Shopping Tips Online

Check out this cool set of bags you can get FREE with any purchase at La Redoute

Enter code LRGIFTHP in the coupon box when you check out. These look nice –especially since they’re free!

Have you visited Endless.com yet? It’s a shoe store with great prices and the kicker is that they will PAY you $5 for overnight shipping. It actually works out that they’ll give you $5 off your purchase and overnight shipping, so you can take $5 off the price of anything on their site.

I was browsing the kids sale department and came across these adorable Lady Bug Rubber Rain Clogs. Now, I’m not sure how clogs are going to keep her feet dry, but they sure are cute!

They were originally $19.98, but you can get them shipped to you–overnight, no less!–for under $10.

bargain, shoes, sale

The weather here has been miserable. Gray skies. Frequent, persistent preciptation. Uncomfortable temps. These days I am struggling to really care what I put on my body, so I tend to reach for the same three or four sweaters and jeans as my standard “I’m sick of winter” uniform.

So, to fight the end of winter blues, I have been looking for a few things to add to my wardrobe for spring. My best source for seasonal trend information has always been Style Bakery, where they recently posted the top ten trends for Spring. This year, like last year, there is a nautical trend emerging.

I love this whole yacht club look, with nautical stripes on everything. So, although it was a bit of a splurge for me (on sale with an extra 20% off it was $23), I clicked up this little boatneck sweater from J.Crew. It is a cotton and cashmere blend, and it comes in three colors: red/white, navy/white and black/white. As opposed to the typical navy/white stripe, I went with the black/white, shown here. I also ordered it a size larger than normal, because I want that little bit of slouch that seems like I borrowed the sweater from my boyfriend who’s in the French navy.

I will probably wear this sweater with jeans while the weather is still cool-ish, and then with white jeans later on. It would also look cute with a little flippy white skirt. To avoid looking too costume-y, I would avoid doing all nautical head to toe.

Check out Style Bakery’s recommendations, then do a little clicking yourself. It will be Spring before we know it!

J.Crew, Nautical Trend, Sweater

Our poor Gap. They have really been through the wringer the past few months. After a long stretch of falling sales there were loads of changes at the executive level, and even rumours of selling the failing brand, and tons and tons of speculation and opinion about what Gap should do to recover. Mainly most of us just thought Gap had lost sight of who their real customers are, and changed their product line to appeal to…well, who? We certainly weren’t sure.

Now Gap has announced a new television spot set to air March 8 through April 4. The ad features Claire Danes and Patrick Wilson in a little dance number to the song “Anything you can do I can do better.” It’s described as a cute little “dance off” wherein Danes literally dances the khakis off of Wilson. Cute, right?

Here’s my take on this.

I have not seen the spot, but my first thought is FINALLY. Remember the heyday of Gap commercials? When relevant celebrites wore the iconic clothing and you thought – hell yes, I want to look like that. The clothing was classic, almost nostalgic, and very, very cool. Using these two celebs may be helping to redefine Gap’s true demographic – Danes is 28, and Wilson is 34. They are a little quirky, but have a sophistication that goes beyond the typical trashy celebrity.

It looks to me as if someone at Gap has been listening when we’ve all been screaming, “get back to what you’re good at and get rid of the weird stuff!”

I am pleased, and surprised. I’m anxious to see the spot to see if it lives up to my expectations. Meanwhile I’m going on over to Gap to check out these new “boyfriend” khakis everyone’s talking about!

Gap, Gap Commercials, Claire Danes, Patrick Wilson

The “M by Madonna” line is set to hit H&M stores this month. The company’s head designer, Margareta van den Bosch, worked with the material girl to design a new line of apparel and accessories. Apparently Madonna did much more than just lend her name to the line, the company reports that she was involved in the entire process, down to the small details.

‘M by Madonna’ is primarily in neutral palettes including white, black, khaki and grey. Fabrics vary from silk, wool, viscose jersey and body-sculpting lycra. The entire line is embellished with a small ‘M’ logo on linings, zippers and buttons. In addition the ‘M by Madonna’ look includes a complete line of accessories from sunglasses, party bags and clutches and even skinny leather belts.

Here’s my take on this.

I have never been hell bent on dressing like Madonna, but I could pretty easily see myself wearing these clothes. From what I have seen of the line, it does have a very sleek, sophisticated vibe that has a certain appeal for me. I like that the palette is simple – for me that means it will be more versatile with things I already own.

H&M styles are generally designed for people a lot younger than me, so I am not sure how this will fly with the typical H&M shopper. But, H&M made a smart move by choosing a style icon to back the line instead of using a Big Designer name. Even if the styles seem a bit more mature, the younger group may be drawn to it simply because it is “M by Madonna.”

Madonna, H&M, M by Madonna

Gap, Inc. announced yesterday that they are closing all 19 Forth & Towne stores in 10 markets by the end of June. The closing will affect 550 employees, but the company says they will try to “redeploy” these people to Gap or Old Navy stores. They intend to focus all their efforts on turning around the Gap brand.

They launched Forth & Towne, targeted toward the 35-55 age group, just 18 months ago. The New York Times suggests that Gap Inc. and other companies jumped into the over-30 market because they do spend money on apparel, $42.7 billion last year, compared to their 20-something counterparts who spent only $20 billion. Despite that attractive number, many of these companies are getting out. Janeville, a brand launched by Gymboree Corp. has also closed down.

It appears as if women in the target age range are finding what they want at stores like Ann Taylor, Talbots and Chicos, along with traditional department stores like Macys.

Here’s my take on this.

I am the demographic and I’ll be honest, I’m torn.

I really resent being pigeonholed. I’m “older” but not “old.” I don’t want to look like “mutton dressed as lamb” but I am not about to give up and start dressing like a grandmother. I am never going to be Talbots head-to-toe, no matter what my age is. I can occasionally find something there that I can incorporate with my more youthful pieces, but that’s it.

However, I could see from the Forth & Towne web site (there are no stores in my market), that many of the items were age-appropriate, but not stodgy. That’s right up my alley. So, it makes me a little sad to see that a viable alternative for women like me is now gone by the wayside, in favor of ramping up brands that appeal only to women half my age.

Forth & Towne, Gap Inc.

Ninety-nine percent of the time I have to try clothes on. Tops I can usually guess a size, but skirts and pants are almost definitely going to fit different. The number is apparently meaningless – the same size in two department stores will have totally different fits. I have dreamed of a world wherein I could walk into a store on my lunch hour, grab a new pair of pants and KNOW they would fit.

With a new, universal sizing system, that dream could come true. Called Fitlogic, this system starts with three basic body types – women whose weight is around their middle, women whose weight is in their mid hips, and women (like me) whose weight is below the hips, in their upper thighs. So, using their example, Jennifer Lopez wears a size 4, so her “Fitlogic” size would be a 4.3, because her weight is carried on her hips and thighs.

According to the company’s website, Fitlogic™ is already available in career pants for women over thirty, but will soon be available in pants, tops, jackets and dresses for women of all ages. They partnered with some well-respected companies to develop and test the fit: including Nautica, Garfield Marks, Nordstrom, Jones New York Collection, Macy’s, Jones Elements, and QVC.

If you join their “movement” you are basically casting your vote for fit standardization, a tool Fitlogic could use to encourage more clothing manufacturers to use this system. Also, they are soliciting real women aged 30 to 55 to become “fit models.” You provide some basic information, and they either call you directly or let you know when there is a “mass fitting session” in your area. If you are chosen, they will pay you for your contribution.

I think this is a great concept for women like me who are sick and tired of the endless search for clothes that fit. Take a look.

Fitlogic, Sizing System, Clothing Sizes

The colors of Spring 2007 are a mix of soft and fleshy, bright and sherberty or stark contrasts of black and white.

But what are the shapes of Spring?

According to Omiru.com, Spring 2007 continues the big silhouette stories of this Fall/Winter. There is lots of volume, but it’s under control. That seems to be accomplished through the use of floaty fabrics and cinching at the waist. Speaking of the waist, it’s all over the place – either up high or dropped down. Baby doll, bubble trapeze and tulip are more key silhouettes.

How are mainstream retailers interpreting the designs seen on the catwalk? I went to JCPenny to find out.

I found a couple of examples of the Spring trends. This dress by Nicole Miller has both the volume of spring, plus the empire waist, and it’s on sale for $39.99. I also found this cute baby doll top that comes in three prints, on sale for just $9.99. This top would look great with a skinny pair of capris or bermuda shorts, playing with the proportions of full over slim.

So, with the silhouettes in mind, and with a little searching, you can find ways to incorporate the trends without breaking the bank.

JCPenney, Nicole Miller, Spring Trends, Spring Silhouettes

Remember when Tommy Hilfiger was 90s cool? When having a giant, very identifiable red, white and blue logo across your chest, and your belt under the leather tag on your jeans meant you were all-American prep with a bit of a wild side? As the years went on, Tommy clothing started showing up in discount stores and we were suddenly over it. Even in this article, Hilfiger himself admits it.

“It was a classic case of overexposure,�? he conceded. His clothes, which were sold in almost 2,000 American department stores and discount outlets, got “lost in a sea of mark-downs and sales�?.

Well, Tommy now wants to reverse that trend, and has begun by completely revising the collection to appeal to a more upscale audience. He’s moving out of the kids department and the department store, and into his own chic retail spaces, including one in London.

For Fall of 2007, Hilfiger appears all grown up. He calls the collection “Pop Elegance,” and describes it this way:

This season is a modern study in contrast, celebrating a luxurious spin on our classics. It is about American prep meeting European sophistication. The charm of the past meets the modern chic of tomorrow.

My favorite fabrics – tweed, herringbone, tartan, Prince of Wales, gray flannel and Donegal – done in unexpected shapes and pops of color. A sailor dress in wool glen plaid; a silk nylon dress under a man’s toggle coat. A woman’s black watch oil cloth cape with reflective lining paird with a pony hair pump.

My take on the collection was that it was a little stuffy, a bit like raiding one’s grandfather’s closet. Yes, there are items I would wear, but it would need to be tempered a bit, mixed in with more modern things to keep from looking too much like a costume. You can go to the Hilfiger website to see the whole collection.

As for the brand itself, here are my questions:

• Can a “Tommy” suddenly become a “Thomas?”

• Can a brand be reinvented by glen plaid alone?

• Will the “right” demographic be able to get past the fact that the Hilfiger brand has been anything but upscale?

• Will the mid-scale consumer “get it” and aspire to the new upscale look?

• Does anyone care about this brand any more?

Our little Tommy is growing up. I hope he did his homework!

Tommy Hilfiger, Fall 2007

When I am sick and tired of all the heavy wool pants, tweed jackets and big sweaters, I start dreaming of lightweight fabrics, fun little tops, and the possibility that some day soon my arms will be uncovered outdoors without searing pain. That day is today.

This year, they say green is the “it” color for spring. In shades from light to bright, green is showing up everywhere.

While this dress from Rena Lange is lovely, the money tree in my back yard would have to bloom before I could afford the $4,000 pricetag. So, I am looking at a few green items a bit more reasonably priced that stand a better chance of making it into my closet this spring.

For some reason I am coveting these L.L.Bean Casco Bay Boat Slides in “Green Tea.” Not only are they green, but they play off another trend for spring – nautical. I would pair these with white jeans, and an offbeat “twinset” consisting of this baby cable cardigan (also from Bean), and a lighter green pima camisole.

So, while I look out my window at snow, slush and gray skies, I can get online and start ordering myself up some spring green clothes!

L.L.Bean, Rena Lange, Spring Clothing Trends

It’s amazing. What goes around comes around in the fashion world, but nothing seems to come and go as much as legwear. Back in December, I wrote “The five things pantyhose are really good for”, which did not include wearing them. At that time, there were reports that hosiery sales had been steadily falling for over 10 years. Hanesbrands were reporting a 68% sales drop in the 6 years from ‘95 to ‘06. Which would make a company droop like a saggy pair of nylons.

But, things have apparently changed. Women’s Wear Daily reported yesterday that “The legwear industry has a heartbeat again.” [Topic: Seems a bit of a mixed metaphor. I would have said, "The legwear industry is alive and kicking." Discuss.]

The NPD Group reported that sales of tights shot up 26.9 percent, to $104.4 million, from January through November 2006, reversing a double-digit decline in 2005. Even sheer hosiery enjoyed an uptick of 5.2 percent, to $916.4 million.

How did this happen? First, the comeback of those footless legging thingys in full- or capri-lengths, and regular old opaque tights. Dresses were huge, which they say is a contributing factor as well. You can always tell when something is going to come back around – when you’ve gone seasons with the fashionistas shouting “bare legs!” suddenly a covered leg looks newer and more modern. For fall ‘07, designers are showing covered legs, and according to this report those include sweatery knits in everything from cotton to wool to cashmere. Lagerfeld for Chanel showed black tights under dresses as shown here.

I have a confession to make. I have never stopped wearing tights. Sheer hosiery have always been my enemy – heavier, opaque tights can stand some tugging and not shred. I love opaque tights. Being a Midwesterner, I love the way they keep my little legs warm in the winter with my cute skirts and heels or boots.

And this is just between us, I am probably going to have to try a pair of the footless tights. I keep absently fondling them when I’m shopping. I think I may be able to pull them off under a skirt with some ballet flats. Who knows. At the very least I can relive the ’80s and wear them with a huge oversized tunic and a big belt. Around the house, that is.

Tights. The new bare legs. Check it out.

Tights, Leggings, Hosiery, Women’s Wear Daily, Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel

Helen Mirren and Meryl Streep are in the clutch here. Mirren was nominated for three, count them, three, Golden Globes – two for her roles as Queen Elizabeth (I and II) and one as Detective Superintendent Tennison on Prime Suspect. Streep’s nomination, best performance by an actress in a musical or comedy film, was for her performance in The Devil Wears Prada. Seen here on the red carpet prior to the awards ceremony, the two veteran actors are carrying cute metallic clutch bags.

Helen’s is silver, with crystals on the clasp – and here’s one from Zappos that’s very similar. It’s silver silk with the same style pleats, and it will hold a teeny cell phone, a lipstick and a dime to call your mother. Retail price is $198.95.

I found one similar to Meryl’s at Macy’s for $49.99. The shape is sleek but structured like hers and it has the little hidden chain shoulder strap for when you need or want it. I like the oyster color – it’s got the same feel as the gold, and it’s also very versatile.

These bags are classic styles, so you might try vintage retailers or online auctions to find the shape and color. You can’t go wrong with a little clutch, they’re always perfectly in style.

Meryl Streep, Helen Mirren, Golden Globes, Clutch Handbags

SeenON is the latest in a number of sites out there that are celebrity-clothing-obsessed, but this one is a little different. It is a resource for finding the exact products you see on your favorite TV or movie characters or celebrities. This site gets its information directly from networks and studios, so it’s not the top “like” Bree Van De Kamp was wearing in that episode, it’s “the” top she was wearing.

More than clothing, the site features everything from furniture to cars, with links to the sites where you can make the purchase. They also gather available fan apparel and accessories, so you can find the Dwight bobblehead doll or your Heroes T-shirt, too.

One note. The site, launched in Novenber, may may still be working out some bugs. I tried clicking on a top from the ABC store, and instead of taking me to a product page, the link took me to the shopping cart, which was empty. I had to click around on ABC to find the products page, and then still wasn’t able to locate this top that I found on SeenOn. On the other hand, I did the same thing with the “famous” Martha Stewart handmade poncho, and was able to get right to the product ordering page.

Write yourself into an episode of Desperate Housewives, be a guest on Martha’s show – or at least look the part. Check out SeenOn.com.

Desperate Housewives, Martha Stewart, SeenOn, Celebrity Fashion

Now there is no need to ask, “Do these jeans make my butt look big?” Levis® has introduced their Perfectly Slimming 512™ Jeans. The cotton and spandex fabric is cut to flatten and provide control around the tummy. They are bootcut, which also helps to give a long, lean look, and darker washes also help provide a slimmer appearance. The jeans are available at Sears.com and are on sale right now for $29.99 (regularly $34.99). That’s cheaper than a gym membership, and much more fun than a diet.

Jeans, Levis, Slimming Jeans, Bootcut, Sears, Sale

In 1969 Nixon was inaugurated president, the Mets beat Baltimore in the World Series and Midnight Cowboy won Best Picture and Neil Armstrong walked on the moon. Oh yeah, and the first Gap store opened in San Francisco.

Thirty-seven years later, we’re asking the question. Is the Gap still relevant?

In one of my previous articles I reported about the Gap’s holiday advertising, and the confusion it was causing among consumers. Fifteen year olds liked the hip-hop music but not the clothes, older consumers (like me) didn’t get either the ads or the clothes. While the commercial was popular, same store sales were tanking over the holiday season. The company reported a 4% drop in net sales for the five-week period ending December 30th compared to the same period in 05.

Now, the Gap is suffering from a major identity crisis, as this Washington Post article points out.

A 24-year-old shopper was quoted as saying, “I used to shop there, like, all the time when I was younger,” she said. But lately, “I haven’t really seen anything there that has jumped out at me.”

That’s been my experience, even though I am…ahem… slightly older. I love the Gap. I grew up with the Gap. It was cool stuff in a modern-slash-classic way. Back in the day, I used to wear their men’s jeans exclusively – I could get the length I needed, and they were just the right shade of blue. And that was super-cool. But I have noticed that now, more often than not, I leave the Gap without a shopping bag. The stuff is just too… I don’t know, young? Strange? Trendy? Have I fallen through the Gap?

The “Simple Idea�?

Don Fischer, founder of the Gap said, “I created Gap with a simple idea: to make it easier to find a pair of jeans. We remain committed to that basic principle.�? He stepped down as the company’s chairman of the board in 2003.

Poor Don. I think the current management has lost sight of his founding principle. Case in point. Women’s jeans: Fashion denim, boot cut curvy, boot cut original, flare curvy, flare long & lean, flare original, straight boyfriend, skinny fit, classic fit, reverse fit and cropped jeans. That’s eleven different fits. And the “fashion denim�? category has a dizzying array of jeans like drawstring, trouser cut, cargo… the list goes on. I can’t even go back to men’s jeans because it’s just as confusing. Slim, straight, loose straight, boot, loose boot, industrial, easy, relaxed, baggy and carpenter – ten styles of men’s jeans.

How is this making it easier for me to find jeans? It’s not simple. It’s frustrating and confusing. The company says the Gap brand stands for “iconic American style for customers of all ages.�? I think this may be a leftover brand positioning statement from an era when they actually knew who they were.

Time to Close the Gap?

Sadly, I just spent an hour walking around in our nearly-empty Gap, Gap Kids and Gap Body stores – they are closing this month. And they’re not the only closings coming. For 2006 Gap estimated opening 35 new Gap North America stores (U.S. and Canada), and closing 85. At the same time, they estimated opening 85 new Old Navy stores, while closing only 20 and opening 40 Banana Republics while closing only 10. Store closings are not always tied to performance, but in the case of recent closures, I would guess that low sales were more often the reason than not.

There are rumors circulating that the company is going on the block. No one from Gap will comment. However, they will admit that they are doing whatever it takes to turn the company around, and have hired Goldman Sachs to do a survey of both Gap and Old Navy brands. Paul Pressler, president and CEO of Gap Inc. said, “Given that we did not gain the traction we had expected, the management team, with the active involvement of our board of directors, is currently reviewing Gap and Old Navy’s brand strategies. We are committed to making the necessary changes to improve performance.�?

I’m Not Giving Up On You, Gap

Dear Gap: I know you didn’t ask me. But I am a consumer, a long-time customer, and I read and write about the retail business. So, I may not be qualified to address your financials, but I do have thoughts about what you could do to re-capture some of what you’ve lost. Here are my ideas: (more…)