Banana Republic‘s designer collaborations rarely disappoint so it was with enthusiasm that I welcomed the L’Wren Scott for Banana Republic collection.
For those of you unfamiliar with L’Wren Scott, the eponymous founder of this American brand, she is a model turned stylist who parlayed her fame into a very successful fashion empire. She is perhaps best known in the tabloids for being Mick Jagger’s girlfriend.
True to Banana Republic’s base, this capsule collection featured designs that skewed conservative with a tinge of glam in time for the holidays. The dark brocades, sparkly lace, bright jacquard, and pallid sequins complement each other well but I personally found some of the designs to be slightly mature.
I had high hopes for this Navy Lace Dress but the fabric was limited in versatility. The cut itself is flattering and the fit true to size for Banana Republic but it has a slightly dated look to it.
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| L’Wren Scott Collection Lace Dress | Size 00P Underarm to underarm: 15″ | Length: 34″ | Waist: 12″ |
By the time I placed my order online, the Jacquard Shift Dress had sold out in all petite sizes. I picked up a regular size 0 for my mom because she is a jacquard fan but in person I found the contrast between bright green and black to be too harsh. I ordered this in a size other than my own so can’t really speak to fit but from reviews it appears to run slightly small.
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| Jacquard Shift Dress | Size 0 Underarm to underarm: 15.5″ | Length: 35″ | Waist: 14″ |
Like Jean (who looked ravishing in two red BR numbers), my favorite piece from this collection is the Sweetheart Dress in lipstick red, which is merely a tweak of other recent Banana Republic designs (like the Sloan Sheath, for example). I am in agreement with Jean on sizing; I am about a size bigger than she is and the 00P fit me in a more body-hugging manner but there still remained excess fabric in the midsection that is less than flattering.
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| L’Wren Scott Collection Sweetheart Dress | Size 00P Underarm to underarm: 15″ | Length: 32.5″ | Waist: 12″ |
A brocade blazer would have been a useful addition to my jacket collection but this print just didn’t appeal to me. Celery green is a smidgen too gimmicky for my closet and had I kept this I would have had a difficult time wearing it with any regularity. With regard to fit, the jacket runs somewhat small so those between sizes would probably find the larger size to be more comfortable.
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| Lace Brocade Jacket | Size 00P |
I was most surprised by these brocade skinny ankle jeans; they were comfortable and the fabric elastic but with some structure. I would’ve kept them but really wasn’t in love with either colorway and wanted to hold out for something closer to ideal. I would recommend them to people who are similar to me in build.
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| Brocade Skinny Ankle Jean in Cassis | 00P Waist: 13.5″ | Hip: 16.5″ | Length: 32″ | Inseam: 20.5″ |
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| Brocade Skinny Ankle Jean in Black | Size 00P |
One of the collection’s bestsellers, a dark green tie neck blouse, sold out quickly in popular sizes and I ordered a size 4 for my mom. The design and fabric are average but the color is really striking so this was a keeper. No petite sizes were offered so this style would probably require alterations for those on the shorter end of the height spectrum.
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| L’Wren Scott Collection Green Bow Blouse | Size 4 |
Pieces from the collection are now on sale and the code BRNEWYR40, for 40% off your entire purchase, can be used on the collection. The Lip Print Bow Blouse which I would’ve ordered earlier is now restocked in all petite sizes so it’s another style to consider if you plan to shop the collection.
