they have a new creative director and have since fall '09 and it's only meant good things for the company, which is good because they were in the gutter for awhile. i think these mass brands are more interested in a quick buck than creating a long term relationship with clients.
the problem with marketing towards the over 50 crowd is this woman knows her body, knows quality (simply because she's shopped on her own for 30+ years at this point, so even someone who isn't an avid shopper can recognize crap) and doesn't settle for things that only half-ass satisfy her. sorry to say, but these things usually aren't found in a $120 dress at ann taylor and they know it. to create a more modern style appeals to the young professional market and turns a fast profit.
i was obsessed with the fall '09 stuff because there were loads of mad men-esque dresses similar to roland mouret for 1/5 of the price, but the spring stuff is boring (though more interesting than banana or j.crew, both of which ALWAYS look the same, season after season). as far as quality, i think they are OK considering the price point.
