Review: Ann Taylor Spring Tops in Petite XXS and XXS

There were lots of sales to be had on AnnTaylor.com last week, and I kind of went to town on petite tops for work. As soon as I thought I was done, they go ahead and have another big sale on "perfect pieces." AT, you're killing me! I'm oogling this pocketed dress from this week's sale:

Ribbon Front Shirtdress in 00P, $138 just $62.65 after sale and SHOP30

Two more picks in size 00P: The Perfect Button-Up $68 is now $35 with SHOP30. The Ponte Pencil Skirt $78 in black or charcoal is also just $35 with SHOP30. I actually have little experience with Ann Taylor's 00P, but I assume that it fits similar to Banana Republic?

Apparently I made several mistakes last week while ordering online and didn't get a few things I "thought" I ordered, instead getting the same blouse in the same color twice. Oh well. I'll start with the good ...

1. Ann Taylor Cut-in ruffle shell in Petite XXS, was $48 before discounts and coupons:

On me in "Soft Ribbon" :

Pants: Theory "Mark B" sz 00; hemmed and legs slimmed throughout (were wide-leg)

Pros: Fabric was drapey and fit as expected.

Cons: Fabric (rayon/spandex mix) seems pilling-prone again. 100% polyester neck and ruffle detailing causes mad static every time I pulled it over my head. Thinner material showed bra lines, but I probably just need more seamless bras.

Verdict: Keep.

The okay...

2. Ann Taylor Petite Silk Perfect Shell in PXXS, $58 before discounts and coupons:

On me in "Lavender Oil":

On me in "Dusty Mauve" :

I love silk blouses for work and have been looking for a "perfect" silk shell. Unfortunately silk is tricky for petites because it has little stretch and is usually cut to drape more generously. It also costs more to alter.

Pros: Pretty colors and slightly stretchy material. Contoured seams on both sides. A petite one size up from me should fit perfectly into the PXXS. It's on sale this week, too, for only $35 after SHOP30.

Cons: Armholes too loose (16" measured from armpit to armpit), and length (22") too long on me. Also looks funky tucked into pants, but would probably fare better tucked into high-waisted skirts.

Verdict: Don't want to spend $ on alterations...return. But again, would probably look nice on someone a little bigger.


And the bad experiment...

3.  Ann Taylor Cotton / Modal Tee with Chiffon Trim in womens XXS, was $38 before discounts and coupons.

This shirt was sold out in PXXS and PXS in every color (back in stock, though!). I thought it would be a great basic so I took a leap and ordered it in womens XXS. After all, it's just a stretchy knit top...so I expected it to just be a little long.

On me in Womens XXS in "Pale Iris" :

Pros: Comfy, smooth material with lots of stretch. Pretty satin trim.

Cons: Looks awful on me above, but I can't fairly judge since I didn't order from the petites department. Crazy, though, how generous an "XXS" can be these days ... I've definitely tried on womens Smalls in other brands that don't fit nearly this big!

Verdict: Return. May re-order in petite XXS now that it's back online.