TIME100 Most Influential Companies 2025: Gap
Gap has provided a valuable lesson in making old (ish) brands vibrant again under CEO Richard Dickson, who joined in 2023 from Mattel (where he helped revive Barbie) and creative director Zac Posen, who arrived in 2024. The company's brands—including Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy—were flagging for years but have regained buzz and market share, and in March, it reported 2024 operating profits of $1.1 billion, nearly double the previous year. (Though Trump's tariffs may mean trouble ahead, with volatility and significant impact on retailers and global supply chains.) The secret? Named in 1969 to reference the "generation gap," it's now a bridge to multiple generations of consumers, even in the same store, aided by successful influencer collaborations that connect to younger shoppers. "With precision marketing, we can target our Gen Z, Baby Boomers, Gen X and millennials with creativity and assets that appeal to those different generations with the same product, expressed differently," Dickson says. "Our clothes are designed so that you express your own individuality. Khakis are khakis, right? But how you wear the khaki is your individual style."
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Los Angeles Times
an hour ago
- Los Angeles Times
As Gen Z and millennial women look to get money-smart, Dow Janes is trending upward
After Britt Baker graduated from Harvard Business School in 2016, her friends back in California begged for a souvenir: the best investment advice she'd learned. Baker, 37, indulged them, starting out of her Fairfax, Calif., living room a finance club that eventually became her present-day financial education startup, Dow Janes — which boasts an Instagram following of nearly half a million. But the wisdom she doled out at those early club meetings didn't actually come from business school, she said. It came from her parents and grandparents, who instilled in her from childhood the importance and mechanics of managing money wisely. Not all of Baker's peers were so fortunate, she said. Indeed, research has shown that many parents in the U.S. are unlikely to teach their children, particularly their daughters, about managing money beyond packing a piggy bank. More than half of Americans said their parents never discussed money with them in a 2024 Fidelity survey. Additionally, a 2021 survey revealed a significant gender gap when it came to early financial education, with 22% of female respondents never having received such education from their parents compared with 15% of male respondents. A 2024 PNC Investments survey similarly found that at a young age, female respondents received less instruction about wealth-building strategies than their male counterparts. These education gaps have led to low financial literacy rates among women in the U.S., especially those belonging to Gen Z. But social media-savvy money experts like Baker in recent years have aimed to change that with accessible financial education content. Their engagement has surged as a volatile stock market and global turmoil surrounding Trump's tariffs have left American consumers, especially those new to managing their money, desperate for guidance. On Instagram, finance education accounts like Dow Janes use anything from infographics to trending meme formats to repackage complex economics concepts for public consumption. In recent months, special interest topics like Trump's tariffs and recession threat have gotten more attention. The goal, Baker said, is to get more finance-related content in front of more eyes. 'The more people are talking about money, the better, because it gets less serious,' Baker said. 'It's like, 'Oh, I've heard about a high-yield savings account because of some influencer, so now I'm going to look it up.' 'It's less scary because [they've] heard it mentioned so many times,' she said. Dow Janes' YouTube and social media posts consist mainly of what Baker called 'building block content,' covering finance essentials from creating a budget to improving a credit score. Anyone can access those materials for free. But for those looking for more personalized coaching and guided learning, the startup offers a 12-month financial literacy course, Million Dollar Year. Priced at $4,000 — discounted 50% for those who opt to join after attending a Dow Janes webinar — the program is a self-study video curriculum, Baker said, with corresponding fill-in-the-blank workbooks covering financial concepts 'broken down into bite-sized pieces.' Million Dollar Year is Dow Janes' primary revenue stream, supplemented by occasional live events and Zoom retreats throughout the year. Baker declined to disclose financial details about the company, but she said Dow Janes is a full-time gig for both herself and co-founder Laurie-Anne King. 'We really hold your hand through the whole process,' Baker said. On top of completing their solo homework, participants attend weekly office hours and coaching calls as well as a monthly 'mindset call,' wherein participants practice positive thinking and self-compassion when they've failed to meet certain financial goals. 'It's not just, 'How to save an emergency fund and where to save it,'' Baker said. Instead, Dow Janes encourages its members to shift their long-term habits by healing their relationship with money. For program participant Meg Collins, 72, that psychologically informed approach was the thing she felt was missing from the series of financial courses she completed before finding Dow Janes. Collins is no longer just tracking her spending, she said, 'but I'm understanding why I'm purchasing things, what the triggers are for me.' During a program exercise wherein Collins wrote a letter to 'Mr. Money,' she discovered she blamed her father for not teaching her everything he knew about saving and investing, which was a lot. Then, she blamed the education system for failing to catch her up. 'Somehow or other, the guys will get together and talk about investments,' Collins said, but young women are rarely included in those conversations, and they fall behind. This pattern of women not having agency over their finances is rooted in history, said financial educator Berna Anat. A self-professed 'financial hype woman' and the author of 'Money Out Loud: All the Financial Stuff No One Taught Us,' Anat, 35, said she aims with her beginner-friendly financial content to empower people, especially first-generation women, to build sustainable wealth. Anat makes anywhere from $65,000 to $125,000 per year as a 'finfluencer,' or finance influencer, primarily through speaking engagements and brand partnerships. The Bay Area-based creator doesn't have any finance certifications or a business degree, a fact she's transparent about on social media. But over the years, she's built a following of more than 100,000 on Instagram and brought finance content to a younger demographic than most finance gurus typically reach. As a first-generation daughter of Filipino immigrants, Anat said she is familiar with the obstacles women like her have historically faced in their pursuit of financial freedom. 'It was, like, a generation and a half ago that we couldn't even get our own credit cards,' she said. 'So there's so much catching up that women have to do, not because we're worse at money or we're worse at logistics or math, [but] because we were structurally, purposefully held back from understanding money, accessing our own money and becoming empowered with our own money.' Yet women tend to internalize that knowledge gap, leading them to adopt the identity of being 'bad at money,' Anat said. 'We blame ourselves for not being as good at money as some of our male peers,' Anat said, 'not remembering that a lot of these men have had generations of financial confidence and generations of secrets and knowledge being passed [down] in boys clubs, from father to son, grandpa to whoever.' Anat acknowledged that 'finfluencers' alone cannot and should not close that gap, given they are not held to the same legal and ethical standards as accredited financial planners, certified public accountants or tax attorneys. Regulatory bodies including the Securities and Exchange Commission Investor Advisory Committee in recent years have pushed for broader classification of 'finfluencers' as statutory sellers and investment advisors, which would in turn subject them to higher codes of conduct. However, many are still protected via regulatory loopholes, such as exemptions for those providing only impersonal advice not tailored to any particular client or issuing such advice for free. Even 'finfluencers' who are technically subject to Federal Trade Commission and SEC guidelines, Baker said, often simply don't follow them and benefit from regulatory bodies lacking the bandwidth to rectify that. After graduating from Cal State Fullerton in 2022, Alice Samoylovich, 25, felt she had a decent handle on her savings. But when she began hearing 'finfluencers' like Tori Dunlap of @HerFirst100K talk about wealth-building strategies and investing, she thought, 'Oh s—, I need to catch up.' That feeling of panic worsened when she and her peers recently began seeing sharp drops in their 401k plans due to fluctuations in the stock market. Everyone was thinking, 'Why is that so much lower than it was before?' Samoylovich said. As the daughter of immigrants growing up in Orange County, Samoylovich said she wasn't taught much about money management: 'It was only the kids of, like, the uber-rich get to get that education.' Even now, her friends rarely speak about finances. But with the current administration 'getting more and more into heated situations internationally,' and Gen Z falling further into debt with little prospects for home ownership or sustainable retirement, Samoylovich is fearful about the economic future of the U.S. In a recent Advisor Authority study, 40% of surveyed Gen Z investors said they felt worried about their ability to pay their bills in the next 12 months, citing loans and debts as a competing financial priority. Additionally, 77% of the GenZers reported being concerned about a U.S. economic recession in the same time frame. Anat said people have even started leaving comments on her years-old videos asking her to explain what stagflation is or how to prepare for a recession. Given the widespread panic, she said it's 'all hands on deck' for online finance educators. Baker has also seen increased traffic on Dow Janes' socials, with the Million Dollar Year program's enrollment on the rise and skewing younger than in previous years. (The startup's typical demographic is women between 30 and 50 years old.) Among Dow Janes' 8,000 current program members, Baker said anxiety is mounting. As for what they should do in the face of all this economic uncertainty, Baker said, 'What we always come back to is, control what you can control.' Maybe tariffs do upend the market, she said, but 'if you're investing for a long enough time horizon, generally, historically, the market is up over time.'
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
11 lightweight, loose-fitting pants to help you beat the heat this summer — starting at $25
When the weather is hot, it sometimes feels like women have only two options: wear shorts or a skirt, the enemy of a stiff breeze. Thankfully, there's a secret third option: lightweight, loose-fitting pants. Not only do they feel as airy as a summer skirt, but they also offer more coverage than shorts, preventing sweaty thighs from chafing or sticking together. Bonus points: they're wind-proof. Here are 11 pairs of blousy summer pants from brands like Gap, Reitmans and Aritzia. We'll be adding them into rotation, stat. Think loose-fitting pants look unprofessional? Think again. This no.1 bestselling style on Amazon looks ready for the office with its silky fabric and chic tie waist. "The perfect summer work pants," says one Amazon shopper. They're "lightweight but not flimsy," notes another. Reviewers swear that the compliments start rolling in as soon has they put these trousers on. Available in more than 30 colours and prints, they're the ideal length for wearing with flats or low heels. If you're looking to dip a toe in the barrel-leg trend for summer, you can't beat the subtle shape of these 100 per cent cotton pants. They're "comfortable and breezy" for days when the humidex is high, yet stylish enough to wear for drinks with friends. They're also easy to pack for summer vacations. Choose from three different lengths (petite, regular and tall) to find your perfect fit. You may also like the matching top. A classic striped pant goes with everything from a crisp button-up to a relaxed T-shirt. This style is woven with a soft linen blend and has a bit of stretch. With a flattering high-rise fit, they zip up and have belt loops, so you can polish the look with a brown or black belt. Note: The pants run a bit long and, unless you're tall, may work best with wedges or heels. These 100 per cent organic cotton gauze pants are begging for a day at the beach or pool. They have an elasticized waist with a drawstring closure for ultimate comfort and come in fresh summer hues including lilac, pistachio, sand, white and slate blue. (Prefer classic black? You're in luck! They come in black, too.) Add the matching oversized shirt for the perfect lounge outfit. The botanical pattern on these blue-and-cream palazzos screams tropical vacation — the exact kind of vibes we want to put out into the universe this season. Sure, they're made of polyester (points for being recycled), but you really can't beat the price, so we'll let it slide. The style is also available in a few other hues, such as red and beige. "A dream," gushes a Dynamite shopper of these elegant pleated trousers. "I love how they flow when I walk," notes another customer. They're "polished" and "elevated" while remaining comfortable. Made from lightweight twill, the pants have a partially elasticized waistband for a relaxed fit. Try them in fresh white or versatile mushroom. You know that effortlessly stylish woman you've always wished you could be? She owns these pants. Crafted in Portugal using 100 per cent linen with a light grain, this breathable style is begging for a spot in your wardrobe. From this summer onward, they'll be a favourite in your effortlessly stylish woman's arsenal. Capris are "in" this season, but loose-fit cropped pants are a tad more wearable (and more likely to still be in style next year). This short version of Aritzia's beloved The Effortless Pant is designed to be worn with literally any top: tanks, tees, blouses and hoodies. It's easy to dress up or down. Try it in white, ecru or the limited-edition sundried olive. A wide-leg pant in a structured fabric, these By Anthropologie pants offer an artsy take on summer dressing. They're "so cute and unique," says one reviewer. "A great alternative to shorts," notes another. Women of all ages and body types say that they're flattering, too. Choose between white and navy with white stitching. If you're all about a dramatic silhouette, these ultra-wide-leg pants will be right up your alley. They're a brand new Banana Republic style for summer and have embroidered panels along the hem for added interest. Wear them all summer long, then toss them in your suitcase for any warm-weather travel you have coming up this winter. The matching top is also gorgeous. You don't want average loose-fit pants; you want sexy loose-fit pants. Enter: Joe Fresh's wide-leg trousers in luxurious crepe satin. Wear them with the matching tank and chunky metal jewelry for evening, or don a T-shirt, sneakers and tote for running errands. Either way, you'll look totally chic.
Buzz Feed
4 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
27 Cute Toddler Clothing Pieces From Carter's
A floral skort and tank top that's giving summer vibes with the type of effortless cool your toddler has somehow mastered faster in a few years than most adults have... ever. Price: $16 (originally $32; available in sizes 2T–5T) A summer gauze set for your suave — but hot — Stitch enthusiast. They'll wear this outfit almost as many times as they ask to watch Lilo and Stitch again. Price: $19 (originally $38; available in sizes 2T–5T and in four character options) A ruffly combo that'll keep your little one effortlessly breezy — literally. No shame if you're already looking for a matching one in your size. Price: $28 (originally $46; available in sizes 2T–5T and in two colors) An organic striped shirt and short set that's begging for a summertime photo shoot while also begging the question: "this is so cute, should I save it for future grandkids?" Price: $24 (available in sizes 2T–5T) An active skort and tank to introduce your little mini-me to the glory of athleisure wear early. Are you heading to the pickleball courts or to the ice cream shop? The world is your oyster. Price: $22 (originally $44; available in sizes 2T–5T) A four-piece dino pajama set because dinosaurs deserve to be on all sleepwear. Not only can you mix and match, you can relive your own childhood passion as you decide which dinosaur is indeed superior. Price: $20 (available in sizes 2T–5T and in six patterns) An alligator set that's so cute you just might want to take a wee little chomp out of it. I mean look at those little striped shorts. 😍 If you're looking for something that's not trucks, trains, or super heroes — but still fun — this is it. Price: $16 (originally $32; available in sizes 2T–5T) A jumper dress that's great for playtime, pictures, and, honestly, should be worn any and every day. Babies in overalls? I can't handle it. My daughter had this dress when she was a toddler and it is SO CUTE in person. The precious little skirt and the denim? Get out. I can't handle it. Price: $24 (originally $40; available in sizes 2T–5T) A terry dress in a baby-soft material even if your toddler is demanding teenager-level attention nowadays. Price: $22 (available in sizes 2T–5T) A pair of dino romper PJs — just because they're a toddler doesn't mean they can't have an adorable romper anymore. As a mom whose kids are out of the romper stage, let me tell you: enjoy this stage for as long as you can. 😭 Price: $12 (available in sizes 2T–5T and in four patterns) A Hawaiian-themed short set for making them look like little tiny tourists. Toddlers in Hawaiian shirts?? I'm not crying over the cuteness — you are. Price: $16 (originally $44; available in sizes 2T–5T) A Barbie tutu dress because EVERY summer should be Barbie summer. This dress is totally Ken-ough for any occasion. Price: $23 (originally $30; available in sizes 2T–5T and in a Disney Princess version) A twill button-down romper that gives "cool mechanic shop owner in a 1970s movie" in all the right ways. Price: $22 (originally $36; available in sizes 2T–5T and in four styles) A short-sleeve dino hoodie and shorts for keeping them extra ~rawrsome~ for any outing. Just put that hood on and watch them turn the world into their own little Jurassic Park. Promising review: "My son went absolutely bonkers for this set! Not to mention, it is super soft and cozy, and he looks like the cutest little dinosaur around town, although I may be biased! Definitely a great purchase and highly recommend." —DvggPrice: $12.99 (originally $32; available in sizes 2T–5T) A checkered gauze set that'll have them looking fresh out of a weekend spent yachting the Atlantic. Add a little Hall & Oates and you've got yourself the entire package. Price: $30 (available in sizes 2T–5T and in three colors) A ~pun~ pajama set that'll be a ~whaley~ popular pick for nighttime. They'll ~flip~ for this soft and adorable combo and you'll ~blubber~ over how cute your little one is. And ~fin~. Promising review: "I love these jammies and I always size up, but there is no need to with these! They are super soft and comfy for summer." —BerniePrice: $12 (available in sizes 2T–5T and in 11 designs) A soft floral jumpsuit to keep those little legs covered without overheating them as they zoom around whichever event you're at. Price: $26 (available in sizes 2T–5T and in two patterns) A ~berry~ soft PJ set that'll make those bedtime snuggles so soft, you'll want to rock them to sleep forever. Price: $18 (available in sizes 2T–5T) A truck-themed pajama set for any kid who passes by a construction site with unbridled, contagious enthusiasm. Price: $20 for two pairs (available in sizes 2T–5T and in six patterns) A sweet bow-tie dress that I'm lowkey eyeing in my size. There's nothing wrong with looking like you're headed to a posh garden party even if you're just headed to the park. Price: $20 (originally $32; available in sizes 2T–5T) A cool gauze dress that'll keep them easy breezy even when the weather includes difficult levels of humid. Price: $26 (available in sizes 2T–5T and in two colors) A coconut shirt and short set that'll have you reaching for a little tiny umbrella to put in their juice to finish off their beachy ensemble. Price: $10 (originally $20; available in sizes 2T–5T and in four styles) And a cool swim cap to keep their noggin safe from the sun's rays even if they're swimming. And since it's meant to dry quickly, you might even miss out on the inevitable "it's weeeeeeeet" fight later. Price: $9 (originally $12; available in size 2T–4T) AND a pair of classic sunglasses that'll keep their eyes protected while still looking effortlessly cool. Promising review: "Cute and stays on nicely, and matches many outfits." —MamaHamPrice: $9 (originally $15) A peachy sun hat that's not only an entire vibe on it's own, but also adds some sun protection. My youngest didn't outgrow her whispy/partially bald stage until she was ALMOST 3. Protect that head because toddlerhood certainly doesn't always mean that hair is going to come in finally. 🫠 Price: $9 (originally $12l available in size 2T–4T and in three patterns) And a darling polka-dot swimsuit with an adorable ruffle flower for your little 1950s beach diva. Add a pair of round sunnies and get ready to hear "pass me the crackers, dahling." Price: $11 (originally $14; available in sizes 2T–5T and in three styles) A pair of suspenders because ALL — I repeat ALL — outfits that can have suspenders SHOULD have suspenders. Milk it while you can — eventually they'll roll their eyes and this beautiful stage will be gone. Price: $11 (originally $18; available in sizes 3M–18M)
