Got "two" (at Gap) for the price of one (at J. Crew)

I have a love affair with army green khaki. If you have read my blog in the past, you know that I have many items in a similar shade of green. From army jackets, to khaki pants and shorts, this is the color that is my "other" chambray. It is a timeless neutral that isn't so neutral and it seems every year it is back in style. With that in my mind, I have had my eye on the J. Crew skinny cargo pants for months. When I heard the pants were on sale, I tried them on in store. Green olive, however, did not make it's way to my store's sale rack. Although I tried on both the aubergine and sand colors, they just didn't "do it" for me. The price tag ($59.99 - 25 off) wasn't screaming my name either so I left empty-handed. (J. Crew's rather bland clothing in recent months been very good for my wallet. Another post for another time.)

After leaving, I made my way into GAP which was having a 30-off store-wide sale. I wanted to see what I might grab from the sale rack and, lo and behold, I found both of these terrific skinny style olive khaki pants. Since I couldn't decide which I liked more and the price was right, I bought them both! (For reference, they are called the skinny mini cargo skimmer khakis and skinny mini skimmer khakis)

If you look closely you will notice that they are different. One is more of a straight legging style with only welted back pockets. This would look great with a long top. The other is more of a cargo style, very similar to the one I wanted from J. Crew. The price for each after discount was around $18. I felt better buying both knowing I would have spent more on one pair at J. Crew. And frankly, these pants fit me better than the colors I tried at the Crew.

After, I meandered into Banana Republic, which was offering an extra 40 percent off already reduced items plus an extra 10 percent for cardholders. There, I bought the Soft Wash Dot & Stripe Button-Down Shirt ($30 after discounts) and the Issa Collection envelope clutch in Cognac ($30 after discounts) I was concerned to see some of the clutches had scratches, so I was careful to choose the clutch with the least scratching. I plan to put some leather protectant on it. I love the safari cat print on the inside lining. It has also has a structured feel to it. I expect this will be a great bag for spring, but the deep neutral color will allow me to use it in the summer and fall.

Have you felt the J. Crew selections have been rather bland and overpriced? (My wallet is secretly happy!) Did you take advantage of the sales at Gap and Banana Republic this weekend? What are your thoughts on these items? I love to read and respond to your comments!