FAB BR Items. And thoughts. - YouLookFab Forum

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FAB BR Items. And thoughts.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Banana Republic has redeemed itself - at least for me! I am back in their stores shopping for my own style.

BR changed direction 3 to 4 years ago, which was not my cuppa tea. VERY neutral, more exclusive, more dressy, less relatable, and more expensive. Their store became minimal and a bit "fancy boutique-y". They displayed a few items at a time, mentioning that they could get your size if it wasn't there. In Seattle, stores were often empty. It was sad to see the BIG revamp of the brand not work as well here.

Personally, I could not get past the palettes. If the colour is wrong for my style - it's a dealbreaker no matter how KILLER the item. My "neutral loving clients" on the other hand - LOVED IT! So I shopped in BR with them anyway.

This year things changed. Non-neutral items added more frequently, and more stock on the floor. More price breaks too. I see more people back in the stores.

Fits are still all over the place, unfortunately. Fabrics are generally gorgeous though! I bought TWO items at BR this year - both sour lime green. (See Finds).

Wearing the dress here:

https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....reen-dress

There is lots of silver jewellery at the moment, and an AWESOME denim top that I can see on many of you! Keep the sleeves UNROLLED like I show in the pic, if you like that idea. Pics taken a few days ago. Here is the link to the top:

https://bananarepublic.gap.com.....nim%20top#

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38 replies

Latest reply was from Laura

Suz

(website)

Veteran

This is really interesting, Angie -- thank you! I felt that the offerings at BR last winter had already improved (to my eye, that is -- which is as influenced by colour palette as yours, I guess, and had not found anything there in years due to the neutral, black and earth toned palette, not to mention the prices.) Good to know they are on a roll.

That top is really cute!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Very interesting! I'd kind of stopped paying attention to them too. A few years back it seemed the offerings were too office-y and too much beige for me. I'm hard-pressed to think if I even have any BR in my closet anymore! I think I have one jacket.

But that denim top is awfully cute. I'll give them a closer look moving forward.

slim cat

Veteran

About 8 years ago or so I switched to BR Factory and picked a few great pieces ( some of them still going strong ). Then both BR and Factory stores lost some appeal to me - too much office wear like you have mentioned already. I'm still not shopping there yet - just accessory or two ( silver necklace from factory and couple belts from BR since not a lot of places do XS size in belts ).

Irina

Veteran

Although BR styles are generally not my cup of tea ( too upscale boho for me), I still check it once in a while. I find their full prices eye popping, at least in Can $$. It is more expensive than most of COS or Massimo Dutti. I also dislike shortcuts that they take sometimes like polyester lining in outwear or blazers. I bought two items this year - green cotton pants on sale and a cotton t-shirt fo my DH. His t-shirt was at full price of $50!
BR occasionally sells great cashmere knits but agin, unrealistic at full price for me.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

It's interesting to read your observations about the store, Angie. I noticed the fancy boutique-y feel and the focus on neutrals too, but I didn't realize when the shift occurred, because I go there so infrequently to begin with. It's good to know the store is swinging back to become a bit friendlier for a little wider range of tastes. I may stop in there soon with a friend who wants to go jeans shopping. I think BR jeans can be really great, when the fit is right for one's body. They don't tend to be cut for me, alas, and it took me buying at least a couple of pairs to figure that out.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Irina, speaking of Massimo Dutti, we need a store here in Seattle!

Helena

Veteran

I've been skipping BR lately for a variety of reasons but it's good to hear they are finding a more relatable style once again. The one item I am considering is I believe the same sweater you show Angie, in the medium blue colour ... The silk cotton blend. I have one from maybe two years ago in a slightly different cut but same fabrication, and it is honestly the nicest sweater I've ever owned ... Spendy for me but worth it!

Ket

Veteran

Despite doing more thrifting this year, I did look at BR a few times. I very much agree with your observations. Their new direction felt very bland to me. Even a bit snooty. (Dare I say that?) Like, 1990s Frasier in Seattle bland.

This summer they finally came out with some really gorgeous dark colors that I feel would be flattering on me. The color in the photo is called Red Cherry Jam. It's terrific!

Not sure if I'll ever buy said dress despite it being another 30% off the sale/clearance price. (!) Not sure the minimal shape and ribbed fabric would be my cup of tea or not. The fabric is heavily viscose, with some nylon and spandex. Still feeling a bit hesitant about viscose after my tropical pants shrunk. But the color definitely redeems BR for me. They also have a gorgeous deep muted teal in a mini sweater dress that's beautiful too.

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Dee

Veteran

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.

Lisa

Veteran

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!

Jenni NZ

Veteran

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.
And sorry Angie but that denim top just looks awful to me! Such a pale boring colour! Just as well we are all different!

Irina

Veteran

Jenni NZ, a poplin or linen dress from BR is Can $240-260. I bought a linen one from COS at $150 full price.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

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.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

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% or more off, it becomes much more do-able.

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,

I also got some really nice quality merino there last fall and some fab drapey wool pants.

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.

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Irina

Veteran

Suz, I prefer to buy everything on sale but with BR by the time something goes on sale, my size is gone.

I bought only a dress and a shirt and a t-shirt from COS at full price this year. 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.

LJP

Veteran

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. For the reasons others have mentioned, I stopped shopping there, although I tried !

BR Factory was ok for awhile, but I find the fabric quality pretty awful, and it's a rare item that catches my eye.

All that said, I love the new direction BR has taken this past year, and have purchased 2 wonderful tops (both in cotton poplin) this summer which have been big hits.

https://bananarepublic.gapcana.....7&cid
https://bananarepublic.gapcana.....&cid=

I have no luck with the Find collector anymore - keeps suggesting I need to be logged in, and I am. 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.

I see lots on the website right now that I really like . I can always get free shipping combining with an Athleta, Gap or ON item or 2 as well. 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....!

Carol

(website)

Veteran

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.

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.

K. Period.

Veteran

Angie and Suz, have either of you washed your silk/cotton sweaters? Did hand washing work well?

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.

Irina

Veteran

LJP, not everything but often. See the example below from COS in $US and BR US and BR Canada.

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.

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Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Thanks for your thoughts, everyone! Always interesting to hear them

A few replies:

BR is no longer as mass market, IMO. It's more exclusive and expensive. Buying on sale really helps! (Suz mentions this).

BR Factory Outlet can be good, although you REALLY need to watch the fabric. Can be dodgy.

BR jeans are always worth a look! They offer length variations, which is rare. (Nodding to, Sharan).

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.

I dryclean my silk/cotton sweaters. I've had no problem, K. Period.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

And Seattle is getting a COS brick 'n mortar store in Autumn

Kyle

Veteran

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.

mtnsofthemoon

Veteran

Angie I completely agree on your thoughts/feedback on BR. As a long time client (20+) years I have sadly watched their quality go south.

I miss the days of lined trousers and quality felt/wool work pants. The "rebranding" was not my cut of tea either. I have to admit I have had some surprises with their Factory outlet brand - specifically their denim. 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. I ordered a silk top recently (on sale from BR) and still waiting patiently for its arival. Fingers crossed. I will give them a try again and pop in then I am near the store. I have noticed a splash more color and a few prints (my 2 fav's)

Janet

(website)

Veteran

It only occurred to me after this post that the BR near me closed and the closest non-Factory b&m store is now over a half hour away. In-person retail shopping just gets harder and harder.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Surprisingly, we have many BR's in Seattle. It's a West Coast company - maybe that's why.

Anyway, I hope the company is onto a winning streak! I feel for retailers that don't make it

Roberta

Veteran

Angie, thanks for the Gap/BR Finds explanation, it was driving me bonkers! 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!).

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Roberta, glad you have good luck with BR Factory items! Mtnsofthemoon, you too! Some of clients have done well too. Real value for money when the quality is fab

Suz

(website)

Veteran

K. Period -- I washed my sweater in delicate in machine in a little bag (to prevent snags and such.) No problem whatever -- came out lovely!

LJP -- those are really pretty blouses/ tops!

AndiB

Veteran

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!

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.

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