I have been paralyzed for months, unable to make a decision on how to spend a $50 gift card from the Gap. That, and I don't exactly go to the mall to browse very often ever (if you don't know why, go read this post).
I don't have ANY jeans in a size 6 (and I am getting there people, slowly but surely).
So jeans it is.
But then there's this stuff from GapBody, my favorite sports bra and some loungey workout capris...
I haven't bought ANY new workout clothes since the baby (who is now 18 months) was born. Come to think of it...since well before I even got pregnant with him. 
I need some new attire. Bad.
I go back and forth in my head ("Well, I could always pick up some workout gear at Target, then I could just get the jeans...BUT the sports bra I CANNOT get at Target...you pay for what you get with that one...I could spend it on workout clothes and then just go to a trendy-ish used clothing store to get some new jeans...AH, but there's nothing like a new pair of jeans...actually there's nothing like some new workout clothes...")
Here's the deal:
desperate need of new jeans and new workout clothes.
$50 Gap card, $20 max to spend outside of the Gap (the sports bra is $40 on sale for $30. The jeans are $59.50, the capris are 24.99)
Help. Any suggestions?
March 31, 2008
The Great Debate
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29 comments:
I love the jeans they look cute! I recently purchased jeans from the Gap. When I was trying them on the sales woman told me to try a size smaller. I looked at her like she was crazy, but she said they stretch out quite a bit. Well I didn't listen to her and now I never wear them. They were the long and lean style. Be sure to check with them about the stretching before you spend all your money
Get the jeans. That's what you've been working for. Also Target has great Champion sports bras. I love them. Or wait just a bit more and everything should be going on sale. Either way, get the jeans!
shannon, thanks for the comment, those long n leans'll get you every time. (I learned the hard way too!, lol) But that's a good reminder, I'll remember to ask them about the stretch...
and chelsea, I have a Champion sports bra. It's my backup. It's ok but I'm telling you the Gap high impact is SO worth every penny.
But now that I think about it, I'm not sure I really NEED a new sports bra...just the clothes...more to ponder...
Hi, you're probably wondering who's this random person you've never heard from but I read your blog every day and actually think of you when I really don't feel like going for a run :-).
Now, to your question - I think you absolutely NEED the jeans! I mean, isn't that your ultimate goal, to have a pair of size 6 jeans? And now you're so close! Also, I think you need to get to the store and browse their sales rack. I got a great pair of jeans at Gap two months ago for $10!!! They never advertise those deals online! So maybe if you can find a great deal you could have both the jeans and the bra!
If not, I'd still get the jeans and maybe shop elsewhere for the bra (TJ Maxx, Marshalls...). Then just get some cute workout pants from Target (or even Wal-Mart has some decent ones) and you're all set :-).
Kate
yay
spending someone else's money :)
Id say the jeans and get the Champion etc at Target BUT it depends on you.
me? I hath no life and could probably use the motivation new workout wear would give me MORE than a pair of jeans.
signed,
a woman who really couldnt afford it but just bought a new pair of PINK nike trail running shorts for that very reason
Girl, I love, love, love my Champion sports bra from Target. Better than the Nike one I got at TJ Maxx! Maybe they've changed since you got yours?
TJ Maxx does have good, affordable work out clothes, as does Target. I'd save the Gap card for cool jeans!
Now that you run long distances, you must get wicking clothes, though. That is key!
I'd go for the jeans for 2 reasons. One, you goal is the six 6 jean,yes? :)
and second, I didn't even know that Gapbody has workout clothes so who knows how good they really are. Go for the champion or the brand name stuff you can get elsewhere.
Just my two cents (and obviously I am so far out of touch with the world that I have no idea what Gap sells these days!! ) :)
Kate, You are SMART! I think you need to get to the store and browse their sales rack.
duh. Sales racks. (can you tell I never get out? :)
Mizfit, the motivation? double yes. serious, I really think some new workout clothes sound a whole lot more practical and exciting than new jeans. Then again, jeans are part of my daily uniform, sooo...we'll see...
Donna, here's the thing with the Champion, I like it, it's ok. but the gap high impact, I'm telling you, it really is better for me. really. I'm obsessed with it, I've never tried Nike, so I don't have any comparison there though...
and the running? I'm DYING for some new clothes.
WM, well everything I've ever gotten from Gap Body i've been in love with. (which has only been like 4 things..but still) And for me, the Gap bra wins hands down over the Champion.
but.
I see your point, maybe some name brand pants and or shirts from somewhere else might be better...
Ok, this is so my mother talking and I hate it, but here goes ..
Which item would get the most use? If you would use the sports bra most, then get the sports bra. Cuz once the girls stretch out .. they never go back.
But if you don't have any cute jeans .. then get the jeans. But how often do you wear jeans?
Sometimes motivation comes in the form of something new to try out .. ie. sports bra or new running pants.
Jenn
Jenn,
I need jeans. AND the workout clothes. but I think maybe I might need the jeans more...I don't know...
now I'm questioning if I even need a new sports bra...I'll probably be ok for awhile with the one I have...it's the clothes I need...
and YES on the motivation with something new to try out.
Well of course you're getting a 50/50 split from us so you'll have to do whatever you think anyway, but my vote is the sports bra. You can buy jeans anywhere, I never pay more than $30 for new jeans (though if you never shop, trickier to find the sales). If you'll be buying that sports bra in the next couple months anyway, make sense to use the card.
Katieo - Jeans, Jeans, JEANS!!! There is something MAJOR to be said for new jeans that look great on you! Second hand jeans are molded to someone elses bum, you need your own! Think of the strut you will feel with those new size 6's wrapped around you!
Ok now here's the hard part, take a deep breath......
Get the High Impact sports bra TOO!!! I know you are frugal fannie and you have kids and a house, etc, etc. but seriously? No new workout clothes in the past 18 months? Be kinder to yourself Katieo! You deserve it. You work so hard taking care of everyone else, remember to take care of yourself too.
(You can get the capri's at Target or somewhere when they are on sale sometime.)
randi, somehow I knew you'd vote for the sports bra :)
and yeah, I'm still not sure what I should do...though if you never shop, trickier to find the sales this is definitely true!
lucas, serious. my eyes are welling up with tears. Thanks for that comment.
i say go for the workout clothes. can't you get cheaper jeans than that?
Hmmmm.... I'm all for splurging on jeans. Seriously. It's so hard to find ones that ACTUALLY look nice. I'd rather over spend on a good pair then get a so-so pair that I only kinda like but that cost much less.
If you know the style, color and size of the jeans you want, then get them for less $$ on Ebay. Same goes for the sports bra. There, a win-win.
Or... get yourself a PayPal account and we'll all chip in. You deserve these items girl, you entertain us everyday. ;)
I'm a baaaaaaaaaaad person to ask. I say jeans AND bra. Because a bra is a necessity, it doesn't count as "spending." And you just really have wanted to new jeans.
Have you thought about going to a GAP outlet? I got tons of stuff there for under $100 because everything was so cheap. And they have nearly the same stuff that the regular store has - just watch out for defective gear but it may just be your solution!
This may sound funny but look at Costco for the jeans. I got some Gloria Vanderbilt jeans there that fit really well and are flattering too. I get good comments every time I wear them. Can't remember the price for sure but they're around $ 25.
I also found some great WO clothes on clearance at Mervyns. They have great sales and quite a few "wicking" styles (which I agree with Donna is a key point).
If you like the jeans at Costco, use your Gap gift card for the bra and maybe some capris! (Mervyn's also had lots of cute capris about 40% off)
Happy Shopping! You deserve it!
I say you should buy it all!
Actually, maybe you can try Ebay. Sometimes you can try things on in the store and then find them for a reduced price on Ebay? Have fun!
Okay - I know this is more than the $20 max that you have outside of Gap to spend on anything, but I have found Lucky jeans at Costco twice in the last 6 months and I just love love love love them. They seem to look good on everybody I see wearing them. Problem, they cost $40 (but then compare it to the $100 they cost in the store and it seems like a steal). Or really, just wait for something to go on sale at Gap. Honestly, though - I would just try to catch those Lucky jeans at Costco and then fudge it into the food budget somewhere. (Milk is getting cheaper). :)
okay here is my suggestion, it depends on how big your boobs are. i have to do the high impact bras (which i get from champion not target c9 when they go on sale for free shipping and $19.99). i would go by your local 24 hour fitness for any workout items. they are having and extra 50% off sale items. i bought nike capris for $17 and pants for $20 there today. on the gap jeans, watch the sales and go to the store on the sale rack. online you can always get good coupons just check ebay. hope this helps!
I would say the jeans because they cost more, and it would be like you paid 10 bucks for them after the GC. Make the sports bra a reward. It's less money, so you wouldn't have to save for as long. :)
You are in Utah right? There is a really cool store called Steve & Barrys (I think thats the full name) off of 5600 South and the Van Winkle Express way in Murray. I'm telling you nothing over $8.98 yes that right everything in the store is under $10.00. Sarah Jessisca Parker has a new brand call "Bitten" and they carry her line in this store. I just got an awesome pair of jeans for $8.98. Check out her new line on-line. This store also carries mens, juniors, and childrens clothing. I'm telling you its worth a look. FYI I have washed my new Bitten jeans 6 times now, and they still look new, so it seems they will hold up in the wash. :)
Now I have to leave my 2 cents....I too like to be a smart and frugal shopper and I have also worked at the GAP in my lifetime. I would recommend this....If you are not super curvy then go for the gap jeans. I think they fit less curvy women better. However if you are more pear (hips and a smaller waist) then go for the workout wear and buy a pair of Jeanstar jeans at Macy's if you have one near you. These are super affordable jeans ($30-$40ish range)and super cute. The pockets even sit at the right place on my bum. Also for workout wear you might try victoria's secret online for specials on yoga pants etc. But I'd stick w/the bra at Gap if that's your fave. You do have to protect the "girls" and Stacey would say on What Not to Wear.
When I was in college I worked at a store that sold specialty denim. Not even just Lucky jeans (which are a steal at Costco, by the way), but the real designer stuff... Seven for All Mankind, True Religion, Joe's Jeans, Paige Denim, Citizens of Humanity, etc. I learned more about women and body image in the two years I worked there than I think would have been possible in any other avenue. So I'm totally admitting here that I'm completely biased, but you really should get the jeans. I just can't explain what it does for you when you try on the perfect pair of jeans. The right pair makes everything look good. The Gap Long and Leans are good (they do stretch) and so are some of the styles from Express if you can't find a perfect pair at the Gap.
But if you ever find yourself with an extra $200 and want to buy yourself a cute ass and a major infusion of self-esteem, go try on designer jeans one afternoon at a boutique where the sales staff actually knows there stuff and finds the perfect pair for you! (Or if you hate going to stores or don't have such a store in your city, go to www.truejeans.com, measure yourself, answer some questions, and let them play personal shopper for you.)
Katie - One super frugal gal to another (seriously, ask Meg how cheap I am. I'm CHEAP) - buy the bra at gap and capris too - but get the capris on sale. gap puts everything on sale all the time... sale items are normally marked down on Wednesdays. Wait til its second markdown at least.
Now, don't kill me, but I second Ashley. I never thought I'd be a designer jeans gal, but once you find the right pair you will never go back. The right pair of jeans will make you feel so good and look even better. Go to a proper place that knows the jeans and try on a bunch. write down that styles you like and your sizes (make sure they fit TIGHT....they will loosen up, I promise). Then start stalking your chosen pairs online. I've gotten Paige and Seven jeans for 40 and 30 respectively, brand new. But without trying too hard, you can get them on sale for $70 or so, and they are definitely worth $10 more than gap jeans. Try revolve clothing and nordstroms online (especially in the wee hours of the morning) and then google for additional coupons and free shipping. It might take a while fo ryou to find them at a good price, but you will...and you will love it. Don't worry about hemming - you can do a european hem job yourself at home without a machine.
ok here is my take. You just have to bite the bullet and go to the store. Try everything (EVERYTHING) on and buy what makes you feel the best!
The last time I found myself in a size 6 it was at the Gap and I was so excited. Good luck friend. I hate malls so I really don't envy you too much. ;)
On the lines of the comment by Anonymous - I have also heard great things about the "Bitten" line by Sara Jessica Parker. She was on Oprah a while back with a bunch of her clothes and I especially liked the jeans! I am excited to hear they are available in Salt Lake. I might have to take a trip up there soon...in about 5 pounds or so!
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