I am so impressionable. I was so hooked upon seeing the juicy spring and summer colours of Old Navy’s 2009 linen fashions that I couldn’t wait to get to my nearest Old Navy.

Of course, after years of experience, I knew to keep my enthusiasm in check. Old Navy in particular has this thing about looking great on paper but far less appealing when you see it in person. And I was right.

The floral tank top was definitely drab in real life. Ditto for the shoes and scarf.

I did not look hard enough for the shrug sweater, linen pants, or the dress. That dress, in linen, was not bound to look nice anyhow.

The bag was too big to be cute-looking.

And, as mentioned in the photo, the sleeveless shirt is not available in stores and can be purchased only through the website.

So, not surprisingly, I walked away empty-handed.