Tag: Banana Republic

Fall Work Clothes

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When is comes to fashion, fall is the most wonderful time of the year! I’ll be honest, I don’t necessarily consider everything I where to work “fashionable” due to dress code and price tag restrictions, but let’s just pretend! Over the summer I shopped primarily at JCrew Factory and Gap, but now it looks like I’m back on the Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Loft, and Nordstrom wagon. Don’t forget, all of these places (except Nordstrom) will put almost everything on 40% off at some point, so don’t buy anything full price! If you can’t tell, I’ve been trying to refresh my pant selection, and get some good basics to mix and match for years to come. Next time I’ll have to focus on some statement blouses and sweaters!

Banana Republic:

I think I need all of their Sloan pants. They are polished but stretchy, so very comfortable. I don’t love dragging around a wide trouser and getting salt and snow all over my pants, so I think these will an be easier year round pant to wear with heels or flats. (sorry I said the “s” word!)

Bananapants1

This version is high waist, black, side zip. Say no more! (zippers at the ankles!)

bananapants2

I am also on the lookout for a new bright white blouse. I wear white blouses at least twice a week but I’ve noticed most of my options are more ivory than white, and sometimes you need an optic white. Plain, I know, but I will wear the hell out of it.

bananablouse1

Ann Taylor:

I recently ordered this tweed blazer when the “new arrivals” were on sale. I think it will be a nice year round jacket to wear over dresses and with slacks and a blouse. Plus the tweed makes it very fall.

tweed jacket

This skirt intrigues me. I love leather, and I think it’s cool to have faux leather in color!

AnnSkirt

Loft:

I bought these pants in two colors. A similar concept to the Sloan pants from Banana but a machine washable fabric! Count me in!

Loftpants

Nordstrom:

I got a Karen Kane faux wrap dress last year, and I love it. I love wearing dresses to work because it’s a one piece outfit, and that’s 100% true with a Karen Kane dress because the print and the sleeves mean you can go with out without a cardigan/blazer, and you still look put together. On top of that, it’s a really flattering silhouette and I always get compliments. Since it’s a cotton dress, it does wear out a little over time, so I think I need a new Karen Kane to add to the rotation. Some of her prints are a little questionable, but I like this one this season.

Nordstromdress

 

I’m sure these stores have a few more batches of “new arrivals” to come this fall, so I can’t wait to see what’s next!

What are you looking to get for work this season?

Earring Obsession

Sadie1 Comment

We all know I love a good earring, and edgy earrings are having a major moment right now. I love it when trends line up with my personal taste, it means I have some shopping to do! From the geometric studs, to climbers, to tassels, to detailed backs that add another layer of interest, I am all about it!

As always, I’m looking for a statement piece that is hopefully work appropriate (frankly, I have a loose definition of “work appropriate” when it comes to earrings). I have been stalking a lot stores and I finally caved at South Moon Under the other day and bought a couple cool ones.

South

I don’t usually love pearls, but I love the juxtaposition of this look. If you can’t tell, the pearl goes in front and the chains are hooked onto the back of the earring giving it a little more dimension. It’s like preppy in the front, punk in the back!

AMOR-171935-SILV-a-tn

These aren’t the exact ones I got, but they are the closest thing I could find on South Moon Under’s website. I got a pair with one “climber” and one stud, so it’s an asymmetric look. I’m obsessed!bananaearing

I also believe that I need these from Banana. I find them very simple but refreshing.

VinceEarring

How cool are these simple geometric earrings from Vince Camuto. Love!

nordstromearring

Triangles seem to be the answer right now. These look so cool, but simple, light, and comfortable at the same time. These are by gorjana.

threadearring

And, finally, the pull through or thread look is one of my favorites. It looks so cool, and makes everyone do a double take.

These are really just the tip of the ice berg of the cool earrings out there right now.

What styles are you liking right now?

Wanted: New and Pretty Spring and Summer Outfits

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Even though we still have a couple solid months of chilly temperatures ahead of us, I have already been browsing the stores for lighter fabrics, shorter hemlines, and fun warm weather patterns. All of my usual haunts have started to put out their spring and summer lines, so here are some basics that are on my wish list so far:

For Work:

jcrewpants

These pants from J.Crew are colorful, chic, and machine washable. Enough said. With dress pants I’ve realized that I need to try them on before I buy (I usually avoid trying things on). So I will definitely be finding some time to visit a J.Crew in the coming months to make sure I pick the right fit.

AnnTaylordress

This dress from Ann Taylor is pretty simple, but I love a good sheath and I could easily pair it with a bright cardigan or a plain blazer and wear it clear into the fall. Easy peasy.

BananaBlouse

Black and white seems to be on trend this spring, surprise, surprise. This hits all of my requirements for a work shirt: blousey (forgiving), white, unique geometric print, and timeless. Plus it easily doubles as a casual look with jeans.

For Play:

slubsweater

J.Crew Factory is killing it right now! I have a similar slub sweater from there that I got last year. I wear it all the time and I think I need a new color. Other cute things from J.Crew Factory include: this, and I need stock up on these.

jcrewshorts

Here’s another need from J.Crew Factory. Because who doesn’t need blue leopard print shorts? (And speaking of leopard print, I really needed new gym sneaks so I just ordered these)

gapshorts

I might need a new pair of jean shorts, and these ones from Gap look perfect. They have a real finished hem (an upgrade from my current cut-off version), and they’re a good wash. Even though I might be pushing the age limit for short shorts, I’ve realized that dressing for my figure means shorts that are 3 or 4 inch inseams. Honest to G**, my muscular quads make longer shorts look awkward.

 Investment Piece:

blushleather

I saw this in Banana ads but it didn’t register with me how fabulous it was until I saw it in a magazine as well. I love a blush/nude anything and I think it will go with everything. I could definitely use a good spring jacket. I’m keeping my eyes open for a sale or similar alternatives at other stores to make sure I make the best choice!

As we know, my new year’s resolution is to have an efficient wardrobe, so these choices are obvious relatively neutral and timeless (blue leopard is always in season). A few are in my “shopping cart” but I’m doing some comparison shopping and waiting for some sales. We’ll see what makes it home!

What has caught your eye in the stores so far?