Monday Musings: Some Whining and Some Fashion
Happy Monday ladies. I’ve hopped over to wine country for a long-anticipated visit with one of my dearest girlfriends. The joy of being with her reminds me how often I let work take precedence over things it shouldn’t. Life balance is always a challenge when you love your job.
Too Expensive
I’d like to just whine a bit. What happened to Banana Republic? I know they got a new designer who brought their aesthetic back to the brand’s roots. But whew!! Who are they designing for? The fabrics are all too, too, everything. Stiff, overly bulky, and sized for their ultra-tall models. The 5’4″ woman is in trouble if she wants to wear their clothes.
Even their accessories are out of control. I adore this bag but would never spend $450 for it. This bag needs to be about $200… if that. I never see people shopping in my local store, which makes me wonder who is keeping this brand afloat. Their profits appear to be up, which means I must no longer be their customer, which makes me sad. OK, I’m done whining, but this feels like when I find a favorite shade of lipstick, and they stop making it.
New Finds
My husband swims laps every day, and our pool towels are totally worn out. I ordered this one and this one for him which I thought he’d get a kick out of. I ordered these for myself because I’m not swimming…just hovering in the shade reading beside the pool :). While pursuing, I discovered some other fun finds at Nordstrom Rack and discovered this water flask which I just bought at full price.
Currently reading/devouring
I say reading, but I’m listening to this book on Audible. This guy is brilliant yet makes the material so easy to understand. I’m bingeing on this book and loving every second of it.
Splurge or Save
Linen is hitting the stores in a big way, so I thought it would be fun to do a splurge or save outfit. I’ve taken my linen out in preparation for the heat wave I expect will hit us like a sledgehammer very soon. The feeling of these outfits is similar, but the prices are quite different.
Neutral-colored accessories let the dress take center stage in both of these outfits. It would take you to lunch or a casual dinner and work with white tennies for running errands.
Please note that the top dress appears longer than the bottom dress, but the measurements indicate it’s actually shorter. The top outfit comes in at around $2,164.00, and the second outfit comes in at around $160.00. Could you spot the budget outfit? What tipped you off?
Thanks for reading and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident.
I am very late to this party — when I went to the link for the “save” dress, it took me to a different dress at Kohl’s. Didn’t realize that till now. Ordered the Kohl’s dress in green and I quite like it. Came back to this post for ideas on how to style it, and that’s when I realized it was not the same dress as pictured. It is not linen. How funny! It still worked out well as it fits — the waist is in the right place and the skirt hits just below the knee. It runs large; I sized down a size. I have neutral sandals with a block heel, but was wondering about making it more casual and wearing this with sneakers…
Oh wow! I’m sorry but I’m really glad it worked out for you.
I agree with you 100% on Banana Republic. I haven’t found much there in a long time. My daughter wanted some merino cardigans for Christmas, and I think that’s the last thing I bought. I keep popping into the store, but it’s woefully empty. There’s a beautiful pleated dress that looks like something a Grecian goddess would wear. Now, who would wear something like that? And, would you wear it more than once because it’s so recognizable? I also think the quality is slipping. I looked at some merino tees a few weeks ago. They were so thin I honestly could see my hand through them, and I’m not one to worry about thinness. I hope they turn around. I loved when they did the collaborations with Issa and Marimekko. Those were amazing!
BR has never been my style and the prices are too expensive. I rarely see anyone in their stores.
So ironic regarding your comment about BR. We rented a condo for 2 months in Newport Coast and while here, I went into BR on Newport Coast Drive. I came out and made the same comments to my husband. What a disappointment! 😕
Someone is keeping BR floating. I hope they do a course correction soon.
If it weren’t for the petites at Banana Republic, I wouldn’t have much to wear. Their pants fit me perfectly, and I haven’t found another company’s petites that don’t require some alteration. At 73, a lot of BR clothing is too youthful, but every piece I have is in constant rotation in my closet. Sure, I would like to spend less, so instead, I will just buy less. Regarding the hi/low, something about the sheen of the first dress, and the way it draped, tipped me off. Thanks for your well researched posts. I look forward to them every day.
I live in hot, humid Tennessee and prior to this was in Texas for 19 years. I really appreciate linen and cotton! EF has been a favorite for years but being 5’1” and chubby makes some of her styles not so attractive for me.
I do have a question for you; why is polyester used so much in clothing both high end and low end? I find it just too hot and too much static.
Love the towels!
Hi Jennifer,
I agree about Banana Republic l now don’t shop there as l am frequently sending clothes back that “promise” to be right but in reality often are lacking. The latest was this white linen dress with a wrap front that you had to pull over your head. It was on sale and many bloggers were mentioning it, but it was just badly constructed and the skirt was huge and heavy and l looked like l had gained ten pounds. The return took forever too and l had to chase it up.
Love the towels you found! Happy week 🙂
I recognized the EF dress, so not fair game, although I will say the quality linen is easy to spot, regardless of brand. Even though I like the EF dress, esp the color, I would not buy it because of the linebacker sleeves. I always add cardigans or jackets, and these sleeves/wings are difficult to cover.
Re BR. I *may* have whined about this before, but the BR website is insanely difficult to navigate now. I miss the old days of straightforward photos and words — I don’t need videos for each item, nor do I need ridiculous model poses. If I can’t easily find what I’m looking for on a website, I simply move on to easier sites like Nordstrom.
I find if the model pose is weird, they’re hiding a problem with the garment.
It’s always the handbags that seem to tip me off. I loved all the Kohl items, really nice. Our Banana Republic is downtown and we went down recently and I didn’t recognize it. Not a thing would have fit me there. It seemed so stark. I loved your towels!!
I’m definately not into $200 + dresses or anything I’d be afraid to wear in case I got something on it.
I’m very satisfied with less expensive or bargain brands for shopping at Wal-Mart.
I think anything I wear would be better than what I’ve seen so many people wearing these days. I do shop BR Factory outlet some and have been pleased. I am short so findings petites is the challenge.
The YSL quilted bag was the high end indicator to me and on that note, I do ‘not’ understand the high pricing on bags that IMO are currently over-the-moon. i.e.: It being $2,289.- Cdn. then add $366.24 tax to that.) Will also add, I feel the cost is absolutely crrrra……zy when considering many are not even that well designed. i.e.: Little to no compartment division, cheaply lined etc. As to Banana Republic; will admit I do appreciate their color palette and I don’t have a problem with their sizing, however I do find their quality of fabrics somewhat disappointing for their price range. -Brenda-
That’s my issue. For the price, I want fabrics that aren’t too heavy to wear. Some seems as tough as hopsack!
I agree that Banana Republic clothing is pricey but, perhaps, not more than a lot of othre brands. The bags, though, are over the top. I’m 5′ 2″ and have had good luck with their Petite sizing. And I love the Forever sweater! On the other hand, I would not buy a tee there again: the one I bought has not held up as it should and has a seam unravelling some. The raspberry dress is beautful.
My factory my tees haven’t held up either. I need a better source to refresh my tee collection this summer.
I just bought two Madewell tees and two hats from Nordstrom Rack. They were cheaper than Kohls! I hope I love all of my order! I am 5’2” and am curvy at 140 lbs. I have wide shoulders like you and same coloring. I am hard to fit as I have thickened in my waist. BR would never fit me. I hate coarse fabrics. Give me soft cotton any day. Thank you for introducing me to the Rack! Sydney
My pleasure!! I love the Nordstrom Rack♥️♥️
The sleeve elastic and the self-tie belt on the second dress gave me the clue it was the less expensive one. Sadly, the shaping of the first one doesn’t do anything positive on my short body.
Sadly, the shoulders/sleeves of the top one doesn’t flatter my shape.
I instantly recognized the EF raspberry linen dress in the first pic so I knew that was the spend version. Also the sandals gave it away for me. I’ve never bought anything from BR because nothing ever fit me correctly in the bust. I did go into the local BR last week and agree with your assessment!
The YSL purse gives it away. I actually like the lower dress, though not with a self tie belt.
BR Factory is my shopping place, I can order pants online that really fit (yay) and love those thin forever sweaters.
Love the high low combos..
I have quite a few of the BR Factory sweaters. They’re a great buy.
The first linen dress looks like it is better quality linen and shaped to be more comfortable and classic. The second dress with the elastic on the sleeves looks less expensive and I would probably walk right by it in a store. But the shoes gave it away for me. I recognize those first sandals, and though they might be pricey, they will wear for years and years without any complaints!
I have bought a few items from BR Factory (that is where you will find basic lightweight sweaters, etc.), but rarely shop at BR, as I am no longer working. But my daughter likes their items for work, so I think they might be trying to catch that younger professional market?
I think you’re right Melissa.
Try Banana Republic Factory Outlet, they have great sales, and BR quality, if not the “latest/greatest” styles. I knew right off the top was the pricier because of the YSL bag. I do like that outfit more, but would not pay that much.
I agree about the factory. I really like it!
Another great post – informative and very readable. I’ll add my two thumbs up to Peter Attia. His podcast is called The Drive. He is so smart that some of his content goes right over my head, but I always learn something new and interesting. With the book’s recent publication, he’s been a guest on many other podcasts. Tech Tip: did you know that you can put the name of a person in the Search box in your podcast app and it will bring up all the podcast episodes with that person?? And while we’re talking podcasts – Julia Louis-Dreyfuss has a new one called Wiser Than Me. She’s interviewing older women – Jane Fonda, Isabel Allende, etc. So good! Thanks for all you do, Jennifer!
Yes, thanks for your blog, Jennifer. And thanks for rhe rant. When you make a complaint as a stylist I hope BR and other companies take notice. I shop for casual comfort and often on-line in Canada and are mostly satisfied. Have never been into the designer label thing as a purse for me is utilarian and the bigger it is, the more I fill it with odds and sods. At my age it is better to have a small purse for a small wallet for ID and my phone if possible.
Like so many things in the marketplace vendors are targeting younger clientele. My age group often seeks comfy and casual and coverups but we don’t have the money tocsupport high and high-priced fashion. PS I always enjoy a well-written rant! Bravo, Jennifer!
Happy Monday Susan
You are a font of wisdom Barbara! I had no idea about that search. I’ll check out Julia Louis-Dreyfus. So much great listening on podcasts these days.
The second dress fabric has sheen to it verses the first dress you can tell are more natural fibers (nicer quality)……
Happy Monday
Happy Monday. That’s a great find and always an indication of quality for me.
BR is shooting for the “new lux” market, whoever that is. I’m not sure where people are going in this newly casual world that they need this stuff. BR Factory is pretty good though … worth a deep dive! Dresses, EF always stands out with fabric and styling! Finally, I have to recommend that Eastland driving moc/loafer. Comfy, looks like a loafer when on but has the flexible sole of a driving moc. A little cushioning but there isn’t arch support. It’s roomy and wide enough for my duck feet in my normal size. You could probably fit an insert. I will be ordering my third color. IDK I’m reclaiming some of my preppy roots. These shoes, white or light denim, gauze button down (Jennifer has shown these, wear unbuttoned at top and bottom, sleeves scrunched)…chef’s kiss!
Good to know about those driving mocs! I have a very old pair that is so comfy. The point about the “new lux”. I’ve been reading about it too.
Kinda funny but the item that stood out for me in the first grouping was the NARS lipstick. I have American Woman in their lip stain and love the neutral shade with a hint of soft color. It’s time to check out their new line of lipstick.
Let’s just say, linen is the hands down answer to those hot and humid days. After this incredibly long, relentless winter, I hope I never complain about our summer weather. We will see……
I’m so ready for linen!!
I love scrolling through the BR clothing, and my mind goes to question who wears these clothes regularly ?. I have two of their satin blouses. Most of what I see seems too far afield from what I would wear for casual, retired lifestyle.
Good morning,
When I saw both choices I figured the lower one was the cheaper because of the dress and shoes.
Banana Republic has never been one of those places I can find anything but tops being 5″. They have never designed for those of us who are height challenged.
And I was thinking how the new collection at Banana Republic was elegant and so to-my-taste! However, I have not taken my 5’2” self into an actual store and felt the fabrics or tried on any of the clothes, so you have given me some food for thought. I have often felt that crisp architectural lines in clothing work well on my short, curvy figure but they do need to be petite proportioned. I guess Banana Republic does not consider the large percentage of women under 5’6” in North America?
The YSL purse tipped my guess towards the first outfit. That pretty raspberry coloured linen dress also looked more relaxed and easier to wear in the heat, to my eye.
You new it was the first one because of the bag and shoes. I like that style dress better but colors are too wild for me. It is funny I also have a session at Talbots today.
Completely agree about Banana Republic. Where are their great merino wool and silk/cotton blend sweaters? This brand has “gone bananas”…😞
I have been disappointed with Banana Republic lately and I kept reading about how their rebranding was a huge success. I was glad to learn I’m not alone in my thinking. Perhaps they are aiming for a younger demographic? Regardless their pricing is out of line for the quality offered. I shop Everlane a good bit and their cashmere is higher quality at a lower price point. It will be interesting to see if BR maintains this current approach.
I hope they redirect because for the most part, I just can’t wear what they carry now
Please help me with linen. I want to buy it but am afraid it always looks wrinkled. Am I missing the proper way to shop or care for it? Thank you!
It does always look wrinkled but less do if you steam instead of iron it. It’s hard to get used to the look.
The top outfit is the splurge, the YSL purse is the tip off. I do love that purse though, in all the colors. I also have Longevity on hold at the library, I heard the author Dr. Attia on a podcast, he’s interesting and nice, which led me to the book. (The podcast is People I Mostly Admire.)
Both of these dresses are pretty, linen just grabs color! I favor the top dress because puffy sleeves can be annoying.
I’ll have to check out that podcast. He’s really easy to listen to as well.
I too am so disappointed with BR now. That purse is $580 Cdn! I might try their factory store next time I’m out that way golfing and see if the bargains are as good as in the past.
The top linen outfit is the more expensive – the YSL purse and the dress were the give aways.
Would have loved to see what you wore to wine country.
The top outfit is the more expensive, I think, because of the purse? Anyway, I like that dress better!
I loved Banana Republic back in the 1970s. Their catalog was a delight and the clothes were well made, stylishly casual and practical, also reasonably priced. Nothing like what I see on their site now. I still have my vintage photographer’s vest with all the great pockets. Perfect for hiking.
Good morning Jennifer, your weekend sounds wonderful, my husband spent a week in Sonoma several years ago, absolutely loved Healdsburg! I think the bottom outfit is the more expensive? I have an appt this morning at my local Talbots for their May preview , hoping they have some linen. Have a good day
Have fun!!
Jennifer, just returned from Talbots preview sale 30% off, I purchased several things and I’m hooked on the Bristol Iinen
Crops in oatmeal and the linen boyfriend shirt. So comfortable 😀
Those are great pieces!