While my first thought of “spring dressing” is airy skirts and soft colors, my spring style harbinger is definitely the cropped pants and heels combination. I love a little ankle pant with heels. Although these Sloan Fit pants bill themselves as a cropped length, I think I would have liked them hemmed just a teensy bit higher. But I was very impressed by the so-called “power stretch” capabilities of the pants, which gave them both great recovery and a very nice drape over my hips and thighs. Plus, I made up for any shortening of the leg line in these mile-high gold pumps, which are indeed the same ones that S. wore in her first outfit.
On top, I wanted some volume to play against the slim pants, so I went with a blousy, button-front navy silk tank. I think this tank could also work great unbuttoned and layered (and even belted) over a dress. The twisted straps and scoop back are additional playful details that make it special. Finally, I finished it all off with a light spring scarf in blues and coral, similar to this one. I really wanted to claim every single scarf I saw at Banana Republic that day, and this one was no exception.
To be honest, this one was probably my least favorite of the looks that I came up with, but I guess you’ll have to wait out the rest of the week before you pass judgment. In the meantime, you can help me imaginatively brainstorm what the next “fit” of Banana Republic pants should be called. Usually I’m a “Martin” girl, but now I’m willing to consider the “Sloan.” S. is a “Jackson” fit lady, and I don’t know if any of us really like the “Logan.” What’s next? I’m thinking they’ll name a pants “Sullivan.”
I am loving the combo!
looks very cute on you!! Nicely put together
The pants look great, but I understand about your wanting them a bit shorter. The tank is the perfect match.
Mes amies, I love your blog, and I too shop at BR (when I can) (on payday)! But I sort of feel like there’s a difference between what this blog used to be – being critical and creative with your wardrobe – and what it’s been of late – “We got some gifts, and they’re awesome!” I’m sure they are awesome! but your readers aren’t exactly getting the keys to the BR city.
Claire – never fear! We may be using these BR photos as an excuse to take a week off snapping daily outfit pictures, but this is an aberration rather than any kind of monumental shift. Also, we always aim to be transparent with our readers about what our relationship is to a retailer. We each received a limited use discount card, similar to their employee discount cards, but we have NOT received any free merchandise from Banana Republic for this collaboration. So we don’t have the key to BR city either, though we might like it.
I hope that you can see these outfits as creative expressions, just like our daily outfit posts, just with different parameters in place. Some times it’s fun to play dress up, and that’s what we did. We hope you’ll hang around!
- E
Thanks, E! I absolutely see what you mean, and it makes total sense. But if you HAD gotten the keys to BR City, I’m sure all of your readers would agree you’ve earned it!
Ha! If we had the keys to BR City we would be doing reader giveaways every single day to show our appreciation :)
- E
I have to agree with the above comment by Helena. I also (as a liberal academic who has interests in research in the so-called Third World) wish you all might have unpacked the term Banana Republic a bit.
LHdM – I hope you don’t take our lack of initial comment as lack of interest in postcolonial issues.
I have to say, every time Banana Republic or Anthropologie comes out with an “explorer” themed catalogue or collection I wonder how self-conscious they are about playing with the historical associations of their name. In any case, since there seems to be interest in that, be on the lookout for a post about Banana Republic and Anthropologie as manifestations of 1990s US nostalgia for an imaginary colonial encounter. Stay tuned.
- E
I have always loved the Martin fit as well! I have about four pairs in that fit!
Whereas I would like to commend A, E, L, and S for taking the time and energy they’ve put into Academichic for a couple of years now and gaining material rewards for it. I think it’s really difficult (possibly especially for women?) to claim that your projects ARE worth money, and kudos to you four for your professionalization. Sponsorship is a major way for a blog to grow and to reach more people–and hey, these posts even prompted a defense of feminism (and discussion of what it is) on facebook!
I think it’s really easy to subscribe to a notion of “authenticity” (as opposed to “selling out”) and oppose professionalization and monetary rewards to creativity without examining that dichotomy–and maybe it’s one that’s just as much worth examining as oppositions between academia and fashion or feminism and fashion. All four Academichics have had thoughtful discussions on the latter issues–maybe it’s time for a discussion of the first one as well?
That said, I’d be kind of curious to hear an rumination on “Banana Republic,” too. Inveterate curiosity. ;o)
i love love LOVE your scarf and your shiny shoes!!! such a great outfit for work and happy hours!!
I love the Logan fit, but I’m not built like any of you. I have little in the way of a backside, a thicker waist, and long legs…essentially I am built like a granola bar. The Logan works on that shape!
[...] So here is the last of my Banana Republic outfits – a casual yet fun look that I’d wear for drinks out with friends (were I not pregnant and able to drink…). This outfit started with those denim leggings I already raved about and an eye on this ruffle trimmed jacket. I knew I wanted a bright pop of color inbetween so I picked up this punchy coral top. I kept everything but the coral silk top in muted greens and blues and just let the coral do the talking. (This, by the way, is the same silk top that E. styled in navy here). [...]