I’m back with another dressing room diaries installation and I’ll be honest – these have become my favorite posts to put together. I’m not sure what it is, but even sharing the sometimes scary looks makes it kind of fun and I love hearing your take on hits & misses! So, let’s get on with it.
I’m back at the GAP outlet, otherwise known as GAP Factory. Can we just take an aside to ask when outlets started becoming “factory”? Every damn thing companies make – outlet or not – is coming from a factory – so can we just call it an outlet again? We are all here for the same damn thing…a good deal…so what’s with the fancy ass name? I don’t get it…
Anyway, I went back. I know, I know….again?! For a long time, I just avoided this place altogether, because their styles didn’t match mine and the fit just wasn’t quite right. Well, folks, that has changed. I’m not sure if they made some corporate switch-a-roos or what – but I’ve been finding some really cute GAP stuff recently!
After growing a little bit, I took a haul back to the dressing room and got down to work. P.S. if you don’t have a local store, GAP Factory is online. #yourewelcome
First up is their short sleeve poncho and chambray Tencel shorts. I have been on the hunt for shorts like this for a long time. I love, love, love how soft they are and the drawstring with an extra button pulls the relaxed look together in a way that is comfortable, but cute. The poncho sweater was a fun find I snagged on the way back to the dressing room. I would say that the shorts fit true to size (I’m wearing a 4) and the sweater fits very big and baggy (I’m wearing a S in these photos, but bought an XS). I really like the oversized look and I know I’ll still be wearing this into the fall with leggings.
The back of these shorts look wonky in this photo, but they are actually pretty flattering with the higher-set back pockets. I wish they had my size in other colors, because I would have snatched them up. I’ve worn them twice already and don’t see myself stopping any time soon! I’ve officially found my summer short! Verdict: I bought both the shorts and the sweater.
Now let’s talk about jumpsuits – my love language. We are heading into the Hawaii months where it’s really freaking hot. I don’t want to wear more clothes than I have to and I’m sure many of you would agree that if you can just slip on an all-in-one outfit, it makes life a lot more easy. I was immediately drawn to the jumpsuit on the left, because I thought I could swing it for work with a shirt underneath or a sweater on top. Sadly – it was HUGE. I am wearing an XS and this photo doesn’t do those armpit gaps justice. They were huge and floppy – not flattering! I can’t find a link to this on the website, but that’s no real loss, I promise.
Now let’s chat about the floral printed wide-leg jumpsuit. I was a little bit hesitant about it, because in my mind it was going to require a strapless bra and I’m sorry but those things are freaking awful in the heat. But as soon as I tried it on, I knew it was coming home with me regardless of what I had to wear underneath it. Turns out, a bralette works just fine. Anyway, not only is the material soft, it fits nicely in all the right places. It’s baggy in my problem areas and even if I only get one season out of it (for style or quality purposes), it is totally worth it. I’ve already worn it twice and plan on packing it for Indonesia this summer, because it breathes, which is key. I’m wearing an XS, which fits really well, but my personal opinion is that I would have been fine in a small, too. I just know I absolutely cannot shrink this.
The last item I tried on was something my mom actually brought back that she thought I would like – linen pants. I have been on the hunt for a good pair for a long time. My issue with pants is that my legs are muscular, but my waist is small, so unless it’s high-waisted, I typically have to size up solely based on thigh size. These pants were a game changer. I tried on the 6 and 4 and the 4 is what you see below and what I eventually took home. There is a button, as well as a drawstring, which gives these pants the same bonus as the shorts – comfortable, but cute and not sloppy. I felt like I was wearing tear-away pants quite honestly, because they just felt so good. The back pockets look odd in these photos, because I was wearing my Under Armour underwear which is tight and full butt (hey, it is what it is people), but with the right undergarments, it’s seamless. They’re perfect for work, errands or dinner out with girlfriends and the best part? Even unrolled, they don’t need hemmed. #winnerwinner
What do you think of my picks? Do you shop at GAP Factory? Also, if there’s a store you’re dying for me to go to and try things on – leave it in the comments below 🙂