Sunday, September 14, 2014

H&M + BR Reviews and Sale Picks

Hi Ladies! I hope you all had a great weekend. I also wanted to announce that Victoria L is the winner to my giveaway for the Drape Collar Coat + Organza Peplum BlousePlease contact me with your mailing info. Thanks to everyone that entered. To those of you who didn't win, don't despair because I have more goodies (makeup) to giveaway very soon! ;)

H&M Sleeveless Dress - Size 2
Okay, so I am a little obsessed with this style dress. I love the vertical style lines, the inverted pleats and the fact that there are no connecting waist seams. The princess seams allow the bodice to fit close to the body and the vertical lines give the illusion that you're taller than you actually are. The shoulder straps are a bit wide, so if you have narrow shoulders then this might not be for you. Ever since I saw this style dress, I have been contemplating how to make it. I asked my teacher how to pattern it and the method isn't difficult, but it requires a lot of fabric. It's also really hard to find a knit this sturdy and thick. If I hadn't already bought a similar dress (post) from H&M a couple of month ago, I would definitely purchase this without a doubt!
I've been in the market for a moto style jacket for work and play. I have a lot of blazers and I do like them, but my office is very (more like super) casual and I feel a bit overdressed when I'm wearing one. I like the melange fabric mixed with the pleather detail and that the style is girly with a hint of edge. This jacket did look very promising on the hanger, but once I put it on, I was not very in love. The sleeves are a tad long and I feel like the length of the jacket is too short for me. It hits at the widest part of my hips and it's not flattering because it emphasises the largest part of my body. I'd prefer it just a tad longer, but would recommend this for petites with shorter torsos. The back is also very ill fitting, there's too much ease and fabric in the back underarm and shoulder blade area. 


BR is having major mark downs on their site and if you sign up to receive their emails, you can get an extra 25% off!
Banana Republic Faux-Leather Trim Dress - Size 00P. Currently $50 and retails for $130.
I love an edgy spin on a classic sheath dress with the pleather details at the shoulders and welt pockets. It's a great piece for the fall since it's super versatile and easy to layer with. The dress is made of a sturdy knit with no lining, but I think it's fine since the self fabric is pretty thick and there's no show-through. The bust and waist fit pretty comfortably, but the hips are a bit wide (for reference my hips are 33"). For the price, I think it's a great buy though!
Banana Republic Piped Tweed Sheath. Size 00P. $140 marked down to only $39!
On the site, the piping at the neckline is actually black, but for some reason the piping for the one I tried on at the store is made of the self fabric. The dress is fully lined and made of tweed with a invisible zipper at the center back, so it is a super good value for $39. As for the fit, I'd recommend sizing down 1 size since the armhole, the bust, and hips were really roomy for me. I also had issues with the zipper getting stuck and had to have my bf help me get in and out of it. I saw a couple of reviewers say the same thing about the zipper issue and the piping color not being black. No bueno!
Out of all the items I tried on at BR, this is my favorite item! The waist, tush, and inseam (26") is perfect for me and I love the pleather panel running down the side of the pants. I think I also might love anything that is made of double knit and ponte because ironing is not required. I am sad that while everything fits well, there is pulling and drag lines at the crotch area. I might overlook this issue if the pants go on major discount. 

Banana Republic Piped Cutout Top - 00P. On sale for $19! Sold out online.
I actually like the white color with the black trim on the neckline and a keyhole in the back. They didn't have any more 00P left at the store so I tried on the black for size. It's a nice fitting blouse that  skims the body and is very comfortable to wear. I like that it's a basic that will make easy pairings with skirts and bottoms and is light-weight enough for layering. I'd definitely buy this if the white color was available.
 Banana Republic Eyelet Fit-and-Flare Dress. 00P. Only white available online.
I really love eyelet fabric, but feel like it's more of a summer fabric so I'd have a hard time transitioning this dress into the fall. I do like the contrast colors of the red and navy together and shows off the eyelet fabric well. The bust area was snug on me (my bust is approx 31") so this would be great for ladies who have a really small frame. The length is a couple of inches above the knee and I love how the dress hugs the waists without being tight.


1 comment:

  1. ah so many good picks! I love that black dress w/faux leather trim. i have too many of this style so I'm going to skip, but what a great buy for someone. also, love that necklace you have on.

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