Kit and Ace

Walking through Hayes Valley, I was surprised to see another Kit and Ace in San Francisco. I did my fair share of lurking from behind the glass, admiring the casual simplicity that branched off from its mother-​brand — lululemon athletica. As a former lemon, I only workout with their «luxtreme» fabric w/​shiny omega emblem that speaks a tiny reminder to other endorphin pumpers, «I paid too much for clothes to sweat in.»
On their website, Kit and Ace has a «Last of It» sale section just like lululemon’s «We Made Too Much.» I bought three items at steep discounts: two ~$ 90 T-​shirts for $ 18 each and one $ 128 button-​up for $ 38. Complimentary 2 – 3 day shipping sealed the deal: no foreseen online shopper’s remorse here!
After a few days of patient anticipation, I had yet to receive a confirmation email for shipment. Calling the support line, I learned my order never left the warehouse. On second looking, they expedited the shipment with one item missing. Calling again, I was told the one T-​shirt went out-​of-​stock. Not only was my order late, but it was also incomplete.
Finally getting my hands on the white box with teeny tiny lettering and blue hourglass, I unraveled the tissue paper to find my bargain beautifully packaged with many marketing slogans and notes. Yes, I ate it all up… until trying things on. 86% cotton, 4% spandex, and just 10% cashmere makes excellent pajama wear. The garments had a nice weightiness from cashmere but still had the thinness of cotton, making the fabric look a little darb and hanging. Sizing runs large. Ideal for taller persons with wider builds — but I would imagine the clothing too slim fitting/​revealing from the fitted cut compared to regular clothes.
No returns on discounted clothes, so this would have to do as a regift. I’m keeping the T-​shirt, but hoping I’d reach for it more often than my 100% cotton H&M T-​shirts that fit properly.

«Technical» sucking.
Formula Lulu step child.
Marina, not Hayes!

Shopping in Hayes Valley then make this a stop.
Why it’s ACE +‘s:
+ Technical cashmere. That’s their selling point which is luxury comfort that can be thrown in the cold wash and left to tumble dry low. It’s holding up so far for me.
+ Styles are classic and basic. Think Gap but with luxe fabric.
+ Comfort is definitely huge. I live in these items.
+ Staff is very friendly.
+ Sales are true markdowns.
+ Use your card. Cash is not taken.
Why It’s KITsch -‘s:
— Fashion it is not forward. Think home lounge style.
— Prices for some basics seem high like $ 118 for a long sleeve basic top. Can get something similar at Uniglo for much less. Hold out for sales if you can.
— Brick and mortar stores carry such limited sizing and styles. Makes me think online shopping is the way to go. Sizing is Canadian so it does not hurt to go and try on the sizes.
Overall love the lounge styles and when on sale it’s a perfect fit.