new navy.

At lunchtime, I ended up meandering through {what most consider} a lackluster mall in southeastern Massachusetts. I spied an Old Navy and decided to take a quick look...

I worked retail for almost six years, so I have a decent feel for fabrics and what I call the "cheapness" factor. I love my Splendid tanks, but I don't always love spending $40 to buy one. I've managed to find some versatile pieces over the years at Old Navy, using that knowledge. I would guess I visit once a month, just to make sure I'm not overpaying for my basics--like white layering tanks or cozy, cotton pj pants. I obviously love stores like J.Crew and Anthropologie, but this working girl has to cut corners somewhere...sometimes at least ;)

With my ever trusty iPhone, I snapped a few quick pics while in Old Navy today. I didn't want my phone to be confiscated, so I had to be stealthy. {I know from my retail days that store managers frown upon photos being taken in their stores!} I'll share with you a few of my favorite finds...

Hello, yellow! This ruffly polka-dot top is an absolute steal for $15. Doesn't it kind of make you think J.Crew?

Hipstamatic Print by {av}

Though I didn't see it in the store, it comes in another great color called "Street". Because it is so thin, I would certainly hand-wash it to extend its lifespan, but for work or play, it fits the bill.

{Screenshot from Old Navy}

I'm an absolute sucker for a cotton cardigan, especially since it means it doesn't have to go to the dry cleaner. I have two from last season that I found at the J.Crew outlet, but I fell in love with this soft oatmeal color {which they call "Barnswallow"}. I loved the little pockets too. How perfect will it be for those late spring nights? For $19.50, it was too hard to pass up.

Hipstamatic Print by {av}

The picture below doesn't do it justice, but it at least conveys the cozy and carefree effect...

{Screenshot from Old Navy}

Confession: I always gravitate to gingham. Always. {Maybe it's because I played Dorothy in my high school's production of Wizard of Oz, but I digress...} At $19.50, these shirts come in a myriad of colors and would help me pull off that "I've put no effort into this outfit, but it looks like I did" look.

Hipstamatic Print by {av}

They had almost every color under the sun, but I loved the standard blue-and-white, though I did spy a yellow-and-white version which called my name. Again, the material is thin, so even though it says the shirt could go in the washer, I would hand-wash it to make it last a few more wears.

{Screenshot from Old Navy}

For the biggest and best find of the day, I present you these fantastic sequin totes. Ok, they may {at first glance} make you think of the "cheapness" factor, buttttt they mimic these phenomenal totes by Vanessa Bruno that I lusted over in my second Friday's Fancies post in November.

Hipstamatic Print by {av}

These bags were all the rage when we were in France on our honeymoon this past April--and are borderline impossible to find in the United States. For every Longchamp I saw, I definitely saw a Vanessa Bruno. With a pricetag of only $14.50, I had to bring one of these home. It may not be your favorite, but, for me, it will invoke fond memories of France every time I carry it ;)

{Screenshot from Old Navy}

My impromptu trip to Old Navy was surprisingly successful, I have to admit! I saw quite a fun progression for where they're heading this spring. They often identify some trends {like peasant blouses and bright colors} and go all out executing them. I'll admit they sometimes miss the mark, but you never know when you'll walk out with one of those perfect bargains! For less than the cost of one Splendid tank, I'm now the proud owner of the black sequin tote and the oatmeal cotton cardigan. Hey, you can never argue with a good bargain, right?

As always, I'm planning on another edition of Friday's Fancies tomorrow. It's a series which I do to help myself dream of what I'd wear for my Friday night activities if money were no object. {If it's a new series for you, click here to see my previous posts.} Anywho, I'd love for some of you to dream with me...if you want to join, copy and save the image below and add it to your collage!

Be sure to let me know you joined in the fun--I obviously want to see what you pulled together :) By the way, I appreciate all your well wishes on my commute today--I managed to make it everywhere {including the unexpected trip to Old Navy} without any issues, so thank you!

Have a fantastic Thursday night! More Friday's Fancies tomorrow! xoxo {av}