Looking Forward to Spring: Spring Trenches

Source: anntaylor.com via Nicole on Pinterest

Source: anntaylor.com via Nicole on Pinterest

One of my favorite parts of spring is that you can literally wear any basics that you want, and if you top it off with a chic trench coat it will always look chic.  I saw the Ann Taylor Graphic Topper in a magazine a couple of months ago, and I couldn't wait for it to come out.  It is the perfect item to add interest to spring bright basics.  But of course, every wardrobe needs a basic khaki trench, and the Afternoon Topper hits the mark with its bracelet sleeves and emphasized collar (when worn open). And remember, spring showers, brings May flowers (and an opportunity to wear chic trench/rain coats....)

Hellooooo Spring!

It has been unusually warm here on the East Coast....we are talking almost 70 degree days in late January/early February, which is just unheard of!  So today I wore the above outfit to work.  When I came down the stairs, my adoring husband greeted me with, "Well, hellooooooo spring!"  Granted, I was trying to tone down the brightness of the dress with the nude accessories, especially since I was headed to my very conservative workplace. Then, as I was making our morning coffee, I heard chuckling behind me.  When I turned around to hand him his coffee he said, "You and the Great Wall of China -- the only things on earth that can be seen from space!!!"  Okay....not the reaction I was going for.  But I did get lots of compliments on the dress at work.  My husband is clearly not the greatest barometer of fashion. I say, don't fear the brightness...embrace it (and tone it down a bit with nude accessories).

Ann Taylor cap sleeve dress
$98 - anntaylor.com

Hoss Intropia long top
$175 - stylebop.com

Banana Republic colorblock shoes
$120 - bananarepublic.gap.com

Chloé genuine leather handbag
£1,125 - harveynichols.com

Color Blocking Fit Lab

Color Blocking Fit Lab by nycandparis featuring a block dress

Ann Taylor block dress
$158 - anntaylor.com

Ann Taylor Spring 2012

Because let's face it...finding a chic AND comfy work outfit is sometimes REALLY hard to find.  Both of these dresses are chic and comfortable, and the color-blocked dress in particular is extremely slimming. Pair both dresses with black tights, for a winter-appropriate look, and heels, and prepare to fend off the compliments!

Ann Taylor color block dress
$128 - anntaylor.com

Ann Taylor sleeveless vest
$98 - anntaylor.com

Merino Wool Striped 3/4 Sleeve Sweater Dress
$128 - anntaylor.com

Ann Taylor Sketches: Beautiful on Paper

Photosource: Anntaylor.com

Usually around the beginning of a season, Ann Taylor posts some of the sketches that inspire the designs for the clothes featured in the upcoming season.  I love seeing the images behind in the designs, and how beautiful the fashion sketches are.  I just really wish that beauty of the sketches translated just as beautifully to the clothes.

The top sketch above is for the Blurred Bronze Sheath Dress , which I frankly think is a terrible look.  It screams nineteen seventees thrift shop find to me (not that the seventies or thrift shops are necessarily bad things).  Its just that the fabric, and cut aren't the best they could be.

The second sketch is for the Perfect Trench Topper.  Now, I am a huge fan of a classic trench, and I love the way they can look effortlessly chic and sophisticated, but this trench just doesn't do it for me. It is perfectly cute, and there is nothing wrong with it, but for $228 I just expect a little more out of a trench. The placement of the pockets does nothing for a woman's hips, and the A-line shape are more shapeless than shapely.  The only positive is the collar, which is cute and warm at the same time. 

I still love seeing the sketches, but I am still waiting to see some that are really well translated to the actual clothing.

Ann Taylor as Fashion Inspiration: Ann Taylor Illustrations

 

Photos Courtesy of Ann Taylor's Facebook Fan Page 

Yesterday Ann Taylor released the illustrations its creative team used while designing the new holiday collection.  More than allowing us a glimpse into Ann Taylor's creative process, I just love the beauty of the sketches and watercolors -- they make me want to run right out and buy some frames so I can use them to decorate my office.  I think releasing these was a great move on Ann Taylor's part to drum up increased interest in the new holiday collection.  Below each of the sketches is a link to the item that was inspired by the sketch.

I just wish I could say the clothes turned out as beautiful as the drawings.  I think the red dress is so beautiful in the watercolor, but a hot mess in reality.  And while the first black dress pictured above looks so luxe in the drawing, in reality it is a basic black jersey dress.  Finally, the last drawing looks like a dress, but it was apparently translated into a sweater paired with a feathered skirt...a skirt that Ann Taylor doesn't even sell (at least not yet).

The drawings really evoke a sense of texture that was simply lost in translation during the production process.  Kudos to Ann Taylor for allowing us a glimpse of their incredible inspiration...and letting us imagine for a moment how beautiful these clothes could have looked in person.

 For a peek at the clothes inspired by each of the above sketches, click on the following links:

Illustration #1: Winter Rose Strapless Dress
Illustration #2: One Shoulder Cascade Dress
Illustration #3: According to Ann Taylor: "Pair this feathered skirt with our off-the-shoulder sweater for a perfect party outfit."