Dressing Your Age: Do You? Join the Discussion.

Today I read an article in the LA Times about Ann Taylor changing their look to become more modern and also to target younger shoppers.  Here are some excerpts from that piece:

The women's apparel chain is trying to shake its "Corporate Cathy" image with the help of a design overhaul, updated stores and a new celebrity spokeswoman — Naomi Watts — all in a bid to appeal to younger, more stylish shoppers.

...the Ann Taylor wardrobe has gone from head-to-toe suit looks to more fashion-forward separates with feminine details.

Lisa Axelson, the woman in charge of giving Ann Taylor a fresh, new look is a 38-year-old mom-to-be...."...I never would have gone to Ann Taylor," says Axelson, who has been creative director and senior vice president of design for nearly two years. "It was too conservative."

"We were all surprised she [Axelson] went to Ann Taylor because it seemed very old," says Helen Farnell, a designer for Express, who has worked with Axelson on and off for 10 years. "But she has brought in a lot of modern elements. I've never seen the stores looking so good. I've even gone in and bought things, which I never would have done before."

I also enjoyed this part about other retailers copying J. Crew:

If it all sounds a bit familiar, it's because it is. Ann Taylor, like so many other retailers, is trying to pull a J. Crew — whipping up clothes that can be dressed up or down, sprinkling in an aura of affordable luxury, and a dash of ruffles and bows, in hopes that it adds up to fashion magic. "Everyone is using J. Crew's [design] themes. You're seeing it at Talbots and even Gap to a certain extent, because they are all trying to get business back. Soon Costco will be selling ruffles," Tunick says.

This article and some recent comments on my Formspring page got me thinking- do you really think about brands and what age they are targeted to, or do you simply buy pieces you love?

I know a lot of bloggers shop at every store from Neiman Marcus to Charlotte Russe.  It's the mixing and matching of the high and low that inspires me so much. It's making an outfit look expensive- when it's not.  That's what I love to see on blogs- how can I make this $20 shirt look like it cost $100 by mixing in key pieces, pricey or not?

In fact, I was so in love with Chloe and Couture and Crayon's recent styling of a $20 Charlotte Russe lace top that I just had to get it for myself- and it arrived on my doorstep today.  I didn't think of the brand or how much it cost. I just saw how great it looked and based my purchase decision on that factor alone.

I've never been a huge brands person. I just buy what I like and what appeals to me. I love designers and brands, but I enjoy being inspired by them instead of striving to own designer pieces.  Sure I love a designer piece here and there (after all, I did just buy the MbMJ bag) but it's not a focus for me (though they say once you start buying designer, you become obsessed...we'll see.)

Thanks to the people who posted the comments that inspired this post. [The comments] were about the fact that I shop at Victoria's Secret PINK and that I got a Marc by Marc Jacobs bag (and not just "Marc Jacobs.")  I think those comments brought up an interesting point- do you shop for your age? SHOULD you shop for your age?

Before Ann Taylor transformed their brand, creating younger more trend-based pieces, should every woman over 30 have shopped there? 

Do women who wear clothes they think they should wear for their age have the same confidence in themselves as someone who dresses how they love without regard to age?  After all, isn't that how MOM JEANS happened (really, who do those flatter? no one! Who decided once you're a mom you have to stop dressing cute and only wear unflattering jeans? No thank you!)

To be honest, the comments took me by surprise. I'm not offended by them- I think they generate an interesting discussion.  I guess I was surprised because yes, I do shop at Victoria's Secret PINK- for lounge wear and PJ's...not to wear to work or out of the house.  Yes, I'll throw on a VS PINK tee once in awhile to go to the gym, but other than that, I just wear it as sleep and lounge wear.  Is that "not dressing my age?"  I'm not really sure.  I like VS PINK because the colors are bright and fun and the clothes are comfy and IMO, of decent quality.  Yes, the line is targeted at college students, I'm 100% aware of this...but it's cute and comfy, so why not? Especially if you're wearing it in the privacy of your own home.

Do you think about the stores you shop in and the brands you buy in relation to your age? Does it affect your decision, or do you simply buy garments based purely on how they look on you and how they appeal to you? 

Personally, I buy based on what I like and what I feel suits my style. Whether that item is from Target, Express, Forever21 or Charlotte Russe, it doesn't affect my decision. I just buy what I like with very little regard for what age group the brand or store targets.  I thought this was how everyone shopped, but I'm coming to realize this isn't the case.

There was a critique recently that I should have bought a bag from Marc Jacob's line and NOT the Marc by Marc Jacob's line because that one was targeted at younger women.  I guess at 27 I never considered myself outside of that target market, but I guess some people do and that's OK (after all I'm "nearly 30!" GASP!) 

I also wasn't aware most girls in their late teens and very early 20's bought $400 handbags, but I guess I am behind the times, as at 27, this was my first handbag that cost that much. I used to buy $50 bags from Aldo and loved them...so what do I know?

When I bought my MbMJ bag, I didn't even THINK about what brand it was. I just saw the simple structure of the bag, felt the buttery leather and loved the bold color so I took the plunge.  I was asked why I didn't buy Chanel or another higher-end brand. The simple answer is that I loved the bag I bought, didn't find anything by another brand I liked as much in my price range and that I have other financial priorities that keep me from spending $2000 on a Chanel bag or other higher-end bag.

I hope this post generates a discussion about this topic because that is my intention for this post.  Yes, the post was generated by some recent criticisms, but I think everyone has the right to explain what they think about this topic as long as it's in an adult way.  I'm very curious to hear what all of your thoughts are on this topic, so please leave your thoughts, comments and opinions below.

Oh, and before I go, a quick OOTD (w/ new bag of course!)

Silk Blouse- J. Crew
Skirt- Banana Republic
Shoes- Jessica Simpson
Sweater- Express
Bag- MbMJ

xoxo,

Veronika.

PS- I forgot to add that In Style magazine has an awesome feature where they show how to wear a trend in your 20's, 30's, 40's and 50's. I love that they show how anyone can incorporate a trend while also making it more age-appropriate.

It Was a Good Friday at Ann Taylor

After work today, I went to Ann Taylor to take advantage of the 40% off your entire purchase sale. As I said in yesterday's post, there hasn't been much there that has impressed me lately, so it's no surprise I left with two items.

I did try on a few items, including most of the ones I posted yesterday and I ended up purchasing the gorgeous Vertical Flutter Skirt. It's such a beautiful skirt and I'm so pleased with how flattering it looks on. Size down on this one ladies, I had to get a size 2. It was $128 (which I never would have paid) but for 40% off, I'll take it! (you know I love a deal!)

This skirt really has beautiful movement to it. I think that's what makes it so unique and more than just a black skirt. I tired a few others on but this one was the most flattering of them all.

Now, to the misses-the Cotton Sateen Ruffle Top was just not a good fit on me. Firstly I had to wear a size 2P in it, and I even fit into the ZeroP...I just feel like their sizing is so off that it doesn't even make you feel good, it just makes you feel confused. I have no idea how at 5'10 with a 34D chest I would ever be an XS, Zero or 2 in a top.

Anyways, that top was OK but all of the detailing at the neck actually kind of bugged me. Visually it was OK but it just didn't feel comfortable. Kind of stiff...

I didn't end up trying on the cowl neck dress. I did however try on the Drifting Pleats Skirt which was also very cute, but I loved the one I bought better, and I couldn't justify getting both! Maybe when it's on sale, I'll revisit it.

My second Ann Taylor purchase was little surprise- this adorable bralette. I am obsessed with bralettes. I like to sleep in them and just think they are so gorgeous and feminine. This one is definitely very luxe looking and looks expensive in person (and it was, at $28...but I got it for 40% off.)

I hate to say it, but photos definitely don't do this bralette justice. It is so pretty in person and very romantic looking.

Before visiting Ann Taylor, I was derailed and visited a store called D'GACI. It's kind of like Forever 21. Just cute little dresses, tops, etc and of course, some tacky stuff too.

I bought some super simple items there. One was this striped top (LOVE stripes) with a little pocket at the front and ruching on the sides.

This top was $14.50. I got a size medium.

The above tank cost just $5.50. It's long and stretchy and seems to be of good quality. I love tanks like this for working out and even just to layer with other tops or under a cardi. I got a size medium. I find in junior's stores I'm always have to go up in size and in women's stores I'm always going down in size.

I also got these cute sunnies for $5.50. Did I mention I'm obsessed with sunglasses? I can't even see without them! My eyes are SO sensitive to the sun that I have to wear them at all times or I would be squinting every time I was outdoors. Who am I kidding? I even wear them when it's overcast. I just love them, and protecting your eyes is important. I love sunnies so much that I even have a HOT PINK pair!

I definitely recommend visiting an A'GACI store if you have one in your area. It is kind of like Forever 21 where you have to go through every rack to select some good items (I tried on a bunch of dresses too that were cute- but, you guessed it, too short.) Their prices are good and if you're shorter than I am, their dresses are super cute and some are even OK for work.

I couldn't leave the mall without a trip to Charlotte Russe. Now CR is one of those stores where the sizing is pretty inconsistent. I got the gorgeous one-shoulder top below in a size large. The medium did fit, but it was shorter and a bit tighter. The large was just a perfect fit. It's a super cute top. It cost $17.99. I think I can even wear it tucked into a skirt for work with a cardi over it and be OK. The ruffle detailing looks cute poking out of a cardi.

Did I mention the fabric is super soft? It's surprisingly soft for a CR top.

My last CR purchase was the Rosette Detail Wrap Around Top for $22.00. It looks much cuter in person, and the pic below is kind of dark, but you can get an idea from the website's picture.

It looks totally weird on the hanger, but it is pretty and flowy and awesomely textured when it's on.
I got this in a size small. The medium was a bit too big on me (see how inconsistent the sizing is!?) This top reminds me exactly of something they would have at Anthropologie. I was shocked at how much it reminded me of a top they would sell there. I think it would look great with skinny jeans or even with work dress pants. I know I got it in "boring black" but the texture makes the shirt stand out.

Did you or do you plan to shop the Ann Taylor sale? Did you do any shopping this weekend? Are you celebrating Easter this Sunday? If so, what are your plans?

xoxo,

Veronika.