Ann Taylor Loft

Full review
I was first introduced to Ann Taylor Loft while visiting my sister in Denver. I liked that their stores carried clothes that were fashion forward while still being classic. I have a hard time finding things to wear to work, and Ann Taylor Loft was right up my alley with both selection and price.

A year ago, we finally got our own Ann Taylor Loft in Sioux Falls. Even though we have a store at the mall, I still find myself using their website (www.anntaylorloft.com) for most of my shopping.

The Layout:

AnnTaylorLoft.com has a fairly simple front page. It usually features a picture of a model in an outfit from their line. At the top is an area to check your shopping bag, and a search bar. Along the bottom is several informational options like Contact Us, Ann Taylor Card, and Careers.

Along the left are the categories that will lead you to their product line:

Outfits: This is an area where you can see many of the clothes featured in the Ann Taylor Loft clothing lines put together and on models. There are usually three subcategories within this section: Work Your Way, Social Events, and Everyday Casual. This section is helpful if you're looking for specific outfit ideas.

Apparel: This section is split up into the following sections: Sweaters, Blouses/Shirts, Knit Tops, Jackets, Pants (split up into four sections based on pant fits: Ann, Marisa, Julie, and Fashion), Long Pants, Shorts, Skirts, Dresses, Suits, Denim, Knit Separates, and Swimwear (seasonal).

Petites: This section features most of the same categories as above, only in sizes designed for women 5'4" and under.

Footwear/Accessories: This section is split up into the following sections: Shoes, Sandals/Flipflops (seasonal), Handbags, Sunglasses/Hair, Necklaces, Earrings/Bracelets, Belts/Legwear.

Loft Trends: Is a section to access past outfit collections.

Loft on Sale: Pretty self explanatory. All sale/clearance clothing can also be accessed under the various Apparel sections also.

As Seen In: This is a section for Ann Taylor Loft to show off which clothing items have been featured in what magazines. All of the clothes featured here can also be accessed under the various Apparel sections.

Size & Fit: Probably one of the most helpful categories on the site, this is where you can find general sizing information on all their collections, including Petites.


Usability:

Generally, AnnTaylorLoft.com is easy to navigate. You click on a category under apparel, then click on whatever clothing item you'd like to view. Once you're on a page for a specific clothing item, you're able to see fit and fabric information, along with colors. Clicking on a color will change the color of the clothing item on the model.

I do have a few nitpicks about this page. When I click to change a color on a model, I often have to click the "back button" 5-10 times to return to the previous page (instead of once). This has been a glitch with their site for well over a year, and happens no matter what computer I use. Another small gripe is that the "zoom" feature is generally unhelpful. Clicking "Zoom for Details" leads to a popup window that shows the clothing item not much bigger as it was to begin with. In order to see the image larger, I have to click "zoom in", which then focuses on only part of the clothing item so you can't see the entire thing as a whole. You also can't view the back of anything, which is kind of unhelpful when shopping for pants.

Those gripes aside, it's fairly easy to place a clothing item in your shopping bag: You just select the color, size and quantity you'd like, then you can click the large "add to shopping bag" button.

When an item is added to your shopping bag, you remain on the original product page. You can choose to continue shopping, or you can click "Checkout".


Checkout:

Clicking "Checkout" takes you to a screen where you can either log into your AnnTaylorLoft.com account, or you can register for an account if you don't have one. There are no options for those who don't want an account, you either have to have one or sign up for one in order to proceed.

Upon entering log-in information, you're taken to a Shipping Address screen. If you've used AnnTaylorLoft.com before, your shipping information should be pre-loaded. You also have to choose a Shipping Method on this page and can choose from three choices: Standard Shipping ($5 any amount), Third Day Shipping ($15 any amount), and Next Business Day ($25 any amount).

After choosing a shipping method, you're taken to an "Order Info" page. This shows your order again, and the total with shipping. This is the page where you can also enter a promotional code.

That's one perk about AnnTaylorLoft.com- there are often many promotions such as 15% off $75 or 20% off $150. Many times these offers are only available online, not in stores. It's important to sign up for the Ann Taylor Loft mailing list (on the front page) to receive these promotions!

The next page is "Billing Info". If you have a registered account, previously used credit cards should already be pre-loaded onto this page. This is also the area where you can enter any gift cards/gift certificates.

And at the bottom of this page, you can once again see the order total and click "Place Order" if you're ready!

Overall, I find the checkout process to be fairly simple. I do have problems with keeping things in my shopping bag- it tends to clear all the items if my session runs too long (sometimes I start adding things to my shopping bag, then wander off for a half hour, and come back, and by then it's gone).


Receiving my order:

On average, it takes 24-48 hours for my order to process and ship. Once shipped, it's usually on my doorstep within 3-4 business days with standard shipping.

I've never had a problem with receiving the wrong items or damaged packages.


Return Policy:

All items can be returned to an Ann Taylor Loft store, which is generally how I return things since one is so close. If you don't have your original receipt, a merchandise credit will be issued for the current selling price. I believe a shipping label is included with the order to send the item back through the mail, but at an additional cost to you.

AnnTaylorLoft.com also offers price adjustments within 14 days of the original order date. These cannot be processed in the store and have to be requested online through clientservices@anntaylorLOFT.com.



Bottom Line:

Overall, AnnTaylorLoft.com is a functional site with minimal glitches. I enjoy using it because I can view outfits online for inspiration, and feel that I have access to a wider variety of petite sizes. However, I have noticed that the actual brick and mortar stores carry many more colors and styles aside from what's available online, so I always make sure to pop into the store occasionally to see what I'm missing.