Vix, that scarf trick is perfect! I'm most of the time carrying a bigger bag or backpack anyway, it wouldn't be a problem to carry a scarf with me (if I'm not wearing it). I think I'll do that. Now I just have to have a look which of my scarves fits best.

ETA
I really like that blouse for you!

Vix, it IS a lot of print, I agree. I like how you toned it down with the layers. i was thinking it'd be just the ticket under a black or gray sheath, then you have just sleeves and collar showing. I tried denim jacket over it and it toned it down nicely. White pleather would do the same, as would velvet black blazer. But I also think tucking it into a solid, high-waisted pencil skirt (brown, black, taupe, hot pink) will look smashing... with cobalt booties... and cream purse.... or over black ponte skinnies, worn untucked. Oh the list is endless. Only thing I'm dubious about is wearing with jeans. I can never quite wrap my head around navy tops or blazers with dark wash jeans, for some odd reason.

And I also saw the print on a cardigan. I saw the print on some other items as well.. but don't remember now what they were. I personally *much* prefer it in silk than in the flatter materials. Even if I'm the Queen of patterned cardis.

[sorry for the thread hijack, Astrid -- and thank you!]

Shiny, all your pairings sound great. Post that hot pink shirt match up and maybe I'll take the step of pairing the blouse with my emerald green pencil.

Funny about your anti-navy-with-dark-jeans bias, though...I'm the opposite, probably due to my deathgrip on "creating a column of color," ha.

I'm the opposite, too...I was thinking JEANS!!!

But I was also thinking along similar lines to Jennifer...with black pencil skirt, mushroom pencil skirt, grey pencil skirt, maybe cobalt pencil skirt...with black jacket, blue jacket, white jacket, pink jacket....with taupe sweater, grey sweater...with burgundy....

Truly, if they shipped to Canada I would be ordering this right now!

Ooh.. yeah.. burgundy for sure. I have a burgundy tweed blazer. Also the top looked great with my red purse. Really, trying on this top was what made me realize I need to finally release that dang khaki skirt.

Suz, order it so we can be blouse triplets!

Astrid -- sorry to steal your thread, but this blouse is ALSO perfect for your color scheme, so not really stealing... quadruplets??

AT also has this coat, but they didn't have it in petite in the store...
http://www.anntaylor.com/ann/p.....Color=3033

No problem at all you three! Shiny, I'm not sure I could order at AT. Love the coat!