Banana Republic’s new look

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Angie is co-founder of YLF and its resident fashion stylist.

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Banana Republic’s new look

— by Angie

on March 4, 2008

Banana Republic has lacked flair for some time, but there is hope for a comeback this season. I recently found out from sources at the chain that a new design team is heading up the ladies wear merchandise department. Spring 2008 is the new design team’s debut collection and I like what I’m seeing in stores. The products look a little more interesting, fashion forward and fun. I would like to see Banana Republic succeed because I enjoy their quality, size range and great sales. Be sure to give this retailer another chance if they vanished from your radar like they did from mine. I’ve got my eye on them this season.

Don’t be alarmed by these brights if they’re not your thing. There are still plenty of neutrals to choose from at Banana Republic.

Industry Insider · Spring 2008

14 comments · Add a comment

Fabulously Broke

(website)

I like that blue dress.. but I can’t pull off pink or orange in that shade. Am sticking close to whites this year (seems to be a trend happening for that!)

March 4, 2008 at 8:26 am

Meredith

I was in their store last weekend, and it looks like they’ve got a bunch of really fun, ’60s looking dresses–lots of great colors too.

March 4, 2008 at 8:32 am

Rayna

I’m actually really disappointed in BR’s new collection. I think it’s just a copy of J Crew’s color scheme. I love BR’s flattering neutral and earth-tone colors that are almost universally flattering. I think they would have done better transitioning in SOME bright colors but ALL bright colors I think is a mistake.

March 4, 2008 at 8:34 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Oh yes! White is becoming a big Summer trend every season and I love it too. BR still has loads of neutral shades to choose from. They and J Crew seem to be doing ink blue best at the moment.

Quite right Meredith.

March 4, 2008 at 8:35 am

Marlene

(website)

I wandered into BR on Thursday for the first time in ages.. a year, perhaps? Like you, I was finding that the offerings were dull and uninspired. But this time, I was surprised at how nice everything was! I saw trendier stuff than I expected..but the trends were interpreted into some very wearable styles.

I’m having a hard time at Gap the past couple seasons…odd styles and really bad fit. Sizing was all over the place and things were fitting very oddly. I hope they undergo a serious transformation as well…and SOON.

March 4, 2008 at 8:35 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

That’s an interesting perspective Rayna . I perceive there to be plenty of neutrals amongst the new refreshing brights at BR this season. I was there with a client who is a neutral girl a few days ago and we found loads of neutral things for her. Perhaps it depends on the BR and the way the items are displayed? Their monogram collection is virtually completely neutral.

On the other hand, I perceive J Crew to be 95% bright with very few neutrals. I don’t think this is bad either. It’s part of the preppy niche market that they try to capture.

You are not alone with your impression of Gap Marlene. They have been struggling for years and transforming for years. It’s a shame that they don’t seem to be getting their product mix right. Remember this post? I love their socks though.

http://youlookfab.com/2007/01/23/gaps-decline/

March 4, 2008 at 9:14 am

amominred

(website)

A much needed change in my opinion! I think the new looks are fun, right on trend but still very classic, which is so BR.

March 4, 2008 at 9:23 am

Jen

(website)

If I stopped shopping at BR, I’d have very little to wear. They are one of the few places that does petites well. I can always find something that fits!!

I have been loving JCrew lately too. Started last Fall when they came out with their patterned sweaters. Now I’m loving their ruffled cardigans for spring. And last night I just bought their Italian Poplin Rain Coat (but in a neutral khaki). It’s adorable!

But sizing at JCrew is not as consistent as BR, and you can only find petites online. If it doesn’t fit, you have to pay shipping both ways – that really sucks. Especially given that their sizing is so inconsistent!!! At least with with BR, if you normally take a Small Petite and a 1p, you can be 95% sure what you ordered will fit.

I agree about the GAP, but I was happy that they have come out now with petites. I stocked up last year on basic petite tee shirts and will do again this year. Tee shirts that fit are particularly hard to find if you are petite. Just wish they’d have some more interesting colors than the standard white, black, brown, red, navy.

March 4, 2008 at 9:50 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You are so right Jen. BR has a super petites department and I like to take petite clients there. Macy’s is quite good for petites and so is Ann Taylor, the Loft, Anne Klein and occasionally Nordstrom.

March 4, 2008 at 9:58 am

Maya

I like to buy the majority of my basics from BR and add some interest with funkier, more youthful pieces from places like Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie. Their denim, for one thing, is perfect. The short inseam is a blessing for someone who is too leggy for petite inseams and too short for regular lengths. However, an entire wardrobe’s worth of BR clothes can get boring very fast.

I have been in love with ink blue ever since you mentioned it and this dress comes so close to being perfect, but the neckline won’t work for my chest http://www.bananarepublic.com/.....038;vid=-1

So disappointing!

March 4, 2008 at 12:17 pm

makes me happy to be dark-skinned!!! all the rich colors and bright patterns are really great on darker complexions and it’s so rare we have the option.

March 4, 2008 at 2:36 pm

Eva

Funny you should have a blog on Banana Republic. I never shop there (well once to get that wide brown snake skin belt that I love), but I shopped there last Sunday. I purchased trouser jeans as pictured here, but (for some reason) mine has a pocket flap in the back.
http://www.bananarepublic.com/.....pid=540585
Although they are trouser jeans, they are rather snug at the thighs (I am a pear with meaty thighs). I thought that trouser jeans were not suppose to be snug in the thigh. I am still deciding whether to keep them.

Oh, and I loved this cotton trench, but which color to buy?
http://www.bananarepublic.com/.....=547697022

March 4, 2008 at 9:44 pm

Rebecca

(website)

If I were willing to part with real money, I would absolutely wear the outfit in the center. Well, you never know but what I’ll find it this time next year at Value Village for $1. lol

March 5, 2008 at 2:41 pm

punkANDLEATHER

Banana Republic is so plain!!!

March 10, 2008 at 7:09 am

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