Come Holiday, LOFT is taking its cues from the refined lady who artfully pines for whimsy and play. She's smitten over her bejeweled adornments, gilded-beaded clutches, sinewy scarves and a flutter of autumn lapel and wrist blooms in deep fuschia, violet and blush. Evenings are rife with simple black dressing, but day calls for entrance-making loden jackets, cinched at the waist and accented with a puff of fur or a rhinestone-embellished belt.
LOFT's sartorial metamorphosis over the past few seasons has been remarkable. A brand that once held cache with the peanut-crunching, suited woman, now offers supple knits, second-skin silks and exquisite detailing. Surveying my office, where the women take fashion very seriously, the buzz over LOFT has been strong and mounting. A few of us were caught wearing the teal silk LOFT button-down. We marveled over the flattering hot pink dress, nipped at the waist. And most of all, we applauded the price tag. For those who cannot afford Burberry Prorsum, Marc Jacobs, Barneys New York, and even J. Crew -- LOFT offers an affordable luxe alternative. Although some of their earlier incarnations heavily borrowed from J. Crew's palette (then again J. Crew borrows from Miu Miu and Prada, sometimes shamelessly so), LOFT is staking its claim and producing evocative prints and flattering cuts.
I nearly FAINTED at the holiday preview -- half of the items shown needed a place in my closet. A boxy tweed coat served as a counterpoint to a sleek silhouette of a etched ruffled blouse, buttoned-up cardi and painted-on-the-body leggings. LOFT also presented a dashing alternative to jacket dressing with draped knits, voluminous faux furs and luxe layering. Sweaters were striped, slouchy and cozy. Deep autumnal hues were balanced by pops of mint green, mustard, and fiery pinks. Naturally, ruffles, lace, brocade and awe-inspiring gems were the ultimate evocation of holiday.
With price points ranging from $29-$150, I implore you to reconsider LOFT, NOW!