I apologize for dropping the ball on getting the Banana Republic reviews out to you. Good news is there is another 40% off promo, no code needed, both in-store and online. Bad news is that it ends today. Bonus news is I was able to try on a few more items so this post will be lengthy.
~ Pink Tweed Fringe Blazer, size 8 ~
Out of all the pink tweed fringe items this blazer was the one I liked the most. The fringe is around the cuffs and edges of this blazer. After having to size up to a 10 in BR blazers I can finally say this fits TTS in the 8. The sleeve length is “almost” perfect. I don’t button any of my blazers but it isn’t tight when I button this tweed blazer. Though you really see the pink it’s a little more on the red side due to the blue mixed in the tweed. It’s so perfect for Spring. As much as I loved this blazer, I don’t really think I would get much use out of it.
~ Double-Breasted Chambray Blazer, size 8 ~
This looks a bit weird buttoned now that I look at the picture, but again, even though this is double-breasted, I probably won’t button it. I like the loose swingy look it gives when it’s not buttoned. Again, the size 8 is a great fit and though I should get the cuffs hemmed, I usually end up rolling them. The denim is a little darker than a normal chambray color and will be a great transition to Spring. Even though we’ve had a few cold days, I think I’ve only worn my Peacoat once. Otherwise, I’ve been layering with a blazer on top.
~ Girlfriend Fit Jeans, Medium Wash, size 28 ~
I know sizing is a little looser at Banana Republic compared to J.Crew but it’s always nice to “size down”, especially in jeans. I loved the medium wash which is closer to a dark wash. The fit on these Girlfriend Jeans were perfect for my hips and curves, unlike Boyfriend Jeans which usually gape at the waist and are tight at the thighs. I am trying to whittle down my jeans collection so I did not buy these. I’m still trying to figure out what style of jean I really want to keep. These are a good start to a new denim collection.
~ Flutter-Sleeve Polo Dress, Green, Small ~
This was in the recent new arrivals from last week and I couldn’t wait to try it on. First, the green is more of a Kelly Green when you see it in person, just like the website image. I was hoping there would be a little more shape through the body. The sleeves and above the chest are a little snug. Reviews put this as running small and I agree. I was ready to buy this if it had fit well, though in the black colorway. Maybe a Petite Medium would work better?
~ Embellished Fit-and-Flare Dress, size 8 ~
This was a lovely dress and the embellishment on the upper part are sown on fairly well. The size 8 was a perfect fit for me. There is a side zip and the buttons down the front are functional making this very easy to get in and out of. If you want something a little more subtle, the faux-leather pouch is really cute.
~ Flounce Wrap Dress, Black, Small ~
I love wrap dresses and though this one fits well in the Small the hook at the chest comes undone when you move. If you lean forward or make major arm movements it unhooks and then you’re semi-exposed. It’s a shame because I liked the ruffle across the skirt portion.
~Plaid Midi Pencil Skirt, size 6 ~
~ Riley-Fit Pleated Ruffle Shirt, White, size 6 (French Blue, Dot, Stripe)~
~Plaid Midi Pencil Skirt, size 6 ~
I haven’t tried on a pencil skirt from Banana in a while and this one looked to pretty to not take to the fitting room. The material feels a little chiffon-y and is 100% Polyester. The size 6 fit great and comes just below my knee. I wish I worked in a office so I could wear this more than once or twice a year. This pretty plaid print also comes in a dress and ruffle shirt.
~ Riley-Fit Pleated Ruffle Shirt, White, size 6 (French Blue, Dot, Stripe)~
I was hesitant to try on this shirt. I didn’t love it on the hanger. The ruffles seemed to be a bit much all asymmetrical and askew. But once I tried it on I loved it. There is still a collar so the ruffles are not climbing up your neck. The fit in the size 6 was amazing, though it’s also because it’s sleeveless and you’ll see why in a bit. I comes in a few other options that I’ve linked to above.
~ Jersey Faux-Wrap Shirt, Navy, Small ~
This was another item I really loved when I saw it online but after trying it on I didn’t like it so much. It looked so cute online and though the Small fit well the buttons were awkward. I guess you’re only supposed to button the bottom one. I liked the material but just couldn’t get over the look from the front.
~ Denim Peplum Top, Dark Denim, Small ~
I ordered the Chambray Peplum Top last year and though I liked the lightweight material of the chambray I though it ran long for a Peplum top. This one is no different. The denim is a little stiffer and pulls over the head. There’s a single button at the back of the neck that took forever to get unbuttoned. Then I had to wiggle myself out of this shirt. Had it been an inch shorter I might have considered buying it.
~ Riley-Fit Denim Bow Shirt, Blue, size 6 ~
Here’s another Riley-Fit shirt but this time with sleeves. This is the cutest denim shirt though I didn’t do a very good bow. The arms are really snug in the size 6 and I definitely need a size 8 in this. I love that these Riley-Fit shirts have some shape through the body for a lovely feminine look. I would get tired of the bow but it does come off so you essentially get two shirts in one!
~ Embellished Elbow Sleeve Sweater, Navy, Small ~
I think Banana Republic did an embellished sweater in the Fall but the front was decorated. This time it’s the sleeves. The beading at the sleeves was a little odd but I kind of like the way the embellishments look on the sleeves. This sweater is pretty stretchy and a Small fit very well.
~ Flutter Sleeve Polo Top, Small (2 weeks ago) ~
I saw this shirt weeks ago online and knew I wanted it. When I went to try it on originally, a little over 2 weeks ago, the Small was too snug in the arms but fit well through the body. I tried on the Medium and I was swimming in it. I assumed the Medium Petite was the best fit but kept missing it online. We skip ahead two weeks to Monday and, just to be sure, I tried on the Small again. The arms fit without being snug or tight. To be positively sure it wasn’t a mis-labeling issue I tried on another Small in the Ivory. It fit too! I really liked this top and wanted it to work. I love the length of the sleeves with the flutter at the end.
~ Flutter Sleeve Polo Top, Medium ~
~ Flutter Sleeve Polo Top, Small (2nd try-on) ~
Overall, the Flutter-Sleeve Polo Top was the only thing I bought in this sale. Had the Flutter-Sleeve Polo Dress fit better through the body I would have bought that as well.
I’m finding I like a lot more Banana Republic this year. What about you?
audreybella