I’m partnering with Ann Taylor today to show some new pieces from their latest arrivals, mixed in with a few classic favorites from my wardrobe. One of the most “quintessentially Boston” areas here has to be historic Beacon Hill. For visitors, I’d recommend grabbing breakfast at one of the many local joints (Tatte Bakery, Paramount, Beacon Hill Bistro…) then strolling down Charles Street. One of my best friends lives there, and we love popping into the small shops along the way and picking up a bouquet at charming Rouvalis Flowers.
I can never tire of navy so chose this nautical knit skirt and top in a shoulder-flattering halter cut. I layered on my trusty navy cardigan and pulled everything together with soft suede and gold accents.
Fit-wise, please note the skirt fits true to size for Ann Taylor so is a little loose on me (00p measures 13″ across the waist and 16″ across the hips). The waistband has wide elastic in it and the knit material is unlined and labeled dry clean. I will have my tailor take it in, but in the meantime a wide belt serves as a temporary fix. This belt is nice quality and was my favorite amongst a big belt order (also love this Chanel-esque one). If you don’t have a leather hole puncher yet, do yourself a favor and get one now because I use this baby on nearly every single belt! I punched an extra hole into this one to have it fit high on my waist, and used double-sided tape to secure down the tail end.
This halter sweater also comes in white and soft pink – it’s a versatile little summer piece and is made of a fairly sturdy knit. I love that you do not need a strapless bra with this – these days I only buy bras with convertible straps, and a criss-cross back configuration works well here. For covering up the shoulders, my Ann cardigan matched well with the new navy shades. I don’t think I’ve shown these cardis on the blog before, but they’re a good basic available in a host of colors each season, and my usual size fits perfectly.
AT’s footwear this year has been so good! I remember when their “perfect leather pump” (RIP) was replaced with a second rate version, but it seems that shoe quality is taking a step back in the right direction. I’ve gotten compliments galore on these Elly sandals (also in black, white, gold, neon) as well as the platform wedges I wore in this blog post. The suede feel on both are nice, plus they’re comfortable given the height with several positive reviews. I hope you guys were able to check out the numerous flat/low sandals options too from my last sale post.
Not pictured here, but another piece I wanted to speak more to is this Amalfi halter dress, which was fitted on me throughout the torso and waist. It feels snugger than AT’s other dresses and is flattering on smaller-chested ladies (two reviewers mentioned having to size up for the chest fit). The longer silhouette + halter neckline is elegant, and I love that it has side pockets and is machine-washable!
Hi Jean, like another reviewer I am also wondering if you ended up bringing the Amalfi halter dress home? I saw the print in store and just love it, although I second that there is very little give in the chest area. The skirt is also a good option for those of us that can't find that perfect fit in the dress!
Yes, how did you get your hair to curl like that!!??
Hi Jean! Please do a hair tutorial on how you get these curls!!
Hi Jean, I was wondering what size did you end up getting in the Amalfi Halter Dress?
The navy halter is super versatile and will go with a lot of things! Some other skirts that would look cute with it are the "petite leafy skirt" "diamond pencil skirt" "gingham side button skirt" or my favorite the pink floral laser cut skirt that just had one pop back in 00 petite. Let me know what you think!
Jean, Can you recommend another shirt which can match the top? I love this outfit so much, and I ordered the whole set but the skirt (0p) is a little loose on me. I wish I ordered 00p, but they are quickly running out of sizes. Thanks!
Thanks so much, Katie! I'm using MAC lipstick in "Twig" and my usual Anastasia brow whiz, just with a heavier hand in this post : )
There is no real secret…I just avoid skirts that are made of too thin materials, which shoe bunching more easily.
Thank you, P! I agree it is handy for shoe straps…I've used it that way too and it works perfectly! No need to be nervous as long as you don't choose too big of a hole for the width of the strap.
So sweet of you, thank you! Please do say hello next time (it's a small city!) as we'd love to meet you guys!
What a beautiful classic look! Navy blue is one of my favorite colors.
http://doreensstylediary.com
Absolutely love your hair
Xoxo
http://fashionbackyard.blogspot.fr
This is a beautiful outfit and you look gorgeous! I actually have been at the place of your pictures on my first trip to the US three weeks ago. 😀
This is so gorgeous! I love stripes, and the location is so pretty.
Julia // Little Miss Haute Couture
Such a lovely look! You look so pretty!
http://chicglamstyle.com
This outfit looks so classy! Love the stripes!
Polly
http://gemsandjoy.com
This outfit is inspirational!!
Love the large stripes and tan belt!
http://www.ofsilkandsatin.com
I would love it if you stopped by! 🙂
Love your simple yet elegant outfits! I am also a fan of navy blue! I think the belt over a bit larger skirt is a good idea. I like your pix especially the second!
Annie | Petite&Minimal;
Love your outfit! You looks so pretty!
Hugs,
Love from http://www.trangscorner.com {a lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and food blog}
Gorgeous look and peonies!
Diana | https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/chic-diary-14232797
Will have to visit the area sometime! Love this navy look. x
Jen | affecionada
Wow girl, you look stunning!♥
Love the way stripes look on you 🙂
http://www.pamelayaquelin.blogspot.com
Beautiful!
Love everything about this look!
xoxo
Sharan
http://www.MyGoldenBeauty.com
Ahh I love these photos, I've wanted to take ones like these for ages! Your hair looks especially amazing in waves like that.
Angelina Is | Bloglovin'
This looks great on you! Absolutely perfect elegant look and stunning photos! This street reminds me Paris, even though it's in Boston. Thank you for a great inspiration!
Daniela
http://www.smellofjasmine.com/
My boyfriend and I walked by while you were doing this shoot this past Saturday! I was complimenting Nick's outfit from afar as we walked up Pinckney when he (not so discretely) said, "doesn't she run that blog you like?" Ahhh! I resisted the urge to interrupt and fangirl out (though, sorry for the awkward double take and giggling off), but wanted to let you know how much I love and appreciate your blog! I regret not telling you in person!
I love the dress and the earrings 😀
Adding a belt to it makes it look so different!
-Cheyanne
http://www.lifeofcheyanne.blogspot.com
Beautiful
Love this peonies 🙂
http://www.lacaleya.com
Simply subtle, and stylishly beautiful! 🙂
La Bijoux Bella | by mia
Great outfit, and your hair is so healthy and shiny!
http://my–socalledlife.blogspot.com.au/
this is such a elegant and chic look! Love that skirt!
Fash 'n' fudge
Fash 'n' fudge
Such a lovely dress. I seriously need to invest in cardigans. Love the overall photos for this post!
http://www.deasynoel.com
I am in absolute LOVE with your outfit!! That skirt is perfection.
Meghan | BeyondBasicBlog.com
Aww, these photos are just perfect from the flowers, to the striped awning to match the stripe of your skirt! Definitely one your best blog photos and styling!
I love this! You look so sophisticated yet chic at the same time! I may have added this whole outfit to my shopping bag :).
Uyen
https://wenandwear.com/
Beautiful outfit for work on a summer day http://www.kblossoms.etsy.com
Jean, you look stunningly beautiful in these photos. I love the navy and pink, and the way you've shaped your eyebrows.
Another advantage to a leather hole puncher is that you could potentially use it for shoes. I haven't tried it on my Talbot Trulli sandals yet because I'm a tad nervous, but it occurred to me that it's an option.
I absolutely love the stripes! And that location is gorgeous. 🙂
https://thefashionablephysician.wordpress.com
So so pretty! Xo
http://www.laneyslooks.com
Jean, the peonies and stripes makes the whole outfit a favorite of mine, I love everything nautical and the skirt looks great, a good fit from where I stand. Thank you for providing the measurements to the pieces, it's easier to visualize them and assess if they would be a good fit for me.
XO,
Maria
MariaOnPoint http://mariaonpoint.com/ | Find me on IG https://www.instagram.com/mariajabad/
Jean, LOVE this look! It's so classically you!
Can you share your lip product name and shade?
Also your brows look great. Is it a different eyebrow product you're using?
Thanks in advance
So beautiful! 😛
Shall We Sasa
This is such a cute look! I love how you broke up the navy stripes with a brown stripe!
xx, Diane || http://www.dizined.com
Hi, how do you tuck your top without bunching?