classic wrap blouse for work to weekends

Ann Taylor wrap blouse c/o xxsp, Jolt destroyed jeans (similar)

Ivanka Trump flats 5.5 (3 colors - also sold here), Babulebar bar & Y necklace

For those who like comfy basics that transition easily from work to weekend, this blouse is a must-have (and at a very reasonable price right now). The style is reminiscent of my beloved H&M one from years ago, which is still alive despite some unfortunate pulls. This one has a stretchy, smooth, crepe-like material that's machine washable. You can wear it with trousers, jeans, tucked into a skirt, layered under a sweater or dress, and so much more. The material has a nice medium weight to it - I'm wearing the white with my usual skin-toned bra and didn't find it to be sheer. I loved this top so much I ended up getting a dark one as well, and have been guilty of wearing it several days in a row!

FYI, the blouse comes with the crossover neckline stitched together about 2 inches higher than how I'm wearing it above. It's a good conservative look, but I wanted the option to lower the neckline as well. I used small scissors to carefully snip out the stitch, and just secure the neckline using a small safety pin at whatever height I'm feeling for each outfit. More patient ladies can easily add small hooks or snap buttons. The collar is a subtle detail that makes this different from most other wrap blouses, and allows it to be doubly versatile for layering like shown below!

AT necklace (extra 60% off!), AT dress c/o, J.Crew belt (similar), Kate Spade heels (similar)

KS watch, Emerson Fry leopard jacket (currently sold out, but they've done re-stocks)

This stretchy pale rose dress is my favorite piece out of Ann Taylor's current wave of new arrivals. It runs true to size for the brand, so it will be a little loose on ladies who are my exact size (32-24-32 bust/waist/hips). The material is a thicker double-weave fabric, almost ponte-like but with a little texture which I tried to show in the picture below. The quality is nice, with the dress being fully lined with an invisible back zip and back leg slit. There is a thin piping detail along the entire neckline, armholes, waistline, bottom hem, and down the back center (lots of piping!) which makes this piece look more expensive. Tights wearers can try this with dark charcoal gray tights and similar colored pumps.

I used a thin belt to cinch in the waist, and may need alterations to get a more figure-hugging look which I love for pencil dresses. You can see some extra gathered fabric at the waist and hips in the shot below. Measurements of a 00 petite: 15" armpit to armpit, 12.75" across waist, 17" across hips, 36.5" length. Please account for some thickness in these measurements due to the double-weave material and lining.

Here's a few other notable items, on sale as part of AT's weekend promo (code HAPPY50):
- cobalt suede pumps - starting in size 5. I love my old ones from J.Crew, which these look like a good dupe for. They make a clutch bag with removable chain in the same cobalt blue suede that's also on sale - my friend has this and wears it all the time for going out.
- tie neck blouse - another classic work-to-weekend top. This one is silky feeling but machine-washable. I tried on the light pink color and did not find it to be sheer when worn with a skin-toned bra. The material is thinner than the crossover drape top I'm wearing in this post, and has a little stretch.
- faux fur pom pom beanie - I love my cable knit hats, and this one is still left in cream
- embroidered dot shirt (see on me here and here)

Petite peplum sweater + red bow heels

Ann Taylor sweater xxsp + bow heels sz 5 c/o, similar petite gingham shirt

ASOS wrap, BR pants 00p, Baublebar necklace, Laura Mercier "red amour," AT tote

As Instagram & Snapchat friends know, we�re currently on a mini roadtrip through Maine before heading home for Thanksgiving! I�ve been wearing this tummy-forgiving sweater frequently to dinner and also for lounging in our room with knit bottoms. I styled it here with my slim ankle pants and a little print mixing for added interest. Ann Taylor is currently having 40% off new arrivals w/GIVE40 including both my sweater and bow heels worn here! Other new arrivals worth checking out is this floral drape blouse, large faux fur collar (a luxe accent for plain coats or for winter cocktail parties), rose gold sequin skirt (would need the usual taking-in on someone my size), and these gold heels if you don't own a pair yet.
The quality of this sweater impressed me as it�s a warm, thicker and tighter knit plus the sizing runs small. The sleeves especially fit slim and pretty tight at first, but stretch out a little with wear. I like that the nipped in waist actually hits higher at my natural waistline, and the overall length is just right on a shorter frame. If you're over an inch or so taller than me, I'd recommend checking out the regular sizing for more length. The wool/nylon/cotton/cashmere blend doesn't require dry cleaning (although I've been washing all my sweaters at home these days with this wool & cashmere shampoo, including the ones labeled dry clean only!).
I have these sloan ankle pants in multiple colors/fabrics now, but still default most often to classic navy. I love them for travel as they�re comfy and aren�t too tight. Also, they don�t seem to stretch out or wrinkle much on me. They are still on promo now for 40% off with code BRFRIENDS !

Hope you guys have a wonderful Sunday, and safe travels this holiday week!

Fall hues: Plum, navy + grey at work (now 50% off!)

Ann Taylor skirt, turtleneck (10 colors) + open cardigan (4 colors, also in petite) c/o

Baublebar bib necklace (also at Nordstrom), Sole Society heels (similar in "taupe")

Big sale announcement today - take 50% off site-wide with code FALL50 at Ann Taylor, one of my favorite stores. I got to pick a few more new arrivals from them to review, and wanted to share my favorites of the bunch with you guys. I'm a pencil skirt girl, and the rich plum and navy hues on this one caught my eye. It fits true to size for AT pencil skirts so I did have to get the sides taken in so that it sits higher at my natural waist. I went the easy route with a top that's the same color from the pattern, but it also pairs well with neutrals like taupe and grey. Please see the very bottom of my post for the rest of my top recommendations!

I rarely wear longer cardigans with my pencil skirts (as demonstrated in this styling video) because I feel boxy when they end at the widest part of my hips. I tried on this cardigan with this outfit and surprisingly liked the results (also very cute with slim ankle pants). I think it works better because the length pushes the sweater into duster jacket territory, well beyond the hips area, and the material moves swingily to frame the skirt. I'm wearing an XS regular which was the smallest size at the time, and it's a little loose and long in the sleeves on me. It's odd, several times now I've gotten something only to see it become available weeks later either in petite, or a smaller size! I see this cardigan is now online in xxs regular and petites (albeit just one color), both of which would fit better on smaller-framed ladies. If you don't mind wearing regular sizing, I saw the baked sesame color in-person and it's a versatile light camel with pink tones, prettier in-person.

Turtleneck sweaters are a fall/winter staple and I thought this one fit nice and slim plus comes in many colors. I'm wearing my usual size xxs petite with the sleeve cuff folded up. The weight of the wool-blend material (update: I personally don't find it to be itchy - but please read the online reviews as some did) is on the thinner side so tucks well into skirts without being bulky.

For a business formal environment, swap the cardigan for a blazer (this one is from J.Crew). Speaking of J.Crew, their latest size 000 petite, as terribly unnatural as that still sounds, finally produces a pencil skirt that may no longer require alterations (and my staple No 2 wool skirt is currently on sale). I haven't tried it on yet in the new size, but according to their customer service the No. 2 wool skirt in 000p measures 12.25" waist and 15" hips, compared to their 00p with 13.5" waist and 17.25" hips - quite a big difference. Now wouldn't it be lovely if AT followed suit with a new similar size, at least for skirts and pants?

Measurements of this skirt in 00P pre-alterations: 13.25" across the waist, 16.5" across the hips, 20.25" length. The material is stretchy overall and feels like a medium-weight textured twill, with the inner waistband lined in grosgrain ribbon. It's classic pencil skirt style with an invisible back zipper and leg slit, and is fully lined. I was pleased to see the pattern was lined up on both the side and back seams!I'm late to the game with Essie's "Chinchilly" polish but better late than never...it looked more regular grey online but is a beautiful taupe-grey hue in-person. And here are some of my top recommendations from the entire Ann Taylor sale that are still available in small sizes. I've either tried on for fit or own these items, some from years ago:

- Speckled fringe sweater dress is a must for lovers of Chanel-inspired style. Every so often AT comes out with a Coco classic that just needs a strand of pearls. The last tweedy fringe jacket sold like hotcakes so I don't expect this one to be in stock long The xxsp is a comfortable, stretchy fit that hits above the knee. It's not form-fitted on me but you can add a thin belt for more waist definition. This one will transition well into winter with black or dark colored tights. And good news - the tag on the actual dress says hand wash cold, not dry clean only like the site!

- Flowy sweater skirt, now finally available in petites sizing (also in black)! No alterations needed on this one at the waist, and the stretchiness will comfortably accommodate big lunches. The material is a medium-weight, smoother tight knit and the waistband is thick and "holds" stuff in. And hooray for machine wash cold.

- Contrast tipped perfect shirt - their stretch perfect shirts in general fit me well off the rack in xxs petite. The tipping on this one is a sharp way to spruce up a basic navy button-up. This one can also be washed at home.

- Petite supersoft long cardigan - this was one of the items I was most excited about from their latest collection, unfortunately the color I wanted does not come in petites and XS regular was too oversized on me. It caught my eye most when styled chicly as a sweater coat on this page. I would've gotten this if it came in petites in either the cream or a lighter grey.

- Bright red swing coat (my review here) at a very good price for a jacket post-discounts.

- Signature tote in 3 colors - a basic, lightweight faux-leather school or work tote. See older variations on me over the years in multiple colors. The Modern Saddle color is already marked down making it just $50 after discounts.

- Per usual, my favorite layered faux-pearl necklace (see 10 ways I've styled it) or this simpler oversized pearlized necklace. They also have jewelry box-staple faux pearl studs for just $14 with great reviews.

- Fit and flare sweater dress - see my review here and it styled differently here. Please note that to get the fit shown in my photos, I shrunk mine a bit in the dryer as mentioned in my review. I was happy to see the reviews on there from readers of this blog!

Instagram pre-Fall outfits + Ann Taylor reviews

First & I poncho (one size), Rag & Bone jeans sz 24, Halogen pumps (old, very similar)

This is an outfit from Instagram recently - the sweater is by a brand I've never tried before and very affordable. The rust-pumpkin color is gorgeous for Fall. The knit is on the medium weight side for a sweater and is fairly tightly woven so I don't see it being as prone to snags. As shown in the stock photo, the sides slits are open under the arms. I plan on pinching the sides together with some thread like so (right where the pens are pointed) to form some "sleeves."

For Labor Day weekend, use code TREATYOSELF for 10% off all orders on asos.com (free ship & returns > $40) including the poncho above - definitely check out the petites section (sizes run small) and also their cozy oversized scarves. Loved mine from last year and I see the same patterns are back this year!

Jolt girlfriend jeans sz 00, Lush cuff-sleeve tee sz XS

Baublebar slim bar & pyramid necklaces c/o, Steve Madden heels (runs narrow)

I got several requests for more petite-friendly distressed jeans after posting about the Treasure & Bond ones. Here is another pair I tried on from a brand called Jolt. I love that they are a slimmer but still relaxed "girlfriend" cut, since I've mentioned often on here that jeans labeled "boyfriend" cut are usually too baggy on a petite-frame. I was pleasantly surprised again by the fit and distressing placement, however the wash is more bleached than I'm used to so I'm still on the fence. I also like where the pre-cuffed length hits on me - no additional rolling up needed and perfect for all types of shoes. I'm wearing a size 24 with a 1 inch waist gap on me, which isn't bad for relaxed-cut jeans.

The jeans didn't quite look like the ones in the stock photo so I had to double check that's what I ordered...and those are it. I'm guessing the distressing and wash differ from pair to pair due to the nature of the jeans.

Jolt girlfriend jeans, Vince Camuto ankle boots (2 colors)

Here's how the jeans look with ankle boots. Btw, I can't recommend these booties enough. They are very comfortable on the foot and cushioned inside, plus I like the little dip for styling with either jeans and skirts/dresses. They start in a hard-to-find size 4 and come in numerous colors! I'm usually between 5 and 5.5 and took the latter. I just saw Vince Camuto released a very similar "Franell" style in 4 other versatile, Fall-perfect colors.

Now about this Lush top - I've been looking for more slouchy basics that can help elevate casual outfits. I absolutely love the draping, dolman cuff-sleeved take on a basic tee. However I found the neckline to be very low for someone my height and thought it was odd no one mentioned this in the reviews (maybe I am very short torso'd?). I tucked the back in more, which raises the front, otherwise my bra would be showing. It would look cute with a lace bralette or camisole underneath, and I'm considering a DIY option with ties at the back neck. I really like the casual chic look and wish they'd make a petite version that is less low-cut.

Ann Taylor lace tee, Express shorts (similar in longer length - highly recommended)

Lastly, Ann Taylor is having 50% off select fall items with code HAPPY50. Unfortunately my favorite navy lace skirt is not included in this promo, however the corresponding top is, for anyone interested. I'm trying an xxs petite above. It is good quality and lined with an invisible back zipper.

Ann taylor floral jacquard dress (2 colors), AT twill trench shirt, Mossimo sandals

Here are two other items included in the 50% off sale - this jacquard stretch dress runs small for AT and would fit someone my size well with no alterations needed. I'm trying on a size up (0P) above and it fit as shown, so my usual size would be very nice and fitted. It also comes in a burgundy floral jacquard.

This trench shirt I thought was one of the more sophisticated pieces of AT's fall collection (reminded me of trench shirts from higher end designers). I'm not sure about their labeling of it as a "jacket" since it's a lighter weight piece, so perhaps a good indoor jacket and work-friendly. I'm trying on an xxs petite above and the material had good drape and fluidity.

Casual classics: Distressed jeans + Topshop petite drape blouse

Topshop Drape blouse in sz 2P (avail in petite/reg/maternity/tall; also sold at Nordstrom)

Treasure & Bond jeans (40% off!) in sz 24, Steve Madden sandals, Goyard tote

Today's post is a simple outfit of all casual basics - distressed skinny jeans, a draped white blouse (comes in several other colors & sleeve lengths), and minimalistic sandals. To add a little interest, I layered on delicate necklaces and a printed tote. I wear my long-sleeved white drape blouse to pieces and knew I'd get plenty of wear out of a short version. Topshop runs small compared to American sizing - 0P fit fine but I sized up to 2P for a looser fit. I think this is one of those pieces where regular sizing would work well also, because I wouldn't mind a longer length (you can casually tuck it in the front). I noticed they now have free shipping and returns for US customers which is awesome, esp. compared to before. While at the NYC store, I saw these distressed denim shorts in petite (suggest sizing up for a casual fit) and wanted to point them out as a very similar option to my sold-out Express ones.

When shopping for distressed jeans, an issue I often have is the knee hole placement (usually hits several inches below my actual knees). I was so pleasantly surprised at the overall fit of these Treasure & Bond jeans, plus they're currently 40% off! They are listed as crop jeans, which works nicely as regular jeans for someone my height (5 feet tall). The size 24 fits true to size on me with no waist gap, and the medium weight denim is stretchy and comfortable. If you have longer legs, I also tried on these distressed boyfriend jeans on sale at a bargain...

STS blue boyfriend jeans in size 00, BP V-neck tee (sized up to a S)

They are adorable casual jeans and the 00 was a slouchy but slim fit (unlike many boyfriend jeans which are too baggy on a petite frame), however the knee holes were 2" too low for me so I'll be returning. The length is longer but due to the cuffs, you can roll them up to your liking.

I finally got these Steve Madden sandals in a second color...my first pair in blush patent have truly proven to be the ultimate versatile sandal for me. They make shorter legs look long and the design is simple but elevated. Please note from my initial review on the blush ones that they run narrow! I'm usually between 5 and 5.5 and got the latter in these to accommodate my foot width both in the insole as well as the front toe strap.

Ray-ban clubmasters, Baublebar bar & pyramid necklaces c/o

If you're shopping for delicate necklaces, Baublebar has a "pick your pendants" option on their site that lets you pick three layering necklaces at a savings for $68 total. I'm wearing the slim bar short one, infinity medium one, and the longer pyramid spike Y (great for wearing with V-necklines) which are all part of the bundle pricing choices. The slim bar and pyramid Y chain are my favorites because of the sleek 14k gold-plated design, and add just a little something to the most basic outfits. From my Baublebar sale order last month, my favorite piece has to be the bowline cuff bracelet, also worn here. It appears to now be sold out on their site but I found it still available here - would recommend esp. for narrow wrists, since you can bend the metal slightly to adjust the fit.

Basics + blues (Rag & Bone The Skinny jeans review)

H&M blouse (similar in petites), J.Crew blazer, Baublebar necklace

Rag & Bone jeans sz 24 (also sold here), Halogen heels, MK medium Sutton bag

I've gotten several questions on Instagram about these jeans and realized I haven't done a real review yet! I've been reaching for them quite a bit over the past two months, as evident via my IG. I was first turned onto Rag & Bone by Kelly of Alterations Needed - the knee fading and distressing on her jeans always actually hit at her knees like they're supposed to, which fellow shorties know is a rarity with premium denim (the dreaded shin holes!). Kelly mentioned that the details on R&B "skinny" cut jeans were always proportionately placed for her 4'11" frame (although still long in length), which I can happily attest has been true.

I tried on several washes and finishes at my local Nordstorm (which had plenty of 24s and even a few surprising 23s in stock) - these are The Skinny cut in La Paz wash, a medium dark blue with a small patch of distressing under each pocket and a little at one knee. It's a good amount for anyone who wants to ease into destroyed denim (or back into, should I say, remembering the "mudd" pairs from my high school days). The weight is on the medium to heavy side, with very comfortable stretch.

The inseam on these is 29" so not as long as most R&B jeans (I tucked an inch in, right above the frayed style hem). I'm wearing the sz 24s and find them to be true to size, with a half inch waist gap on me. These regular rise style fit much better than the high rise style I tried on before, which had a 2-3" waist gap on me. I forgot to take a back view photo of these, but will be sure to next time!

And here is the MK Sutton bag I got in the pale blue - a very pretty color in person. I'm a creature of habit and can't stop gravitating towards this type of satchel with top handles and removable long strap, but it works for my lifestyle. I was worried this wouldn't fit a laptop for work, but my 13" Macbook Air slides right in diagonally, and fit a pair of shoes and some snacks to boot!
On a shoe note, I often share these Sam Edelman "Delilah" d'orsay pumps as a similar alternative to my Halogen ones, and finally got to try them on in my size. The size 5 fit me well (they start in an obscure sz 4!) and I would say runs on the narrow side in the front half. Overall they are a lighter shade of brown than my Halogen pumps, and another difference is a small black patch on the upper back.
Another pair of jeans that I tried on and really liked (but went for the R&B with distressing over a solid wash) were these Citizens of Humanity Avedon ultra skinny jeans in "ventana" wash. It's amazing how within one brand and one general cut, the fit can differ so much. I've tried on CoH Avedon jeans that were baggy, super long, and high-waisted on me in the same size 24, but these "ankle ultra skinny" fit nicely throughout and as a bonus, no hemming needed.

Trying on Chelsea 28 top sz XS (shoulders a little wide), CoH jeans sz 24, BP ankle boots

On the model, it's amusing how the jeans look like highwaters and the blouse a belly shirt! When shopping online I always look for items that appear a little too short or shrunken in the stock images, since more often than not that translates into a good regular fit on petites.

Thank you to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post!