This post is sponsored by Ann Taylor, but written by your regular friendly blogger Kat.
Happy Thanksgiving! Ann Taylor is kicking off Thanksgiving with some great sales, including 50% off everything. They’ve also got a ton of new arrivals that are perfect for work and beyond; some of my favorites are below.
At top: I also love these blouses — they look cool but professional at the same time: black / light blue / navy — they’re $69.50-$89.50 full price, all available in regular and petite sizes XXS-XXL.
Some of my fall workwear favorites :
 I always love these kinds of t-shirts — they’re machine washable, go with everything (casual to formal) — and they’re a lot nicer than your regular t-shirt. I’m always a fan of the elbow-sleeve length beneath blazers, but note that the top also comes in a long-sleeved style. (If you prefer a heavier weight material, there’s a very similar elbow-sleeve boatneck in ponte (note that the ponte version is dry clean only).) The pictured shirt is $34.50 full price, available exclusively online in four colors, sizes XXS-XXL. Stretch Cotton Boatneck |
 Merino wool cardigans (and sweaters in general) are among my favorites — they hold their shape better and are a TON warmer than cotton, yet they’re thinner and more durable than cashmere. This merino wool boyfriend cardigan looks gorgeous, is really well-reviewed, and is almost sold out in mauve, which says a lot. I’ve pictured a nice “shale gray,” but there are a ton of sizes left in the other four colors it comes in — sizes XXS-XXL, full price at $79.50. Merino Wool Boyfriend Cardigan |
 Ooooooooh: I love these suede tassel pumps, full priced at $138. They’re available in navy and “iron grey” suede, and something about the angles of this have me drooling. They’re available in sizes 5-11. Adalaide Suede Tassel Pumps |
 I’m a big fan of the “festive blazer” to wear to staff office parties (and to throw on top of jeans and dresses for other events), and this diamond textured single button blazer looks like a great one for just that purpose. (This floral jacquard blazer is also nice.) The blazer is $169 full price, available in sizes 00-18 in regular and petite. Diamond Textured Single Button Blazer |
 This triacetate seamed sheath dress looks all sorts of perfect. I love the tailored, fitted look the seams give in the front, and the work-appropriate length, combined with the classic style. It’s available online exclusively, sizes 00-18, priced at $169 full price. Triacetate Seamed Sheath Dress |
| Ann Taylor has a TON of great options for party dressing, also — pictured below: sequin skirt / gold jacquard dress / lace peplum top / velvet bow clutch  |
Thank you so much to Ann Taylor for sponsoring this post!
(L-all)
Frantic friday
What items (and holiday presents) are you planning to snatch up this holiday weekend? Let us know of great deals you find.
For me, I’m going to get…
Cashmere throw/scarf from Talbots (thanks for rec on this site!)
and I’m hoping the Amazon Echo Dot will have some sort of special deal, since I am buying them for all of my family.
Frantic friday
Forgot to mention the deals…
The Talbots cashmere scarf is 50% off (one item).
The Amazon ECHO Dot is about $50, but I will probably buy 3 or 4, and then I will get $20 off. Hoping they will have a bigger discount posted tomorrow…
Frantic friday
The Amazon Dot just went down to $39.99!!
Auntie
Any recs for gifts for an 11 year old girl? I realize I can’t get her books anymore, as she has read everything.
For fun, she plays the violin, does martial arts, and is a little crafty.
Also, what is this age group into clothes-wise?
I’d love to find her a book(s) that are age appropriate topically, but a bit more sophisticated than all of the fantasy books that she loves to read.
Thanks.
TorontoNewbie
Why can’t you still get her books? If she likes fantasy, look at a level of fantasy that’s a bit more sophisticated than her current level but are still age appropriate. Ideally also ones that have strong female characters / written by women IMHO. Some suggestions as to books that I was reading around that age or still love but are written for a young-adult audience:
Anne McCaffrey – start with DragonFlight
Tamora Pierce – Alanna: The First Adventure and Sandry’s Book from the Circle of Magic series
Harry Potter if she hasn’t already read them
Lois McMcaster Bujold – maybe, if she’s a strong reader. Start with the Warrior’s Apprentice.
Mercedes Lackey – Arrows of the Queen
The Hobbit / The LOTR
Ray Bradbury – Fahrenheit 451
Robin McKinley – The Hero and the Crown
TorontoNewbie
Also: Terry Pratchett – The Wee Free Men.
Auntie
Thanks for these suggestions. She has read all of the Harry Potter/Hobbit/LOTR type books years ago and now just plows through every series. I will check to see if she has read any of the ones you mentioned, most of which I am not familiar with.
I have been debating getting her more mature books, but also feel like kids grow up too soon. I was debating Ray Bradbury, but thought it might be too dark, but I’m sure she has read all of the Hunger Games which are not very “light”…
Do you think this age is too early for autobiography of Helen Keller of maybe Diary of Anne Frank? I can’t remember when I read them…. I’ve decide to steer away from all of the Anne of Green Gables, Pride and Prejudice etc.., as well as Nancy Drew, as I feel they are not great role models for girls/young women.
Anonymous
See mightygirl dot com for a wonderful gift list for both boys and girls
Auntie
Couldn’t find a girls gift list per se…. You mean the scattered lists she has? A recent one you saw? Thanks.
ck
My brother is hard to buy for.
He really enjoys hiking/outdoor explorations, and I think has been a member of Sierra club for years and has gone on their trips. Any other memberships or little conveniences that might be useful for him?