Article: New Arrivals at Carriage House: Tanya Taylor Dresses, Plaid Pants and Cashmere Layers
New Arrivals at Carriage House: Tanya Taylor Dresses, Plaid Pants and Cashmere Layers
Every year, right around the middle of November, my calendar starts to look like a game of Tetris. Supper club, a work party, the girls' night we've been rescheduling since August, a church program, a drive to see family. And every year, I hear the same thing in the dressing room: "I have a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear to any of it."
Honey, I understand. That's exactly why I get so excited when new boxes land in the back room this time of year. This week's arrivals are the pieces that solve that problem: a few showstopping dresses, a coat with a twist, pants you'll wear four days a week and the kind of cashmere layers that make everything else in your closet work harder.
Here's what's new at Carriage House in Decatur, grouped the way I'd style it for you in the dressing room.
New Tanya Taylor Dresses: Satin, Suede and Vegan Leather
Tanya Taylor is one of those designers I trust to make a woman feel feminine without feeling fussy, and this delivery is a good one. If you have one dressy evening on the calendar, start with the Tanya Taylor Adrien Satin Crepe Dress in Sprout. It's bias cut, with a softly draped neckline and short flutter sleeves, and it moves beautifully when you walk. Add a kitten heel and a great pair of earrings and you're the best-dressed woman in the room.
For something with a little more edge, the Tanya Taylor Reign Suede Mini Dress in Deep Redwood is made of buttery goat suede with leather pockets, a V-neck and an A-line skirt. Layer it over a fitted turtleneck with tights and boots and you'll wear it straight through February. And the Tanya Taylor Shivi Vegan Leather Dress in Army is a midi with a spread collar, cuffed short sleeves and a tiered skirt. It's the dress for the woman who wants to look interesting without trying too hard.
Not a dress girl? The Tanya Taylor Long Sleeve Adrien Lace Top in Dark Fig has a cowl neckline and comes with its own separate slip. Wear it with dark jeans and suddenly your jeans are dinner-ready.
A Reversible Plaid Coat From Tanya Taylor
I love a smart investment, and a coat that's really two coats is about as savvy as it gets. The Tanya Taylor Carlisle Reversible Coat in Dark Fig Plaid is a windowpane plaid on one side, with a slightly oversized fit, elbow-length sleeves, front pockets and a hood. Those elbow sleeves are a gift for our in-between Alabama weather: pair it with long leather gloves or let a sweater sleeve peek out.
Pants That Work Hard: Raffaello Rossi and Frank & Eileen
Here's my honest opinion: a great pair of pants does more for your wardrobe than almost anything else you can buy. Get the pant right, and every top you own has somewhere to go.
We've carried Raffaello Rossi pants for years, and the new Raffaello Rossi Phibi 7/8 Jogg Structured Jersey Pant in Navy is a perfect example of why. It's high-rise and cropped, in a structured jersey that's machine washable, so it looks tailored and feels like you're getting away with something. Throw it on with a sweater and loafers and go.
Then there's the Frank & Eileen West Village Pant in Black Watch Plaid. It's a mid-rise wide leg in stretch cotton, and plaid trousers are just plain fun this time of year. Pair them with a crisp white button-up (if you need help choosing one, read our Frank & Eileen shirt fit guide) or a black cashmere sweater for holiday parties.
Cashmere Sweaters: Simkhai, White + Warren, Autumn Cashmere and Enza Costa
Clothes aren't the enemy, ladies. They're your best friend, and a soft sweater is the friend who always shows up. The SIMKHAI Larissa Crew Sweater in Grey Melange is cashmere with black floral lace across the shoulders. It's a classic grey sweater with a little secret, and it looks just as good with jeans as it does with black trousers.
The White + Warren Cashmere Waffle Polo Sweater in Grey Heather is 100% cashmere in a waffle knit with a polo collar, polished enough for the office and cozy enough for Saturday. For a warm pop of color, the Autumn Cashmere Raglan Links Stitch Stripe Crew Sweater in Honey is a cashmere and silk blend with a pretty pointelle stitch. And for layering under all those blazers and coats, the Enza Costa Cashmere Rib Tank in Ink is a sleek, made-in-the-USA layer you'll reach for all year.
How to Get the Most From This Week's New Arrivals
Buy the pant first. One great pant, like the Phibi or the West Village, will pull together half the tops you already own.
Choose one dress that works twice. The Reign suede dress works for a party with heels, then for church or lunch with a turtleneck and boots.
Layer with a tank. A thin cashmere-blend tank under a coat or blazer keeps you warm without bulk.
Focus on what you love about your body. Love your legs? Go for the mini. Love your shoulders? Choose the draped neckline.
Your Questions, Answered
Where can I shop Tanya Taylor near Huntsville?
Carriage House carries Tanya Taylor in historic downtown Decatur, about 30 minutes from Huntsville. You can also shop online or try pieces at home with a ShopBox.
What should I wear to a holiday party if I don't want to wear a dress?
Try a statement pant, like plaid trousers, with a lace or cashmere top and a heel. It's dressy, comfortable and feels a little unexpected.
How many of each new arrival do you have?
We buy in small quantities, so sizes go quickly. Call us at 256.355.4349 and we'll check your size.
Can someone help me put outfits together?
Yes! Book a complimentary styling appointment, in store or virtually, or read what working with one of our stylists is like.
Say Yes to the Invitation
Please don't skip the party because you dread getting dressed for it. You're never too old, too busy or too anything to walk into a room feeling wonderful. You don't need a whole new closet. You need a few pieces you love, and a little help putting them together.
As Oscar de la Renta said, "Fashion is about dressing according to what's fashionable. Style is more about being yourself." Come see us in Decatur, or let us send you a ShopBox, and let's find what feels like you this season.
