A New Fan of Ann

I have to admit, I've never been a big fan of Ann Taylor...perhaps its because I've always equated the store with starchy button downs, boring pencil skirts and plain ol' slingback pumps. Their look, in my mind, seemed to be that of a girl trying too hard to look too old.

But lately, Ann Taylor and her cool, hip lil' sidekick LOFT have been blowing my mind. I can now call myself a "Fan of Ann."

Just check out these tops, all of which are on my birthday wish list; all of which are perfect for work and play! I'd love to wear any of these with some high-waisted black pants for the office and skinny jeans with slinky over the knee boots and an oversize blazer for play!

From L to R: Silk Blouse With Rolled Sleeves, $88, Animal Print Silk Crepe Shirt with Back Zipper, $29.99 on sale, Oyster Sateen Twist Neck Shirt, $78

In need of accessories to blend with these blouses? Look no further than LOFT's jewelry collection benefiting The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. I came across some of these designs on L.A. Stylist's Mom's incredible blog and just had to share with you all after I saw the prices and the names of the guest designers! See for yourself!

Me & Ro for LOFT Breast Cancer Awareness Bracelet - $34.50 (take 25% off with code SAVE25 at checkout)


Kara Ross for LOFT Breast Cancer Awareness Bracelet - $39.50 (take 25% off with code SAVE25 at checkout)

Needless to say, I'm pretty impressed with the reinvention of Ann Taylor and LOFT and will definitely be shopping there more often.

Is there a brand you think has re-invented itself for the better? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Run, Don't Walk! Tucker for Target

Target's collaboration with designers perks my interest with each new addition. Remember those first Luella Bartley designs with jade green accents and bright red cherry prints? Or how about the recent designs of Zac Posen...even celebs and socialites on New York Social Diary were proudly sporting his designs for Target at the finest of soirees.

But perhaps my most favorite collection ever came in the form of Tucker for Target, landing in stores across the country on Sept. 12.

The line is precisely what you'd expect to see out of Tucker in upscale boutiques nationwide. Billowy tops, lightweight dresses with bold, colorful patterns - the perfect compliment to any outfit (in my eyes, particularly suitable for the work place!) Yet the material doesn't feel quite as expensive and the price tag is much easier to swallow.

I hit Target 2 Sundays ago to be first in line to snag my piece of the Tucker pie. I first tried to take a bite when Gilt previewed the line, about 2 weeks before the Target launch. I missed my chance due to a Gilt iPhone app malfunction (grrrrr!), but my friend Meredith got lucky and bought the cutest butterfly print camisole dress. It was love at first sight when she came to visit me in Atlanta and sported the piece on our Sunday outings.

After trying on several Tucker for Target items - a gold tweed skirt, a long sleeve maroon and orange print dress, and a bell-sleeved, hooded jacket - I settled on the cutest prairie-flower print dress you ever did see.



Meredith and I sported our styles at a friend's wedding day luncheon this past weekend, neither of our dresses weighing in over $35. I styled mine with a neon pink J. Crew cardigan ($29.99 on sale) and some Hunter campus boots for a school-girl meets farm-girl aesthetic.

I'm hoping to get back in stores to get my hands on more Tucker for Target goodies before they sell out! Would love to hear if any of you have made Tucker for Target purchases!