Girl About Town

O.K. so I’ve used the term “girl” loosely, I certainly ran around town like someone half - alright, a quarter – of her age and it was worth the effort.

Ann Taylor - Fall '09

First off I must talk about one of the best press events I’ve ever attended, Ann Taylor’s fall 09 fashion preview.

Here’s the deal. The event was held in Ann Taylor’s gigantic full floor showroom, complete with staff coffee bar and cafeteria. Not too shabby and certainly better than any office I ever worked in.

Now to the best part, the fall collection was GORGEOUS and beautifully tailored. There were stunning deceptively simple sheath dresses, sophisticated pencil skirts and jackets to die for. I’m not kidding, the stuff looked better than most designer clothes at quadruple the prices. With the addition of lovely silk georgette tops with feminine ruffles or pleating details, this collection can go non stop for years. Even the accessories were fab. If you buy nothing else this fall get the beige patent mid heel pumps with rounded toe. They will go with everything day of night. Forget wearing black shoes with black, these are much chicer, trust me. Also terrific are the necklaces, especially a chunky rhinestone twisted number (very Vera Wang) that I’ve already gotten compliments on. In a smart move, the design team went back to Ann Taylor’s archives dating back to 1954 so that should give you an idea of the refined aesthetic updated for today’s woman – and at affordable prices.

Every outfit was shown on mannequins so I was able to get up close enough to touch the fabrics and make note of the styling, all the while as I was stuffing my self with scrumptious truffle grilled cheese sandwiches and champagne that was being passed around. You might as well know that most fashion editors never eat at these events so I felt it was my duty to lighten the waiters' trays.

Moving on in another room there was the Loft collection. More sporty in feeling, with an emphasis on the introduction of Loft Lounge, a line of cozy activewear including sweaters, leggings, layering pieces etc. While the intended purpose is to wear these items on casual weekends you can easily work these into your everyday wardrobe. Prices run from $14.50 to $69.50 so check it out. More high fashion oriented is the exclusive, limited edition collection of fashion forward necklaces designed for the Loft by Lisa Salzer of Lulu Frost, a media darling in the design world. These will be in-store beginning August 31st.

Left Coast Loot

While I’m on the subject of jewelry, I want to take this opportunity to give a plug to a dear friend, college chum and old traveling buddy from years past, California designer/ graphic artist/Renaissance woman, Arline Wolfson of Studio Arli and her line of hand crafted artisan jewelry. The Relics collection consists of toggle bracelets crafted with fine sterling silver elements “reminiscent of the ancient Dead Sea scroll fragments” to quote the designer. Arline combines carnelian, amber or lapis beads with interesting results that make each piece unique.

You can reach Arli at arligraphic@aol.com or call 619 449-9036.

No Witty Comment, Just a Logo and Some Great Jewelry!

HOT ITEM!

So, maybe you’re not ready to fork over some bucks for fall just yet, then consider Sag Harbor’s must-have black seasonless Slimming Solution pull-on pant in, what else, black. It features a unique, comfortable built-in body shaper, guaranteed to make you look sleek and trim. Lets face it, not everybody’s a size zero so these are a God send for real women who actually like to eat food. These are a steal at $48. Find them now – and hopefully- at JC Penney, Kohls and Sears.

In addition to the pants, I got a preview look at the rest of Sag Harbor’s fall line, Again, the prices won’t break the bank and there were some terrific sportswear pieces that you might want to consider for you wardrobe needs. Personally, I’d opt for the $70. exploded plaid/Donegal tweed (better looking than it sounds) zip front jacket with detachable faux fur collar or the chic black double breasted pea coat – a great buy at $64. Both jackets are part of the Manor House collection.

Sag Harbor - Your Ship Has Come In!