Ann Taylor Fall/Winter '16 Preview

I recently had the opportunity to attend Ann Taylor's 2016 press preview in NYC for their fall/winter collection. And in case you couldn't already tell from my blog, I am a HUGE fan of Ann Taylor. I've been wearing their clothes for years so getting a sneak peek of what's to come in the following months was a big treat for me! I ended up being super impressed with their new line, but I have to say, what really caught my attention were the killer accessories. 

I immediately fell in love with these shoes. It's challenging to create a flat that looks as polished as a heel, but AT has definitely accomplished that with this pair of pointed-toe shoes. I love the straps, and since they're velvet, they're TOTALLY on-point for fall/winter. I can't wait to get my hands on these babies! 

The holiday collection -- which is always a best seller -- is filled with red, shimmer, and hints of gold and orange. But of course there's also a special LBD collection like always. I love this strapless, peplum top and matching pants - it serves as a super chic alternative to a party dress. 

I also died over these leopard flats. The pointed-toe is RULING next season, and this bow-strap detail is so fabulous. 

More leopard! 

There's some definite 60s and 70s influences in this collection - LOVE!

I literally couldn't stop snapping pics of AT's gorgeous footwear. These snakeskin booties are definitely at the top of my fall wish list. 

Creating an entire outfit out of matching fabrics is SO 60s but it's also SO now! This coat & dress set is beyond modern while giving a total nod to retro fashion. I love how the print is bold yet classy. 

More python print in the form of a minimal clutch and statement bucket bag. The coral coloring is neutral yet fresh as it's a fun way to deviate from your typical browns and blacks. 

The oversized coat is back for winter! And so is candy-colored outerwear. This long, wool layer is your answer to staying chic when temps drop.

Is this not the perfect party shoe or what? With tiny pearl studs and a block heel for endless comfort, these shoes will be comfy AND ensure any ensemble is that much more festive. 

All that glitters is most definitely perfect for the holiday season. And with just a dusting of sequins on a collar, you don't have to worry about being overly gaudy. 

These timeless silhouettes coupled with flattering colors and trendy prints made this collection really stand out to me. And while many brands have stunning fall collections every year, Ann Taylor is known for its easy versatility and effortlessness. For example, many of these looks work double duty and will take you from desk to dinner with just minor alterations (think: a quick lipstick and shoes swap). 

Ann Taylor has some pretty amazing stuff up their sleeves this year, huh? And while some people consider Ann to be for more "mature" women, I am going to set the record straight once and for all. I've been loving and wearing Ann Taylor since I was 18 years old and to this day AT is the brand I own the most of. It all depends on how you style their pieces -- just like with any other brand. 

If your style can at all be categorized as feminine, timeless, polished, whimsical, classic, or elegant, then you can undoubtedly rock AT pieces in a completely unique, fresh, and yes, even edgy way. Take it from me, I've been doing it for years ;)

And I for one cannot wait to introduce some of these new items into my extensive Ann Taylor collection come fall. Especially those shoes, I mean seriously, did you SEE those hot shoes?! 

Shop my current Ann Taylor picks below: 

Take Flare // cream neck-tie blouse + flared jeans

When it comes to trying new trends, I'm all about saying "yes!" Crazy wild prints? Totally! High-waisted jeans? Count me in! Menswear-inspired blouses? Duh! Which is what brings me to this look. And while there's no loud print here, I DID step out of my immediate comfort zone when I sprung for these flared jeans and tied a long piece of fabric around my neck. Here's what I discovered in the process: 

This top is pretty fabulous, right? I already have about a hundred looks planned with it, but what I REALLY love about it, is this neck tie it came with. The piece is detachable and thus can be worn (or not worn) in so many different ways. Here I separated the tie and simply tied it around my neck like a piece of jewelry. Sound kind of weird? Trust me, it's what all the cool kids are doing. I'm kind of digging it.  

Ah! I'm wearing flared jeans. Yes, I am just as surprised as some of you may be right now. I definitely thought I left my flares behind in 2007. But honestly, although I love my skinnies, flared jeans ARE super flattering so I just had to embrace them with open arms when they recently became cool again. Plus, this Ann Taylor pair is beyond sophisticated and chic. They're more like denim trousers (aka totally office-approved). 

Rejoice! We can finally wear open-toed heels again. It's about time I let my tootsies breathe a little. These ankle strap heels are not only timeless and extremely versatile (I have them in nude too because I'm that obsessed), but they're also - gasp - comfortable! Thanks to this genius block heel, I feel like I could walk blocks in them...and I have ;)

A good hat is hard to find. But when you find one, snatch it up! That's what I did with this beauty back in January 2015 when I found it in Anthropologie. You better believe I haven't looked back since. I've worn it in all seasons and it just seems to make my bad hair days infinitely better. 

Sometimes a simple black clutch is all you need. And although I'm not usually a simple person, this bag does the trick for me time and time again when I don't want to take away from my outfit yet I want a place to stash my (many) lip glosses. 

How fun are these bubbly earrings? Statement studs are kind of my thing and I LOVE having a delicate yet attention-grabbing pair like this in my collection. I mean, you know me, I'm always one for standing out! 

In my last post I mentioned my recent obsession with matte lipsticks and glosses due to our friend Kylie Jenner. Well this time around, instead of sporting a NUDE matte shade, I decided to go for something a bit more dramatic. Milk Makeup (which can be found at Sephora) is absolutely amazing, and their demi-matte lip pencils are incredibly easy to apply PLUS they last all day -- total score! 

 Although it was totally unintentional, I feel like this look has a Western vibe to it. Maybe it's the hat, or the tie around my neck -- heck maybe it's my jeans! But the combination of the three definitely makes me feel a bit wilder, in the Western sense of course. And although I'm very much a city gal, it was fun sporting a different look for the day! 

Photos by Ryan Kathleen Greene

[blouse: Ann Taylor // jeans: Ann Taylor // heels: Ann Taylor // hat: Anthropologie (I also like this one) // earrings: gift (I also like this pair) // clutch: Ann Taylor (similar here) // watch: Daniel Wellington // heart tag bracelet: Tiffany & Co. // lipstick: "Dip Out" by Milk Makeup]

I wore this number out to brunch with a friend on the Upper Eastside (aka my neighborhood). Unfortunately it was pretty chilly this day so I sadly had to cover up my ensemble for most of the day with a long black coat. But hey, at least I got some cute snaps in! Pictures or it didn't happen, right? ;) 

SHOP ::