Ladylike Details // Ruffled Knit + Top Handle Satchel

charleston elegant outfit ann taylor petite style

This look combines a little bit of everything that I love right now. A tailored pencil silhouette against soft ruffles and a cascading trench. A ladylike satchel paired with an edgier cat eye. I don’t think I’ve gotten so many kind compliments on an outfit in some time, just while walking down the street! And the best part is, almost everything here is on sale right now! Be sure to check the bottom of my post for all the sale details and coupon codes.

khaki trench coat pink handbag spring outfit

This is the simple but elegant Ann Taylor knit top that I wrote about last week! It’s stretchy and comfortable, and I especially like the higher mock neckline for a lengthening look. If you’re not into pink, I think the black or white color in this would look crisp and chic. I also wanted to share quick reviews below of both my sunglasses and handbag (which also comes in classic black or brown).

club monaco drape trench coat spring style petite

I mentioned recently I’ve been trying on lots of sunglasses, as they can really either change up or complete a look. One brand that I was impressed by for the price point was Sonix (apparently they make some of the cutest cell phone cases, too!), which I’ve seen sold at Anthropologie or Nordstrom. They have really chic sunglasses in almost every shape and style, and the pairs I tried on felt comparable to designer quality from the frames to the lenses, down to any metal rims. The slightly retro Dafni style I’m wearing sits higher up on my nose and doesn’t slide down. The “milk tortoise” color is a mix of marble-y gray and black spotting with thin gold rimming along the bottom edge; the same style also comes in black!

sonix cat eye sunglasses lace skirt spring fashion outfit

I picked out this top-handle satchel for a recent Talbots campaign and have been carrying it almost non-stop, as you guys may have seen on Instagram! The handbag shape is classic and slightly Hermes Kelly-inspired. I do want to note that this bag, like many other satchels, would benefit from a base shaper (either plastic ones sold online or ones that you DIY cut out of cardboard) to prevent the leather bottom from sagging. The grained leather is thick and soft, and the inside (fabric-lined) is quite roomy.

elegant outfit white lace pencil skirt petite fashion blog

Here are some of the aforementioned sales, along with new arrivals which caught my eye!

Ann Taylor – 40% off your purchase with code FRIENDS40, ends March 7th. The pintucked flutter sleeve blouse looks very similar to a popular one from last year (see in this outfit), which sold out rather quickly!

Express – 40% off your purchase of $200 or more with code 4965, ends March 3rd.

Talbots – 25% off site-wide (prices as marked in red), ends March 5th. Speaking of sunglasses, I also loved the fit of the below pair (in a neutral khaki-pink that is very versatile for pairing) and have shown them a lot on Instagram!

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31 Comments

  1. Ella Stefoglo wrote:

    Hello Jean!
    I am seriously obsessed with your style. It's so classy and affordable. Please keep this up, it's helping me build my wardrobe :).
    I bought the Ann Taylor shirt, and love it. It's big on me though (I bought a size small, it was the smallest in stock). Do you think your dryer trick will work on this shirt or should I just take it in at the seams?

    -Ella

    Posted 6.4.17 Reply
  2. Anonymous wrote:

    Love your style! When you carry a satchel bag with the shoulder strap can you recommend a good length where the bag should hit on the body? I think the 21" length of my strap may be too long (I'm 5'2") Have you ever added more holes to any of your saffiano leather straps to shorten them as well? Thank you so much for your posts, they are so fashion forward and informative!

    Posted 3.10.17 Reply
  3. Nicole's Novel Reads wrote:

    Love this outfit! Perfect for spring!

    Posted 3.9.17 Reply
  4. Jean wrote:

    I also have bowed legs and sometimes you just have to not care about what others think! One piece I love though are maxi skirts. They're perfect for keeping legs covered but can still be breezy and comfortable. You might be able to buy "midi" skirts in regular sizing and have it fit like maxi on you, or just get them hemmed.

    Posted 3.8.17 Reply
  5. Lucy Lai wrote:

    Love this look! So classic! And I can totally wear this to work <3

    MISS LUCIA | Fashion & Lifestyle

    Posted 3.6.17 Reply
  6. Melissa wrote:

    You do lady-like so well!

    Posted 3.5.17 Reply
  7. Mary L wrote:

    Beautiful outfit! It's a spot on fit for Charleston too. I'm amazed you can navigate our sidewalks in heels though; I've really given up on anything that's not flat, especially on the flagstones.

    Posted 3.5.17 Reply
  8. Jenn wrote:

    Your outfits are always so spot on!

    jennnngo | twitter | insta | latest post

    Posted 3.4.17 Reply
  9. Julia Mazzucato wrote:

    I love this outfit! The ruffled top and the skirt are gorgeous.
    Julia・Little Miss Haute Couture

    Posted 3.4.17 Reply
  10. Anonymous wrote:

    Hi Jean, I adore your style and always gorgeous look. Thank you so much for being such an inspiration! I am 4'11" and have bowed legs. Would you please give some recommendations? I don't want to wear jeans and pants all the time 🙁

    Posted 3.3.17 Reply
  11. Janinafran wrote:

    Love this outfit! So pretty and feminine 🙂
    XO Janina
    http://janinafran.blogspot.ca

    Posted 3.3.17 Reply
  12. Loredana wrote:

    So nice!!! Very feminin and cool! 🙂
    http://loredanamanciu.ro/

    Posted 3.3.17 Reply
  13. mybeautrip wrote:

    Your skirt is so beautiful!
    xx

    http://www.mybeautrip.com

    Posted 3.3.17 Reply
  14. Ewa Macherowska wrote:
    Posted 3.3.17 Reply
  15. Keri H wrote:

    Loving the sunnies! Looks amazing with such a tailored and chic look 🙂

    Enclothed Cognition

    Posted 3.3.17 Reply
  16. Yeeling Chua wrote:

    So chic! Thanks for sharing these outfit inspirations.

    Love from Singapore,
    Yeeling

    http://artelounge.net

    Posted 3.3.17 Reply
  17. b. wrote:

    Beautiful outfit! Love the jacket!
    http://www.giltedgeblog.com

    Posted 3.3.17 Reply
  18. Cristina SF wrote:

    This ladylike outfit is so elegant! I love the ruffled sleeves and the lace on the skirt 🙂

    http://www.memoriesofthepacific.com

    Posted 3.3.17 Reply
  19. Jessica H wrote:

    So beautiful!!! I love that blouse! And the color is so soft and feminine!

    xo, jess

    alljessedup.com

    Posted 3.3.17 Reply
  20. Julie Hiller wrote:

    Loving that skirt and the color of that bag–great spring look!

    Style by Joules

    Posted 3.3.17 Reply
  21. pork &amp; cookies wrote:

    Love the outfit, it looks really good and kind of makes you look tall! 😉

    -Kirsten // pork & cookies

    Posted 3.3.17 Reply
  22. Rachel wrote:

    That lace skirt is just darling! You are too cute. Love the blush pink blouse with it!

    xoxo
    Rachel
    http://thetrendytomboy.com/

    Posted 3.3.17 Reply
  23. fabi Aguilar wrote:

    You look beautiful!!

    http://www.lacaleya.com

    Posted 3.3.17 Reply
  24. Polly wrote:

    Your white skirt looks so amazing! It would go well with so many different tops. 🙂

    Polly
    http://gemsandjoy.com

    Posted 3.3.17 Reply
  25. Neeltje | Thoughts in Style wrote:

    That's such a beautiful skirt! X
    http://www.thoughtsinstyle.com/

    Posted 3.3.17 Reply
  26. Essere Moda wrote:

    I love this look! You look gorgeous <3 - https://esseremoda.nl/first-impression-visit-sooco/

    Posted 3.3.17 Reply
  27. Sophie Spiegelberger wrote:

    Love the colors and the lace is so beautiful!
    http://styledfortheoccasion.com

    Posted 3.3.17 Reply
  28. Alegra Chetti wrote:

    so gorgeous! love everything!😍😍😍

    Posted 3.3.17 Reply
  29. Charmaine Ng | Architecture and Lifestyle Blog wrote:

    I especially love your bag. Your photos are always spot on.

    Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
    http://charmainenyw.com

    Posted 3.3.17 Reply
  30. La Bijoux Bella | by mia wrote:

    Oh such a cute outfit … the top is so adorable. Beautiful look for Spring. Lovely! 🙂

    ❤LA BIJOUX BELLA❤ | BY MIA | A Creative Lifestyle Blog

    Posted 3.2.17 Reply
  31. MizEats wrote:

    You look so classy! Very fitting for the location.

    Posted 3.2.17 Reply

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