Remember when hanging out at the mall was the go-to Friday night activity ?? My friends and I would meet after school to wander around the HIP, and if we were really lucky – and someone’s mom was willing to drive us – we’d get to go to Woodfield, the beloved home of Hollister AND Abercrombie & Fitch.
Although Hollister was a slightly better deal, there was something about the moose-embroidered tees, paint-splattered, ripped jeans, and strong scent of Fierce in the air that made A&F the coolest place to buy a frayed-jean miniskirt for the next junior high dance.
Sometime after eighth grade graduation, Abercrombie lost its cool factor. The store that you HAD to shop at became taboo. Was it because we figured out that the clothes were a bit overpriced, or did we figure out that baby-doll tops aren’t very flattering on most people? Either way, I felt very mature the day I walked passed an A&F and had an ah-ha moment {& got a headache from the aforementioned scent of Fierce}. I finally figured out why this wasn’t my mom’s favorite store. Also, what’s up with their lack of proper lighting? How on earth were we supposed to pick out cute clothes in the dark? *Blames lighting for eighth-grade Alex’s poor fashion choices*
Then, a few summers ago, I stopped into Abercrombie with my much-more-petite-than-me friend. I thought I was just going along for the ride – there was no way anything that fit me in eighth grade would fit almost 10 years later. After wandering around for a while, Abercrombie & Fitch started playing mind games with me. What was happening? They had cute clothes; they fit me; it seemed like they added a few extra lights. Had I become an A&F-loving pre-teen all over again?
The answer: yes. Actually, I’m embarrassed to tell you how much I loved it, but so happy to tell you how much A&F has changed for the better their 2006 glory days.
- Turns out that wearing black doesn’t mean you’re gothic. Remember when you’d pick up a top and wonder if it was navy or black? Here’s a hint: it was always navy. But not anymore! Now, one of my favorite black cardigans, which I’ve been wearing on repeat, is from A&F. It’s long, flowy, goes well with everything and is somehow a size medium – more on that later.
- They have seriously upgraded their sizing. In eighth grade, I was easily wearing a size large in everything. It was the days of shrunken everything, which for a girl with hips and boobs is probably the worst trend to ever happen. Now, I have a few pieces – including a winter coat! – in a size medium. I never thought I’d see the day that an A&F large would be too large for me. Although I appreciate the slight adjustment, I would love to see them be even more size-inclusive in the future.
- They actually have sales! Back in the day, the sale section was my jam. There were never the type of store that had 50 percent off flash sales or any sort of promotion, so you had to make frequent visits if you wanted to snag those jean Bermuda shorts for a discount. Now, they have sales pretty often – both online and in stores {right now it’s 40 percent off sale!} – and they have a “pick-up-in-store” option … my fave! This winter, I bought this plaid winter jacket, two sweaters and a black fur vest for less than $150. This off-the-shoulder top {similar} – which I’ve been wearing on repeat – was on sale for less than $20 – both trendy and great quality. I’ve been wearing it on repeat all season.
In more ways than one, it seems like I’m reverting back to my eighth-grade self ? I love spending a Friday night walking around the mall to unwind after the work week. When I’m there, I usually make time to run into A&F. Just a few years ago, I probably would have given you the Jimmy Fallon ew face if you asked me what I thought about shopping at Abercrombie & Fitch. Now, I’m kind of wondering what reasonably-priced, stylish pieces my college-age self was missing ?.
What do you think about Abercrombie & Fitch? If you haven’t been there since the mid-2000s, give it a try. Here are a few pieces that I’ve been eyeing – they’re all under $50!
Happy shopping!
xAlex
One-Shoulder Shift Dress | High Neck Lace Dress| Cotton Shirt | Ruffle Sleeve Top | Pattern Wrap Maxi Skirt
Also, let’s talk about my love for these earrings – they’re only $22! Tassel earrings are so fun for spring, and these babies from Self Made Modern have my ❤.
Shop my look: A&F top {similar} | madewell jeans {similar} | tassel earrings | Zara flats