Has J.Crew finally found a rival?This article is perfect with its timing. Why? Because the past month I have been shopping like crazy at the Gap! Where have I dropped my shopping significantly (as in, almost non-existent)? J.Crew. (So much, that when I stopped in last week, the J.Crew store associate asked me if I was going to buy anything! For those wondering, I did not.)
Gap makes big comeback with 61% profit increase (and some very familiar styling)
By Olivia Fleming
March 4, 2013
The untouchable popularity of J.Crew may finally have some viable competition. After struggling for years to reclaim its fashion status, Gap Inc. reported a 61% increase in fourth-quarter profits on Thursday, ending a strong year that saw the 44-year-old company's predicted comeback firmly accomplished.
And with a smattering of quirky spring prints (like the cat symbols on a boyfriend-style shirt), colorful outfit combos and the use of some geek-chic spectacles, it seems Gap's $133 million profit increase may be thanks to some strategic styling lessons from fast-fashion's reigning Queen bee, J.Crew.
While the company's latest performance includes the critical, and revenue-churning, holiday period, it seems its efforts to push brightly colored and preppy pieces, new designer collaborations and lively marketing campaigns have helped to invigorate sales.
The ...company, which also owns Banana Republic, Old Navy and now Intermix, posted increasing sales for all four quarters - with net income for the year rising 36% to $1.1 billion, up from $833 million. And revenue rose 7.6% to an accomplished $15.6 billion.
Gap CEO Glenn Murphy, very much aware of America's love-affair with J.Crew's sunny styling, eclectic prints and easy staples like chambray shirts and bright cardigans, told investors during a conference call: 'If you're going to win in this environment, doing the same thing all over again is not a winning strategy."
'We have to bring more and more uniqueness, differentiation and excitement to the business.' Gap earned $351 million in the quarter ended February 2, compared with $218 million just a year earlier. 'At the end of the day, we are looking at the consumer and saying we have to continue to give her reasons to buy,' Mr Murphy emphasized.
Revenue at Gap's North America stores which have been open at least a year, rose four percent - a key indicator of a retailer's health. But it hasn't been an easy climb back up. ...
Under Mr Murphy, who arrived at Gap in 2007, the chain closed stores and cut inventory to boost its profits. But shoppers still weren't buying the clothes; unless they were heavily discounted. Comparatively, shoppers have been more than willing to pay hundreds for J.Crew's offerings.
Poor fit, drab colors and unexciting styles hurt Gap, which has been floating between flimsy and cheap options Forever 21 and H&M, and higher-priced J.Crew, for more than a decade.
But the brand, as well as the company's other labels, appears to be striking the right chord these days. From staff changes to new ad campaigns and partnerships with other designers, it has worked hard to turn around its business. A few examples: Gap Kids partnership with Diane Von Furstenberg and Banana Republic's partnership with AMC's hit show Mad Men.
The company has also hired new talent. Gap brought back Tracy Gardner, a former J.Crew executive, as creative adviser, who made an imprint on holiday fashions. She worked at Gap and Banana Republic in the late Nineties. ...
The company also announced last October a management overhaul aimed at enabling it to respond more quickly, and cohesively, to changing tastes around the world. ...The company also formed a new innovation and digital strategy team, to further advance its social media efforts and online presence. ...
This article explains a lot of the positive changes that I noticed (but could not quite put my finger on) at the Gap! First, they are offering styles that are on trend again (like the color-block sweaters and brightly-hued khakis). Yes, they are not terribly fashion forward, but they are "classics with a twist". Plus, there are a lot of pieces that bear a striking resemblance to J.Crew. It makes a lot of sense now that I know the Gap has once again employed Tracy Gardner, formerly from J.Crew, as creative adviser.
Other perks to shopping at the Gap:
- I find the material used at the Gap (in general) is more machine-washable friendly and lasts longer after multiple use. (I am particularly referring to the Gap's tees and sweaters, in comparison to J.Crew's.)
- The prices at the Gap are about a half to a fourth of the price of J.Crew.
- There is always a great promotion going on at the Gap- so paying full price, even on a new arrival, does not happen often.
- Nothing online is "final sale"- making shopping worry free. Rarely anything on the store sale rack is final sale either, unless it is marked waaaay down (which should be the point of final sale... ahem, J.Crew).
- Free shipping has a low minimum of just $50 at the Gap. That is easy to get to, especially since you can include items from the their sister stores (like BR).
- Online reviews from customers help determine if an item is a "stud" or a "dud" before buying it.
- Gap offers store inventory for merchandise. It makes it easy to figure out if your store is carrying the item you are looking for.
Lastly, if any of you are interested in checking out the Gap, they are running a great promo right now... Take 30% off your entire order (full and sale priced!) with promo code SPRINGAIR. It works for Banana Republic and Old Navy too. It expires March 5, 2013.
What are your thoughts on the article? Do you agree/ disagree with any points made? Have you been spotting the look-a-likes at the Gap & J.Crew? Have you been shopping at the Gap more lately? If so, please share!
I agree about the wash friendly fabrics. And there is always a promo going. The Collection pieces with their prices steadily ticking upwards at J Crew feels quite suspicious. Gap has been very, very responsive at all three brands regarding fit. They're definitely paying attention to online reviewers & other feedback. It's nice to see Gap back on their feet!
ReplyDeleteThis is so funny, because I too, have been buying a ton of cute things from the Gap and Banana. I just feel like items are better priced. For instance, I really wanted a cute denim jacket and polka dot jeans and a mint green sweater, but the prices at J. Crew were so high. I also picked up a fab shift and super cute red pants. I bought them for a fraction of the cost by ordering at the Gap and BR. And yes, the promos and free shipping perks are awesome. I am so annoyed that I didn't get the last promo that was sent out by J. Crew, I may initiate a boycott this spring. I know grudges are bad, but seriously. You treat cardholders that way, you can swim with the fishes. I'm happy for Gap, like Gigi. Makes me a bit nostaligic for the 90s. Eep. I'm old. LOL.
ReplyDeleteSusan - Ugh, J Crew & their stupid credit card. They need to work with a new company.
DeleteI agree! I've said that before. That Commenity Bank that runs the card SUCKS! (They also run the West Elm card, so it's the same website).
DeleteI agree!. I was also annoyed that I didn't get a 20% promo code. If you have a credit card you should get a code.
DeleteGAP and I have rekindled our relationship as of late. I'm a fan of the denim & skinny pants as they fit my athletic body well and they come in tall. I also love that there is a large selection of tops in tall as well. Oh and the two tone leather clutch...it's fabulous! The polyester tops have been an issue for me. I don't mind paying less than $30, but $60 for polyester? No thanks. The free shipping over $50 and returns is a great bonus. It's worth noting that they count $50 before the discount (are you listening J.Crew?). Overall, I am a satisfied customer but I do wish they would include a return shipping label like J.Crew does b/c if you have to make a return you go to their website and print the return label from there. :( I love that you can use the JC return label for UPS and USPS. Kudos to JC for that but we are all still waiting on those online customer reviews...and the FS over $50 would be nice too.
ReplyDeleteJust stopped by the Gap today after a tip from a JCA. I didn't buy anything, but I was pleasantly surprised. They had a nice looking pair of animal-print flats (for $50!) and some very nice shirts in soft cotton fabrics. Def worth a trip if you haven't been there in awhile.
ReplyDeleteI have recently found myself falling for Gap again. While I've always loved their Baby Gap stores I always found their women's collection to be lackluster and sorry to say but old. But in the recent months I have truly seen some changes that has me impressed.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the comparison. I've found several look a likes even in their kids section. Crew Cuts had a pair of leopard print skinnies for little girls and I happened to snag and almost identical pair for my daughter for $11 at Gap.
I've picked up a few items for myself too, including a pair of anchor pants recently. Totally J. Crew. And at a fraction of J. Crew's price. It's a nice affordable option when J. Crew can sometimes be a little too outrageous.
XO,
Elvy
pigtailsnpearls.blogspot.com
I'm so glad you posted this and to hear it isn't just me!! I also have been spending way more at the Gap lately. Promos, card benefits, cute durable styles, awesome returns, no final sale - ditto to what you all said!! The offer talls in so many things!! I've been very impressed lately at the Gap.
ReplyDeleteI bought the cat and teacup print boyfriend shirts after not buying anything from Gap for a really long time. I think Gap faltered when they couldn't decide whether they wanted to compete with Zara and Forever 21 in the disposable high turnover market or J Crew in the more classic buy a few good pieces at higher margin market. It tried to be a bit of both and ended all over the place. Now if only BR would use more pure silks and wools they could get some where, or wear.
ReplyDeleteI love their shirts lately as well. Those two prints are awfully cute!
DeleteBR used to have a lot of silk and wool and in the past year I've been seeing a lot of poly as well, and don't like it one bit.
ITA with both of these comments! I never stopped buying plain cotton tees and jeans from Gap, but their other clothes were icky for a long time. The last time I went in to buy workout pants, I noticed some real changes in their product line and I'll have to start shopping there more often. As for Banana, I haven't set foot in one in years, not after I fled one store that was covered in polyester.
DeleteLive in hope. Rivalry keeps everyone on their toes which is good for us consumers. Oh and the shirts came out of the wash looking like cinch to iron even for iron loathing me who outsources her ironing.
DeleteA-ha! So it wasn't just me after all. I've always like BABY GAP/KIDS, but not the adult GAP...however that changes recently after a visit and noticed a cafe-capri look alike and other similarities to JCrew but at a cheaper price so I've been shopping online like a mad woman. They always have great promos even for new arrivals and since i'm LUXE for life - free shipping is anytime, no minimum :D
ReplyDeleteOh, and once in a while they offer better discount for their card holders!
I have consistently shopped at BabyGap when my kids were younger and GAPKids now, although their last few offerings haven't been as cute as the past couple years. I'm still not seeing tons I have to have at GAP, but that's true of JC as well. My most recent purchase between the 2 was from GAP. I mentioned it in another post. I got the CUTEST pair of camo jeans from GAP last week. LOVE them! I do love their cardholder perks. I get FS no minimum since I'm a GAP silver cardholder and it does inspire me to make more purchases. I've been definitely looking more carefully at GAP lately. We'll see how it continues. Oh, and PS, I LOVE Piperlime - their 20% off sales are fabulous! And I get fantastic deals on kids clothes at ON as well. I actually just ordered a chambray popover from ON for myself that came out at $12!!!! Looks pretty darn similar to the JC Factory version at $50ish.
ReplyDeleteSo funny, I could have written this myself Jruby! With the exception that I bought the ON chambray button downs instead of tunic -- for anyone interested, they are surprisingly nice. I had decided to stop buying the cheap cute stuff that clutter up my closet so had stopped even looking at ON, but the other day I was looking for kid play costumes (graphic tees) so went to ON and saw these shirts -- GREAT deal. As for sizing, shoulders are slightly smaller than JC but otherwise similar.
DeleteGap denim (love the legging jeans, so comfy while still looking like jeans) is definitely my favorite non-premium denim. They had a darling tonal floral print last year that may be my all time favorite!
Another comment -- while I agree with the comment that shipping from the GAP family stores is considerably slower than JC, when you order an item that turns out later to be unavailable, they send you an apology email with a 10% off any order, that can always always be stacked with any other promotion. Which shows that they actually are sorry, as opposed to JC's "We wish we had enough! But don't worry, you won't be charged for the item that we won't be sending you!"
DeleteAnd since I never have to pay for shipping, I feel like I can't complain too much that their stuff ships slowly, kwim?
DeleteIt was such a smart move recently for Gap to offer extended sizing in, I think, nearly all of their apparel, not just jeans. I shop petites, and even with extended sizing, I notice their stock sure moves fast, though they are good about restocking when it's still early in the season. I used to be lured in to Gap by their lower price points but kept finding myself returning nearly everything I purchased for poor quality or ill fit. Within the past year, I've kept a majority of my purchases and have even fervently bought multiples of favorite styles. I, too, have been quite impressed with Gap lately.
ReplyDeleteGap has so many similar offerings to JC with a more reasonable price point that you never even have to pay because there is always some promo going on. I chose the luxlight crew pullover over the Tippi because I won't wear merino in the late spring/"instant summer" we tend to get around here. With the recent 35% off promo they came to about $26 apiece. I've gotten some great basics there recently, and the reviews are always very helpful.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, I do have two quibbles. One, their shipping is very slow. I get that using FedEx SmartPost keeps their costs down and allows them to have the $50 min, but most times my orders will sit for 3-5 days before they even ship. Often it takes 10 days total from placing the order till it shows up at my door. (Perhaps I'm just spoiled by JC's fast shipping.) Secondly, they've been shipping inventory directly from stores more often, and you don't know where your order is going to come from. I order online because I don't want shopworn merchandise. The store stuff comes with an invoice that looks like it came off a cheap printer and often the items don't have the hang tags - which bugs because I don't want to get the stink-eye from an SA if I need to return to the store. Last week I received 3 sweaters that had shipped from a store - they all had the grey clunky security things still intact! No way I was walking back into a store with those - I shipped them back by mail (but was happy to not have to pay to do so).
I'll keep looking at Gap throughout the spring and summer. With their ridiculous prices and quality decline, JC and I just can't hang like we used to.
I agree the shipping is a little slower but I have found that popping one small item in from Piperlime gives you free 3-5 days instead of 5-7. They usually have a 20% off promo running once a month, and if you're a Gap or BR card holder you also can get 10% off on Tuesdays, so easy to find a cute pair of socks or earrings and have everything get there faster!
DeleteThey provide free return shipping! Just go to the site and put in your order number and you can print off a return label.
DeleteTotally agree! I've been finding myself in the gap more often - not to mention in Canada there are Gaps! J. Crew can be such a pain since it's not overly Canada friendly, so it's nice to pretty much always have a Gap in your city :) Or multiple ones, in my case.
ReplyDeleteI see the unfortunate comparisons. Like J. Crew, Gap has a lot of too short dresses, shrunken everything, tees that aren't long enough to tuck in and lots of non-natural fibers. That doesn't cover all they offer but when I looked at 5 random items today, 4 were polyester.
ReplyDeleteThe extended sizing is nice, though few of the dresses offered in tall were also available in XS. Looks like they start tall sizing at S for most items. So now I get a retailer who makes something long enough for me and it's too big!
This is a pet peeve of mine. Why do retailers think that there aren't tall people who wear a 0 or XS? I am not one of those people, but with vanity sizing, even I am sometimes sized out of the tall sizing. It's ridiculous.
DeleteI found out last night that Old Navy starts their Tall items at Medium! How ridiculous is that. Could have been just the one jacket I was looking at but come onnnnn.
DeleteThat being said I am still just so happy that Gap offers more than just pants and button-downs in Tall. I get so annoyed looking in the JC tall section - so tall people don't need tees and knits too?
I keep hoping for one day when Tall items will show up in stores along side petites, one can dream :)
I sometimes look at Land's End catalogs that I receive and it's the same thing there- tall starts at medium, even for pajamas. The list keeps growing of all of the companies that are attempting to copy J.Crew: Gap, BR, Ann Taylor, Land's End, J.C. Penney, Garnet Hill...even L.L. Bean! Overall, I'm wary.
DeleteYes this drives me crazy! I can't buy most items in Tall because I am sized out. J. Crew has gotten better, but I still can't wear the Minnie pants because I need a Tall 00 (not that I'm an actual 00, but vanity sizing and excessive stretch means that sizing down in the Minnies is a must).
DeleteThanks for posting this! Let me add to the GAP love due to their vast selection of women's tall merchandise, as well as extended sizes for kids. My son wears boys husky sizes, which disappeared for a few years, but this spring they are back in many styles. I also love that GAP is still making women's pants that cover the ankles--sure, they have that new skimmer line, but they still have a wide selection of full pants for those of us who can't do capris.
ReplyDeleteWow I haven't considered GAP for myself in years ... I go to the GAPKids "side" all the time to buy gifts and used to buy there oftern for my kids, but I have rarely have wandered over to the adult side in like 10 years.
ReplyDeleteToo much Crewlade ... but I am definitely going to check out GAP now that I know better. Another big thanks to Alexis, I learn so much from JCAs.
Ruffles: I too learn so much from this community! It really is great. :)
DeleteI abandoned GAP for a while when they were putting out all those rayon tops. T-shirts in rayon, ugh, totally unwashable. They've really stepped it up lately, though. They seem to have a much better handle on their basics. They've improved materials, colors and styles, and I am not sure about the fit of the pants but that is close if not good now. If they'd have more special pieces and/or collaborations, they'd increase their traffic and I think they'd be very competitive with J. Crew.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite jeans are from GAP now. Their "Real Straight" jeans fit me great. I recently got a cute dress that looks like J. Crew's Maritime dress, it is navy with kelly green stripes, sweatshirt material.
I had to return something there recently, 2 things I didn't have receipts for, the other was from an online order, and I was dreading it but it couldn't have been easier. The sales reps were great and it was all done in a snap.
Just wanted to chime in on how easy it is to return without a receipt at Gap brand stores if you paid with credit card/debit/gift card. I'm sure this is in the US as well, but in Canada, they can just swipe your card and the computer will find the transaction and refund accordingly.
DeleteI didn't know that but I am all for easy returns.
DeleteYes!!!!! I love that high end stores do this now! Its so much easier and quicker. Also look at coldwater creek ans nordstroms who also do it. Does jcrew? I feel like they should since they cater to a pretty high end braket
DeleteJ Crew lost their winning vision a few years ago. Their loyal fan base has been frustrated, and looking for elsewhere. Of course its an opportunity for other retailers to step in and fill the void.
ReplyDeleteI still miss the old J crew circa 2007-08. I still wonder what happened. Did they loose a key person who had the true winning vision?
I don't think they lost anyone, but Jenna has become more and more ambitious with pricing, with styles, and with wanting to be included in NY Fashion Week. That takes the line to an entirely different, new level. One that many of us either don't want to go to or can't afford to go. I think they are approaching a danger zone but we'll see.
DeleteI don't know, I am still not sold on today's Gap. (I do still have an adorable Gap cardigan I bought in 2004 that is extremely nice quality.) I am just never really happy with anything I buy there - same with Old Navy. Maybe I am just too addicted to crewlade, but I don't know, because I've bought some great pieces by other brands at Lord & Taylor lately.
ReplyDeleteI can't get around the fact that Gap is cheap, uses too many synthetics, and just all around doesn't fit that great. I still peruse occasionally because I have an Old Navy card (mostly to buy for my significant other) but rarely buy anything. The one thing I loved were the relaxed straight leg chinos that WMM reviewed on her blog. Hot pink chinos? Yes please! And they were like $22. That I can do.
J. CrewJD: I'm not sold on Gap either, and I thought that it was just me. Gap blazers/jeans just don't fit me well. I prefer shopping at J. Crew!
DeleteThis is how I feel about Old Navy too, and still GAP sometimes. Their denim and all cotton things are good, but their synthetics are not great. J. Crew has a special something that I don't think GAP has captured yet.
DeleteCount me in too. I did check out Gap a couple of times -- got interested in their skimmer colored jeans; their chambrays and striped tees. All I ended up getting was a tshirt for DH cos it was on promotion.
DeleteWomen's fit was totally off! Petite sizing or regular sizing fit weird.
Looks and styling may be similar but the feel of the material and how it holds up is still questionable to me.
babyGap/Gap Kids on the other hand... love it for DK!
I have been to three J. Crew stores. One in CT and two in NYC. I was not impressed. Their quality is nothing special and does not exceed the quality of Banana Republic. Their shirts for men lack the nice details that BR adds to their shirts for men. J. Crew's non-iron shirts feel cheap compared to BR's. Their ties feel cheaper than the ties at Express. While J. Crew may have some nice patterns on some of their shirts, it's nothing unique or overly impressive. I'm sticking with Banana Republic.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteGapBody has long been a favorite of mine. Occasionally I'll find something wonderful on the clothing side of Gap, like those cute leopard flats they have right now or a great work top. My main issue is sizing. I'm a medium 6/8 nearly everywhere but in Gap I sometimes find myself sized out! It's ludicrous how vanity-sized their items are. And sometimes quite boxy, the fit is just not as nice as J.Crew's more tailored items. So J.Crew clearly has them beat there. But yes Gap is wonderful too, and as long as they don't become clones of each other they will both get some of my money.
ReplyDeleteGapBody is a favorite of mine as well. I only look at the section when I'm at the store.
DeleteGAP needs to figure out their workout-wear. Their sports bras fit terribly. I never want to buy any of it.
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried their sports bras but the g-dance pants are amazing - I bought three pairs about a year and a half ago. The material is very high quality and they have held up very well. I think they rival Luluemon. I got two pairs in black and one in grey - the fabric of the grey was different, basically softer and I don't feel like they "hold me in" as good as the black. So black is the best but I'd recommend both.
DeleteI have about 4 pairs of the bootcut workout pants - not sure the name anymore but 2 of them are the foldover, soft cotton (more of a comfy style) and the others are that slick workout fabric. They have held up incredibly, I can't believe I can still wear them honestly. I bought a lot at once when I learned they had Tall boot cut styles and it paid off.
DeleteLuxette, samantha, I will have to try them on. I haven't been shopping for that kind of pants so I overlooked them. I do think their fabric and quality are good, but the tops just fit me badly. I'm not even a difficult size to fit so I don't know what is up with that. I might be too picky :)
DeleteI don't think I've tried their sports bras, but one of my favorite running tops is from Gap! Bought fairly recently, too. Then again, I am small-chested, so I don't know if that factors into it.
DeleteI'll have to check it out, since I haven't been to Gap in years. I'll have to see it to believe it, though. Gap used to be a go-to place for me but in the mid 2000s it became so blah. The real kicker for me was buying jeans on two separate occasions that smelled funny, even after multiple washes. Ew. One of the main reasons I shop at JCrew is that I can buy clothes made of natural fibers. I don't usually buy the more unique JCrew pieces but I stockpile wool skirts, dresses, and sweaters in all of the gorgeous colors. BR has a few nice things but not a single thing in the store is 100% natural. They have recently been selling this modal blend which feels really good to the touch but does not wash well at all. On several occasions I felt that at least half the tops in the store were this same fabric. YUCK. Also, their selection of Tall trousers is pathetic. As for Old Navy, I swore off that a long time ago. I made the mistake of going in with my DH last summer and seeing a couple of cute, basic t-shirts that fit well. I got them and they started pilling after one wear! I was annoyed that I paid $7 for them because they weren't even worth that. Long story short, I really don't care for any of the 3 GAP brands. BR is the best of the bunch, but I would go there more if there were more natural fiber options. I'll have to go see for myself at GAP.
ReplyDeleteI so rarely go into the Gap anymore, the only time being when I'm shopping with a friend who particularily loves the Gap. And I do see lots of "cute" things, but to me it reads too junior (I am 42). That said, one of my most worn items in my wardrobe (which is vast) is a skirt from the Gap from 10 years ago (which you can see in my blog here - http://classicwatwist.blogspot.ca/2012/10/ootd-wardrobe-workhorse.html)
ReplyDeleteMaybe it's time to re-think the Gap and give it another try?
There have definitely been significant changes for the better at all three stores since Tracy Gardner's arrival with the company. For the longest time I was rarely interested in anything but basics at any of the stores, and only shopped there for my boys. However, with the continued addition of so many new cute items, I am giving them another try.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Roxy turtle. Gap needs to realize that there are some small (not petite) gals out there. They do ok on pants and skirts with number sizes but those of us who wear small sizes are in trouble when it comes to tops. I wear a 4, xs or s in Jcrew and always need an XS in Gap tops. That's the smallest size they go down to. My daughter wears a 00, too tall for girls sizes and way too small for gap tops and sweaters. It would look like she was wearing a potato sack! I sure many of you who wear Jcrew 00,0 and 2 are totally sized out of Gap.
ReplyDeleteTotally understand you here Shopping Celle!
DeleteOn a recent trip 2 weeks ago, I tried 00 in skimmer/skinny jeans but my butt hanged so low but my crotch area was close to camel city. Couldn't understand why butt area was loose but tight in front. Sized up but would need a couple of alterations, which means $$$.
For tops, I tried XS for a v-neck tee, it was shapeless, made me look flat-chested. Material was also very flimsy. White version was very sheer.
I can't buy pants or most tops from the Gap as they are too big. Size 00 is baggy on me, or at least the last time I ventured in to a store it was. Likewise the jeans.... Vanity sized to an extreme! I'm not that small!
DeleteOk so now that I've ripped on Gap, I am thinking of buying something. Anyone tried the printed sateen shirtdress? How cute is that ladybug print? And it comes in tall. I'd love something like that to wear over pixies. Hope the quality doesn't suck. Nothing worse than a poor quality woven fabric that is impossible to iron!
ReplyDeleteSo I just received mine in the mail - I ordered the ladybug print in tall size. I was shocked how much I liked it. The buttons only go down to about bellybutton length so you don't have to worry about gaping around hips/legs. The length was perfect! I'm 5'9" and it came to just above my knees. The material was very sturdy, didn't seem wrinkle-prone - and to my happy surprise - the dress comes with a cotton slip underneath!! With adjustable straps! It was truly amazing! I think lots of ladies will want to belt it - but I'm not a belter and I think it looks fine without. It will be super cute with a cardi or jean jacket. I think it runs TTS, maybe a little bit large. Now I just have to convince myself I can pull off a ladybug print :)
Deletemack, wow, I am so excited now!!! Thanks for the detailed review. They should really have better item descriptions... they would sell much more I think! Especially excited to hear that the tall length is long enough to actually wear as a dress rather than a tunic.
DeleteI just ordered a few of the Shirtdresses too, interested in seeing how the bug prints look in real life.
DeleteLove the ladybug shirtdress. Ordered on Tuesday, received on Saturday - that is a new record for Gap. mack's description is right on. I got the white ladybug print and it is very cute. I hope they make this style in other prints.
DeleteI'm glad to see Gap doing well. JC denim simply doesn't fit me, but the Gap Always skinny jean is like my magic pants. The same size fits me well with in a 10 pound swing. I don't know how they do it!
ReplyDeleteThose are the jeans that I get, too!
DeleteI love those jeans too!
DeleteI have been buying jeans at the Gap in the last few years simply because they look good and are WAY less expensive than others, including J.Crew. The other thing that I noticed/like about the Gap is that they seem to be experimenting partnerships with young and/or new designers. For example, I bought a dress at the Gap last fall by Clu. It was well-priced to begin with but was on the sale rack (don't ask me why) so I got it for pretty cheap and it's made in the US and very fashion forward. I like the experimentation and I like a lot of the styles. But most of all, I like the prices. I hope they don't copy the J.Crew model of upping the prices beyond reason. I'm wary about the Gap for the fact that a lot of their merchandise is made in China but I'm cautiously optimistic that I will be able to get some of the basics there for half the price of JC. Also, bonus points for really smart, cool customer service over the phone. And the free shipping offers.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I got some great collaboration pieces at the Gap recently: Matt Bernson loafers and a cashmere/wool sweater by Yoon, both 70% off! So happy I scored these quality items. Hope they continue working with these young, new designers.
DeleteI think GAP may have a messaging problem. I never hear about any collaboration pieces at GAP. There is too much noise on their website(s), and no catalog. If they have something new and cool, I only know about it by going into a store, and my local store has very little merchandise now that they share space with GAP Baby/Kids/Body.
DeleteI don't disagree about the lack of promotions and the chaotic nature of the site. I totally stumbled on the Clu dress as I was buying jeans. I even asked the sales person why it was shoved into that space where no one could see it? After I got it, I went online and saw that it had been available online but not promoted as Clu and the user reviews were not too good. But I LOVE the dress and have never seen anyone else wearing it. So, I don't know if they are just test marketing or what. But from what Andrea says, they do seem to be making quiet collaborations.
DeleteGap has 2 stores called 1969. One in LA and one in NYC. It looks like these stores showcase new designers/labels. Perhaps regular Gap stores receive their unsold merchandise and that is why we don't hear any collaboration news? Anyway, here is the site I found listing their newest showcase of designers/labels in their 1969 stores. Some nice things and more Matt Bernson shoes - yay!
Deletehttp://www.gap.com/browse/category.do?cid=72432
I used to shop at the Gap in the 90s and have been in every once in a while since then. I feel like the quality went down for a long while and the cuts and fabrics were not very nice. I did buy a blazer there last fall that is okay, not the quality of J.Crew. I checked out the website this morning and the styles do look promising. After reading this post this morning I ordered a few pairs of 100% cotton jeans with the 30% off for a very good price so I'll be interested to see how those turn out. The free shipping was a nice incentive too. It will be an excuse to go check out the store anyways when I return whatever doesn't work. I love J.Crew and I think their prices are actually pretty good (I buy with an educator discount or from the sale racks usually) for the quality, cut, and style. I haven't been that impressed with J.Crew's jeans though considering the price point and because I'm tired of stretch blends for denim. I asked for the J.Crew selvedge jeans for my birthday so it will be interesting to compare the two since the Gap ones are a third of the price.
ReplyDeleteI became a big fan of the Gap lately. Their prices are so affordable, especially with the constant promotions going on and the free shipping over $50. Plus, with multiple stores in my city (no J.Crew in Montreal... yet?), I feel better knowing I can try on things or, if ordering online without trying on beforehand, I can return in stores. There are great styles coming out over and over again, I am hooked. They are my favourite store (with Levi's) for jeans, and I have purchased many of their blouses and sweaters over the last two years.
ReplyDeletei like gap. their blouses fit me well, and their blazers are adorable without busting my wallet. their jeans don't fit me as well as banana republic does. if they keep churning out good stuff then i'm sure they will get more of my money than jcrew. but you can't beat jcrew's shoes/handbags...
ReplyDeleteAlong the same lines, Gap is not only courting J.Crew's customers, but also Lululemon's :http://www.businessinsider.com/gap-is-copying-lululemon-and-undercutting-its-prices-2012-7
ReplyDeleteThe last two times I've been to Gap for pilates-wear, the SA's have mentioned how Gap and Lululemon share the same factory (I'm not sure if this is accurate...my internet searches just reveal more speculation). I will say that I love all of my GapFit, have bought it all on sale, and see no need to pay Lulu's prices as a result. But I wasn't a Lulu devotee before I started pilates, so that might make a difference to others.
This is really interesting to me - I recently got my first pair of Lulu's with a gift card and I am a review freak so I did some reading on their website. Apparently a lot of loyal Lulu fans are having a fit because they changed the pants up a bit, originally made in Canada but now have switched to China* (could be remembering that wrong...).
DeleteI love my Lulu's so far, but I doubt I would buy another pair without a gift card. And like I said earlier I have some gap workout pants that have lasted forever, no complaints.
Also have to say I disagree with the comments written on that articles site - everyone I know that shops Lulu has plenty of Gap in their closet, the 2 Lulu stores I visit are around the corner from Gap in the mall, and Gap was there first. Dallas doesn't have an Athleta yet but this gives me hope they will, been wanting to try some of their stuff but for some reason have not pulled the trigger.
I had never heard that GAP was made similar to Lulu's. I am a hard-core Lulu lover!! I'm interested to check them out now.
DeletePart of the reason might be because they now own Athleta. It's interesting how they have GapBody and Athleta sportswear now. I wonder if it will eventually meld into one?
DeleteSorry, but I have to disagree with many of you. Gap isn't a direct competitor to J.Crew. BR, yes definitely, but not the Gap.
ReplyDeleteGap's clothing is costs less because it's cheaper. Washing a Gap item is far different than one from J.Crew. All too often I find the item from the Gap twists and shrinks and becomes a whole new animal once it's completely dry.
Gap fits differently than J.Crew as does BR. For me J.Crew is superior, but I will say that BR has a few good items and even the odd one that beats J.Crew. The cotton/cashmere sweaters from BR blow the socks off 'crew.
I think in some areas, it could be construed as a direct competitor. J.Crew, for all of its bragging about quality is mostly made in China. As is the Gap. But I take your point. And the BR men's cotton-silk sweaters are great, too. I bought my now-husband one years ago and still no pilling, no nothing.
DeleteI have washed JC and Gap items and they have come out the same as they went in the machine. I machine wash Cashmere too, by made by GAP and JC
DeleteIn fact the last item I had an issue with was a JC tshirt that developed a hole after a trip in the washing machine. It was replaced very nicely at the JC store.
I tried on the $19 khakis, incl the critter khakis (lobsters, anchors) at Old Navy. Reviews in this post.
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ReplyDeleteI've bought a lot more from Banana and Gap in the last 2 years. I even got a Banana credit card, and I wish JCrew would offer the same deals with their cards. Shipping is always free and they do tons of promotions. I will say, I don't find myself "loving" my BR and gap items as
ReplyDeleteI got cut off!
DeleteI don't find myself loving my gap and BR items as much as my JCrew ones. I
I used to like Gap in the 90's, then the quality went down. I tried to like it now but just couldn't. There's something about it-the fabrics used, the way its sewn, the colors they pair...it just doesn't match. Its off in so many levels. Even with BR. The styles are boring (same old color scheme)...quality has gone down that its almost the same as F21 and H&M as far as fabrics/materials used....and can someone at Gap corporate STOP putting their GAP logo on their sweats and T's? It's horrible and tacky.
ReplyDeleteThe babyGap designs I've always like. But their Toddler and Kids line - Yuck. The designs does not compare to J.Crew crewcuts.
I pick and choose when I shop at Gap. I probably buy one to two items per season...its rare that I end up liking a lot in their collection.
It's just sad that their styling now is similar to J.Crew, which means they STILL haven't found their identity..and they are profiting from J.Crew's core image. Ha!
I've been really liking Gap's tops lately. They generally fit very well. Mixed fibers (natural and man made) don't bother me. I have natural fiber stuff from J.Crew that pills just as quickly as my mixed Gap stuff. And I enjoy being able to machine wash clothing.
ReplyDeleteI do not like Gap's bottoms at all. Occasionally, I'll find one that fits (like the ponte black pants), but their denim does not fit well on me. It usually doesn't look great in the butt or at the waistband. And I'm not an odd size at all...in fact, I probably wear one of the most popular womens sizes!
Definitely been buying more at Gap brands lately. I completely agree that the fits need to be more consistent(and smaller), and certain quality issues need to be addressed. But that being said I would have to agree that even though price points differ by a wide margin at the Gap brands( with BR being closest to JCrew) and Jcrew's prices overall being higher I would say that Jcrew's quality does lack sometimes for the price they're offered at. I don't feel as angry with a $12 tee not holding up well in the wash compared to a $28 on sale tee from Jcrew only lasting a few washes and wears.
ReplyDeleteAlso, Gap brand employees are great. No matter where I go or call CS, Gap, BR, Old Navy, they are always friendly, always helpful, always willing to accommodate you and helpful as all get out.
I love my Gap Silver Card. Free Ship all the time, even items ordered from another store, yes please.
Oh and Alexis, it's funny you chose that picture of the Gap dress, I immediately thought Jcrew when I saw that picture.
ReplyDeleteJinks: It totally does! It looked so polished and put together. Plus the black glasses helped! ;)
DeleteI'm pretty sure it was the chambray polka dot shirt & the sexy boyfriend jeans that brought me back to GAP - I appreciate the product reviews on their website. I'm forewarned about off the mark sizing & poor fit. Since I'm very petite - that makes a huge difference for me. GAP also has more Petite options than J Crew. I love their silver credit card benefits & rewards. 2012 & so far in 2013 the majority of our family clothing budget has gone to GAP. I've been very happy with the items we purchased.
ReplyDeleteThose are the two things that brought me back too!!
DeleteYes! Petite all the way. I am 5'1, and J Crew's sizing just isn't cutting it for me these days! J Crew's price points are just too much for my tiny tiny budget. GAP is headed in the right direction!
DeleteStopped into Gap today after reading this post, and have to say the new spring stuff is very JCrew-esque. Even the shirt labels are more refined (ala Banana Republic)and not your average square-tab that scratches your back during the day.
ReplyDeleteIt's only recently that I've developed an interest in JCrew items, but have yet to buy anything because the prices are sky high even when the items are "final sale". It's very nice to see that I will have a third, consistent store to shop in other than constantly shuttling between Banana Republic and JCrew.
FYI, as Gap is technically 'lower' in status than BR, but not as cheap as Old Navy, I did find big concessions made to some of their materials. The same pattern used for the recent Geo Dot BR skirt that has sold out online is used for a Gap jacquard shift dress. But whereas the BR skirt was 100% cotton (or with a little bit of spandex mixed in), the Gap dress is 100% polyester.
I just bought 2 pairs of their skimmer jeans which arrived yesterday--1 in lavender, one in polka dot. Haven't washed yet but the fit is great and they feel very nice. $40 each with the SPRINGAIR promo (that I think is over now?) J Crew's polka dot matchsticks are on promo for $90 (I think?)...I got 2 pairs for $80. Given that I still have a pair of GAP jeans from college (lets just say over 10 years ago), these should hold up fine.
ReplyDeleteBased on this post...I ordered two items from Gap the other day. One was the striped blazer in navy and white, the other the fleece funnel neck. They shipped the same day I ordered and arrived yesterday. I have to say...the quality is far superior to jc on these two particular items. The buttons on the blazer are plastic...but I don't mind that especially since they actually match the color of the blazer. What isn't mentioned on the website and I love is under the collar and at the cuff...there is a reddish fabric. Those are the little details jc used to include. The blazer was $40 after promo...fits perfectly in my usual jc size. I believe the jc version is around $110 on sale right now. The fleece funnel is in a charcoal color and again...far superior to the jc quality on that particular item. It was $20 and I think the jc ones are $60 on pop back. I haven't shopped gap in years...but Alexis you may be on to something and I will definitely be paying more attention to gap moving forward!!!
ReplyDeleteReaganFlowers: So happy to hear that you are enjoying your purchase. :) The Gap definitely is making some right moves in my {pocket} book. The turnaround for shipping is incredible too! (Usually the Gap takes a looong time to get to me.)
DeleteI am loving the GAP lately. JCrew's 'Collection' styles have totally taken over, and I don't know about the rest of you ladies, but I can't afford pants that cost $348. (I mean...really JCrew?! Come on.) I ordered the chambray dot button down around Xmas from the GAP...great quality, and with the discount, I think I spent $40 for it. GAP and I are rekindling our love affair as of late; I just hope that it lasts because I love where they're taking their prints (florals, statement prints) lately.
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Gap - Last day for 30% off with GAPFRIENDS. Some reviews in this post, incl the ladybug print dress.
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