Ann Taylor Petites Chiffon Ruffle Shell is Back

It's back! It's back! Twitter friends already know the news, but my all-time favorite shell from Ann Taylor (as seen in my blog banner) is back - in seven colors. This was a Winter 2009 find from the regular Ann Taylor, and it was so popular it has been remade for the Ann Taylor Factory (outlet). The best part? It's on sale, and you can probably get your hands on one even if you live nowhere near an outlet.

Jacket: Theory Gratian blazer in "Lecture" sz 00
Shell: Ann Taylor Factory Chiffon Ruffle Shell sz XXSP
Jeans: Gap Legging Jeans in "faded dark" sz 00P

This top is perfect for wearing under suiting, blazers, and cardigans. When I don't have time to think in the mornings, I will just reach for this safe option. There are some differences between the 2009 and 2011 versions though.

2009: Retailed for $38, 1-2 inches longer, lower neckline, 94% rayon / 6% spandex (super pill-y)
2011: Retails for $39.99, shorter, slightly higher neckline, 60% cotton / 40% modal. I like it better!!

2009 in Soft Pewter (left) and 2011 in black (right), both XXSP:

Fit of the 2011 XXSP:

Continue reading to find out how to order these tops...

My local outlet had just one color in my size, and needless to say I wanted more. I've worn my old one to pill-y pieces. The S.A. helped me place an order in their computer system, and any store that had the color and size I wanted should fulfill the order. Cost for shipping is around $7.50, but if you have an Ann Taylor or LOFT card, shipping is FREE! I was surprised because the top was 40% off and normally free shipping is for full priced items. The S.A. said this was a "promo" and not a "sale" (i.e. no sale sticker on the tag) so shipping is still free for cardholders. I ended up ordering Deep Blue, Mud Bath, and Seahorse (a teal blue) at $23.99 a piece.

It was $23.99 because of their current 40% off promotion. This ends Monday, I believe. The best time to call a store is probably right when they open, or if you can't do that - an hour before they close. I was amazed and appreciative of how much time the SAs took to help me - looking around on the mannequins, in the back stockroom, looking in the system, calling around - considering the store was jam-packed.

I did a little dance when I also saw this chiffon petal top at the outlets, on sale as well for $23.99. Kelly introduced us to this top, and I wasted no time in ordering it. It adds just the perfect amount of detail peeking out from under a blazer or sweater. The outlet had this in Winter White and Pink - I ordered the Winter White. I don't have the tag, but PetiteXXS shared the item #: 256317

While there, I took the opportunity to try on their Factory perfect pumps. I like that the Factory carries shoes starting in 5.5 in store, whereas the regular store starts at 6 to 6.5. The silhouette of these are exactly like their regular perfect pumps (sold here), which I am in love with and wear every day. Unfortunately, the Factory versions are all faux-leather. For $70 (plus 40% off) I would still rather pay more and get the leather version. Same with their perfect skinny belts - tons of colors to choose from at the outlet, but sale price was $14 for fake leather that felt like plastic. You can score the real leather version (sold here) from their regular store during 40% off sales for just $4 more.

Factory perfect pumps - black patent (left) and dark pewter (right) - sz 5.5:

My only other outlet purchase was this Banana Republic wool blend sheath dress as seen on JetSetMeg (last photo). I liked the silky ribbon details around the waist and the slight gathering below. This dress requires no alterations on me (I could get the hips slimmed). The torso fits me perfectly and I don't recommend this for someone with a bigger chest.

Dress: Banana Republic Factory sz 00P

There were 3 of these left at my local outlet...and all of them happened to be size 00P. That is definitely evidence that it runs small! Since it was on sale for a good price, I picked up all three in case someone else is interested. I am selling for $32 plus shipping & handling (approx $5) and I'll ship to US or Canada. Material is 41% wool, 27% poly, 24% viscose, 8% nylon. Fully lined, retailed for $110. Sold!

I also tried on the following skirts in 00P. The left abstract one was $36 after discounts, and the right ( a very thick black and white tweed) was $30 after discounts. Neither spoke to me, so I passed.

That's it for my outlet post! I thought I'd have to fight dear Vicky for the sz 00 Theory items, but Theory wasn't happenin' this time around. I did run into her at BR, swapped coupons, chatted endlessly, and took an obligatory twitpic with her and her adorable little photographer : )