K/R: Banana Republic Trina Turk and Old Navy

I used to shop at Banana Republic a lot in the old days, but haven't been there in probably 10 years. But I loved the ads and the colors of the Banana Republic Trina Turk collection so I went in and tried on some of the items in the collection. I tried some tunic tops but they just didn't look right on me (too bright and too boxy). I did pick up a couple of bracelets though. I saw this yellow and turquoise BR Trina Turk cowl neck dress online and ordered it because it looked like it would work well with my figure. I was thinking it would be more of a casual summer MOTG dress with white capri leggings underneath. But now that I tried it on (1-3), I'm wondering if it's too similar to the two Michael Kors turquoise dresses I already own (4 & 5). It is pretty but I'm not sure it's different enough to justify keeping. It's 70% silk and 30% viscose, but has a more casual fabric feel than the other two.

I also ordered a few pieces from Old Navy, including the purple and blue dress (6-8) that looked so good on Sona. I thought it would be a good summer to fall dress. However, I'm not sure what's going on with the bust--I guess I don't have enough to fill it out? It would have to be pinned shut, because it gapes wide open if I lean forward. And the elastic waist rides up and makes the top all wrinkly and loose, plus I feel like the dolman sleeves make me look wide. It was only $19, but even so I'm probably not going to keep unless you think it looks fab. Interesting how something that looks so fab on someone else can look funny on me, even though we are the same body type.

And then I ordered some tapered denim bermuda shorts and a graphic tee (9-11) from Old Navy, but the shorts feel very cheap and don't seem to fit right, and the tee is rather thin and not really my color. I think I am going to order some more expensive J brand denim bermuda shorts from Nordstrom to see if they fit and feel better.

So I think I may have struck out on this round, what do you think?

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13 years ago

Deborah

Veteran

Hi Natalie, the Trina Turk dress is nice but I prefer the fit of your two Michael Kors dresses. I think you probably don't need another dress in those colors, especially when the other two are so fab.

The Old Navy dress is not doing you justice in my opinion. It's seems to be wearing you rather than you wearing it:(

I'm not good with Bermuda shorts so I will refrain from commenting on them.

I'm sorry not to be more positive but you have pieces in your existing wardrobe that are way more wonderful.

Anonymous

I love the Trina Turk dress but I agree that the other two are just as lovely and with such similar colours perhaps it isn't a 'need'. I'm afraid I'm not at all keen on the Old Navy dress; the fit is definitely off and I find the style a little frumpy on you. Ditto Deborah on the Bermuda shorts, as I've never won a pair in my life!

Tanya

I love the Trina Turk dress but agree that it is quite similar to the the other two you already have. I am not a fan of the Old Navy dress or tee. The shorts look fine but if they don't feel nice I would return them too.

Sheila

I love the Trina Turk dress on you...the actual print is more like an older Emilio Pucci print and, if I had this dress in my closet, I would reach for it first every time I needed to wear a dress. That's how much I like it. But I have to say that you should feel excited about it, because the two other dresses that read turquoise to the eye are very similar. So it is more of a hunch about how you will feel when you actually have to choose between them on a daily basis.

Yes, please take back the ON items. They are not right for you.

Janet

(website)

Nodding in agreement with Sheila and Tanya -- I love the TT dress on you, but only you can know if three dresses with such a similar vibe will get the wear they deserve.

The ON items are not up to your usual fabness.

lyn67

I love love love the Trina Turk dress so much! But it's quite similar to the other2.
Don't like 6-9-wears you like Deborah said, but love the bermuda outfit, cheap or not:-)

Suz

A lesson in the importance of fit, isn't it? And a sad reminder that sometimes we really do get what we pay for. Sometimes a person can get super lucky at Old Navy (I know I have, a few times) but on the whole, the items aren't great quality, and if the fit is not there, that becomes glaringly obvious.

I actually love the colours of the ON dress on you, so it is too bad it doesn't fit well. I wonder if you sized down if it might work? Probably not...would likely be too clingy. But maybe worth a shot?

The other dress is really pretty but if it were me and my closet I would think it is too much like the ones I already had. However, that's just me! As you know, I prefer a smaller wardrobe without a lot of duplication. So go with your heart. It looks great on you and the print is fun!

Kristin L

I love the Trina Turk dress, but I can see where it's similar to what you already have. How much would you wear it, considering the the Michael Kors dresses? I would also return the Old Navy clothes. I can see how those styles look great on you, but they aren't making you look as lovely as you are!

ManidipaM

Natalie, I don't mind the look of the T-shirt and bermudas on you at all, quite like them (especially rolled to the knee rather than higher) but I'm a huge fusspot when it comes to the feel of fabric. If it doesn't feel good, I know I won't wear it at all. If that resonates, send them right back!

The ON that Sona rocked really isn't doing you any justice, sadly I think even similar body types differ enough in the actual measurements in small, critical ways that we can't always wear the same things as our shape twins. I did think the same thing as Suz: maybe size down? Worth a shot, I think, though I do fear it will get too clingy on the bottom then.

The Trina Turk I'd advise refraining from --- too similar to both the others, and they are each already a bit similar to the other. Why not save your dollars for something in a different colour or shape? Or just put it towards better-quality MOTG pieces?

Natalie, I'm waiting on that exact Trina Turk dress myself! I ordered it in two sizes, curious to see if it works for me. I like the way the MK dresses have the shirring over the waist area. Not a fan of the ON stuff.

Transcona Shannon

Natalie - the Trina Turk dress is beautiful and looks lovely on you. But it is incredibly similar to your other two dresses. Based on that, I think I would send it back and maybe look for something a bit more casual if you're looking for MOTG options.

If you don't like the feel of the ON casual items, I would return. The dress does not highlight your fab figure IMO. This is a tricky dress. I have it too and actually I'm falling out of love with it. The top is very loose and like you, I don't fill it out enough. When I tried the size smaller, the top fit well but the sleeves and waist were too tight. Let it go and move onward!

rae

I don't think the TT dress fits as well as the others, unfortunately. You have set such a high standard now that I vote to return it all. :T

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I love the Bermudas rolled down! I vote keep those, and return the rest. Do they really need to be premium if you are gong to casually kick around in them?

I like the TT dress. I have no problem with it's similarity to the MK frock, but it does not quite fit as well as the others have also pointed out.

I like the TT dress, but it's not exactly a MOTG item if it's mostly silk. I vote return the ON dress, but the denims look fab on you!

Natalie, my TT dress just came in the mail. It looks so much better on you! I'm not even posting a photo. The very thin fabric did me no favors. Back it goes.

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