Recently in Banana Republic Category

BR has introduced a new denim collection with better fits and more washes.

I have never found BR denim to fit that well, so it will be interesting to see if these do indeed fit better.  It's kind of funny about the fit of the women's jeans because I know a lot of guys who love BR jeans.  Now they have a 00 which is good because I always found their sizes to run large.  Maybe the 00 is like a normal 0?

They are also having a big sale now... up to 40% off, browse here. They were pretty aggressive with coupons through the holiday season so the 40% off does't seem like that big a deal, but still a sale is a sale! Always good if you find something you like!

I was out and about over the weekend, running errands, shopping etc. I stopped in at Banana and tried on this dress that I had seen before but not had time to try on.

Wool Blend Textured Sheath Dress, $152

When I looked at it on the hanger, it looked very narrow, which was a good sign. I've found over the years that Banana tends to run their sizes large and cut hips into many of their designs that I just don't have - so I knew this was going to be good. I tried on the 0 and it was perfect, no gaping at the sides of the skirt and a nice length, not too long, not too short. The reviews on BR all say that the dress runs small, and yes I'd agree that for BR it runs small, but in truth it probably just runs true to size.

I like the detailing at the neck and the fabric is nice, textured but still soft.

I didn't buy it though because I have one of their 40% off coupons that is only good on Wednesdays... so hopefully they'll still have my size on Wednesday.  $91.20 is a great deal for this dress!

I've totally had a dress renaissance over the last couple of years.  It is so great to just be able to throw on one piece and go. Perfect for mornings when you're running late and don't have time to put together an "outfit"...

The new Banana Republic downtown flagship store at Broadway and Prince is now open.

This weekend they're having a Grand Opening on Nov. 21 and 22. They sent me a postcard about it, offering 25% off at the new store during those two days.  It's not clear if you need to bring the postcard or not.  Maybe if you don't have one, you could say you forgot it?

There is a good slide show of the new space and layout at NY Magazine, here. It kind of reminds me of J. Crew's vibe, which I doubt is what they were going for.  It looks nice for sure!

It's SOOOO hard to find inexpensive shoes that are styled nicely... you know, it seems like something is always off, design-wise...  Well these BR suede hidden platform pumps aren't perfect, but they aren't bad either.  And for $120, how can one complain (that much anyway)?

'Gaby' Suede Round-Toe Pump

They come in wild berry (red), T moro (brown, shown above) and black.  The stacked heel is 4" with a 3/5" hidden platform.  Suede with leather lining and synthetic sole.

Not bad, right?  But here's what I'd change to make it perfect:

1. can the suede.  suede is actually quite horrible, get caught in the rain and you're done. leather just looks better, and wears better

2. not loving the shape of the round toe, should be slightly more round

3. the vamp is cut a bit too high.  should be slightly lower more like the classic Louboutin pump

4. sole. sorry, but I prefer leather soles

5. no... actually I think that's it.

So.... how much do you think all that stuff would raise the price by? #s 2 and 3 are design issues and should cost nothing if they had just done it right to begin with, but #s 1 and 4 would def. add to the cost of the shoe.  BR has to keep a certain price point... grumble, grumble.

But I think these are worth trying on anyway.  They may look much nicer in person!

This Banana Repulbic knit top has a very Missoni look about it... for a lot less, $69. It's a linen viscose blend.  They've borrowed Missoni's signature knit style with the striations.

They're also knocking off the Yves Saint Laurent cage shoe style that we've been seeing all over the fashion magazines this past Spring.

Banana version:  It comes in black or gold and is $160.  I have to say I don't like it.  The heel is too short (only 3-1/4") and the heel shaped wrong, it just looks ugly. It doesn't have the elegance of either of the YSL versions below.

Their inspiration:

Over the weekend, it was SO HOT here in the city.  My friend said he heard on the radio that it reached 90 deg. + in Central Park!  EEEKK, it's not even May!

So I was thinking about how in the hot Summer, you want to have several flowy cotton tees to wear with shorts and minis to help keep you cool. 

Banana has some nice ones right now made with a slubby cotton that has a nice look and feel.  It seems like Banana is always having some sort of sale these days.  These tees are normally $30 each but were selling for $20 the other day in store.

Cap-sleeve sccopneck tee. These seem to run a bit big, I'd order a size down.

In the same fabric, they also have a V-neck.  It's got a deep V and this one fits more normally, I'd order your regular size.

I said this before, last season, that I thought Banana was having much better stuff of late... and it continues. 

I lvoe this Twist Back Dress, $98 in a gorgeous shade of blue. It's 100% acetate, but looks and feels like silk. If you have green or blue eyes this color really highlights them.

Jersey T-shirt Dress, $69. It's a rayon/spandex blend that has a nice drape. Dresses like this are great to bring when you're traveling. They don't wrinkle and you can dress it up or down.

(wow, that model has huge feet)

Either of these 2 dresses you could belt for a different look.

Banana has a new line of premium handbags that look pretty nice.  The one I like the best is the Bridgeport Crescent Shoulder Bag, $230. Pebbled leather with polished nickel hardware.  It comes in black, stone and dust (below).

One of the dresses Kate Hudson wore for her photo shoot for February Elle (page 155) caught my eye. 

It was listed just as "Knit dress, Banana Republic, $130".  I went to check it out last week but it wasn't online yet.

But it is now: Drop-waist Sweater Dress in Gray Heather, $130. 100% extra fine merino wool. It has a boat neck and elbow length ruched sleeves.

Banana Repbulic is having a one day only sale, 40% off all regular priced items, TODAY (in stores only).

They will also do a price adjustment if you bought something full priced in the last 2 weeks.  And, if you sign up for the BR credit card you get an extra 20% off! 

It's good timing because I like their collection right now.  I'd been off Banana for a good year or so but this Fall and Winter they seem to have some nice things.  I got the holiday dress that I really wanted (but didn't want to pay full price for).

Silk/Cotton Lace Dress, $150, on sale ONLY $90 (CRAZY)

It looks better in person!  They also have great scarves, wraps and jewelry that make good gifts for people you don't want to buy clothes for.  Cheers and happy shopping.

As I was out and about this weekend I saw this dress in the window at the Banana near Bloomingdale's (uptown).  I went in to check it out, but I didn't have time to try it on.  The fabric is a beautiful brown with a sort of iridescent effect from a crossweave. The dress is $175, I thought it would be more, it has the look of a much more expensive dress.

This is a great option for anyone who needs a new dress for holiday parties this year. Oh, and I hadn't been into that particular Banana store for ages - the downstairs section that used to be so small and cramped is now HUGE, they must have taken over the basement space of the store next door (which I believe, conveniently, was their sister company, Gap's basement).  It's great - now they have the entire women's department down there with enough room to fit the entire collection including shoes and jewelry and not be really crowded like it used to be. 

Here's another good find - a bag from Banana Republic that has the look of a much more expensive bag.  The chunky gold chain detail is very Marc Jacobs looking - for a fraction of the price.  The "Drake" Shoulder bag, it comes in black or russet leather ($180) or leopard print calf hair ($230). The russet is a nice orange color.

Either style qualifies for free shipping and they even come with their own dust bag like expensive bags do.

They're showing a lot of belted looks this Fall.  Since I'm always a sucker for horsebits (yes, preferably Gucci), this Banana Repbulic belt looks like a nice addition for the season.  And it's only $79, so if you don't end up wearing it much, it's okay.  (with a Gucci belt you might feel bad!)

Horsebit Clasp Buckle Leather Belt, $79 is great to belt long shirts and sweater dresses etc.

Uggh. Sorry about the ugly picture. I have no idea why they paired it with that horrific print shirt! That print looks like something Ugly Betty would wear. (but p.s. I love Ugly Betty despite her clothes :-)  )

InStyle magazine is saying that one of the top 12 trends for Spring is trench coats.  Uh, duh!  Aren't trench coats always in style?  I am personally obsessed (and have been for several years) with finding the perfect one that doesn't cost a fortune.  (yes, someday I will get a coveted Burberry!) Banana has come close, but in the last few years they had been cutting them A-line, which I think is a mistake.  A trench coat should be cut straight. Banana has one this season too, the online picture isn't very good (see below) you can't really tell if it's A-line or not, and the description doesn't say either.  Anyway, here are some options:
  Loro Piana $1995 

Dolce & Gabbana $1695 

Burberry (longer) $995 

Burberry (shorter) $975 

Prada $795 

Banana Republic $198 

Gap $88 

Banana is having an online special right now, 15% off until March 1, so the $198 trench would be $168.30!  $795 for the Prada seems quite reasonable, but it looks more flimsy than the others so maybe it's not lined?