I began shopping at New York and Company late in high school, except back then it was called “Lerner.” I remember because I had a pair of boot cut jeans that I always wore with my brown, lace-up, lug sole boots that left an arrow imprint everywhere I walked. These jeans were so high-waisted that I could have attached myself to a salt lick and bloated up like a dead fish and still had room in them. But apparently, between the jeans and my boots, I was ready for a career in construction in case the whole college thing didn’t work out (which, in fact, almost did not, but that’s another sob story for another day).
Fast forward to my post-college days, and I developed an “Anti-Lerner” stance. I had discovered J. Crew in all its glory and well-tailored beauty, and I was convinced I that “Lerner” clothes were completely beneath me. In all fairness, this was not entirely snobbery on my part. First, at some point they changed their name to Lerner Ochocinco Snoop Lion. Whoops, wrong name change. They changed their name to New York and Company, and I was a bit wary. What store just randomly changes its name, but keeps everything else the same? The other (sad) facet of the new New York and Company was its penchant for all things acrylic and polyester. Acrylic is mostly used in horrible looking, outdated sweaters. It’s the poor man’s wool. Please go check your closet right now, find all the sweaters that are 100% acrylic, and get rid of them. Except don’t donate them to Goodwill, because I actually like thrift stores and I’m tired of combing through your hot pink acrylic sweaters from 1990 in search of the actual wool ones. While I’m at it, you probably have some acrylic winter scarves, possibly the fleece ones from Old Navy. You may keep those- for now. Anyway, everything they had was made from these 2 outdated materials, and it just wasn’t a pretty combination.
Fast forward again to 2008, and I actually had a New York and Company conversion, coincidentally right near Easter, so it was a good time for a fashion conversion. I had given birth to my daughter approximately 6 months prior, but I had worked hard to get back in shape by training for a half marathon (never did run that thing, but again, a different sob story). I was in shape, but unfortunately my wardrobe did not reflect it. One day while at Greenbrier Mall, I walked into a NY&Co store, and hit the proverbial jackpot. All of a sudden, everything fit. And they had entire outfits that coordinated with each other! And cute accessories. I remember leaving with several pairs of pants, shell, cardigans, and a stretchy silver belt that I still love to this day and receive many compliments when I wear it. I walked into the store that day downtrodden about my wardrobe and left feeling good about myself, and who can complain about that?
Today I had another such experience. I have discovered my love for their slim, ankle length 7th Avenue Pant. Back in March, I purchased a hot pink pair of these pants and I rock them with fervent abandon (pictured). Because I’m short, they fit perfectly- what is cropped in most women is actually full length for me. Today, I purchased four more pairs of pants. Ladies, please understand that this is monumental. And I had a coupon, and I wasn’t afraid to use it. Plus, the pants were buy one, get one free! Now, I still love J. Crew, but their pants cost over $100 for ONE pair. Today, for $157, I purchased: four pairs of ankle length pants, two button-up shirts(polka dot photo), one camisole, and one sleeveless polka dot wrap shirt.
All this being said, like any store, there are great deals…and then there are the things to avoid. Here’s my run-down of what to buy…and what to leave for the clearance rack.
1. Work Clothes- NY&Co has really stepped up its game for the work wear department. As a teacher, their work clothes fit well and are affordable. That being said, and this is my biggest complaint about any ubiquitous store, EVERYONE KNOWS THIS AND WEARS THEIR CLOTHES. Especially teachers (that and the LOFT, equally cute but also ubiquitous). Be prepared that if you wear an entire outfit, head to toe, from NY&Co, everyone who has stepped foot inside a mall the last 6 months will know it. And they will also know you used the “save $40 on $90” coupon. So be prepared.
2. Button-up shirts- I cannot express enough my deep gratitude to NY&Co for understanding how to make a woman’s button up shirt. Typical shirts have buttons straight down the placket that always leads to an awkward “boob gap” exposing your bra. Trust me, you know exactly what I’m referring to. NY&Co understands that if you place the first button lower on the placket, YOU COMPLETELY AVOID THE GAP. It’s a beautiful thing. Buy these shirts in bulk (and just to give a shout out to my #1 love, J. Crew knows this too and their outlet shirts are just as nice).
3. Pants- As I previously mentioned, I am hooked on a particular style of their pants, so I now own a pair in basically every color. They have lots of great styles for work pants, from straight leg to wide leg. The best part is that they sell most of them in petite, average, and tall. They’re probably still polyester, but I can get over that if the shape is modern.
4. Dresses- SURPRISE! They have some great dresses that are very modern and bold in their aesthetic. I got my Easter dress from NY&Co this year and BONUS! It has built-in on seam pockets. Nothing makes me happier than a dress or skirt with pockets.
5. Shoes- Another shocker, but I have 3 pairs of ballet flats (all the same style but different colors) that I got on clearance. I paid $9.00 for them and they are VERY comfortable and stylish.
What to Avoid
1. The ponte-knit boot cut pants. First of all, this may come as a surprise, but boot cut pants are out. Everything is either straight leg, skinny leg, or the occasional flare a la Katie Holmes. But add a boot cut to the ponte-knit and you’ve got tacky written all over. There isn’t a decent shoe or shirt to wear with these pants, because they don’t have a zipper, pockets, etc but they aren’t cute enough like leggings to tuck into boots. Now, you may consider purchasing the LEGGING ponte-knit pants, but that’s still debatable.
2. Jeans- I’m just not a fan. They look cheaply made and I think you can do better at the Gap or Levis or even Kohls, in my humble opinion.
3. Logo Purses- Although they’ve toned it down a bit, for a while every single purse had multiple “NY&Co” logos all over them. Now, last time I checked, Gwyneth or SJP is not walking around proudly carrying a “NY&Co” handbag. Heck, Carrie Bradshaw was a writer and she coveted the Fendi baguette. So, ladies, save the logos for something that actually deserves a logo (which probably means Coach, which I’m actually not okay with, but again- another blog for another day).
4. Work out wear- More boot cut pants and ugly peach or green logo hoodies. Go to Target and buy their Champion gear if you’re looking to save money.
5. The red pleather jacket. It’s there now. Don’t even think about it. I’ve posted a photo so you’re not tempted.
Fast forward to my post-college days, and I developed an “Anti-Lerner” stance. I had discovered J. Crew in all its glory and well-tailored beauty, and I was convinced I that “Lerner” clothes were completely beneath me. In all fairness, this was not entirely snobbery on my part. First, at some point they changed their name to Lerner Ochocinco Snoop Lion. Whoops, wrong name change. They changed their name to New York and Company, and I was a bit wary. What store just randomly changes its name, but keeps everything else the same? The other (sad) facet of the new New York and Company was its penchant for all things acrylic and polyester. Acrylic is mostly used in horrible looking, outdated sweaters. It’s the poor man’s wool. Please go check your closet right now, find all the sweaters that are 100% acrylic, and get rid of them. Except don’t donate them to Goodwill, because I actually like thrift stores and I’m tired of combing through your hot pink acrylic sweaters from 1990 in search of the actual wool ones. While I’m at it, you probably have some acrylic winter scarves, possibly the fleece ones from Old Navy. You may keep those- for now. Anyway, everything they had was made from these 2 outdated materials, and it just wasn’t a pretty combination.
Fast forward again to 2008, and I actually had a New York and Company conversion, coincidentally right near Easter, so it was a good time for a fashion conversion. I had given birth to my daughter approximately 6 months prior, but I had worked hard to get back in shape by training for a half marathon (never did run that thing, but again, a different sob story). I was in shape, but unfortunately my wardrobe did not reflect it. One day while at Greenbrier Mall, I walked into a NY&Co store, and hit the proverbial jackpot. All of a sudden, everything fit. And they had entire outfits that coordinated with each other! And cute accessories. I remember leaving with several pairs of pants, shell, cardigans, and a stretchy silver belt that I still love to this day and receive many compliments when I wear it. I walked into the store that day downtrodden about my wardrobe and left feeling good about myself, and who can complain about that?
Today I had another such experience. I have discovered my love for their slim, ankle length 7th Avenue Pant. Back in March, I purchased a hot pink pair of these pants and I rock them with fervent abandon (pictured). Because I’m short, they fit perfectly- what is cropped in most women is actually full length for me. Today, I purchased four more pairs of pants. Ladies, please understand that this is monumental. And I had a coupon, and I wasn’t afraid to use it. Plus, the pants were buy one, get one free! Now, I still love J. Crew, but their pants cost over $100 for ONE pair. Today, for $157, I purchased: four pairs of ankle length pants, two button-up shirts(polka dot photo), one camisole, and one sleeveless polka dot wrap shirt.
All this being said, like any store, there are great deals…and then there are the things to avoid. Here’s my run-down of what to buy…and what to leave for the clearance rack.
1. Work Clothes- NY&Co has really stepped up its game for the work wear department. As a teacher, their work clothes fit well and are affordable. That being said, and this is my biggest complaint about any ubiquitous store, EVERYONE KNOWS THIS AND WEARS THEIR CLOTHES. Especially teachers (that and the LOFT, equally cute but also ubiquitous). Be prepared that if you wear an entire outfit, head to toe, from NY&Co, everyone who has stepped foot inside a mall the last 6 months will know it. And they will also know you used the “save $40 on $90” coupon. So be prepared.
2. Button-up shirts- I cannot express enough my deep gratitude to NY&Co for understanding how to make a woman’s button up shirt. Typical shirts have buttons straight down the placket that always leads to an awkward “boob gap” exposing your bra. Trust me, you know exactly what I’m referring to. NY&Co understands that if you place the first button lower on the placket, YOU COMPLETELY AVOID THE GAP. It’s a beautiful thing. Buy these shirts in bulk (and just to give a shout out to my #1 love, J. Crew knows this too and their outlet shirts are just as nice).
3. Pants- As I previously mentioned, I am hooked on a particular style of their pants, so I now own a pair in basically every color. They have lots of great styles for work pants, from straight leg to wide leg. The best part is that they sell most of them in petite, average, and tall. They’re probably still polyester, but I can get over that if the shape is modern.
4. Dresses- SURPRISE! They have some great dresses that are very modern and bold in their aesthetic. I got my Easter dress from NY&Co this year and BONUS! It has built-in on seam pockets. Nothing makes me happier than a dress or skirt with pockets.
5. Shoes- Another shocker, but I have 3 pairs of ballet flats (all the same style but different colors) that I got on clearance. I paid $9.00 for them and they are VERY comfortable and stylish.
What to Avoid
1. The ponte-knit boot cut pants. First of all, this may come as a surprise, but boot cut pants are out. Everything is either straight leg, skinny leg, or the occasional flare a la Katie Holmes. But add a boot cut to the ponte-knit and you’ve got tacky written all over. There isn’t a decent shoe or shirt to wear with these pants, because they don’t have a zipper, pockets, etc but they aren’t cute enough like leggings to tuck into boots. Now, you may consider purchasing the LEGGING ponte-knit pants, but that’s still debatable.
2. Jeans- I’m just not a fan. They look cheaply made and I think you can do better at the Gap or Levis or even Kohls, in my humble opinion.
3. Logo Purses- Although they’ve toned it down a bit, for a while every single purse had multiple “NY&Co” logos all over them. Now, last time I checked, Gwyneth or SJP is not walking around proudly carrying a “NY&Co” handbag. Heck, Carrie Bradshaw was a writer and she coveted the Fendi baguette. So, ladies, save the logos for something that actually deserves a logo (which probably means Coach, which I’m actually not okay with, but again- another blog for another day).
4. Work out wear- More boot cut pants and ugly peach or green logo hoodies. Go to Target and buy their Champion gear if you’re looking to save money.
5. The red pleather jacket. It’s there now. Don’t even think about it. I’ve posted a photo so you’re not tempted.
Fabulous 7th Avenue Slim Ankle Pant- I currently own in hot pink, checked, black, off white, and cobalt blue.
Red means DANGER. STAY AWAY. STOP.
The fact that the model is wearing flip flops says it all. Horrible.
Please go buy these pants NOW. And rock the red shoes and a red belt (although there aren't belt loops, so you will have faux-rock the belt).
Right now this shirt is only $19.95 and they have a huge variety of colors and patterns. This polka dot was my favorite, but I'm a big fan of the zebra stripe as well.
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