It is with a mixture of relief and sadness that I bid adieu to summer sales. I’ve had my fun but every budget has limits.
Finally, on to new arrivals that I can ogle irresponsibly.
Ann Taylor’s pre-fall collection is defined by trends consecrated by our favorite bloggers–asymmetrical hemlines, color-block, and flounce skirts.
What I find slightly odd about the otherwise smart (no pun intended) collection is Ann Taylor’s use of “Ivy League” as a synonym for “conservative” in its fall campaign. I half expected to find mascot-emblazoned sweatpants and screen-printed t-shirts but the collection is more of the same skirts and dresses that Ann Taylor is known for.
Gripes aside, Ann Taylor’s new collection is its best in recent memory. It eschewed prints that skate on the brink of eccentric and instead embraced accessible designs with a twist. There are a million and one ways to do stripes, polka dots, lace, leopard, and chevron, finding a winning combination from within proven formulas is easier than creating prints from scratch (not everyone can be J. Crew).
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| Zipper Tote |
The Lace Stripe Dress reminds me of Wendy‘s MSGM dress, which she has worn and re-worn to dizzyingly new heights every time.
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| Lace Stripe Dress | Tiered Lace Top |
And for those who want a navy and white polka dot dress, I can see this Ann Taylor number being a flattering choice for women of different body shapes.
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| Polka Dot High Low Hem Skirt |
For today only, take $50 off any purchase of $100 more at Ann Taylor with code SURPRISE50.
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I really got myself in trouble because of J. Crew’s Instant Gratification Sale despite resisting for days the sweet siren song of cheap tailored blazers and button downs.
Friend S, upon whom I cast blame for my unjustifiable purchases, sent me a text shortly after midnight on Tuesday, hours past my bedtime, to inform me that a new sale had emerged. My cart, teeming with items I had casually added over the week with no intention of ever checking out, was a mistake waiting to happen.
I picked up the following before they were marked “final sale”: Schoolboy Blazer in Navy (the old version has been further discounted; if you bought one earlier in the week, you can request a price adjustment by chat, phone, or email), Café Trouser in Cotton (reviewed here), Collection Icon Trench, Scalloped Linen Jacket, Keeper Chambray Shirt (reviewed here), Boy Shirt in Classic White, and No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Academic Green.
You can get many of the abovementioned styles for 40% off with code STYLE40.
For those of you who are already looking ahead to fall, J. Crew’s classic Schoolboy Blazer got a makeover (also available in three additional colors here). The new Schoolboy Blazer is longer in length, no doubt in response to common complaints directed at the boxy-ness of classic schoolboy blazers.
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| New Schoolboy Blazer in Navy (also available in black) |
New arrivals have also trickled in, here are some of my favorites:
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| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
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Coach, eclipsed by Michael Kors in the first half of 2013, stepped up to the plate (imo) for fall with styles that are amalgamations of designer hits, looking to recreate the success of MK Selma (a cross between the Celine Luggage and Prada Saffiano Luxe Tote). The Madison Mini Satchel looks like a lovechild of Fendi 2Jours and Prada Saffiano Luxe Tote while the Madison Sadie Flap Satchel reminds me of Lady Dior and Proenza Schoulder’s PS1.
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| Madison Mini Satchel in Leather |
Only time will tell if this new breed of “it bags” will continue to be cash cows.
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| Madison Sadie Flap Satchel in Spectator Saffiano Leather |
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The last sale happens to be my favorite. Take 25% off any order at Kate Spade with code 25JULY. I picked up clutches (cheeky, floral/gingham, ????) and wallets (plain, continental, with bow, floral/gingham) as gifts.
Don’t forget to use Mr. Rebates for 5% cashback. If you don’t have an account, here’s my referral (you don’t need a referral to sign up).
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| Navy Stripe Statement Necklace | Pink Stripe Statement Necklace | Pop Garden Statement Necklace |
Happy shopping!
