to shop / {sale alert} polka dots and stripes at uniqlo

Confession: I placed a huge Uniqlo order at the beginning of the month. It was so large that they had to ship it in two huge boxes. I was extremely unmotivated to open them until this weekend.

Lots on sale at Uniqlo lately. Here are my sale picks which all happen to be $19.90 and are polka dot or stripe strong. Three of the four pieces below are from the Ines de la Fressange collection that I previously wrote about. Really really love this collection!

Images from Uniqlo

• The striped top is cut to accommodate non-ruler figures. I love it. I highly recommend it and the dress version. Note: this is a thicker cotton so will not be suitable for a typical hot summer day.
• Lightweight parka comes in various colors.
• This hoodie is from a collection with Yayoi Kusama and was from the guys’ side. If you really like it, Moma has it in stock.
• Usually silk blouses are too high maintenance for me. This IDLF one is cut well and can be machine washed!

As for the non-pictured John Robshaw collection. I am not a fan of the tees, but the linen dresses are cut well.

to shop / a look at old navy spring 2015

I love Old Navy‘s spring collection. It reminds me that bare legs and warmer weather isn’t too far away, and it is super affordable*. They tend to use breathable fabrics like cotton and rayon for warm weather styles, unlike some other lower cost brands that go heavy on polyester (*cough* F21). The quality isn’t amazing but it’s good enough — I have yet to see anything fall apart under multi-season use. Many items come in petite and tall sizing and are lined, which makes it work appropriate. My favorites so far are the dresses in the first row and the chambray shirt and sweater in the third row.

*There was a 40% off promotion last week for cardholders. The current promotion is 35% off for Old Navy and Gap with code DAYLIGHT through Monday, March 9, 11:59 ET. I’m a big Gap Inc. fan — the Gap credit card is totally worth it.

Ponte-knit tank dress (also in black), Eyelet dress in white, Maxi cami dress, Striped linen-blend dress (also in red) 

Eyelet shirtdress (also in navy), Belted shirtdress (also in dot print), Ponte knit sheath dress, Eyelet dress in blue (also in white)

Sleeveless eyelet shirt, Mesh-knit sweater, Chambray boyfriend shirt (oversized, inky blue), Gauze eyelet top

Ankle strap sandals in black, white, neon yellow (not pictured)

Image source: Old Navy

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!