Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor, Why Must You Suck So Much?
joy | Apr 14, 2009 | Comments 33
No, I don’t mean the person named Ann Taylor (and I’m sorry if I offended anyone) but I mean the women’s professional clothing store.
You see, I *heart* the concept of Ann Taylor. It’s a store with professional looking clothes that I don’t have to worry about looking nice. Should I mention now that I dislike shopping? And, as a bonus, they carry a size that fits me – so I can pretty much pick up anything in my size and know it will fit.
However, have you been in an Ann Taylor store recently? It. Is. Terrible. I walked into a local one not to long ago (near Wilmington, Delaware, where the store tends to have good stock turnover) and the collection stunk. Most of it looked very casual – as if it belonged at Ann Taylor Loft. And the worst part? I couldn’t figure out where the suits were. What happened to the suits? Isn’t that what Ann Taylor was known for?
And let me not talk about the two pieces I bought before Christmas that had buttons falling off…
It was so bad that I have a gift certificate that I can’t bear to spend just quite yet. Anyone else seen this? I know the chain has been struggling, but really, it’s plunging to almost Gap-like mediocrity.
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Many fashionistas say the suit for working women is dead … It is too dull, too boxy, etc., but a suit is like a uniform, it takes the pain and decision out of getting dressed. That’s very important for any working mom trying to get dressed, get the kids to school, organize a plumber and … You get my drift. We need better suits … funkier suits … mix and match suits. But don’t bash Ann Taylor too much. Their stuff is much better and more affordable than many of their rivals although just recently I think it is off. My message to AnnTaylor.com … Bring back curvy jeans into the stores!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I totally agree. Ann Taylor used to be my sure-thing, always fits, always appropriate store. The dresses there are practically slutty this spring. Not to mention the absolute lack of office wear. It is becoming what Loft used to be. And Loft is becoming like Old Navy… cheap junk. There is no where left to shop for conservative, quality clothes anymore. Unless you want to look like a grandmother at Talbots.
I totally agree. I went to Ann Taylor in July to find a pretty dress for a summer wedding…they had NOTHING!. Some cheap t-shirts and shorts that looked like they were from Old Navy. The only dresses they had were slutty and poorly made…they weren’t even Ann Taylor brand. the store was eerily empty and they had only 2 sales people. Shame on them!
I can’t believe what’s happened.. Where will I should now? I had a 40% off coupon and I coudn’t even find anything to spend it on. The clothes are definitely a cheaper quality.
I am so glad to have run across this. My sentiments exactly! I used to get abvout 80% of my wardrobe from Ann Taylor. I could always find a sweater set, turtleneck, or suit that fit well and was perfectly appropriate for work. I like basic, well-made clothing. Now, the stuff looks cheap to me and there is not a basic piece in sight. I am at a loss!
I just went into the flagship store in midtown NY and found literally ONE style of suit, a one-button long jacket, which doesn’t work for me.
I have no idea where else to buy a suit. Can anyone recommend an alternative for us?!
Totally agree! This new “style director” is turning the quality and design of Ann Taylor into a joke. I wanted to buy a cute top online a month ago — but went into the store to check it out first — only to find out that the flounce fabric on the front was not seemed (and it was already starting to fray in the store!).
Also, their sizing has changed. I called before placing an order online to ensure that a 0P from prior to the new style director would still be a 0P. To my horror, the pants were a good 4+ inches longer. I went into the store thinking that it was just a fluke, and the employees there said it’s not (and she also confided that not many women are happy with the “new” AT).
I too used to buy exclusively from AT (over 90% of my wardrobe) but now have no urge to buy anything AND I’m trying to figure out where the next best place should be. I’ve actually seen better looking/same cheap quality closes from Target this fall. I have a coupon I received for my birthday (aka free money) but I have found nothing to buy!
You know, I just went into Talbots this past week for the first time in years. It reminded me so much of the old Ann Taylor. Granted, they don’t have a whole lot of suiting to choose from, but the two styles were great, and the sweaters, slacks and turtlenecks were really great quality. So Talbots has taken the place of Ann Taylor for me. Wow, such a stupid move for AT to get away from the well-made basics.
I’d always thought Talbots.com was rather old fashioned, but am writing this wearing an extremely nice long skirt bought there recently. Am I getting older, is Talbots getting younger or is Ann Taylor just not as reliable? I still love Ann Taylor curvy jeans (always difficult to get in my local store … a thin, elegant hood) and some of their sweaters.
I agree. I am also miffed with the way they are pushing full priced items. Coupons are good only on full priced items, savings cards are only given on full priced purchases and can only be used on full priced purchases. I used to get some decent deals which made me shop there more. Now they want us to pay more for obviously cheaper items! I have been an avid AT and Loft shopper for years…now I need to find a replacement!
I am unhappy with the changes at Ann Taylor. I used to buy over 90% of my clothes there. Now, not only the quality is down, but their new style is absolutely bad. Nothing fits me anymore (too big sizes) and I found the style being way too edgy, not flattering and bad quality. I go to AT stores wanting to buy something and literally can’t find ONE piece that is good for me. Stores look empty and unkept. I noticed less traffic and women coming out of the store empty handed every time I tried to shop there. It would not surprise me to see the store go under within a year or so. Too bad…It used to be a good store.
Boy am I glad to see this…thought it was just me! 99% of my wardrobe used to be AT…but for the past year, I have barely bought anything in the store. I used to equate AT with classic clothes, kind of like Audrey Hepburn…a timeless elegance. The stuff in the stores today make me cringe…the unlined pants, the unhemmed ruffles and flounces…who wears these things?!!! Like someone said, it is like going to an Old Navy store. Talbots and White House|Black Market suddenly seem very appealing. I thought it was me getting older…but glad so many here say the same thing. I have 2 gift cards I have yet to spend…going on 3 months now! Is anyone listening? Sad to have lost my fave store!
The Jan. 3 post from Dana could have been written by me! I feel exactly the same way. I did an online search to see if anything at AT is going to change in the future, but apparently not. Not only is the merchandise more cheaply made, too weirdly trendy, and overpriced, but the cuts of the garments have been completely changed! I used to be able to buy anything in a size 6 without trying it on… now, the waists in pants and skirts are too big; shoulders in shirts and jackets too small; bust area too big! What kind of woman, exactly, are they designing for now? I’ve had a series of very generous coupons sent to me by AT, but never used them because I couldn’t find anything to buy ~ even at 40 percent off! White House/Black Market is a new discovery of mine: much better quality, better cut for my body type, and great service in the store. The only problem: the limited color palate! But at least it’s not as dowdy as Talbots.
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Like all of you I so miss the old AT, I’ve been a credit card holder of theirs for years. I shop at the flag ship store on Madison which offers more of a selection, and I was utterly appauled when I went in last week looking for some wool slacks and some new suits. Every pair of pants in the store including the wool ones were UNLINED! Who in their right mind wears itchy wool against their skin? Majority of the suit jackets were also unlined. It was JC Penney quality with an inflated price tag. Don’t sleep on Talbots for suits. I got a great “young looking” pencil skirt and jacket that fits beautifully.
Ann Taylor Loft also used to be a good place to find some every day work suits. They used to have at least three or four styles in any given season. And they were decent quality for the price — lined, fitted. I still have at least eight Loft suits in my closet. But they also used to carry quite a bit of staples too for the working woman on a budget. Basic lined trousers, fitted shirts, cardigan sets. The mix of corporate to casual was nice. All that is gone now and replaced with jeans, t-shirts and khaki wear that I could easily get at the Gap or Old Navy. I want my old Loft back!!!
I agree with all the statements made above. 90% of my whole closet comes from either AT or ATL. Now, nothing, I find myself looking at the website weekly to find something I might wear. Before, I would go into the store and have a dozen or so items I would want and force myself to limit. Now, I rec. the coupons and cannot fine anyhting to buy. I hope things change soon. I wonder how they will manage to stay in business. My AT store never has anyone in it anymore.
Hi all! Again I can echo all the above sentiments on the changes that have been going on at AT and ATL. I have been able to find a few things that still carry or resemble the old classic style of AT but not in the huge quantity that I used to find. I do have to say that to spend the inflated prices and to have the garment snag easily, buttons falls or to be of poor quality will not allow those of to hang and wait for things to improve. I would be willing to purchase of your gift cards if anyone is interested…lol! I read all the requests for a suitable replacement but noting really mentioned, please post if someone has found such a place.
I’m so glad I found this site; I first noticed the changes at AT and ATL about a year and a half ago-cheap materials, boring color palates and downright odd frilly things everywhere.
Remember the beautiful patterns AT used to have? The sumptuous coats? Anyway, I actually called the corporate office to complain, they were very nice and told me about the new style director and how they’re going in a different direction etc.Now I have to start from scratch. I got some really nice things from Nordstroms and Victoria’s Secret’s own clothing line(available online only).
I have a feeling that the old AT is gone forever.
I couldn’t agree more. I have written the company several times and made a point of telling store managers. Used to be when I went into an AT store, I’d have to limit how much I would look around because I always came out with several bags. I haven’t wanted to buy anything at AT in a couple of years.
I love Heidi Klum, but not when she is representing the NEW Ann Taylor!
And I’ve noticed that stores in Washington DC and San Francisco that I used to visit are no longer there…
I miss the “old” Ann Taylor as well. I used to buy almost EVERY piece of clothing there and I have not spent a dime in Ann Taylor in about two years. What happened to the timeless button front shirts, Modern cut slacks in PERFECT fabrics, beautiful colors? When I walk in Ann Taylor these days (which is very infrequently) I get depressed by the drab colors and flimsy, terrible quality fabrics. Ann Taylor, you have completely lost your customer base and made a major mistake! I miss you!!!
I found this link by googling “What happened to Ann Taylor?” – Glad to see that I’m not the only one underwhelmed with their new collections. (Going back to 2009) I used to be able to find great final sale deals & they used to have some really cute dresses! Everything now is just so blah. I mean, how many LBD’s can I purchase? I see NO color – and hello? – It’s spring! I have also had issues with buttons coming off my pants. Overall, the quality & style have gone south of the border in my book. I used to shop there monthly. Now I just check online to see if anything cute has come out…..and so far, nothing has.
I am SO glad I found this – I thought I was the only one who felt this way!! I used to buy 80% of my clothes at AT and AT Loft – but in the past 18 months I’ve hardly bought a thing. Not only is the quality WAY down (especially Loft – wtf??), but it seems they are targeting a much younger market, which I don’t get, b/c every woman I know my age (I’m 45) with an ounce of style used to buy the bulk of their wardrobe there. Considering the fact that there isn’t much competition in the 30-50 age market, you’d have thought AT would have been happy with their near-monopoly. Fortunatley, it appears that Talbots is trying to attract a different market, so I guess I’ll just take my money there. Goodbye AT! It was nice while it lasted!!!
I’m glad I’m not the only one! My closet used to look like ann taylor threw up in it. Sweaters, many many skirts, dresses, cardigans and EVERY single suit from there. I really dislike the new styles. I visited a store last month and every blouse, sweater and even T-SHIRT had ruffles on the front. What happened to their trademark of simple, perfectly tailored sweaters, suits, and skirts? By the way- can we please see some skirts in a shape other than pencil?!? Ann Taylor used to have the best A-line skirts. I think they should take a hint and look at the items that are always out of stock on their website- simple cardigans and suits.
Ann Taylor used to be my go to place for suits. Now nothing fits anymore. There’s a two inch difference between the hip and waist measurement. Who is built that way? What idiots re-did their sizing to fit no one?
I bought my first suit at AT in 1985 and have been shopping there ever since. But I agree that the new designer has forsaken AT’s roots and is going too trendy and too young. Ruffles everywhere…not everyone can wear them, esp if you are busty. Pants that are cut too large and to low in the waist. Everytime I bend over I have to hike my pants up. And dont get me started on the “tissue tees”. So lightweight that you have to wear (buy) two. And the shoes that used to be made in Brazil are now made in China.
I hate to say it but I have been gradually buying more and more things from Talbots. The website has their Fall 2010 lookbook under the “Pearls of Wisdom” tab and you would swear you were looking at the old AT. Beautiful fabrics, everything is lined (unlike the new AT) and not anywhere near as dowdy as Talbots used to be. If you’re looking for the old AT and prefer to dress like Jackie O or Audrey Hepburn in classic well made pieces instead of see through tees and pants that show your bum, check it out.
Oh! and dont get me started on the company that AT uses for their credit card. AWFUL! No customer service whatsoever.
Did some digging….the reason why Talbot’s is looking more and more like the old AT….Michael Smaldone, the Senior VP of design for Talbots WAS the SVP of design for AT.
good tips. Thanks. Makes me feel less guilty and old for liking Talbots more, and AT less.
Dana, maybe you should vent more fully by writing a few fashion reports for MomstoWork on career dressing for working women and moms? Seriously …
Julie, I would love to! Lord knows I have plenty of opinions when it comes to fashion. Should I email you or you contact me?
Wow – I have to agree, I am so glad that I found this site as I also thought I was the only one feeling this way about AT and ATL. I used to shop there so much they knew my name but I haven’t bought one thing from Ann Taylor in more than a year. I need some new suits and have found myself carefully shopping at the Limited and Banana Republic – two stores I don’t really like but they are the only ones with decent stuff that I can afford. I want to know who is buying these really short shorts from the Loft. Big mistake Ann Taylor. I also miss you!
Wow, good to see that I am not the only one who noticed the dive taken by AT and Loft. I have noticed the decline for a couple of years now. The vast majority of my clothes used to come from Victoria’s Secret and AT/Loft. Even Loft used to have nice office wear and elegant casual clothing. Now, Loft is strictly ultra casual, nothing special. You might as well save your money and shop at Walmart or Target for your clothes. At least if the zipper broke the first time you wore it, you didn’t spend a lot of money on it. But you know what? Nothing I’ve bought at Walmart ever had the zipper break on me, or the hem unravel the first time I wore it, like they did from Loft. Even the higher-priced AT has low quality crap. So not worth it.
I’ve found some things I like at AT Factory Store. The clothes there are actually specially made for the Factory Store, and I’ve found pretty decent stuff, like a silk blend sweater, even nice suits. I was just there this weekend. I passed by the Loft in the same mall, and it was half empty, with bare walls. It looked like it was going out of business, although there were no signs saying so. I didn’t go in. I stopped even wasting time going in there last year.
Way to run a business into the ground.
p.s.
I also noticed the cut of the pants that are too low. I like low-rise pants, but they cut them ridiculously low. For one thing, it has the unflattering illusion of really flattening your rear end, and another, even my low-rise panties from Victoria’s Secret that are meant to be worn with low-rise pants are a higher rise and peek over the top of the Ann Taylor & Loft pants! Check out Victoria’s Secret. They have nice pants in a variety of fits. I am a small size, and only they have size 0 pants that consistently fit (Christie fit only). I am sure everyone can find the particular fit that suits their body type. The only problem is, I can’t wear their suit jackets, which are too big, even in a size 0.
Accomplishment.
I used to be an avid Loft shopper. Loved their slacks! If I had on an outfit, anyone who knew me knew where it came from. Did I mention I am a former Loft associate as well? My sentiments from both sides is that the quality of the clothing has truly deteriorated, especially the tops. There are some tops on the line this year, where the concept is really adorable; however, one wear and you’ve wasted your money. I purchased a really cute tank (the asymettrical rosette tank), love the look of it, but as it was on my body, the very first time, it lost its shape. I have another tank with a chain detail. Wore it once and as it was on me, one of the chains came off. Not happy. In speaking with one of The Loft Sales Leads, she confirmed that the pants and tops have been of poor quality. She stated shoes and handbags have improved. Funny, someone mentioned how they push full price items. Loft associates receive 50% off on full price items, 20% off of sales itesms. However, if there is a promotion where the entire store, including final sale items are at a reduced price as well, associates can not get the discount that the rest of the world gets! Why? They really don’t want us purchasign final sale items. How dumb? The Loft is concerned about a few things-pushing credit cards and meeting their daily quota. Those things take precidence over producing quality clothing.