Tag: Banana Republic

Spring Pants and Skirt Trends: Pro/Con

Sadie1 Comment

Forget the statement tops for a second, because it’s time to add some color and ruffles below the belt now! More is always more!

Colored Jeans

Pro: A comfy way dress up jeans a little, you could probably fool some people at work if jeans are usually considered too casual (above from Banana)

Con: I love standard denim because it goes with almost everything, but adding color narrows those options

Verdict: I’m thinking something in a mint

Embroidered Jeans

Pro: A fresh take on denim with a retro vibe (above from Nordstrom)

Con: Definitely a statement that might look dated in five minutes

Verdict: Hard pass

Tie Waist Pants or Shorts

Pro: Makes a shorts and a tee shirt look more of a thoughtful outfit since the shorts are more interesting (above from Loft)

Con: You have to be ok with drawing attention to your waist, and you might have to tuck in your shirt to make it work (or at least a half tuck)

Verdict: Not sold, but never say never

Accordion Pleat Midi Skirt

Pro: A breezy, feminine option that is comfortable and forgiving (above from Nordstrom)

Con: This is going to be the focal point of your outfit, so you have to plan everything else around it. It’s not like throwing on a pair of skinny jeans

Verdict: This skews a little too girly for me, but I won’t rule it out

Wrap/Ruffle Skirt

Pro: A nice flirty twist on the classic skirt silhouettes (above from Loft)

Con: Depending on the style, if you’re pear shaped this might throw proportions in the wrong direction for you

Verdict: I’ve seen some pencil skirt versions with a front diagonal ruffle that would be great with a very simple shirt for work

What trends are you trying this Spring?

Spring Blouse Trends: Pro/Con

Sadie2 Comments

When I’m considering trying a new trend, I run a pro/con list (in my head) to make a decision. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but blouses are crazy right now. Statement blouses are IN. Here are my thoughts on some of the big blouse trends right now.

Off the Shoulder

Pro: Classic silhouette but also an instant statement piece (above from JCrew)

Con: Need specific undergarments

Pro: Highlights your clavicle which is a great feature for most women

Con: Neckline tends to move around during the day or when you add a jacket and you need to adjust it

Verdict: I’m trying it, but not spending a lot of $$. The nice thing is that it’s so popular right now, it’s easy to find a fabric, color, pattern that will work for you.

Cold Shoulder

Pro: Shows some skin without requiring a special bra or being overly exposed (above from Anthro)

Con: Not really work appropriate (in my opinion) unless you have a more causal dress code

Pro: Shows off the shoulder which is flattering, but still covers the other parts of the arm

Con: You might get the side eye from your less fashion forward friends and family, and it could be a totally dated look in a year or two

Verdict: Meh. Maybe if I had more dressy weekend occasions and I wanted to mix it up.

Waist Tie

 

Pro: A retro reference with a contemporary spin (above from Banana)

Con: Adds volume and attention to the waist line

Pro: Your look finished without tucking in your shirt

Con: A lot of the ties of the front tie shirts out there look kind of dinky and lame, especially on the cheaper versions

Verdict: I wear side tie workout tops but I’m not dying to try this version.

Twist Front

Pro: A lot of these are done in a really soft jersey or flowey fabric, aka very comfortable (above from Nordstrom)

Con: Draws your eye to the hips

Pro: Very forgiving if you’re headed out to a big brunch but stylish at the same time

Con: Because the drop waist look, not great if you’re trying to accentuate a small waist

Verdict: I’m not opposed to it, because it seems comfortable and perfect with jeans, but it’s not on my immediate shopping list.

Crazy Sleeves

Pro: Easy way to make jeans and a blouse into a real statement (above from Anthro)

Con: Definitely throws off proportions and makes your arms look huge

Pro: You won’t need fancy jewelry, hair, or shoes, because no one will notice anything else

Con: You need to watch your sleeves when you reach across the dinner table because they’ll end up in the side dishes or the candle

Verdict: Too much for me. I tried a couple on, they make my arms look huge.

Looks like all you’ll need this spring and summer is a couple pairs of simple skinny jeans or shorts to pair with some fun blouses. Volume seems to be the name of the game right now so if you’re going big on top, go slim on the bottom and vice versa. I’ll take a look at bottoms and dresses soon.

What blouse trends are you trying right now?

Hits and Misses

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Usually I focus on shopping for two occasions: going to work, and working out. I recently realized that I don’t have much that fits in those rare in between times, when I’m not at work or the gym… My default has always been jeans and a tee shirt, and sometimes you need something a little cuter for brunch or a party. Here are some of the recent hits and misses I’ve had at the stores.

Hits

Well if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em. I was on the fence about the whole off-the-shoulder trend, but guess what? It turns out my collar bone is fantastic! I ordered this top from the Gap and I think it’s fabulous. The sleeves are kind of full and the fabric is kind of stiff but I think that will soften up with a wash or two. I think this will be perfect for weekend events with shorts or white jeans. I’m definitely on the lookout for more cute casual tops.

I ordered this dress from Banana Republic because I thought it would work for work and weekend if needed. It is super comfortable to wear to work, so it was definitely a win.

I am obsessed with JCrew’s lookout high rise jeans. A bunch of my jeans are a little too big at the moment, but I know what size works for me in this style, so I thought I should expand my collection. I bought a couple lighter wash jeans last summer and a pair of rinse wash lookout high rise in the fall. But I realized that I needed something between rinse and light wash. Enter the Meyer wash. I now have four of this cut of jeans, and I think my denim wardrobe is complete.

Misses

I thought this top from the Gap looked really cute, and it would be a really versatile summer top. When I got in the mail, however, it was basically 100% see through. Not a good look. Plus it was pretty stiff and boxy. Side note- since off the shoulder is so big right now, they need to work on the strapless layering cami to put underneath. I’ve shopped around and haven’t seen much besides some really intense shape wear. Return.

Colored denim is kind of trendy right now, and I though pink jeans would be fun. I got these on sale at Ann Taylor, but I don’t love them. They fit poorly and the pink color had a brown undertone which made almost look like a terra cotta in person. Not the shade I was looking for. Return.

I thought this dress from the Gap would be perfect to throw on for a weekend lunch or party. The top was really cute and flattering, but the skirt stuck out in a weird way. It was a weird A-line silhouette instead of hanging straight down. Also, it was a teeny bit shorter than I wanted it to be.