ByKat Hours Updated
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Suit of the Week: Banana Republic

Banana Republic Rosette BlazerFor busy working women, the suit is often the easiest outfit to throw on in the morning. In general, this feature is not about interview suits for women, which should be as classic and basic as you get — instead, this feature is about the slightly different suit that is fashionable, yet professional.

I'm always a fan of this color of suit. It's much softer than a black or navy, but not quite as casual as a khaki — and the lighter color is so much easier to work with than a dark brown suit. In general, I love pastels with brown, and I particularly like the rosy pink shell they've paired it with for the below picture (although the model's topknot is a bit debatable — I suppose that's a discussion for another time, though). The rosette accent is interesting but not overly cute, and I like the grosgrain details on the skirt and jacket. Nice. The jacket (Banana Republic Rosette Blazer) is $175, and the skirt (Banana Republic Grosgraintrim Pencil Skirt) is $69.50. Not pictured: A set of matching pants (Banana Republic Martin Fit Textured Trouser) for $98. All three are available regulars, petites, and talls.

Banana Republic Rosette Blazer Banana Republic Grosgraintrim Pencil Skirt

(L-6)

108 Comments

    1. So disappointed in the shell. It has an exposed zipper. And, to continue our discussion from this morning, it does kind of seem like it’s inviting someone to unzip it because the zipper goes all the way to the bottom. On the bright side, you can put it on (or take it off) without messing up your hair!

      1. I don’t like the rosette. If I wore it, it would call to much attention to it and not the overall outfit.

        Also, I prefer a very plain pencil skirt that accentuates my tan and legs. The extra lines here complicates things for me.

        The color is OK, because I am working on a nice summer tan so this will look OK with it, even though it is light.

        All in all, for the price, I prefer Ann Taylor.

        1. Just curious (and not trying to be snarky), how can a skirt (or any article of clothing for that matter) accentuate a tan?

          1. I think group concensus decided that Amanda is fake.

            BUT since you are definitely not — a skirt, etc., can play up a tan if it’s white or another light or even bright color. I still have the habit of wearing a white button down whenever I get back from vacation because I think it makes me look extra tan :)

  2. I cannot wear a lot of lighter neutrals–they wash me out, but that taupe is an exception–it is surprisingly flattering.

    I wonder if the Best in Show rosette can be easily removed?

    1. Best in Show – LOL!!

      This color would totally wash me out. Would be a nice neutral on others though.

      1. Yes!!! We are not horses, and this dress would make me look bad. Men would laugh at me, and that does nothing for my ego. Also, this outfit is very expensive for what it delivers, and that is not alot!

        I do not appreciate being considered equivalent to an equine and those that would call me that are themselves bovine in nature!

        I will dress fashionably, but not buy clothing that makes me look to horsey-like.

    2. I want to rip that stupid flower right off. Why do they ruin clothes with these hideous, cheap looking, applique things?!?!?

    3. Love the Best in Show description! I had the same thought. I do like the rest of the suit, and am very tempted to buy it if my seam ripper and I can successfully plot the rosette’s demise.

    4. That’s exactly what the rosette looks like to me too. Here’s a ribbon for being best dressed!

    6. This is why I like Corporette. I saw this jacket advertised and liked it. I was waiting to see it in person, tried it on and I might have bought it on sale. Iwouldn’t have paired it with the skirt, but probably would have worn it with navy slacks or something in the fall. But now that I know what several others think about it, I definitely will not buy it.

        1. On the contrary, I was being sincere. When I first saw the blazer I liked it. After seeing these “Best in Show” comments, I can understand how the detail on the jacket would elicit that opinon. While I may like the jacket, I would not want to wear something, particularly to work, that others would think looked odd. The opinions of the Corporette community are helpful.

        2. How is that comment snarky? On several occassions, I have found that the comments changed my opinion of an outfit. For example, the blazer the other day… I liked it and then after all of the O’Keefe comments, I started seeing it too and realized that if I owned it, I wouldn’t care for the fact that my blazer made people think of va jays. Thank you Corporette!

        3. oops – my mistake, your comment is not as snarky as I thought it was. I read it that b/c so many on corporette are going to buy it, you wouldn’t. Sorry.

      2. Seriously, because 10 random women, whom you’ve never actually seen dressed, don’t like something, that you DO like, you won’t buy it???? Smh….

        1. Yeah, or at least they would make me pause and reconsider. I think internet commenters represent what the public thinks but may not actually say. When I first saw this I though, “Hmmm, not sure how I feel about this,” but after seeing the comments it gives me an idea of how it would be received if I wore it. Not terribly well.

      4. Eh, I get it. Sometimes I don’t realize things I like look odd until other people point it out, and then I don’t want to wear that thing anymore. It makes sense if you view fashion as a social construct instead of a personal expression of individuality. If I wore whatever I wanted I’d probably end up wearing those running shorts with the built in underpants all the time. But… In matters of fashion go with the flow; in matters of principle stand like a rock (saying credited to Ben Franklin I think)

      5. I don’t think it’s so bad that anyone would judge you for wearing it. It’s just a little, I don’t know, off. If it were just a flower without the extra ribbons hanging down, I’d like it. As is, I wouldn’t buy it myself, but I wouldn’t blink if I saw it on someone else. And I think those two extra ribbons might be easy to cut off.

        1. Also, this jacket is so identifiable that every time you wear it, everyone will know it’s that one rosette jacket from BR.

    1. Wasn’t brown 7th place or something? Maybe 11th. Blue, Red, Yellow, White, Pink then Green?

  4. I like it, but I would want the option of removing the rosette. The description doesn’t say whether it comes off, so I assume it doesn’t.

    1. I might have to check this one out in person. If I can remove the rosette with a few snips from my nail scissors, I would buy the jacket, otherwise I’ll pass.

    2. Just an fyi, I was in BR yesterday and saw this jacket; the rosette comes off. It actually has a pin on the back, so it looks like it’s supposed to be a brooch. I would personally just take it off and throw it away.

  5. I saw this on the website and remember being so annoyed that designers constantly feel the need to do something “different” to women’s business attire, usually involving unnecessary ribbons, bows, ruffles, too much ruching, etc. Getting increasingly hard to find good non-frilly business basics.

    1. Couldn’t agree more.

      Hate the rosette. Love the suit. Wish the rosette was optional.

      1. Yes! All of this! If you’re paying full price for a good suit, you shouldn’t have to immediately start thinking about how to remove its defining feature! So why is it there?

        Some women can pull off this kind of thing, but since I’m petite, work with basically all men, and have a floral first name as well, forget it.

        1. its there because there are tons of plain suits out there and some people who wear suits all the time like to mix it up a little with a defining feature. such a feature is not a good idea for someone who only has a few suits, becaue the feature will be remembered. but for those of us that wear them all the time, a little something extra is nice in some of our suits.

          im not wild about this particular feature, not because of the rosette itself, but b/c it seems like it would only look good with the jacket buttoned, and who wants their jacket buttoned all day?

          1. I would disagree with your assessment that there are tons of plain suits. I have a very hard time finding them. I wear suits 3-4 days/wk., and it’s a constant struggle to find something that doesn’t have at least one “kicky” detail that, for me, ruins what would be a perfectly lovely skirt or jacket. Theory and JCrew are about the only brands that can be reliably counted on for a classic suit (if anyone knows others, please share!). Sometimes BB and Talbots, but I find their fit can be hit or miss for me. It has literally been years since I was able to use one of those awesome 40% off coupons for a suit at BR or Ann Taylor. There’s always a bow somewhere. . . . If you see loads of plain suits somewhere, please do post.

    1. They are pockets, I have this same fit if skirt from BR in a different color. I was so psyched about the pockets but ended up being let down. First of all, I got a 6 tall in the skirt, which is the size I alway get in BR and it always works. Nope, not in this skirt, the higher waist cut makes is ride up and it was super tight over the hip area with the pockets closed, then I opened them and it got even worse because they both pull across and poof out, not a nice silloutte. I exchanged for an 8 and it got slightly better as far as the pulling/bunching across the hips, but it’s still not my favorite look. I find I keep the jacket on more when I wear this suit because I still think the pockets just stick out in a way that is not 100% professional looking (and definitely not smooth).

      1. I’ve had to size up in BR suit pencil skirts as well. Although I love the practicality of pockets, most of the time they just gape open on my wide hips :-( Not a pretty look. If these were horizontal pockets (as opposed to diagonal) then I’d be intrigued.

      2. I had the same experience with this skirt in a different fabric. I ended up returning it.

        I did recently get an awesome skirt at Talbots with pockets in the front and back! No gaping. Very cute on. Can’t seem to find the link online, it was part of their clearance sale, but hopefully they will make it again.

  7. I have a 35% off 3 full priced items coupon in my email – good for today only. I can’t share the code because I’m planning on using it myself (it’s one time use only) – but check your junk email/hidden “shopping” folder!

    1. I got a 40% off up to 3 full priced items coupon and I’m not going to use it so here you go: XMFH493MP9P

        1. Have you used it much lately? I think I’ve noticed a correlation between the use of my store card (mine is Gap) and the frequency/level of discount codes.

          I may be wrong about the correlation. I also got a 40% one in my email.

          1. Unfortunately, I have. I just got a $20 off reward coupon in the mail yesterday. Maybe they are taking me for granted :) My other thought is that the primary cardholder is my husband and that email was targeted to the men’s department (though it worked store-wide).

      2. Anyone else with a BR coupon to share? Looks like Bunkster’s was already scooped up!

      4. Here are two different 40% off codes:
        XH8PWJ9VPJ2C
        JNYJQYQ141J7

        I can’t even begin to tell you the amount of restraint I’m exercising, but my BR card bill was ridiculous last month. Yikes. Anyway, my loss, your gain, enjoy!

        (And, for the record, I actually like the Best in Show bow!)

      1. Hope it’s not too late — this code is for 35% off 3 full-priced items on 7/20 only
        XMNG6K6NWVXP

  9. wow. trying to see it online and the site is crashing .. must be all the corporettes. :) Go Kat!

    FWIW, I have a very similar skirt from BR, and while it’s lovely, it wrinkles like hell. annoying.

    1. We just crashed the BR site! It’s not working now either.

      This suit is adorable.

  10. Very pretty! (However, I will admit, I am one of those girls who loves ruffles, bows, etc.)

  11. My comments are not showing up.

    Sorry if this repeats. Trying again for whoever needs a BR code —

    40% off — WYLMNTYP96K4

    Enjoy :)

    1. Thanks AIMS! I was beginning to worry that I would have to abandon my cart! You guys are the best :)

    3. For some reason I got several 40% off coupon codes today – feel free to use them all!

      XH8LR4RXC4FZ

      W9MLXN8N2F4X

      LYL4QCZXF92M

  12. BR related threadjack! Has anyone tried their non-iron button downs, and do they really work? (truly non-iron?) what about Brooks Bros non-irons .. better or worse?

    I love the look of a properly fitted button-down but cannot stand ironing.

    Thank you!!

    1. never tried BR, but the BB ones are great — ive been wearing them for years. Depending on how you like your shirts, they are truly non-iron. Take them right out of the dryer and hang them up. any left over wrinkles will fall out in your closet b/f yoru next wear. If you like your look a little crisper, you can iron them (w/o starch). it takes less than a minute to iron them b/c its basically already done for you.

    2. I have not tried the BR ones (did not even know they had them!), but I love the Brooks Brothers ones. I’m small chested, rather young looking, and generally dress fairly, well, girly, so I always wear button-down blouses when in court or important depositions, etc to try and turn up the power factor. The BB ones are truly no-iron, but they only last for so many washings. My favorite one has finally lost its no-iron treatment after a year and a half of heavy rotation.

    3. I tried the BR ones when they first came out–maybe 2 years ago. I wasn’t impressed compared to my BB shirts.

      Haven’t tried them since–I have a BR grudge now and so I’m not shopping there anymore. YMMV, of course.

    4. My BR no-iron is definitely in need of ironing, especially around the collar area. I also find BR’s button placement weird because the top button is always too low for me (small chested here).

      I like my BB ones much better. I’ve never had to iron it- I just chuck it on a hanger right out of the wash and air dry. Plus, I love wearing my fancy cuff links with it. They’re the same price as BR if you get them on sale or at an outlet.

        1. I normally dislike button downs altogether but I love the BB ones. Something about them actually makes them comfortable for me, and they wear incredibly well.

      2. Mine don’t need ironing, though the top button is slightly lower than other brands. It still doesn’t show cleavage on me, so I go with it.

        I don’t have a BB in my city. :(

    5. A lot of Corporette posters previously recommended Lands End no-iron button downs. Haven’t tried them myself but hopefully someone who has can comment below.

        1. I have a few Land’s End no-iron button downs, and I like them a lot. I do run an iron over them after washing, but they don’t desperately need it. They are comfortable, and they are the only ones I’ve found that don’t pull tight across my chest.

    6. I can’t speak to their non-iron capabilities, but I did order one of their “fitted” non-iron shirts recently and it was one of the least fitted shirts I’ve ever put on. Even though I went up a size it was still too small, and there was very little difference between the chest circumference and the waist.

        1. I like the tailored fit (petite for me) by far the best. They’re one of the only button-front shirts that don’t look like a tent on me. I’m 32D, 25″ or 26″ waist (depends), 5’3″, a reliable 2 petite in JCrew tops.

          1. Thanks. Petite here too, but maybe with fewer curves. Do you find their petite size shirt will stay tucked in? I have a long torso, albeit with petite length arms.

  13. Everything iI have recently ordered from Lands End has been small in the shoulders and big in the waist, the opposite of my figure.

    1. Ooh Lefty – me too – what are your favorite brands? I’m always on the hunt for stuff that works more or less off the rack for my torso that transitions not so delicately from linebacker to “lady”

  14. Probably too late for responses, but I’ll try again tomorrow if no one’s still around…

    One of my friends just had a new baby boy. I’m going to send a present, but I also want to include something for their other child so she doesn’t feel left out. The problem is, their daughter is about 3 and a half, and I have no idea what 3 and a half year old girls like these days. (I believe when I was 3 and a half, I was very in to Rainbow Brite). Does anyone have suggestions for an inexpensive gift for someone that age?

    2. I did the same and gave the daughter her own baby doll with bottle and stuff so she can have her own baby. She loved it.

    3. My cousin’s kids (4 1/2 and 3 1/2) are very into princesses these days – perhaps something princess related?

    4. As an oldest myself, I always give a gift to the older child or children. She’ll appreciate anything – book, cute tee, etc. And I love the baby doll idea.

    5. I recently visited a family with a new baby boy and a 3-year-old girl. The mother had recently requested on facebook that her daughter not be given “princess”-themed gifts.

      So I bought her a few books in the “Ladybug Girl” series. They are about a young girl who is a superhero because she’s smart and kind, not because she’s pretty.
      http://www.amazon.com/Ladybug-Girl-Jacky-Davis/dp/0803731957/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1311210852&sr=1-1

      I also brought a book about sharing. (The parents told me later they read that to the girl every night.)

      Also, I would highly recommend this article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lisa-bloom/how-to-talk-to-little-gir_b_882510.html

      1. Great book on new sibs and standing up for them ….

        Julius, Baby of the World

        The 3 year old is too young, but over time, she will like it. I used it as my sole rx when teaching parenting for 2nd+ time around as a facet of childbirth classes at a hospital. Well received.

        3 year olds love to imitate, so even a small set of pretend food stuffs, a teapot/cups set, etc. might go over well and be loved for a loooong time.

        If you provide a baby doll, parents need to be even more vigilant that big sis won’t try to be the mom and physically take care of the baby…accidents do happen. Heard of many of those. Stuffed animal as a “baby” is a better route.

        Very thoughtful – kudos to OP.

        However, I would NOT do such things for birthdays as it takes away the joy of the birthday person and does not encourage waiting!

    6. Baby dolls are good at that age — 3 year olds are getting into mimicking adults and she can diaper/bottle/etc. just like her mommy/daddy. Play-doh or other simple crafting/Crayola kits are good for that age. Two things to avoid: anything that makes loud noises and anything that requires a lot of parental involvement (since the new baby is going to be demanding more than its fair share for awhile)

    7. This made me smile because I remember being brought a present (a pound puppy) when my youngest sister was born. It was wonderful. How thoughtful of you. And thanks for bringing back good memories for me!

      FWIW, my 3 year old daughter loves to play dress up. Maybe a “princess dress” or even some plastic beads or other “jewelry”? My daughter also loves Dora the Explorer and Tinkerbell. She might be just a little young, but Fancy Nancy is all the rage right now, too. (There’s an original book, but other books have since come out, as well as FN-related toys.)

    8. I sort of agree with someone above that I don’t by Princessy things for little girls. But at that age, a good tea set is always fun (for playing tea of course).

      Another idea that is pretty gender neutral (and thus could be used by both children eventually) is a set of legos (maybe the big, non chokeable kind) or lincoln logs or something like that. My three year old goddaughter is also obsessed with stickers right now, so a sticker book is likely to be a hit.

      1. Great reminder about solo play!

        Books by Richard Scarry are fabulous for young preschoolers. Lots of good things to look at and find on the pages and parents are not needed for the child to “read” the books.

        Dominoes, the larger sized plastic ones (Target), might be great if the child is more hands on.

      2. Tea set is a great idea! And I agree, Fancy Nancy is starting to beat out Dora in the 3-4 year-old set.

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