I recently came across a video that left me speechless - a teenager was sent to buy basic essentials at a local mall, and she chose Gloria Jean's. If I'm not mistaken, she spent around $600 on a few outfits. That's a decent salary for many of us, even a high one outside the capital. Who would have thought that in 2024, a salary like that would barely cover shopping at Gloria Jean's?
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Back in the day, the store was super affordable, with cheap clothes made from synthetic materials that weren't the best quality. Has anything changed since the price hike? I've already written about the adult Gloria Jean's store. There's a separate brand for kids - Gee Jay. Check out my review.
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Walking through GJ, you can easily transition from the adult to the kids' section without even noticing it. The clothes for teenagers are hardly different from the adult ones. The only difference is the brand name on the label and the size replaced by height. The color palette is calm, with plenty of pastel shades, and the clothes are beautiful and modern.xa0
The designers behind Gee Jay create the same 'urban vibe' in kids' clothes as they do for adults. I love the style, except for a few awkward designs.
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And now, the store's become a hotspot for both adults and kids, so get ready to break out the wallet.
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After the global brands left the market, Gloria Jean's actually started thriving. It's clear the manufacturers are confident in their products, and they've raised the prices to match. Yep, the fabric composition hasn't changed for the better - even in the kids' section, there's a lot of synthetic materials.
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The cotton items, by the way, look less appealing than the rest of the assortment.
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I've got to say, the fabric is pretty thin and not the highest quality, but sometimes you get lucky and find some nice exceptions. Problem is, the price just doesn't match the quality.xa0
Pajamas for 3000 roubles a set? They look cute, but let's be real, I'm not exactly the most careful person when it comes to wearing clothes at home.
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And yeah, I'm not kidding, with my petite height, I can easily shop in the kids' department at GJ. The petite range up to 160cm is perfect for girls with a compact build. The sleeves are in the right place, and you don't need to shorten them by half, but those chunky thighs won't fit in all the pants.But, again, those prices. For 7,000 roubles, you get a plush bomber jacket made of 100% synthetic material. It looks nice, but it's not practical, and a kid's light jacket will only last for a couple of wears.
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It's fun to browse through the stylish clothes hanging on the rack in a trendy store, but when it comes to actually spending money, I'm not so keen. You start to notice all the flaws in the clothes, and honestly, there's already enough to worry about.xa0
For example, here are the current prices for autumn 2024. For little ones:
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For teenagers:
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So, if you need to completely replace your kid's wardrobe, shoes, and accessories for the winter (kids grow up fast), be prepared to break the bank. One good salary might not even cover it. And then your kid goes to school and comes home with ripped pants, twice 😂xa0
I think it's worth buying from Gee Jay for special occasions, like going out, rather than everyday wear. That way, the cost is relatively justified, and the clothes won't get worn out quickly, considering the fabric composition and quality. You can also opt for the cheapest items in their range, but with the corresponding quality and look. For example, cheap knitwear goes to pieces very quickly. So, it's all about catching deals and ordering online if you really don't want to overpay. On the other hand, prices on VTB are lower for the same items, but the range is more limited.
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I bought kids' jeans for around 1500 rubles each. And they turned out to be more comfortable with the elastic waistband. Otherwise, they're okay, they can withstand washing and wear. But, they've only been worn a few times and have already shrunk. I'll be buying them every few months or so... it's better to choose a different store.
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I've already put away my summer clothes, and I won't go out of my way to get the ones I found for my kids. Here's a coat. I only wear it at home or at the dacha now.
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This style really suits me. And almost all short girls. Among the current oversized trend, it's not always easy to find something that won't look like a shapeless bag on a petite frame. After a while, the acrylic looks pretty good, better than I expected. But there are some pilling areas that can be easily removed with a regular razor.xa0
By the way, in it, I get cold in spring-autumn and hot in summer, it's synthetic... I wouldn't buy it for a kid. I can wear it myself, understanding the downsides beforehand and successfully ignoring them for a good fit.***
Now, buying clothes from Gloria Jeans isn't very cost-effective, for adults and kids alike. That's why I'm taking off a star. People with very high salaries will probably opt for other brands, while those with average or lower incomes will find it hard to afford it here.
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Gee Jay for kids:
✔️Beautiful, stylish clothes
✔️Sober color schemes without green cucumbers on a red Mickey Mouse coat
✔️Sizes and height matching the stated claims
✔️Has H&M
✔️Wide range
✔️Friendly staff and atmosphere in the store
❌Prices
❌Value for money is a letdown – things often lose their appeal quickly
❌Too much synthetic material
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4 stars. Thanks for listening!