Thursday, Feb. 25, 2010

Spring fashion finds

Spring is the season of rebirth. It's time to shed those bulky sweaters and coats, and instead step into fresh, light, colorful pieces. Banana Republic, Gap, and Old Navy - three apparel stores owned by Gap, Inc. that range from luxury to cheap and chic - make stylish spring dressing easy thanks to an abundant offering of fundamental and trendy clothes.

Spring 2010 fashion has a variety of trends emerging, but ultra-chic-on-a-budget style only requires great basics, bold pops of color, deconstructed denim, and for women, a touch of femininity. Each brand has designed collections that reflect these trends with simplicity, comfort and classic style.

Banana

Republic:

For spring, this luxury brand has designed a perfect collection of work-worthy and weekend must-haves by focusing on a blue color palette and chino.

For men, build your outfit starting with a great pair of pants. The Relaxed Dawson Chino in Dark Stone ($49.50) is a perfect building block. These classic flat-front chinos will look clean and crisp on any guy. Add the Slim Fit Light Plaid Cotton Shirt in Yellow Roses ($59.50) or the Solid Cotton Polo in True Navy Heather ($39.50). To complete the look and ward off an early morning chill, throw on the Whiskey Leather Four Pocket Jacket ($298).

Women should start with the 718 Martin Sleek Straight Pant in Millstone ($79). Soften the crisp look of the pants by adding the Silk Ruffle-Sleeve Tie-Waist Top in Gull Grey ($69.50). This top has a flirty, feminine appeal and will work for the weekend when worn with a pair of Ultimate Skinny Dark Wash Jeans in Dark Indigo ($89.50). Top either ensemble with the Motorcycle Tab Collar Leather Jacket in Neutral Brown ($298) for a dash of drama.

Style tip: When shopping for wardrobe building basics, Banana Republic Factory Store at Tanger Outlets on U.S. 17 is rich with chic finds for both men and women at 20-60 percent off regular store prices. Men can pick up two pair of Bootcut, Dawson or Gavin Chinos for $50, while women can invest in a Belted Shirtdress in Orange for $69.99.

Gap:

This season, the iconic brand offers denim-based designs and bold colors perfect for hanging out and taking in the sights.

Men should consider a pair of Deconstructed Boot Fit Jeans in Medium Wash ($64.50) for bad boy appeal and one of spring's hottest trends. Throw on the Western Jesse Plaid Shirt in Blue Peak Plaid ($49.50), or your favorite T-shirt and a lightweight Cotton V-Neck Sweater in Brilliant Blue ($34.50).

Women can throw on the Chambray Drawstring Shirt Dress in Blue ($59.50), chunky sandals, and a bold-hued scarf for cool weekend style. Or pull on the Raw Edged Denim Mini Skirt in Light Wash ($54.50) and the Variegated Plaid Pop-Over Shirt in Yellow Plaid ($54.50). Comfortable and chic, this outfit is perfect for shopping or a relaxed lunch date.

Style tip: For his and her denim options at affordable prices, Gap Factory Outlet Store at Tanger Outlets on U.S. 17 has different styles and washes of jeans for men and women ranging from $34.99-$49.99.

Old Navy:

This affordable retailer is a prime spot for finding trendy, colorful pieces and fashion bang for your buck.

A lot of men prefer to wear shorts and polos. For spring, kick it up a notch with the Patchwork Cargo Shorts in Navy Madras ($29.50). These multicolored plaid shorts look preppy when paired with a bold-hued shirt such as the Heathered Polo Shirt in Turquoise ($15). Grab a comfy pair of flip flops to finish the outfit.

The new mini for women is short shorts. Old Navy has two inseam options for those willing (or unwilling) to bare some major skin. For the daring, pull on a pair of Distressed Low Rise Shorts in Peaches N Cream ($22.50) which has a 3-and-a-half inch inseam. If you're looking to be a bit more conservative, try the Perfect Khaki Shorts in Couscous ($19.50) which have a 5-inch inseam. Pair either short with a Linen Blend Boyfriend Shirt in New Zealand ($24.50) or the 3/4 Sleeve Slub Knit Cardigan in Hot Coral Pink ($14.50) and an Abstract Floral Print Scarf in Pink Combo ($12.50) for a bold look of color.

Style tip: Old Navy has a Web site, www.oldnavyweekly.com, exclusively for informing shoppers of upcoming sales and offer weekly coupons.

Shop Banana Republic at The Market Common, Farrow Parkway and South Park Drive, Myrtle Beach. Call 839-0185 for more information or visit www.bananarepublic.com.

Gap and Old Navy are located at Coastal Grand Mall, 2000 Coastal Grand Drive, Myrtle Beach. Call 839-9040 for Gap, and 839-1926 for Old Navy. Preview styles online at www.gap.com and www.oldnavy.com .

Banana Republic Factory Store, Gap Outlet, and Old Navy can be found at the Tanger Outlets, 10835 Kings Road, Myrtle Beach. Visit www.tangeroutlet.com/myrtlebeach17 for more information.