Fashion News: Marissa Webb joins Banana Republic

Gap Inc. announced today that as of April 28th, Marissa Webb will be joining Banana Republic as its Creative Director and Executive Vice President of Design. 

Having spent time at Polo, Club Monaco, and most recently J.Crew, Ms. Webb is sure to breathe a breath of fresh air to the company.  By sheer coincidence, she happens to have influenced three of my top brands.

This, of course, is hot on the heels of Banana Republic's recent announcement of an upcoming collaboration with Roland Mouret. Perhaps this is a sign that the brand is looking to steer its direction towards higher fashion?

The first collection with Marissa Webb at the helm is Summer 2015.

Image source: Banana Republic

Starts with a embellished neckline and playing with patterns...

Happy Monday! Another business casual look today that works just as perfectly for weekend brunch!

An embellished neckline is a fun alternative way to "wear" statement accessories. This sweater with its feminine floral jewel detailing instantly drew me in, and even better that it was on sale!

I also decided to play with patterns and paired leopard-print smoking slippers with the marled texture of the sweater. 

Have an absolutely lovely week!

Top: J.Crew sweater, Uniqlo blouse

Bottom: Citizens of Humanity

Shoes: Banana Republic

Starts with a green plaid shirt...

Happy Wednesday! Continuing to indulge by current obsession with plaid I recently picked up this boyfriend plaid shirt to add to my "business casual" rotation. 

One of the perks of working in an environment that isn't overly formal is the freedom to experiment a bit more with textures and patterns. This crinkle boy shirt is made work-appropriate by layering a fitted blazer on top. This is paired with skinny jeans (not jeggings) and a statement belt. The stack-heel ankle boot is a casual alternative to the classic pump, providing height while still being comfortable. 

Admittedly, leaving a a formal workplace where shift dresses and dress pants were go-to staples took a bit of getting used to. But once I figured out the balance of looking (and feeling) too dressed-down and being overly dressed-up -- business casual became quite fun. The best part is that items previously reserved for the weekend could be re-styled to be work-appropriate for the week. Imagine the possibilities!

Hope you're having a great week!

Top: J.Crew shirt (other colours here and here, sale items now an additional 30% off until April 6th with code "SHOPNOW")

Blazer: Banana Republic

Bottom: J.Brand

Shoes: Vince Camuto

Accessories: Tiffany & Co necklace, Ferragamo belt, Botkier bag, D&G sunglasses, Hermes bangle

Starts with a cobalt maxi skirt...

Last year's cobalt maxi dress has been restyled into this year's cobalt maxi skirt. I created this look by knotting a linen shirt at the bottom, "tucking" in the knot, and finishing the look with a belt. Voilà! The illusion of a maxi skirt was created. Perfect for a lazy weekend!

Have a great week!

Top: J.Crew

Dress (worn as skirt): Banana Republic

Belt: Urban Outfitters

Shoes: Tory Burch

Starts with rainwear: Adding Colour to a Rainy Day...

Happy Canada Day! The long weekend was lovely despite starting on Friday with a bit of rain.

To spruce up otherwise drab rainwear, I paired my trusty trench and wellies with bright accessories and patterns. It was almost enough to have me singing in the rain.

Hope you had a great weekend too! And hopefully you got to spend some time in the sun and enjoy the fireworks!

Top: J.Crew (on sale here)

Coat: Banana Republic (old, my dream version here)

Bottom: J.Brand

Boots: Hunter

Accessories: J.Crew necklace, Hudson's Bay Company Collection umbrella (available here)

Starts with a floral tank...

The warmer weather of late has been the perfect segue into springtime florals.

Paired with flowy silk cargo shorts and a bag in a pop-out hue, this was the perfect ensemble for an afternoon stroll through the park with the hubby.

Have a great weekend!

Top: Topshop tank, Banana Republic cardigan

Bottom: Club Monaco (old)

Bag: Botkier "Valentina Shouler"

Jewelry: Gap and Tiffany & Co necklaces; Hermes and Tiffany & Co bracelets

Starts with a blue patterned blouse...

This top was purchased years ago for a friend's birthday party, and this weekend while looking for something to wear to another friend's baby shower, I found this tucked away. Styled with a shiny statement necklace for contrast, metallic belt to add shape, and fitted blazer for warmth, this old piece was reinvented and ready for another party.

A purple bag was added to provide additional pop while neutral shoes were used to anchor the ensemble without being too overwhelming. 

Hope you had a great weekend and are enjoying your week so far!

Top: Zara (old, similar here and here)

Jacket: Banana Republic

Bottom: J.Crew

Bag: Botkier

Shoes: Elizabeth & James

Jewelry: Gucci watch; Gap, Tiffany & Co and Hermes bracelets; All Things Tinsel necklace (Etsy)

Starts with a cobalt blue blazer...

It's no secret that I love blue (as evidenced here and here). To celebrate the weather finally starting to warm up this weekend, I brought out my new cobalt blue sweater blazer for a weekend brunch.

Playing with complementary colours, I paired it with my tangerine J.Crew necklace another favorite piece in my wardrobe.

Always a fan of unique details, I also love the leather-trimmed zipper pockets and the flattering draped collar.

Fingers crossed that the mild weather this weekend is a preview of weekends to come! Have a great week!

Top: Banana Republic blazer, Club Monaco t-shirt

Bottom: J.Brand

Shoes: Christian Louboutin

Bag: Prada

Sunglasses: D&G

Starts with a graphic print sweater...

Happy Monday! This whimsical sweater takes the term "leopard print" to a whole different level. As a big fan of animal prints, how could I resist the print of literally, an animal?

 

Paired with my fall-favourite oxblood skinny pants, this is perfect for weekend lunches and casual Fridays. 

Hope you all have a great week!

Sweater: Garage (also loving this version here)

Blazer: Banana Republic

Bottom: Aritzia

Shoes: Cole Haan

Jewellery: Marc Jacobs watch (old), Hermes bracelet, Tiffany & Co necklace

Sunglasses: D&G

Starts with Inspiration: Banana Republic's Anna Karenina Capsule Collection

On November 1st, Banana Republic is holding an After 5 event to celebrate the Anna Karenina Capsule Collection. 

Starting at 5 o'clock, all pieces from this collection will be 25% off (or 35% off for BananaCard, GapCard, or Old Navy Card holders). As I like to be ever-prepared for any kind of sale, I've scoped out the collection and picked out my top 3 pieces:

-1-

The lace front cardigan. The black on white contrast perfectly showcases the detail of the lace and offers an unexpected, feminine way to wear Fall's black/white combo trend. 

-2-

The Sonia faux-fur stole. An affordable and animal friendly version of my favourite Fall/Winter accessory to date. Perfectly cosy, supremely chic and surprisingly versatile, I envision wearing this for weekends layered with a leather jacket, or for work with a chic wool trench.

-3-

The black faux-fur vest. I've found it hard to find an affordable but high-quality fur vest this season. This version looks to be well-made and is different from others I've seen with its adjustable waist (a definite plus to avoid looking too boxy) and pockets! This could be worn alone, or for colder days, layered underneath a contrasting trench or leather jacket for an unexpected way to fight the cold. 

Find your closest Banana Republic to shop Thursday's sale here

See the rest of Banana Republic Anna Karenina Capsule Collection here

All images from Banana Republic

Starts with a wool cape...

Halloween is around the corner but there's nothing wizardly or witch-like about the wool cape. It's the perfect transitional piece before the big coats come out, and the cinched waist on this version helps keep the wearer from looking too overwhelmed by the layers.

Leather trimming, satin lining,  and an exaggerated collar also add dimension.

In the season of pumpkin-spiced lattes and colourful leaves, there's nothing like a cozy coat to help make chilly walks that much better.

Cape: Barney's Co-op (old, similar here and here)

Bottom: Paige

Shoes: Banana Republic

Jewellery: Michael Kors

Wallet: Marc Jacobs

Starts with leather and stripes...

Year after year, nothing seems more right for brisk Fall day than a great leather jacket. Paired with eye-catching stripes in a cozy knit and leopard smoking slippers (another attempt at mixing patterns!), this classic from last season has been reinvented.

Jacket: Mackage (similar here)

Sweater: HBC collection from The Bay

Bottom: Citizens of Humanity

Shoes: Banana Republic

Starts with leopard print smoking slippers...

A few posts ago, I was trying to decide which pair to choose, looks like the perfect pair spotted me...

Shoes: Banana Republic

Starts with black cropped pants...

It's official. I'm obsessed with cropped pants. Come Fall, I don't know how I can go back to my wider-legged dress pants. I love how cropped pants look so effortlessly chic while providing a great way to show off my shoes. 

It's a bit tricky for a slightly shorter person like me. I have to be careful that the pants aren't too long (otherwise it adds bulk to the legs) and careful that it's not too short (otherwise it looks like I'm wearing capri pants). My preference is just above the ankle.

 

Here, I've paired my pants with a feminine checked top and a long statement necklace to elongate the torso.  

We're coming into the long weekend, and I'm looking forward to spending some time outside - how are you spending the last days of summer?

Pants: Gap

Top: T.Babaton (from Aritzia) blouse, Banana Republic sweater

Shoes: Christian Louboutin

Jewellery: Banana Republic long necklace (old); Tiffany & Co, Tag Heuer)

Sunglasses: D&G

Purse: Botkier (last seen here and here)

Starts with a royal blue maxi dress...

...and not much more. This was a recent sale purchase from a trip to the Banana Republic outlet. The soft jersey is perfect for the muggy weather we've been getting recently, and the royal blue doesn't need many accessories - it provides its own pop!

Dress: Banana Republic (outlet, similar here)

Shoes: Tory Burch (available here)

Wallet: Marc Jacobs

Jewellery: Hermes bracelet, Tag Heuer watch, Tiffany & Co silver bracelet, Gap necklace (old)