October 2012 Banana Republic Fitting Room Reviews and Recent Purchases

Yesterday morning, after a nice long nap, I spent a few hours of my post-call day shopping!  It's such a nice way to de-stress after a long night's work.  I hadn't initially planned on going, but I thought I'd take a nice browse through the sales racks after I saw the BR extra 35% off coupon (available on their Facebook page for 10/23/12 only).  I wasn't too impressed with the store offerings, but I grabbed a few items to try on for size.

Bridget Stripe Belted Knit Dress

Price: $59.99 (orig $89.50)   Size: small petite     Style #: 423736

I feel like I can never have enough nautical inspired clothing.  I'm not sure what it is about navy and white stripe patterns, but it never fails to draw me in.  The only downside is I know that all the "jail-break" jokes my attendings make are never going to end.

This was the only dress of it's kind in the entire store, which makes me think it may have been a returned item.  Store price is the same as the online price.  It looks like the dress has gotten great reviews online.  The material is 95% rayon and 5% spandex.  The weight of the material is very nice and the added stretch from the spandex adds immensely to the comfort.  Some reviewers state that the dress runs fairly large, but I like the looser fit of the small.  Since it has a tie-belt, you can make the waist as tight as you want.  My only gripe with that is that the material tends to pucker underneath the belt, but this can be fixed somewhat with re-positioning and smoothing of the wrinkles.  

Verdict: Bought with discount for $38.99

Printed Micro-pleat Shell

Price: $22.99 (orig $45)    Size: small      Style #: 421686

I really like the design and unique pleating of this top.  If you stare at it for long enough, it has a trompe l-oeil quality to it...pretty cool.  Unfortunately this was the smallest size left in stock, which did not allow me to compare the fit of this top in an extra small.  There is a price discrepancy between online and in-store pricing, with the online price being $39.99.  The material is 100% polyester, and it is a light and airy shell.  I think it would look fantastic underneath a suit or just as good with a casual blazer.

Verdict: Bought with discount for $14.95. I am still undecided about keeping this top, but after trying it on at home it is definitely not the right size.  I'll likely be returning this top.

Sandra Printed Tie-neck Blouse

Price: $22.99 (orig $69.50)     Size: X-small petite      Style #: 227255

I like the fabric design and the idea of tie-neck blouses, I just don't think they are very flattering on me.  The material is 100% poly, and it seems as if the online reviews are not so great either. 

Verdict: No

Sexy Side-zip Legging

Price: $49.99 (orig $89.50)   Size: 00p      Style #: 861542

I was super excited when I saw this in the sales rack, because it looked like it could be a cheaper alternative to the J.Crew Minnie pant that I love.  After a mini-arm workout pulling them on, I was quite disappointed in the length and cut of these pants.  Firstly, I was not a fan of the fact that the style is a tapered pant which is supposed to bunch and gather at the ankle.  In my opinion, this does not created a "sexy" and sleek silhouette but one reminiscent of 80's style legwarmers.  I much prefer the slim, cropped style of the Minnie.  Secondly, the calf and ankle area are super tight.  I do enjoy running, but I by no means have overly large calves and these pants were so constricting below the knee.  Lastly, the feel of the material is somewhat similar, but the Minnie definitely wins.  The BR pants are much thinner and made of viscose, cotton, and spandex, whereas the J.Crew Minnie is just cotton and spandex.  If you are interested in purchasing these pants, online price is better at $39.99.

Verdict: No

Gemma Wrap Dress

Price: $54.99 (orig $98)   Size: small   Style #423344

Again another lonely return in the sales racks.  This length is way too long on me.  The material is a mixture of rayon and spandex, making it feel cool and comfortable on your skin.  The tie-belt was truly quite long, and I believe I wrapped it around 4-5 times before tying it.  I would be interested to see how the x-small petite version fits.

Verdict: No

I also stopped by J.Crew and Gap, both of which had great sales going on.  

I picked up 2 pairs of the J.Crew Toothpick Ankle Jean in byzantine blue and shallow sea (mint color) for $24 each.  The ankle jeans fit me very well in the length department making them look like a regular pair of skinny jeans on me (no need for hemming!).  

Another great find was the multistripe long-sleeve boatneck tee which I got for $9.50 after discounts.  J.Crew still has the extra 30% off sales merchandise going on.

Gap had an extra 40% off clearance items for in-store purchases.  I was able to score some basic bras (strapless uplift, strapless multi-way, and demi plunge) and a t-shirt to wear with scrubs for work.  The bras came out to $7 or $8 and the t-shirt was less than $5.  I also picked out this wide-stripe sweater in navy for $7.80.  The in-store price is $12.97 for the sweater (before extra 40% off), while it's still $31.99 online.

Two Tweed Looks

I know it's been awhile, but I'm back! I bought the green version of the J.Crew No.2 pencil skirt (pink version here), because the color will work beautifully for fall outfits and it was on sale for $29!  It fits just as well as the pink one, but I feel like the color scheme is just more classic.  Prices were better in-store, but it's still available in certain sizes online with an additional 30% off with code LOVEIT.

 BR silk shell, J.Crew tweed pencil skirt, Talbots necklace, Ann Taylor perfect pumps

Talbots clearance find for $14.50!  The necklace has a great weight to it...not heavy at all.  My only issue is that the stones don't lie perfectly flat on my chest, especially the center one.

 Target chambray, J.Crew tweed pencil skirt, BCBG sandals, thrifted pearls

Do you prefer the silk, tweed, and emerald look?  Or the chambray, tweed, and pearls look?

A New Coat and a New Journey

Now that I've graduated from medical school and my "summer break" is over, I'm officially starting out on a new journey.  This week marks the beginning of my 3 year long residency in pediatrics, and I'm excited/nervous/scared to start this new adventure (and sad that my days of no responsibility are over).


My outfit for the first day of my two week long orientation to the hospital.

BR embellished tee (old), H&M cobalt skirt (from this post), Coach purse (old), BR necklace (may still be in stores), Michael Kors Jet Set Watch, Target Pearce pumps

I don't normally wear heels to work since I'm on my feet all day, but I thought it looked better with the outfit.  Here's what I actually looked like for orientation :)

BR flats

While I was a medical student, I could only wear a short white coat.  As a petite female and wearing a coat that looked "different" from the doctors, patients routinely referred to me as "the nurse".  Needless to say, I was super excited to start sporting my long coat, even though I've been told I will still probably be mistaken for a nurse from time to time.  It's funny how the stereotype of a doctor being male and the nurse being female is still so prevalent in our society.

I ordered the XS coat, but, of course, the smallest size we were given was a "small regular".  So silly considering a large portion of my residency class are petite females.  Here is how hilariously large the coat is on me.

A little better with the sleeves scrunched

Just for fun, this is how the coat fits on my just under 6 foot tall boyfriend!

I have 3 of the same size coat, and I really don't want to pay for all of them to be tailored.  Since they are not supposed to be tight or form fitting, I only need to slim them a smidgen. I'm planning on throwing 2 in the dryer to see if they will shrink.  Bad idea?

Trina Turk for Banana Republic Launch Event and Fitting Room Reviews

I was so excited to head over to the Philly Banana Republic store this evening for the BR Trina Turk launch.  I couldn't wait to see the collection in person.  It also didn't hurt that they were offering free refreshments and hors d'oeuvres to all customers!

Wine bar

My glass of chardonnay and a chocolate covered strawberry and smoked salmon appetizer.  I didn't snap a pic of the white chocolate mousse on a chocolate shell with raspberry and mint garnish, but it was delish.

Crazy botanical twist-strap dress

 

The 0P fit me nicely.  I love that this dress is 100% silk.  The price ($130) is quite fair for the quality and material.  The botanical print is so whimsical and fun that it makes me want to throw this on for a garden party on a warm summer's day.  Too bad I don't have any of those in my future.  Ultimately I decided to hold off on this purchase...for now.

Silk bow top and botanical print shorts

I didn't love the way the top fit on me but I LOVED these shorts.  The botanical print is my favorite, and the material is so comfortable (I think it was 98% cotton and 2% spandex).  I thought the cut was also quite flattering.  The 0P fit me really well.  The only reason I held back from purchasing the shorts are that I won't be able to wear them often once residency starts.  So cute though!

Pisces strapless patio dress

Also 100% silk. I think this print is so beautiful, but I did not like the elastic strapless component of this dress.  It seemed to squeeze my chest and underarm area in an unflattering way.

I hope Banana Republic does more designer collaborations.  In the future, I would love to see these bright prints on pencil skirts, hint hint.

Did you like the BR Trina Turk collection?

Petite Fashion Challege #16: Summer Wedding

This month's challenge is being hosted by Lauren of Petite on a Penny.  The challenge:
"Create an outfit for a summer wedding (the dress code is up to you). For bonus points (and this is what I'll be doing!) try to make your whole outfit, head to toe, come in under $100! (Or, exclude shoes and accessories to meet the $100 mark.)"

For a full list of participants, click here.

Since I'm still relatively new to blogging, this is my first Petite Fashion Challenge! Luckily, this wasn't too difficult for me as I've had four weddings this month! I photographed the outfits that I wore to two events this past weekend and the outfit that I'm thinking of wearing to a wedding next weekend.

Being as indebted as I am, none of my outfits even come close to being over $100.  You can definitely find treasures in the sales racks.  Score one for penniless student!

My first outfit is what I wore to the Welcome Reception for my friend Carrie's wedding.  The dress is from a small boutique in Charleston, South Carolina, and it's great for summer weddings as it's light and airy.
*Sorry for the super obvious watermarks...I'm still learning!*

Dress from Willy Jay's Clothing ($35),  Forever 21 earrings ($7), Silver bead bracelet (gift), Opal ring from Paris flea market ($23), Express beaded clutch (Black Friday freebie from years ago), Target black peep-toe pumps (on sale for $15)

Total for this outfit: $80

For the actual wedding, I chose a more formal looking dress.  She had her ceremony outdoors, and the reception was in this beautiful country club.  The theme of her wedding was "English Tea Garden", so I thought pink/mauve would be an appropriate color.

Banana Republic dress (on sale for $38...originally $150), Banana Republic earrings (Memorial Day sale find at $17), Anya Hindmarch for Target clutch (on sale for $15), Target gold peep-toe pumps (on sale for $15)

Total for this outfit: $85

I am thinking of wearing this outfit for my old roommate Lauren's wedding this weekend.  She'll be having a more traditional wedding, with the ceremony in a church and the reception in a grand ballroom.  I decided on a slightly darker color for the dress to go along with the more dimly lit ambiance of the ballroom.

Banana Republic silk dress (winter clearance find at $30...originally $140), Gold heart necklace gifted from a friend, Anya Hindmarch clutch ($15), Target nude pumps (on sale for $20)

Total for this outfit: $65

I am really a minimalist when it comes to jewelry.  I feel like the extra weight gets in the way of my dancing! But I'd be open to suggestions for ways to jazz up my look.  Any ideas to better accessorize my final outfit?

Recent Purchases (H&M, Target, BR, Nordstrom Rack)

Just bought these last weekend and wanted to share.

Banana Republic V- neck Colorblock Cardigan

Size S, item # 44205001, on sale for $14.99 (original price $59.50)

Well-made and very soft.  Material is 49% cotton, 32% polyester, 16% nylon, 3% lycra spandex. The sleeves are on the longer side but not a problem when worn scrunched.  Love the vibrant orange-red color!

Also wearing Loft knit dress (old) and nude Mossimo (Target) Pearce pumps (in camel)

VERDICT: Keep

Merona V-neck Cardigan (Target)

Size S, item #015025325, on sale for $12.98 (original price $24.99)

I had been wanting a chartreuse cardigan for some time now, so I was very happy to find this in my size on the clearance rack.  This cardigan is much slimmer and thinner than the BR one, but it's 100% cotton.  It also has a rosette pattern running along the V-neck, but they are not too noticeable when worn unbuttoned.

VERDICT: Keep

 H&M Printed Maxi Dress

 

Size XS, item #029587, price $17.95 (bought with coupon for $14.95)

This item is from their "Basic" collection. I really liked this print when I spotted it in the store. It is the perfect length for me (I'm 5 feet 2.5 inches) and won't need to be hemmed.  Without shoes it skims the floor, but with any type of shoe it's fine.  The knit material is very stretchy, but I'm not sure this silhouette is one that I'm looking for.  I had in mind that I wanted a more flowy maxi (think fuller bodied skirt), so my decision to keep this will be dependent upon what else I see in stores!

VERDICT: Still deciding

H&M Swimwear

Turquoise Paisley Padded Bra Top and Bottom
Top size 34A32B, bottom size 4, item # 035572 and 035530, price $4.95 per piece
Super affordable!  Even if I only get a couple wears out of it, I won't feel too guilty. The bottoms fit very well, but I'm still iffy on the top.  Not sure if it's either the style or just that the cup size is too small, but it seems a little low-cut and I feel like my girls might pop out.  This was the very last padded top in store so I took it home, but I'm on the hunt to see if a 32B might have slightly better coverage. Found this in size 32B and fits MUCH better!
VERDICT: Keep...such an AMAZING price!

Mossimo Ona ballet flats (Target)- cheetah print

 

Size 8, item # 096064478, price $14.99

Should still be in stores, but unavailable online.

I'm typically a 7-7.5 in flats, but the elastic backing on these flats pushed my toes forward.  I would recommend sizing up by 1/2 size or 1 whole size.  I also got a slightly larger size so that I could add insoles.  These flats do not offer much support for your feet.  I do enjoy the soft mohair-like material for the outer portion, and I like the spot size and overall color of the shoe (Note: Top right photo featuring close-up of the spots is the best for depicting the actual color).

VERDICT: Return.  The elastic band keeps pushing my toes forward, and it's just not that comfortable.  Target has another leopard print shoe that has larger spots.  I found the two pairs that were sent to me to be very wide.  If you have wide feet, order your true size or 1/2 size down.  I ended up returning those flats as well.

Collection Eighteen Scarf from Nordstrom Rack

One Size, Price $14.97

Really lightweight and such a vibrant color.  I like that it is two-toned.  Bright orange has become one of my favorite colors to wear, as I think it works really well in spring, summer, and fall!

VERDICT: Probably keep