Kmart's Smart Budget Brand: Route 66

While I would normally never post a picture of myself in Israel, as an example of what to wear, (I opted for the comfy, low-maintenance look, trying to avoid looking too touristy), I wanted to show a tank top I fell in love with and paid $8.99 for.  I grabbed this shirt while doing a last minute shop before my trip, at Kmart in the Gallery Mall.  $8.99 was the sale price but I was willing to pay the original price of $16.99.  What I liked most, besides the print, was the center back zipper that didn't bunch up or curl.  The added bonus is the tank looks great with skinny jeans and sandals for a casual night out.

Today on my way home from class I really had to pee.  I stopped off in the Gallery Mall in between busses.  The food court bathroom was closed so I ran to the Kmart restroom, conveniently located in the women's apparel section.  As I was leaving the store, I found myself walking through racks of affordable clothing that I (GASP) liked.  This is how I found Route 66, the brand responsible for my favorite tank.  Pardon the long story but I feel it was fate.  I can't remember the last time I liked a budget brand.

Route 66 was created by Kmart which is owned by the Sears Holding Company.  This is the name Kmart took when it bought out Sears.  Logically, you can also find Route 66 at Sears.

Some of my picks from the fall collection:

Plaid Racerback Tank Top

Purple

$16.99, Online $12.74

Knit Open Cardigan

Egret

$19.99, Online $14.99

Knit Snap Front Hoodie

Khaki

$34.99, Online $26.24

Henley Style Tunic

Claret Red

$21.99, Online $16.49

3/4 Sleeve Stripe Shirt

Egret, Astor

$16.99, Online $12.74

Kmart.com also has a great selection of highly discounted summer items from Route 66.  

Maxi Dress

Yellow stripe

$24.99, Online $5.99!!!

I chose not to suggest any bottoms because I felt the brand had not resolved this category in terms of aesthetics yet.  Basically, the pants offered either looked too cheap or mom-jean-ish.  (Even the word looks tacky!)  Despite this, Kmart has another brand I came upon, definitely worth checking out.  Attention is another budget brand by Kmart with a more mature, business casual look.  While I would stay away from some of the polyester blend tops, I was a big fan of this style:

Floral Print Tunic Top

Cranberry

$24.99

Who would have thought almost peeing in your pants would be so enlightening!