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Wednesday’s TPS Report: Lightweight wool navy textured sheath dress

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Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. Banana Republic Lightweight wool navy textured sheath dress We are loving this navy dress from Banana Republic — it's simple, classic, and likely to be flattering — we even like how the sleeves are actual sleeves and not cap sleeves. Lovely. It's $150 at Banana Republic in regulars, talls, and petites.Banana Republic Lightweight wool navy textured sheath dress Seen a great piece you'd like to recommend? Please e-mail editor@corporette.com with “TPS” in the subject line. (L-2)

Sales of note for 12.5

And some of our latest threadjacks here at Corporette (reader questions and commentary) — see more here!

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137 Comments

  1. I have been eyeing this dress as well, but haven’t had a chance to go into the store to try it on. It looks cute, though I’m worried about the chest area, as I definitely don’t want to have to wear a cami with it, anyone tried it on?

  2. Pretty dress…
    But does anyone else have a problem with the sleeved BR dresses inhibiting range of arm motion? This must mean that the dresses I’ve tried on have been too small for me in some way, but they seem to fit everywhere… or more specifically, they would fit perfectly in my normal size if they didn’t have sleeves, or if there were a slit up the sleeve or something. I have this problem with almost all short sleeved dresses, actually, not just BR… What is that all about?

    1. I run into the sleeve problem sometimes and I don’t get it. I don’t consider my arms especially thick and going up a size for the sleeves leaves other areas too big.

      1. I run into the opposite problem, most especially with jackets. I think you just have to figure out what brands work for you & stick to those (e.g., theory jackets fit me much better in the arm than calvin klein). It’s unfortunate but what can you do (other than pay for expensive alterations).

      2. I have exactly the same problem! A very popular shop called Zara in Ireland and the UK (I don’t think it’s in the US) has sleeves that I simply can’t fit into unless I go up TWO sizes. I have very normal proportions, I think, so I just don’t understand.

        1. Zara is in the U.S. and I agree, I have found that they are one of the worst offenders!

        2. Zara is the world’s biggest fashion retailer (not an overstatement, they are literally #1) – of course it’s in the US!

          1. Hey, there’s plenty of clothing stores in these isles that aren’t elsewhere – I’ve been to the US a good few times and hadn’t seen Zara, so I had no idea Zara was so huge.

          2. they aren’t that widespread in the US–major cities or suburbs close to major cities only, basically.

        3. We also have Posh Spice. Please pick one and take it/her back! (Alternately, we’ll give you Brittany Spears.) ;)

    2. I have this problem with a lot of dresses, as well, particularly cap sleeves even more so than short sleeves. I always just assumed it’s because I have muscular arms. I’m glad to hear someone else has the same problem! (Not that I’m glad you have a problem, I’m just glad I’m not the only one!)

    3. I used to have problems with sleeves cutting off range of motion until I started buying petites – I found the shoulders on regular jackets and shirts were coming down too far on my arms, so my upper arms were always bumping into the seams where the shoulder meets the sleeve. Petite tops have that seam higher up, and I don’t have problems anymore.

      1. yeah, my arms are on the thin side, which is why I’m puzzled… I’m starting to think its a chest problem– maybe my chest takes up too much of the fabric or something? I don’t know, but I have your same problem anon-ny… if I size up, the rest of the garment is too big. Oh well.

        1. I have the same problem. I cannot wear petites because I have a long torso, but many shirts end up with arm holes that go down an inch or two past where they should be, yet the part just below that is too tight in the arm. It just makes no sense. Who is going to need a huge armhole and have ultra skinny arms?

        1. Totally have the same problem at Banana! So glad it is not just me. I am convinced they have changed their fit model in the past few years. I used to be able to order anything from there in my size and it fit with not problem. Now I have to try it on. The old stuff still fits me so I know it is not me. And the deal with the sleeves makes me nuts.

  3. I like it but have the same concern – looks low. This is a frustration I have with a lot of Banana’s “professional” dresses. And especially in the heat, I really dislike wearing a cami. Otherwise, beautiful.

    1. another problem with their dresses this year – they have been making them using that odd, skin-tight stretchy fabric. This one looks like it might be in a more normal fabric. Can anyone confirm?

  4. This is lovely, but definitely not for the large chested. The seam would hit right in the middle of my chest. Not an attractive look.

    1. I’m asking sincerely–not at all a bodysnark–but I have no bosom to speak of (like the model, only less so) and wear necklines this low all the time. Do you think that’s inappropriate for a law office (I’m a partner) or particularly unattractive?

      1. I don’t think it’s inappropriate or unattractive. On the contrary, having an unwanted DD chest, I envy you and your ability to wear this kind of neckline without looking like a floozy!

        1. +1 I think smaller chested women can definitely get away with relatively lower necklines for the office.

        2. This. I was a 36C and got breast implants so am now a 34DD. I am happy with them but envy those who are less endowed because they can wear lower necklines without looking…umm…slutty?!

      3. I’m a 32A and I do think necklines this low are inappropriate for work regardless of cup size. Even if you aren’t showing cleavage, you are showing a lot of skin, and in danger of exposing your bra from the side or above depending on how you are sitting or standing.

        However, I completely acknowledge that I’m in the minority on this as I’m a more conservative dresser than most. I actually never wear anything this low cut regardless of setting unless I’m in the comfort of my home with only my boyfriend to enjoy the view. So take my view with a grain of salt :)

      4. I think Kimbo’s point was not that the neckline is too low, but that the empire waist would not be below the breasts but right on top of them.

      5. Sorry, but I think its somewhat inappropriate. I am small-busted too and work in a somewhat conservative office/profession. Low necklines are distracting regardless. I think a cami is required.

        1. Sorry, but I think its somewhat inappropriate. I am small-busted too and work in a somewhat conservative office/profession. Low necklines are distracting regardless. I think a cami is required.

          1. Agreed. I actually find it relatively easy to stitch something like this up myself & I am not the most Martha Stewart-y person around.
            I think too many cami’s are used to make use of otherwise inappropriate shirts — e.g., button downs that simply don’t button on the person’s chest, etc. Rather than covering up, it just screams “my buttons dont button b/c I am so chesty!”

      6. I think the neckline on the model is too low for a law office or other conservative workplace. It’s not just about showing cleavage, it’s just unprofessional to show too much skin. As a general rule of thumb for the cleavage-less, I’d say that you shouldn’t wear a neckline any lower in the front than would be appropriate in the back (does that make any sense?). Generally this is going to be about even with the bottom of your armpit, or about three fingers’ width below the collarbone.

        There was a good post on here linking a blog that showed a video of Michele Bachman on some news show (presumably Fox). She was wearing a sleeveless top while the man she was debating had on a suit. The blogger pointed out, rightly in my opinion, that she looked like she was ready for a night out while he looked like he was going to work. There is nothing particularly sexual about showing skin on most areas of your body, but it’s still not appropriate for a professional workplace because bare skin looks fun and relaxed rather than professional and authoritative. There’s a reason why “buttoned-up” is a euphemism for conservative.

      7. I don’t think it looks inappropriate on the model, and probably wouldn’t on someone who was generally flatter.

        One thing to be careful of though – you show more cleavage when you sit down. Something that is borderline when you are standing in front of the mirror in the morning will most likely cross the line when you are sitting at your desk hunched over a computer.

      8. I really don’t think it is inappropriate…. if you are not showing actual boob, not inappropriate. There is nothing distracting or sexy about my sternum, not moreso than wrists or biceps or calves.

  5. That’s pretty, but I can tell by looking at it that I’d have to put a cami underneath.

  6. I got a 40% off two items coupon from BR this morning in the mail. I’m on a shopping ban right now, so anyone is free to use it:

    MK686R8L77LY

    Don’t know how many times it will work, good luck!

    2. Suggestion to Corporettes: once you’ve used a one-use code that someone posted here, can you reply to her post indicating you used it? This saves others the frustration of it not working.

  7. I tried this dress on and the seam hit my chest at a very awkward place — right in the middle of my boobs. This does not normally happen because I am an A cup. I don’t know if I have an unusually long chest area or what, but it was not flattering. I was bummed because the rest of it was so pretty.

    1. I have that problem a lot w/ this style dress— the quasi-empire waist (or even a real one), combined w/ a deep v-neck is not for the generous of chest

  8. Long-time reader, first-time commenter –

    Is anyone else here allergic to wool? I love this and many other dresses I’ve seen, but I know that places where the wool touches will itch unbearably. In the winter, I can get away with wearing oxford shirts beneath simple wool shifts, but during spring and fall, I’m out of luck. Suggestions?

    1. I”m allergic to wool as well… and I just avoid it. I know a lot of the ladies here are anti-synthetic, but my bet bets are usually cotton (more of a summer fabric alas), high quality synthetics (yes, they exist…check out Ann Taylor Loft), and silk — excellent as an underlayer (camisole, etc.) – the good news is that b/c I don’t buy wool, most of my clothes don’t have to be dry cleaned.

      1. Shayna, I’m confused – I understood Ann Taylor Loft to be the lower end of Ann Taylor. The only synthetic suits I’ve found there were pretty cheap (both price and quality).

        Nonetheless, there are good-quality synthetic suits. Nordstroms used to carry a line designed specifically for travel, but I don’t remember the brand (sorry). And try the Limited too – you have to be careful with the cuts (some are very trendy), but I don’t think any of their suits are wool.

        1. Not suits at Loft – sorry for the confusion – but some great separates that are synthetic but still good quality – they may be the lower end of Ann Taylor but they still are pretty good quality clothes — I really like their petite pants/skirts for example. Love Nordstroms!

    2. I also do t-shirts w/ high necks in the back if there’s something I simply must have that is wool related… like this one: http://tinyurl.com/33x8blk (it’s from Bare Necessities — which is having a sale and also offering free shipping on over $50)

      1. I like those basic shirts, but the pics left me with a totally unrelated thought:

        With all the airbrushing that happens in fashion, couldn’t they have airbrushed away her “headlights”?

        1. Yes… that’s hardly the area I would be hoping for “reality” in… especially from a company that specializes in lingerie!

    3. Some wools irritate me but others don’t. For instance, it’s 85F where I am and yet I am wearing a pair of (unlined) Theory pants and a cashmere (wool) sweater from Talbots. I would sweat the same outside wearing a synthetic and even cotton (like I wore yesterday). However, I have a pair of unlined wool pants from Ann Taylor that cause itchiness like nothing I’ve ever felt (they’re from this year, I think AT’s wool quality has dropped). You might try some quality wool to see, although it’s definitely possible you’re allergic to all wool, I’m just saying I thought the same thing until I started being able to buy nicer stuff.

      1. “I think AT’s wool quality has dropped”

        I agree. I read in a magazine that they have a new design team, and I’ve noticed that the quality of a lot of their items has gone down. Kind of sad, because they used to be my go-to store for suits and pretty blouses.

    4. Yes, highly allergic to wool. To the point that I cannot buy any.

      I second all of Shayna’s suggestions–layer, look for brands that are completely lined (designers don’t think that half an inch of wool on a skirt’s waisband is an issue, but my itchy tummy disagrees), synthetics, or cashmere (yes, you can buy woven cashmere suiting).

      1. Haha totally agree about the itchy tummy. I am also allergic to wool; I have gotten used to it enough to have a light wool blend jacket against my neck but otherwise try hard to avoid letting any wool touch my skin. I also look for suits with a wool blend rather than 100% wool – often more flattering, and less itchy.

  9. I like the dress well enough, but whither the plus sizes, Banana Republic? Not every woman who is size 12 or up can stomach Lane Bryant.

    1. I’m surprised that they don’t offer plus sizes since they’re owned by GAP, as is Old Navy and while the quality/styles differ, the other two are known for offering a wide range of sizes, including petite and tall sizes, and plus

      1. Well don’t you know that only thin, pretty women are professional women? Plus size women don’t work, don’t have money, and therefore don’t deserve pretty work clothes! Just ask Karl Lagerfeld.

        1. Really? I thought everything over a 12 was plus size. (Unless you are in the modeling/fashion world, in which case I think everything over an 8 is plus.)

          1. Normally there are two separate tracks – a 14 or 16 in straight sizes is actually smaller than a 14 or 16 in plus sizes. So the number alone doesn’t tell you much.

          2. As a woman who is 5’8 and a 12-14, if everything over 12 is a plus size, I am SOL.

        2. Size 16 is certainly veering into the plus size category. Especially when you look at the some of the higher end lines that don’t go past a size 10 or 12.

  10. This dress – never. Those wide deep V necks work on almost no one. The very high wasist is too cutesy unless you are under 25.

  11. Thread hijack –

    I’m going to be interviewing for some admin roles. I’m worried that wearing a full suit to the interview might be too formal / dressy. One interview will be in an academic setting, another in a more business-y place, and then some non-profits. Is it possible to overdress for an interview?

    1. Only if you wear a suit to a job requiring a jumpsuit… otherwise it just shows how seriously you’re taking the opportunity. If you’re overqualified for the position I think it’s a good way to indicate that you’re still very interested in it

    2. I agree with Shayna. You should wear a suit.

      My husband is a nurse, and a lot of people wear scrubs to interviews since that’s what you’ll be wearing every day. He always shows up in a suit and has always gotten positive comments.

    3. I think a suit would be appropriate – you probably won’t wear a suit on a day-to-day basis, but it doesn’t hurt to show up for an interview looking like a million bucks.

      Plus, I’ve always thought a suit was the easiest possible interview outfit. Business casual just gets so complicated if you haven’t worked in the office – am I too casual? Do these colors go together? Should I wear more jewelry? What shoes to wear? A suit resolves all of that, and makes preparing for the interview that much easier!

    4. I think you should wear a suit, but you probably don’t need to go quite as conservative as you would with other jobs (e.g. a matching dark suit).

    5. Alternative point of view here: Depending on the part of the country you’re in and the type of organization you’re applying to, it may be possible to overdress for an interview.

      When I interviewed for my faculty position at a small alternative school on the west coast, I wore a dress and cardigan. Thought long and hard about whether I should wear a suit. Several academic friends said that a suit would be overkill and might turn people off, an attitude my dept. chair confirmed after I was hired (as in, ‘if you had worn a suit, we’d have thought you were way too stuffy to fit in.’)

      As always, know your environment. If you can drop by the organization briefly ahead of time (to drop off a resume, or pick up some literature?), you might be able to scope out what people are wearing, and go a step up for your interview.

      1. I agree! I would consider wearing separates (e.g., complimentary pants & blazer) or at least wearing a more casual style suit (e.g, lighter color pantsuit).
        Know your audience is key.

      2. Agreed; I think it’s possible. When I worked in a biotech lab (also on the west coast), it stood out as rather odd when one of our interviewees for a lab job came in a suit. It didn’t hurt her chances of an offer, but it definitely stood out. I think what jr prof says is right– know your environment, the formality of what your job will be, and if possible get an idea of the particular company’s unspoken dress code.

        1. Yeah, but interviewing for an office job is different than interviewing for a teaching or lab job. I doubt it’d stand out for a secretary to be fairly buttoned-up.

      3. yes, my dad got a job at (major international sporting goods company) after he wore dockers and a golf shirt to his interview when the airlines lost his suit luggage. his interviewer told him that he was very perceptive and had read the corporate culture well – they discourage suits!

    6. If in doubt, wear the suit. I hear the concern about appearing too “stuffy,” but hopefully you can eliminate that impression by adjusting your manner of speaking to the environment.

      I’ve had two experiences of being overdressed for an interview. One, I was in a stuffy wool suit while the interviewing partner was in jogging shorts. The other, I wore a suit to an interview for a temp job answering phones. Both times, I got the job.

      If you have something that’s almost a suit, like a pair of dress pants and a blazer, that should be enough to show you’re committed and professional while showing that you know this is not a “suit” kind of job. But if the alternative is khakis and a cardigan, I’d go with the suit.

    7. It’s possible to overdress if you are interviewing with a young, hip, trendy business. I wouldn’t wear a suit to interview with, say, a design firm or an art gallery. But for the places you’re interviewing, a suit sounds fine. If by admin role you mean secretary/administrative assistant, it’s probably also fine to wear suit separates or even substitute a cardigan for the jacket. Few places expect AAs to be as formal as the professional staff, and it’s generally understood that your budget for buying nice suits is lower than professionals’, too.

      Even if the people in the offices where you’ll be interviewing dress casually, you always should dress a step (or two) above the office dress code for the interview. You want to look polished and confident and show that you know how to rise to the occasion.

    1. Also, I wanted to report back on a Corporette-featured piece from a couple of weeks ago.

      I was so in love with that Kooba Jordan bag that I got it new on Ebay for $150 in “berry red”. I like it and it will be a long-lasting leather bag great for any occasion (incl. work), but I sure as hell would not have paid near $600 for it! Goin to get the “streamers” cardi at BR today during my study break w/ my 40% off coupon.

      That would be the last of my graduation gift money…back to broke, just in time for the bar exam!

    2. Haha still laughing at page 5 (photo of man in pink checked shirt) – “This is how every pair of trousers should fit” – oh good LORD no. Very happy that my man does not wear pants this tight!! (or any of the rest of this awful outfit)

      1. Yes, omg!!! Too tight even by Euro standards if you ask me. His “goods” are practically on display. Eek!

        I can’t believe that even The Ladders is clueless on what looks good + professional. Corporette is literally the only place that will not steer you wrong.

      2. Deeply terrible outfit. I guess his shoes must fit him, but nothing else does.

      3. While that cut and fit would be visually jarring to those in the legal field, it is very common in the creative/artistic industry. Although I think this gentleman’s pants are tad bit too snug.

      4. Not just his pants are tight (though, wow, they are like jodhpurs or dance tights or something) but also, his jacket seems a bit too short and tight (short on the waist, short in the arms). Overall, I got the impression he was about to pull an Incredible Hulk and bust out of his clothes. Like he had had them tailored, then gained ten pounds and grew an inch or two. So it was odd that The Ladder was swooning over how well-tailored they were.

        I soooo want that navy dress and cardi that the woman with the tan shoes and purse had on. From the a-line shape of the dress, to the belt and collar, and the full-length sleeves of the cardi (I’m over ¾ I realized as I looked at it), I want that outfit!!!! If anyone knows where that dress is from, can you let me know?

      5. I think they were talking about the break on the top of his shoe, not necessarily the pants from the knees on up. As for the fit the knees on up, they are kinda tight. But he looks like he’s built like a wrestler/body builder, which is a bit difficult. And it is a Euro fit, just not a corporate-Euro fit. It’s more like a creative-Euro fit.

        2. When I interned for a judge, the judge also had an international law student intern from Holland and he dressed exactly like the guy featured, bright colors/ridiculously tight fit…and he was more overweight than the guy in the article.

      6. That picture is hilarious. I have a lot of beanpole male friends for whom the European style is typically very flattering, but the look is not supposed to be akin to Superman stripping off his Clark Kent gear to reveal his Superman costume. I have no interest in seeing a bulging crotch in the typical workplace.

          1. Since I’m unemployed still, I take it that I should look into e-journalism or blogging for my next move…they clearly got it from me ;)

      7. Is this whole thing satire? I’m slow… but I can’t believe anyone would suggest wearing nylon/spandex underwear on a hot day. Holy yeast infection, Batman!

  13. Cute dress, but I wish the v-neck weren’t so low. V-necks can be flattering, but the superlow ones that are trendy just don’t look very office appropriate – especially on those of us who could…um… use a little chest area coverage.

  14. Thread hijack with a question about interviewing. I went through a lay off about a year and half ago. Fortunately I was able to treat a chunk of that time as a “sabatical” and I spent a good portion of it just enjoying my life and doing the things that my hectic work life didn’t allow me to do.

    I am now getting call backs for interviews. I suspect that some interviewers are going to ask me what I have been doing with my time since I was phased out of my last position. How do I put a positive spin on the fact that I was traveling, taking personal development classes (cooking and learning a foreign language), etc. without looking like a flake? I did keep up with continuing education in my field and did some volunteering, so I suppose that I could throw that out there, but what else can I say?

    1. I’m glad you asked this question! I have been toying with the idea of quitting and taking a year or so sabbatical to travel and take classes and do all those things you mentioned. But am also worried about the “flake” factor.

      You know, if someone came in to interview and said that they were laid off (like so many others) and – rather than sit around moping all year while the market has been so terrible – did interesting things like travel and take classes and whatnot, I would think that was great. You lost your job, you didn’t choose to quit (which is what would make my fantasy scenario way more difficult to spin), and you did exactly what any normal person would do in that situation who could afford to. The fact that you kept up with continuing education and did the volunteering is great. I’m not sure what else you could be expected to have done.

      1. To play devil’s advocate, the interviewer could have expected her to continue looking for jobs rather than go on vacation

        1. Wasn’t there someone who posted a while back about a co-worker, who was voluntarily leaving her job to travel for a year? What is that person going to say when she re-enters the work force?

          The only difference here is that the OP did not choose to leave her position. I’m assuming that she was in a decent financial situation, so if she was able to, why shouldn’t she have made the best of her circumstances? It doesn’t appear that she spent that time sitting on her couch watching TV.

          Not everyone has the same life path, and a good interviewer is going to recognize that. If an interviewer feels that she should have spending all of that time looking for a job, instead of looking at what she will be bringing to the table- it might not be the best place for *her*.

        2. I wouldn’t think that a candidate who sat around sending out 50 resumes per day to anyone who might possibly read them was a better candidate than one who took the time to do something else for a while bc the job she wanted wasn’t available. If you have a directed job search, there are only so many places where you will want to work. Maybe it depends on your area a bit – I am a specialist and there are only so many places that do what I do in my city, and from what I hear, not one of them has been able to hire anyone since late 2008. The market is just now loosening up. As an interviewer, I get that.

          Also, I think I look at traveling differently than just as “going on vacation”. It is life experience, it is important to get a sense of other cultures. You have to see the world, and it’s hard to do that well while billing 2000+ hours per year. I didn’t read the OP to mean that she had been sitting by the pool drinking mai tais for 3 months, but maybe that was the case. To each his own.

          1. Agreed. I think that the OP’s ability to turn lemons into lemonade is impressive. She took some time to do something that was meaningful and important to her. I imagine this gave her time to refocus on her goals (personal and professional). If I were her interviewer, I would be impressed.

    2. I would just tell them that you decided to turn your lay-off into a positive experience and tell them exactly what you’ve been doing. You can then go on to say that you feel that you’ve become a more balanced, well rounded person who is re-charged and ready to jump back in to an exciting position and make a positive contribution to their team.

      1. I like the idea of saying “I decided to turn my lay-off into a positive experience” but don’t think you owe them a blow-by-blow. I might say something like “given the very unusual economic situation, I thought it would be most effective to postpone my job search for a few months until things improved. The time off was a great opportunity for me to….” I’d mention one positive experience – i.e. “I took some cooking classes and learned how to make a mean chicken tikka masala – it was great.” Then say “but now I’m excited to get back into” whatever your field is. I’d only mention one thing because a) it makes you appear more focused, b) they’ll be more likely to remember the answer if it’s focused.

        I think people may ask this question more as a get to know you than because they care about the answer, and in fact they may well wish they had the chance to do the same. I wouldn’t stress about it too much.

        1. I agree. I think it’s more than enough to say you’ve been taking cooking and language classes as that shows you’ve been doing more than just sitting around watching Real Housewives all day. It’s a good way to let people know about a few outside interests/hobbies and possibly hit on something that may be an interest in common with the interview.

          1. Heck, if anything, the fact that she took a language class should help her–depending on what language she learned and if she’s become proficient.

    3. I am not sure it’s going to be as much of an issue as you think. A whole lot of people who lost jobs in 08/09 have been out of work now for months or years. I would not bring it up unless asked, and if asked, you could always say that you continued your professional and personal development throughout the entire time you were laid off, without explaining what you were doing during that time. I don’t think prospective employers are owed a blow-by-blow accounting of how you spent your time prior to interviewing with them, nor do I think they expect it. If push comes to shove you can always say you had some family issues arise after your layoff that you needed to handle, which are resolved now and therefore you’re free to take a full-time job again.

      2. oh my god do not make up a story about family issues! how awful to lie about that, and I hope you do not ever have to deal with family issues

    4. If you are getting call backs for interviews, then they’ve already reviewed your resume, and noticed that there is a 1.5 year gap between your last month of employment and today. If this was going to be a problem, you wouldn’t be getting a callback.

    5. Make your activities sound more purposeful, i.e.,- “I always wanted to learn Portuguese, as it is an essential skill to my field of work, and during the past year I was able to make that goal a reality by taking six months of language classes and then spending a month of intensive study in Brazil” instead of “I wanted to go on vacation in Brazil, so I signed up for Portuguese classes, and I also like to bake so I took cake decorating.”

  15. Is this lined? I’m also of the allergic to wool but do ok if it’s lined. The other problem I have with BR suits as of late is the jackets. I really like this dress but couldn’t get the jacket- BR now does the double vent in the back so that the back becomes this flap that sticks out over my behind. Unless you have no behind, like my sis, then it just doesn’t seem to hang right. What happened to the middle vent? Anyone else run into this? I used to love BR suits for ease but now need to find another place to go.

    1. I have a a medium sized behind (though large for my overall small frame) and have found the double vent more flattering. To each her own?

  16. Thread Hi-jack: barriepace.com has an unbelievable sale on. I don’t know if they’re going out of business, liquidating, or what. Nearly everything, even $298 jackets, is less than $20. The size selection on any one piece is extremely limited, but I am seeing sizes from 2 to 18. There are some good basics here, not just weird leftover stuff. There are several Austin Reed items. I just ordered an Austin Reed jacket, black, in a wool blend, for $26, including shipping.

    1. They are going out of business. I’m surprised that they still have inventory left.

    3. I just ordered a dress and a wool jacket and pants. The jacket/pants said that it was out of stock till the end of the month, so I sort of think it’s never going to get to me if they’re going out of business. But thanks!

    5. Good quality clothes, sizing runs a little small on their in house label, I thought, had to return a couple of things in the past. On clearance items, there is no return, expect that applies here.

  17. Does anyone else have a 40% percent off Banana coupon that they won’t be using? It looks like they’re one-use only and I didn’t get that e-mail.

  18. I know, I deleted my BR email this morning by mistake on my blackberry. If anyone has codes to share it would be great!

    3. Suggestion: once you’ve used a one-use code that someone posted here, can you reply to her post indicating you used it? This saves others the frustration of it not working.

  19. Any one has 40% off banana republic coupon please?? it vaild today (07/14/10) only. If anyone can post your code if you won’t be using it today, appreciate it :)

  20. Seriously? Buy ONE HUNDRED Louis Vuitton handbags and get 100 free? purses for everyone! I’m going to throw them like confetti through the streets on my way to work.

  21. I ordered this dress in tall and a size larger than I wear elsewhere, due to the recent problems I’ve seen with Banana’s clothing being too short and not true to size. The may have fixed some of their problems as I just re-ordered the dress in my true size. The tall dress ended at the bottom of knee (I’m 5’8″).

  22. I ordered this dress in a 6P (I’m 5’1″, 120lbs) and found it to be too big. I’m a 34C, so the v-neck was way too low, though a cami can fix that; however, the hip area was too big. I could take in a at least an inch around the hips. I don’t think I can go down a size since the empire-waist will no longer sit below my chest area. The matching suit pants were also too big (I ordered a 4P), particularly in the hip/thigh areas. I’m going to BR to try on a 2P and 0P, but I think they’ve (sadly) changed the fit of the Martin pants.

  23. I ordered this dress and the neckline was way too low. It came to the bottom of my bra strap and displayed all my cleavage and my bra if you were standing next to me. Otherwise, it fit beautifully, is completely lined, and the material is very nice. FWIW, I’m 5’10”, 155 lbs, 38C and ordered an 8T.

    I’m going to see if the fabric store has a matching/coordinating fabric I could have sewn in as a modesty panel in the chest region, which would make the neckline more of a square. Otherwise, back it goes!

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