Good afternoon, Wednesday. Whew. Busy week. And today I reached the apex of my cold threshold. Please make it stop. That is all. It's just bone chilling outside. But let's not talk about that, it's boring. We're all cold ad nauseum. Next.
So many of you who know me know that I am a Gap superfan. I've always been loyal to the Gap, though admittedly the last few years have been murky for the brand fashion wise. Many of you out there may wonder what it is I love about the Gap- to many it's not a terribly exciting store, but I have always seen it very differently. I'm a big believer in wearing clothes that don't wear me, and the Gap's well priced classics have always been a staple of my wardrobe. I love that the pieces are basic enough so that one's own individual style can be on full display I'll rock it differently than you'll rock it and that's what America is all about- liberty and style for all. Full stop. And because I'm such a fool for shopping, I have always found the neatly stacked piles of color coded separates to be strangely calming. There is not a season that goes by that does not include a few Gap purchases, and this Spring is shaping up as one of the best in a long time.
That's because Rebekka Bay has taken the helm as head designer, and she's tops (great piece about her on Elle.com here). She came from COS, my other favorite store who is debuting stateside in 2014. Words can't describe my love for a COS piece, and in a sick way, when I have traveled to Europe, I've looked more forward to a stop at COS than to seeing all of the sights. I know. I'm a sick woman. I'm a sucker for a good basic. But their stuff is just.so.good.
So pound for pound, Ms. Bay's pared down non clingy brand of chic is just my vibe, I do believe we see style in a very similar way- never gaudy or sleazy, always cool, and somewhat quiet. I just went onto the Gap's site and I'm liking a lot of stuff. Here's some picks for you that look really great to me. I love the navy tunic paired with gobs of gold jewelry and a flat sandal (love how they show it with white jeans) and I adore the printed motorcycle jacket or the nubby navy one. Fab. I'm also a huge fan of a fresh button up shirt gone tunic- oversized with a simple slim pant or tucked into a loosened up men's trouser in the Spring is such a great look. Love the simple white version or the striped blue number. So very cute. And those grey cuffed jeans are adorable. I love a grey jean and these are a great way to step away from blue denim for something a bit more rock and roll.
When you think about it, fashion has gone so democratic over the years- with designer collaborations with brands like Target turning us all into high/low maniacs, the Gap has always been a place for well priced pieces- my most favorite thing about their stuff is that it somehow transcends generations- most of these pieces could be worn by women of different ages- like the motorcycle jacket could be worn with skinny jeans and Converse high tops or with a great skinny tank dress and Manolos. It's just a great level playing field and I quite love that. I don't want to shop in stores that feel "age appropriate". (Not yet anyway). I do, however, want to shop in places that are more age agnostic and just have great clothes. I remember working on the Gap for a minute a brand and wondering why they didn't do what was best for the brand, and it wasn't more advertising. To me, they just needed to fix the clothes. If you make great clothes, they will come. Looks like it's going to be a good season for the Gap, and I will be first in line. Truth is, Gap is a brand I can relate to- it's American, effortless, stylish, and reasonably priced. It's not overly trendy, but is somehow fashion forward. And most of all, it's a classic. The older and more comfortable I become with my own personal style, I know that my love for simple clothes will continue to grow. I may go bolder on shoes and accessories, but I'm sticking to the basics cause that's what I know. I'd rather be an American classic than just about anything else, with a twist of course. I'm relieved that the Gap is getting it's groove back and settling in to what it does best. And that's that.
Cause that's what's up this wearable Wednesday in the not very warm 212. Yours, in getting better with age- I'm more brand loyal than I thought, especially when it comes to the most important brand of all- mine. XO
All pieces available on gap.com.