I've always considered J.Crew a 10/10, go-to brand. They have solid basic tees, jeans, sweaters, jewelry...you name it. Not only that, but J.Crew is also a great place to shop for preppy pieces.

Getting more Americans to know who they are. The apparel maker, known for its affordable cashmere sweaters and solid basics, wants to go big in one of the world’s toughest consumer markets.

Instead of relying on basics such as jeans, t-shirts and shorts - which can be bought cheaper just about anywhere - the Gap brand needs to focus more on more-feminine clothing, analysts said.