I would never wish fashion ill-will on anyone, but Patrick Robinson’s ass needed to get sacked by the GAP. By the mid 2000s the GAP had fallen into an incredibly awful blackhole, and somehow this Paco Rabonne-trained, fashion-world “golden boy” came in and made things far worse…and far uglier.

“Why is Mimi so mad?” you ask. Well, because as a child of the 80s/90s, the GAP was once my everything! The most perfect Saturday consisted of piling into the white Volvo with my mom and sister and hitting that khaki and basic tee mecca. I could get lost for hours in the piles of denim and commercial-worthy sweaters (who else still has their Crazy Sweater?)

Beyond those beautiful basics was the simple feel of the GAP. Those big block letters on your tag provided insta-cool and connected you to something equally classic Americana and Gen X hip. Like Ralph Lauren making a cameo on Real World New Orleans!

Well by some miraculous feat, the GAP is Back. Kinda.

The last dozen times I’ve visited, I’ve left with that iconic blue bag. While it’s not exactly J.Crew with pieces leaving me speechless, I can’t compare anything to the quality of comfort. My camoflauge jeggings are hands down my favorite purchase of the fall. And the adorable denim shirt I picked up on a whim has a gorgeous indigo wash that makes it look four times as expensive.

The point I’m trying to make is not about individual items, but about the GAP finally understanding the importance of doing just a few things well, rather than trying to be Mr. Done Done it All. As far as I’m concerned, this new focus on fun, quality denim has been their smartest move in the Y2K era.

All right, hon, now go help your big sis Banana Republic :/

*all images via gap.com*