Back on the Banana Boat

I can't remember the last time I shopped at Banana Republic, but a sponsored BR post popped up on my Instagram feed the other day, and it was compelling enough to get me to visit their site, and I wasn't disappointed.

Here are a few of the things I'm currently admiring from their spring line.

What I Wore

It has been a while since I've done a "What I Wore" post - but a recent purchase from Banana Republic was just the inspiration I needed. I hadn't shopped there in FOREVER....at least five years, if not more. But a cyber visit looking for something for the blog led me to this dress. It's not available online any more, but you might be able to find it in store. One of the attractive things to me about the dress, other than the green and black stripes, is that it came in tall. I've been having a really hard time lately finding dresses that are work appropriate in length 

I paired it with black tights (Spanx are my favorite), new Stuart Weitzman black suede booties that I recently got at Nordstrom Rack, and an Irene Wood necklace. 

A Royal Collaboration

It's no secret that one of Kate Middleton's favorite dress designers is Issa London. I mean...if I looked this good in those dresses, it would be my favorite too!

Issa dresses start in price around $300 and go upwards to $800 or $900, so they are certainly priced for a duchess and not your average Kate. 

Cry not my fashionista friends, on August 13th Banana Republic and Issa London, in collaboration, release a 40-piece collection that focuses on the U.S. brand’s “safari heritage” and “spirit of exotic journey.” There is also talk of animal-print pieces, kimono tops, and oversize accessories.

There haven't been any photos released of the actual collection, so these sketches will have to suffice until August 13th.

Falling for Floral

I've been thinking about floral a lot lately...I guess that's natural since the change of seasons is upon us. I can never decide if floral say to me "Spring" or "bad Easter pattern I wore as a kid in the 80s."

Nevertheless, flower power is back, and I'm thinking about how to incorporate it into my warm-weather wardrobe. One of the things I love about the suite of Gap.inc sites is that you can shop all of them with one shopping bag - and the floral abounds. Here are my favorite picks in a range of prices. 

Old Navy Mixed Floral-Print Cardi - $24.50

Old Navy Long-Sleeved Wrap Dress - $29

Banana Republic MonogramFloral Crop Pant - $89

Banana Republic Monogram Floral
Jacquard Pencil Skirt - $98

Gap Floral Sateen Dress - $69.95

Gap Shrunken Boyfriend Printed Shirt - $54.95

Piperlime Tinley Road Floral Print Blouse - $54

Piperlime RD Style Floral Blazer - $89

I'm seriously considering the Old Navy wrap dress and the Tinley blouse. Which are your favorites? Will you be falling for floral this season?

What I Wore

On Wednesday I introduced you to blogger Beth and her blog Seersucker + Saddles (see blog post here). Her style is fantastic, inspiring and enviable!

This outfit I found particularly inspirational!

Given that I have every basic component of this outfit, I thought I would give it a try. So here is what I wore, as inspired by Beth! 

Cole Haan rain jacket, Banana Republic black blazer, orange striped H&M shirt, J Crew animal print belt (from Katie for Christmas), Paige straight leg jeans, and Tory Burch quilted flats. 

The stripes and animal print combination could be my new favorite! What do you think?

Cardigan Wednesday

Banana Republic Merino Ruffle Trim Striped Cardigan $89.50

Cardigan Wednesday

I am in LOVE with this pink cardigan!

Banana Republic Shawl Collar Pointelle Cardigan $89.50

Cardigan Wednesday

Banana Republic Short-Sleeve Cozy Cable Cardigan $98

Cardi Wednesday

I am in love with this Banana Republic Merino Marled Striped Cardigan. I especially like the contrast between the large and small stripes.

Banana Republic $79.50

Cardi Wednesday

Looking for a great cardigan to layer with just about anything this winter. Look no further than the Banana Republic Short-Sleeve Belted Cardigan. It comes in gray heather and black and fits the rule of being under $100.