GAP IS DEAD! Long live JCrew and Land's End.

So I've been really disappointed with Gap/Banana/Old Navy for several years now. I don't know the last time I've purchased something from them. And desperate to find a fashionable alternative to purchasing basics, I finally read an article in Business Week about recent ousted CEO Paul Pressler. Yes, it's old news but things finally clicked as to why the brand and clothing went down hill.

So what's the alternative for a mamacita who's looking to buy some basics for Summer – but doesn't want to look to dowdy – a la Talbot's? Ick.

JCrew
I must get a catalog each week in the mail. Love the catalog but hate that it comes weekly. As a kid preparing for camp in Minnesota, my sisters and I used to peruse the JCrew catalog and have our pick of Summer camp clothes. Now it's definitely updated and the clothes are too cute. And the variety of colors and patterns help to spruce up any wardrobe...no black, grey, or brown for me. I'll take yellow and green thank you very much. Check out JCrew today.

Land's End
Alright, so I always thought of Land's End as the sloppy seconds to Talbot's (and we all know how I feel about old lady Talbot). But this isn't your mother's apparel store no more. I don't know how I got on their list, but I'm sure glad I did. I get their catalog about once a month and look forward to their “priced just right” cute clothes. Instead of being Talbot's step sister, Land's End has transformed itself to be JCrew's spunky little sister. So if you're looking for fresh new colors to add to your standard wardrobe, look no further for an affordable option. Land's End is here.