GAP has forever been a staple in my mall shopping experience. It’s one of the few stores that existed before I was of going-to-the-mall-with-friends-and-no-parents age, that still exists today. A vague memory are stores like 5 7 9 and the days when Express was called Limited Express. But GAP? It’s tried and true. It’s timeless. It’s classic. Well, everything except it’s logo, apparently, but that debacle is a different story.
My biggest complaint with GAP is and has always been it’s clothes. Now, you’re probably thinking, “Woman, if you hate the clothes, then don’t shop there!” But what my complaint comes down to are the seasonal style choices made by GAP designers. For any given season, it too often seems like every piece of clothing in the store falls in line with 1 very particular look. So, if you happen to adore what you see on a mannequin in the store’s window, you’re going to want to spend some serious *kaching!* and buy every last piece of clothing on the racks. But if GAP designers are inspired by, let’s say, Nantucket and you aren’t feeling particularly nautical nor like looking like you stepped off the set of an E! True Hollywood Story: The Kennedys, there isn’t a single thing in that store that you’d spend even a nickel to buy.
My second complaint specifically targets GAP jeans, and wasn’t a factor in my life until I became a mom. Hey GAP execs? You have grown your business over the years to include babyGap, GapKids and GapMaternity, so clothing entire families is something you strive for. But have you ever considered the specific needs for your mommy clientele? Perhaps a waistline that sits higher than 2-3 inches below the belly button would be preferable? Unless you think we moms actually want to accentuate our flabby mommy pouches?? Because that’s all you’re doing for us by offering only low- and mid-rise jeans.
Heck, GAP execs, I’d even stomach buying a striped boatneck top or two if you started making stylish jeans that worked to make us moms look good. The “muffin top” and “still carrying around baby weight” looks are not what we moms had in mind.
***POST UPDATE! I received a few comments from a GAP store employee, and turned to Twitter about it. Turns out that same GAP employee commenter started following me on Twitter, and responded to my tweet! Long story, short, here’s a terrific GAP In-Store coupon for 30% off! Enjoy!
How’s that for the power of social media…
Even though SJP was their spokesperson briefly I don’t find most Gap clothing to be age appropriate for me. Sure, I can wear a few of their t’s and such, but I think their merchandise is geared toward the younger consumer. Maybe they need to add a “Mom Sexy Gap” to their arsenal?
Can we still be friends if I admit I’ve never shopped at Gap and probably never will?
Yes, GAP jeans are not the best fit for mothers.
I love, love, love (most of) the jeans at Anthropologie. Try shopping there. The clothes aren’t very attractive sometimes on the hangers, but they look amazing on. It seems to be the opposite with GAP — where they look good on the hanger but not on the body.
I agree with you, Liz…there are times when I walk in Gap and just can’t relate to the “look” for that particular season. And it carries through the entire store! I can’t remember the last time I bought anything there, and it certainly wasn’t jeans.
My mall experiences leave me sad lately. It just feels like there’s nobody who gets it exactly right for this old broad with her aging bod. I realize this isn’t your problem, Liz….but if you aren’t finding it there now, you certainly won’t find it at my age either!
Amen to that! The gap will do a theme to death. Their jeans just don’t fit grown women!
I just started buying “Not your daughter’s jeans.” It felt a lot like giving up.
Love Gap. But I am currently on GAP strike because of their disgustingly awful RETURN POLICY!!!
30 days people, 30 DAYS. Receipt or not. They don’t care. After 30 days they offer you the current selling price, which is usually about $4.99. And even worse, they MAIL you a merchandise credit.
I have 4 kids, if the GAP thinks I can get there 2x in one month (1 to buy, 1 to return) they must be high on something they ain’t sharin’!
Whew…had to vent it ladies…had to vent it…
I shop at Gap for basics, but I just recently converted to Lucky Jeans again. Love them!!!! And they don’t stretch out like Gap ones do.
It’s no lie- they have got to be more forgiving to the mom body. I mean, I worked out (mostly) and lost some weight, so come on jeans. Cooperate.
Old Navy too with the jeans. Why is it so hard to find good-fitting jeans?
I hear you! Low-rise jeans + post-pregnancy bodies? Is not a good combination. Somehow, I doubt that is the GAP they were trying to accentuate.
GOOD for them for coming through – and hopefully you can find some flattering jeans w/ the coupon. My guess, though, is that you’ll just get a scarf or sleevless puffer coat or something – you know – flattering on all. AND a friend who used to work in the ‘jeans’ biz told me that Gap & Old Navy are like the most unflattering jeans around, anyway. Give no oomph to the badonkadonk. For what it’s worth.
Amazing Liz! True about the jeans. Thanks for the 30% coupon code. Still love the gap kids play wear…I’ll probably use it for the kids. Awesome
I stopped being a Gap fan for MYSELF in my 20′s..
Eddie Bauer took over my body at that point! ha ha! but… Gap Kids… always comes through for me… Almost!! My kids have perfect GAP bodies… tall thin and long arms… and God Bless them for making SLIM! real slim… skinny slim for the skinny kid!! but Gap Grownup clothes… yeah… they just don’t cut it for THIS chubby mommy bod!~ *sigh* ha ha… LOVE the social media kickback coupon!! I love that!! I will use it at GapKids!
I just have to say…amen to the mommy-friendly jeans!!! The low cut jeans drive me crazy, and the fact that I feel so uncomfortable in them drives my DAUGHTER crazy. Go figure. People who design the low jeans have not had multiple children.
Wow, now that is social media influence! Awesome! Now if they could just name the mid waisted mom jeans after your blog, you’d be famous! =) I’ll keep my fingers crossed.
I laughed out loud when I came to the part of the muffin top and mom weight. Great post!
I gotta say, I used to be a HUGE Gap fan, buying out the entire store, but the last few seasons, they have had NOTHING that really interests me. I even have $100 in GCs to spend and I can’t find anything to buy…and I’m a huge shop-aholic…annoying!
Thanks for the coupon, maybe I’ll finally find something worth buying!
I love the Gap… always have and always will for staples and jeans. I have $200 pairs by 7 – Citizens of Humanity, Joe’s and Hudson jeans, but I never get compliments when I wear those. It’s the Gap jeans that always get me compliments.
I agree there are no good mom jeans out there, but the Gap curvy cut fits me perfectly. If they still make it, you should check it out.
Lucas lives in Old Navy clothes, which is a sister company. You can’t beat the price for kids clothes!
I LOVE that this post (via Twitter) made a difference to a Gap employee and that they offered you a coupon. Did you use it and if so, what did you get?