Banana Republic – Fall/Holiday 2012

Beautiful berry colored cropped pants and wool coats shone against the backdrop of grays, blacks and camel colored capes, sheaths and tie neck blouses. Banana Republic’s Fall/Holiday 2012 collection, inspired by the upscale countryside, revealed a handful of designs that will layer well due to their mix of textures – leather, cashmere and wool - and versatile coloring;  however, the lace up boots were a disappointing accessory, as it reminded me a bit of a dowdy school girl, cutting the woman’s leg off at the ankle, thus, shortening her leg unnecessarily.

Aside from that, the pencil skirts and perfectly draped wool coats (I have my eye on the one above), are rich and warm, perfect for a fall wardrobe addition.

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Banana Republic – Spring 2012

After great success with their Mad Men capsule collection released this past August, Banana Republic’s spring 2012 collection is sticking to what worked.  With retro silhouettes, just-below-the-knee fitted pencil skirts and dresses, along with block-heel pumps and skinny belts, this collections is feminine, full of occasion bright florals and sure to garner the lovers of ABC’s new hit drama PanAm’s attention as well.

Images via Fashionologie

Banana Republic – Fall 2011 – RTW

Monday in New York City at the Bowery Hotel, Simon Kneen, Banana Republic’s creative director, shared with the audience a catwalk full of multi-textured pieces which had an almost classic early 20th century feel to them.  With fine light-weight turtlenecks, muted yellows and warm reds, cozy, oversized cowl-neck warmth mixed with herringbone jackets and skirts, the fashions stayed true to many of the trends seen on the runways a few months ago with hemlines just past the knee, trousers and classic feminine cuts. Take a look.  I already have my eye on a few and can’t wait for shopping late this summer as I prep my fall wardrobe as Banana Republic is one of my go-to stores for my work wardrobe. (To see the entire collection, as well as the men's, click here.)

All images via Style.com

Bring Me Blouses!

The rotation of my closet is about to begin.  Sweaters will soon be boxed up and put away, and beautiful bright, floral blouses will be moving to the forefront of my closet.  The last few days of sixty and seventy degree weather has done wonders for helping me get through the work week and finally to the much anticipated weekend.  And that means my wardrobe is taking a new shape as well.

One pleasure that I enjoy while shopping is finding an unexpectedly beautiful, feminine blouse that is flattering to the figure and gorgeous on the eyes. So in preparation for an upcoming shopping trip to Portland, I decided to do a little window shopping online to prime my shopping muscles, if you know what I mean.  Have a look and maybe you’ll find something that would be a perfect addition to your spring wardrobe.

 J.Crew Palmera Ruffle Blouse -Sale- $78 – color Hyacinth

Mary Katrantzou – Spring 2010

Valentino – Spring 2010

Max Azria - $338

Banana Republic - $79.50

Banana Republic - $69.50 (also available in white and black)

Ann Taylor – Sale $49.99

 

Carolina Herrera – Spring 2010

DVF Resort Line – Sale $158

 

Images: (7) shop LA Style (8) I Heart That (10) The Frisky (11) Harper’s Bazaar (12) Indi Denim

Weekly Cups of Tea (1/24-1/31)

1. Being Oneself

Sasha of Everything Fabulous, regularly shares with her readers posts that involve an abundance of lovely fashion, lifestyle, home decor and quite simply exquisite photography. I recently found a quote on her blog that was inspiring, and as I was reading it I found myself nodding my head in agreement. Take a peek and read for yourself.

2. Breakfast in Bed

Sunday morning, hopefully sunshine is streaming through your window and a delicious breakfast is on its way to your bed.  But what to make? Smitten Kitchen posted a recipe for sour cream pancakes that looks like it might just fit the bill. Yumo!

3. Happiness is . . .

Gretchen Rubin of The Happiness Project interviewed Hannah Seligson, author of A Little Bit Married and I found myself again, for the second time this week, nodding my head as I read along in agreement.  One comment in particular,

“Happiness is an improvisation.  You figure out what works for you.  It’s a process of tweaking.” 

Click on the heading link above to read the rest of the interview, I think you might just like it.

And speaking of happiness, Gwen of Ragland Hill Social compiled a bundle of reader’s mentions regarding what they felt was needed in order to live a beautiful, happy life. Each statement is paired with a photo (the photo above is one of my favorites) that correlates with its message. Lovely idea and sure to bring a smile and stir your creative juices.  Click here or on the photo to have a look.

4. Tote for Work

Okay, so Everything Fabulous has made the list twice this week, but I couldn’t exclude this simply beautiful, yet functional tote that is soon to be my future tote for work.  Banana Republic kept it simple, classic and large enough to be effective for those of us who are caring papers, lunch, heels (for happy hour of course!) and anything else we will need throughout the day and want to still let our outfit do the talking.

5. Simply Beautiful

Mary Jo Matsumoto of Trust Your Style, in an effort help relief efforts in Haiti, posted the photo below that I can’t stop gawking at. It reminds me of the Oregon Coast, yet with the fawn bounding along, it evokes a bit of a fairy tale quality. Along with the photo is a lovely list of simple things that make your soul sing. Take a peek, it will make you think.