Review – Banana Republic Petite Briana Jacket and Rosette Cardigan

October 11, 2010

A few Banana Republic petite items for your viewing pleasure…

Banana Republic Petite Briana Jacket, size XXSP:

Banana Republic Petite Jacket
Banana Republic Petite Jacket Open
Banana Republic Petite Jacket Back
Cardigan: Ann Taylor LOFT Ruffle Cardigan, size XXSP
Top: H&M T-shirt, size XS
Jeans: Paige Laurel Canyon, size 24 (hemmed & waist taken in)
Shoes: Cole Haan, size 5

When I saw this jacket on the Banana Republic site, I thought it might have potential judging by the slim fit on the model. It also came in size XXSP, which is rare (usually jackets come in numerical sizing, like 00P), and it is a knit, which usually fits a bit more snug (like a sweater). I feared it might be too long on me, which was pretty much confirmed when I put it on. I tried to style it like they did on the product page with some pink peaking out, because I liked the color combination so much. 

What I liked:
The color and pattern are amazingly fun. Pink piping travels through the inside seams. The cut is really nice, I love how it cuts in at the waist.

What I didn’t like:
The fabric is a bit itchy, which is surprising because fabrics (even wool) usually don’t bother me.  The button placement is a bit too low on me, and the large pockets don’t quite work where they are. The jacket is too long for my frame, but might work for a longer torso’d gal. It’s also still about a size too big for me off the rack, as you can see best by the extra fabric near my shoulder in the back view.

Verdict:
Return. But I can see it looking amazing on some of you taller petites out there! Don’t bother if you want to down-play your hips, as those large pockets right at hip level will only make them look bigger. This is probably best for slim ladies who want the appearance of more curves.

Continue reading for the Banana Republic Rosette Cardigan…

Banana Republic Petite Rosette Cardigan, size XXSP:

Banana Republic Petite Rosette Cardigan

I thought this cardigan might be cute along the lines of “Anthropology quirky cute”, but what I got was more of a “home-sewn” cute…not quite my style. I also want to make special note of the poor, poor, decision to place the rosettes (which stick out quite a ways, by the way) right at boob level. Not just boob level…more like nipple level…just awful.

Banana Republic Petite Rosette Cardgain on the boobs
Banana Republic Petite Rosette Cardigan Close

This cardigan has a waffled texture, similar to a thermal.

What I liked:
The fit is pretty decent, and I bet after a wash would be quite nice. The length is perfect, as is the sleeve length. The color is also a nice neutral.

What I didn’t like:
Those rosettes! Oh the horror! First of all, they stick out really far. Second, I could barely keep a straight face wearing this because I felt ridiculous with rosette nipples.

Verdict:
Return!

I failed, but has anyone found any good Banana Republic petite finds lately?

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  • Jen

    I agree about the Rosette Cardigan. So much potential but not so great in the execution, unfortunately! ;p

    The jacket on the other hand, I'm wondering what the material is because maybe it would shrink in the wash? Considering I did that with the knit peplum jacket and it fits nicely on me now…

  • Elle

    Thanks so much for the review Kelly. I have been contemplating ordering these items since your original post but will stay away now. I had hoped that the gray blazer would be a lighter shade of gray but it looks darker irl. And the rosette cardigan…wow. I would feel pretty ridiculous with the placement of those embellishments too.

  • Claud

    Great review. You crack me up with your precise comments about the rosette placements. I totally agree, sometimes I wonder if this has something to do with the height/size of the fashion designers LOL?? we need petite designers or designers who are more aware of petites frames ;)

  • Rinny

    Aww its too bad that the shoulders on the Banana Republic jacket are too wide; I actually quite like the longer length on you – it looks sorta like a boyfriend blazer :)

  • curls-and-pearls

    LOL rosette nipples! Oh that's awful!

    I really like that blazer though, but when you mentioned that it's itchy I think it's a no go for me! Even a bit of wool makes me itchy!

  • CynthiaC

    Banana really lacks colour right now. With the exception of a few boring sweaters and shirts, everything is black or grey!

  • PetiteAsianGirl

    I'm so surprised to see a BR review…it's a refreshing change from all the LOFT reviews going on but alas, disappointing. I was laughing out loud at the rosette cardigan. It makes you look ultra grandmotherly, and then my eyes got drawn to the rosette nips. C'mon BR!

  • Banhannas

    I agree with you that the blazer does look too long for your frame. The fit everywhere else looks great! LOL to your rosette cardigan…oh boy definitely a return.

    PAG- too many LOFT reviews? -shifty eyes- I may or may not have posted a review from them. Heehee.

  • Canadianpetite

    I thought the blazer length was great on you but I agree with you on the button placement. If the button was an inch higher tho, then the whole jacket would not look proportionate.

    Rosette nipples – hilarious! BR needs petite designer consultants. BR: plenty of volunteers here!

  • TinyInTexas

    That jacket is cute! I would like to try that one on for sure. The rosette cardigan on the other hand…so unfortunate. They could have made this one so cute, but no one wants rosette nips! Yikes!

    Thanks for your review!

  • Callandra

    You're "rosette nipples" had me cracking up! Too bad about the fit on the jacket, definitely too big all over for you. Thank you for doing this reveiw, I can't stand to wear itchy fabric.

  • Cee

    I agree on the fit for the cardigan, but I actually like the jacket on you. It's got a bit of the "boyfriend blazer" look that's so hot right now. But if you don't love it, definitely return.

  • Nukem

    Rosette nipples! LOL, yeah that sweater needs to go back. The blazer isn't too bad. I bought a skirt there over the weekend that I liked (not on the website) but it is a tweed pencil skirt with black buttons down the front and tie waist belt.

  • SewPetiteGal

    It's a shame about the Rosette cardigan! I bet it's one of those items that looks great on the hanger but not on a real person. I do like the blazer except the sleeves look a little on the long/baggy side.

  • Alterations Needed

    Jen – The jacket is a wool blend (acrylic & nylon), so it does have shrinkage potential. It wouldn't help the button placement on me though.

    Rinny & Cee – I was hoping it would work as a boyfriend blazer when I first tried it on, but after a few pictures, I could see it wasn't quite making the cut. Might work well for someone taller though.

    Nukem – Ohhh…you got my attention with "tweed". Gotta hit up the BR store now. =)

    SewPetiteGal – You're right, the sleeves do look a tad baggy. Just another reason to add it to the return pile.

  • PetiteXXS

    It's been a while since we've seen a BR review! And sadly it's still another bust. I'm not a fan of either item… what's going on, BR?! I don't think I've ever gone this long without wanting to buy something from them lol.

  • Vicky

    LOL at the rosette cardigan. Huge BR fail! Haha.
    The jacket looks very nice on you. I agree it's a bit on the long side, but I think it's quite a nice change, considering that all your jackets were a shrunken fit.

  • Michelle

    Too bad neither item worked out. The placement of the roses is too funny!

    I agree with Vicky, the jacket would be a nice addition to your current wardrobe. However, those darn sleeves ruin it!

  • April

    I love your outfit! Wow, the Paige size 24 look kinda loose on you. I own a couple Paige in size 24 and the Pico flaps fit well, but the others don't so I think their sizing may be inconsistent. What are your thoughts?

  • Teeny Feeties

    Hi, I'm new to the whole blogospere – just following for now, not writing just yet!

    This is off-topic, but may I say, you look miles tall in those jeans – I never thought a bootleg could look so good on a petite!

  • PetiteLittleGirl

    I saw the cardigan at store yesterday. I couldn't help but laugh when I thought about your post. I tried it on too and sure enough, the rosettes are in the way :) BR needs to have more colorful pieces added to their Fall collection

  • HM63

    Too bad about the jacket. Chloe reviewed the same jacket today and it's much more fitted on her….she said to size down. However, when you're already in the smallest size that doesn't quite work, does it. :)

    I tried on a great t-shirt at Mexx a while back that had rosettes on the front. The top was perfect in every way except for the rosette placement. Like the sweater, there was one over each nipple. I'm not exactly flat chested so the side view was quite something. The sales girl and I had a good laugh.

  • Em

    LOL @ the second to last photo. Simultaneously cute and hilarious. Such ashame the rosettes ruined the cardigan! I'm not a huge fan of rosettes to begin with, but poor placement is the nail in the coffin. I love the waffley texture, though. It lends a rugged coziness that I love for the colder months.

  • Alterations Needed

    April – I have noticed a difference in sizing between Paige fits, and even different washes. This Pair of dark wash jeans happens to stretch a bit after a few wears, and I was too lazy to wash them before this photo shoot, so, yeah, they are a bit baggy in these pics. =P

    Teeny Feeties – Thanks! I hope you decide to write soon. Drop me an email or comment when you do so I can check out your blog!

    PetiteLittleGirl – LOL…glad I'm not the only one! =D

    HM63 – I saw Chloe's post and it looks great on her! Lucky girl! Yeah, rosettes are a tricky thing to place on tops…designers should beware to not place them too low, or else give women rosette nipples…bleh.

    Em – The waffled texture was an interesting surprise, but I wasn't quite sure if I liked it or not. I think I'm more of a fuzzy cashmere girl. =)

  • Em

    LOL @ the second to last photo. Simultaneously cute and hilarious. Such ashame the rosettes ruined the cardigan! I'm not a huge fan of rosettes to begin with, but poor placement is the nail in the coffin. I love the waffley texture, though. It lends a rugged coziness that I love for the colder months.

  • Canadianpetite

    I thought the blazer length was great on you but I agree with you on the button placement. If the button was an inch higher tho, then the whole jacket would not look proportionate.

    Rosette nipples – hilarious! BR needs petite designer consultants. BR: plenty of volunteers here!

  • CynthiaC

    Banana really lacks colour right now. With the exception of a few boring sweaters and shirts, everything is black or grey!

  • Rinny

    Aww its too bad that the shoulders on the Banana Republic jacket are too wide; I actually quite like the longer length on you – it looks sorta like a boyfriend blazer :)

  • Teeny Feeties

    Hi, I'm new to the whole blogospere – just following for now, not writing just yet!

    This is off-topic, but may I say, you look miles tall in those jeans – I never thought a bootleg could look so good on a petite!

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