Ann Taylor

I recently had a big interview – my first big girl, real world interview – and was obviously freaking out about what to wear. I went to Ann Taylor (twice!) and felt immediately taken care of on both occasions. One sales associate, Antoinette, was particularly accommodating. She helped me pick out a suit, as well as various shirts, dresses, and shoes to try on. She and many of her co-​workers helped me with sizes, and even called around to other Ann Taylor stores in the area when the suit jacket was too big and they didn’t have the smaller size in stock. I ended up buying two interview outfits (as I have a few other interviews on the horizon), and I feel confident and professional in both. Everyone in the store wished me luck when I left! I really felt taken care of.

My girlfriend had such a negative experience that she asked for my login info to post the following review:
I really like the Ann Taylor brand, but they MUST do something about the baleful customer service in this store. In addition to being unhelpful, the women who work here are arrogant. One made snide remarks about my buying from the sale rack. The other acted as though I was imposing on her when I asked if the other color was available. Nobody proposed hanging my numerous items in the dressing room. When I saw another woman arrive just as it was closing, I listened to them confer and decide to keep the door locked. (This after they expressed excitement about kicking those of us still inside the store out since 6 pm was approaching).
How many ways can I state that the sales staff are mostly just mean?

Selection and service at the New Haven store are first rate. Ann Taylor is the store to go to if you need somewhat conservative, semi-​formal clothes. They also have some more casual items here, but if you’re looking for mostly casual clothes, try Ann Taylor LOFT.
Despite the small size of the New Haven store, they cram a lot of clothes into the space and have a large stockroom, so you won’t have a problem finding your size. I am petite sized and have never had any problems. I bought some dresses for a wedding here, and my sister bought some work clothes.
Given its close proximity to Yale University, the employees at this store are very patient and helpful since they are used to dealing with students. They get a lot of kids who run in at the last minute looking for interview clothes. There is a good selection of suiting.
If you are fashion clueless and helpless when it comes to clothes shopping, no worries! Ask for Allison. She’ll pick a few outfits for you and evaluate every single piece of clothing you try on. She has a great eye and her first picks are usually right on. No question is too stupid. She’ll explain why certain clothes and colors are good for you, and what to wear (or not to wear) in specific situations. She’s sensitive to people’s comfort zones and won’t force you to wear anything you don’t like.
A historical note: The first Ann Taylor store was in New Haven, though not in the current location.