$32 Spring Outfit: Gap Kids Mint Ankle Jeans & Lace Shell

*How adorable is this photo of Vicky's daughter, Jasmine? Colors there are more accurate, too.*
**Colors in my photos below are washed out. Scroll to the end for slightly more accurate swatches.**

Gap Kids Lace Top sz L/10 (sold out online but there's shorts in the same lace), ~$14 after 40% off

Gap Kids Super Skinny Jeans in 12 reg, 6 colors (loove the phosphorus that's almost gone), ~$18

Jewel necklace from J.Crew outlet, chain necklace from Savers thrift store

After a productive morning of studying, I treated myself to a pit stop at Gap Kids on my way home. I had been watching these 2 pieces online for over a month, and was thrilled to see they were still available. Sizes online are almost gone, but check your local stores as Gap Kids is supposed to offer up to a size 16-18 in girls.

This weekend, Gap is running 40% off your entire purchase both in-stores and online (try code GAPFAMILY or GAPFRIENDS) for BR/Gap/ON card members (30% off for non-members), so I picked up both pieces for $32 and change. 

BR swing jacket (old), Revlon Lipstick in Coral, CL simple pumps (similar for $40)

These pieces are surprisingly not too kiddy-cut, but to make the entire outfit more grown-up, I would add a lady-like swing jacket and some nude pumps. My simple makeup here was slapped on quickly for photos, but it's representative of what I'd like to wear once spring comes - neutral, unlined eyes with lots of mascara, bronzed cheeks, and a bright, juicy lip...
 
My biggest issue with these jeans is that they are a cropped ankle-length, and not full-length.** However, the waist, hips, and rise fit me so well that I'm accepting them as ankle jeans for spring/summer. The sz 12 I have measures 12.75" across the waist, 16" across the hips, 7.5" rise, and 24" inseam. Keep in mind that bigger sizes will also have longer inseams. Material is 99% cotton, 1% spandex and feels like the Gap skinny jeans I know and love (personally find them to be more comfortable and durable than the popular ON jeggings).

**Thanks to a great tip from Jen, I ordered the 14 slim (online exclusive size) to compare. In my past experience, kids slim sizes have the same waist/hips as one size smaller, but longer inseams

My camera also distorts the color of this 'aloe' denim and makes it look fluorescent. In person, it' a beautiful, light, true mint color. Slightly lighter than what you see here:

And if you think the lace shell looks familiar, so did I. I have a 2011 BR Mad Men Collection lace shell in PXXS that I sadly haven't gotten much wear out of, because of the stark white color. I was planning on selling that one and now I can potentially replace it with this. The kids one also comes in a coral color, and in a tunic/dress version (see on me) for about $10 more.

When compared against each other, the fit of the Gap Kids L/10 lace shell is the same across the bust, but is slightly wider at the bottom and 3 inches longer in length than my PXXS womens. The kids version is a beautiful light creme in-person, lined in 100% cotton with a side zip. My favorite detail is the slightly scalloped hem.

I expected the lace pattern to be very similar, but was quite surprised to find out it's identical - just a different color and without glitter flecks (the 2011 BR has glitter; 2012 kids one does not). Just goes to show you how a company can re-use the same design and fabric, but market it to a different demographic for a fraction of the price.

I love both of these pieces, but in the spirit of being honest with myself and acknowledging that I'll be holed up every weekend this spring, I might return one or both. I need to evaluate if these pieces are more of a 2012 seasonal trend (cough, mint jeans) or if they can be worn many times in the future.

Some other kids items I couldn't find in-store, but look potentially mature enough for chic adults:
- White denim shorts with floral print (love these!), $16 after 40% off
- Crochet sweater dress, $24 after 40% off
- Striped skirt w/ pockets in 2 colors,  $10 after 40% off

Readers - Are you shopping the Gap 40% off sale this weekend? Did anyone else pick up either of these kids pieces?