Tag: Ann Taylor

Hits and Misses

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Usually I focus on shopping for two occasions: going to work, and working out. I recently realized that I don’t have much that fits in those rare in between times, when I’m not at work or the gym… My default has always been jeans and a tee shirt, and sometimes you need something a little cuter for brunch or a party. Here are some of the recent hits and misses I’ve had at the stores.

Hits

Well if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em. I was on the fence about the whole off-the-shoulder trend, but guess what? It turns out my collar bone is fantastic! I ordered this top from the Gap and I think it’s fabulous. The sleeves are kind of full and the fabric is kind of stiff but I think that will soften up with a wash or two. I think this will be perfect for weekend events with shorts or white jeans. I’m definitely on the lookout for more cute casual tops.

I ordered this dress from Banana Republic because I thought it would work for work and weekend if needed. It is super comfortable to wear to work, so it was definitely a win.

I am obsessed with JCrew’s lookout high rise jeans. A bunch of my jeans are a little too big at the moment, but I know what size works for me in this style, so I thought I should expand my collection. I bought a couple lighter wash jeans last summer and a pair of rinse wash lookout high rise in the fall. But I realized that I needed something between rinse and light wash. Enter the Meyer wash. I now have four of this cut of jeans, and I think my denim wardrobe is complete.

Misses

I thought this top from the Gap looked really cute, and it would be a really versatile summer top. When I got in the mail, however, it was basically 100% see through. Not a good look. Plus it was pretty stiff and boxy. Side note- since off the shoulder is so big right now, they need to work on the strapless layering cami to put underneath. I’ve shopped around and haven’t seen much besides some really intense shape wear. Return.

Colored denim is kind of trendy right now, and I though pink jeans would be fun. I got these on sale at Ann Taylor, but I don’t love them. They fit poorly and the pink color had a brown undertone which made almost look like a terra cotta in person. Not the shade I was looking for. Return.

I thought this dress from the Gap would be perfect to throw on for a weekend lunch or party. The top was really cute and flattering, but the skirt stuck out in a weird way. It was a weird A-line silhouette instead of hanging straight down. Also, it was a teeny bit shorter than I wanted it to be.

Hits and Misses

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Tis the season to refresh the wardrobe! As usual, some items have worked out better than others. I’m getting really good at this returning thing because I refuse to keep anything that doesn’t fit and flatter. This is the boring work edition, but I’m sure there will be a few Hits and Misses posts in our future with workout and weekend clothes as well.

Hits

Sadie Dishes: Hits and Misses

I looooove white blouses. I’m always looking for a new style to add to the repertoire. This one from Ann Taylor definitely fit the bill. It looks great buttoned to the top or with one or two buttons undone. It’s great with my slacks and pencil skirts for work.

Sadie Dishes: Hits and Misses

I’ve been a little hot and cold with Banana lately, but I’ve learned that their tailored sheath dresses usually work for me. The seaming detail add a little interest to a standard sheath, and the color is neutral but not black or navy. It is rather fitted, but it works and it looks good with a cardigan or blazer.

Sadie Dishes: Hits and Misses

Another sheath success story. This one is from Ann Taylor. I don’t have a lot of olive so I was excited to broaden the color spectrum in my closet. It’s a great layering piece for fall and winter. I layered an ivory bow tie blouse under it last week and I got several compliments. I think the split neckline will also look great with a turtleneck, collared shirt, or by itself with a cardigan.

Misses

Sadie Dishes: Hits and Misses

While the tailored sheaths work well for me at Banana, I always seem to be between sizes in the knit dresses. I got my usually size and there was too much fabric. It definitely added bulk. Return.

Sadie Dishes: Hits and Misses

This skirt is very trendy and it was on sale so I was excited to try it on. Unfortunately the stiffness of the faux leather combined with the midi length (it was a little longer on me than it was on the model), it just looked awkward and stiff. Oh well, next time.

Sadie Dishes: Hits and Misses

I tried this blouse on in the store because I decided I need a variety of blouses that can tuck in to pants and skirts, and ones that are built not to tuck in. I thought it would be a little blousey, hide a multitude of sins, but still be flattering. This one just made me look pregnant. Not the look I’m going for.

Fall Shopping: Blazers!

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I definitely wear blazers more frequently in the Fall and Winter, so I usually get a couple new options every Fall. I try to look for options that are either neutral and very versatile or statement pieces that turn a plain dress into an outfit. So I basically look for all kinds. It terms of structure, I think one button, zip front, or open styles look best on me, but the styles this season are bringing some new options to the table. The first hyperlink is usually the blazer in the picture and the other hyperlinks in each paragraph are more options.

Double Breasted Blazers

Sadie Dishes: Fall Shopping: Blazers!

Talk about a throw back. Whenever I see a man in a double breasted suit, I assume it’s at least 20 years old. I did recently see Isaac Mizrahi saying that the double breasted jacket was actually quite slimming for women though. Whether or not that’s true, I think it’s an interesting variation on the classic silhouette this season.

Belted Blazers

Sadie Dishes: Fall Shopping: Blazers!

This look is basically a shrunken coat. I think it’s best for slimmer figure with a long torso. While defining a waist is usually flattering, for my body type, I think it would just add too much extra stuff and attention where I don’t want it. At the end of the day I think it’s really body type dependent.

Popped or Notched Collar Blazers

Sadie Dishes: Fall Shopping: Blazers!

I think this is a really sleek, cool option. It’s professional for the office, but still very modern. I think this a great option to get in a neutral color or no-pattern pattern (if you will). It will be a workhorse for years, and it’s great to pair with jeans if you need to look polished and preppy on the weekend.

Collarless Blazers

Sadie Dishes: Fall Shopping: Blazers!

At first I wasn’t considering this a real trend this season, because I think this look is relatively consistent, but I’m seeing it everywhere right now. It’s happening in two distinct ways: tweed and single breasted button up. It will look great with a collared shirt, a crew neck, or a turtleneck, but I’ve found it can conflict a little with deeper scoop or v-neck neckline.

Drape Front Blazers

Sadie Dishes: Fall Shopping: Blazers!

This look is somewhere between the drapey cardigan and the moto jacket. I love that it adds some texture and interest to a basic outfit, and the open drapey fit is very forgiving if you fluctuate a bit. This is basically a shrunken version of the drapey coat trend that is so hot this year. Since the structure is unique, if you get a neutral colored tweed, it will be a statement piece without being a crazy statement.

Velvet Blazers

Sadie Dishes: Fall Shopping: Blazers!

Velvet– so hot right now! If you get the right color, this would be great for work and classy weekend affairs like if you need to be festive/dressy for a dinner on the town or a classy holiday get together. Velvet is a seasonal fabric, but it is super seasonal right now. You need a velvet dress, velvet slacks, and of course, a velvet blazer– stat!

More Fall options coming soon!