What a difference a season makes
You know sometimes you get sent an email (just a normal marketing mail - you know, the 1000 you get sent through a day after signing up for a newsletter? My BTinternet account on my smashed iphone doesn't work any more and I swear it's because it's died under the weight of 8000 "AMAZING OFFER" emails.... yes I know there is a delete button. I just need to remember to use it) and you think - ooh actually, not the usual tat you send me.
And so here I am today, feeling the Banana Republic love.
Firstly a bit about my feelings towards Banana Republic. I have to say, I've had a love hate relationship with them since I first went to live in the US when I was 26. At the time it was infinitely more on trend than JCrew and far more inspirational than their sister company Gap.
But I have to say, since it's come to the UK, for me it seems to have lost something in translation. Maybe it's because I no longer have any need for the more corporate bias to my wardrobe and that's really where Banana Republic come into their own.
However maybe I'm getting older and my tastes are a changing or maybe Banana Republic have slightly edged out of their preppier comfort zone.
But I have to say, since it's come to the UK, for me it seems to have lost something in translation. Maybe it's because I no longer have any need for the more corporate bias to my wardrobe and that's really where Banana Republic come into their own.
However maybe I'm getting older and my tastes are a changing or maybe Banana Republic have slightly edged out of their preppier comfort zone.
These are the two pics that made me actually click through, as opposed to (not) pressing delete.
Ok so it wasn't even the not so hot bloke but the maxi dress... with flats... oh gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous. And the stunning and ever so wearable blush drapey blouse....
So let's start with the amazing navy midi dress. Pure lust for this.
However for me, as much as I love the navy one, this black one would be more versatile and there's something about it that I prefer. I have a big big party in a couple of weeks - the code is "beach wear"... It's in the evening so there is absolutely ZERO way I'm wearing anything of the swimsuit variety (and yes, it's just occurred to me I haven't bought one yet and my stomach is so far from bikini ready this year, I can't tell you. A full on Nigella Style all in one may well be on the cards...), but I'm thinking this could be gorgeous. With flat lace up glads... my Forever 21 ones would be perfect.
Thinking forward for the new season and this would be the perfect party dress.
Ditto this one which is in the sale and I've just discovered they do a Tall Version which is almost impossible to find in this style.
Sloan-Fit Black Fit and Flare Dress was £89 now £24.99
Back to the blouses now and this is the one that caught my eye. Perfect for work, for throwing on over shorts or boyfriend jeans, with skinnies and heels for a night out. Gorgeous.
Crepe Pleat-top Blouse £49.50
I absolutely love the look of this - I can see this as being the most perfect blouse in your wardrobe. Can't think of an occasion I wouldn't wear it. It also comes in white. Which I'm saving for a white shirt blog. (but you can get a sneak peak online. I'm warning you, it's too gorgeous)
Drapey Dolman Sleeve Blouse £49.50
My one thing I have bought in recent years from Banana Republic is actually my trench. This one I have to say though, I think I might actually prefer. Adore this and all the styling too. So it's offensively preppy - I can live with that (I'd just add Toga Pulla boots...)
Double-Breasted Trench Coat £150
Whilst I'm the jackets category, this is all sorts of perfect.
Heritage Military Blazer in dark olive £110
Thinking ahead again to A/W - also love the idea of these. Love the fact they have pockets and a zip fastening so aren't completely legging-esque.
Sloan-Fit Faux Leather Front Skinny Ankle Pant £69 plus they do them in a regular and long.
Now I may have mentioned that I think I'm in the market for a bag (this is me politely warning you to expect oodles of bag blogs......) and there are definitely a couple of contenders at BR.
Having pontificated extensively about not caving in on the fringed bag front (we can all see where this is going can't we?) they have an olive and a black option which definitely hit all the right notes. Cross body, check, buttery soft leather, check, not overly fringey, check check.
Fringe Crossboy Bag in Olive £99.50
And in the black
Leather Duffle bag in black £150
However the olive... oh yes.
So I shall definitely be doing a good try on session next time I venture into London town. Actually I think it's a real shame there aren't more of them on the High Street - for me, far preferable to Gap but hey ho.
I ventured all the way to Next today to pick up my sales goodies. As they were delivered yesterday. Or were they being delivered next Monday? Oh yes, that will be right. Shopping. Fail.
Pics from yesterday and today. As you can see, absolutely making the most of the £15 Forever 21 sandals.
Leaf print silk dress - Whistles
Diego Bag - Alexander wang
Black sandals - Forever 21
Tobacco silk dress - Reiss
Cognac cross body bag - Campomaggi by Plumo
Tan sandals - Forever 21
Everyone else's thoughts on Banana Republic? Are they trying to edge into the JCrew space of all things US that we love? Counting down the days till I trip up to Regent St or Covent Garden to check it out in the flesh. (although seeing as my children break up on Thursday, that seems a long long time away. September? Dear. Lord. I need a drink just thinking that. And maybe a little online shop.)
Oh I can't tell you how excited I am your blogging about banana! I am in SF and I
ReplyDeletePretty much live in head to toe BR - they brough in a new CD last year who has def brought in the edge to the line & I love it- I have been eyeing up the fringe bag this week and going to check it out this week here. The 'fall' line should be hitting the store floor soon'ish I believe - v., excited ! - V in SF
Oh I'm so pleased you love it! I am beyond excited about all things fall.
DeleteI totally know what you mean about Banana Republic!
ReplyDeleteI grew up in Vancouver and Banana Republic and Aritzia were my two favourite fashion haunts. Since moving away in my mid-20's, I would go home on vacations and always made time to visit both stores but rarely find anything desirable in Banana Republic anymore. (I still buy loads in Aritzia though!) I think it's because while BR have incredible styling and their clothes photograph really well, up close a lot of their actual materials and tailoring fall short. I still love looking at their look books and the pics in their email, but would never take the chance to order BR online without trying on!
That's interesting - I've just never been drawn by their styling really - just not me. But now the actual clothes seem to be a lot more exciting!
DeleteI used to love them but then, as you say, went off them - they went a bit 'office - y' I thought but as in USA at the moment will go and have another root about - thanks for tip....
ReplyDeleteGo and have a look!
DeleteI can always find something when I visit BR and love their jewellery. The sale in the U.S. This summer had some fab bits. Had my eye on a pair of winter white cigarette pants except I was covered in sun cream and didn't dare try them on. Spotted a pair of pumps that I bought last year in the UK for peanuts. They will still more expensive in Miami. That made me smile. Really, really love the khaki blazer. Oh god I need that in my life x
ReplyDeleteYes their jewellery is amazing. That's so interesting about it being cheaper here. Isn't that khaki blazer amazing? Just the right side of military without being full on fashion.
DeleteI haven't bought anything from BR since I lived in New York waaaaay back in '93!! Just love the tuxedo dress though & that olive bag, oh YES!!
ReplyDeleteI can't tell you how much I want those (sold out, gah!) Forever21 sandals. I went into a store for the first time in London a couple of weeks back & totally fell in love with the accessories department. I managed to snaffle 2 evening bags in 3 minutes but could have bought so many more! I feel I may have to take a trip to Glasgow soon to see what A/W goodies are coming up........ X
Oh that's such a shame about the sandals - they are amazing. And yes, Forever21 is a challenge to negotiate - makes Primark look like HArvey Nichols but it's definitely worth digging through.
DeleteLove BR, it's like a grown-up, more-preppy Gap. Haven't been in one forever as there isn't one nearby (country living is so hard sometimes) and it all went a bit office-ey for a while but that navy dress is lovely. If only I didn't always always always have to wear a bra, I doubt it would look quite so beautiful with massive bra straps ruining the top, grr!
ReplyDeleteStrapless bra??! It's gorgeous isn't it?
DeleteI always write off BR as too preppy but I love that larger Khaki/olive bag and the blazer. The midi dress would look great on you.
ReplyDeleteooh don't tempt me. We have a matter of weeks of summer left and I do not need it! Might wait and see if it goes into sale though.....
DeleteOkay, I completely agree with you on that. I'm 45. Sigh. And I have always thought of BR as a source for businessy, corporate styles, which I don't need. Their accessories have always been great though. Now you've made me take a fresh look. I am loving some of these, especially the first dress. Perfect for that beach party you mentioned. Love those leather-ish ankle pants too! I'd wear them with a slouchy grey sweater and pointy silver ballet flats on casual days.
ReplyDeleteI think I'm sorted for the party - I have two dresses I could easily wear and I'd rather save my money for new season stuff like the leather pants which look amazing!
DeleteI love their fitted or fit-and-flare dresses! They are often a fantastic fit for any fellow petites. I get loads of compliments when I wear mine - and you can accessorise to downgrade any preppiness into something a little more contemporary/quirky.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely - they're gorgeous x
DeleteI got a lovely skirt and scarf in the sale in BR in Vegas (shameless name dropping) the other week. I didn't even know they were in the UK!! That's how up to date I am. Lorraine xx
ReplyDeleteWell there you go! (and I'm not sure they are - I just happened to stumble across them when I was looking for sandals the other day!)
DeleteRediscovered them in theSpring, great capsule wardrobe stud, white silk shirts and the like and they have ridiculously good sales. On certain days they add an additional discount - anything from 20-40% - off existing sales stock, so bought leather bots for £4 and a gorgeous metalised tweed dress reduced from £95 to £17.99!
ReplyDeleteWhite silk shirts... now you're talking. And yes, I think they do have amazing discounts. I will keep an eye out thankyou!
DeleteNope, I still dislike BR. I prefer The Gap by miles although that is not good at the moment. I just think the clothes look cheap.
ReplyDeleteFair enough!
DeleteI hadn't looked at BR in years up until recently and now have a couple of pieces. The reason for the change of direction is down to Marissa Webb. Marissa was the head designer at J Crew and earlier this year moved to BR as creative director.... you can definitely see her influence. Checkout her instagram she's very cool!
ReplyDeleteAHA! That would make sense. Will do x
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