Review – Ann Taylor LOFT Petite Tiered Ruffle Shell

Ann Taylor Loft Petite Tiered Shell 1 600
ShellAnn Taylor LOFT Tiered Ruffle Shell in “Desert Sand”, size PXXS
JeansPaige Blue Heights Skinny, size 23 (hemmed)
ShoesCole Haan Carma, size 5
Jewelry – Honora pearls, Jet beads, Cameo pin (gift)

Feminine tops with interesting details are always great for throwing under cardigans and blazers. It’s such an easy way to dress up jeans, or even a work suit. Ever since this failed silk DVF jacket, I’ve had tiers on the brain, and this shell is not only a cheaper way to get my fix, but thankfully in petite proportions.

Ann Taylor Loft Petite Tiered Shell 10 600
Ann Taylor Loft Tiered Shell Close 1 600

I love texture in clothing, and these tiers have the added benefit of being pretty & feminine! They pair great with romantic details, like pearls or a Victorian inspired cameo. Not to mention, they are ridiculously fun if they remind you of a multi-tiered wedding cake, they way they do me. ;)

This shell fits great right off the rack. The arm holes are nice and high, and the neckline is perfect. It’s not supposed to be really fitted, but it skims along the body nicely. I feared it might be see through in white, but the tiers creative a kind of double layer, so my nude colored bra didn’t peek through. The hem is banded, so it stops at the hip.

The tiers are light and airy, and I was surprised at how much movement they have. I happily jumped up and down in front of a mirror a few times so I could watch the tiers bounce around. :)

Ann Taylor Loft Petite Tiered Shell 8 600
Ann-Taylor-Loft-Petite-Tiered-Shell-Back-and-Side

I also picked up the color “Steel Grey” (I had to reach that minimum for free shipping!), which is pretty, but not as much fun under my dark colored blazers. I plan to try and pick this color up after it goes on better sale.

Ann Taylor Loft Tiered Shell Grey Dress Form 600
Size XXSP:
Ann-Taylor-Loft-Tiered-Shell-Measurements
53% cotton
45% polyester
2% spandex
Wash cold delicate
Tumble dry low

There were a few more items in the LOFT package, but those will have to wait until next time. ;)

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27 Comments

  1. says: kileen

    the tiered top looks really pretty on you and it fits very well! i will definitely keep my eye out for this item in the chance that it goes on sale!

  2. says: hugstiem

    What a great look! I have to admit I was totally skeptical about that ruffled LOFT top the first time I saw it online because it looked like the kind of cut that would completely obscure my waistline. But the way you wear it with the cropped jacket is such a gorgeous pairing. So jealous of your Theory jackets. Ahhh, someday I'll get out of grad school, get a real job and be able to afford such pretty things. ;)

  3. says: Lady Cardigan

    Very lovely – you make me want to buy the whole outfit. Not supposed to be spending money but the top looks great on you.

  4. says: Alterations Needed

    @kileen – I'll be waiting for the sale too! Definitely keeping the "Desert Sand", but hoping I can score the "Steel Grey" at one of LOFT's awesome sales.

    @AubreyOhDang! – What is this? Girl's Gone Wild? LOL.

    @hugstiem – I totally agree. If the fabric was thicker or cheaper, it could easily just be a boxy hunk of "ew". Luckily the fabric is thin and stretchy enough that it drapes pretty nicely. Don't worry, there's plenty of Theory for everyone. Theory outlet stores will be your best friend after you graduate. ;)

    @Lady Cardigan – Hehe…I've been told by many that I'm a bad influence and bad for the budget. This top is already pretty cheap, so hopefully there will be some great deals on it when it goes on sale.

  5. says: grace

    Kelly, I was at the LOFT store today, and I saw that shell and thought of you since I know you got it – and here you are showing how awesomely awesome you look in it, along with that beautiful Theory jacket. One of these days I will get my butt down to the Theory outlet and check them out. All you ladies looked so lovely wearing Theory you've piqued my interest. I think I can delay my trip for a while though, I'm sure my wallet won't miss it :P

    I'll wait for a good sale before I go and ransack LOFT. I think I'll wait for it in store.

  6. says: Callandra

    What a great fit right off the rack! I love this top and will def check it out………hope they have prints as well. Thanks for the review!!

  7. says: Alterations Needed

    @grace – So glad to hear the shells are in stores in SD. That gives us a better chance of scoring one on sale later! Thanks for thinking of me while shopping! LOL. Ah yes, Theory will set you back, but the outlet on a good sale can score you one for around $100 (under if you're really lucky)!

    @Callandra – There's no prints for this top as far as I know, but that would be nice. :)

  8. says: Vicky

    Love, love, love this shell on you, Kelly!!! The color is great. I also love the tiered look as well! Great find! lol on the jumping in front of the mirror to get the fabric to move bit. Hilarious! The Loft website shows the material to be 100% cotton, which I find weird.

  9. says: Laura

    Dang, I am jealous that this looks so good on you. I ordered it online and was super excited to get it but the Desert Sand color did my skin tone no favors at all. I wish it were as white as it looks in the pictures!

  10. says: Michelle

    So far, I have had great experiences with LOFT's xxsp armholes!

    You styled the shell so well with that beautiful jacket and accessories!

    I watched an episode of WNTW last night and thought of you…Stacy and Clinton had to deal with the challenge of a body-builder! Oh my!

  11. says: Elizabeth

    I've never had luck finding a petite-friendly shell! I really like this one too- I'm a fan of ruffles because they hide my lack of a chest. :)

  12. says: PetiteXXS

    The top didn't catch my eye on their site, but it looks really good on you! I can definitely see it paired with lots of things for spring :)

  13. says: Alterations Needed

    @Vicky – Oh wow…I didn't see the fabric discrepancy on the website. Weird! Thanks for pointing that out! I wonder if that's just a mistake on the website.

    @JenlovesBal – Thanks! The blazer is my favorite. ;)

    @Laura – So sad to hear the color did you no favors. I've heard that most people either look fabulous in pure-white, or off-white. I think I'm more of an off-white person, so the color does pretty good things for me. The steel grey is also a fabulous color…maybe it would work better?

  14. says: Alterations Needed

    @Michelle – This season has been great for armholes for me too! Thank you LOFT! I hate those peeks of bra when the armholes are too big.

    LOL…I'm so glad you associate me with Clinton and Stacy! A girl can dream… :P

    @Elizabeth – Ahh, yes! Ruffles do add a little extra bulk in that area. A less-endowed girl's best friend. ;)

    @PetiteXXS – It's deceivingly boring on the website, but is a great layering piece. I think it's one of those pieces that will get a lot of wear.

  15. says: Elle

    Very pretty top! I am partial to the cream too!

    How many shells do you own Kelly? You must have accumulated a closet full over the years…

  16. says: rg

    Thanks for the post! I thought the straps were too narrow on the model, making it more casual than I would like. But I see on you that the straps are pretty substantial for a petite frame. I might have to check it out!

  17. says: Alterations Needed

    @curls-and-pearls – LOL…That's probably one of the best compliments I've ever gotten. In all fairness, merchants usually have to style their items pretty plainly in the stock photos, so you can get an idea of what just that item looks like. Luckily us bloggers have a little more creative freedom to jazz things up!

    @Elle – Funnily enough, not that many! But after the Ann Taylor ruffle shells, tieneck silk shell, and now this one, I should be good for a little while. ;)

    @rg – The straps are a good width. They hide my bra straps, but I'd probably only wear it under a jacket or cardigan anyways because it's a little plain without something over it.

  18. says: Elle

    Very pretty top! I am partial to the cream too!

    How many shells do you own Kelly? You must have accumulated a closet full over the years…

  19. says: Alterations Needed

    @Michelle – This season has been great for armholes for me too! Thank you LOFT! I hate those peeks of bra when the armholes are too big.

    LOL…I'm so glad you associate me with Clinton and Stacy! A girl can dream… :P

    @Elizabeth – Ahh, yes! Ruffles do add a little extra bulk in that area. A less-endowed girl's best friend. ;)

    @PetiteXXS – It's deceivingly boring on the website, but is a great layering piece. I think it's one of those pieces that will get a lot of wear.

  20. says: Elizabeth

    I've never had luck finding a petite-friendly shell! I really like this one too- I'm a fan of ruffles because they hide my lack of a chest. :)

  21. says: rg

    Thanks for the post! I thought the straps were too narrow on the model, making it more casual than I would like. But I see on you that the straps are pretty substantial for a petite frame. I might have to check it out!

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