to shop / {gap favorites} the leather sandal – restocked!

Previously featured in this not so continuous series.

The last time I ordered the Gap classic leather sandals, the United States Postal Service royally screwed up. Gap just restocked these in all sizes and colors. Just in time for the 40% off sale! I really like the simple, clean lines. I don’t expect them to last forever, but they’re a good buy for the sale price. I’ll consider a visit to the cobbler if they are worth it!

Now through tomorrow, June 17 midnight ET, use THANKS for 40% off at Gap and Banana Republic and 30% off at Old Navy. Code SHOPFAST gets you 25% off at Piperlime through noon PT. If you have yet to sign-up for a brand’s mailing list, typically that code is stackable with the above codes. All sites have some exclusions (boo!).

If you’re into cashback, MrRebates has 5% off for Gap at press time. Since it’s one cart for all of the sites, I typically look up which Gap Inc. brand has the highest cashback and checkout from there. (Tell ’em irenelikes at gmail dot com sent you!) I’m a long time user of eBates, but I’ll take 5% over 2% any day!

Image source: Gap

to shop / {gap favorites} the shirtdress – 2013 edition

Read Part I here.

Gap has extended their Friends and Family 30% off sale through Monday. Use code GAPFRIENDS for 30% off and don’t forget eBates! Gap has 2% back and Piperlime has 7% back. I’m experimenting with checking out through Piperlime… 

I always look forward to the Spring collections. It usually means the return of 100% cotton clothing at Old Navy and Gap. I loved Gap’s shirtdresses from last Spring. Sifting through the overabundance of shirtdresses for this season, these are my favorites. All of them come in tall lengths. Pair it with a thin belt, strappy sandals, a straw hat, and a casual purse and you’re ready to go!

Striped pintuck dress ; Gingham tie-waist shirtdress; Embroidered pintuck dress

It’s important to find dresses that are breathable 100% cotton and not viscose or polyester in anticipation of the steamy summer days. I also like these other non-shirtdresses, but I regret to inform that the one on the left is polyester (I swear it used to say cotton!).
Printed short sleeve tunic dress; Gap slub drop waist dress

Image source: Gap

to shop / {gap favorites} the polka dot chambray shirt

Previously featured in this series: the striped knit dress, the shirtdress, and the ballet flat.

Gap rolled out the 1969 polka dot boyfriend shirt in July 2012. I was in Paris at the time (and shopping at le Gap!) and tried it on. I had no idea it would sell out as fast as it did. It was a rare instance that I got a cancellation email from Gap. I stalked it on eBay, but missed it. I wasn’t diligent enough to store-stalk it.

If you missed it the first time around, and are not convinced that the J.Crew Perfect Shirt in Chambray Polka Dot is a suitable substitute, and didn’t fall victim to the Old Navy doppelganger (in less substantial fabric), hold your breath, because… it’s back! Renamed as the Dot boyfriend pocket shirt. I think it was listed some time over the weekend. It’s Monday and already sold out in almost all sizes.

It looks pretty similar to the earlier shirt, doesn’t it? (Left – new; right – old.)

I love an unconventional polka dot and they make the classic chambray so playful. I also love how blogger, what do i wear?, styled it with arm candy:

Image source: Gap & what do i wear?

to shop / {gap favorites} the striped knit dress

Previously featured in this series: the shirtdress and the ballet flat.

Gap’s been knocking out a series of striped dresses and I’ve tried every one of ’em.

• The first incarnation came out in late Winter 2012 and was made of non-preshrunk ponte knit, that’s right, preshrunk. I shrunk one by accident because I stupidly decided to put it in the dryer and it shrunk! I did manage to secure another one, but I have some plans to save the shrunken version.
• The latter versions came in a heavier rugby cotton or a slub material. I favored ponte because it is soft, rather lightweight and therefore seasonless, and easy to throw on under a blazer and over tights. Rugby is too heavy for the summer.

The current edition is the nautical shift, on the righthand side of the picture. The zipper detail on the shoulder makes it slightly trendier. Since all of these dresses shrink slightly in the wash, I highly recommend the tall sizes if you want a more conservative skirt length (I’m still talking about above the knee). You can also see that I’m not the only person who opts for the tall length… most of it has sold out!

to shop / {gap favorites} the shirtdress

I got a shirtdress earlier in the season from Gap – pintucked and white. It brought me through many hot and sticky days in Asia. Some of my favorite summer basics have been from Gap because they use a lot of cotton. Other brands, even sister brand Old Navy and Anthropologie, have too many clothes with synthetic content. While polyester can be easy to maintain, it’s not breathable, especially in the heat of the summer.

The shirtdress is such a versatile, basic piece and Gap knows it too since the below image showed up in my email today. The accessorizing possibilities are endless. Who else remembers Rachel McAdams’ shirtdresses from Midnight in Paris?