Gap Goes Great

Just two lovely finds from Gap's sale; if you use code SALE25, you can get 25% off of all sale items.

First is this lovely Vena Cava dress from what's left of Gap's Design Editions collection. I honestly have nowhere to wear such a dress, yet I am so very tempted to buy it just because it is a great representation of Vena Cava's dress prints, and because I think a khaki dress with black designs is a fun way to be playful yet still neutral. If you're not into showing tons of skin, this is a great date dress -- memorable, yet not too flashy. It's $69.99 before the discount.


Second is this tank top I have literally been admiring for the past three weeks. Every couple of days I'll scour Gap's website, open the link to this tank top in a new window, leave it open for a bit and admire it, and then sadly close the window when realizing that the price is a bit much.


This brown colour is only $24.99, which shouldn't be that bad with the discount, but with shipping it probably will be just about the same price. But I (for once) am not that huge a fan of this brown colour.



Instead, I'd rather get a tank in the blue or green. I like the green the most, but unfortunately it's sold out in XS and S and has been for a while, so I would probably opt for the blue. Again, with the discount it would be around $30 but even for this lovely tank that's a bit much for me.

Sigh. It's a sign that economic times are a-changing when I start web stalking and admiring clothes from Gap.

A Gap at Bryant Park

So while browsing Gap's wondrous sale section, which is an additional 20% off this weekend (score!), I found a couple of pieces that astounded me with little details that made them seem so much more expensive than they were. I've found that Gap has steadily been losing its glow, which I've found to be quite saddening. Back in the day, I always found them to be the steady supplier of basics, but now with more "el cheapo" stores selling basics at a much cheaper price, Gap hasn't really had much to differentiate itself. I love their newest ad campaigns, featuring unconventional yet moving trendsters (The Sartorialist and Karlie Kloss, anyone?), but I feel as though their cries have not been heard by the many consumers out there.

These pieces have given me new hope...if I were the manager of Gap, I would take the fashion a bit more in the direction of these lovely little articles of clothing. They're not totally basic, but they have a little bit of edge, whether in a detail or a cut, that makes them look completely fashion forward. I'm not saying that Gap should pull an Anthropologie and make all of its pieces ultra-detailed and thus ultra-expensive, I'm just saying that they should bridge the gap (no pun intended :) ) between super basics and ultra detailed fashion forward boutique pieces.

This blouse is a perfect example of what I was talking about...it's quite basic and sort of non-offensive, but that gorgeous neck detail makes it seem as though it's much more expensive. Plus, it's a great way to legitimize the price, as many stores like Forever 21 and even Gap's own younger sib Old Navy sell gear that is similar to Gap's but lower in price. ($34.99)


This jacket represents another direction that Gap could go. This piece is a little more tricky, just because it's not a universal trend. I think that this slouchy shape would be perfect for some, and represents the slightly trendier but not overly so way that Gap should go in terms of its looks. However, I do think that Gap should stick to its guns in terms of trench coats and peacoats and other classic outerwear. Just make them look less mumsy, please! ($44.99)


This clutch is something pretty basic, but that represents more of what Gap should be attempting to do with its accessories. It's unassuming, but the studs are reminiscent of pretty recent trends -- enough so to attract buyers, especially buyers that are looking for something that won't go out of style the next day, but something that doesn't look completely dated or boring. ($19.99)


This skirt is exactly the direction that Gap should be taking with its clothes. Structured silhouettes are pretty "in" these days, but this interpretation of that silhouette is much more classic, as is the fabric. The skirt isn't terribly high-waisted, but could be interpreted in that sense, for those that want to be trendier. But I could see a much more classic person wearing this in a business setting as well. ($36.99)

Back to School from Gap

Hey guys, so since my school begins tomorrow, I thought I'd do a post about school-ready wear, brought to you by the ever-so-lovely members of the Gap family.

Starting with the mature and style-conscious high schooler, Banana Republic, we have two pieces that are great for injecting a lot of style with very little effort. There's a silk scarf, that's $26.99, which can easily be tied onto a cute tote or worn around your neck/in your hair for some extra flavour. Even if you're just wearing a black tee and skinny jeans, tying this around your neck will add some pizzazz. Then, there's a really easy-breezy shirtdress in an eye-catching yet still subtle shade of purple that's $24.99. T-shirt dresses are one of my favourite things to lean back on during the school year, when I want to look put-together but not too overstyled. Plus, this one's got a waist tie, which makes sure that you don't look like you're just wearing a purple shapeless sack.



From the stable-minded middle schooler, Gap, we've got a really simple, cute twill tote in a very neutral-chic shade of taupe that's $45.00. I love that the bag has tote handles and a shoulder handle, as each style gives off a different vibe. Plus, it's roomy enough to hold all your books and pencils and whatnot. Then, there's a more edgy tote from the (Product) Red line that's $20.00. This one definitely adds style to your outfit, but I would suggest this for people that are generally pretty laid-back with what they wear to school, as it might contrast weirdly with, say, a button-up cardigan and a pleated skirt.



From the fun-loving lower schooler, Old Navy, there's a really simple shoulder bag that's perfect for people on a budget. It's only $8.99, but it's roomy enough to hold all of your books and stylish enough to take you through the school year looking good. Plus, it comes in two gorgeous jewel-toned colours that aren't neutral but that still go with essentially everything.



Finally, from the newest little baby, Piperlime, we have a pair of fun pink Converse for $40.00. These are great for pulling on when you're having a sweatshirt-and-jeans moment, or for adding extra pop to an outfit. The cute pink colour makes sure that you stand out, as Converse shoes are fairly popular among the schoolgoing crowd.

Mind The Gap

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Today I did some browsing around the Gap store on the North Side of Chicago, and discovered what might just be my new scent! This picture isn't of it, but it's the same category of body spray/perfume in a scent called Love Shack. I wasn't really looking for a new body spray/perfume, so I didn't get to check how much it was, but I loved the smell. It's a light, slightly floral/fruity perfume, so it might be too girly for some people...but it definitely wasn't overpowering. I kind of regret not picking it up, since I've been running low on perfume and since it's not available online (which is a sign that they may be discontinuing it).


I also tried on a couple of things, all conveniently in varying shades of grey.

First, there was this adorable pair of flats...but I'm not completely sure about them, which is why I didn't immediately spring for them. Maybe if they go on sale later, I'll get a pair, but for now these $24.99 flats will just remain on my "awww, that's cute!" list.


This dress is also surprisingly adorable. The satin part is "fringed" with little tiny pom-pomish things, but they're so tiny that they just look like really cool detail. Unfortunately it was $34.99, which is more than I'm willing to spend on an everyday dress right now, but it was pretty flattering...despite what the picture may suggest. And I'm 5'2", so finding a flattering dress with a slouchy shape is usually pretty hard.


Finally, this sweater is on my "love" list. I tried it on in the colour in the picture, and while it's essentially a basic sweater I'm kind of in love with it. The fit is perfect, the buttons add a bit of interest, and it's unbelievably soft. It's kind of like an affordable version of cashmere. I probably wouldn't spend $38.00 on a sweater right now, but I might revisit it later when sales start to pop up.