Things I Love, Part 3

I was a hopelessly bad dresser through college and the beginning of my professional life.  Any great moments of fashion brilliance were from casting a sideways glance at one of my gorgeous friends and trying to emulate her look without her realizing it.  I became an expert at the covert Old Navy clearance rack trip, getting cheap clothes that were MOSTLY like my friends' stuff but not enough to look like a psycho stalker room mate.

Thinking of my "business casual"-ware after college makes me shudder.  Lots of flare-legged kahkis with the kind of tops the girls on Friends wore...the kind that JUST showed a tiny bit of hip bone and mid-riff.

Just an every so slight lady-like sliver of abdomen.  Tres chic!

I hate to think of what showed from behind when I bent over in those low-rise pants!  Unfortunately, I think my look was heavy on the casual, light on the business, complete in its clueless-ness.

That all changed during a stroll through Pentagon City, a short walk from my apartment, when I met a lady.  A lady named Ann.  Last name Taylor.  Who lived in a Loft.  Wow, that's cheesy.

I really love Ann Taylor Loft, is what I'm trying to say.  I love actual Ann Taylor, but its way out of my price range.  I should take a moment to correct a misconception.  Loft is NOT the factory outlet for Ann Taylor!  Its the same, well-made clothing.  Just more casual.  They keep the prices down a bit, too, by trading tortoise shell buttons for plastic buttons, etc.  But, they maintain the same quality.

Soon after falling in love, I got a new job at a brilliant defense contracting company.  It was one of those Mary Tyler Moore, "you're going to make it after all", throw my hat up in the air, type situations.

GORGEOUS high rise!  7 story entry way with these new fangled things called flat screen TVs (the finest 2002 had to offer) that played CNN continually!  Secret clearance!  Cool badge that I had to swipe before being allowed into the holy of holies!  My own actual office! I was working with ex-military colonels, even generals, and suddenly I realized I needed to dress a little less like Friends and a little more like West Wing (again...2002).

So, I got a 2nd job...with my friend Ann:)  I cannot TELL you how awesome it was to get a paycheck from Ann Taylor Loft on Friday, turn right around and give it back, and walk out with an armful of clothing for 50% off the lowest price!  I felt like a millionaire just picking whatever I wanted!  And the difference it made in my attitude and the perception others had of me at work was almost instantaneous.  Right or wrong, clothes make the man.

Enough of the diary, here is why I love Ann Taylor:

Exhibit A - Silhouette

1.  The clothes are made to help women look good, not to make men think women look good.   Its about bringing out the confidence and elegance in a woman, without comprising her attractiveness or sexuality.  I can't stand the idea of dressing for a man, but I really enjoy looking good.  So, Ann Taylor fits my philosophy nicely.

2.  The clothes are less about letting it all hang out and more about silhouette.  I'm sounding like a prude, I get that.  But NOTHING beats a woman's silhouette.  Its a work of art, and it can be shown off with pride without looking desperately in need of all types of attention.  I wish more women focused on silhouette, not because of my holier than thou morals, but because its THE way to look beautiful and timeless. And it takes well-tailored, women-focused, clothing to make that happen.

3.  The design is classic.  My love affair with Ann Taylor is 10 years old.  Some pieces have come and gone, but my fully-lined, beautifully tailored suits, my cardigans, and most of my dresses have stood the test of time.  Sure, its not cheap like how I normally define cheap ($14.99 or less), BUT it is high value!

Exhibit B -  Well-tailored Power Suit

4.  They are well-made.  Shirts don't shrink.  Sleeves don't fray.  Elbows don't get worn out.  Pants are lined...which is important since ALL suit pants should be lined.  A suit is not that cheap rayon/polyester blend thing you pick up in the Junior's section at Kohls that shows your panties when you walk.  That last bit of opinion was for free.

Here's the other nice thing...each month Ann Taylor LOFT totally changes over their colors, textures, and fashions, so shop the 2nd half of the month to get the best deals while they are trying to get rid of  "October" to make way for "November".

Enjoy shopping and say hi to Ann for me!!!!