There are some interesting articles over Ann Taylor's similarities with J.Crew. The first article comes from Fashionista (click here to read in its entirety):The following is a post from the Frisky, which offers a slideshow of the two retailers (click here for the article & slideshow):Is Ann Taylor’s “J.Crew” Strategy Paying Off?
By Lauren Sherman
August 20, 2010
Over the last two years, Ann Taylor has made a noticeable effort to bring its apparel and accessories offerings out of the naughts and into the new, uber-fashion-conscious decade.
In fact, many industry insiders we’ve spoken to about AT’s reformation have noted: “They’re trying be J.Crew.” Evidence of this marketing scheme can be found in the retailer’s newfound preppy-meets-glam aesthetic. The company also recently inked a deal with the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund to host a runway show in Los Angeles this October.
Well, whether or not Ann Taylor has taken a page from J.Crew’s playbook doesn’t really seem to matter today. The New York-based retailer reported a very successful second quarter, with overall sales increasing by 2.8% to $483.5 million (when compared with the same quarter in 2009).
Comparable store sales–or sales in stores that have been open for at least one year–were up 6.1%, compared to a 22.4% decline last year. And e-commerce was up 28.5%. Overall sales for the first half of 2010 were $959.7 million, up almost 7% from 2009.
While these numbers aren’t mind-boggling, they are an improvement. It looks like Ann Taylor’s strategy might be working. For now, at least.
Well, I do agree that the offerings of Ann Taylor & Ann Taylor Loft share a striking resemblance to J.Crew. I never paid attention to Ann Taylor until a year and a half ago. All of sudden they were offering styles I wanted to buy.Ann Taylor or J.Crew? It's Hard To Tell
By Annika Harris
August 23, 2010
We, along with other fashion insiders and shoppers, have noticed that Ann Taylor and Loft have been looking a lot like J.Crew. All three retailers seem to be targeting the same group—women who want a tasty and stylish stew of Parisian, preppy, and urban chic. So we decided to play a little game to see if there’s a difference between J.Crew and Ann Taylor.
Does Ann Taylor come close to recreating J.Crew’s aesthetic? Can you tell the difference between the two brands?...
Not only were the styles familiar, but so was the marketing. Ann Taylor began sending emails similar to J.Crew's "Jenna's Picks". If I remember correctly, Ann Taylor lured away several members of J.Crew's creative team in the past few years too. I think it is smart for Ann Taylor to offer what customers want, but they should be careful about mimicking J.Crew's strategy too much.
What are your thoughts on Ann Taylor looking like J.Crew? Are you a fan of Ann Taylor too? Do you think it is a good move for Ann Taylor? Do you think this hurts or helps J.Crew?
Personally I like that AT is offering similar options. It's definitely more budget-friendly. However, J Crew will always be my love and I go to J Crew for looks first. If I can find a similar look for less, then sometimes I'm tempted to buy, but JC usually has decent sales and I can just get that item then. I don't think it'll hurt JC since they have a really strong following. No one can replace the Crew.
ReplyDeleteDidn't Mickey work at Ann Taylor years ago? It's a little lame that they are copying, but as they say, "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery".
ReplyDeleteIn the model shots, it's easy to see which one is JC's and which one is AT's. AT's models all look healthy, happy and groomed.
ReplyDeleteMoaning about the styling aside, I hope it's not a sign that other retailers are going to spend all their bucks on "design" and marketing and neglect quality.
As no one who participates here worries about being offensive I will blurt it out that I would probably be headed to divorce court if I wore AT. Even my mother in law is not that matronly.
ReplyDeleteI am not finding much I like at AT these days, much for smae reason I am not buying much at J.Crew: too many ruffles, too many thin knits.
ReplyDeleteI miss basics with a nice simple twist amd more substantial fabrics in interesting colors. Just got the Talbots catalogue in the mail today and definately seeing several items I will check out in the store.
Also, both J.Crew and AT seem to be offering fewer and fewer petite sizes (especially J.Crew). Talbots on the other hand continues to offer many petite choices. I pretty much can't find much to fit me at J.Crew - I am not a size 0 - I am talking about petite size 8
here.
I think it's disgusting the way Ann Taylor so blatantly knocks off J.Crew. Down to the model poses, marketing, etc. I will not buy AT. And I don't think they'll ever be cool.
ReplyDeleteThere was a front page article on LA times Image/Fashion section about AT's head designer - Lisa Axelson. She's pretty young and doesn't seem to dress with layers and layers of stuff as Jenna usually does. ;-P
ReplyDeleteI would consider AT if their quality is better than JC or BR. As with Closet Crisis, I hope retailers don't lose the quality just to pump out several different versions of ruffles and what not.
Although Ann Taylor has been looking more and more like J. Crew, if you think J. Crew has grounds to get mad at them for copying, J. Crew has been doing a fair amount of "borrowing" from the runway. They've also borrowed Forever 21 quality.
ReplyDeleteI have never paid any attention to Ann Taylor and I doubt I will start now. The only thing I ever bought from them was a cardigan and it was only out of neccessity, because I was cold at work and couldn't run all the way home to get a wrap. Honestly? They have always seemed a bit dowdy,conservative and overpriced.
ReplyDeleteAnn Taylor has better pencil skirts for my figure. Hands down, end of story. I do not and will not buy pencil skirts from J. Crew. They're not as flattering, or as comfortable. AT pencil skirts (particularly the ones that are 90-some-odd percent silk and the rest spandex) come in beautiful prints and patterns, are a wonderful weight and super comfortable, and hug curves like a dream without being vulgar. So they're my go-to for that.
ReplyDeleteI've also gotten some cardigans and jewelry that I really, really like at Ann Taylor. It's never my first choice for a full outfit for whatever reason, but I don't knock it. They have some stylish pieces and terrific sales.
I agree with Electra601. Not only are some of the pieces more flattering, but there are some gorgeous alternatives. I don't see the knock-ff and honestly, they all steal to a degree around the trends, not a particular brand in my mind. I also go to J. Crew first. I always love to look at the styling no matter how out there it has gotten. But other retailers such as Ann Taylor, Talbots have created a great revival of some classics adding a modern edge. If you look closely, you will find that they have brought forth a classic chic we all love and seem to think J. Crew has strayed away from. I do love too that AT is generous with store & online coupons, free shipping and promotions without me feeling like I have to wait and wait and wait like someone else we know! I wouldn't buy from one or the other, but like the great options from both.
ReplyDeleteI look more and more at companies like Ann Taylor and Talbots now...J Crew's quality is no longer dependable for me. I love J Crew for their color offerings, but I am wary now of buying from them for their declining quality.
ReplyDeleteFor me atleast, the cut of many Ann Taylor items doesn't work for my body so J Crew wins for me.
ReplyDeleteBut some competition for J Crew is always a good thing I think, it will keep them from getting in a style rut.
I love both Ann Taylor and LOFT- Lisa Axelson has done a great job in her part in the recent revamp of lines. Considering I also now own a lot of things from there due to their numerous sales and promotions, I can happily say that the quality holds up really well, too.
ReplyDeletegem twin- matronly? While Ann Taylor is definitely the older sister to LOFT, I've never seen my mom rock a leopard print sheath. I wear it often and have a husband that loves it, so- to each their own. ;)
Meredith, I agree and have been posting more toward Talbots and AT lately. One of the reasons I have been buying less JC has been tied to quality. With Talbots in particular, I have never seen their pieces decline in quality. Neither Talbots or AT is matronly in fact the opposite, they always dip their toe toward a seasonal trend but focus on classic staples with a modern twist. And they are reliable! I only wish Talbots would offer the coupon, FS and depth of promotions that AT offers.
ReplyDeleteno news that fashion is copied from one line to another, AT and JC stop wining and come up with something new
ReplyDelete"What has been will be again,
ReplyDeletewhat has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun." Eccl 1:9
I don't care either way who copies who as long as there is something out there that appeals to me when I need it. Competition is a good thing! Having said that, I only look at AT or The Loft when someone mentions a hot item. Then I'm still not interested enough to go to the store or order it online. Then again I'm not as fashionable as alot of these other ladies. I'm comfy casual although I'm starting to wonder if I should consider those pencil skirts everyone raves about.
Sad to see LandsEnd Canvas has added raw-edge chiffon trim to one of their v-neck cardi's. I saw it in the store a week or so ago, and they're advertising it in one of their more recent emails. Let's hope this trend dies a quick death!
I might be the only one who's resisted the crossover in styling at Ann Taylor & AT Loft. I see it in the same way that I see H&M -- for every 100 things they have in the store, I might like one. And then when I try it on, I usually decide not to buy it.
ReplyDeleteMy main beef with AT is that this kind of stuff just isn't their thing. I can't see the merchandise that strays from their core customer as anything more than poor attempts at J Crew knockoffs. The execution is lacking, and the designs seem rushed out onto the floor to compete with similar offerings from JC and other retailers. It lessens my opinion of the brand.
I see the attempts in the stores and they just never quite hit the mark for me. Something always seems a little bit off, a little un-authentic (is that a word?). An embellishment uses tacky lace, or there's a few too many ruffles or sequins, the cut or drape is trendy but unflattering, etc. It's like the styles lack an attentive eye.
I can't really say why I feel this way, but I do. And it's even worse with AT Loft. My big issue with them is fabric. They use a lot of synthetics, which is a shame, because I can't count the things I would have bought if they'd been made in a different fabric.
This post is NOT intended to offend anyone who shops at these stores or likes the merchandise. This is just my personal opinion based on my observations over the past 12-18 months. People have been very touchy lately on the subject of things like this. I'd hate for anyone to think I'm bagging on their taste. The stuff just isn't for me. I'm a hopeless Crewlade addict!
I do buy some shoes (leather soles!) at AT and pencil skirts, that's about it. I have noticed AT and ATL looking Crewish.
ReplyDeleteWhat was most striking to me was the latest Talbots catalogue. From the styling to the poses to the way individual items were presented, it was like opening a J. Crew catalogue. Except not an Edie Beale goes to camp catalogue, a good one. I got a Michael Kors catalogue last week and it was very Crew - big jewelry, sequins, some fur, large handbags, and nothing I could wear to work. LOL!
I think Banana Republic has even hopped on the Crew bandwagon to a certain extent. There are a lot more ruffles than there ever were.
Can't blame the retailers. If it wasn't J. Crew they were copying it would be someone else. They watch to see who is making money and they try to do the same.
AT=budget friendly...'nuff said.
ReplyDeleteI have cashmere sweaters from AT from 10yrs ago, with no pilling whatsoever and their hems are ribbed and not unfinished like jc.
ReplyDeleteLike Pink Maple, my beef with Ann Taylor has always been the fit. Their clothes just aren't cut for my shape. Unless they've changed their fit model recently, *everything* is too tight in the shoulders and too high waisted.
ReplyDeleteI have noticed some significant similarities between J.Crew and Ann Taylor over the last 18 months that can't be denied. AT has also been transitioning to a more fashion forward look just as J.Crew did a few years ago. I never would have worn AT prior to that but Lisa Axelrod has brought a lot of style to the brand that I can afford to wear to work, plus they have had great promotions. I have not had any quality issues with AT. AT Loft sweaters at time yes have not been the greatest and I don't spend a lot of money on Loft items. I have had less problems with AT's jewelry than J.Crews. I have had to return one bracelet 2x due to quality issues and had 3 rings lose stones etc.
ReplyDeleteYes, J.Crew used a lot of ruffles over the past 2 years which was also a major fashion trend that filtered down to H&M and Target. It doesn't own a license on ruffles in fashion.
As nofunmoney stated, J.Crew has been borrowing from the runway, in fact a lot more than most mass merchandise retailers going for "edgier" looks especially with the collection and jewelry. The sequin pants were seen on the runway last February for this fall, as were leopard print which is a fall perennial item.
AT happens to be making leopard prints a signature item which is where it departs with J.crew retail strategy. AT seems to offer the same types of items more consistently with less variation on the styling. AT's color palette is generally more subdued.
I know what some of you gals are saying about AT but I personally don't think their stuff is geared towards older women per se, but more professional woman.
ReplyDeleteOne of you gals mentioned that competition is good, and I totally agree. I don't think there's a prob with retailers inspiring each other to make better pieces and offer awesome deals - we each get to make the final decision on our purchases and choice is good!
I personally like the camis that Loft has been doing this fall, like the twisted neck one with the back zip. The colors are interesting and they are machine washable (yeah, 'cause they're polyester - but that doesn't matter too much to me, especially when I get a good deal on them). They definitely have better promos than JC, and if the quality isn't that great on anything, no matter where it's from... personally, I'd like to pay as little as possible.
ReplyDeleteCount me in as another customer who is a little turned off by Ann Taylor's copying.
ReplyDeleteTotally understand how retailers such as J Crew get inspiration from designers - but the copying that someone on a similar level (Ann Taylor) is doing is blatant (and lame!).
Lately I have been purchasing less of J Crew, but the love has not died.I am more price and quality conscious. I have found some really cute cardigans and scarfs at ON, I am loving LE Canvas for their superb quality and timeless classics (and coupon codes % off and FS) and also Talbots has some cute items. I do believe J Crew has led the way all of their styling is now, but its nice to have price alternatives. Some of J Crew's items are so trendy I'd rather buy it cheap if its going to sit in the closet the next year.
ReplyDeleteJust my .02
AT has:
ReplyDelete- Sweaters that don't fall apart after one wear.
- Stores carry petite sizes.
- Better cardmember perks and rewards.
- Smiling, healthy models in catalogs.
Need I say more?
To those of you that are saying "matronly" and the like, have you been in an AT store lately?
ReplyDeleteWhile it's clear that AT has stole some JC ideas (too many ruffles, pants rolled up, lisa loves), with each new collection they are winning me over. It's a more glamorous look - they have color! And lots of pretty dresses! And jewelry that is fancy, and doesn't look like it came from a flea market. The shoes are pretty but classy, and AT would never say you have ugly feet! lol
The styling maybe a bit JC, but the product isn't. I miss the old Jcrew of structure and style (ohhhh the pencil skirts). I like to dress up - I can go to AT and put together 5 outfits easily that mix and match. I can no longer do that at JC.
I don't like Ann Taylor but... their models/styling are much more appealing.
ReplyDeleteI like to see these "old" brands like AT/Loft, Talbot's, etc. revamping and updating their offerings. As far as AT specifically - I believe that they have better sales and incentives to buy then Crew, and more often. I also found their quality to be FAR superior. I feel that many of AT/AT Loft's looks are more "real life" wearable and something I could actually wear without feeling ridiculous as I would in some of Crew's recent pieces. Obviously all personal opinion. As far as one brand copying another - everything looks the same to me now-a-days, all over embellished!
ReplyDeleteGreat Tasteful Female Ancestor in the Sky reminds me that in her day, sketch pads and those carrying them were barred from Parisian couture shows but it didn't stop US manufacturers from producing ready-to-wear (or better) versions within days of the shows! Trends have a regular cycle: what a surprise -- pinks and navy in the spring, whites in the summer, camels in the fall, green & red in December, black & white in January. To be creative, change the order of rotation. J.Crew did not invent the t-shirt, or the blazer, or the trench, or the ruffle or the sequin.
ReplyDeleteSo I am not giving up on J.Crew, because I believe that the infrastructure is there to produce and distribute a great product. It's just that I'm waiting out this season. Til, um, October?
Really liking Ann Taylor, Loft and Talbots right now. Have bought several items from them. I was drooling over Talbots latest catalog on Sat. just like I used to JCrew's in the good old days. Marking pages for items I want and others for styling ideas. Was really strange to feel this way towards Talbots when I used to feel this way towards JCrew.
ReplyDeleteI don't really care who "copies" J. Crew as they knock off many runway looks. The Dauphine jacket? Jenna didn't come up with that one... It is just the way the industry works.
ReplyDeleteI know what look I am going for and will buy pieces at whatever store has the best quality and price on the type of garments I want. This means I have a mix of AT, BR, JC and some designer pieces. I even have a few pieces from Talbots, but they still need to fix their sizing for the non-petite size 2s.
I don't like Loft much due to their frequent use of poly and acrylic. In general, I find most things there to be cheaply made. Still, I have a couple of their tees that have been fine and my favorite slim jeans were purchased there.
I went throught about a three year period where I was not purchasing anything at Ann Taylor until last fall. I acquired several merino cardigans and a few silk camis and blouses that rival J Crew on style and are much better quality. I also just purchased a pencil skirt and striped tee there that were more flattering and better made than similar options at J Crew and were certainly priced better.
Ann Taylor has made amazing cashmere consistantly over the years. J Crew could take a note on that.
I don't like the Loft because I think the fabrics are very cheap looking. However I have been buying a lot more from AT these days. They offer much better size ranges than JC, and the pieces now have interesting design aspects but are still "clean" and professional for work. JC is becoming so casual and everything is distressed. That's fine for the weekend but not for those of us who have professional jobs. The fabrics are lovely and I have been finding the quality to be very good.
ReplyDeleteI won't say exactly how long ago I started out as a professional, but at the risk of giving myself dinosaur status I'll say it was before big urban law firms accepted business casual, much less trousers on female attorneys. At that time, AT was a great place for young women professionals because it offered something other than cookie-cutter navy suits and floppy-bow blouses, and JC was for sweaters and flannel-lined chinos.
ReplyDeleteLately, notwithstanding my dissatisfaction with JC, I haven't made a major purchase at AT or ATL in years. They send me generous coupons but I just can't get excited about their stuff--more meh than matronly IMO. As for Talbots, I love the new catalog look but when I walk into the store I don't get the same vibe, but I'm hoping for the best--and that I'm not sized out.
Oh, and AT has awesome promotions!!! I have a coupon for next month--40% off if you buy 3 or more FP items.
ReplyDeleteJeanne, try the AT modern fit pants--they sit below the waist (I hate high waisted pants) and are very flattering w/ a nice drape. They are having a pant promo now--$20 off for trying on pants.
ReplyDeleteI have had some success at both AT and LOFT recently, mostly with skirts. I agree with many above who mentioned the terrible fabrics at LOFT -- DO NOT WANT poly or synthetics. The few pieces I do own from each place have held up quite well and the pair of AT pumps I own make my legs look fantastic. I disagree about the model comment though. Ann Taylor was recently featured on Jezebel for its spineless model. And that's not a commentary on her courage; it's because she had been photoshopped so much her proportions made her look like her spine was missing!
ReplyDeleteBut I hate how fashion copies from the top down, and I'm getting really sick of seeing the same thing at store after store. This fall is going to be really easy on my wallet because I'm not excited by much out there. A copy is a copy is a copy whether it's from a design house, an upscale retailer or a mass market merchant.
Oh one more thing -- AT & LOFT may offer a lot of coupons, but their price point is up 25% year over year. So not exactly the steal it's made out to be.
ReplyDeletekitsmommy,
ReplyDeleteYes,to AT cashmere. They had gorgeous cashmere cardigans with beautiful chiffon trim and button for $20 on special end of season. I bought 6 and kept 4 for myself and 2 for gifts. They are holding up well. My first AT purchase ever.
J.Crew clothes look a lot better in person. Just try going into their stores after shopping at J.Crew. Everything at AT looks polyester. . . and most of it is. . .
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cass, but I was actually referring to the fit of their tops and dresses. Maybe short waisted would have been a better description? AT clothes seem to be made for someone with a smaller, more petite frame.
ReplyDeleteI think Elaine articulates it perfectly for me, there is just something "off" when I walk into an Ann Taylor. When I first started buying jackets at J. Crew, it was the short waisted Academy styles I loved, they young and flattering. Ann Taylor, et. al. just seems matronly.
ReplyDeleteI bought a couple of linen tops this summer from Talbots because JC did ONE short sleeve top all summer but that was it from Talbots. Talbots quality is good, no question, and I've found very flattering fitting pants there. The jackets are good but something seems older about them. Looking at the picture of the corduroy jacket IRL photo someone posted, those panels in the front? Not loving it.
Yes, JC knocks off the designers and in bags, blatantly so. That's fine, the trick is knowing which designers to knock off. I like this years offerings. If you read the many posts, we have a lot of the other stuff already. We can't keep rebuying the same styles. So when I watch the the shows like Rag and Bone and Burberry and see the similarity, I'm okay with that since I like them both. They could add more Vince and Marc Jacobs, I'd be good with that!
Ann Taylor knocking of JC knocking off Rag and Bone, etc. is a bit funny.
This thread makes me think of that scene in Devil Wears Prada where Stanley Tucci gives Andie the monologue on why she should care where he sad little J Crew sweater originated. LOL!
ReplyDeleteElaine, too true! Here is the Fall Rag & Bone show. Tell me you don't see a similar theme.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/F2010RTW-RBONE
Did AT knock off Rag and Bone? Judging by the styling and models, no, they knocked off JC knocking off Rag & Bone. That is lame. They couldn't tell which trends to mimic. It's like looking at someone's test paper.
Hexicon -
ReplyDeleteI think we're the same "vintage," I remember those days as well and had lots of Ann Taylor pieces that I loved. I just can't get very excited about it anymore, though. I may buy a couple of pieces there in a season, but generally I just don't think their offerings are as interesting as J. Crew's. And, I generally don't like AT's weekend offerings much.
References to AT models being "healthy" are misplaced. AT was in the news for their "overzealous" re-touching. So much so that their models look completely unnatural and sick. I'm pretty sure that JC also retouches its photos, but at least I've never looked at a JC model and said, boy, she looks like a bubble head doll.
ReplyDeletehttp://jezebel.com/5605608/ann-taylor-we-agree-our-retouching-has-been-overzealous
Used to shop at AT and ATL about three years ago for classic items for work as I was more budget conscious. However, got tired of their polyester and rayon...Then I stopped shopping there. Not sure if this has changed by now.
ReplyDeleteAT may knock off J Crew all they want, but they just keep missing the mark, in fit (sizing on the shoulders & bust is too tight, pencil skirts aren't as flattering as JC's), fabric (I love JC's vintage prints & fabrics from that secret Italian mill- haha), color (meh, even the bright colors lack JC's nuanced sophisticated shades) and styling (come on, enough w/ruffles & cardis already, AT).
ReplyDeleteHaving said that, I'm pretty bored w/JC's offerings this fall. How about some designs inspired by Isabel Marant & Dries Van Noten for a change? Or give us some great Donna Karan tailoring -- feminine without over-embellishments & ruffles.
Actually, I wish retailers would quit copying each other and offer variety in styles, not variations of the same boring gathered/ruched/ruffled/sequined/studded junk.
I remember years ago when AT used to make fabulous suits out of great quality tropical wool and wool crepes. It was an investment to buy the suit but the amount of wear I would get out of those suits was unbelievable compared to today’s offering. I still buy occasional pieces at AT & ATL but have to say that over the last couple of years I feel like I've seen it all the previous year at JC – kinda’ like shopping at the outlet mall. And in true outlet mall style, the price point for the AT items (ATL especially) is within $5 - $10 dollars of the full priced JC item from last season. As a special bonus, the fabric content tag indicates polyester is queen for this knock-off, similarly priced, lower quality fabric item. How lucky can I get?!?
ReplyDeleteI miss the days when my clothing dollars were spent not on high quality fabrics whose wearability far surpassed my interest in keeping the item. Now I seem to be buying throwaway items that I hope to wear for a couple of years before they fall apart. It has been at least five years since I purchased a white or pastel tee that I didn’t have to layer a tank under so as not to give a free peep show. If I can sweat it out in the heat of summer in a tee layered over a tank, can’t they just weave the darn t-shirt cotton a little thicker so I don’t have to double up on my clothing?
I do find it hilarious that the designers and creative directors at mass retailers like JC and AT are even given such job titles along with kudos for their creativity or unique design skills when so much of what they sell is a knock-off. Just admit you are copying higher cost fashion and bringing it to a larger market at a more affordable price –makes me wonder who JC copied the infamous bug pin from!
In fairness, I think designers at all price points have this “copying” issue. It seems too coincidental when twenty high-end designers all simultaneously came up with runway shows where “brown is the new black”, “the shirtdress is back”, “cargos are going skinny”, etc, etc?
My view of Ann Taylor was always slanted by this from the DC Madam:
ReplyDeleteHer name is Jeane Palfrey and over the course of 13 years, she says she fielded thousands of calls from some of Washington's most prominent men.
Men who answered ads for what was known as Pamela Martin and Associates, offering sophisticated, college-educated, attractive women.
Jeane Palfrey: I always defined it as "the Ann Taylor look." I wanted to make sure that they had that certain look. That they could walk into the Hay-Adams, for example, and not be questioned.
It was as upscale as it could be, and the business thrived.
http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/2020/story?id=3141213&page=1
I know it has nothing to do with their styles today, it's just an association I have since I saw that interview on TV.
Marison, I have to agree with you on the "designers" credit. The interview with the Rag & Bone designers said
ReplyDelete"They took their inspiration, they explained, from the "crazy English guys who climbed Mount Everest in the twenties in tweed."
Sounds a bit like the Edie Beale goes to camp, doesn't it?
I like the Rag & Bone show a lot and they have a ton of very nice pieces if you ignore the long fringed scarves and capes. There are a lot of very nice pieces there and the styling is over the top fun. I "get" why JC took inspiration from that (to say the least).
But are they designers? Not exactly. Rag & Bone are, but we can't afford their prices!
Okay, so just for y'all, during my lunchtime Crewse I stopped in at both AT and ATL, just to see if I could prove myself wrong.
ReplyDeleteI did not.
I still felt the same as I stated earlier. I saw a thin little tissue tank on the sale rack at AT that was so heavy with beading that the front was sagging.
Saw a crewneck tee with a folded ribbon embellishment (still FP) near the front of the store that looked like it could have been pulled out of JC's inventory. Same with an ivory top that reminded me so much of the VIntage Canvas Bow Tank that I did a double-take. And a TOTAL ripoff of the Perfect Fit Cascade Ruffles Tee.
Saw a mini fireball necklace and the tag said $75. Zoinks! Pass.
Went into ATL and was immediately accosted by an overly caffeinated SA who shrieked "I JUST LOVE YOUR OUTFIT!" [Of course I was in my usual head to toe JC, lol -- busted matchsticks, camel striped bateau tee and snowball necklace.]
I flitted through the store looking and touching and just didn't see anything interesting. I saw a tragic moto jacket made in the spirit of the downtown field jacket, but again, the fabric choice ruined it. It was like a ribbed, almost velvety cotton. Just .... eww. Saw some ribbed tanks that had a ruffly bib front and would have been cute, except for the ribbing and the fact that the ruffles were made of iridescent fabric.
Newp. I'm stickin' to my original opinion.
Retail chains all knock-off top designers and all retail chains seem to have their moment when they are the "it" brand to buy. I think that ship has sailed for J. Crew. The quality is mediocre at best, the colors are boring and limited, and everything is made in China, so nothing about J. Crew is even reminiscent to its hey-day (2006, 2007). I don't love AT, but I certainly buy a lot more there than I do at J.Crew, not just because of cost. And Talbots now looks like J. Crew did in its hey-day: great colors, great patterns, cute styles, YOUNG, but sophisticated. J crew outfits look like hobo-wear and its models ARE too thin. Maybe my fashion palette isn't very refined, but I know what I like and I don't like much at J. Crew anymore.
ReplyDeleteHere's a classic question:
ReplyDeleteWould Talbots or Ann Taylor ever have made the MacAlister Wedge Boot or the Langford Platform Oxford or the Ares Platform sandal? Nope. Those Talbot ladies would keel over first.
Yes they are "inspired" by Marc Jacobs and Chloe, but it's knowing who to be inspired by. For AT, it's another retailer.
I'll take JC!
You know the ruffle thing is going to end. Celine under Phoebe PHilo is such a big hit and Jenna was asked to justify her Edie Beale Girl Scout vision at the JCrew Fall 2010 launch last spring considering the Celine success. Check Alexis post on it or check the blog Habitually Chic. So if JCrew starts to look more sleek & minimal we'll know she copied Celine. But considering the design/production times we won't see that until Fall 2011 or Spring 2012. I was asked to do an interesting survey for Lands End Canvas -- evaluating pictures of different items & looks. I requested no more ruffles as they are starting to get ruffly over at Canvas.
ReplyDeleteI think I definitely need to pay some closer attention to AT. I am really disappointed with that last few roll-outs from JCrew...too many short skirts, Minnie pants, and strange platform shoes and booties. I think the love affair with JC has ended and I need to find a replacement...
ReplyDeleteI like to be in America!
ReplyDeleteO.K. by me in America!
I can shop where I want in America
Though everything’s from China in America
Ruffles and sequins in America,
Donegal tweed in America,
Ribbon-trimmed shirts in America,
Very big choice in America!
Shopper goes to America,
Many stores in America;
Nobody’s forced in America
To shop where they don’t like in America!
I like the stores of America!
J.Crew and AT are in America!
Freedom of choice in America,
Wall-to-wall clothes in America!
LOFT and Crew have definately started to look a little similar. What I like about this, is that I can wear items from both brands together without diluting the effect. Sometimes J.Crew's tops are too narrow and long for me, and LOFT has a similar item with a better fit.
ReplyDeleteWhat dissappoints me about both brands is the consistent decline in quality of fabric more so with J.Crew than LOFT. I have a cardi from 1994 from J.Crew that is a wool/cashmere mix that has yet to start pilling, and a cardi from 2 years ago that is coming close to being beyond the help of a pilling comb- what is going on with quality component?? I am more than willing to pay the prices J.Crew asks, but only if they use the superior materials to execute their elegant designs. I agree with other commenters here- LOFT is a better value for price vs. quality ratio.
Boy, I've missed a lot on this blog by actually working today. I am in total agreement with Elizabeth and Elaine...something just off about AT.
ReplyDeleteAnd it's exactly what Elizabeth was saying but I just didn't realize it: they've mimicked J Crew but they don't know what or why. A copy of a copy of a copy ain't good.
And to me Talbots is just too east coast conservative. I realize J Crew has built their brand on east coast upper crust preppy looks. But there's always a twist. If Vampire Weekend was a store, they'd be J Crew...and I love me some Vampire Weekend.
I actually took a look at the Talbots website last night to see if they had gone through some huge transformation. Alas, I couldn't see it. I'm sorry, I'm just not Laura Bush.
La Belle, thank you for the poetry slam. Too easy to forget that we can keep looking.
ReplyDeletePatsyStone, I think you're on to something: the twigs, the wrappy things, the destroyed fabrics, tarnished jewelry, fur & feathers... Prep for the undead?
Ha! Vampire Weekend is a band--I should have explained. I wasn't actually comparing JC's styling to a horror movie or something!
ReplyDeleteRight, just sent my poor brain off on a tangent, and the more I think about it.....
ReplyDeleteOT: (not about AT or Loft) BUT I am loving Talbots. I have no idea why people think their clothing is matronly--truly!!!! confused by that comment. I have worn various items from Talbots in my 20's and 30's and now nearing the big 40 still like them. However, I would only buy 3-4 pieces and 2 or 3 accessories each season. This year past 10 months I have gone Talbots nuts and bought a ton. Basically, all my JCrew dollars are now going to them! Plus, their scravs and accessories cannot be beat on super sale and the quality to die for!
ReplyDeleteEven if you like Ann Taylor's new look, don't you think its a little dishonest? As a J. Crew fan, AT's copy-catting makes me want to buy more J Crew, because I will never buy from a dishonest and unoriginal brand like them. Even if you do like their new look though and don't mind supporting their dishonesty, do you not all agree that J. Crew is a much, much better quality than AT or LOFT could ever be?
ReplyDeleteOh, please. I don't agree that it is either dishonest or better quality. I have about 15 items that I have purchased from Ann Taylor since last fall. Other than the fact that some of the items have ruffles and blingy buttons, the items don't look like J Crew items or even variations on J Crew garments. I don't like things like the Loft blouses that were obvious knockoffs of the Victoria but Ann Taylor has some great pieces.
ReplyDeleteI purchased one of the ruffled front cashmere cardis that Genny mentioned that was more original than any cashmere cardi that J Crew put out last fall and it still looks like new almost a year later. I also have a silk charmeuse cami with an asymetrical neckline and sweeping ruffles that is amazing and they actually finished the edges of the ruffles. It didn't look like the Evie, but it did make the Evie look like junk by comparison.
Everything I have purchased has been high quality cashmere, merino, silk and wool and no poly, other than on some linings (and J Crew lines with poly frequently, too). And in spite of being worn and cleaned frequently, no garment has pilled, developed holes, lost buttons, faded, etc. Wish I could say the same about my J Crew purchases in the last year. As much as I love some of them still, a lot of them look shabby.
Anyway, this isn't an all or nothing. There isn't anything wrong with being a fan of more than one store. But I still think J Crew still makes the best coats and jackets ever.
If you don't like a particular brand, don't shop there. Seems pretty simple to me. Obviously, if AT and ATL are more successful, they are doing something right. And maybe they're not pulling the J. Crew audience. Maybe they're making converts out of Chico's or Coldwater Creek shoppers and really, isn't that doing us all a favor?! :-)
ReplyDeleteLawyerette here, concurring with the opinions that Ann Taylor has too much polyester and rayon. Natural fabrics is one of the big reasons I shop at J.Crew.
ReplyDeleteHere's a great example. This AT shirt, maybe a dupe for the new Tulipe cami:
http://www.anntaylor.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=26436&defaultColorNameFromCrosell=Sea%20Salt
But made of rayon while the Tulipe is made of silk. $98 vs. $48 - but worth it to me to have a natural fabric. If I'm going to buy plastic, I might as well go to Wet Seal.
kitsmommy,
ReplyDeleteGlad you got the same wonderfully made Ann Taylor cashmere cardigan last year too! Someone on this blog posted about what a deal it was and I appreciate that greatly. It looked NOTHING like anything JCrew put out and it did not pill on me either.
Other thoughts on this topic for all:
All of JCrew's jackets and blazers are lined in poly so nothing to write home about. Even their collection pieces that run in the several hundred dollar range are polyester lined.
Personally, some poly silk tops/blouses can be just as nice if not better wearing than silk IMO. Plus, no dry cleaning which is bad for the environment--even though I know there are environment friendly dry cleaners around...anything I can wash at home with having kids around at work and home is fine by me:)
The handwash cycle on my washer is the best thing ever. I rarely take anything to the drycleaner anymore. And beacuse of that, I have more money to spend on clothes ... wheeeeeeeeee! :-P
ReplyDeletenomoneyfun - "They've also borrowed Forever 21 quality." -- That was funny. F21 is now doing silk for $35 and less. Ruffle silk camis from $17.80. They've upped their game from poly in some items.
ReplyDeleteElaine - I agree w/you about Loft fabrics. I like the designs of many things. I don't even have to look at the label to know which things are polyester. I can feel it.
La Belle Helene - West Side Story! I'm with ya. ;-)
Great post, as usual. Interesting, well-informed comments, as usual! Thrilled by those feeling the fresh air at Talbots. The store environments, yeah, they need some work... that's a big check to write. But the product is there. The design team has done an excellent job infusing freshness while not abandoning their classic, charming and quality-obsessed roots. Just happy to be on your radar, even if the signal is still weak for some of you at this point!
ReplyDeleteKeep watching...
http://redchairconfessions.com/