Here's the second part of my old fitting room pics... and this time it's Banana Republic. Like always, the pickings are slim (but what can I say, I'm a creature of habit). Since most items were a fail, I included stock photos so you can at least see what they're supposed to look like. Here goes!
1. Silk Halter Tank in XXSP:
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I almost ordered this online in the print version to try, but I'm glad I didn't because it doesn't fit! Was just large overall including an odd poofing above the waistband in the back. It's also a bit see-through, but also comes in black which I can see looking nice on someone a size bigger and larger-busted than me. Verdict: Pass.
2. Graphic Ruffle Neck Shell in XXSP:
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Ugh, I really didn't like this one. The material was stiff and didn't drape well, which didn't help its boxy cut. I also didn't much like the colors in person. I think I'll take a ruffly LOFT blouse over this one any day. Verdict: Pass.
3. Textured Ruffle Jacket in XXSP:
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I kinda liked this jacket on the hanger... but not so much on me. It was big and ill-fitting virtually everywhere, I wouldn't even know where to start to get it altered. BR jackets are a fail for me unless they start sizing down or introduce size XXXSP *sigh*. Verdict: Pass.
4. Ruffled Military Jacket in XXSP:
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This one was a teensy bit smaller than the last, but still a no go. The material is 100% cotton and machine washable, so it might make a nice casual jacket for someone a size up... but personally I think I prefer a bit more waist definition. Verdict: Pass.
5. Silk Tiered Ruffle Tank in XXSP:
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Finally something with a little bit more potential! I initially thought no on this one... was roomy as you can tell, and I didn't know how I'd style something with such voluminous bottom ruffles like this. But when I threw a cardigan on (see below), I actually started to like it! The 100% silk material makes for very nicely draped ruffles. It's definitely not for bottom-heavy body types, but is great for anyone looking to create hips (or disguise a flat rear like me). Verdict: Want, but likely wait for sale.
6. Cashmere Ruffle Edge Cardigan in XXS(P?):
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If it weren't for the $160 price tag (100% cashmere), I might've walked out of the store with this one. Feels super super soft and light enough for spring, and the iPhone pics aren't doing the color any justice. Comes in an array of spring colors and reminds me of the popular LOFT long cardigan except with ruffling along the edge. Verdict: Stackable sales please!
So what do you think? Was I delusional about the silk tiered ruffle tank (due to the many fails of the other items)? Have you found any winners at Banana Republic lately? Please share!
I like the cashmere cardi the best but it is it petite? Nothing to jump up and down about since the price tag makes it not so appealing :-)
ReplyDeleteI meant is it a petite size? Clearly my iPhone wants to type for me..lol
ReplyDeleteSo many reviews! Thanks Liane for sharing with your fellow petites...I know it's time consuming to try things on and take (clear) photos of them. I like the last cardigan but would probably pay $30 for it, cashmere and all. The longer length for cashmere I think makes it less versatile than say, the shorter j.crew cashmere cardis that Kelly and Vicky modeled and shrunk.
ReplyDeleteI hope I don't get in trouble for this but I really dislike the ruffled bottom tank..it reminds me of cake tiers and also something that abercrombie kids probably offers (in cotton of course, not luxe silk). Also as you pointed out yourself it's quite roomy..under the cardigan you're swimming in it and can probably fit two arms through one armhole. BR, oh BR....please entice us with something.
Aw the halter and the first jacket looked so cute! It sucks how none of the things you tried on fits! Are you using an iPhone there?! I swear everyone else's iPod has better camera quality than mine.. and I have the newest one..
ReplyDeleteThanks for reviewing the BR stuff. It's basically the only store that sells petite sizes in Canada so it's great to see the reviews. Has anyone tried this tank at BR? http://bananarepublic.gapcanada.ca/browse/product.do?cid=65892&vid=3&pid=816299&scid=816299013
ReplyDeleteThanks! I'm loving these petite size blogs.
i went to br today and been a few more times the last month but have been super lazy to try some of these things on. so thanks for the review and pics. lol
ReplyDeletei been very curious about the halter and the ruffle jacket. everything is huge on you. when i'm not lazy, i definitely want to try that jacket. i'm much bigger than you, so i have a feeling that i'm going to fill it out much better. :P
I have to go with PAG on this one... I really dislike tiered ruffle top too. I think this one is just as big on you as the previous top and the style in general is very cake-like which I think your petite frame only enhances. Personally I always stay away from too many ruffles because it's a fine line between feminine and wedding cake. I would recommend passing on the top even if deeply discounted... arm holes seem too big, side is boxy, etc.
ReplyDeleteI like the Ruffle Edge Cardi, but I also wish LOFT would bring back their popular long cardi. I bought one of BR's Petite Full Needle Cardis and liked the fit and pockets, but it isn't as long and the polyester material doesn't make it ideal for warmer months. Thanks for the rest of the reviews!
Hrmmmm... I like the idea of the first and 5th top...but, I agree, just not quite right. I couldn't fill out the first and the 5th looks as though the armholes are quite huge. Looks cute as an "almost dress" or tunic with the caridgan though.
ReplyDeleteAnd they have some seriously darling cardis... Too bad they're so darn expensive!
Thanks for the reviews!
I've got to defend BR....especially since my wardrobe is practically 50% BR and 50% Club Monaco!
ReplyDeleteHowever, I can see how tiny petites like yourself could get frustrated. I am 5'4" and 104lb but small chested and the smallest sizes are sometimes too big for me.
I straddle both the petite and regular collection. Petites for some items(esp jackets and dresses) or XS regular (when petite tops are too short in the arm and/or body, and for pants as practically all petite pants are a smidgen too short).
I've found lots of great stuff from the fall/winter collections recently during their sales.
@Really Petite - The cardigan was on display in the petite section of the store, so I thought it was. But couldn't find it online in petite sizing, so that's why I'm not entirely sure.
ReplyDelete@PetiteAsianGirl - $30 for 100% cashmere? You drive one tough bargain Jean! Lol... even my AE cashmere cardigans which I love to death and wear constantly were $40-$50 each and I thought that was a good deal at the time. Thanks for the honest opinion... I distinctly remember telling myself 'definitely not' when trying the ruffle tank on, but for some reason after I left I kept thinking about it. Maybe because everything else was such a failure.
@The Little Dust Princess - Yup all my fitting room pics are from iPhone. I usually take several shots of each b/c some come out blurry... oh and I always have to straighten, crop and adjust lighting afterwards too. Wish they come out looking like that already!
@Anonymous - I haven't seen that tank in store so I can't help you with that one. Thanks for reading though! I think LOFT needs to expand to Canada... their petite collection would be so successful there!
@Ping - I can definitely picture the halter on you Ping... You'd look amazing in it. But then again, I think the waist might be too big on you too... you have a teeny waist!
ReplyDelete@R.L. - Thanks for the feedback! I knew I was in some sort of warp zone where I couldn't really trust my judgment on this one. I think as a tank, it definitely fails in terms of fit, but I started to think of it as a tunic or dress that I could layer over and that's where I ran into trouble. Probably not worth the fuss, since I'm trying to only buy items that I absolutely love!
@Aubrey - They definitely are... would need to be brought up at the shoulders at least, and possibly slimmed. I really loved the feel of the cashmere cardigan... so soft! But $160 is totally out of the question for me!
@calcho - You're so lucky you have the extra height! I find that most BR and LOFT tops are too long (even when they fit elsewhere). Of course that can be fixed by tucking, but not always because the proportions may be off. BR was my first "love" so I'll probably always give them a chance, but I just wish they kept their XXSP and 00P sizes as small as they used to (and should) be!
I think the ruffle tank is a no too...the armholes were what jumped out at me at first...you can fit both of your arms in there with ease! You know I love romantic pieces but I think this one kind of swallowed you. :( I like the color of the cashmere cardigan and I will be keeping an eye on it if it goes on sale! Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteI think that blue looked really good on you!!
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Pass on everything.
ReplyDeleteI have to say no to the silk tiered ruffle tank. It's still big on you, but does look better with a cardi over it. Perhaps try a belt? I think the best out of all these is #1, the silk halter tank. It looks better on you than on the model, but I still don't love it.
ReplyDeleteThe only item I would give half a thought to is the ruffled military jacket (and it's still too big on you)! Thank you for taking the time to do this review though, it's very helpful!
ReplyDeleteI actually really, really like the silk halter - it's just so dreamy and romantic. I don't mind the slight poof in the back. Probably because I'm used to seeing that when there's an elasticized waist. Too bad about all the large items because they all have such great potential! The ruffle tank is cute with a cardi - do you normally wear cardis at work/weekends? If so, I'd get it when it goes on sale. If not, I'd pass.
ReplyDeleteI think the layered ruffle tank can have some potential if you belt it? But then again you run the risk of it flaring too widely since the ruffles will stick out in a horizontal fashion. I think my favorite is the floral print shell! It looks pretty bad on its own but with some tucking I think it can look great!
ReplyDeleteThanks for more reviews! I agree with the ladies about the tiered shell. At first I thought it would look cute with leggings and fun bracelets...but, the armoles and the bust! The bust just looks shapeless and awkard, and that continues up to the shoulders.
ReplyDeleteBummer about the jackets! I do not know that I have ever tried on a BR jacket! Another store I have not visited for awhile!
great review, Liane!! i love the cashmere cardigan on you but alas the price tag is way too steep for me. and i also really like the graphic ruffle neck shell too even though it is a little boxy! i'll have to see if they have that in my store. :)
ReplyDeleteWow such a comprehensive review! I have the same problem with BR petites...hit or miss...and mostly misses! makes me sad!
ReplyDelete-Lor
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ReplyDeleteI'm glad you tried on the military ruffle jacket - I have been eyeing it for awhile. I'm curious how it would look with a belt, not too wide, maybe a medium sized one? Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteLove BR reviews as I shop there a lot! I have the first two tops and the blue ruffle jacket!
ReplyDeletebesos,
ML
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Love the silk halter in white, soo pretty on you !!
ReplyDeleteCute blue ruffle jacket :) Check out the 16th Bar for petite tips and cute clothes.
ReplyDeletehttp://the16thbar.com/