Notes from the Dressing Room-Feeling the Gap

Lately, I've found myself a little unenamoured with the offerings of my favorite store that rhymes with G Stew. Madewell has been getting way too much of my money and Gap has piqued my interest whenever I view their website. I took a looky-loo in the store and even found myself in the dressing room. Here are a few reviews:

 1969 Western Polka Dot Dress, $69.95, available here

Lots of retailers have been throwing polka dots on jeans and chambray shirts these days, so it was only a matter of time before they migrated to other articles of clothing. I would love a polka dot chambray top, but don't feel like I need it, so the idea of this dress was intriguing. My size wasn't available, so I had to size up. There was way too much bagginess in this size so I would say this fits tts. This was a nice casual dress that can be thrown on anytime, the cotton felt comfy. The sleeves would look great rolled up or down, there were no button gaps going on, the length was great (not too long and dowdy and not inappropriately short, I'm 5'4 by the way) and the two chest pockets do a great job of blending in. The only thing that I could really complain about is the string belt which added nothing to this dress. I think something more substantial would work better at creating a nice shape. I'm still debating if I have a need for such a dress although I think it would be perfect for casual Friday at the office when I don't feel like wearing jeans. Thumbs up on this one!

 

Embellished Dolman-Sleeve T, $34.95, available here

So I was browsing through Net-a-Porter yesterday and came across this tee. I thought the jeweled neckline was fabulous, but there is no way in hell I would pay $500 for a tee. Okay, maybe if I was super filthy rich, but that's just craziness for what it is and I immediately thought this Gap tee gets the job done just as well at a fraction of the cost of the fancy one. The website made the jewels look pastel-y, but this was a more vibrant (slightly neon) pink in person. I'm not 100% sure why the description says it is dolman sleeve because I didn't find anything different about the sleeve on this compared to any other t-shirt. The weight on this is a bit on the thin size, but I wouldn't consider it tissue thin. I sized down in this and it fit great, not loose or tight, just right in the middle. I thought this was really cute and would have considered it, if I didn't already have a nice pile of tees at home.

 

Marbled Jacquard Jacket in Diva Pink, $69.95, available here

This cardigan reads more tweed-ish looking rather than jacquard. Who names these products? There's nothing cuter than a cardi with a retro feel but still modern enough to not make it look old. This looks like something I imagine Jackie O. might have thrown on in her times. The color is nice although it appeared more red than pink to me, the white trim was nicely done, the feel is soft and cozy and it has adorable (if incredibly shallow) pockets. Unfortunately, the button closure ruined the look for me. There was gaping (and I was just wearing it by itself, no extra layer) not only from a side view perspective but also in the front. Those buttons didn't want to lay flat at all. Sizing up would have been too big and sizing down didn't seem to be a good option for that issue. Perhaps it would have work best on a smaller chest. Overall, very cute, just not for me. Fit is tts.

 

1969 Dot Legging Skimmer Jeans, $69.95, available here

Dots, dots and more dots! I noticed that J.Crew came out with a chambray shirt with an open/abstract polka dot print and these jeans have the same pattern. I have one pair of Gap jeans from a million years ago that I picked up at Marshall's and other than that, I have not tried on any of their jeans. With all of the new (and super cute) patterns and colors that they have been rolling out, I figured it was time that I give them a try. I have to say, I am now a fan. These were soft, I thought they looked flattering on my shape and the length was just right for almost any shoe whether I went flat or heel. I'm fairly certain that I tried on my regular size in this as I forgot to capture the tag. I would probably go for that size although I would be concerned about these stretching out. I didn't snag these up because I have a ridiculous amount of jeans already, but I don't have too many prints. I will probably get one pair soon, just have to pick a pattern.

So I was only there to browse, but now I have some things on my wishlist (including these leopard shoes that you can see in some of the pics). Gap always have great sales, so something tells me, I might be adding a few things to my closet.

Anything catch your eye lately? Have you tried Gap denim before? Would you recommend?

Notes from the Dressing Room- Fall Into Gap

Do you guys remember when fall into the Gap was their advertising campaign? Do you remember the swing dancers in their commercials? Those were some fun advertisement days. So, I don't know when it happened, but Gap has been doing some pretty nice things for fall recently. I got an email from them a few weeks ago with really cute outfits so I decided to take a look-see at the website. Color me surprised when I spied many items that I wanted to add to my cart. And so I did! Here are two reviews of new items that seem to be quite popular. Get them while you can!!

Fitted Boyfriend Popover Shirt in Elephant Print, $49.95, available here

I've been wanting more prints and I definitely don't mind kitchsy so when I saw these popovers in an owl, horse and elephant print, I couldn't resist. The elephant won over for the color combo (and the fact that it reminded me of a J.Crew top that I thought about buying, but didn't) and I love it. I ordered my normal size and although it is a bit roomy, I wouldn't necessarily size down. It still has some shape, I can wear it out or tucked in and I took this pic to show it with the sleeves up and down to demonstrate that both ways could work. The cotton feels nice, there is hardly any button gaping and my shoulders didn't feel constricted. Overall, this gets a big thumbs up from me. The red owl print seems to be sold out and the elephant print seems to be sold out in the regular sizes but not tall or petites. You can't go wrong with this popover, so any print would be great.

Piped Academy Blazer in Vamp Red, $88.00, available here

I've been formulating my fall wishlist and burgundy/wine anything is at the top, so when I saw this blazer, I had to give it a try. It was a close call though between the burgundy and fuchsia color. I should note that the regular in my size wasn't available so I went with petite and I also went a size up. Although it is a bit short length wise on me, this blazer is great. It's made of a stretchy knit material that has give and feels soft. The color is fabulous, deep and rich with just a hint of redness. The piping isn't distracting but adds an element of interest. The shoulders and back didn't feel tight. This comes in several colors (although the burgundy is only available in tall now) so there's something for everyone. Overall, a great blazer and I noticed it in two different magazines (O and Teen Vogue) since I bought it, so this is sure to get some attention.

What do you think about Gap's fall offerings? Are there any items on your wishlist? They have a pretty tempting collection of colored pants and jeans. That might be next on my to buy list.

OOTD-Sizzling in the Frying Pan

I had no intentions of taking a hiatus from the blog and you wonderful readers, but this ridiculously hot weather has left me lacking cute outfit mojo. All I want to do is throw on a tank, shorts add in an icy cold drink and call it a day. I'm going to get back on track (hopefully), but here is one outfit that I managed to put some effort into for an evening of happy hour.

I think I'll spend the rest of the day trying to sneak into the apartment building nearby. They have a rooftop pool that teases me from across the distance. So cruel!!

Stay cool!!

Outfit Details:

Panama hat- Gap (available here)

Burgundy top- J. Crew

Striped body con skirt- Forever 21 (similar here)

OOTD- Urban Cowgirl

Although it is casual Friday, I was more in the mood for a skirt today. Not just any skirt, but one of my problem skirts. Plaid is one chambray shirt away from being a little too cowgirl, so to make this outfit a bit more city, I thought my new super bright sweater could do the trick. I've been all things color lately and when I spotted this sweater for a sweet price, the balance on my Xmas gift card was just a little bit less than before. How could I not want to walk around like a spot of sunshine!? I'm telling you that color is a mood booster whether you go big with it or add just a touch like in a belt.

You guys have a great weekend! I'll be figuring out what color to sport in my hair soon because it is time for a little change. Oh, and I have to pencil in a Target run for the new Jason Wu designer line. Let's pray for no store ( or website) madness like the last one.

Are you going to check out the new Jason Wu for Target line?

 Outfit Details: 

Neon yellow sweater- Gap (a more subdued striped version here, slouchier version here)

Plaid skirt- J. Crew (similar in very limited sizes here, pricier but extremely similar here, shorter but cuter version here)

Pink studded belt- Matthew Williamson of H&M 

Blue necklace- Forever 21 (similar vibe here and here)

Chain necklace- gift (similar in black here, similar here)

Brown studded handbag- Rebecca Minkoff "Affair" (available here, similar style in a red version here, similar budget version here)

Tan otk boots- LOFT (similar here, similar here with a small heel)