Banana Republic has new arrivals out geared towards late-Summer / early-Fall. One style I’ve been gravitating towards is Lace. There are several pieces I am seriously lusting over, particularly in the colors being offered.

Banana Republic always seems to have pretty leather and suede pieces each year. I like the drape of the Bow-Knot Top. J.Crew’s bow shoulder top was stiff and shapeless compared to this lovely bow top. The only drawback is the Polyester material. I would have preferred silk. I ordered this Denim Sheath Dress which has sold out pretty quickly online but you might be able to find it in-stores. If I hadn’t bought a trench coat earlier this year I would have definitely tried this short trench coat in navy.

Today starts Banana Republic’s Friends & Family event. You can take 50% off 5 regular prices items. This does exclude leather, cashmere and BR Picks. You will need to sign up for emails to get a code mailed to you. Usually the store honors the event without a code or email. I try to get two to three things I want and then get some tees or socks for The Boy or Husband to get to my 5 items. The Factory is having 40% off your entire purchase from now until August 14. Again, sign up for emails to get the code needed for the Friends & Family event.

BaubleBar has started their Friends & Family event. Currently, through Friday, you can take 25% off with promo AMIGOS. I am only really needing some new accessories to jazz up my Fall/Winter closet so this is a nice promo for me.

I want a slim pendant and like the stone of both the Oberon Pendant and the Organic Landscape Pendant.You can select different stones for that one, which is even better. I have only just started wearing gold jewelry in the last few years and have only one rose gold bracelet. The Slim Bar Pendant would match that nicely.

Who’s a GoT fan? The Khaleesi Bracelet is just for you! There are several bracelet trios to choose from. I like the Maxine for the tortoise bracelet, the Storm for the gold tassels and  and the Glitter for the green tassels.The Cabochon Stud Cuff comes with the Storm Bracelet Trio or alone. It reminds me of my Madewell Studded Rail Cuff.
The Tiny Dancer Bib Necklace looks pretty with the pinks and browns. I’m not sure I have anything in my closet to go with it but I do really like it. I’m undecided between the Leather Tassel Pendant and the Gold Tassel Pendant. The gold would match with the long necklaces I already have but the leather would make them more noticeable.
BaubleBar has so much to choose from so I really try to have an idea of what I’m looking for when I go to the site. The AMIGOS promo for 25% off is great to use now, especially if you are already doing some Christmas shopping. It’s never too early to start!

Are you shopping the BaubleBar AMIGOS promo? What are you liking?

Ann Taylor Friends and Family ends tonight. Use code FRIENDS40 if you are shopping online. In-store they will automatically apply the code. I tried on several items but think dresses might be useful to most of you. For sizing reference, I am usually a 6 or 8 Petite/Small or Petite Medium in Ann Taylor.

I’ve seen this dress in the window display of the store. I really like the print but knew it would be too long for me. Still, I wanted to try it on to see if it was worth the purchase on sale and to hem it to just below the knee. The size 6 was a nice fit and still loose and flowy all over. The length was Midi and too long for me, hitting a few inches above the ankle on me. The lace trim makes a “T” in front and then is down the sleeve and on the the sleeve hem as well. The dress is made from 100% Polyester and is still $159. I don’t love it enough to pay that much, even at 40% off for Polyester. I’ve been wearing some silk sleeveless blouses lately (in this 100 degree heat) and still felt much cooler than I would have in a sleeveless Poly blouse or dress.
 
I like the print and might have considered it had it been on a skirt but overall, I think the dress is too “prairie” for me. The length and material confirm this dress is a pass for me.
~ Lace Shift Dress, Dark Ruby, size 6 ~
I didn’t originally purchase this dress because I already have a few party and occasion dresses for some upcoming Holiday events and a February family wedding. But, I loved this dress and am considering the purchase of it anyway. I wish the lighting in the Ann Taylor fitting rooms was better. The color online is very true to IRL, as is the Fresh Ink (Royal Blue). The size 6 was a great fit still showing off a little curve at the waist. And there’s still some wiggle room for a food-baby! The length for me hits about an inch above the knee it will be a little shorter for you taller ladies. The sleeve and hem are scalloped. The material is a Cotton-Nylon blend.
This was the dress I ended up purchasing. I chose this over the Lace Shift Dress due to how often I would probably wear it. The size 6 fit really well and I compared it to the size 8 Petite in the Diamond Foulard print (below). The length hits just at the knee in the size 6. The wrap covers the chest nicely without any need for a safety pin or Fashion Tape.
The description says the sleeves are 3/4-length but they are bracelet-sleeve on me. I would probably pull them up some, like in pic below. One of the best parts is that this dress doesn’t call for any Spanx! I would probably still wear the Shaper Shorts if I was leaving the house just to smooth the bottom. I chose this print over the Geo Foulard and Diamond Foulard.
The fit was a little more snug in the 8 Petite. The length came up above the knee as well. I don’t usually mind that but since this is a wrap dress I was thinking of when I sit down how well the skirt would stay shut. The navy print is nice though I like the Tile Print a little more.
  
I liked the paisley print at the neckline and hem but the pink background wasn’t anything special for me. The Medium fit good through the body and just so in the shoulders and arms. I might have tried a Petite Medium if I was really considering this dress as a purchase. The shift silhouette has just a slight curve at the chest but then A-lines to the hem, which hits me just above the knee.
 
~ Paisley Mosaic Floral Dress, Dark Sky, size 6 ~
I thought the dress looked really nice on the mannequin and I think it looks ok on me. I wish the hem was hitting the knee and think the 8 Petite would accomplish that. I liked the mix of the two prints as well. The dress is 100% Polyester so, though sleeveless, will be warm to wear through the Fall. With a little cardigan this is a nice office-wear dress.
 

So tell me, what did you purchase from the Ann Taylor Friends & Family event? I honestly don’t need a whole lot and am really really trying to be thoughtful in my purchases. But sometimes, you just can’t get something off your mind. I see you Lace Tee and Lace Shift Dress.

I haven’t shopped at Ann Taylor in quite a while but there’s a Friends & Family event going on until Monday night. You can take 40% off your purchase, with code FRIENDS40. During my time off this week I stopped by to see the, mostly Polyester, offerings for Fall. Below are my picks from the sale.

I loved the look and fit of the Lace Tee, in Warm Twilight. I took a Medium. I didn’t see the Black in-store. The Paisley Shift Dress was a little snug in the shoulders so I went with a Medium. I would’t size to a Petite in this dress. The same goes for the Paisley Top in the same print.

The Devin Mosaic Ankle Pants remind me of the Minnie Pant in Foulard from J Crew. I love the idea of the Refined Denim Trench Coat. I don’t own a trench coat as there’s no real need for one but this is a strong contender.

The Faux Leather Pencil Skirt tricked me. I thought it was real leather until I saw the price. The green is really nice and saturated. There’s also a Jacket. The Lace Shift Dress in Dark Ruby fit so well in the size 6. I have so many “party” and “occasion” dresses that I don’t need another. I decided against buying it and chose the Tile Wrap Dress as a more practical “daily use” item. But, I can’t stop thinking about the Lace Shift Dress. I may go back tomorrow and get it.

Have you shopped the Ann Taylor Friends & Family event yet? What do you like from it?

Kate Spade is not fooling around with their Friends & Family this time. Take 30% off with code F14FFUS through Sunday.

That Zip Pocket Plaid Mini is the cutest in that bright blue color. I would get the Rose Bangle for MamaBella. The Imperial Tile Hinge Bangle looks so beautiful, very deco-inspired. And, though I have no need for the Azeban Heels, that little Raccoon face sure is cute.

I found something similar to the Cobble Hill Ellen Cross-Body bag last week at the Outlet store in a beautiful Teal Green color. It was perfect for my quick trip to Vegas. There were many other styles in this color. It looked even more beautiful on bigger bags.

I have until Sunday to decide what I want. Have you made your selection yet for the Kate Spade F&F promo?

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