Banana Republic, Gap, Old Navy 48 Hours / 30% off Sale

Take 30% off GAP inc. brands with code 48HOURS

Free shipping kicks in at $50 and you can buy from different brands to get there.  Code expires 10/4

Been enough sales lately?  For a few weeks there at the end of the summer there was something of a discounting drought.  Now it’s starting to feel like a county fair midway with almost every brand playing the role of a “step right up” carny.  Now’s not a bad time to refresh on the rules for when not to buy it.

But (and there’ always a but) 30% off at all three GAP brands is the point at which a good sale for these guys goes to a very good sale.  Again, this isn’t just one brand but all three.  $50 gets you free shipping and returns are free in store.  Here’s two picks from each label:
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Banana Republic Tailored Cotton Pin-Dot Blazer – $138.60 ($198)

From Banana Republic’s “Tailored” fit line.  Be prepared to actually size up if you’re between sizes.  Normally I’d wear a 38R in their looser Modern fit.  40R is shown above.  The fabric is something.  Comes in short and tall sizes for you lanky or not so vertically blessed fellows.  First featured in the Affordable Blazers rundown.

 

Banana Republic Tweed V-Neck – $62.65 ($89.50)

This isn’t some wispy cotton number.  Nylon, Lambswool, and Acrylic is a bit of an odd combination, but in the end you get a fabric with texture that’s still far from sandpaper.  Thicker V-neck collar.  Probably no best for layering under a blazer.  Perfect for those real crisp fall weekend days around the house and around town.  Ships free on its own.

 

GAP Non-Iron Slim Gingham Shirt – $41.97 ($59.95)

Has a color scheme that’s like a louder version or the Blank Label Steve Albany.  Would look best layered under something than out there on it’s own (and more on layering tomorrow.)  Not as slim as a Blank Label custom fit, but noticeably trimmer than a standard GAP button up.  Nice fabric feel, good weight to the cotton, and a non-iron finish.

 

GAP Italian Moleskin Blazer – $82.60 ($118)

So you want a dark fall and winter appropriate blazer but don’t want to drop $138 on the Banana Republic pin-dot.  For almost $60 less, this option won’t feel or look like a blazer that’s a full$60 less.  GAP has taken a page from big brother BR’s playbook and has started sourcing Italian fabrics for some of their more expensive pieces.  Unlike the previously reviewed GAP houndstooth blazer, this one isn’t cropped too short.  A great standard length and fitted through the sides and arms.  It’s trim enough that if you’re between sizes you’re best to size up.  Moleskin is a thicker cotton that’s like a real dense short-nap velvet without the sheen.  Thicker than chino and plenty warm.

 

Old Navy Slim Fit Canvas Pant – $24.46 ($34.94)

A cheap version of Banana Republic’s riveted 5-pocket canvas pant from last season.  The waist is a little bigger than you’d think, so size down there.  But they’re a truely slim through the calf.  Mid to lighter weight fabric and they move pretty well.  A good alternative to jeans.

 

Old Navy Rugby Stripe V-Necks – $24.46 ($34.94)

 

The Splurge Bonus Pick: B.R. Tailored Slim Windowpane Suit – $367.50 ($525)

A full blown statement suit.  A charcoal windowpane pattern like this doesn’t come along in the reasonably affordable $200 – $400 price range all that often.  Not that the pattern and slim fit won’t stand out enough, but the ticket pocket really puts this on a whole other level.  Oranges and orangutans when compared to the solid black three button sack suits most businessmen wear.  Sold as separates.  Price above reflects the purchase of the pants and jacket.

The 30% off Banana Republic/Gap/Old Navy code 48HOURS expires at 11:59pm ET on Tuesday 10/4/11