You’ve probably already heard about/seen the stylish re-branding of Ann Taylor that hit stores in time for fall shopping. But just in case… new Senior Vice President of Design, Lisa Axelson (formerly behind the designs at Club Monaco), has delivered a chic fall lineup that’s still work appropriate but in a much better way (no more boxy suits or shapeless tea-length skirts, thankfully). But what you may not know is Ann Taylor’s stock is up 90% since being added to the “Americas Buy” list on July 22 according to Goldman Sachs analyst Michelle Tan (Crain’s New York). The stylish finance nerd in me is excited to see what happens next… will the new Ann Taylor continue to shock and awe, or is this simply a momentary (albeit, noteworthy) glimpse at what might be a worthwhile investment? While Ann Taylor’s not usually part of my fashion portfolio, I’ve got my eye on these potential additions:
I love the detailing on the sleeves and I’m pretty sure I wore last year’s black sweater dress to death… It’s an easily justifiable purchase – seamlessly goes from day-to-night and the accessory options are endless.
I can’t stand boring (read plain, black) suits, but this look definitely has some character – the styling is great and the shorter length on the skirt really works for my vertically challenged stature.
Because I’m kinda going through a “I’m gonna wear a boyfriend blazer over everything” phase… I’m a fan of the pinstripe lining on this dark charcoal number and the fact that it comes in petite sizes!
In other fashion meets finance news, already legendary Warren Buffett, Berkshire Hathaway’s chairman and chief executive, recently gave props to the relatively unknown menswear label Trands (of the Dayang Group) appearing in a promotional video on the company’s website on September 10th… and of course their stock’s up more than 70% since then (WSJ). Buffett claims he went 78 years without getting a compliment on his appearance (until he started wearing Tands suits, of course) but currently has no ownership in the the company. Buffett’s been called the “Oracle of Oklahoma” but could he be an oracle of style?
