Review: BR Two Dresses & A Blazer

In general, Banana Republic has been a little bit of a disappointment to me lately.  I haven't found any pieces that I'm super excited about, and their "classics" are still too big on me even in 00P or XXSP, and usually require alterations.  But they keep sending me coupons and I keep ordering for some reason!  Too bad they don't offer free mail-in returns on petite items like they used to when they first came out with the line.

So on to the review, probably the most successful item I got was the In Plain Sight Dress in 00P:

There's smocking along the sides and back and it makes for a very fitted waist silhouette, which I really like.  The material is a soft crinkly silk, color is pretty although pattern is slightly camouflage-y.  The armholes are a little too low... but the biggest problem is that there's an odd extra pooch of fabric in the upper back:

There's enough extra fabric that it's definitely noticeable and I can even grab a fistful of it.  I'm sure it's alterable somehow but I have no idea how.  And I guess it can probably be covered up with a cardigan or blazer.  But I want things to be perfect darn it! :P

Speaking of blazers, I also ordered the Stretch Cotton Patterned Belted Blazer in 00P:

I like the built-in belt for waist definition and the word "stretch" in the name made me hope that it would run small.

Well it didn't run small that's for sure.  I do like the belt, which adds a lot of shape and looks especially good from the side.  But the belt lies a bit lower than my true waist.   And although it looks almost passable in some pics, it feels very sloppy on, especially when I try to raise my arms... which I can't because the armholes are too big:

The whole jacket slides up when I do and the "waist" ends up right below my bustline!  Very awkward and uncomfortable feeling.  Definitely a return for me unless I want to invest in extensive alterations.  I can see how it would look great on someone who's taller than me though with a longer torso.

The most disappointing in terms of fit was the Sleeveless Gathered Sheath in 00P:

Again, there's supposed to be "stretch" in the item description, so I was hoping to pick up another lighter-colored classic sheath that might fit.  But unfortunately, it was another shapeless potato sack:

I do like that it's lined, and I love the interesting side ruching detail, which emphasizes womanly curves (if it actually fits!)  But for a 00P dress made in a material with stretch, it was surprisingly huge:

Again, much alterations would be needed, which may be more expensive because of the side pleats.  Unless I can get this with a much deeper discount, I don't see my self spending at least $175 total to get this dress to fit.

I also got a bunch of BR belts in XXS... will post review next time! :)