Hip Holiday: Banana Republic, Old Navy and The Gap

Here's to Looking Chic This Cider-Sipping Season!

This Holiday, Banana Republic sets up a solid style foundation - paramount for both men and women. For her, skinny pants in charcoal denim with the lace-up bootie in lush, velvety suede. Meanwhile, his super soft chino serves as a strong base for shawl-collar sweaters, soft leather motorcycle jackets, military-inspired blazers and other authentic shapes.

Banana Republic's Holiday Collection defines the warmth and coziness of the cider-sipping season. Luxurious merino sweaters, plush wool and chunky statement scarves pair perfectly with military inspired blazers. Edward Hopper's picturesque cityscapes inform the holiday palette of concrete, onyx and graphite tones while streetlight shades of metallic amber and cardinal red punctuate these nighttime hues. The cross-body chain-link purse plays a major role in accessories as does the foxy beret and long leather glovestwo finishing touches that are as much about weathering the elements as they are accents for sophisticated modern dressage.

And of course, we can't resist stuffing our own stocking with accessories from Banana Republic - the bib necklaces are pretty fab. With daring hemlines, attention-getting jewelryand sleek sihouettes, Banana Republic is catering to the fashion risk-takers among us. If you're looking for party dresses that are work appropriate but still totally sexy, check out their minis, accented with elegant ruffles and draped necks. The jewelry definitely stole the show, though. Statement pieces, like huge rings and elaborately embellished necklaces, were a focal point. And get this....most of the jewelry is below $100. Their handbags and clutches were equally obsession-generating.

For those who can't buy a whole new party wardrobe, Banana Republic's uptown chic accessories, such as multi-strand chain necklaces and quilted fabric bib and ribbon tie necklaces will dress up any old "little black dress" in your closet. Classic pieces such as cashmere sweaters are paired with oversized crystal embellishments that adorned clutch bags and ballet flats. Some of the silhouettes for women include flowing bell-shaped dresses with intimate ruffle detailing and cowl-neck sweaters - sweet and gorgeous.

The looks at Old Navy for the 2009 holiday season include bright, neon flannel, cozy moccasin slippers with Scandinavian-style knit patterns and thick rainbow-hued socks. For a casual yet dressy look, there were loose tent dresses or denim peasant dresses with embroidered bibs. They're definitely stepping it up a few notches this season.

Old Navy aims to please their customer base with classic tanks, long-sleeved tees and sweater shirts, all in vibrant colors. The layering trend is here is stay for yet another holiday season and Old Navy showed some innovative ways to stay warm without looking like you threw on everything in your repertoire. Try using different lengths so that only slices of colors are exposed. The Old Navy Holiday collection will definitely keep their loyals happy with everything under $100.

The design trust at the GAP are pretty serious about baggy knits. The collection was saturated with them, updated by pairings with leggings, long-sleeved tees and of course, skinny jeans or minis.

The boyfriend cardigan is definitely going to be a hit this holiday season because of how easy it is to wear and the fact its very forgiving of that second slice of pumpkin pie. The GAP didn't disappoint with their usual PJs, that are perfect for late night hot cocoa around the fire.

GAP Holiday stays true to their signature pattern plaid. Flannel shirts layered with chunky wool sweaters and winter white denim provided a counterpoint to the usual dark denim. Glam fleece-lined fabric covered platform boots will be a staple to their winter in the Rockies look.

Whatever look you gravitate towards, you'll be sure to find classic and chic pieces at several different price points.

By Si Si Penaloza, Editorial Director, WOMAN.ca

Si Si Penaloza
		About the author:
		Si Si has cultivated strong ties with editors, producers and publishers at all major Canadian media outlets. She is a seasoned print, radio and broadcast specialist. Graduating Magna Cum Laude from Bowdoin College in Maine, Si Si moved to Manhattan to study Film at New York University. Her strengths lie in contextualizing relevant content for a broad audience. She's driven to stay competitive and at the top of the market - commissioning exclusive features and launching bold initiatives.
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