/ Reviews

Banana Republic started their Friends & Family event today. You can take 50% off if you purchase 5 full-price items. I’ve found BR is now automatically applying the promo code to your cart. I was able to head in-store last week to try on a lot of items from the latest roll-out.

~ Mixed Stitch Turtleneck Pullover, Green, Small ~
~ Medium Wash Crop Flare, size 29 ~

The Mixed Stitch Turtleneck Sweater Pullover was a generous size so the Small fit well. It comes in an array of colors, including this “green” which is more of a Citron. That color is peppered throughout the collection. I do think I prefer the J Crew Relaxed Wool Turtleneck Sweater as far as style but this “green” color is bright but gorgeous IRL.

BR_Citron_Outfit

The Medium Wash Crop Flare were pretty snug and not cropped on me. I’d have to size to a 30 which would also make them full-length. The hem is also unfinished/distressed, which I liked. I’m really comfortable in my current wide-leg crops so I’m passing on buying any new skinny jeans right now.

BR_RawHemJean_Collage

~ Pink Print Silk Boyfriend Shirt, Pink Strawberry, Small ~
~ Foulard Silk Boyfriend Shirt, Preppy Navy, Small ~
~ Foulard Silk Wide-Leg Pant, Preppy Navy, Small ~

I first saw the Pink Strawberry styled under an Ivory Sweater similar to my Harvest Moon Poncho I purchased at Anthro last year. The sleeve hem has a contrasting foulard print, similar to the Navy below. The background is Olive with pink dots all over. The size Small fit well. I find I am more consistent in a Small with tops at Banana Republic than a Medium, so I would say this is TTS.

BR_SilkPinDotBlouse_Collage

After trying on the Pink Strawberry print, I knew I would be getting the blouse, it was just a matter of what color to buy. Once I tried on the Preppy Navy I knew that was the blouse to buy during this F&F event. I love the color and print so much more than the Pink Strawberry.

BR_SilkPant

With the Foulard Silk Wide-Leg Pant the two items together look like nice pajamas. The small fit (thank goodness for a tie-waist) but the length was way too long. I don’t even think the Medium Petite would fit in the length without some alterations. Since I would want to keep the contrast print at the hem it would need to be cut off, the foulard part taken up, and then the hem added back. Still these are really nice pants and also come in the Pink Strawberry color. Did I mention the silk was so soft and comfortable? Just lovely.

BR_SilkPant_Collage

Other than the jeans, I really liked all of these items. And I have one item out of 5 to purchase.

/ Bella Picks

Though I have plenty of room available, I turned over my closet to Fall and Winter wear. It was getting a bit overwhelming seeing everything I had as well as trying to figure out what to wear. Now, getting dressed is a little easier and I can also see what I’m not wearing so I can get rid of it. For Fall/Winter, I’ve noticed I really don’t need a whole lot but a few accessories and shoes would be nice to jazz up what I do have.

Anthropologie has some great dressy, casual and boot selections right now. I want all of these and more!

 

 

/ Bella Picks

The Factory rolled out a small collection with some Holiday and party items. I was actually interested in the lounge and sleepwear this time around. The Printed Flannel Pajama Short is cute in the Cove Blue, which is the same little Scottie Dog as the Intarsia Sweater. I would probably wear the Dog in Hat Collector Tee with it.

Of course, you should have expected the popular Elephant Skirt from retail to go to Factory. I also have the retail version of the Shiny Stripe Mini Skirt that rolled out two years ago.

I’ve recently been thinking of old JC holiday items and was trying to find the Confetti Sequin Sweater or Dress on ebay. Factory brought it this season in a tee, the Confetti Sequin Tee. I actually like that option a lot better than a sweater since I can layer it better under a blazer or wear it on warmer winter days, which we do have. The Tailored Tweed Blazer seems to have a similar collar as the old school Bella Blazer. I don’t have the neckline for the popped collar blazers so I have passed on them in the past. I could never do the popped collar on my “preppy” polos when I was younger either.

I haven’t made any purchases yet from this roll-out. If I do it will be from the lounge/sleepwear section.

What did you think of this Factory rollout?

/ Bella Picks

Have you heard of Terrain? I’ve just recently discovered it and am absolutely in love with the site and what’s available. It’s part of the Urban Outfitters (Anthropologie) brand.

I need a new tree as my current one has seen better Christmas’s. We can’t find lights that are the exact color and have had to use plain white bulbs. The branches are starting to become loose though none have broken yet. I love the simpleness of the Illuminated Winter Tree but I want the Miniature Bulb Set in Neutral and the Copper Tree Skirt so I may have to settle for one of the smaller trees as a table decoration.

The Zinc Mistletoe Bunch is so unique and unexpected. I would never be looking for silver-colored mistletoe. The Milk Glass Ornaments are gorgeous and come in 4 colors. I would choose the Mint and Milk. The Mistletoe Rotary Candleholder reminds me of a similar one we had from Germany. I loved to sit there and watch the carousel we had spin around just from the heat of the flames.

I’m not crafty enough to make them but I think a wreath brings a little bit of outside in to your home. Terrain has quite a few that I like and some that will blend in with my Holiday decorating. I have a small space in the kitchen that needs a little something extra. Both the Preserved Cedar Star Wreath and the Orange Artichoke and Bay Wreath will fit perfectly in that spot. I love the simpleness of the Dried Cotton Wreath. I can wrap some festive ribbon around for the Holidays and then remove it for use the rest of the year.

Most of the wreaths are made upon order so you shouldn’t wait until the last minute to get yours. I like that a lot of items Terrain has are simple and natural.
Have you shopped Terrain yet?

/ Bella Picks

Wow! Is Banana Republic bringing their A-game or what? I really really tried to whittle my list down to these items but there is so much I would love to have from BR right now. The colors and styles and shape are all speaking to me and they are all saying “Take me to your closet.” Let’s take a look at my picks!

I just unpacked my sweaters and Winter clothes and am so ready for the temps to drop. I forgot about all the wonderful favorites that I have. I only need a few new items to freshen them up and the Anabel Plaid Wool Scarf will go with nothing and everything in my closet. That goes for the Foulard Wide-Leg Pant too. It’s 100% Silk! The navy looks so pretty though I would still have to hem the Petite version.

I keep gravitating towards the Red Full Skirt but I have plenty of Holiday colored wear to last me years. Though it could be good for Valentine’s Day. It would also go with the Haircalf Large Pouch. I have been on the search for a Leopard Calf Hair clutch of some kind but don’t want to pay a whole lot for it since I won’t use it very often. I’m sure there will be another promo soon so that I can buy this one.

That gray with green plaid is on almost everything at Banana. And I am loving that Plaid Tweed Mini Skirt as well as the most lovely looking Three-Button Coat and Delphine Pump.I ordered the Printed Silk Bow Dress and Plaid Lace Trim Tweed Top with a nice 40% off promo last week. Look for those reviews soon! You can always see my latest picks from Banana Republic on my Pinterest Board.

 

And starting on November 4th (through the 8th) will be the Friends & Family event. You can take 50% off if you buy 5 full-price items, both online and in-store. What a nice way to stack up on all those new arrival beauties!

Happy Shopping!