Martin + Osa
If American Eagle has started to feel a little too high school for you, but you aren’t quite ready to start shopping at Ann Taylor with your mom yet, Martin + Osa might just be your perfect store.
In case you haven’t heard of it, Martin + Osa is a new brand aimed at the 20 to 30-something set, all from the people that brought you American Eagle Outfitters.
There has been quite a buzz around the fashion-blogosphere lately about the store (and they’ve been in my sidebar ads!) so yesterday I decided to check out their website & see what all the fuss was about.
On first glance, Martin + Osa is intriguing. I haven’t been to a store yet, but from checking out their website, it kind of reminds me of GAP’s Forth and Towne and Abercrombie’s "Ezra Fitch" brand mashed up together. A little simpler and more classic than their original brands, with better quality materials and a higher price tag to match.
Their tag line is "Refined Casual Clothing + Accessories", and the focus really is on just that: simple, refined clothing in luxurious materials like silk and cashmere. They carry lots of basics, plenty of denim, khakis and cotton skirts that would be perfect for summer.
And did I mention they sell my personal summer staple, Havaianas?
If you have the money to spend, ($46 for a sheer cami? ouch!), the merchandise looks like it’s quality stuff that will last you through many nights on the beaches of Nantucket, or at least through your summer classes where you daydream about being there.
Your thoughts on this? Have you been to a Martin + Osa store? Are you liking the preppy and pricey vibe that they have going on, or are you happy to stick to good old American Eagle? Post a comment!
EDIT: Here’s a coupon code for 30% off everything at Martin + Osa if you decide to shop there! Either print this coupon to use in-store, or enter the coupon code 32619559 if you shop online!
Posted on on May 5, 2008 / Filed Under: Fashion News / Tags: AE, Basics, Clothing, Coupons, Shopping
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Tiffany
Sorry, but I’m definitely not impressed! :(
Ariel
There’s a Martin + Osa in North Park Mall in Dallas, and I have to say, the store itself is incredible. Gorgeous store design, and the atmosphere was out of this world. They offer you water or a drink from their mini-bar in the back, and the people were extremely friendly.
As for the clothing itself, it was all a little bit on the pricey side for me, but you can tell the quality of the materials was pretty good. I like the clean, simple style they present – it can be very preppy if you wear everything at once, but broken up they’re all great high quality basics that you can ‘funkify’ yourself.
Overall, I’m really impressed. And as a design major, I just can’t get over the store interiors… :P
Zephyr
Ariel – Ooh, they have a mini bar in the store? That’s such a cute idea! I don’t know if there is a store around me, but your description makes me want to find out..
Righteous Style
thanks for the code! love martin + osa, perfect pit stop for casual, yet not too preppy basics… :)
Brenda
Can’t wait to visit a store in person! Not too sure where I could find one in my area since it’s a bit new still. I”m a big fan of sophisticated, yet laid back type of looks from Banana Republic, Nordstrom’s, etc. But I would have to agree with others, they are too pricey with A&F.
Thanks for the code! :)
VICTOR
I am 38 years old and a graduate of USC, so I should be the target customer of Martin & Osa. I went to several of their stores in Southern California and loved the design and concept of the store, but hate the merchandise. They are SOOOO boring.
If I want comfortable casual clothes, I go to Old Navy, because they are of descent quality, and the prices allow me to “stock up” whenever I find the time to shop. The fit is modern (not baggy), and the designs are updated classics with fun colors and details.
I already own a ton of solid basics from years of buying from the GAP and J Crew, so why would I buy more of the plain things. At my age, if I wanted to spend more money on quality basics, I would buy them from Polo Ralph Lauren, Joseph Abboud, or even Zegna when they are on sale.
Upon inspecting the quality of Martin and Osa (I am in the fashion business), it is quite good, but they need to add more style to them. Details such as special buttons, top stitching, and trims are very important for better merchandise. Their stuff look too much like GAP. And even GAP is not doing that well with their more affordable price point. People want fashion, and that’s why GAP is following the lead of Target to bring in top designers like Patrick Robinson (formerly of Giorgio Armani).
Don’t make more of what is already out there and expect to sell them for more money. The store looks great, so sell merchandise that offer the same romance. If they are selling “adventure,” they should study Timberland or Marlboro Classics from overseas. Their brand truly convey that image.
Ken
I can’t imagine anyone “in the fashion business” shopping at Old Navy. Their quality is disgusting and the gaudy colors are just perfect for being seen in your yellow ‘87 IROC Camaro. If you actually want to look like you have a college degree and an inkling of taste, I’m sure one day you’ll see that places like Martin + Osa are just the right spot!
I think their stuff is great. It’s just modern enough (slim-straight jeans, wool blazers with diagonal pockets) yet classic and refined, so you don’t end up looking like a college student at 35. The store reminds me of New York City thirty-somethings that go from their great job to a great night out. I always get swept up in it when I’m in that store.
I can’t wait for their flagship to open in NYC!
Justin
Well my first impression were that Martin + Osa was just like the GAP. From further investigation and a trip to the fitting room I would say they are an upscale GAP. I loved everything in the store! The cashmere sweaters are to die for! The sales girl said it just right when you can dress this clothes up or down. I actually just applied for a job there I liked it so much.
p.s. The store is absolutely stunning!
Lolly
I’m kind of a jeans and a t-shirt girl (aka urban outfitters, not AE), and… to me this site feels a little too mature. Ehhhh… they can’t do anything older than 18. Not even Aerie, with it’s weird little boat theme and creepy logos on everything. Here’s a preppyish store that’s kind of Breakfast at Tiffany’s: Chadwicks. Not expensive, and who knew?