So I'm in NYC last month walking back to my hotel exhausted from a very long day at work when a blouse, a dress and… in a window display stopped me short.  Although I was not at all in the shopping mood, (sad state of affairs when you're in Manhattan btw), I decided to take a quick look in the store that I came to realize much to my surprise was Ann Taylor.  Now I don't mean to trash the AT brand but I do have to say I feel like Ann's sense of style has been on a bit of an extended hiatus; but no longer apparently, it would appear that she's back and better than ever.

When I was browsing the store I was incredibly surprised by the attention paid the subtle details, the timely silhouettes and the nod to couture designs within several pieces. I called a salesperson over to ask just what was going on with the brand because as I told her this was the Ann Taylor I knew from about 10 years ago; she said, "… we have a new design director that's just fabulous – you think this is good, get ready for fall…".  Let's just say I'm ready and that I'm already wildly impressed by what I saw a month ago. That evening I walked out with a $90 blouse, (see the "silk chiffon top" below), which is something I NEVER do, buying a shirt at full price.* Let's just say I had to do it as the distressing of the ruffle, the feminine "tuxedo" details and the quality of the silk paired with the lining, made me think I needed this blouse to wear under all of my fall, winter, spring and summer blazers.

Since NYC I have been back to AT and have picked up a few more pieces, a wide belt in the leopard print haircalf, the haircalf flat (see below), a grey satin dress that apparently is sold out sadly, (I plan to wear it to a show during fashion week if you can believe it), and a pair of very real looking and HUGE diamond studs, (there's a place and a time, trust me).

Mark my words, Ms Taylor is back and I'm so glad because we've missed her and her affordable, wearable and well-constructed fashion. And if you stop in anytime soon ask for a coupon I just received a week or so ago for 15% off of the new fall collection, as well as don't forget to sign-up to get email updates, the discounts are deep and almost daily!

My favorite selects online, (but I encourage all of you to go to the store to get some of the items that are not featured online, this is not their entire assortment unfortunately):


Tiered Pencil Skirt, $140


Ruffle Front Shirt Dress, $160


Perfect Haircalf Flat, $155


Leopard Print Sheath Dress, $160


Cotton Stretch Trench Jacket, $155

Save 30% off one full price item online using the code Ann30 at checkout.  Offer good until August 31, 2009

Jennifer Bakken is a San Francisco based wardrobe consultant.
For more information: cabinetdenvie.com.