https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-statement-in-action-ann-taylor-shopping Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 26 Apr 2026 18:54:54 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-statement-in-action-ann-taylor-shopping#post-375693 Wed, 29 Jun 2011 17:20:38 +0000 Jjsloane 375693@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love them both on you - great color. For anyone interested they have 40% off EVERYTHING today </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-statement-in-action-ann-taylor-shopping#post-375532 Wed, 29 Jun 2011 13:25:50 +0000 Daring2bmyself 375532@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks so much for posting the pictures of you kitty cats. I use to have a Ragdoll male cat that would follow me around everywhere also. I think the breed has himalayan in it. He died young of kidney failure about 5 years ago and I still miss him ever so. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-statement-in-action-ann-taylor-shopping#post-375144 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 20:20:53 +0000 san 375144@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very beautiful color for you and the dress and top look beautiful. Too bad you find the top to fussy because when you're standing still in the picture it is so pretty. I do understand and I think you're wise to know your personal limits with how much ease you want in wearing something and not have to worry about things laying right. That's a lesson I need to remember. it's no fun constantly worrying about keeping things in place.<br /> The dress is a keeper for sure.<br /> Thanks for telling us how your process worked. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-statement-in-action-ann-taylor-shopping#post-375143 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 20:19:06 +0000 nancylee 375143@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kate, I'm really inspired by how you're able to translate your style statement into actual wardrobe purchases and looks! I'm still struggling with how to make that jump. Your look is beautiful and seems to fit you perfectly. Nice job. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-statement-in-action-ann-taylor-shopping#post-375141 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 20:17:00 +0000 catgirl 375141@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gorgeous on you, and I can't TELL you how much I appreciate the analysis being spelled out here. It really helps me figure out where I'm going astray in my shopping adventures. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-statement-in-action-ann-taylor-shopping#post-375138 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 20:14:39 +0000 celia 375138@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Glad you posted your thinking process because I learned something.I also don't like things that end up being too fussy but still wasn't strong enough to say no to items because of that.<br /> The dress is gorgeous on you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-statement-in-action-ann-taylor-shopping#post-375136 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 20:07:06 +0000 cjh 375136@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I know what you mean about the top- pleats not staying organized. It does look great with the skinny jeans, though! I have a white top kind of the same idea which I wear with a wide red belt. I call it my high maintenance top. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-statement-in-action-ann-taylor-shopping#post-374992 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 16:52:17 +0000 Kate 374992@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for all of the wonderful feedback!</p> <p>Vix, you make an excellent point. This is a 0, but I could try sizing down to the 00 if they get it back in stock. My concern would be that the armholes might be too tight if I size down, but having a bit less fabric would be nice. They do have the top in petite, but I don't want it any shorter than it is. I will definitely try it on again and put it through the paces (try with a couple different bottoms, layer some things over it, walk around and sit in it for a bit and then see what it looks like (without doing any readjusting/fussing) and reassess. I want it to work, but I don't want to force it, and I'm increasingly finding that the things I buy and seriously consider returning but keep often become purchases that I regret. I'll keep you posted.</p> <p>Daring2bmyself, we have two himalayan cats. Jack (the one who often joins in my pictures) is the closest thing I've ever had to a dog; he follows me around like a puppy (even though he's 13), comes when I call, and is far more needy than independent. Here's a picture of him with his sister so that you can see them a bit better. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-statement-in-action-ann-taylor-shopping#post-374972 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 16:03:39 +0000 taylor 374972@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fabulous color and style for you!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-statement-in-action-ann-taylor-shopping#post-374942 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 14:59:25 +0000 Daring2bmyself 374942@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Loving the terra cotta color. It looks great on your skin. Is your kitty a ragdoll breed? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-statement-in-action-ann-taylor-shopping#post-374937 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 14:51:18 +0000 Suz 374937@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>P.S. Love your kitty cat. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-statement-in-action-ann-taylor-shopping#post-374931 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 14:41:12 +0000 Anonymous 374931@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These both look fantastic! I really love the wrap top on you. I totally understand if it's not comfortable, but it looks so fabulous that it may be worth fiddling with it a bit more to see if you can get it to work! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-statement-in-action-ann-taylor-shopping#post-374924 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 14:33:09 +0000 Debbie 374924@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I LOVE that dress on you. I hadn't seen that color yet. It is beautiful on you!<br /> Thank you for mentioning me in your post. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-statement-in-action-ann-taylor-shopping#post-374923 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 14:32:41 +0000 Vix 374923@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is definitely your StSt in action; a great read.</p> <p>The dress is gorgeous on you (and Debbie) in terms of color and shape and I agree it meets all your criteria. </p> <p>I do like the top but can see what you mean about it being just a bit too much for your usual "zone" -- and how annoying that the pleating was uncooperative. </p> <p>Sounds like it's going back due to the fit issues, but truthfully as long as you paired it with a no-frills/fuss bottom I think it could fit with your style personality. </p> <p>Are you at the lowest end of their sizing?I wonder if dropping down and/or switching from regular to petite or vice versa would help. Seems like there's a fair amount of extra fabric there.</p> <p>ps That ruched front top you nixed had a very unfriendly fit on me, too...and came out of the mailer completely jacked up with flattened drapes. Good call on passing it by. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-statement-in-action-ann-taylor-shopping#post-374910 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 14:12:02 +0000 Angie 374910@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You look absolutely sensational in these pieces, Kate! KILLER x2. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-statement-in-action-ann-taylor-shopping#post-374908 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 14:10:17 +0000 Sarah 374908@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OMG! That top! I LOVE IT! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-statement-in-action-ann-taylor-shopping#post-374894 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 13:45:47 +0000 Lisa 374894@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These pieces both look fab on you. I like the wrap top with it's sash and with the belt. The dress is a great grab and go piece with interesting neckline detailing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-statement-in-action-ann-taylor-shopping#post-374870 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 13:09:02 +0000 Anonymous 374870@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love both pieces on you! So does your kitty! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-statement-in-action-ann-taylor-shopping#post-374866 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 13:04:16 +0000 Debora 374866@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kate, those two pieces are stunning on you! Thanks for sharing your thought process with us. After seeing that dress on both you and Debbie, I want to check it out. You both wear it so well! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-statement-in-action-ann-taylor-shopping#post-374865 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 13:01:03 +0000 Suz 374865@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you so much for explaining your process. I find this truly helpful. I still haven't come up with my own style statement, but when I do, I will be thinking of this post and how you have applied the idea to actual shopping! Very, very useful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-statement-in-action-ann-taylor-shopping#post-374864 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 13:00:43 +0000 modgrl 374864@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fab color for you! Great to hear about your "process." It's important to get the great pieces when they come out. If you wait, your size will be gone! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-statement-in-action-ann-taylor-shopping#post-374853 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 12:21:01 +0000 Lynne 374853@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Beautiful, and I love the process of applying your style statement! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-statement-in-action-ann-taylor-shopping#post-374851 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 12:04:14 +0000 yellowgirl 374851@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the top &amp; dress you ended up with! I did read everything, thanks so much for going into the detail about your process. I do the exact same thing when considering new clothing items, and it was so helpful to read the criteria you used! Great post! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-statement-in-action-ann-taylor-shopping#post-374849 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 11:55:28 +0000 rute 374849@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love both pieces! The fit is fabulous!<br /> Do they have the top in a different color? The dress and the top have almost the same color.. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-statement-in-action-ann-taylor-shopping#post-374823 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 08:16:32 +0000 suzanne 374823@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Two words (deep breath) "Oh, WOW!" </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-statement-in-action-ann-taylor-shopping#post-374816 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 06:56:14 +0000 Astrid 374816@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really like that you have written down the whole process, thanks! It helps me to see the way it should be for myself, because I find it really hard to select things sometimes. I love that dress on you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-statement-in-action-ann-taylor-shopping#post-374814 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 06:43:17 +0000 Kate 374814@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For those who are really interested, here was my process with the other terracotta items: </p> <p>I immediately ruled out the knot front top (<a href="http://www.anntaylor.com/ann/product/product%3A258917/AT-Knits-%26-Tees/Knot-Front-Top/258917?colorExplode=false&#038;skuId=89601723&#038;productPageType=search&#038;defaultColor=4246" rel="nofollow">http://www.anntaylor.com/ann/p.....Color=4246</a>) - the shoulders would accentuate my IT tendencies and the neckline isn't the best for my short neck, but moreover the "cuffs" at the sleeves lacked the structure I need.</p> <p>I avoided the racerback tank with pocket (<a href="http://www.anntaylor.com/ann/product/AT-Petites/AT-Petite-Blouses-%26-Tops/Petite-Racerback-Tank-with-Pocket/260663?colorExplode=false&#038;skuId=89559031&#038;productPageType=search&#038;defaultColor=4246" rel="nofollow">http://www.anntaylor.com/ann/p.....Color=4246</a>). The pocket on one side and the lack of any waistline definition don’t appeal to my structured sensibilities, and I don’t need something so casual (especially not for $88!)</p> <p>Next was the ruched front top (<a href="http://www.anntaylor.com/ann/product/AT-Petites/AT-Petite-Knits-%26-Tees/Petite-Ruched-Front-Top/261120?colorExplode=false&#038;skuId=89711323&#038;productPageType=search&#038;defaultColor=4246" rel="nofollow">http://www.anntaylor.com/ann/p.....Color=4246</a>). I was hoping that it was well-engineered and simple but with some flow. The shape intrigued me. I tried it on in the store, and it was close but the construction wasn’t quite right. My chest looked lopsided and the look was far from ordered and tidy.</p> <p>This helped me rule out the ruched side top without having to order it (<a href="http://www.anntaylor.com/ann/product/product%3A262340/AT-Knits-%26-Tees/Ruched-Side-Top/262340?colorExplode=false&#038;skuId=89617762&#038;productPageType=search&#038;defaultColor=4246" rel="nofollow">http://www.anntaylor.com/ann/p.....Color=4246</a>). I was afraid that I would once again look lopsided, and I prefer more symmetry in my structure. </p> <p>If you actually read all of this, I'm amazed and I hope that it was useful! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-statement-in-action-ann-taylor-shopping#post-374813 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 06:42:27 +0000 Kate 374813@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As soon Ann Taylor's terracotta color appeared online, I knew that I had some shopping to do. Here’s my process:</p> <p>My style statement is Structured Organic. Using words from the Style Statement book, that mean's I'm 80% carefully built, sturdy, solid, bold, attention to detail, well-engineered, ordered, and tidy (that's the structured part). </p> <p>The other 20% is an aesthetic is based on sensuality, quality, and construction—whether structured or flowing, shape is important. Timeless or simplistic styles, handcrafted, socially responsible or eco-friendly materials. Pure, essential, enduring.</p> <p>First is the sleeveless wrap top. I was smitten when I first saw it online (<a href="http://www.anntaylor.com/p/sleeveless-wrap-top-5.shtml" rel="nofollow">http://www.anntaylor.com/p/sle.....op-5.shtml</a>). The neckline and pleating are structured, while the fabric and cut at the bottom of the garment seemed more organic. The waist sash reigns it in while creating a new flow - the perfect marriage of my style statement words! In reality, the top is too much organic and not enough structured for me, with a bit of fussy thrown in. The pleats don’t offer enough structure to stay organized the way that they’re supposed to, so I was constantly tugging on bits of the top to make it lie just so while taking the pictures. I’m still in love with the neckline and pleating, but the sash didn’t work as well in person as it does in the picture. I tried trading out the sash for a belt to add more structure, but I was still fussing with the top. I could keep it and try to make it work, it's not that bad, just just not right for me.</p> <p>Second, there’s the knit wrap crossover dress (<a href="http://www.anntaylor.com/ann/product/AT-Petites/AT-Petite-Dresses/Petite-Knit-Draped-Crossover-Dress/260231?colorExplode=false&#038;skuId=89365694&#038;productPageType=search&#038;defaultColor=4246" rel="nofollow">http://www.anntaylor.com/ann/p.....Color=4246</a>). I think it fits every single one of the words I listed above. I can throw it on without any fussing (or wrapping a piece of cloth around me 5 times), it’s structured in a way that makes my life easier. It has some of the same “organic” flow as the wrap top and many of the other terracotta tops, but in a much more structured and symmetrical way. It’s simple and timeless, yet far from boring. It’s a much better fit for both my body and my style, and it also allows the focus to be on me (or whoever wears it), not on the dress. (You can see Debbie rock it in black here: <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-black-dress" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....lack-dress</a>)</p> <p>What do you think?</p> <p>And as always, please excuse the smudges on the mirror. </p>