Banana Republic: Cotton Embroidered Dress Review

This is a Banana Republic dress that I believe came out last spring/summer, but I'm not entirely certain; it could have been the year before that, too.  Before I get to the review, I need to give you a little background.  Boyfriend and I were strolling through the mall one day, and we popped into Banana Republic, and this dress was right in the front.  I tried it on, and...I honestly can't even remember what I thought of it.  Boyfriend and I were discussing the dress recently, and he thought I hated it, but I didn't have that same recollection.

Boyfriend: oooh, now I remember it

  you hated it after you put it on! (or did you just lie??)

Me: no, i didn't think i hated it? :(

  i might have just lied

Either way, this is one of those rare garments that I actually regretted not buying.  There aren't many things I actually regret buying - I eventually move on and don't really think about things any more, but this is one that I always wished I had taken home.  Well, thus began the internet hunt to find this dress.  I was at a bit of a loss because I couldn't remember what it was called, and couldn't remember exactly when it came out.  A few searches on eBay proved fruitless.

Then, two suddenly appeared (and sort-of in my size, to boot!), and after almost a week's worth of eBay agony, I was finally able to nab the one I wanted (the other one didn't come with the sash).  The best part was the price though.  This dress originally retailed for $148, and I was able to get if for $27 (including shipping)!

So, I got this dress in a size 6.  It is a very shapeless shift dress, with triple strand spaghetti straps and embroidery at the bust.  You use the same color sash to cinch the dress at the waist.  I believe this dress fits true to size, but maybe a bit on the smaller size.  I usually wear a 2 or 4 in Banana Republic dresses, but the 6 fits fairly comfortably, if not a teeny bit loose.  I haven't decided if I'll have this tailored or not.  The most constricting part of the dress is the very top, where the embroidery is, so I would base fit around this measurement.

The fabric is a soft and light, but a little bit on the stiffer side.  That said, because of the numerous pleats on the bodice and the swingy shape of the dress, the dress does move very nicely.  On the other hand, even though the fabric is light, because there is so much of it, it's a little heavier than you might expect it to be (but not heavy overall).

The dress is a little bit on the long side for me, so I may look into getting the straps shortened a bit.  The back of the dress has a really pretty two-button closure that is in line with the embroidery around the top.  There is no zipper on this dress, but because of shape, it's pretty easy to slip on over your head.  Because the dress is so voluminous overall, I think it does add a little bit of volume around your hips and backside, but it can also work to hide those areas very well.

I really like the sash on this dress - I think it really helps to pull the dress together, and give it some shape.  I didn't take any pictures without the sash, but without it, the dress really just kind of hangs there and looks shapeless, and not in a cute, shift dress kind of way, but more of a sack kind of way.

Here is a close-up of the pattern on the bustline, and the sash as well.

Here is a close-up of the embroidery on the bottom hem.

I really love this dress (as evidenced by my eBay hunt)!  I think it is a really pretty shade of blue, and I love the details - the embroidery and the sash.  I am really glad to have been able to get this one!

What do you think?  Do you like this dress?  Do you own it?  What do you think of the details?  Are there any clothes out there that you regret not picking up when you had the chance?

Banana Republic FO: 25% off for Cardholders

Banana Republic Outlet is offering 25% off of purchases of $100 or more when you use your Gap family card.  This offer is good from May 21 to May 31.  You must present the coupon above (click the graphic and print) to take advantage of this offer.

In addition, BR Outlet is offering 40% off of the entire store from May 21 - May 25.  The coupon makes it seem like you can combine these two offers, so that is a very good deal.  I may be tempted to check it out.

What about you?  Will you use this coupon?  What do you think of the entire store's being 40% off?

Banana Republic: Sassy Statements

Banana Republic is promoting their line of accessories by focusing on some "sassy satement" pieces: hats, jewelry, and scarves.  I know the graphic is a little small, so here is what each of the sections say:

The Hat

The sun hat is n ot just essential for blocking harmful rays.  It's still a topper with major allure.  Designed in a straw weave with an extra-wide brim, it's right on trend for the season.

The Jewelry

A hammered texture has an earthy-glam shine that's a natural complement to Spring and Summer color.  A bold conversation piece will give your look a little extra sophistication.

The Scarf

A soft scarf makes a big impact with an oversize diamond print in colorful hues.  With a print this bold you won't need any other accessories.  Just add it to your basics for an instant lift.

For the most part, I like these accessories.  I love sun hats, and I even own one (great find at Eddie Bauer Outlet last summer!), but I don't even know that I've worn it once!  I think this hat is great for the beach or vacationing, but I hardly ever go to the beach, and I haven't quite figured out how to pack this hat yet.  Truth be told, I feel a little over-the-top wearing this hat, but I do think it is a very classic look.

As for the necklace, it's pretty, but it's too big for me.  I know I couldn't (and wouldn't) wear this.  The scarf is very pretty, but I am always careful about wearing scarves, because I think they can go from being a cute accent piece to a silly looking piece of fabric very quickly.

What do you think?  Do you like any of these accessories?  Which one is your favorite?  What is your favorite place to get your accessories from?

Banana Republic: Heritage Collection

Banana Republic introduced their new Heritage collection last week, which they say is their take on "eco-chic".  This collection uses sustainable fibers wherever possible, and is described as "effortless, elegant, chic".

I could maybe go for the dress on the left.  But seriously, what is the middle model wearing?  Her satin safari PJs?  The on the right is also a pass for me (except her legs, I'll take a pair of those).

What do you think?  Do you like any of these pieces?  Does anyone else think the middle model's outfit is awful?

Banana Republic: 25% off $100

As a follow-up to this post, here is another Banana Republic coupon to save 25% off of $100 purchase.  You can use the code BRSUMMER to use this promotion online, or print out the above coupon (click the graphic and print) to use this offer in-store.  This promotion is good from today until May 20.

Remember: this promotion is for Gap family cardholders.  You must use your Gap family card as payment.

Banana Republic: Additional Discount Codes

I received a mailer coupon from Banana Republic, so there is no picture for this one, but they are promoting their new summer arrivals by offering 25% off of any purchase of $100 or more, from May 12 - 20.  This promotion starts after the previous discount posted earlier.  Unfortunately, the coupon code for this offer can only be used once, so I am unable to share it right now.

In addition, Gap, Old Navy, and Banana Republic card members can save an extra 10% off every purchase when you use your card.  This promotion is good starting May 12, and lasts until July 31.  Use the code EXTRA10 at checkout if you are placing an online order.

Both of these promotions are good in-store and online.

What do you think?  Will you check out Banana Republic's new arrivals?  Will you take advantage of either of these offers?

Banana Republic: Shop & Save

Banana Republic is offering a Shop & Save promotion - the more you spend, the more you save.  The savings are as follows:

• Spend $100, get 15% off
• Spend $150, get 20% off
• Spend $250, get 25% off

These savings are applicable to both regular and sale items.  Use the code BRSAVE at checkout.  This offer is good online-only, through Sunday, May 10.

Will you take advantage of this offer?

Banana Republic: Lightweight Pants

Banana Republic is getting ready for summer by promoting their lightweight pants.  I have already picked up a pair of lightweight pants (J.Crew's Saturday pant), and was almost tempted to pick up a couple more this weekend, but was good.  I like lightweight pants, but I rarely wear them.  If it's too hot for heavy pants, I go with shorts or a skirt or dress, and if it's not, well, then I just wear regular pants.  I am not really a fan of linen pants either, as they are so wrinkly!

What do you think?  Do you own lightweight pants?  Where do you wear them?

Banana Republic: 25% Off and Work Picks

Banana Republic is offering Gap family cardholders 25% off orders of $100 or more, now through April 26, 2009.  To take advantage of this promotion, enter the code SPRING25 online, or print out the picture above and bring it with you when you shop in-store.

BR is also promoting its women's work pieces, including The Black Suit, The Dress, and The Feminine Blouse.

What do you think of BR's work pieces?  Do you own any?  Will you take advantage of the 25% off promotion?

Banana Republic: Ruched Georgette Dress Review

This is Banana Republic's Ruched Georgette Dress (item #647618) comes in canary yellow and black. I saw this dress during one of BR's new rollouts online, and I was instantly smitten. I love silk georgette fabrics (any light and airy fabrics, actually), and I loved the silhoutte of this dress. BR describes the dress as such:

A beautiful layer of sher black crepe against black makes for modern elegance. The mix of a stark black hue and ethereal fabrics in a draped silhouette makes this both dramatic and feminine. Twist straps.

This dress retails for $150, but all dresses are currently on sale in-store at BR (at least at my local BR) for $98 or less. This dress is not on sale online, but is available in tall and petites online (only in yellow though).

I tried this dress on in my regular BR dress size, but it was too large in the bust area. I was so disappointed. It would have required a bit of tailoring to get the dress to fit right in my regular size - the straps would have to be shortened, and the sides would have had to be taken in.

The fabric on this dress is so nice. Very light and airy, and soft as well. Don't let the BlackBerry picture below fool you - the yellow dress is very bright, but I loved it. So sunny! The slight ruching on the waist and bust is a really elegant touch, and the bodice is an interesting detail. One problem I had with the yellow dress is that it was slightly see-through.

I tried sizing down in this dress, and it fit much better. I definitely would not wear a push-up bra or anything with this size. The dress wasn't too tight, but there wasn't that much extra room for any extra padding on top. I think the smaller size created a bit more of a silhouette, and the straps and bust fit just great. They didn't have this size in a yellow, otherwise I would have taken it home right away.

Here is a close-up of the twisted strap.

So what do you think? Do you like this dress? Have you picked it up or tried it on? What do you think of the bright yellow color?

Banana Republic: Silk Ruffle Dress

So I have had this Silk Ruffle Dress (item #629235) from Banana Republic on my wishlist for some time. In the pictures, I think it is just gorgeous - smooth, flowing, classy, classic, and in one of my favorite colors - lavender (or summer lilac, as they call it). BR describes the dress as such:

Femininity at its finest: sumptuous silk falls into a waterfall of ruffles on a button-front silhouette. Ties at waist. Ladylike cap sleeves.

I had all kinds of daydreams about how cute this dress would look, so I was super excited when I saw it on the SALE rack, for $49.99. It originally retailed for $130, and is on sale online for $84.99.

This dress is alpha-sized, and I tried it on in my regular BR dress size. Oh, boy. Well, I was initially worried about how the front bib would look - would it be floppy or delicate? It was all right - not as polished looking as the model pictures, I think. The fabric is gorgeous - super smooth silk. The self tie I wasn't sure about, as I wasn't sure if it would look better in the front or back. (Notice in the model pictures there's no sign of the tie actually being tied.)

So, the problem with the dress is its clinginess. I was lucky enough to wear my unflattering undies that day, and the dress was all over those things, showing every bump and lump! Sadly, I had to leave this dress behind, because I didn't want to worry about VPLs or visible anythings while I was wearing this.


What do you think of this dress? Do you own it? Do you like the floppy bib?

Gap Family: New Arrivals 30% Off

Gap is offering 30% off of new arrivals at their family of stores (Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy)! Use the code NEW30 at checkout. This offer is good for 4 days, April 6 through April 9, and is online only.

Gap is also offering free shipping on orders of $150 or more.

Banana Republic: 30% Off Sunglasses and Fragrances

Banana Republic is offering 30% off select sunglasses and fragrances through March 30, 2009. This offer is good in-store and online, and doesn't require a coupon or code.

Will you check out this offer?

Banana Republic: Shoes and Bags

Banana Republic is promoting their shoes and bags with a colorful e-mail promoting and The Sandal and The Tote. I don't like T-strap sandals on myself, but I do love the colors featured. I also love the tote, but it's a little pricey for me, and I worry too much with a leather bag.

What do you think? Do you like these sandals and bags? Do you like these colors?

Banana Republic FO: Cardholder Appreciation Event

Banana Republic is offering Gap family cardholders 25% off their purchase of $100 or more if you shop at a Banana Republic Factory Outlet from March 30 to April 5, 2009. As long as you use your Gap, Old Navy, or BR credit card, and present this coupon, you should be able to take advantage of this discount.

I'm not sure if this coupon is one-time use or not (hence the blackout of the barcode), so I'm not sure if I can share it. If anyone else got this coupon, would you be so kind as to compare codes with me (via e-mail) to see if I can share this with everyone?

Banana Republic: Extra 20% Off Sale

Banana Republic is offering an extra 20% off markdowns. This offer is good from today until Sunday, March 29, 2009, and is only good online. To take advantage of this offer, enter EXTRA20 at checkout.

Banana Republic: Striped Jersey Empire-Waist Dress Styling

One of my favorite color combinations is navy blue with bright pink, and the always classic white. I've added pink accessories to the previously reviewed Banana Republic Striped Jersey Empire-Waist dress for some nice color accents, and added a white belt to create a more defined waist.

Navy Stripes with Bursts of Pink - by sailingariel on Polyvore.com

Banana Republic: Striped Jersey Empire-Waist Dress Review

Banana Republic's Striped Jersey Empire-Waist Dress (item #629237) is a wonderful spring and summer dress that was originally $79.99, but is currently marked down to $49.99. The dress only comes in the navy-stripe pattern, and has an empire waist. It is alpha sized (XS, S, M, L, XL).

BR describes the dress as such:

Smart stripes offer nautical style in our jersey knit dress. An empire-cut waist creates a flattering shape.

I personally love nautical stripes (or any stripes), and I thought this dress was a nice nod to the nautical trend that is popular for Spring 2009. I also love jersey fabrics for spring and summer dresses, because I think they flow very nicely.

In real life, the fabric is very soft and smooth, and has a nice weight to it, but is not clingy, and moves nicely. It has a true empire waist with the interesting navy piping at the neckline, which I think provides a nice contrasting detail to the rest of the dress. The sleeves are nice and wide. They are very fluid as well, and gives nice breathability around the arms.

One thing that is always a concern with horizontal stripes, aside from the jailbird look, is appearing wider than you really are. From the front, I don't think this is such an issue, because the neckline and bust detail make a V, and help to break up and slim down the front of the dress. From the back, it might be slightly more of an issue, because it is just unbroken stripes.

I am very pleased with the length of this dress. In the picture, the hemline falls above the model's knees, but for me, it just covers my knees, which is fine with me. Knee-length will also allow me to wear this dress to work if I want, which makes this a very versatile piece.

If you are self conscious about this dress adding some volume to your waist or rear, then try to try this dress on if you can. As you can see in the side picture below, the dress is adding some heft to my front, and calling a wee bit of attention to my behind. It's not doing it so much that I would have a problem with it, but because jersey knits can be clingy at times, if you have any concerns, I think trying it on would be your best bet.

All in all, I think this dress is a great spring/summer dress to add to your wardrobe. Even when nautical trends go out of style, I think this dress would still be a great piece. I think the empire-waist adds a nice level of sophistication, while the jersey knit keeps the dress casual, while still allowing you to dress it up if you want.

What do you think? Do you like this dress?

Product details and a close-up of the pattern are below (both from BR website).