Hope you guys had an amazing weekend! As promised, I wanted to share some recent try-ons, including at Ann Taylor where their friends & family promo is going on now until Tuesday. I wore the above mixed-texture outfit to my event last week, where I had such a great time chatting with and getting to know some of you! This button-up top is definitely one of their prettiest staples out this season. It also comes in a watercolor floral, a burnt sienna print that’s so pretty for fall, and an elegant cameo pink as shown below:
The combo of button-up, pleats and ruffles on the front is the perfect blend of masculine and feminine detailing. This is a great little top that’s dressy enough to layer under suit jackets but can also be worn flowy over jeans or shorts – it looks good both tucked and un-tucked! Material is a drapey, crepe-like poly and is machine washable. I also wanted to point out this delicate faux pearl necklace that goes with almost everything. It’s like the understated sister of my beloved statement pearl & chain costume necklace from AT, and can be worn either long and lean or doubled up like a shorter 2-strand necklace.
With my usual skin-toned bra underneath, I didn’t find the white to be very see-through. It is slightly sheer though, as you can see on the below left, the darkness of my pants show through a bit. On the top right I’m trying on the geo dress which did not do anything for me. I liked the color scheme but wasn’t excited by it overall. Please note the ties only come half way – they come out of both sides and tie in the front, not all the way around.
Ann Taylor comes out with a little Chanel-esque jacket every so often that sells out fairly quickly…this season it’s the textured open jacket in ivory with black trim! It looks very elegant with a simple necklace like the aforementioned pearl strand, or dressed up with a brooch.
Please note this is more like a sweater jacket as it is a stretchy textured knit and unlined. All the fabric edges on the interior are finished with piped trim. The cotton-blend knit is a medium, slightly heavier weight and the front pockets are functioning. I found the fit to be a little boxy upon first try-on, and liked it better after I was able to shrink it down a bit in the machine dryer (please do so at your own risk, as it’s labeled dry clean). These photos show the fit of mine post-shrinkage, so if you want a more cropped fit, maybe try a size down.
And here’s how the wrap blouse looks in my usual petites sizing (I’m wearing it in this post in regular sizing). Differences between the same blouse in petites vs regular include slightly narrower shoulders, smaller armholes, a higher neckline, shorter sleeves, and shorter total length in the petites version. Despite the much better fit of the petites, I didn’t keep this as I was more drawn to the dusty light blue one.
Here is this season’s version of their wildly popular bow pumps from earlier this year. These have a more rectangular bow shape and a small gap below the bow. They come in the same exact patent blush pink color that I’m wearing above (which goes with SO much) and a host of new suede shades shown here.
I didn’t love this top on me but thought it was a very pretty piece worth pointing out. The peplum is a gentle flare that helps conceal the tummy area, and the lace cutouts + flutter sleeves create a nice focal area up top. The blouse in my usual size was a casual fit on me with a little room throughout (back invisible entry makes getting in / out easy). The top is made of a stretchy crepe-like material, and unlike the website, the tag does say it’s machine-washable.
A few other good quality pieces on sale & mostly in stock:
– Mila pointed pumps starting in sz 5, in versatile shades like navy, dark camel, black and a new leopard
– Skyler almond-toe pumps also in the classic shades like nude, black, and now a lilac suede
– This tipped perfect shirt is a re-stock of a timeless style they’ve carried in years past.
Leaving you guys with one more review – being a white dress fanatic I ordered this with my last Modcloth items and thought it was such an interesting look. This dress is a little too big on me throughout, but I wanted to share as it’d be perfect for anyone looking for a more unique little white dress (esp. for bridal activities!). A size S does run smaller than most American brands and should fit someone who usually takes around an xs / 0. The material is a thicker crochet lace very similar to my Express skirt, and the dress has a full lining and back zipper.
Measurements of a size S: 13.5″ across waist, 16.5″ across hips, approx 33″ length. Material has a small amount of stretch to it.
Hi Samantha – welcome, and I'm so happy to hear that! The armholes were not tight on me, also if it helps you can zoom in on the stock photo too to see the underarm fit from the side on the model. And if you're debating between the two colors online, the blush pink color is the prettiest in this top ( in my opinion) and is a little more opaque.
Hi there – so sorry for the delay, I missed your comment earlier! Yes definitely, that shell is actually designed to be worn un-tucked as it has a flared A-line shape. With skinny pants I would typically wear the top flowing and not tucked : )
Hi Nigar! I'm five feet tall. Thank you for your sweet comment!
Hi! I'm a newcomer to your blog and a huge fan thus far.
I was wondering if you could give me some further information on the ruffled shell top from Ann Taylor. It's so pretty and it's 50% off right now so I was thinking of getting it! I was wondering how small/tight or loose the armholes might be on it though. I do typically prefer looser armholes.
Thanks in advance!
Samantha
I love that first outfit. I wish I could dress like you!
i love the way the sloan pants fit but why are they so expensive? 🙁
I have a pretty dumb questions but it's something that's always been a gray area for me…can you wear shells such as that ruffle shell from Ann Taylor above, untucked?! Not with a skirt obviously, but if you were wearing skinny pants of some sort?
Hi,
I found out your blog today and I loved it. Me myself as a petite girl I am struggling to wear most of the long and knee length things. I think they make me look shorter. But, you are so inspirational and I love how you can pull everything off. Keep it up 🙂
Maybe you were asked hundred million times about your height, but I would like to know what is your height for comparison with myself..to know how certain things may look on me 🙂
@kristydani – moderated your comment to not stir up drama, but wanted to let you know how much I value & appreciate your support!
I'm a creature of habit, but nude shoes like pumps or minimalistic sandals are my go-to for a skirt that length! It's pretty easy to style with a white top like they showed, gray, or any other colors within the skirt's lovely pattern.
Yes, definitely – that's one of my favorite pieces ever from them. That one is a true jacket with structure and a full lining, and this one as mentioned above is more like a cardigan jacket and is unlined. I definitely wish they'd bring back the tipped jacket! However a major benefit of this cardigan jacket is that the black trim is right on the edge of the neckline and sleeve cuffs, where it's most likely to get dirty from contact with your skin, makeup, sweat, etc. I'm always hand washing my jacket in those areas due to stains, but the design of the cardigan jacket is much more forgiving/stain-friendly.
Hi! The peplum lace top? It wasn't very fitted on me so wasn't as shapely as I think it should be. I also like more structured peplums for myself, which I know others don't love because the look can be too exaggerated. The Sloans are the new ones with the longer length and slimmer ankle opening!
Aw thank you! I have curling tutorials on my YouTube for my everyday hairdo, but I owe my hair in this post to a blowout from my stylist. She uses a straightener iron to achieve this look!
I love the white lace dress and the white peplum!
http://www.pennyanddash.com
I love the pink ruffle shell, wrap blouse, and the Modcloth dress! You look amazing in all of them.
Julia // Little Miss Haute Couture
Love those new bow pumps..subtle and elegant. Also the modcloth dress, you are so right, it will be perfect for bridal activities.
Hems
http://www.agoldentulip.com
It's amazing how you make petite fashion look SO good! Loving all your looks babe <3 xo, sharon
http://www.stylelullaby.com/beauty/mermaid-hair/
http://www.asos.com/ASOS-Petite/ASOS-PETITE-Floral-Printed-Pleated-Midi-Skirt/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=6675217
Hi Jean, it would be really interesting to see how you would style this one. The length is a bit tricky, but the flora print is so beautiful.
Your style is always on point! I love all of the looks and outfits 🙂
Hi Jean, I love the finds at Ann Taylor in this post! I'm curious – do you still have the Ann Taylor Collarless Tipped Jacket (also chanel esque) as seen in your 06/08/15 post? I was wondering how the this compares with the textured open jacket.
These pieces are so romantic and feminine! I love the texture jacket the most! It gives a classic Chanel vibe!
xo Margaret
http://www.maleemaleehong.com | http://www.facebook.com/maleemaleehong
Hi Jean! Why didn't you like the lace top? It looks great on you. Also, are those the Sloans from this season or seasons past? B/c the fit has changed. Thanks!!
You have the BEST hair- have you ever done a tutorial? I'd love to see one. Thanks!
I know!! It reminds me when they bunch up all the fabric on the back and clamp it with something on the back of the mannequins at the stores. What da heck? Do they want me to walk with a binder clip on the back??
That ruffled shell is a great find — I may have to pick it up!
Jen | affecionada
Love all the looks… especially that lace dress!
http://www.FashionFillsYourHeart.com
Because I didn't realize it was for VIP email subscribers only! The code was VIPFRIENDS if you're able to get it to work on your account.
Hi! It was a lucky find from Homegoods but I was originally going to get the French mirror at Horchow which looks super similar : )
I haven't been to the Harvard Square store much but would love to do something there in the future!
I love that white dress. And can I just say that your hair looks amazing in these photos. So perfect <3
Enclothed Cognition
Why was the Friends and Family VIP 40% off code + free shipping taken down?
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I've tried the AT ruffle shell before, and in my opinion it's way too wide. It reminded of a piñata when worn. When you tuck it in, it does look nice from the front, but there's way too much fabric tucked in the back so it looks ridiculous.
Sad face! The jacket in an XXSP is already sold out online.
My favourite is the Chanel-esque jacket. The black trim really makes it. Plus that brooch! I love the last dress on you 🙂 And I like the ruffle shirt in white the best!
http://www.dressupchowdown.com
Always beautiful! 😉
http://www.evdaily.blogspot.com
Hi Jean! Where did you get your full length mirror? I love it! Also, will you ever do an event at the Ann Taylor in Harvard Square? 🙂 Thanks!
Love all the items you picked, especially the peplum top!!
xx,
Dolce Petite
That ModCloth dress is gorgeous! It's a surprisingly good price point for ModCloth too. Adding it to my Pinterest shopping board for sure!
Lifestyle by Joules
Love these picks! You always find the best gems at Ann 🙂
http://www.tailoredandtrue.com
All beautiful looks . . . As always! 🙂
La Bijoux Bella | by mia
Such a cute post dear! I love this white top with the lace details – you look gorgeous!
xx, Carmen – http://www.carmitive.com
Thank you for the reviews Jean! I also liked the Marled Bolero Jacket along with the Mosaic Lace Sheath Dress. They both fit well in Petite 00 and the dress can be fitted with a belt! You look amazing as always!
Jessica | Petite Style Script Blog
http://www.petitestylescript.com/
I am OBSESSED with that Ann Taylor jacket. It's a definite staple!! And that white lace dress looks amazing on you 🙂
Meghan | BeyondBasicBlog.com