When I worked as a legal assistant and had to look somewhat presentable, I had a major love affair with Banana Republic.
Then, I joined the world of high-pressure pet assisting, and my sense of style devolved. I went from business casual to surf tees and stretchy pants almost overnight.
I’ve been trying to rectify this over the past year, in part because of a new policy here at work. My manager, Tabs, says that he “will cut” me the next time I come to work wearing tattered clothes, or clothes with crusty, dried bits of food on the sleeves.
And I also don’t want to keep being mistaken for a 13-year-old skater boy from afar.
Whatever, it happens.
So because it still gets a little chilly here late at night, I’ve been looking for lightweight summer sweaters — kind of dressy, but not overly formal — and this Banana Republic Anna Cardigan is doing the trick.
Made from silk, cotton, nylon and a lycra blend, they’re super soft, and not too clingy, so I can comfortably wear a shirt underneath.
The golden buttons are also a nice touch. Fancy and Chanel-ish. 🙂
Best of all, it keeps its shape! I have a few old cardigans in my closet that I picked up over the years (mostly from the juniors’ section), and all of them drive me absolutely b-a-n-a-n-a-s because of how the sleeves get loose around the wrists after wearing them for a few hours.
Something the Anna Cardigan doesn’t do.
It comes in a number of colors, too, both conservative and flashier shades… Well, flashy for Banana Republic. I got it in basic black and white to be able to wear them with as many things as possible.
The tag says hand wash or dry clean, but I’ve been breaking the rules. I pop one into a laundry bag, and toss it into the washing machine on the delicate cycle. I did it once without reading the tag, and it came out fine.
If it still gets chilly at night where you are, check it out next time you stop by a Banana Republic store or pull up their website. It’s $59.50, but I just saw that a few of the colors are on sale for $49.99.
Oh, and there’s also an online sale going on now through Sunday, June 9, for 30% off using code BRSHOP30.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Have you ever seen Outlander starring Jim Caviezel? I’m watching it with El Hub and Tabs on TV right now.
Two words: vikings and aliens. Yup…that pretty much sums it up.
Oh I love my Banana Republic cardigans. I have a very similar, beach-bummish, casual style (definitely worse than yours. You have a very cute, girly style, Karen! I see your OOTD pics all the time so I KNOW you know how to dress! 😛 lol)–I wear a lot of ripped jeans, tank tops, and live in flip flops or Converse. But when I need to look kinda cute for a night out or something, I find that a cute necklace and a cardigan thrown over any tank really classes it up. 😛 Definitely need to get more–I wear my black one constantly!
You’re just speaking to me with the posts, tonight! 🙂 I had a love-hate with BR, but that was because I worked at the GAP and I had that nifty discount. I love LOVE their clothes, but my credit card didn’t. I, too, find that the higher end/grown up cardigans are made to last a while. I still have GAP/BR clothes from 2008 that look fantastic. I am a true believer in: you pay for quality. Well, for most things. And I think hand wash/dry clean is an overreaction.
I should probably buy more laundry mesh bags. 🙂
Hmm it looks like I have to pay BR a visit. They are really pricey here sadly but I do own a basic piece or two from the brand and the quality is fantastic. Love your fashion posts too, Karen 😀
Love, love, love BR! Most of my work clothes and even more casual clothes are from BR. 🙂
Love these cardis, but to drive 2 hours to the nearest BR store near, not-so-near me, …arrggghh! It’s too dangerous to shop online, that’s why I ended up with many pieces from BR in my wardrobe. 😉
Love the H&M dress too!
I really love your dress, it’s a shame it is not available anymore otherwise I would have got it!
Seaside Beauty
xxx
I love this post, your style is super cute and feminine! I love cardigans, they are so versatile!
Karen, it’s too bad we can read faster that you can blog. I look forward to your posts everyday.
I needed to see this! I have been looking for a nice cardigan that doesn’t stretch out and holds its shape. I also have $30 in rewards I can spend at BR 🙂 Very cute outfit, and I love the beachy hair.
I like these! Good cardigans are so versatile. 🙂 Btw, your eyebrows look terrif in these pics. And, yes, of course I’ve seen Outlander. It was decent, though I’ve never watched it a second time.