https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-br-items-and-thoughts Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 18 Apr 2026 08:53:35 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-br-items-and-thoughts/page/2#post-2393607 Fri, 15 Aug 2025 22:17:07 +0000 Laura 2393607@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jaime, I remember the flagship BR in the West Village! Going there was a full-on safari experience. I was a BR shopper once upon a time but it's been years since I purchased anything. Happy to hear they're back on track, at least for some!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-br-items-and-thoughts/page/2#post-2393540 Thu, 14 Aug 2025 18:33:37 +0000 annagybe 2393540@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That denim top is ridiculously cute. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-br-items-and-thoughts/page/2#post-2393352 Sun, 10 Aug 2025 19:20:44 +0000 Angie 2393352@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Looks like BR is back on track for some of us! Good news.&nbsp;</p> <p>Nice BR items, everyone :)&nbsp;</p> <p>Hope BR survives.... &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-br-items-and-thoughts/page/2#post-2393349 Sun, 10 Aug 2025 19:12:05 +0000 Suz 2393349@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, I love those tops, <b>Janet!</b> The right olours are crucial, though. But <b>Style Fan,</b> that skirt is perfect for you!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-br-items-and-thoughts/page/2#post-2393348 Sun, 10 Aug 2025 18:25:30 +0000 Style Fan 2393348@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I bought a linen skirt this year from BR.&nbsp; It worked well for a summer party and a few other events.&nbsp; I wore it just like the model.&nbsp; This is the first time I have bought something from BR in years. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-br-items-and-thoughts/page/2#post-2393342 Sun, 10 Aug 2025 14:00:01 +0000 LJP 2393342@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've had my eye on both of these tops &nbsp;, Janet, but the colours are wrong for me too. &nbsp;I'd take them both in a heartbeat if they were offered in black here, but they aren't. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-br-items-and-thoughts/page/2#post-2393335 Sun, 10 Aug 2025 11:08:29 +0000 Janet 2393335@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had to run an errand near the closest BR yesterday so I decided to pop in and look. There are some very appealing styles in tops right now! I really liked the cut of both of these, but the color selection is very limited — I don’t want another black top and I also feel very set for white tops too. </p> <p>The first one has a bit of deconstructed quality, but the hem can also be buttoned and tied. It’s clever and flattering! </p> <p>The second one is intriguing as well, but tends to show more of the belly than I wish to show. I think a small snap could be added to it to keep the bottom more closed. I don’t even like cowl necks (hate the droopy look on me) but this one is nicely crisp and more architectural. </p> <p>Both run a little generous in size. I comfortably tried on both in a size S and I’m typically a size 8 top.</p> <p>I tried on the chambray popover and it’s cute, but not for me. I think better on a small bust. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-br-items-and-thoughts/page/2#post-2393334 Sun, 10 Aug 2025 02:53:05 +0000 Susie 2393334@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I remember BR from way back in the day when it had that authentic safari vibe. Their catalogs were such fun!<br /> There was a large store in Annapolis where my mom lived and I recall wearing a light chambray dress I purchased there. I was in my 20’s!<br /> At the time, the brand felt so unique. And likely out of my budget beyond the odd splurge. </p> <p>Then it became a good source of office wear, mostly pants, for a while but the styles were rather bland. My local store closed several years ago so it’s been off my radar. I’m glad to hear that their offerings are looking better lately. </p> <p>I hate to see the demise of so many stores. I actually ordered a few pieces from Sundance recently since they are going out of business. That was another store that was fun to browse in. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-br-items-and-thoughts/page/2#post-2393331 Sun, 10 Aug 2025 00:57:17 +0000 Jaime 2393331@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting! We get European chains here rather than American so we have COS and Massimo but not BR. Nonetheless, I see a fair amount of BR second hand, but it is older stuff. More men's than women's I'd say. I still have a very vintage image in my mind of the BR in the West Village, which actually was decorated in a safari theme. I got a duffel bag there around 30 years ago that is still in use. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-br-items-and-thoughts#post-2393324 Sat, 09 Aug 2025 19:27:13 +0000 AndiB 2393324@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’ve shopped at BR off and on for years but yes, more off than on recently. I still have some pieces: classic black double breasted blazer w gold buttons (tho have not worn in a long time, I’ll pull it out to style this weekend), high waisted wide jeans that were an Angie find a few years back, still love and wear but I’ve lost 20 lbs and they kinda hang now (but the blazer fits better than ever, lol), and lovely, soft eggplant wide pleated trousers. They’ve always done trousers well. But I am a professional office gal and still dress classic professional sometimes. Will def look at the silver jewelry!</p> <p>And I love that zip top in the navy! And the pea green utility tunic, tho I don’t wear oversized like that, but maybe as a topper. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-br-items-and-thoughts#post-2393322 Sat, 09 Aug 2025 18:18:56 +0000 Suz 2393322@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>K. Period</b> -- I washed my sweater in delicate in machine in a little bag (to prevent snags and such.) No problem whatever -- came out lovely!&nbsp; </p> <p></p> <p><b>LJP </b>-- those are really pretty blouses/ tops!&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-br-items-and-thoughts#post-2393320 Sat, 09 Aug 2025 17:51:33 +0000 Angie 2393320@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Roberta,</b> glad you have good luck with BR Factory items! <b>Mtnsofthemoon</b>, you too! Some of clients have done well too. Real value for money when the quality is fab :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-br-items-and-thoughts#post-2393318 Sat, 09 Aug 2025 16:39:11 +0000 Roberta 2393318@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, thanks for the Gap/BR Finds explanation, it was driving me bonkers!&nbsp; I have had good luck with BR Factory, but not with the higher end store itself. The BR Factory men's t-shirts are particularly good and I have a few of those (my son does too!).&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-br-items-and-thoughts#post-2393314 Sat, 09 Aug 2025 15:34:57 +0000 Angie 2393314@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Surprisingly, we have many BR's in Seattle. It's a West Coast company - maybe that's why.</p> <p>Anyway, I hope the company is onto a winning streak! I feel for retailers that don't make it :(&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-br-items-and-thoughts#post-2393302 Sat, 09 Aug 2025 13:28:08 +0000 Janet 2393302@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It only occurred to me after this post that the BR near me closed and the closest non-Factory b&amp;m store is now over a half hour away. In-person retail shopping just gets harder and harder. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-br-items-and-thoughts#post-2393279 Sat, 09 Aug 2025 01:51:39 +0000 mtnsofthemoon 2393279@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie I completely agree on your thoughts/feedback on BR.&nbsp; As a long time client (20+) years I have sadly watched their quality go south.&nbsp; </p> <p>I miss the days of lined trousers and quality felt/wool work pants.&nbsp; The "rebranding" was not my cut of tea either.&nbsp; &nbsp; I have to admit I have had some surprises with their Factory outlet brand - specifically their denim.&nbsp; Oddly the new jeans I received a few days ago do not say "factory" in their lables and the quality is what I would consider BR.&nbsp; I ordered a silk top recently (on sale from BR) and still waiting patiently for its arival.&nbsp; Fingers crossed.&nbsp; I will give them a try again and pop in then I am near the store.&nbsp; I have noticed a splash more color and a few prints (my 2 fav's)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-br-items-and-thoughts#post-2393267 Sat, 09 Aug 2025 00:39:33 +0000 Kyle 2393267@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, wow. Seattle is getting a COS? How fun for you, Angie. I got rid of my last BR items in a big closet cleanout a few months ago. Only one blue tee remains. BR really lost their way.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-br-items-and-thoughts#post-2393255 Fri, 08 Aug 2025 23:00:09 +0000 Angie 2393255@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>And Seattle is getting a COS brick 'n mortar store in Autumn :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-br-items-and-thoughts#post-2393254 Fri, 08 Aug 2025 22:58:45 +0000 Angie 2393254@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for your thoughts, everyone! Always interesting to hear them :)</p> <p><u>A few replies:</u> <ul> <li>BR is no longer <i>as</i> mass market, IMO. It's more exclusive and expensive. Buying on sale really helps! (<b>Suz</b> mentions this).&nbsp;</li> </ul> <ul> <li>BR Factory Outlet can be good, although you REALLY need to watch the fabric. Can be dodgy.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <ul> <li>BR jeans are always worth a look! They offer length variations, which is rare. (Nodding to,&nbsp;<b>Sharan</b>).</li> </ul> <ul> <li>BR Finds are impossible. The entire GAP company has put a software wall around its images and code. Their loss, and it's very annoying.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <ul> <li>I dryclean my silk/cotton sweaters. I've had no problem,<b> K. Period.&nbsp;</b></li> </ul> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-br-items-and-thoughts#post-2393251 Fri, 08 Aug 2025 22:49:54 +0000 Irina 2393251@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>LJP</b>, not everything but often. See the example below from COS in $US and BR US and BR Canada.&nbsp;<div>I tried that dress from COS and didn’t buy it because I don’t like the color on me (the dress is much nicer in person). It was I think, Can $180.&nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-br-items-and-thoughts#post-2393249 Fri, 08 Aug 2025 22:31:17 +0000 K. Period. 2393249@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie and Suz, have either of you washed your silk/cotton sweaters? Did hand washing work well? </p> <p>I bought the navy one and love it, but I made the mistake of machine washing it when I was on vacation and it was a complete disaster. It pilled like crazy and faded. I was able to salvage it with a very very thorough de-pilling, but it isn't quite the same. I love it enough that I would buy a replacement, but I'd love to know if hand washing is the way to go before I splurge on a duplicate.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-br-items-and-thoughts#post-2393242 Fri, 08 Aug 2025 22:14:52 +0000 Carol 2393242@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I never went there--at the higher price point I always gravitated towards J. Crew--probably the collegiate preppiness. I do remember one or two people I knew having impeccable wool coats from BR.</p> <p>If they are expanding their offerings, great, although I don't know if I will shop there. It does look like a great place to pick up an important tailored item...like work trousers, or said wool coat.&nbsp;</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-br-items-and-thoughts#post-2393241 Fri, 08 Aug 2025 22:13:44 +0000 LJP 2393241@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The one BR in our city closed a couple of years ago - after the rebrand - and I assume it was because sales weren't justifying staying open. &nbsp;For the reasons others have mentioned, I stopped shopping there, although I tried ! &nbsp;</p> <p></p> <p>BR Factory was ok for awhile, but I find the fabric quality pretty awful, and it's a rare item that catches my eye. &nbsp;</p> <p>All that said, I love the new direction BR has &nbsp;taken this past year, and have purchased 2 wonderful tops (both in cotton poplin) this summer which have been big hits.</p> <p></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://bananarepublic.gapcanada.ca/browse/product.do?pid=742602023&amp;vid=1&amp;pcid=5037&amp;cid=5037&amp;nav=meganav%3AWomen%3AWOMEN%27S+CLOTHING%3ATops+%26+Shirts#pdp-page-content">https://bananarepublic.gapcana.....7&#038;cid</a><br /><a rel="nofollow" href="https://bananarepublic.gapcanada.ca/browse/product.do?pid=742624023&amp;vid=3&amp;pcid=5037&amp;cid=5037&amp;nav=meganav%3AWomen%3AWOMEN%27S+CLOTHING%3ATops+%26+Shirts#pdp-page-content">https://bananarepublic.gapcana.....&#038;cid=</a></p> <p>I have no luck with the Find collector anymore - keeps suggesting I need to be logged in, and I am. &nbsp;Are we just not using it anymore? I can never remember how to do a screen shot on this computer either so ...links it is.</p> <p>I see lots on the website right now that I really like . &nbsp;I can always get free shipping combining with an Athleta, Gap or ON item or 2 as well. &nbsp;I will say I had no idea COS was less expensive in Cdn $ because that has *not* been my experience when I look at the COS website. Maybe I'm missing something....!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-br-items-and-thoughts#post-2393240 Fri, 08 Aug 2025 22:11:44 +0000 Irina 2393240@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Suz</b>, I prefer to buy everything on sale but with BR by the time something goes on sale, my size is gone.&nbsp;<br /><div>I bought only a dress and a shirt and a t-shirt from COS at full price this year. &nbsp;I knew that the dress and a t-shirt are popular and unlikely to go on sale in the summer. These are my only purchases from a COS store so far this year. I got nothing at the recent sales.&nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-br-items-and-thoughts#post-2393237 Fri, 08 Aug 2025 21:57:04 +0000 Suz 2393237@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, I'm amazed about the price difference between COS and BR, too, Irina. Of course I can't oder online for COS (sob) and I always get everything on sale at BR -- I can't remember a full price purchase I've made there. With 40%&nbsp; or more off, it becomes much more do-able.&nbsp;</p> <p>Helena, I have the cotton silk blend sweater, too, in a stripe. I like it a lot. It is heavier weight than some cotton silk blends and turned out to be an excellent weight for early spring here. I wore it a ton. The sleeves are very long, however,&nbsp;</p> <p>I also got some really nice quality merino there last fall and some fab drapey wool pants.&nbsp; </p> <p>ETA: however I am trying to shop local this year or at least Europe so will probably take a pass at BR unless something truly unbeatable shows up there -- a big HEWI of some kind.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-br-items-and-thoughts#post-2393235 Fri, 08 Aug 2025 21:29:12 +0000 Jenni NZ 2393235@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes I would far rather pay $150 for a dress than more like $250 Irina! The dress I bought that I took to Canada for the 2023 wedding was $109 on sale which I was very happy with. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-br-items-and-thoughts#post-2393234 Fri, 08 Aug 2025 21:19:22 +0000 Irina 2393234@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Jenni NZ</b>, a poplin or linen dress from BR is Can $240-260. I bought a linen one from COS at $150 full price. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-br-items-and-thoughts#post-2393232 Fri, 08 Aug 2025 20:54:46 +0000 Jenni NZ 2393232@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m amazed Irina says the prices are more than COS. We have a COS here in Auckland, it’s not close to me so I have only been in there a couple of times, but I find it expensive. The styles are quite oversized and I haven’t been drawn to anything. But I imagine BR as more mass market than COS. Maybe I have the wrong idea.<br /> And sorry Angie but that denim top just looks awful to me! Such a pale boring colour! Just as well we are all different! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-br-items-and-thoughts#post-2393213 Fri, 08 Aug 2025 19:53:10 +0000 Lisa 2393213@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I haven't been in a BR in years, because when their style changed and the stock in stores declined, it just wasn't the styles or shopping experience I wanted. It sounds like they are worth a look again! It's nice to see there's more silver jewelry available in stores and that denim rolled sleeve top is really fun! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fab-br-items-and-thoughts#post-2393202 Fri, 08 Aug 2025 19:25:46 +0000 Dee 2393202@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Both BR and the Gap closed at one of the big local malls here recently, but they both still have a presence in a local shopping district not too far away from me. I haven't been in a BR since last year. And yep, I found the prices too expensive for what you were getting. They've got plenty of competition nearby, but happy to hear that they're into offering some price breaks. </p>