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Banana Republic

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Gap Outlet Relocates from Warrenton to Wentzville

The store opened in January.

Gap Outlet has relocated to Wentzville from Warrenton, where it was a part of the outlet mall. The store, located at 1247 West Pearce Blvd. next to Kohl's, opened Jan. 13. One of Gap Inc.’s approximately 3,200 company-owned and 175 franchise stores around the world, the Gap Outlet offers clothing, accessories and personal care products for men, women, children and babies. “We are constantly evaluating where and when we should open new stores, and we think Wentzville is a great fit for our outlet brand,” said Liz Nunan, of Global External Affairs for Gap Inc., headquartered in San Francisco. “We are constantly evaluating our store fleet to ensure we have the right stores in the right locations to best serve our customers.” Nunan said she …

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Shopping Around

Dressing for April Showers

Stay warm and dry in the cold and wet.

Have you been waking up these past few days to these gray, cold skies and having a tough time dragging yourself out of bed? I don't want to go outside just to get to my car on days like that. So how can you cope with these dreary days before spring? Well, stock yourself up with loads of great spring gear, of course!  There's nothing worse than getting your feet wet - or soaking your slacks to the knee - and having to walk around all day feeling damp and crabby. Old Navy carries your basic rain boot in an army green for $29.50. However, if you want something colorful and fun to wear to brighten your day, you can visit the Walking Company and get the Victoria boot by Däv for $89.95 in one of four colors including a red plaid. Not a boot …

Saturday, January 22, 2011

A New Twist to Mix and Match

In a season marked by florals and stripes, Spring 2011 runway looks encourage mixing and matching both… with each other!

I know I miss the greens of spring and start dreaming of a warm beach quickly after the new year arrives. Lots of people must feel the same way, since the runways are full of jungle-themed florals and stores are already stocking sailing-themed colors and stripes. Sure, revisiting these motifs is hardly unexpected, but this year designers are throwing a curve ball: pairing these patterns, among others, together! Balancing the right combinations of pattern, color, shine, and texture is a classic and relatively simple way to make an eye-appealing, flattering outfit. One piece, such as a skirt with an oversized houndstooth pattern, takes focal precedence, while a silk blouse, plum patent clutch, and hammered silver cuffs play a laid back and …

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Shopping Around

On the March

The softer side of military-themed clothing is beginning to appear in stores.

Perhaps you remember the embroidered greatcoats and tasseled shoulder detail from the earlier appearances of the military trend a few seasons ago. Did you find the idea easy to relate to (the tough, empowered woman in you deserves to come out sometimes) but hard to wear? Have no fear - you'll have plenty to choose from this spring! We found two places to shop for the military look in Lake Saint Louis. Don't expect to see the sharp lines and crisp tailoring of seasons past; instead, stores are stocking soft fabrics and relaxed silhouettes. So not only is it easier on the eye, it's easier to wear! The color palette is largely the same, including shades of green, khaki, and tan, with emphasis on army greens and navys, which this season, is …

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Shopping Around

Man Up!

Menswear- and boyfriend-inspired clothing continue to grow in popularity.

Ladies, you may have heard of the boyfriend jean (in fact, Levi's has a pant named after it). You probably own a pantsuit or two. You might even have considered buying a boyfriend watch this summer. Do you see the trend? Indeed, boyish silhouettes and themes are only becoming more prominent this season. We're lucky in Lake Saint Louis to have shops at The Meadows where we can keep up-to-date with new fashions like this. Step into New York and Company and find yourself face to face with a selection of argyles, which can be worn alone as a long-sleeved sweater or over a button-up as a vest. What's more, this traditional pattern now comes in great colors including my favorites, pink and purple (if only real men wear pink, I've never seen them…

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Shopping Around

Spring into Safari

The safari trend continues into 2011.

What better way to escape the winter doldrums than by indulging in a safari state-of-mind? Many stores in the Lake Saint Louis area are beginning to stock warm khaki colors, playful prints, and casual cargos to help you transition into spring.  One good place to start building the core of your safari look is Chico's, which offers a large selection of pieces within the neutral color range. Already, bright white capris have made it in store, but black is found in everything from tunics to slacks, and camel has yet to make its exit from its place on last year's must-have list.   New for 2011, however, and central to the safari theme, is a reinvention of the classic white blouse. Many designers are putting their own twists to this staple, from…

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