tagged 
fashion, shopping, The Gap, Patrick Robinson, tops in Latest Crush, Pimp My Brand
fashion, shopping, The Gap, Patrick Robinson, tops in Latest Crush, Pimp My Brand Saturday
23Aug
Minding the Gap
Saturday, August 23, 2008 at 09:44PM 
Everyone's been talking about Patrick Robinson and his new collection for The Gap these days, so I decided to pop in and check it out for myself this morning. Could the rumors be true? Could something stylish, edgy, and desirable actually be coming out of The Gap again? Time to investigate...
Enter Gap flagship at Market and Powell in San Francisco. Wow - muted tones, layers, stripes, plaids, ruffles... OMG! Texture! Cool colors! Nice textiles! Flattering cuts! Do they really mean to layer that plaid shirt with the striped sweater? Could I really do that too?
I proceeded to load up my arms with things to try (when was the last time that happened at The Gap?) and headed to the fitting rooms... Thirty minutes later I emerged with some new purchases that will surely be my favorites for casual days this Fall. I also emerged with a lot of optimism for what will be coming next!
I tried on two colors of the ruffled-front plaid blouse shown above and came out with this one in the olive green. I loved the grey-blue-beige version too, but I had to go with the color that does the most for me. Not that I'm ruling the other color out, mind you, I may just have to come back and get that one later. I also got this great cowl-neck sweater that is pretty darn stunning. Great proportions, lean cut, dramatic collar; this will be perfect for work or for dinners out on the weekend with a pair of jeans. The wool is pretty heavy and scratchy, but that's what silk camis are for!
I'm also keeping this tie-neck blouse in mind. The cut is gorgeous and the fabric is slightly sheer, making it very sexy but still work-appropriate. The ruffled-neck blouse was not so flattering though, despite how it looks in the picture. I put this on in both colors and couldn't help but think of something between an Elizabethan courtier and a crown-rib roast. Not that I'm worried about looking like a succulent dish, but those little paper garnishes do nothing for me. Ugh!
It's obvious that The Gap's design aesthetic for this season is all about the layering: sweaters, blouses, tees, tanks - they all work together. Okay, so a lot of it looks sort of grungy-granola at first glance, and yes, it is very casual and comfy looking - not a lot of glamour here. But still, it works and the collection is strong. Lots of neutrals and muted colors, and you could totally work these pieces for the office or play. Everything is still offered at that very-approachable Gap price point that we all like so much, but the quality seems to have been bumped a few notches which has been sorely needed. Overall, worth a visit and a try-on... Good work Mr. Robinson!
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