Banana Republic 2014 – Page 3 – Life is Short…Buy the Shoes

audreybella / September 16, 2014 / Uncategorized

Shoes-day: Banana Republic Alani D’Orsay Flat

I found these Alani D’Orsay Flats at Banana Republic one weekend they reminded me very much of the J Crew Suede D’Orsay Flats. The color is called Deep Chestnut and is a pretty Taupe color. Like the J Crew Flats I sized down to a 6 1/2. The front toe is suede and the back heel is leather.

And more D’Orsay Flats…

I really like these and they are a nice dupe for the J Crew version. I saw an embossed black leather in-store as well. These will be a good transition into cooler days and then perfect for Spring.

Happy Shoes-day!

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audreybella / June 6, 2014 / Reviews

Banana Republic: Lemon Print Full Skirt, Marimekko Collection Kivet Hampton Pant

I had a Banana Republic mail-day last week and was very happy with what I received. I checked in my stores for the Lemon Print Full Skirt but only saw the dress which is no longer online. Based on a few other full-skirt try-ons I ordered a size 6 in this skirt. I love everything about this skirt – the print, fit, length, pockets! I’ll balance the fullness of the skirt with a slim top or one tucked in.

I was able to order the Marimekko Collection Kivet Hampton Pant first thing in the morning on release day. I ordered my normal Hampton pant size of 6 and was able to get them in Short length. The fit is perfect. I thought the big dots on a pant might be a little overwhelming for me but I casually had on a graphic tee with it and it looked cool. I can’t wait to wear them!

You can still find the dress, sweater and skirt in the Kivet print online and in some stores.

Lemons seem to be a trend as Kate Spade, Ann Taylor and Banana all have some items. I would expect Forever 21 to pop some up too here soon.

Were you able to get anything from the Marimekko Collection? Have any “Lemons” in your closet?

audreybella / May 23, 2014 / Uncategorized

Banana Republic: Marimekko Collection

There were a few of the Marimekko Collection pieces in one of my stores Thursday and I grabbed a couple to try on.

The Marimekko Collection Kivet Pleated Dress is very pretty and a nice Linen/Cotton blend. I have on a size 6 but wasn’t able to zip this up the back so I would need an 8. The silhouette is very flattering on. The black and white dot print seams to create a nice affect. I do with the pronounced waistband was seamed evenly though or at least all one piece until the back. It does have pockets.

I have on a size 6 in the Marimekko Collection Kivet Full Skirt. This has pleating at the waistband creating the fullness. It also has pockets. I was able to tuck in my shirt but it was a little snug. I don’t think I’d size up though. The length was perfect for me and not a midi skirt like some of the pre-Collection images showed.

I didn’t get the two items above though they were both lovely. Though most of the Collection sold out in hours there are still a few items online. There are also several other dresses and tees in stores. I’m sure bigger stores will have more items. I have 4 in my city so they may have each received different items. I was able to order the Marimekko Collection Kivet Hampton Pant.

I also tried on the White Linen Patio Skirt in a size 6. Though the length was about 3-4 inches long the waist was a perfect fit. I so wanted to bring this home with me but even at 40% off I would still need to invest in altering it. That would mean I probably wouldn’t wear it until next Summer. I already have a pile of pants to alter and have no time to get to the tailor.

I am standing on my very tippy-toes here. I would need at least a 4-inch heel or wedge to wear this skirt without hemming.

And this is completely flat-footed.

Lastly, I found a pair of White Jeans to try on. These are the White Boyfriend Jean in a size 28. The waist fit fine with a little gap in the back. The jeans will stretch so that would get even looser. Also, the length would need to be hemmed. You can also see the pockets so it’s pretty see-through for me. Other than being White in color, they don’t meet any of my other criteria for a new pair.

Were you able to order anything from the Marimekko Collection? Or see it in store?

Have a Great Day!

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audreybella / May 16, 2014 / Uncategorized

Banana Republic: White Eyelet Short, Silver Pleat Skirt

While making a few quick purchases for The Boy for Prom I found myself in the dressing room with a few items. I have the J Crew Pleated Short in Structured Cotton in Ivory from last year (this year’s version, Factory version) and have been wearing that and the Black quite a bit so far this Spring. I started looking for another pair of white shorts* as a back-up and the White Eyelet Short are perfect. I love the eyelet detail and they are a true white with a 5-inch inseam.

The Silver Pleat Skirt was right when I walked in the door and immediately caught my eye. I tried on the size 8 and it was a perfect fit. I am going to play around with it to see what kind of outfits I can come up with.

The store had 30% off regular-priced items. The current collection is a neutral palette which is refreshing from all the brights. Also, if you spent a certain amount, I’m thinking $100-150, you received nail color high-lighting the Marimekko Collection coming May 22. All these colors are great for Summer.

One thing you can count on with Banana Republic is that there will always be a promo off full-priced items. In fact, to encourage me to shop the new Marimekko Collection I was sent a 25% off card, to use just for the Collection.

More of the new Collection I am drawn to.

Have you seen the new Neutral Collection at Banana Republic? Are you interested in the new Marimekko Collection?

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*Laundry Confession – I had the same pair of white shorts and washed them in the machine on delicate (front-loader). I thought they came out fine and I laid them flat to dry. Once dry I noticed a large yellow stain on them. I know I didn’t put any bleach in the wash, nor in the load before that one. I tried to blame the cat having an accident on them but they were high up on the machine so it’s really not likely. I was, again, lucky enough to find them on a pop-back and have been dry-cleaning them ever since. This is seriously so embarrassing. I would suck as a 50s housewife.

audreybella / April 18, 2014 / Uncategorized

Banana Republic – Silver Seas Statement Necklace, White Floral Delicate Necklace, Peaches and Cream Statement Necklace, Sea Glass Statement Necklace, Kissing Animal Bracelet, Aqua Ombre’ Stretch Bracelet, Jaguar Ring

Lastly, some jewelry I found at Banana Republic.

Silver Seas Statement Necklace – I have enough Statement Necklaces and don’t wear them very often. This one was pretty and just from past necklaces from BR, I usually find them to be a little lightweight, not necessarily cheap-feeling just not too heavy. It makes them easier to wear all day. This is very similar to J Crew’s Grande Crystal Drops Necklace. I can only wear that for a few hours before it starts to get heavy.

White Floral Delicate Necklace – I was drawn to this one as well, maybe more so than the one above. I walked right by the Statement Necklace to see this one.