I’m not doing NAS this year since they fired me as a customer in June, but am definitely watching Angie’s NAS postings for things I might find at other stores. Thank you Angie for all you put into NAS every year!

Meantime I’ve been shopping elsewhere. I have been on a weight loss mission since January, for health reasons, and by late spring had lost enough to go down 1 -2 sizes in most things, so I started a wardrobe refresh for summer. I'm going slowly because I'd like to drop a few more pounds before I'm done. All online shopping of course, at all my usual places (Macys, L&T, a few others), plus at least one quick visit to TJmaxx since they reopened, but I also discovered Gap Factory for the first time. The vibe is much like regular GAP, casual and classic with a bit of trendy here and there. I’ve found some things that fit well and look good, and have been pleasantly surprised at the quality given the relatively low prices. (Plus everything I got was on sale). A good selection of their items come in petites sizes, but not everything. My understanding is that the merchandise is specifically made for GAP Factory and is not marked down items from regular GAP, and it's a bit less expensive than regular GAP. Here are the exact items I bought:

Vneck Tee; this is a linen/poly blend that is very comfortable in the heat, a substantial fabric and not sheer, a loose fit, and launders nicely without wrinkles or twisting. It does not come in petite sizes, so I bought regular XS and took in the shoulder/sleeve seam and will probably shorten the hem eventually. Even with alterations, it's a loose fit, and clearly runs big, because even at my new lower weight I normally wear an 8 or 10 in tops. I got this in black and lavender. It would make a great travel piece.

Midi Dress. Angie’s description is spot on. The fabric is thicker than a typical t-shirt fabric, so it has a nicer drape and feel. I really like the overall look of this dress - more interesting than a solid color but still muted and neutral-ish. It was sold out in smaller petite sizes so I ordered a regular M and took in the shoulders and armhole area. Even with the shoulders taken in, it’s a little longer on me than on the model. I don’t normally wear midis because they draw the eye downward and I’m already short enough (thank you very much), but the curved hem tempers that so it’s fine. If you are like me and do not like your bra straps showing you will need a racerback bra.

Mid rise Girlfriend Khakis, in cotton with 3% spandex. I’m 5’1” but have close to “regular” proportions from the waist down so regular size pants work for me more often than petites. These fit really well in a 10. The regular length inseam is 28” (unrolled), which is a perfect full length for me worn with sneakers or sandals. I got them in olive and black, and they come in many other colors. Again, they launder well and don’t wrinkle much. I will definitely be looking for other choices in this fit/style.

Bag & Shoes from Macys & Zappos.

A word about the white bag: its model name is “new Angie” and OF COURSE it is totally fab! I love the vibe of Kipling bags and have a few. Lightweight, easy to wipe clean, sturdy and pretty in a sporty vibe. I nominate it to be a top pick . Worn matchy-matchy with white sandals that are another Angie top pick. (I got mine at Macys. )

1 - Black tee with light wash jeans. The V was too low and the sleeves were too full, so I created a whole new seam/pleat along the top of the shoulder/sleeve. The length is still a bit long for my liking. Not “styled”, just showing the fit after alterations.

2 - same thing with the hem scrunched up a little….I could also do that side tie thing, or shorten the hem

3 + 4 Olive print dress, white sandals and bag. Mask is grey paw prints on white background

5 - Olive khakis with older tropical print tee and gold sandals

All comments and suggestions most welcome, as always!