how would u describe banana republic? I'm curious

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how would u describe banana republic? I'm curious

siniestra

Active Member

FOr me is working clothes and classics. Would you name similar store but a bit more affordable...? thanx

12 years ago

Shopping

15 replies

Latest reply was from Aida

unfrumped

Veteran

Just tossing out--Gap is part of the same outfit and maybe lower price point? Old Navy? Nordstrom's has some clothing lines with tailored jackets at lower prices, though often unlined, skirts,and so on. Also Banana Republic does 40% off regularly and lower for sales, so it may be possible to stalk certain items, especially fairly classic versions of shells, blazers, suits, cardi's and so on.

12 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Yeah, Banana Republic has the same stuff at a lower price point regularly!

12 years ago

Day Vies

Veteran

Yeah, I love the sales BR has on a regular basis (if you're a card member). Most of their clothing is not worth buying at full price because its of average quality (the hems on pants and jersey knit blouses are always ready to come undone at the drop of a hat).

Although I did pick up some great shorts designed by Trina Turk last summer. They were made SO well and they fit was fabulous.

12 years ago

Anonymous

Do you have an outlet mall near you? We have a Banana Republic outlet; I went there yesterday and got a pencil skirt for $25. I'm addicted! If you need career wear, maybe LOFT is cheaper? Or Express or NY&Co? I'm not sure, they're all kind of around the same price point.

12 years ago

Anonymous

I get a lot of basics from BR, especially for work. I have no complaints about quality, they actually have quite nice fabric blends for the price ( when on sale). I stocked up on their winter cashmere/cotton sweaters last winter. I do catch their sales quite often. The pieces are wha you make out of them, they are simple but have plenty of styling potential. Banana is quite popular here for career wear.

In summary, I'm a happy customer. As a matter of fact, the outfit on my avatar is entirely from BR.

12 years ago

siniestra

Active Member

thanx actually i do have tanger outlets but idk banana republic is for me ....i think work clothes and a want something similar but on a fresh take ... 20s year old ...u know what i mea?

12 years ago

Nicole D

Veteran

In Canada we have a lot of shops that are trendy but still have a lot of work wear: Cleo, SMart Set, Jacob, Le Chateau and so on. SO might not help you in USA but if you want to check them out online, that it whereI would tell a young career gal to shop.

http://www.cleo.ca/
http://www.smartset.ca/default.....MgodSFQAoA
http://www.jacob.ca/

12 years ago

Jjsloane

Veteran

I equate Banana with Ann Taylor as I equally equate Gap with Loft (quality/price and target demographic similar).
I do not consider Banana "youthful" but also not "olde" (certainly not based on skirt length) like I might Talbot's
Maybe Express would be equal with Loft and Gap?

12 years ago

Thistle

Veteran

I like Banana Republic for work clothes, although I do prefer Ann Taylor. Not sure why, but my Ann Taylor pieces become workhorses, where my BR stuff less so. And yes, be on the lookout for sales. I never buy anything from Gap, BR, or Old Navy at full price. They are always running a sale, usually 25-35% off, and they do it so regularly, they must have the sale price built into their pricing structure.

12 years ago

Kalli

Active Member

BR makes really good basics. The fabric quality is on the mid-low range. Some things are made well and some things can be quite stylish. Obviously the quality used to be better like every other store. You definitely can't go wrong with cardigans, trench coats... from there. Yeah, more of a modern classic store and not very fashion forward that you seem to love so much, nothing wrong with that!

12 years ago

Karie

(website)

Veteran

I think of BR as a store for good everyday classic clothing. I also prefer Ann Taylor / The Loft for dressy and trendier clothes.

12 years ago

(website)

Veteran

Try Express if you want a slightly younger, hipper, sexier, etc take on career/business looks.

12 years ago

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

In bigger H&M stores I usually see a section with career wear. Their price points are low, we al know that. Then there is Zara but they are maybe double the price of H&M. I think if you are really focused you can also find career wear at F21. Finally -- don't overlook TJ Maxx! Their dept's aren't organized like the other stores, you have to go through the racks carefully, but you can find decent things there.

12 years ago

Lisa

Veteran

I'm a fan of BR for classic items and work clothes. I wait until they have a sale which happens fairly often. The Limited and Express have similar styles but at a lower price point, however I prefer the quality at BR.

12 years ago

Aida

Veteran

I'd say try Express, H&M, and Forever 21 for more youthful pieces, but it's certainly worth pairing those types of pieces with higher quality pieces from stores like Banana Republic or Ann Taylor to keep the overall look more professional looking.

12 years ago

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