Recently in Gap Category

I don't know what's going on lately, but I've been shopping at the Gap.  Like I said before, I haven't really frequented it for several years, since my early 20s probably, because I've had this perception in my head that it was too cheap.  Well, I guess I've become a frugal fashionista because I've been checking them out lately and liking what I see.

I got this great sweater last weekend: Drape Front Cardigan ($69.50).  It's almost sold out online, but they still have it in stores.  The fabric is a wonderful blend of cotton, silk and modal, so it's super soft and a great weight for layering in the Summer.  The half length sleeves and floppy look make it just great for a casual but not bumish-looking layer.



The reason I even went in was because of the cardmember thank you sale, an extra 25% off anything... and I have the BR card, so it works at the Gap too.  So the sweater was only $52.13.

I was at the Gap over the weekend... I hardly ever go there, I'm not sure why.  I guess I think it's too cheap.  Well slap my hand, I found a great pair of jeans!

It seems like every brand is doing white denim this season so when I saw Gap's skinny cropped jeans ($69.50) in white I tried them on right away!  Well, not exactly "right away", they had to take the last pair of size 0s off the mannequin.


The fit was perfect, and they were 25% off... and then I got an extra 20% off because there was a bit of dirt on the leg probably from when they were putting them on/off the mannequin....so they ended up $40-something, crazy!!!

They look quite good with these Gucci sandals from my shoe archive (Summer 08).
  The only problem with white jeans is that you generally feel terrified to sit down anywhere in case it's not clean!

Here's an interesting tee shirt designed by Stella McCartney for Gap's (PRODUCT) RED line. 50% of the profits go to the global fund to fight AIDS.

Stella T, $28

It's quirky.  I think I like it more than I dislike it. The printed-on necklaces are a bit weird, but maybe cool-weird.  Generally, I'd rather just wear necklaces...

Nicky Hilton was out in LA wearing the khaki zip dress by Vena Cava for the Gap Design Editions.  The khaki series of limited editions are designed by finalists of the 2008 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund.  Here's what's left on the website:

I think Nicky's dress is the best piece of the collection.  I like the way they updated a classic cut with the zipper detail and print. It's $88 and right now is still in stock online in all sizes.

There's a good article in the New York Times today about the Gap, "Critical Shopper: A Currency as Sound as a Slim-Fit Shirt". It's mostly favorable, even with funny comments like "It leaves the bland taste of the 1990s in my mouth." (referring to the store).  But that's spot on.  I think most of us think of the Gap that way.  So it was smart of them to hire a cool new designer to start to chip away at that perception.  It has been done - - think about Coach bags... they used to all look the same (more or less), and they were so BORING, now look at them!

Anyway, Gap is showing a lot of their "denim and tweed" look right now.

I like this Tweed Hacking Jacket, $98. Herringbone weave in pure wool and an adjustable back belt to customize the fit.

And these low rise Organic cotton boot cut jeans, $69.50. Wow, that's an amazing price for 100% organic cotton! Supposedly, they've updated their boot cut "kept the flattering features, gave it some more sexy". Sounds good, not sure what exactly that means!

Also, this Studded Leather Clutch looks surprisingly cool for the Gap. ($98) Full grain leather in a foldover style with studded detailing on the flap.

I also like their "European Collection" concept, although I don't find all of the designs to be terribly "European" in aesthetic. I do wish them luck! It's great to have low priced options for decent quality and stylish items. Hopefully Patrick will be for Gap what Mickey Drexler was for J Crew.

There was another good article in the Times back on Aug. 20th about the release of the Fall collection and the challenges of reinventing the brand.

It's always good to pick up some cheap basics to mix and match with your nicer clothes (like Coco Rocha and her Aldo boots - see Oct 4 post). Here are some good options from the Gap.

This pencil skirt is a classic cut and only $44. It has a bit of stretch in it, so if you're small it may actually fit. (it's really surprsing how many size 0 pencil skirts actually do not fit, I mean they're supposed to be tailored fit, not baggy)  How can you go wrong for $44!  It comes in black and terrain (color below).

I also like this long sweater from Gap's European Collection. $88. It's 95% lambswool, 5% cashmere. That's a nice blend, usually less expensive sweaters have some acrylic in them, which is not nice at all! Perhaps that's why it's a little more pricey... but still much less than a designer version. I would get black, but I'm showing it in gray below so you can see the detail of the knit.

I love the slouchy comfortable look. It would look good with skinny jeans, or you could dress it up with a skirt, heels, and some chunky bracelets.

Gap is also a reliable source for inexpensive tights. When it gets cold, I wear them all the time. It's good to restock every Fall for the season since they get snags etc. They're only $12.50 or 2 for $10 each.

Of course I would love to only buy Wolford tights,  but at $52 each, that's a bit hard to take when you can get perfectly fine ones for $10.

InStyle magazine is saying that one of the top 12 trends for Spring is trench coats.  Uh, duh!  Aren't trench coats always in style?  I am personally obsessed (and have been for several years) with finding the perfect one that doesn't cost a fortune.  (yes, someday I will get a coveted Burberry!) Banana has come close, but in the last few years they had been cutting them A-line, which I think is a mistake.  A trench coat should be cut straight. Banana has one this season too, the online picture isn't very good (see below) you can't really tell if it's A-line or not, and the description doesn't say either.  Anyway, here are some options:
  Loro Piana $1995 

Dolce & Gabbana $1695 

Burberry (longer) $995 

Burberry (shorter) $975 

Prada $795 

Banana Republic $198 

Gap $88 

Banana is having an online special right now, 15% off until March 1, so the $198 trench would be $168.30!  $795 for the Prada seems quite reasonable, but it looks more flimsy than the others so maybe it's not lined?

I find myself having to retract my skepticism of the skinny jean trend... because (good grief) I have bought some!  I am shocked myself.  I've been curious for weeks to try some on because now nearly everyone is wearing this trend.  I guess it's been growing on me.  So I was at the Gap this past weekend and I tried on their 1969 Skinny Fit in dark rinsed denim.  (see picture)  And surprisingly enough, I found the proportions to be interesting.  I will not wear these with flats as the Gap model is.  I think the line looks great with a chunky high heel pump, much like the style Gucci has been doing for at least 3 years now.  Or you can tuck them into a pair of tall boots.  Also this look works with the layering looks that they are showing for Fall.  I mean that for people who have nothing to "hide" too.  Lots of skinny mini types are wearing the layering look and it's certainly not to hide a flaw.  I think a nice textured big sweater and chunky heels will create a nice look.  Anyway, my skinny jeans are at the tailor right now being hemmed.  I'll report back after I wear them.  :-)