Armed with a 40% off Gap F&F email graciously emailed to me by
Gigi and a $20 coupon for The Limited, I headed to the mall. I wound up taking so many pics, I split up my review posts. See
here for J. Crew and LOFT.
Gap Ponte Academy Blazer, Vamp Red, 0P, $53 during F&F (
buy here)
I know burgundy is THE color everyone is excited about for fall and I was tempted to buy this for that reason alone (I'm easily influenced), but I honestly could not think of how I would pair burgundy with any non-neutral color. Also, though the sleeves on this petite size were the PERFECT length (hit right past the wrist where your hand starts), I felt like the overall jacket length was a little too cropped for me.
The material is a fully-lined, nice thick knit. Knit blazers conform nicely to the body, but the sleeve lining tends to pop out randomly because there isn't enough structure to keep it in place - just a minor annoyance of mine.
Verdict: No, can't think of many pairings & too cropped for me
Gap Ponte Academy Blazer, Dark Heather Gray, Sz 0, $53 during F&F (
buy here)
I almost never wear a blazer buttoned up, but I always try it on that way to make sure it's an option. The difference between 0 & 0P lies in overall length, sleeve length, and overall body snugness. The sleeve length is too long on me, hitting at my 2nd thumb knuckle, but I liked the looser feel of this vs. 0P to allow for more layering flexibility. Gray, though not adventurous, is more suited to my needs as something that can be worn for many seasons and, as a neutral, can be paired with any color. The gray with olive / yellow tones seen pictured above isn't accurate. It's a true heather gray with cool tones, but the lighting in the fitting rooms gives everything a warm cast.
Verdict: Bought - great price! I love the contrast piping & fit. Perfect for my return to work.
Gap Colorblock Crewneck Sweater, XS, $24 w/ F&F, (
buy here)
I loved the combination of navy / green / gray / white and this fit decently (I would say size down), but it just didn't have the same appeal on as it did on the hanger. Sleeves / chest are nicely fitted and torso is a little loose for tummy hiding :)
Verdict: No
Gap Striped Three-quarter Sleeve Cardigan, S, (
buy here)
I am still enamored with navy / green items so was instantly drawn to this cardigan. I was disappointed that they only had a Small but tried it on anyway. Firstly, the 3/4 sleeve is wrist length on me, but this is nothing a little scrunching can't fix. Since it was one-size up, everything was a little baggy (sleeves were fine). I prefer sweaters to fit like the colorblocked one above - fitted shoulders / chest / sleeves and loose-ish torso. Resigned, I was putting this back on the rack when I came across a helpful SA who checked the computer system and found that there was one XS in the store. It happened to be on the mannequin - so a note to those looking for XS / S - don't forget to check the mannequins! :)
Verdict: Bought in XS
Then I went to The Limited:
The Limited Mandarin Collar Split-V Blouse, Cobalt, XS, $8 (
buy here)
I've been looking for a cobalt shirt of some sort and when I came across
Jean wearing a button-down version, I decided to keep an eye out for something similar. I honestly can't help it - she makes everything look good! The XS fit pretty well and it has roll-tab sleeves - something I've always liked. I don't particularly love the mandarin collar with a split neck (would prefer a traditional collar), but I loved the color and fit. The material is polyester with a slight sheen (also not optimal), but there's a promo for 40% off shirts and since I had a $20 coupon, this blouse was only $8!
Verdict: Bought. Beautiful color and good fit for $8? It's coming home with me.
The fuchsia color of this is so pretty! I thought it was a little strange that they would have a blazer in XS-L sizing versus numbered sizing, but the XS had a nice, slim fit. The sleeves are very long, but alterable / scrunchable. If I was being nitpicky, I would also say the shoulder seems to extend a little too far for me as seen in the sleeve photo.
Verdict: No for now. The price is too high for a "trendy" color like this, but will consider on sale.
Sheer and Stripes Poncho, XS, $30 (
buy here)
I saw this striped poncho top and was fascinated by the simple construction. It literally was a rectangle with tapered edges and a hole for your head. 2 lines of stitching on each side created the sleeves and bodice. I can totally DIY this :)
Verdict: No. Of course love the stripes, but I tried this on more for sewing applications than for purchasing interest.
Striped Knit Pencil Skirt, Sz 4, $20 (don't see online)
The bright pink on navy was a pretty combination and the thick knit fit nicely, though the skirt was a touch on the long side. This runs TTS (not vanity sized), so smaller ladies will probably like the fit of a 0.
Verdict: No. It's very cute and fits pretty well, but can't easily think of pairings.
I have a weakness for sales and used to overbuy, leading to a stuffed closet full of things I feel lukewarm about and don't really wear. So I'm trying to have a mini heart-to-heart with myself on each item. Can I wear it for more than one season? (If not, it better be super cheap and fit well) Can I think of many pairings on the spot? Can I wear it on many different occasions?
Fueled by this new "system", I escaped the mall with 2 items. :) How about you? Do you have a shopping "system"?