I've never been an Ann Taylor shopper, personally, but a lot of my clients are so I'm on their email newsletter just to keep up with any sales and discounts that are going on. Yesterday, I received an email that their new collection had arrived. I didn't even open it yesterday and almost deleted it today but decided to take a quick look and was pleasantly surprised by what I saw. The outfit I saw was more appealing to me than Ann Taylor usually is and as I read on I noticed that their July collection was from their "new design team". I was intrigued. It turns out, Ann Taylor has hired a new designer away from Club Monaco, which happens to be one of my fave stores. I caught a glimpse of Ann Taylor's fall collection, which looks even edgier. I don't know if I'm won over yet as far as my own wardrobe is concerned but I'm definitely more excited about shopping there for my clients and look forward to seeing what else they come out with!
I've never been an Ann Taylor shopper, personally, but a lot of my clients are so I'm on their email newsletter just to keep up with any sales and discounts that are going on. Yesterday, I received an email that their new collection had arrived. I didn't even open it yesterday and almost deleted it today but decided to take a quick look and was pleasantly surprised by what I saw. The outfit I saw was more appealing to me than Ann Taylor usually is and as I read on I noticed that their July collection was from their "new design team". I was intrigued. It turns out, Ann Taylor has hired a new designer away from Club Monaco, which happens to be one of my fave stores. I caught a glimpse of Ann Taylor's fall collection, which looks even edgier. I don't know if I'm won over yet as far as my own wardrobe is concerned but I'm definitely more excited about shopping there for my clients and look forward to seeing what else they come out with!
5 comments:
I'm not an AT fan either ... BORING! Loft is okay, I have a great basic (bubble style) black skirt from AT Loft that I am in love with. They seem to be starting to "get it". And the Loft in Clarendon carries another line that isn't AT, I can't remember the name off hand, but I bought one of the blouses.
Hope you're doing well Cathy!!
I am a big fan of Ann Taylor, but I'm not too sure I like the new design. What happened to the fun, casual look. I shopped there because I could find everyday wear, also, fun dresses and I personally have not bought one thing there since July '09. I use to shop there once a week and always come home with something. You might want to take a look back at what you use to carry. I use to love your store. I'm sad.
I agree with the Anonymous person and the growing community of frustrated shoppers who DO NOT like this new edgier style at AT. If I want edgy stuff I'd go to Club Monaco or to a cheap trendy place. I -and many other who have stopped shopping at AT- wanted quality, classic, colorful style with a bit of twist. In years past I would walk into AT and want to buy every item from skirts to blouses and sweaters. Now, I walk in and walk out even more disappointed. Young people, usually come around when they are ready to wear sensible clothing instead of cheap, ultra trendy rags that are “in” one season and out the next. The continuity of the styles at AT is gone. One can no longer use pieces from season-to-season. It's a sad day.
I too agree with anonymous and Patrice. The "new" Ann Taylor offers cheaper-made items (the cheaper fabric down to the sewing is disappointing) yet the prices are still at the same level. Also, the sizes were consistent each season -- in July I purchased a pair of pants from online, cut the tags and wore them -- they were 2inches longer (I'm not kidding).
AT was known for classic and refined style with a bit of spunk -- people in the workplace could tell if it was an AT piece or just something from a department store. I now need to find another place to shop. I, just like Patrice, used to shop near weekly online, and I have not purchased anything from AT since July. I need great suites for the workplace, but if you check out their "interview looks" they currently have, it's very disappointing because this is all they have that looks professional.
I am so relieved that I'm the only person who is hating the new Ann. I used to be an Ann Taylor junkie. Probably 80% of my work closet is Ann. I haven't purchased anything since Ms. Axelrod came on. I'm 34 and a size 8 in real life (which is now a 2 or a 4 in the incredibly vanity-sized AT) and the stuff they have is simply cut too short and too young (21 inch skirts and cigarette pants)--and young women don't have the money for these styles. It used to be that Ann was the one place you could go to get beautiful, classic clothes that a grown woman could wear to work. No longer.
The sales they've offered in the last two years are ridiculous. They can't give these new collections away. Ann, go back to what you do well--I loved you when you were all work and no play!
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