Tag: Ann Taylor

Hits and Misses

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After a flurry of fall shopping (my wallet is currently on lockdown), I need to be honest about what pieces worked and what didn’t. I’m trying my best to get pieces that a. fit correctly (which means going into the dreaded fitting room), and b. the price per wear makes it worth it (i.e. I will wear it a lot, especially if it’s pricier).

Keepers

This dress from J.Crew is everything! I do not buy a ton of clothing from J.Crew, especially since they’ve recently been getting flack for poor quality. I saw this dress online and in stores, tried it on, and knew I needed it. This will be a workhorse for me because: it’s 3/4 sleeves (cardigan/blazer optional!), machine washable, substantial enough for fall and winter, and a flattering sheath silhouette. I got the blue, but I’m thinking I might keep an eye out for a sale and get the black as well.

jcrewdress1

My coat game is going to be very strong this year. I did in fact get this Trina Turk jacket from Nordstrom on sale. I love it! It is very flattering, comfortable, and so chic!

Nordstromcoat2

Returns

I thought this blazer from Ann Taylor would be a go-to, but I was wrong. It was billed as a tweed blazer, but when I got it in the mail, I realized it was more of a flimsy, chunky sweater texture. Plus, it was unlined which made it look rumpled. The fit was also too big and thus unflattering, so it was a no. Sometimes Ann Taylor’s quality leaves something to be desired. No wonder everything is always on sale!

tweed jacket

I love, love, love a white blouse, and I really need a couple fresh white blouses right now. I tried this on in Banana thinking that I was just going through the motions and I would definitely buy it. Not so. It was too long for me, which seems to be a theme for me in Banana lately. I understand wanting some shirts to be long enough to cover your behind, but I would be wearing it primarily tucked into a skirt or pants at work, so the extra length was too much for me. Also, it was pretty sheer and dry clean only. Too many cons to overcome the sale price!

bananablouse1

I also returned this white button down from J.Crew. I generally say no to traditional button down shirts, but I have found that a white button down is kind of an essential. I have a couple “perfect shirts” from Ann Taylor, and those seem to fit me well, but I wanted to try another brand to see if there were other options. This one from J.Crew is a really thin fabric that was pretty sheer and just seemed flimsy. The fit was ok, but it was not good enough to overcome the mediocre fabric. The search for white blouses and button downs continues…

jcrewshirt

Fall Work Clothes

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When is comes to fashion, fall is the most wonderful time of the year! I’ll be honest, I don’t necessarily consider everything I where to work “fashionable” due to dress code and price tag restrictions, but let’s just pretend! Over the summer I shopped primarily at JCrew Factory and Gap, but now it looks like I’m back on the Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Loft, and Nordstrom wagon. Don’t forget, all of these places (except Nordstrom) will put almost everything on 40% off at some point, so don’t buy anything full price! If you can’t tell, I’ve been trying to refresh my pant selection, and get some good basics to mix and match for years to come. Next time I’ll have to focus on some statement blouses and sweaters!

Banana Republic:

I think I need all of their Sloan pants. They are polished but stretchy, so very comfortable. I don’t love dragging around a wide trouser and getting salt and snow all over my pants, so I think these will an be easier year round pant to wear with heels or flats. (sorry I said the “s” word!)

Bananapants1

This version is high waist, black, side zip. Say no more! (zippers at the ankles!)

bananapants2

I am also on the lookout for a new bright white blouse. I wear white blouses at least twice a week but I’ve noticed most of my options are more ivory than white, and sometimes you need an optic white. Plain, I know, but I will wear the hell out of it.

bananablouse1

Ann Taylor:

I recently ordered this tweed blazer when the “new arrivals” were on sale. I think it will be a nice year round jacket to wear over dresses and with slacks and a blouse. Plus the tweed makes it very fall.

tweed jacket

This skirt intrigues me. I love leather, and I think it’s cool to have faux leather in color!

AnnSkirt

Loft:

I bought these pants in two colors. A similar concept to the Sloan pants from Banana but a machine washable fabric! Count me in!

Loftpants

Nordstrom:

I got a Karen Kane faux wrap dress last year, and I love it. I love wearing dresses to work because it’s a one piece outfit, and that’s 100% true with a Karen Kane dress because the print and the sleeves mean you can go with out without a cardigan/blazer, and you still look put together. On top of that, it’s a really flattering silhouette and I always get compliments. Since it’s a cotton dress, it does wear out a little over time, so I think I need a new Karen Kane to add to the rotation. Some of her prints are a little questionable, but I like this one this season.

Nordstromdress

 

I’m sure these stores have a few more batches of “new arrivals” to come this fall, so I can’t wait to see what’s next!

What are you looking to get for work this season?

Wanted: New and Pretty Spring and Summer Outfits

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Even though we still have a couple solid months of chilly temperatures ahead of us, I have already been browsing the stores for lighter fabrics, shorter hemlines, and fun warm weather patterns. All of my usual haunts have started to put out their spring and summer lines, so here are some basics that are on my wish list so far:

For Work:

jcrewpants

These pants from J.Crew are colorful, chic, and machine washable. Enough said. With dress pants I’ve realized that I need to try them on before I buy (I usually avoid trying things on). So I will definitely be finding some time to visit a J.Crew in the coming months to make sure I pick the right fit.

AnnTaylordress

This dress from Ann Taylor is pretty simple, but I love a good sheath and I could easily pair it with a bright cardigan or a plain blazer and wear it clear into the fall. Easy peasy.

BananaBlouse

Black and white seems to be on trend this spring, surprise, surprise. This hits all of my requirements for a work shirt: blousey (forgiving), white, unique geometric print, and timeless. Plus it easily doubles as a casual look with jeans.

For Play:

slubsweater

J.Crew Factory is killing it right now! I have a similar slub sweater from there that I got last year. I wear it all the time and I think I need a new color. Other cute things from J.Crew Factory include: this, and I need stock up on these.

jcrewshorts

Here’s another need from J.Crew Factory. Because who doesn’t need blue leopard print shorts? (And speaking of leopard print, I really needed new gym sneaks so I just ordered these)

gapshorts

I might need a new pair of jean shorts, and these ones from Gap look perfect. They have a real finished hem (an upgrade from my current cut-off version), and they’re a good wash. Even though I might be pushing the age limit for short shorts, I’ve realized that dressing for my figure means shorts that are 3 or 4 inch inseams. Honest to G**, my muscular quads make longer shorts look awkward.

 Investment Piece:

blushleather

I saw this in Banana ads but it didn’t register with me how fabulous it was until I saw it in a magazine as well. I love a blush/nude anything and I think it will go with everything. I could definitely use a good spring jacket. I’m keeping my eyes open for a sale or similar alternatives at other stores to make sure I make the best choice!

As we know, my new year’s resolution is to have an efficient wardrobe, so these choices are obvious relatively neutral and timeless (blue leopard is always in season). A few are in my “shopping cart” but I’m doing some comparison shopping and waiting for some sales. We’ll see what makes it home!

What has caught your eye in the stores so far?