UPDATE: Thank you "lollipop" for sharing code 51100001016 which gives -could it be?- a whopping extra 30% off (regular-priced items only, total must be $100 or more), stack-able with the 40% off everything. I love my caring, sharing readers!I picked up the Perfect Patent Pump ($65 after coupon - this is the best price you're going to get on AT's classic black pump) and the Leopard Haircalf Pumps ($83 after coupon). Yes, I'm addicted, but I wear these every day. FYI, I've ordered the patent before and they run a smidge snugger than regular leather. I still ordered my usual AT shoe size, though.
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Now through this weekend - take 40% off everything at Ann Taylor again, in-stores and online, no code needed. If you donate $25 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, you get a in-store discount card or online code ATCARES for an extra, stackable 20% off (25% off, using your AT/LOFT card) every purchase of $100+ until November 15th.
This reader brings up a point that I rarely notice when shopping. I responded that although the ads may not be ethnically diverse, Ann Inc. was one of the biggest supporters of petite women (amongst retailers), both on the blogosphere and also through their extensive petite offerings in stores. This morning, though, I did take note of today's ad:
Readers - Do you patronize / not patronize retailers based on their business decisions surrounding things like ethics and diversity?
It depends on how deep the context is!:)
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't stop myself from shopping if its just because they dont have asians models though! If they are racist then thats different story!
I saw your blog post title and was like, WHAT does she mean by this? Lol. I'm a marketing project manager and when we cast models for photoshoots, we DO consider this, and we do include Asian models.
ReplyDeleteThe use of models doesn't affect me though. I was very intimidated the first time I walked into an Ann Taylor but EVERY single time I've gone in, their associates have treated me as a welcome customer. They greet me, they ask me if I need help, start fitting rooms, make recommendations...always above and beyond for me so THAT makes me a loyal customer, not who they use in their campaigns. Banana Republic on the other hand...I have felt discriminated at. And their employees just aren't that friendly and helpful. There was a particular incident that left a bad taste in my mouth and I stopped going there for YEARS. Their sister stores, GAP and Old Navy I've never had issues at so maybe it was just that one employee, but it was an awful experience and one that left me cringing at the mention of BR. :)
I can be put off a bit by the lack of ethnicity/diversity, I only shove it aside if I'm treated well.
ReplyDeleteThe woal coat is TDF, it's gorgeous!! Sadly I can't invest in a coat now, I had to buy belts (4) and blouses (2) and a cowl neck sweater. My doggy ate all my belts but ONE grey patent AT belt...so I never look right, haha.
I really wanted the Perfect Leather Pump in Toffee, but it's sold out. I had no idea AT offered that color at all! Ugh...until next time!
What an interesting observation! Just like you, I don’t really pay much attention to the use of models. Ann Taylor Factory is also having additional 40% off the entire store plus 15% off bonus (coupon sent via email) this weekend.
ReplyDeleteI was eyeing the trench yesterday. For some reasons, I had a feeling that they’re going to have 40% off promotion today. Sadly, the trench is gone completely from AT’s site :(
Hooray for stackable codes! :D
ReplyDelete@Janine - I wanted the toffee color as well, but I just missed it! I saw it in my size, and then suddenly it disappeared. Oh well...
I think the A&F brand racial discrimination lawsuit deterred me from shopping at A&F brand stores for a few years. Well that combined with what I feel are high prices for low quality clothing. I think most shoppers are more concerned with quality of customer service and items sold.
I only go by fit - and sometimes price. No retailer likes short, fat and pale caucasians :(
ReplyDeleteI noticed that AT is selling AT Cares Cards for the 20% off $100 promo in support of Breast Cancer Research... therefore the code was meant for those who donated to get the card. I love a discount as much as anyone, but it seems to cheat $25 out of going to charity if you didn't donate. Perhaps AT should have used a unique code to prevent this, but just feel a little weird now that I know I didn't donate to get the code. Just my honest opinion and am not trying to point fingers at anyone!
ReplyDeleteJean - I found someone wearing the boots online. http://vickysdailyfashion.blogspot.com/2011/09/ootd-lots-of-olive-fur-and-riding-boots.html
ReplyDeleteShe got them for $30 off last season! I like the look of the boots but I feel like you and I can find a better boot for ~$150 somewhere else that has a tighter fit from the ankle to the top of the calf.
*I mean $30 not $30 off
ReplyDeleteOh man, no I don't really pay attention to stuff like that especially when it comes to clothing. While I think it's important for diversity in every industry i don't have it in my head that they are purposefully choosing NOT to incorporate other cultures in their ads. I would assume a lot of times they have measurements they send out to the modelling agencies and they send over who best fits.
ReplyDeleteI actually think it's more important to show diversity in beauty campaigns as for me this actually makes a difference in the way I identify with the brand.
Oh interesting observation! Ive actually never paid attention to them as they or any other retailer seldom use Indian models!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I truly love your blog and love the fact that you always share the sales and coupons with us. Thanks again!!!!! xoxo
ReplyDeletethanks for all the sales tips!
ReplyDeleteI love when you inform us of all the great sales. Sometimes I don't have the time to go to the mall or go on these retailers direct website and just coming here just does it all for me. :) Thank you.
ReplyDelete**Am I the only one that can't use my blogger login to write comments? I always have to use the "name/url" option... hmmm..
I noticed they started using more Asian models in the last couple of seasons.. subtle change but it's there.
ReplyDeleteOn another note, LOFT has a coupon code PETITEAFF25, that you can use to get 25% off your entire order if you purchase any full price Petite item!! expires 10/11. It's basically a petite only offering!! yay!!
Jean, I keep coming back to your blog because you always provide such helpful fashion/fitting advice and sales codes and coupons (ie, H&M!!). Thanks!! :)
I've never really paid attention if the model was Asian or not. But being in-between petite and regular size, I'm a loyal Ann Taylor fan because they usually have petite or regular sizes for one style.
ReplyDeleteI'm an online shopper so I wish Ann would have free shipping for every $50 purchase like all the other stores.
I do pay attention. Since I am voting with my wallet each time I buy something. Companies [esp. the high end labels] are using Asian models more because of China's [increasing] purchasing power. Follow the money.
ReplyDeleteYes, I notice the models but not for ethnic reasons, but more so the size. I compare the model's size to me because how it looks on her may not look the same on me due to our size difference. Also, how the model is posing matters to me too because they sometimes "cheat" by leaning a certain way to make the clothing seem more fitted and just make it look better so people will be attracted to it and buy it. Other than that, YEY 40%off is back! Hope my sizes are still available.
ReplyDelete51100001016 for stackble extra 30% off!!
ReplyDeleteThere are so many bigger things to worry about ethically than the race of the models. You can see how Ann stacks up at goodguide: http://www.goodguide.com/products/340617-ann-taylor
ReplyDeleteThey're doing well enough that I still buy things from AT, but they aren't my first choice. I've given up JCrew and Anthroplogie, and abandoned Forever 21 several year ago.
Interesting point... I would be overjoyed if retailers used petite models for petite clothes so ordering online wouldn't be such a guessing game. But I understand that given modern beauty standards tall and slender bodies tend to look good with most clothing. And the fact is that most Asian women tend to be petite so I'm not bothered by their lack of Asian/minority models. What does bug me is JCrew's sale items which are not modeled by anyone lol.
ReplyDeleteI don't understand why people are bothered by the lack of diversity with models. Regardless of what their ethnic background is, they're all tall and very slim. So they don't "look" like me in any way. Besides, it's about the product, not who wears the product.
ReplyDeleteI agree with R.L. about preferring Petite models for petite clothing. Its been several years now that I've shopped at anntaylor.com and have seen a variety of models...Blacks, Hispanics, Asians, Indians...so no AnnTaylor certainly not racist... but its good to see that younger generations like yourselves are giving such things a thought.
ReplyDelete@My Dressy Ways
ReplyDeleteReally? BananaRepublic's clothing is targeted mostly to Asian figures...so I am very surprised about your experience. My MIL (caucasian) and me (Indian) have tried to shop their several times with no luck. On the other hand my SIL (Asian) shops only at BR and looks great in their clothes.
I wanted ask you what you guys thing about wide pants from Ann Taylor for petite women. I m under 5 feet tall and out looking for camel pants but gap and Ann have only wide. Will they make me look shorter?
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletethe extra 30% coupon doesn't work!!!!!! argh.
ReplyDeleteYour subtotal has to be more than $100, otherwise 30% off coupon does not work. I just used it, it works.
ReplyDeletethanks for letting us know of the sale. i don't always check my e-mails so this was great to know. i picked up a sweater and was able to use my rewards card too which was great with the 40% off.
ReplyDeletein regards to your question, i don't pay too much attention to the models' ethnicity but i do pay attention to a business' ethics.
I don't shop at certain stores depending on their business ethics reputation. I haven't set foot in a Hollister, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Aeropostale in years.
ReplyDeleteI agree, it's important to have diversity. Check out the 16th Bar for petite clothing.
ReplyDeletehttp://the16thbar.com/
wow! THANK YOU!!I LOVE ann taylor but I can never afford any of their stuff at full price. I got 8 items for $165!!
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU MUCH FOR THE CODE - I love your blog!:)
ReplyDeleteHeartbroken for this Sale... )= Was about to order the Crossing Paths Print Skirt and Perfect Leather Pump in black, no 00P and sz5 left... Major heartbroken.
ReplyDeleteI did notice that Ann Taylor/Loft, GAP (most of the time), and BR (most of the time) didn't use Asian models, but I think growing up seeing mainly only white women, I got so used to it that I didn't realize it until you mentioned it now.
ReplyDeleteThis was about 13 years ago, but the reason for few Asian models at that time was...there were barely any! My friend's mom, who had both daughters modeling, talked to the her kid's agent, and the agent said they actually needed more Asian model kids, especially boys. They just were having a tough time getting them. Both of the daughters are Asian and they had no trouble at all getting shoots, though I don't know if it had to do with being Asian. I actually modeled for a very short time and still had no trouble getting shoots. I was honestly a plain-looking kid with a terrible smile, too, lol! Again, dunno if it had to do with being Asian, but I was at least a very well-behaved model (some model kids could be real brats).
ReplyDeleteBasically, from learning this, there's a chance that a lack of diversity in models isn't due to racism, but due to not being able to find different ethnic models. Loft actually uses an Asian model often, though I believe it's the same one over and over. By no means am I booting out the racism theory, as I'm sure it happens, but I thought it would be good to bring another perspective.
Thank you! I just picked up a number of sweaters, a dress and belts from this sale.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! I wasn't planning to shop, but could not resist the stackable codes! Just got a sweater dress, a sweater, a blouse and a scarf for $175. Thanks again!!!
ReplyDeleteArlene
Thanks! I picked up my two "major purchases of the season" that I had listed out for fall/winter! [Classic, quality, leather riding boots & new black wool coat-mine is 9 years old] I ordered the riding boots, as well as the Debonair Wool Coat in XXSP. I only wish I had checked the blog again to get that 30% off! Then again, who knows, I may not have been able to get my coat in the right size then! Almost makes me want to start a blog so I can review them ;P
ReplyDeleteAs for the ethnicity of models, I always love seeing asian models but it doesn't negatively affect my shopping habits if they are not present. As many other readers, I am more influenced by how I am treated by the SAs. Yes, I am petite with quite the baby face but that doesn't mean I don't deserve your time and respect!
yay. i picked up the perfect patent pump too! stoked! have a good weekend!
ReplyDeleteJean, did you end up keeping the glazed lace pencil skirt from Ann Taylor?
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the stackable codes!! They worked. I really appreciate it! By the way, if you like DVF, her Leron dress fits really, really small and the size 0 fit perfectly on me (5ft, 98 lbs). They have a sale online 20% off with code FALL20 (case sensitive). I loved the green dress so much I bought the dusty nude too!
ReplyDelete@shoppingtosaving THank you! How could I forget that she has them : ) I agree, am not getting them.
ReplyDelete@Anonymous Yes I did! DId you get it?
I actually got those riding boots in black today at the ann taylor factory store for $84!!!!
ReplyDeletethe 30% is not working anymore :(
ReplyDeleteYou always find the best deals and give the best advice for business wear for us tinier ladies =). I just bought the same two pairs that you ordered. I gotta see how amazing these shoes are! Sadly they don't have the perfect leather shoes in size 6 anymore =(. Thanks so much for sharing...you just made my weekend!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for posting the stackable codes and being such an amazing source of information.
ReplyDeleteI'm a petite Asian girl who is just getting started in the business world (mid-way through university), and thanks to you I worked up the nerve to buy my first suit set today! Following your guide for fit, keeping alterations in mind, and making sure they both make stylish separates, I'm overjoyed to know that the words "business professional" will no longer torment me!
Thank you so much,
Kate
Darn! The code didn't work for me.
ReplyDeleteAT stays conservatively in spring/autumn palettes. (No offense, Jean, you look stunning in autumn colors). As for the models, they tend to be blonds or red-heads and they suit the colors AT has clung to for the past two decades. You rarely see cool, clear and bright colors in their collections. I happen to be white but don't feel like I'm seeing myself represented just because the models are white, too. I have dark hair and cool-toned skin. Maybe they should take pictures from the neck down only and try a new color story for a change.
Thanks for the code Jean =) I went a little crazy with their pumps this time. I got the same black patent pump, and was tempted to get the same leopard print too, but decided against it and got two peep toe pumps instead since I'm lacking in that dept in shoes. Then I got one of their purses which I ended up ordering over the phone - and came to $50 cheaper had I bought it online which to me, was strange. No complaints here though!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the amazing tips and suggestions!
Also, I don't patronize a place just because they do or don't have Asians in their ads. I know it's all marketing anyway - they'll target who they think has the most money. I do NOTICE if they include Asians in their ads however, and I am happy when they do, but it won't make me more likely to purchase or not purchase from a place. I'm more likely to be deterred if I hear about poor working conditions, etc. I still pause whenever I see "Made in China" in the tags, or some other third world country in the "Made in" tag.
Jackets For Women through the last few flyers from Ann Taylor and LOFT, I notice that all the models are white
ReplyDelete