat and dress appear to fit you well. I used to love Ann Taylor but their sizing has become so inconsistent that I no longer shop there.
Love all the red!!! The dress and coat look fantastic on you. And for all your readers, Ann Taylor is having a 40% off sale today that includes both the coat and dress!
Stunning outfit!
I know…she does a fantastic job picking out her backdrops!
http://www.PetiteCareerGirl.com
Beautiful, Beautiful back drop! The dress is lovely to begin with, but it looks even more fabulous against the white. Lovely!
Love this color on you!
Very elegant red coat and dress combo! The shade of red is so stunning too, gorgeous!
Prudence
http://www.prudencepetitestyle.com
You looks gorgeous dear!! Love your dress very much!!
Hugs,
Love from http://www.trangscorner.com {a lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and food blog}
You look perfect in red and I LOVE this location!!! How long will you be in LA?
xoxo Lynda
http://fashion-petite.com/
I love how these look on you! I tried on the coat in store but I found the color to be way too bright and intense… and I'm not someone who is scared of bright patterns/prints.
Urban Lights is just one of those landmarks that immediately reminds me of L.A. Also, that dress is so perfect on you and that coat is gorgeous!
-Helen
Sweet Helen Grace
It was almost 100 degrees in West Los Angeles when you took these pictures! Admire your ability to take endure the heat in a winter outfit to share with your readers!
So cute! love that red dress
http://xoxobella.com
This dress looks amazing on you! And that's a lot of lights.