Here’s the big blue square elephant in the room. GAP has been a little crap-tastic lately. Nothing really to get excited over, and they got slammed in store wars. But the parent company of Banana Republic, Old Navy, and Piperlime has had a rough go as of late thanks to cotton prices and the economy. Maybe that’s turning around. Promo codes are still plentiful, but there hasn’t been much more than 25% lately. But that’s not too bad if you play your cards so you snag free shipping as well. That kicks in at $50 PRE code. All of the following picks below, some as part of a combo, ship free. Giddyup:
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The polo was part of the recent Polo Palooza and was probably best-in-show. Nice trim fit and the different rugby-style collar is a great touch. Three colors to pick from. The belt comes in four colors and the colored web style has become a summer casual standard for guys. Rivets make sure it won’t slip throughout the day. $41.17 for the pair post code. But remember, they ship free thanks to the duo passing the $50 threshold pre-code.
A sub-$100 light grey workhorse for the spring and even summer months. Comes in a pre-contoured “tailored” fit, and be prepared to size up if you’re inbetween sizes. Pic on the left shows a 38R, but the smart decision for me was a 40R with some post purchase tailoring. A nice mix of dressed up and down. It’s smoother than a rumpled chino, but it’s still cotton. Pockets do NOT have flaps, so the ticket pocket is real subtle. Center vent.
For what seemed like awhile, these new denim washed garment dye khakis were excluded from sales. That’s not the case anymore, for now. TONS of colors. Bright ones too for those jumping on that bandwagon. A warning: They’re awfully slim from the knee down. Lots of taper. Nails otherwise, and lots of you seem to dig that. Button fly and rave reviews on gap.com. Full review here.
Yay. STRAIGHT FIT. Which means: Closer to a 501 cut from the knee down. Forget the tube sock taper for those with larger calves. Subtle glen plaid pattern. Work appropriate but don’t be afraid to pair a polo with them on the (gasp) weekend.
Both of these are already on sale for a sizeable reduction. Add on top of that the extra 25% off and double them up for the free shipping and… well, don’t buy the two if both don’t appeal to you. But, you can see how the combos can match up. Who’s afraid of a little plaid on their shirt? Apparently lots of people. For $26.25, with a slim fit and non iron finish, why the hell not if paired with a solid sweater, blazer, or tie? The belt is actually leather on one side and cotton on the other. Sneaky. Metal rivets might look a little goofy on the leather side, but… it’s $15.
This one is tricky because there are a few of the pique polos already marked down to the lower $24.99. The pique grey is a very safe play here. GAP “Contrast” stitch polo was also part of the palooza. Fits just about the same as the rugby collar. Pocket on this one.
Little known fact: White socks from Baby Gap make fine temporary daubers for shining your shoes. Okay, fine, that’s completely made up. But it tips the balance for the free shipping. Here’s the deal. You either shell out $7.00 for shipping, or you pop for the socks. You can leave $5 on the table if you’d like. It’s either that or get this friggin’ pom-pom hat and use it as a coaster. There is no shame in the free shipping game my grasshoppers.
The Gap 25% off code GAPSAVE expires today, 4/18/11. Once again, free shipping kicks in at $50 pre-code.
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