Tag Archives: banana republic

cheap thrills: spring standouts at banana republic & gap

Oh, friends…it’s been probably years since my last visit to Banana Republic. And that’s not to say I’ve turned into a snoot (though it may be true)…it’s just that once you’re no longer trudging to an office every day, your need for generic workplace separates diminishes considerably. And that, of course, is what we know and love Banana for, right?

But yesterday, I had occasion to pop inside, and there were actually a few goodies mixed in with the usual suspects. Plus, as always, everything is 40% off today (seriously, we all know to never, ever pay full price at BR, right?) – this week’s code is BRRAIN (through 4.29). My favorites? Read on

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finds for a holiday weekend

Well, I had plans to be productive this week, but honestly, how much attention are any of us paying when there’s a glorious four-day weekend on the horizon? But, I do have a few fun things to share before I start working on next week’s post about the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale head to the pool… Read on

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all in the details: holiday party perfection

Kate M.W. ~ A basic black dress is always lauded as the classic necessity in a woman’s wardrobe. “It’s so versatile and you can dress it up with accessories!” If we’ve all heard this once, we’ve heard it a hundred times. So when I was considering how to put a bit of holiday party spirit into All in the Details, I must confess…this week started first by staring at a plain black shift dress. My favourite thing to pair with that is a sparkling statement necklace, and from there, the choice was easy. Subtle but packing a punch, metallic and glistening but not ostentatious. Statement necklace perfection.

Read on

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second look: banana republic

I think we all shop at certain stores during certain life phases. Forever 21 or Express when you’re still buying into every trend that passes by. The Limited when you grow out of those a bit. Banana Republic when you get your first “real job.”

So, when I stopped going to an office every day, I kind of forgot about Banana Republic. I didn’t have a bad experience, or think they were awful, I just…forgot. Now that I was no longer absolutely desperate for an army of dress trousers and shells to wear underneath suits – and, if I’m honest, now that I know how to step up my game a little in the world of professional attire – the Banana dropped off my radar.

But last week, I went poking around hunting for something for a friend, and came across more than a few pieces that made me think “Hey, I totally need that!”. Closely followed by “Wait. That’s only how much??”. Clearly, BR deserves a second look.

Read on

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all in the details: grey mixed-media clutch

Kate M.W. ~ Despite my best efforts to maintain a healthy injection of colour, occasionally I quietly nestle back into neutrals, particularly when it’s overcast outside. This week I was inspired by the grey sky outside my window and this oversized clutch from Rachel Roy. Given its size and the presence of multi-function pockets, it’s the clutch’s answer to the small cross body bag. The mix of the midnight dusky blue, two-toned grey, and the subtle stripe of dull mint green is quiet enough not be overbearing but just graphic enough to not get lost in an outfit, setting the parameters as simple, easy, and refined.

Read on

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all in the details: the nautical tote

Kate M.W. ~ Around this time of year, I start demanding something a little different from my handbags. Sure, my day-to-day work-appropriate classics still reign Monday to Friday, but I’m now looking for something that longs for casual kick-around weekends and that can stand up to the structured jackets and tendency towards layers that my wardrobe takes on. I look for duffel or hobo bags whose focus isn’t necessarily structure, and whose colour isn’t limited to black. When I came across the Sea Duffel from AANDD I immediately stopped: deep wine colour, playful rope accents, and just enough shape to keep from looking disheveled.

Sea Duffel, AANDD, $484

Inspired by the rope detailing, I immediately thought of stripes (blame the nautical connection) but opted for a sweater that could easily be a foundation for many an outfit. Though there’s a natural tendency to use dark wash denim, your favourite medium or light-wash jeans still work at this time of year and contrast nicely with the depth of the navy in the sweater and the colour of the bag. And of course, since I’m known for arguing that a good jacket is a fall fundamental, I’d look for an option that provides ample contrast: an olive green with a particularly structured nature. That, and this particular one from Emerson Fry was just too good to resist (apologies for retail indulgences!).

Etienne Bar Stripe Crew Sweater, Cardigan, $195 / Matchstick Jeans, J.Crew, $148 / Army Coat, Emerson Fry, $485

In an effort to make sure that the details of the outfit aren’t too distracting, I’d stick with one category and go from there. Since the sweater already has stripes, I’d skip a necklace and go straight for a wristful of bracelets and simple pearl studs in my ears. Mimic the olive tone of the coat with this woven chain option, a cool pearl-capped bangle, and an oversized tortoise shell link to bring in the colour of the handbag. Speaking of that colour, dare to let it nearly match when you’re choosing your footwear, in this case a pair of classic boots. Either let your jeans hang down over the tops, or unzip them slightly at the back and let your jeans rumple down into the top of the boot. On a brisk but bright day, bring in your favourite navy-based scarf and classic shades.

Monogram Plush Wrap, Banana Republic, $75 / North Country Boots, Anthropologie, $258 / Highstreet Sunglasses, Ray-Ban, $145 / Pearl-Cap Bangle, Majorica, $85 / Oversized Pearl Studs, Juliet & Company, $21 / Woven Charm Bracelet, Brooks Brothers, $68 / Tortoise Link Bracelet, Loren Hope, $40

Inspired by a bag like this, it’s easy to make sure that adjectives like playful and fun don’t get lost amongst the layers of autumn, since by now we all know that they’re easy to play up, if you keep it all in the details.

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trend to try: modern menswear

Miu Miu, via Style.com / Ralph Lauren, via Style.com / Giorgio Armani, via Style.com

Erin ~ Menswear is the trend of the season for all you career women out there. Office dress-codes can be incredibly strict, which can make staying stylish difficult, but menswear is one trend that will almost always get HR’s stamp of approval. It’s an incredibly classic look, and there’s something undeniably chic about the contrast between masculine and feminine.

While I applaud anyone who will pick up a patterned suit this season (there are a plethora of cute options at Topshop and ASOS), I’m going to focus on how the rest of us can wear this trend, starting with a classic two piece suit. If you don’t already own one, this season is a great time to invest. Look for classic black, charcoal or navy, preferably in tropical wool so it will work for a variety of seasons. The jacket should be a two button style with slim lapels and a trim fit. It should come with a pencil skirt and slim pants with either a straight leg or a very slight boot-cut. My favorite suit on the market right now is the Gabrielle Tailor Blazer and Ines Tailor Pant at Theory, but Ann Taylor and Banana Republic always have great options on a budget.

The obvious way to wear a suit is to wear both the jacket and pants with just a crisp white shirt underneath, a pair of pumps and your favorite accessories. However, the more modern way to wear a suit is to mix and match the pieces, so let’s split that suit up!

Gabrielle Tailor Blazer, Theory, $395 / Café Capri, J. Crew, $138 / Helen Patent Pump, Audrey Brooke, $70 / Button Down Shirt, Maison Scotch, $70 / Skinny Patent Belt, American Apparel, $17 / Gold Initial & Pearl Necklace, Danielle Stevens, $80

First we have the jacket paired with herringbone ankle pants. The ankle length silhouette is right on trend for fall and the herringbone adds to the menswear feel. A white button down tucked in and buttoned up with a black belt keeps the look classic menswear. However, the gold tipped heels, delicate chevron pattern, cream silk, black patent leather and gold initials necklace keep the look from being too harsh.

Perfect Oxford Shirt, Gap, $50 / Drifter Sweater Vest, Land’s End, $30 / Skinny Silk Tie, Express, $50 / Romelia, Aldo, $90 / Color Lip Last “All You Need is Red”, Sephora, $12 / Ines Tailor Pant, Theory, $255

Suit pants worn with a blue oxford is your basic boring office-wear uniform. Add a shrunken sweater vest for some quirk and make sure to roll up the sleeves and leave the button down un-tucked to keep it from looking too fussy. Try a black silk skinny tie tucked into the sweater vest. I personally love the look of a woman in a tie. The look is very geek chic and not everyone’s taste, but the outfit will look just fine without a tie as well. Heels and a bright lip add a dash of femininity.

Perfect Oxford Shirt, Gap, $50 / Cambridge Cable V-neck Sweater, J. Crew, $88 / Sweet with Pleats Skirt, Modcloth, $45 / Polka Dot Tights, Hue, $14 / Ruffle Flat, Pink & Pepper, $40 / Rose Bangle, Jules Smith, $75

For those who just want to add a touch of menswear to their look but aren’t ready to go full-on androgynous, here’s a much more loosely inspired casual look. A full skirt, polka dot tights and rose gold bracelet are quintessentially girly and contrast nicely with boyish layers. An oxford under a cable knit sweater and patent leather smoking slippers create a look that’s just a little bit preppy menswear and still very feminine.

What do you say? Will you be taking menswear from 9 to 5 this fall?

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trend to try: boho glam

{Editor’s Note: Erin’s back with a look at one of the trickiest trends there is: boho. How to pull it off without looking like a hippie schlub? It’s a tricky business. The key is to glam it up and be wary of proportions, and Erin’s got a can’t-miss strategy to make it work for anyone…yes, even you.}

Altuzurra, via Style.com / Rachel Zoe, via Style.com / Hermes, via Style.com

Erin ~ The bohemian, free-spirited look is shown so often that it has become less of a trend and more of a type of style. However, this season has a little twist on the classic flower child look. It’s a little less Woodstock and a little more wealthy gypsy with a dash of urban sophistication. The look is characterized by rich leather, fur (faux or real), layers of luxe fabrics, and gold accessories. This is definitely a look for maximalists, so don’t be shy with the layers or the accessories!

For the weekend, start with a maxi dress in an autumnal palette. This is a great way to stretch your wardrobe and bring some of those summer sundresses into fall. A long necklace and patterned scarf bring in a bit of happy chaos to give that bohemian feel. Heeled booties lend the outfit a bit of urban edge and the tweed blazer adds polish and texture to make the look feel current.

Modern Lit Lecturer Blazer, Modcloth, $45 / Harness Heel Boot, Dolcetta by Dolce Vita, $98 / Plaid Shirt Scarf, Free People, $48 / Crystal Spear Necklace, Alexis Bittar, $155 / Paisley Maxi Dress, Eighty Sixty, $99

To take the boho look from 9 to 5, try pairing contrasting textures of rich fabrics. Gold jacquard pants contrast with a silky blouse, and the small diamond pattern plays well with a simple feather print, creating a harmonious mix of textures and patterns. Layer a black vest and bangles over everything to bring the outfit together and add an extra dose of boho cool. I personally love the look of cropped pants over a calf height boot or ankle booties, but this look would work equally well with a wedge heel or a classic black pump.

Darling Elizabeth Tunic, ASOS, $60 / Trinity Gold Jacquard Cigarette Pants, Reiss, $265 / Mighty Black Leather Zip Boots, Topshop, $90 / Sleeveless Wool Vest, Lord & Taylor, $60 / Art Deco Bangles, Tinley Road, $18

Lastly, for a night out, pair a jewel-tone dress (merlot is particularly on trend for fall) with a fur vest. A pair of chandelier earrings adds a touch of gypsy glimmer; after all, it is a girls’ night out. Tassels and fringe are standard for a boho look, but instead of a predictable pair of fringe boots or a bag, add just a touch with a tasseled skinny belt and keep the boots classic for a more sophisticated look.


Tassle Hem Faux Fur Gilet, Topshop, $110 / Timber Jersey Dress, French Connection, $138 / Emina Boot, Libby Edelman, $127 / Gala Chandelier Earring, Banana Republic, $45 / Skinny Waist Belt with Tassel, BCBGeneration, $24

This trend is a great way to get some extra mileage from your closet by making unexpected pairings. Mix glamorous, special pieces with your casual weekend wear, mix patterns and textures, combine floaty summer pieces with heavier fall clothes, and when in doubt, always layer on one more thing!

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