What i've recently discovered...Ann Taylor

i can't believe i would ever say something like this, but its true! my
stepsis dragged me into this store after thanksgiving, and she threw a few
items my way so i would have something to try on while waiting for her. i
could not believe i have finally found clothing that i can wear to work, and
also out on the town afterwards, without feeling like a dork. i have had a
huge problem with finding clothing that is appropriate work attire, without
feeling uncomfortable. i tend to dress on the mod side...lots of funky
stuff, lots of black, etc. i have found color in recent years but still,
you'll never see me in browns, loafers, high waisted pants etc. imagine my
surprise when trying on pants at ann taylor (low waists! olive colors! fun
patterns!) how i felt i had hit the jackpot. i'd always considered it a
conservative, pastel sort of place. which i guess it can still be
considered. i'm just glad to have found it, and i'm definitely looking to
scout out their sales after the holidays:)
––kel

On Sun, 18 Dec 2005 18:35:21 –0500, "Vampkel" <vamp...@aol.com> wrote:
Maybe I should check out Ann Taylor, I love lower waisted pants also.
Do they carry tall pant lengths?

Check out Ann Taylor Loft, too. I like their clothes even better and
the prices are lower, too.

Wow, kel, I'm shocked...shocked, I tell you! Like you, I consider Ann
Taylor pretty conservative and not at ALL my speed but now, based on
your rave, I'll have to give 'em a second look.
Thanks for the heads up, girl!

I loved the "old" Ann Taylor...with the wonderful classic but trendy
clothes and Joan & David shoes. In recent years I've been disappointed
with the fabrics and quality...hanging threads, shoddy workmanship,
etc. More like a Limited or Express than the old AT. Maybe it's gotten
better. I'll have to give them a second look as well.
Sandra in PA

scorpio00g...@cs.com wrote:
I was just going to suggest that, but you beat me to it.
Loft is targeted at a younger customer (woman just started out her
career), so it is less expensive and IMO the clothes are a bit more fun
and trendy than AT, with less business options, and more casual
options. Don't go to Loft expecting to buy a classic suit; they'll have
some suits, but they'll be more trendy. Great if you're looking for
something a little different.
And each season you'll see essentially the same style coats offered in
both stores, but the Loft version will be less expensive and be
slightly more trendy than classic. For example this past fall AT
offered a classic camel 3/4 length wool/cashmere coat; Loft offered a
cheaper version (no cashmere, lighterweight wool) that had a different,
"vintage" cut (that's the one I bought). I have several Loft coats now
and I always get compliments, because they are just slightly different
than the expected takes.
But don't just look at the Loft web site: there's something about the
web site that doesn't do the clothes any justice (has anyone else
noticed that too?). Something about the models ... I dunno what it is.
The clothes just don't look as appealing on the site, but then I go in
the store and try on, and I can't get out of there without dropping
some money!
Also, be aware that ATLoft pants can run on the short side. My very
tall gf always has to figure out what she wants in the store, then
order "tall" version online. She doesn't have that problem with AT –
just the Loft version. For me this is great though – the Loft petite
pants fit me far better than the AT petites and I'm much more likely to
find pants at Loft.
And if you're looking for quality classics like cashmere or wool
sweaters that will last a long time, go with AT not Loft. The Loft
sweaters are nice but they are more apt to be made out of synthetic
fabrics or cotton or a blend rather than 100% wool or cashmere, to keep
them reasonably priced.
jen

Vampkel wrote:
Yep, I remember when I first discovered AT. Like you, I considered it
conservative and pastel sort of place. Since then, I've recognized one
thing AT does well is that each season it comes out with an extensive
palette of colors – more extensive than most retailers. The colors are
rich, luxurious, and gorgeously flattering. They offer a range for any
skin type from orange–based to blue–based. So you do have to try things
on to get just the right, flattering shade for you. (I can't wear
anything with an orange base, for example). And the other thing they do
right each winter is offer an extensive range of neutral champagne
options... I love champagne... perfect for the holidays.
For black clothes however nobody can beat BR. ;–)
Also be sure to check out AT's leather coats next Fall. The leather is
quite sumptious, like butter. I have two jackets now, one brown and one
black.
jen

Best fitting slacks I own are from Ann Taylor.

Thanks to this thread I went in AT Loft and got a great pair of
pants, I was giving up hope! I will go back now :)
Karen
"You cain't fight crime if you ain't cute"
Raineesha Williams, Reno 911

"Vampkel" <vamp...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:bJidnSYFwomtbzjenZ2dnUVZ_vmdn...@comcast.com...
i
and
Ann Taylor is great for adding timeless basics to your wardrobe. They do
have nice clearance prices too. Make sure that you check it out after the
holidays.
I'm happy to say that I can fit into their clothing once again after a very
long time settling for just window shopping. :)
JennP.

Same here. The pants used to fit me very well, but not so much
anymore. I have a pair of the old J&D shoes, a pair of black pumps
that are a little bit of a platform style.
I think the quality has gone straight downhill, and the styles remind
of something a woman with overstyled hair from the 'burbs wears. All
very safe, nothing sort of edgey at all, like you wouldn't want to be
caught in something that no one else is wearing.
NM
eatwelb...@aol.com wrote:

EMiriamD wrote:
The think of Ann Taylor as very "Bree" (Desperate Housewives)or
perhaps a less upscale "Charlotte" (SATC) I think the clothes are
attractive, including the ones at Ann Taylor Loft.
I personally have been tempted by some of the trousers, jeans and
skirts in ATL, but I felt a little "out of place", "intimidated", and
"slightly uncomfortable" in there, so I didn't ask to try on. I'm
probably still too fat though.
They had some cute shoes and some very cute ankle boots at ATL (which
are now not in stock on the website) that I liked (and should have
bought). They're not the same quality as regular AT, perhaps slightly
better than say Fashion Bug's shoes
..
Veronica
––
Makeup, it takes believing in. Like a magic carpet, it's belief that
makes it fly. Otherwise, it's just a rug.
If you believe in it, makeup has a magic all it's own.
Of course, makeup is only dime–store magic. But it works well enough,
when it's used properly.",
the makeup artist, from the book Sooner or Later, based on the 1978 TV
movie of the same name.

I have to chine in with an "oh, what can I say" message. AT has not been
the same for me since they changed they logo color from navy to red. And I
have many pairs of the old J&D shoes, most of which came from one certain
factory whose lasts were a fab match for my feet.


"Nanm" <morris....@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1135021136.640495.63...@g49g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...

Queue wrote:

I have to totally agree w/ these assessments. Its almost akin to when
Talbots went off wild and did hot pinks and oranges, way outside their
target market. The old AT had trendy things along with the great J&D
shoes. Now, I have no clue what they'll have when I go in there, and it
seems their sizing has gone all wacko also. Glad to see someone else
agree w/ what I've been feeling for the last 2 years.
Cathy in SoCal

wow i didn't know they underwent a change. then again maybe thats why i
like them now:)
––kel


<aspengirli...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1135225518.125769.64...@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...

Vampkel wrote:
Their clothes used to be strangely sized, sort of short & boxy, with
very narrow shoulders. That's the worst possible combination for my
figure so I didn't even bother entering their stores. About a year ago,
I was shopping with a friend who insisted on stopping in ATL to check
out their sale rack. I tried on a couple pairs of pants and was very
surprised to find that they fit perfectly. Now it's one of my favorite
places to shop. I still find some of their jackets to be narrow in the
shoulders, but the pants are a perfect almost every time.

let me know what you think. lol. you may have to do a little searching,
but i bet you find something to suit your taste as well:)
––kel


"EMiriamD" <emiri...@gmail.com> wrote in message
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