Tag: Ann Taylor

Hits and Misses

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I do a lot of shopping around, waiting for sales, comparing options, and I try to be strategic with my purchases. Inevitably, some items impress me, and some disappoint. Here are some reviews on my recent purchases.

Hits

Ann Blouse

I’m always looking for a good, versatile blouse because they always multiply my outfit options more than any other piece. I recently got this one on sale at Ann Taylor. I like the pattern because it’s more interesting than plain shirt, but it’s still a neutral that’s relatively subtle. I think it will work in all four seasons.

lands end gloves

I was shopping around for leather gloves because my standard black leather gloves are way past their prime. These caught my eye at Lands End and I was impressed by the cashmere lining and the option to monogram. Not to mention, the price was on point. These will get a lot of wear this summer.

Misses

Banana Honeycomb

I was hoping this sweater from Banana would be a great neutral chunky sweater that I could wear to work with a pencil skirt or on the weekend with jeans. Two main problems: 1. the fit is bizarre, it was baggy under the arm but not a dolman sleeve which was just very bulky and unflattering; and 2. it’s super super warm, like I couldn’t wear it indoors warm. I should have taken the reviews seriously, because they practically said that word for word. It’s a return.

Banana Dress

Another Banana miss. I thought this dress would be another work or weekend option, but it was not flattering. I bought my normal size, but it seemed clingy and baggy in all the wrong places. It also had two sweatery layers of fabric which added bulk. Maybe if I sized down it would be a sleeker look, but I’m over it. Return.

Work Wear Staples

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I’ve made a conscious effort this year to make smart choices when it comes to clothes shopping. I’m trying to think about cost per wear, and invest in pieces that I will wear a lot. This also means I’m being more restrained with trendy items, or looking for inexpensive options for pieces I know I’ll wear less.

Button Down Shirts

Perfect Shirt

I don’t like button down shirts. They are not a cute look for me. No matter what size I get, they gap between the buttons at the chest and look baggy everywhere else. That said, I’ve found it necessary to have a couple white button downs because it’s such a classic office look, and a good layering piece in the winter. The closest I’ve come to a good button down is Ann Taylor’s perfect shirt. I buy my usual size and it fits decently, plus the fabric is not heavy but not totally see through. The collar is a little small for me, but you can’t win ’em all.

Dress Pants

Banana Pants

Banana Republic has become my go-to for dress pants this year. I really like their lightweight wool pants which I have in navy and black in the Martin fit. They are a suiting material but they fit me well and thus are comfortable. I’ve had some rough dress pants in the past, and I’ve realized that suiting material is not always so forgiving, which means the fit is paramount. For a slimmer ankle pant look, I like also like the Sloan slim ankle-fit pants. Though I find dress pant options from The Loft less durable, it’s nice to have a couple machine washable pants in the mix as well.

Pencil Skirts

Pencil Skirt

I think the most reliable pencil skirts I’ve bought in the last couple years have been from JCrew Factory. They keep the same wool skirt in their repertoire and just offer different colors and patterns each season. I used to think washable ponte skirts from The Loft or Ann Taylor were the way to go, but those can look stretched and worn out after a few wearings. The JCrew Factory skirts have held up really well for me so far and always look professional.

Blazers

Jcrewblazer

Blazers are definitely investment piece territory. I have a love/hate relationship with blazers because they will either look great on me or really frumpy, so I try to be very careful. I do think there is a direct relationship between price and quality when it comes to blazers. I’m actually in the market to upgrade my navy and black blazers and I’ve been watching sales and planning my purchase of the Campbell blazer from Jcrew. I think JCrew’s Campbell is great for Monday through Thursday, and their Regent style is great for Fridays and weekends with a more casual bottom. These are investments at about $200, compared to a discounted $50 Loft blazer, but I think they fit better and will last much longer.

What are your go-to work pieces?

Sweater Weather

SadieLeave a comment

I recently did an audit (workplace jargon, you’re welcome) of my current sweater situation, and I definitely need a few refreshes. I have a tendency to buy lighter, easy care sweaters (aka hopefully machine washable and not dry clean only) that seem to wear out a little faster than some of the fancier options. I’m going to start with some very versatile basics that will give me a lot of bang for my buck. These are admittedly a little boring, but welcome to the DC dress code my friend…

Work Sweaters:

Loft Button Back Sweater

I like grabbing a couple simple, machine washable sweaters that I can easily pair with a pencil skirt, or dress pants with or without a blazer. This one from Loft fits that description perfectly at $49.50 (because you know it will go on sale).

Loft Boyfriend Cardigan

Also, one of my quickest solutions to an outfit in the winter is a buttoned up boyfriend cardigan over a sleeveless blouse or plain tee shirt (purposing the summer shirts year ’round) and dress pants or pencil skirt. And done. This one from Loft is super affordable, comes in good colors, and is machine washable- it’s the trifecta!

Nordstrom Sweater

In the fall and winter, a white cable sweater paired with a slim pair of black pants (maybe velvet black pants) is my go-to Friday outfit. I like this option from Cupcakes and Cashmere’s collection at Nordstrom, it’s a little pricer, but it’s a nice sweater.

Ann Taylor Sweater

I like to have a couple statement sweaters, and this one caught my eye from Ann Taylor. It would be really easy to pair with a navy skirt or pants. Done and done.

Weekend Sweaters:

Ann Taylor Tunic Sweater

Tunic sweaters are big this year, but I think tunics are more weekend than workplace. This one looks like polished weekend for me. So I’m thinking out to dinner with friends or a family get together around the holidays. This is Ann Taylor again.

Banana Tunic Sweater

Speaking of tunics. I want this one from Banana too. This is definitely for the dead of January when you need to be warm but look put together with some jeans or leggings.

What sweaters do you have your eye on right now?