Showing posts with label Old Navy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Old Navy. Show all posts

Thursday, September 28, 2023

Stylish Sporty Fall Finds

No doubt about it, fall has arrived in the Western Hemisphere. With a change of seasons, perhaps you need to add a few new casual pieces to your fall wardrobe? Old Navy is located a couple of blocks from where I live, so it's impossible not to float into the store often when passing. I continue to be amazed by the quality of the retailer's leggings at ultra-affordable price points making them a steal! 

The merchant tends to tweak their offerings from year to year so when you find a style you like and they go on sale, it's a good idea to buy a few pairs. You may prefer mostly cotton fabric but next year find mostly polyester or modal as choices. The waistband may change or the flare could be discontinued.

To the left are all the selections of leggings this fall, which consist of different styles, textures (meaning weaves and fabrics), and lengths. 

Although 8 offerings require studying each one, a good selection is great for different body types or activities. Two Old Navy leggings I love right now include:

1) High-Waisted Ankle Leggings For Women - Although I prefer jet black, there are other colors too. They sit just below the belly button and are 96% cotton and 4% spandex. Super soft and smooth for comfort, and opaque. Lightweight yet not see-through, I highly recommend them for fall and early winter. They are warm, but not too warm for the sometimes 75-degree F days of autumn. They are fitted through the hips and waist and narrow at the ankles. At times I wear these smooth and lightweight leggings with black ankle socks under a dress in winter instead of tights for warmth with comfort, and nobody is the wiser!

2) Extra High-Waisted PowerChill Leggings For Women - They sit slightly above the belly button and contain 53% cotton, 22% polyester, 13% modal, and 12% spandex. These are light and airy, but also a tad heavier than my 1st recommendation above. Great for Pilates, yoga, or a workout. They are fitted at the hips and thighs and narrow at the ankles. The fabric offers 4-way strength with stay-dry, sweat-wicking technology. They also have an elastic waist that has an inside pocket. Unlike pair #1, they'll be warm enough to take you through the winter months and in the jet-black hue can be dressed up with ballet flats and a blazer. They also come in shorter 7/8 lengths.

3) Dr. Scholl's Women's Time Off Platform Sneakers - I'm recommending these with caveats. Not only are they cute and feminine with leggings, jeans, and dresses, but the platforms provide a measure of arch support and stable heels. Customers love how comfortable they are for walking. For sneakers they are also well priced, but here's the rub ... customers report if you wear them a lot for walking, they won't last longer than 6 months to a year. The shoes' material tends to separate from the rubber, so don't pay the full retail price but wait for a generous sale. I'd buy the Time Off Platforms on sale for $40, but not at $69 or $100. Even at the lower price, I'd be disappointed if they didn't last. To be competitive, Dr. Scholl needs to resolve this manufacturing weakness to make these stylish and supportive sneakers as durable as Nikes and Converse! Sneakers are made for walking … but sometimes a cute style we know to baby is tempting, no?

So there you are, 3 sporty styles to take you through the fall while leaving you with a few dollars to put in your leggings' hidden pocket.

Wednesday, July 12, 2023

A Blazer Paired With Jeans

Old Navy

Fortunately, I live 3 blocks from Old Navy and therefore can pop into the store if I'm walking by it, so I enter frequently. 

The retailer is already putting autumn apparel on its racks, and while I'm still in a summer mindset, I like what I see for the fall. A classic blazer paired with jeans is always a winning combination, suitable for all seasons short of the hottest and stickiest days of the year.

Nike


Uniqlo
So casual smart is a pair of jeans with a blazer, it's fitting attire for work or play. I'm partial to a black cotton velvet blazer coupled with very dark blue jeans but as you can see the possibilities of colors and price points are many! I love a red blazer too. It's all good: I can do me and you can do you

But let's not rush into autumn too quickly. As much as I love this crisp, chic, relaxed look, I'm willing to accept another 6 weeks of hot, sticky long summer days! How about you?🌞  


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Wednesday, June 21, 2023

Old Navy For Lingerie

Customers agree: Victoria's Secret lost its way. Once upon a time, I bought work and casual clothing, as well as, all my lingerie from Vctoria's Secret. They were cut for a woman's body. Personally, I like to keep lingerie basic. Smooth, cotton, medium-rise bikini undies and a smooth bra with a front closure were my choices ... before it all went downhill at V.S. Their clothes were discontinued and the undergarments went from simple and well-made ... to overly sexy ... and finally to awkward and sleazy, not to mention the quality, too, went south. The borders of the bikini underwear fell apart soon after purchase. Without a doubt, Victoria's Secret lowered its bar (to cheap and tacky) and changed its style (from cute and feminine) which formally made it successful. What a disaster!

Comfortable, basic underwear is hard to find, but nearly everybody wears undergarments, so let's discuss: It's tough to find a style somewhere in between grandma's bloomers and butt floss. Plus in a fabric that's not heavy, nor slight.

If you liked Victoria's Secret's old craftsmanship and bikini style, give Old Navy a try. Their underpants are 95% cotton with 5% spandex, smooth and thin, but substantial in weight (that will hold up). They are super soft and comfortable. Also, it's great they come in high-rise and mid-rise providing full coverage without resembling grandma's bloomers.

Additionally, they come in alternate styles including thongs, briefs, and hipsters with cheerful colors and patterns to suit everybody's taste. What a steal for quality! Who knew Old Navy has fabulous underwear?!?

👚👗👠Furthermore H&M and Forever 21 have similar-looking underwear and price points which I haven't bought. Readers who have, can you review them under comments?


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Saturday, April 23, 2022

Old Navy's Summer Wear

Every year one clothing retailer seems to have the edge over others with their spring/summer clothing launch, and this year the distinction goes to Old Navy. The merchant's winning casual summer wear is a combination of style, quality and value. Everyday warm weather attire need not cost an arm and a leg. You need reasonably good, not the apex of quality in summer clothing.

Old Navy's offerings include active-wear fabric (a cozy polyester-spandex blend to wick away moisture) shorts and dresses or 100% cotton dresses priced from $10 - $20 that are soft, cute, cool, easy-to-machine wash and dry and won't fall apart like fast-fashion. For the buck you get a few seasons of wear out of garments (with pockets!😍you can mindlessly wear and clean ... without emplying your wallet. Look for the steals and deals! The $20 SuperCash is a dream come true!


My elderly mother desires something sleeveless she can sleep in, so I'm ordering a few of these dresses for her as they are perfect as nightgowns. Using my supercash promotion brings them down to an unbeatable $9 each!
A loyal costumer, I love Old Navy's casual and sports wear despite the brand's inconsistant sizing. Without gaining a pound you may be a medium one year, a large the next. If a dress fits you perfectly in extra-large, it's Old Navy's use of various vendors, not you! 

Speaking for myself, the size can be called jumbo as long as I know what to order to fit me. Customer reviews are great about telling us to go up or down a size, and when several reviewers say a dress runs short, consider ordering it in tall especially if the dress is 100% cotton to anticipate a bit of shrinkage in the wash. Due to my mom's age, I order her t-shirt dresses in a tall and large to be roomy and long enough for her to feel comfortable sleeping in them.


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Thursday, October 14, 2021

Best Leggings Updated

Photo: LL Bean
My Best Leggings Roundup is my 6th most popular blog of all time, so for sure leggings are a staple in many wardrobes. The list I comprised then is still relevant. I continue to get my leggings from Old Navy and Express, but today I'm adding 3 new retailers to my original list. Old Navy and Express have the fantastic deals, often selling decent quality leggings for as low as $5 - $15 each. You can't beat either company's promotions, and you get at least 2 years of wear out of the leggings so if you need to replace them more often you still come out ahead in savings. At $15 or less per pair, you'll get your money's worth for a good length of wear.

The 3 new leggings I'm adding today to my original list cost more and are a tad more durable ... a financial wash to a Savvy Shopper. If you buy and wear new leggings without paying more money, the money you spend is a wash:

1) Uniqlo leggings - Since I comprised my Best Leggings List, the innovative Japanese retailer has stepped up its leggings game now offering a variety of legging styles designed for different climates and purposes. Moreover, the exciting development is the company's sizes now fit tall women over 5'5"! (The retailer's petite sizing kept it off my original roundup.) Best price point for lasting leggings bar none!

The next two are more expensive retailers. Recently each of them has expanded its legging styles + offers better sales:

2) LL Bean leggings - (top image👆) - The merchant has launched what it calls perfect fit leggings for every type of body, and there are styles galore this season. My favorite fabric is jersey smooth cotton with a touch of spandex, but you can also get fleece-lined leggings if you live in an arctic climate. There are 4 fits (or cuts): 1) original (relaxed); 2) straight-leg; 3) slim; and 4) legging. They won't cling, fade or stretch out.

3) Landsend Starfish leggings - The link leads to all of Landsends' styles of leggings for women, but the only one I'm familiar with is its Starfish leggings which are soft jersey cotton with lycra. Excellent quality leggings, but usually more expensive than I think consumers need to pay. However, when you catch them at their rock bottom sale price of $22, grab them as they are then a fantastic value!🎉

LL Bean's and Landsends' apparel is comparable. From season to season, one retailer will have a better selection, so before buying, I always look at both. 

Uniqlo is usually the better-priced retailer for good (or good enough) and unfailingly innovative clothing -- including its pants and leggings. Toss Old Navy and Express into the mix and one of the 5 retailers will offer you a perfect pair of leggings at a steal of a price!🎯

You are set for the fall, winter, and early spring!


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Tuesday, June 15, 2021

6 Best Fabrics To Wear In Summer

Photo: Stitch Fix Style

I must overcome my bias for natural fabrics to give you more shopping choices for summer clothes. In fact, if the price is right at Uniqlo or Old Navy on cute summer dresses in a manmade material, I make an exception; and in the past, it has worked out. So let's begin ...

 6 Best Fabrics To Keep Us Cool On the Hottest Summer Days:

Photo: Cotton Citzen
1) Cotton - A natural fabric that starts as a plant, cotton keeps you cool because it breathes and absorbs sweat. Cheap and plentiful; soft and comfortable; can be machine washed and dried; and I find it to be most durable -- lasting over many summers of wear. Includes: Denim, a sturdy cotton twill fabric. M
ost of the world's cotton is grown in the USA, Uzbekistan, China and India. Other leading cotton-growing countries are Brazil, Pakistan and Turkey. Cotton is a personal favorite, as well as, the most popular and versatile fabric in the world.

2) Linen - Cloth woven from flax that is light and airy. A tad stiffer and more sophisticated than cotton, yet still soft, casual and cool. Moderately priced and affordable. Very durable. Winkles are accepted in linen clothing. Nowadays linen is often treated so it can be washed and line dried. The garment label will say if it's machine washable. Includes: Chambray - a cotton or linen-finished gingham cloth with a mottled appearance. (Photo of shorts: H&M)

Photo: Old Navy
3) Rayon - A manmade fabric from regenerated cellulose (viscose). Honestly I don't 100% like rayon, yet I appreciate it enough to own several Old Navy summer rayon swing-style dresses. Cheap and flattering, machine wash, gentle dry, but not as durable as cotton or linen and doesn't hold up as well. Rayon is wrinkle-resistant, and the price super budget-friendly, so perhaps that's the trade off. The dresses stretch longer after a summer of washings, but they don't cost a lot to replace. So literally, the pros and cons of rayon are a wash!😊 Includes: Cupro - discussed in #6.

4) Modal - A semi-synthetic fabric consisting mainly of beechwood pulp, it is shrink-resistant and unlikely to fade. Frankly I'm not completely in love with modal either as it too stretches and I find it warmer than cotton ... yet every source I consult says it keeps us cool. I do have a modal sweater (and of course, it's cooler than wool). Modal is popular nowadays with retailers, so if the price is right, you might consider buying one stylish garment (or two).

5) Silk - Fine, strong, lustrous fiber spun by silkworms in making cocoons. The silk fiber is turned into fabric. Previously expensive, but demand and modern industry have lowered the cost. Super light and cool ... another favorite fabric of mine. Still I tend to save my silk dresses and shirts for work or attending events, not running Saturday errands. Not as cheap as cotton, and I don't as mindlessly wash it. I suppose it's why I don't mindlessly wear it, yet I do love it.😍👗 Silk includes: Chiffon, taffeta, and crepe de cine. (Photo: Silk dress: Halston

Photo of BraTop: Uniqlo
6) Nylon with moisture wicking technologyUniqlo and a few innovative retailers combine Nylon with cupro (Cupro is made of regenerated cellulose fibers from recycled cotton linter. A type of rayon, made using copper and ammonium, it is "breathable and regulates temperature like cotton, drapes elegantly," and feels soft like silk) and spandex to manufacture its pieces of clothing with a cool touch and moisture wicking technology. Sold as Airism tops and dresses, they are also anti-bacterial with odor control. I love Uniqlo for its affordable, inventive and stylish clothing! Wear its bra tops with shorts or under dresses to absorbed sweat. That way you can wash the bra top and save the dress!

Sometimes an apparel maker uses fabric blends, for example 95% cotton with a touch of 5% spandex, to give a dress or blouse a benefit like wrinkle resistance, or strength or shape which I don't mind in a dress despite a tad less softness in the blend. (However, for bed sheets pure 100% cotton is a must.) 

With the knowledge of what fabrics will keep you cool on soaring hot days, have fun shopping for your summer wardrobe!


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Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Who Wears Short Shorts?

Photo: Uniqlo High-Rise Denim Shorts

As much as I love summer, I haven't worn shorts in several years! Perhaps because I reside in Manhattan (as opposed to a suburb), I live in Old Navy casual-smart dresses. They slide over your arms and head and voilà you are entirely dressed for the day. A change of shoes with some jewelry will take you from home or an afternoon in Central Park to a night out on the town (before COVID). I love multi-tasking things of every kind including clothes! Unlike Victorians and Edwardians, who dressed in the morning and again for dinner, the right casual-smart outfit in the 21st century is suitable for all the events of a single day!

Many people like having some shorts in their summer wardrobe.

Old Navy styles

At Old Navy the styles of shorts are numerous, continuous and ever changing during warmer months ... not surprising as the merchant specializes in sports and activewear. 
Uniqlo 3/4 length shorts

What's more, Uniqlo holds its own in the activewear and shorts department. Its collection is versatile, upscale and budget-friendly too. Some of Uniqlo's pieces are garden party, casual-smart. Old Navy matches Uniqlo's garden party vibe primarily with its summer dresses.
Uniqlo styles

Between the 2 retailers, there's no need to look elsewhere. Both have an unparalleled winning short selection in many styles including chinos and biker shorts, as well as, in different lengths, colors and styles. I've posted a tiny sampling offered at unbeatable prices even before applied promotions - which Uniqlo and Old Navy are always running. Why pay more?


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Tuesday, December 29, 2020

After Christmas Goodies: SLGs, Silicone Bags And Bras

James is showing you the SLGs (Small Leather Goods).

Before Christmas, it's fun to shop for others. After Christmas, it's fun to buy for ourselves! Not by design, yet I bought "holders" of all sorts yesterday and today:
😁😉

Here's what I got after Christmas:

1) Stone Mountain Wallet - see above) Made of bonded leather. Mine is all black, compact, and the strap when attached, lets me use it as a wristlet. It has the following features:
 
In a few colors/textures
  • Small zip around wallet with flap closure
  • Pebble leather w/man made trim
  • Silver-tone hardware
  • Detachable wristlet strap
  • Rear exterior slash pocket w/ ID window
  • Interior - Polyester
  • 8 credit card slots
  • Picture ID windows
  • 4 large slash pockets
  • Cash pocket
  • Interior zippered coin purse

  • Price: $9.99 at T.J. Maxx. Also sold at Boscov's.

    2) Stone Mountain Card Holder - Made of bonded leather. As regular readers know, I think T.J. Maxx is the place to find  SLGs even if you buy luxury handbags. You'd be surprised at the quality which ends up there. A bag is a better splurge. Often SLGs are 1/3 to 1/2 of the price of a handbag and they wear out faster. My new leather cardholder is:

  • Ultra slim 
  • Napa, as opposed to, the pebble leather (on the left) w/man made trim. [I prefer a sturdier pebble leather if I have a choice.]
  • Gold-tone hardware
  • Interior - Polyester
  • 5 credit card slots
  • Picture ID window
  • 1 large slash pocket
  • 1 zipped pocket

  • Price: $4.99 at T.J. Maxx. Also sold on eBay.

    3) Uniqlo Women's Beauty Soft Wireless Bras - I've been
    wearing these comfortable and supportive bras since the store 1st opened in NYC. They were discontinued briefly before Uniqlo came to its senses by bringing them back. Very soft and stretchy straps that never hurt your shoulders. Available in several neutral colors and special edition fun colors. 
    Boring as it is, I always stick with neutral or subdued colors so I can wear undergarments with every outfit. Having to match them to a light-colored top is too much work for me every morning. None better than what Uniqlo offers at any color or price point! Usually $24.90. Price: On sale for $19.99 - so I bought 2.


    4) Old Navy Silicone Reusable Sacks/Bags - Eco-friendly and sturdy enough to carry snacks, cosmetics, or anything you need to place in your purse, the pantry, or a drawer. I bought a few at $2.99 each. Then they were reduced again to $1, so a few more came home with me. It's rare for me to buy items I'm unsure of exactly how I'll use them, but I know they will keep my purses, pantry and drawers clean and organized. Price: now $1.

    Nice practical things. When the price is right, you get a lot for the money. Value finds are always fun. They make you sooo happy!


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    Thursday, July 2, 2020

    Fabulous Deals Now At Macy's, Old Navy And More

    Macy's emerald tennis bracelet (20 ct. t.w.) in sterling silver 
    Great news: Retailers are opening their doors and offering sales to welcome customers back! The following deals are too good and tempting to pass up:

    1) Macy's is offering a 50% - 75% epic summer sale on apparel, shoes, handbags, and jewelry. What a lovely 20-carat emerald tennis bracelet above, which is also offered in certified rubies. The sale includes more expensive necklaces, bracelets and rings. As an example, I selected a lovely budget-friendly piece that won't break the bank! In sterling silver (a precious metal), plus real emeralds for the price of costume jewelry. If you miss this particular sale, put the item on your wish list on Macy's website, then wait for the sale to come around again. Count on it happening!
    2) Old Navy High-Waisted Slim Boot-Cut Yoga Pants - I'm letting my secret out of the bag. In the fall and winter I wear these substantial cotton and spandex yoga pants with a top and blazer for events -- the combo looks like business attire, and nobody is the wiser! The pants are jet-black, opaque and smooth, and they are so comfortable! The high-waisted slim boot-cut suits me, but there are several styles of yoga pants for every~body. Best deal for the quality in town. None better!
    3) Crew-neck t-shirts - This year it was time for me to replace old, weathered t-shirts. Based upon quality alone, the t-shirts from L.L. Bean, Landsend and Uniqlo in the order listed are what I like buying. Although L.L. Bean is my top pick for high caliber t-shirts, I buy t-shirts from all 3 merchants based upon the price, sales, and colors available. All 3 retailers have good quality cotton t-shirts to last for several seasons of wear. A few weeks ago, I went with Landsend. In years past I also purchased t-shirts from Old Navy, but this year they only have neutral colors (white, black, grey), and I love t-shirts in vivid colors! 
    4) Old Navy Swing Dresses - I highly recommend buying O.N.'s swing dresses to wear all summer long. Frankly I favor cotton because the fabric lasts longer, but Old Navy makes these practical and cool (knitted) rayon dresses so cheap, it's quibbling. Every spring the retailer returns their swing dresses in new colors and patterns. I got the above floral red dress at the store today for $10.93 on sale! How could I not bring it home!

    Certain stores (including Ulta and Uniqlo) are not yet ready for in-store shopping, but you can go to their websites for details on ordering, then can go to the store for "curbside pick up" of the goods. Moreover some merchants offer both in-store and curbside side pickup services (like Macy's, Saks, Bloomingdales, Old Navy, H&M and Sophora). Check the websites of your favorite retailers ... and support them if you can. They want you back and are showing it with sales and extra services. Show brick and mortar stores some love! They were hurt by the shutdown. Let them know you're glad to be back!


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    Tuesday, June 16, 2020

    Are You Handwashing Clothes During Covid-19?

    In Manhattan how lucky am I to live in a highrise with a clean and modern laundromat in our basement? But during Covid-19, I'm scared to go down there to do laundry! I think catching the virus is a numbers game. If you don't have to go somewhere where unknowns are, don't do it! We are stopping the spread in lockdown by limiting our possible contacts with asymptomatic people who have it. So I made a point of doing all my laundry a few days before the lockdown started (washing my hands like a maniac in the laundry room) and only venturing down there once (to wash bed sheets and towels) after our lockdown began on March 22nd.

    Since our sheltering at home, I sort of wear a pandemic
    uniform consisting of easy-to-hand-wash garments: undies, t-shirts, socks and leggings. My pajamas are an over-sized t-shirt. And this week I began wearing a few Old Navy rayon swing dresses. All are relatively easy to hand wash and hang up to dry. (The only other times I ever handwash anything is while staying in a hotel for a week.)
    Before the pandemic, you could not have gotten me to handwash my clothes at home! It would have felt like torture. I make a point of buying clothes that say: machine wash and dry. And yet, here we are! Actually, I was less afraid to touch the things in our community laundry room the 2nd time around then the 1st time at the beginning of our pandemic. Really, the coronavirus can't penetrate our skin. After we touch the common doors of washers and dryers, we just need to be careful not to touch our faces and wash our hands. A sink and liquid soap sit in our laundry room to do so. I'm more worried about other people coming into the laundry room while I'm down there, which didn't happen either time.

    In fact, I learned a few things by handwashing my clothes in my bathroom sink:

    1) I own far too many clothes I do not need and do not wear. I'm getting by just fine wearing my curated wardrobe!

    2) Handwashing gets clothes surprisingly clean
    and good smelling!

    3) A good 10-15 minute soak in hot soapy water alone nearly cleans the clothes by itself and lessens the need for heavy-duty scrubbing. 

    4) Dishwashing liquid is best for handwashing. I love using Palmolive with Oxy-ingredient. Cleans and smells great!

    5) Don't be heavy-handed with the soap ... use only a squirt to clean the clothes. More soap doesn't get clothes any cleaner and requires more work to rinse out with clear water.

    6) When handwashing, never let clothes pile up but wash 1 or 2 pieces daily, then hang them up to dry. I toss a couple of items into hot soapy water, take my shower and dry off, then finish the wash with a rub a dub, dub; and rinse.

    7) Only squeeze the excess water out and leave it at that: The most unpleasant part of handwashing is wringing the rinse water out before hanging clothes up to dry. I find with cotton, spandex, and rayon, gravity is your friend! Clothes hung up at noon dry by the evening without squeezing every last drop of water out of the garment. It takes less squeezing than we initially think.

    8) I decided against buying special equipment for daily handwashing only a few articles. You will need to get your hands wet (or use plastic gloves) ... but rubbing and swishing the clothes around the soapy water cleans as well as using washing boards, or washing stones, etc. So if these extras can't take over the manual labor, or clean better than our 2 hands, they are not worth the expense or the storage space they take up. 

    If you have a salad spinner, it works to wring water out of clothes, but if not, wringing the excess water out, then letting gravity pull the rest out is fast enough.

    As it turns out I'm a mean, clean machine! Moreover, my hands have never been cleaner when it matters most! And, I learned if I handwash 1 or 2 garments daily I only have to go down to the laundry room (to do bedding and towels) every few months! Since we're home all the time and not going out of the house much, plus nobody is visiting to use our bathroom towels, how dirty can they be?

    So the question arises will I continue to handwash my t-shirts and socks after the worry of the pandemic ends? Hell no! After this passes, it will be too much work!😊😃


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