I’ve never felt very strongly about Ann Taylor one way or the other, but I must say I’m really liking these new ensembles for summer. So many classic pieces with sweet pastel details, lots of jewels and cute skinny belts! Looks to me as though Taylor’s creative team may have taken a cue from J.Crew’s success. In fact, isn’t the third model down the same girl that modeled J.Crew’s darling Whitney gown? I’m curious to hear what you think of these new looks…?
I shopped at AT in college because it was the closet thing our city had to JCrew. Sad, but true. It’s like the “old” JCrew to me.
But theses looks are quite nice. I’m especially in love with the loose braids, which have nothing to do with the outfits, but oh well.
E — I loved the braids too! Straight off the runway—bravo Ann, bravo.
Love love the third outfit. The details on the sleeves are so perfect. This is like J.Crew lite… if that makes sense. hah
-A
As a matter of fact I just went into the store here today just to check things out and I must say I was mighty impressed! Oh and Katie, I’m so, so happy you all made it to Fallingwater! So completely amazing! Thanks for the lovely comment on my blog!
Love the pastels, jewelry and knits! I think you are right about taking a cue from JCrew (and they took a cue from Anthro a few years back)… I own a JCrew printed pencil skirt with almost the same pattern and colors as the last pic. Hmmmmm, makes me think that I may have to stop in Ann Taylor this weekend…. who would’ve thought!
simple and stylish, love these classic pieces
Alaina — The sleeves sold me too!
Jenny — Cheers to our common love of Falling Water! Jealous you got to scoop out Ann Taylor in person today! xoxo
Kimberly — I just adore that pencil skirt, so neat you have something similar. It would seem Taylor is definitely worth stopping by this season!
Helena — “Simple and stylish,” perfectly put!
Very cute and classy. You’re right – Ann Taylor seems like the “old” J.Crew and J.Crew has gone more towards Anthropologie. Not that I”m complaining! xo
I shop at AT occasionally, but I think they are just trying to copy J.Crew right now, to be accessible to a younger audience. Talbots is trying this too, although not as successfully. In fact, at my old job in market research, we did some consulting with Talbots to bring them into the modern world on online marketing and strategy to reach a younger audience!
Colleen — It’s so interesting because I never thought of J.Crew as going more towards Anthro, but I guess I can see it! I’ve always thought of think Jenna Lyons’ aesthetic as very high fashion and Anthro as more whimsical/bohemian. Regardless, I LOVE IT ALL!
Emily — That is so interesting about Talbots! I think a lot of companies are probably trying to mimic J.Crew these days simply because they’ve met so much success with Mickey and Jenna at the helm. I once sat through focus groups at L’Oreal (long story…my uncle worked in advertising there…) and was blown away by just how much market research goes into the decisions these big brands make. It’s really quite fascinating stuff… Thanks for dropping in love! xoxo
Katie, nice, classic with a little edge, nice palette.
Karena
Art by Karena
I’d never really paid any attention to Ann Taylor until I wandered into an outlet in South Carolina a few months ago. There, I fell in love with a dress and a fantastic pair of striped shorts and went so far as to open up a credit card with them to get them–something I NEVER do. Oh, but so, so worth it!
I’m loving it! I think what they are doing is great. I always thought of ann taylor as a store for my mom, but they are becoming quite young and fashionable. there peices are easy to wear with a lot of day to night looks. which is great in today’s economy. it’s kinda like getting more for your money.
I think that any company would be smart to look to jcrew for inspiration, in every aspect of a business. everybody needs a little competition once and a while, right?!
I’m really excited to see how well they do.
xo
Kirby
Karena — The little edge is what I like best!
Kelly Ann — You’re on a roll! Glad to hear I’m not the only one smitten by their current collection!
Kirby — I’m excited to see where they’re headed as well. If this collection is any indication things are looking pretty good : )
Our mall just missed out on the cute new stuff! My mom’s second job is as a manager at Ann Taylor Loft. The Loft was so much more successful than Ann Taylor that they closed Ann Taylor and put in a second Loft store. Now there is one inside and one outside. Ridic!
I usually pick up a good staple or two from Ann Taylor every year, but nothing really caught my eye (I had good luck in J. Crew, though). I need to look at the catalog or web site before going next time – I didn’t see any of these pretties there.
Lauren — That’s insane! Wish my mom worked there, you must get an awesome discount missy! xoxo
Things That Inspire — Definitely check their website out. They have big images and the new collection was shot really well, it makes for easy browsing! xo
I actually the simple brightness of them. Easy neat pretty
for real! I seriously thought this was jcrew till i read it!
i love the styling and their mussed up hair!
I can’t believe Elisabeth Taylor is dead. It’s very sad day not only for her fans but every movie fans also. She was one of greatest actress of all times. RIP Dear Elisabeth.