What do we think of Banana Republic?

[bibbitybobbityCAT]

I know they've only arrived in the UK relatively recently and I haven't been in to their shop yet.

I seem to recall an American friend describing them as "slightly more upmarket Gap".

Is that about right?

Is there likely to be anything in there for a short dumpy 47 year old?

Any experience?

Tia

I love BR, where are they? I used to live in NY and really liked their stuff. Definitely upmarket from Gap but not as smart as St John.

Love it love it love it. Are there anymore apart from the Regents street one?

They are a lot more expensive than Gap. Have been to the shop in Regent Street. Very nice stuff - and they do a range for shorties (particularly useful for smart trousers). Good for work wear/smart casual.

We have one here. Their clothes look nice and smart (think business attire), but I find that they just don't fit very well. I have to choose items very carefully when I buy from them. They have FANTASTIC sales though, join their mailing list online if there is a UK one, often they have 40% off emails etc.. coming through.

Can you just not pop in for a butchers bibbity? It's (the regent street store) is lovely, very spacious with proper helpful staff who don't eye you up like a weirdy freak for not being a size 8.

I had some really nice trousers from there from when I was in Boston but they were such a strange fit I never really wore them.

They were great quality though.

I could pop up to Regents Street, and I probably will Slubber, but tis nearly an hour bus ride each way and I don't really want to go if there's going to be nothing for me [lazy arse emoticon].

I have a fantastic suede jacket from there, from when we were childless, living in Denver and had money. Sigh.

Oh bibbity that is all a little defeatist isn't it?

Oh for an hours bus ride to Regents Street...
[dreamy dream]

Anyway if all the clothes are horrid (which they won't be) then there is the giant magnificence of John Lewis just round the corner. A trip to John lewis is never a trip and vain.

they are owned by gap. i haven't ever bought anything there despite trying quite hard but i am not a smart dresser.

bibbity you must go to regent st, there are so many nice shops there. have you tried cos? hoss intropia?

I adore it there. Clothes fit me perfectly so I guess you won't know til you try, and generously sized... still wins me over every time as silly as I know it is
Yes Petites may suit you!
I think it would really suit someone in their 40s. I am in early 30s and sometimes wonder if it is slightly too grown up for me. But it is perfect for everything other than knocking about with the kids.

I love BR. Some great things in there.

Great for work wardrobes and dressing up stuff.

Also good for casual - I only buy jeans there now.

Very very good quality.

I LOVE Banana.

European website although you can't buy from it

Have to admit I think their quality has gone down hill big time. I remember racing to their store in the States a few years ago and loving the clothes. But last year in London and in New York I was seriously disappointed- thought the material and colours were cheap and dull.
They do however do excellent accessories- handbags in particular.

a x