The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Old Navy Modern Safari Review

Recently, we reported that Old Navy was undergoing a facelift to present shoppers with quicker turnarounds and more fashion-forward options. After visiting one of their stores over the weekend, we're pleased to announce that their latest safari-inspired collection for Spring delivered and is nothing short of delightful.



Immediately upon entering, we were greeted by mannequins sporting these effortless modern safari frocks. You can't go wrong with any of these looks. The colors are perfect for making a smooth transition from Winter to Spring. The cuts are updated classics that flatter most figures. Best part is you could easily dress any of these outfits up or down with the right shoes and accessories.

When the agenda calls for casual chic, try these leather gladiator sandals - they looked super cute in person, and definitely appear pricier than their $19.50 pricetag. Ditto for these sexy strappy platform sandals which are just $34.50. We'll probably end up buying them later.




Other highlights for us included this brilliant orange sleeveless shirtdress (left) with origami-inspired pleats at the neckline. Breezy, soft cotton and a lovely price of $29.50. Says "safari" without being too literal. Also available in khaki or black.

Not for the shrinking violet, this colorful, tribal-print maxi dress (right) is certainly an eye-catching look for Spring - yet the fabric and cut is really laid back. Love it, fits great. At $34.50, it easily rivals dresses that cost five times as much.




In addition to this sharp shirtdress (left), Old Navy had a solid selection of urban safari jackets, shorts, and rompers that looked as good - if not better- than anything you'd find at a store like Banana, but at a fraction of the cost. The khaki shirtdress ($34.50) we tried on looked great with skinny jeans, too. Just make sure to cinch it with a stylish belt, a must-have for Spring (and for showing off those curves).

This feminine belted frock (right) with a smart print and simple silhouette added a vintage flavor to the collection. Perfect for running errands on the weekend, catching an outdoor movie, or browsing a used book sale. Just really effortlessly-chic, and something so comfortable, you'll always be reaching for it. ($29.50)

Bottom line: If you like the modern safari look (and honestly, who doesn't?), this is your one stop-shop to get it. From shoes, handbags, and scarves to dresses, tanks, jackets and cardigans, it's Spring fashion made simple.
Comments
I love the new looks, plan to purchase a couple pieces!!
#1 sha on 2008-02-04 11:57 (Reply)
I also went to check out the new look yesterday! I really was blown away by the change, I think that the clothes are really much improved, and I'm happy for old navy! They even changed the tags (logo) and even the basic flip flops are revamped! Definitely very pleased with the new look- although I have two complaints, one- I went with my boyfriend and the Old Navy now has literally twenty items for guys, where as before they had the whole half the store for men, in my boyfriends words, what gives? Guys like to dress fashion-forward too! I don't really think that giving us girls more selection at the guys expense is a good move, while we fashionistas were moving away from Old Navy the guys were their loyal customers for the selection they provided! Not cool-
Second thing, while most of the shoes were really cute and definitely a vast improvement on the shoes of the past, the pair I went to check out, the platform wood wedge strappy thing (not the one you have in the review, the wedge not the heel) look cheap and not worth my money in person- whereas online I was dying to have it! So I think that with many budget sources it will still have to be buyer beware, make sure you try to shop more in-the-flesh and not so much online (unless you like taking risks!)
#2 Peaches on 2008-02-04 12:43 (Reply)
Oops, I didn't notice the men's department! Sorry - did they really shrink it? What I did notice was what seemed to be a revamped and expanded baby/toddler section. The stuff was so adorable, I will definitely be buying baby gifts there in the future!

Oh and as you noted, great selection of flip flops and steamy bikinis. Great prints, I thought.

Finally, I know what you mean about the wedges. The strappy sandals were very cool across the board, but the wedges looked very bulky and not so cute in person.
#2.1 The Budget Babe on 2008-02-04 23:37 (Reply)
what yummy colors!

great tips across the board. totally wait on their accessories until you can inspect them in person.

now that you mention it, the guys section did seem paltry upon my last visit. how does it stand a chance in a market that is saturated with stores offering casual/preppy clothes for guys, while getting cannibalized from other stores under the gap umbrella and on top of that having to compete for store space with baby/kid/puppy clothes? time to breath some new life into the men's line, too...
#2.2 romi on 2008-02-05 03:42 (Reply)
Yeah I think they booted the guys to let in the babies.... lol!

Totally disappointed about those wedges!!! Any idea where I could get some other fly wedges for spring break on a budget? I can never find cute shoes that don't break the bank! grrrr!!!
#3 Peaches on 2008-02-05 01:06 (Reply)
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