LOFT’s Alia Ahmed-Yahia Tells Us Her Summer Must Have

The Fabulous Report loves LOFT and we know you do too.  A little over week go (January 26), I  attended a preview for the summer collection at Industria Studio.  As always the collection was superb and classic needless to say, I loved it and so did apparently a lot of bloggers. Many of whom are now being accused of violating FTC rules and of course this left many bloggers up in arms and are accusing Jezebel with poor reporting practices. YIKES.

I  was genuinely pleased with the collection– no bribes for me here.  Though, I did receive a $10 gift card, watch out LOFT here I come– want to join me, in a spending spree?  Going once…Seriously! That said, rather than rave about the collection, I decided to do something different and contacted LOFT Senior Fashion Director Alia Ahmed-Yahia. I asked the fashion director for her take on the absolute must have for the summer from the collection.   You really are going to enjoy what she picked; plus, what’s better than a  “stylist” to help you pick pieces than the director herself?   The selections range in price from  $12.50 for a Raffia pins to $98 for a Sailing Ferns dress (my favorite).  There’s something for every budget.  Sadly, you will have to wait till May for the collection to hit stores so mark your calendars.

Alia’s MUST-Have LOFT Picks for Summer

- Oversized Bag – Summer is the easiest season of the year to pull off oversize printed bags. I’m loving large scale zebra prints for summer. LOFT’s large metallic neutral zebra tote is perfect to wear to work and is large enough to pack it for a quick weekend trip! (Zebra print tote $59.50 )

- A Graphic Printed Dress - I love LOFT’s sailing ferns maxi dress.  It can be worn to the beach or dressed up with some statement jewelry for a night out. (Sailing ferns dress $98)

- Raffia Pins in neutral colors- They instantly add interest to any basic look!  And can be worn in a variety of ways – on a scarf,  a brown braided belt, or even to accessorize a basic sandal.  (Raffia pins – small 12.50, large 14.50)

- Lightweight Anorak in Green – It’s my replacement for the summer cardigan. You can dress it up for a cold office environment by wearing over a floaty dress and adding a hard leather brown belt over the  jacket. (Anorak $79.50)

- Jeweled Metallic Flats- I especially love pairing these with a short for a more casual look.  (Jeweled flats $69.50)

- Jeweled Bib Necklaces.  They provide an instant uplift to an easy summer knit dress. (Jeweled bib necklace $44.50)

Images  below courtesy of LOFT.

See the choices in pictures…

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Loft Spring Summer ’10 Collection Preview

Last night, I attended the press preview for the newest “Loft” collection by Ann Taylor that will begin hitting stores in February.  Having gone to the “Holiday“  collection at The Cooper Square hotel, I had an idea as to what to expect but I must say I was blown away this collection.  The presentation and styling was just excellent as everything seem to fall into place. I loved just about every piece and much more personal style when compared to the more grown up Ann Taylor.

The preview was held at Blancet Flower Shop in the trendy meatpacking district and it lead to a wonderful ambiance that I really needed after running around. Upon entering the flower shop I was greeted with a glass of bubbly and the experience only got better.  This collection is completely practical with a huge selection of everyday classic pieces to add your collection.

Now for my favorites.

I completely adored this waist length crop cream blazer.

and this sharp white ruffle shirt.

So don’t be surprise if some of the pieces show up on my fab find. I am just saying.

That I said I know you want to look at the collection so I got you.  More pictures after the jump.

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Loft 2009 Holiday Collection

Last week, I had the privilege of attending the Loft new Holiday Collection preview event. The preview collection was held at one of my favorite event spaces in New York City the Cooper Square Hotel Rooftop because of its amazing views of the city. The weather could not have been more perfect for such an intimate yet welcoming crowd.

The bubbly was flowing and the collection on fall display made for an excellent evening. And, for me a great learning experience about LOFT.   You see, I’ve always had this perception of Ann Taylor clothing  as being for the very business oriented women. You know the ones who are not really allowed to play with fashion because their jobs demand that wear very corporate attire; or, for the older women who opt for classic comfort over current style. My personal style doesn’t fit with either of these type of women.  So I very rarely ever considered LOFT as a place to pick up perfect stables pieces to add my collection. But, I was I really impressed with what I saw

This new collection is far from the “momsy collection” while we love moms but we don’t want dress like them, sorry Mom.  Anyways, the holiday collection is fun, girly, stylish, affordable and best of all you can find a great collection of staples pieces that you can wear or use for seasons to come. I already have my eye on a couple pieces.

Upon my departure I received  a very lovely bracelet and a look book of the collection courtesy of  LOFT. YEAH, what’s not like about that? Below, pictures of the event.

Cheers, Lorna

Pictures from the collection.

Ann Taylor