Works on BananaRepublic.com
Gather ’round fells. Allow Grandpa Joe to regale you with a thoroughly riveting story of retail:
Once upon a time, a Friends and Family sale was at least somewhat exclusive. Those days are now over.
The End.
Some brands still attempt to keep a Friends and Family Sale quiet, and only let their mailing list know when it’s going to happen, but brands like GAP inc. just throw the code up on their websites. You do have to wonder how many people don’t notice and end up overpaying at checkout.
The code THANKS gets you 30% off almost everything online through Banana Republic, GAP, and Old Navy. It’s online only, but the good news is you can mix and match items in your shopping cart to get to the $50 free shipping threshold. Returns in-store are free. Here’s three picks from each of the three GAP inc brands:
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As good as it gets right now. Finally saw it in store, and it’s a carbon copy of last year’s fantastic trench in silhouette and detail layout. The only issue, which some might have a problem with, is that it’s 100% polyester. Last year’s was a perfect cotton/nylon blend. The poly will keep the rain off, it doesn’t feel stiff, and it moves incredibly well. This is a great coat but know there’s just a very, VERY small hint of poly shine to it.
It’s your choice of shoes between sneakers and dress shoes that can make a huge difference. Yes these have a rubber sole and yes $140 is asking way too much. But… already marked down, with the extra 30% off, AND they ship free? That’ll work. Sizes are getting real short.
For the guys who love their jeans but just can’t bring themselves to love chinos. Somewhere in-between those two. Can absolutely be worn with a blazer, button up shirt, and knit tie. Also available in subtle pinstripes which will look really good once it cools down.
Slim through the sides with just enough utility jacket styling. A nice hybrid that’s made of thicker, better feeling/wearing material than a flimsy windbreaker. The angled pockets aren’t a drawback and there are snaps at the cuffs.
There were a lot more color options in-store (red, the black you see here, etc…) but online all they’ve got is grey. Still, it’s a nice fitting polo and the collar and placket are reinforced with some extra material. Rubberized buttons, and a drop that’s a little longer but not too long.
As stated during a previous GAP sale… this won’t ward off frostbite. But if you’re lean, you like to layer, and you abhor the bulk that usually comes with all cotton sweaters, here’s your thin as can be option.
Credit to Old Navy. They seem to be trying to slim down their sizes. It’s by no means a slim fit, but if worn under a slim sweater or well tailored blazer, the sides on these aren’t so bad that you couldn’t get away without tailoring. The oxford cloth is far from thick, but it’s thicker than a poplin. Not bad for $20.
You can tell they’re winding down their summer gear. The fitting room shot is almost certainly their jersey striped polos which are all but sold out online. If you can find one you like in a size down from what you normally wear, they’re a decent way to get over a shipping threshold.
Again, give em’ credit. Their silhouettes are starting to get slightly more trim. It’s a 100% cotton sweater that’s not overly thick and could be layered easily. But it’s nowhere near as durable feeling as say, a Banana Republic silk blend. If you’re on a serious budget, these are a better than average buy.
The Banana Republic, GAP, Old Navy Friends and Family online 30% off sale code THANKS expires 8/24/11
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