Notes from the Dressing Room- This and That at Ann Taylor

Ann Taylor is currently offering 30% off everything (except final sale with code SPRING30), so I thought that a stop on my lunch break the other day was in order. I ended up in the dressing room with some very interesting items. Take a look-see:

Petal Top in Pale Almond, $88, available here

This definitely caught my eye when I walked past it and I knew it could either be a pretty special piece or a bit of a disaster. Let's just say, I still haven't formed a complete opinion as to whether I like it or not. I posted this on Instagram right after I tried it on and someone mentioned that it reminded them of fish scales. Certainly not the most glamorous image out there. I love that AT is thinking outside of the box, I like the orange edging of the "petals" and one great thing is that the layers seem to lay flat keeping unnecessary bulk at bay. The back of it is solid knit (like a tee) and the fit is tts. One thing I did not like was the high neckline, it felt like it was a bit tight. The price also doesn't seem that bad for such a unique piece (especially with the discount).

Starlight Top, $158, available here

Tweed Exposed Zip Skirt, $98, available here

This was another top that caught my eye for being a bit different. It's like a a hybrid of a tee and a party top. There is a great "armour" of gold sequins in the front and then that open slit in the back is a totally winner in my book. This is my idea of understated sexiness. I wasn't too crazy about the blah color of the rest of the top and sadly this just doesn't work well on my body shape (broad shoulders), but I would still give this a nice thumbs up. Fit is tts to slightly big. You may want to consider sizing down, especially if you have a smaller chest size.

I can't resist tweed and thought this would be a fun skirt because it has a slight metallic shine to it. Fit is tts, has a pencil skirt shape, but certainly qualifies as a mini. Since I have a similar skirt, this is a pass for me, but the color is really pretty and there is a matching blazer available too (see here).

Garden Floral Dress, $158, available here

They had this dress styled so lovely in the window with a chunky black belt, so I thought I would see how it worked for me. First, I love the colors in the floral. They aren't muted and underwhelming, but they are bright without being obnoxious. With that said, this just made me feel slightly matronly and although I don't mind the black trim down the front, the side view just killed it for me. I don't know why, but the side piping reminds me of an apron. It has a skinny matching string belt included, but it would look way better with a thicker belt like it was styled in the window. Despite its polyester content this was soft and it hugs the body nicely; not too loose, but not too tight. It almost comes to my knee, so this would look great on taller ladies. However, it also comes in petite, definitely a plus. Fit is tts.

Sleeveless Lace Sheath Dress in neon light, $198, available here 

I feel so retro in this dress. The shape is a classic sheath dress, but the color is certainly modern. Although the description says it's lace, I think it has more of an eyelet feel to it. Either way, it has some texture and interest. This is very fitted, so I would recommend sizing up. It felt a bit tight in the shoulders and snug around the waist. Now this color isn't for everyone, but if you aren't color-phobic or want to try out the big neon trend of spring/summer 2012, I say go for this dress. This gets a thumbs up for me, but I'll pass only because dresses with some fullness at the bottom work better for me.

So that's just a small sampling of some of the new items at Ann Taylor. Will you be taking advantage of the promo deal (if you haven't already)?

Notes from the Dressing Room-Lady Chic at Ann Taylor

While I was working my way through the Christmas list (last-minute), I headed out to a few stores last week. Ann Taylor was in the neighborhood and as I was perusing the store, I couldn't help but think that I might have to set aside funds for some future purchases (they are trying to steal what I would set aside for J. Crew).

They are currently still offering 50% off, so definitely check them out. Here are a few dressing room pics of a few things that caught my eye:

Fireside Blouse, $98, available here

Tweed Mini Skirt, $98, available here

I love a vibrant color and this red-orange beauty is a great option. It is nicely fitted, the buttons lay flat with hardly any kind of button gaping that is usually an issue and it would be perfect paired alone or under a blazer. I didn't even realize it until I read the product description, but it has a subtle animal print. That makes it even better in my book. If I'm not mistaken the size I'm wearing is petite which fit pretty well and didn't have as much length at the bottom which works for me since I am short-waisted. Considering that this is polyester, I don't think it is worth the full price, but at 1/2 price, it goes up several notches to the possible buy category. Fit is tts.

Tweed! Glorious tweed!! I just gravitate towards certain fabrics and tweed is one of them. This skirt has a simple straight shape, contrasting color detail and best of all, the tweed has a bit of color weaved through it. I like the black lines (fyi, it does not continue through the back), but I know that might not work for others. It fit comfortably in my regular size, my only complaint is that the tweed does not feel that thick, however, it is lined so that's a plus. Overall, I think it is a nice buy.

3/4 Sleeve Sheath Dress, $128, available here in black (limited sizes)

Sheath dresses can be hit or miss when it comes to looking flattering on the body, but I have to say, this dress is a winner for me. Granted, it is very simple, but the color is fabulous and the fit of this dress was perfect. It hugged the body just so; the fabric wasn't clingy, it just skimmed appropriately. You can add a nice statement necklace, a scarf or a belt to take it up a notch. Or even better, pair it with a colorful shoe like this one. It has a zipper detailing on the sleeve and it has a hidden zipper in the back. Fit is tts and the length is just right. I whole-heartily give this baby a thumbs up and judging from the stock left online, it is going fast.

Multicolored Stripe Button 3/4 Sleeve Button Tunic, $78, available here

Are you all striped out?? Even if you are, this sweater has a little something different going on with the varying stripe sizes and extra colors. This sweater has several pluses going for it: the fabric is soft, it is well-fitting and it has the cutest button detail on the bottom of the sleeve. But, it is a thin knit and there is a possibility of fuzziness in its future. I'm not crazy about all of those horizontal lines on my body, but I'm sure it would look great on some of you skinny-minnies with cute tiny waists. :p  Good buy at 50% off!!

Felted Wool A-Line Mini Skirt $98, available here

I have a pair of pants that I like to call my "sweat" dress pants. They look like a regular pair of trousers but are made of jersey, so it almost feels like I'm wearing a pair of sweatpants. I absolutely love them and this skirt is pretty much the same thing, in a very work appropriate skirt form. The brownish-tan color is subtle enough to work with lots of other colors, I've already mentioned how comfortable it is and the wool is not itchy what-so-ever. Seriously, it could be stretch jersey. Fit is tts and I think it is a good buy.

Have you taken advantage of Ann Taylor's generous discount? Have you picked up any goodies at the mall lately?

Notes from the Dressing Room- Chicness Abounds at Ann Taylor

An email arrived in my inbox yesterday from Ann Taylor touting 40% off everything. Now, my perception of Ann Taylor has been simple and basic for quite sometime and that usually doesn't leave me excited to visit the stores very often, but such a good deal had me interested. I headed off to the store yesterday to take a look and I have to say I still saw simple and basic, but was pleasantly surprised at the level of sophistication and chicness in so many of the fall pieces. Here is a review of a few of those items:

Faux Leather Trim Moto Jacket, $168, available here

Ponte Pleat Mini Skirt, $98, limited sizes available here

This hybrid would make a great fall item. It has the versatility of being a jacket or a sweater, it has a good weight to it and lots of interesting details. I loved the dark trimming and soft color. The minus for me is that the high collar was a bit constricting and itchy when buttoned up and knits aren't always so flattering for me, but overall this was a great quality jacket.

I seriously heart this skirt. The floaty bottom is so fun and flirty, it is made of that stretchy knit designed to hold all of your goods in place and not have every nook and cranny of your body on display, plus the length isn't obscenely short. The fit is tts and gets a big thumbs up.

Windsor Check Sheath Dress, $148, available here

Normally, a sheath dress would be so simple and probably boring, but the black trim on this one takes it to another level. I absolutely love this dress!! At first glance, I thought this was a tweed dress, but upon closer inspection it is a nice, medium-weight knit. The lines of this dress are placed to emphasis and flatter the lines of the body. This dress has a wonderful sophistication to it and would look great alone or paired with a smart blazer and sexy shoes. I tried this on in my normal size and the fit was a bit snug. You might consider sizing up, especially if you are curvy or busty.

 

Sleeveless Trench Topper, $228, available here

What I thought was a trench dress, turns out to be an actual trench, but I think it could work both ways. It is simple and classic. It fits great and has a nice feel to it because of the good quality fabric and lining. Tried on in my normal size and I think you could possibly size down in this number. The only downside I see is the belt, but that is such an easy swap out. Thumbs up!!

Shawl Collar Blouse, $78, available here

Asymmetrical Pointe Skirt, $88, available here

I had to add some print into the mix and this pretty blouse caught my eye. It has a lovely, gold bar enclosure on the side, a nice drape around the collar and would be extremely versatile for work and weekend. My issue with it is the rather low-cut neckline and tucking this blouse into a pant/skirt would detract and distract from its great qualities.

I was attracted to the golden yellow color of this skirt and thought the asymmetrical hem added an interesting element. This skirt was comfortable, a little bit different and overall a good value. Fit is tts.

Country Check Jacket, $198, available here

There is nothing better than a good blazer, so I decided to give this one a go. It has a small check pattern and the sleeves are a darker gray than the rest of the body. I was certainly intrigued by that aspect. This jacket is on par with J. Crew's prices and to me, AT definitely gives them a run for their money. This blazer wasn't bulky and would be perfect for layering; the fit was tts and comfortable. The buttons are actually hidden when you close up the blazer which helps to create a nice, clean line although they are a bit tricky to deal with. The only minuses I had for this item were the bulky shoulder pads. I'm just not a fan.

I behaved myself yesterday and walked out with no bags (especially since I overloaded at the Missoni for Target launch), however a few of these things are taunting me. If you work in a business environment or just like to have great basics, I highly recommend you take a glance at AT. And with 40%, you can get more bang for your buck. And definitely check out the shoes, bags and jewelry. I almost slipped up and went to the register with all of those wonderful, eye-catching accessories.

Will you be taking advantage of Ann Taylor's offer? Are you a fan of the store?