On Thursday Old Navy opened in Elmwood Shopping Center, replacing the void left by the closing of the Lakeside Store. As of Saturday, the new location was making a fresh, clean distinction from it’s cluttered and crowded predecessor. The displays were organized and shoppers could move freely about.This change in atmosphere coupled with the appeal of their sleek holiday “sweater” television and print ads prompted me to give this big box store another shot after avoiding it for years.

I actually became tempted by a few of Old Navy’s trendier items this season including the roomy cable knit hobo bag ($24.50) and the sophisticated turtle neck sweater dress ($25).

My raison d’etre for shopping at Old Navy now, is my new obsession with their loungeware cotton pants ($14.50). These stretchy pants are made of a super soft jersey material and come in perky and playful patterns. Be warned- once you put them on- you will be hesitant to take them off.

They are even cute enough for a college student to roll out of bed and wear to a theatre style lecture class, when paired with a cute top and slouchy sweater boots.

To design a very thoughtful gift for under $35 for a party hostess or romantic someone: first purchase a pair of these pantaloons- package it with a bottle of wine from World Market and buy that special someone their favorite dvd from Hollywood Video next door. Package said items in a basket or fancy box- and you have the perfect present.

If you were a huge fan of Magic the dog and the previous sing-songy tv ads and the classic Old Navy Performance Fleece, don’t fret, the classic items are still there.