Banana Republic Silk Camp Shirt, size p00 :: Paige Blue Heights Skinnies, size 23 (hemmed) :: Ann Taylor Perfect Patent Belt, size xs :: J.Crew Supernova Pearl necklace :: Timex watch :: Christian Louboutin Simple 85 Pumps, size 35
With a few Rewards Cards burning holes in my wallet, I wandered into Banana Republic not expecting to find much. The petite offerings at my local store is pitiful, so it’s rare that I find something worthwhile. Then I saw this little silk shirt hanging on the rack, and along with a few other button downs (I’m on a button down kick lately), headed to the fitting room.
Silk shirts are an item that usually leaves much to be desired. Silk is usually cut roomy, much to this tiny petite’s dismay. I want to add more luxe fabrics such as silk to my wardrobe, but when I drown in them…what’s the point?
So imagine my surprise when this little silk shirt didn’t swallowing me up!
When I got home, I checked the Banana Republic website for reviews of this shirt out of curiosity. Sure enough, there’s a few ladies on there saying this blouse runs small (in width, that is…not length).
I also tried the cream version of this blouse in store, but it’s very, very sheer. Unless you like playing with sheer textures in your wardrobe, opt for one of the two colored options. All I’m wearing underneath in these photos is a nude colored bra, so the colored options are opaque enough to prevent see-through.
Here it is un-tucked & un-cuffed:
Admittedly, it’s not much to look at in it’s un-styled glory, but a little crafty tucking and cuffing can turn it into something very wearable. It’s too long for me to wear un-tucked, but I tuck my button-downs anyways. It’s a pretty slim fit (best seen in the side photo), especially for silk, which makes tucking without poofs and bulges possible. I like the feminine pin-tucking along the front and back, and epaulets on the shoulder and two chest pockets give it a military vibe to appease my tomboy side.
A look on the inside of this blouse showed a lot of long, loose hanging threads that didn’t get cleaned up in the manufacturing process. This made me worry about the integrity of the seams, but a close inspection didn’t turn up any problems, so I’ll just snip those out when I get a chance.
I imagine this blouse looking fantastic underneath my black Theory blazer when the weather gets cooler. Until then, it’s a light, slouchy blouse I can pair with jeans.
If anyone is interested, Banana Republic will be having 30% off one full-priced item (40% off two) promotions on Wednesdays from August 31st through September 21st, in store only. The cashiers have the coupon cards behind the counter. :)
Size 00P Product Details (laying flat):
Shoulder: 14″
Bust: 16″
Waist: 13.5″
Length: 25″
Sleeve: 23″
100% Silk
Dry Clean
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Oooh, I’ve been eyeing this shirt for some time and I’m so glad to hear that it’s petite friendly!! I love the color you chose and I’ll definitely have to catch this shirt on sale!
This color is definitely my fav. The white was too sheer, and black seems so “blah”.
I’ve been seeing this style of shirt from a Target version to an Anthopologie version. All of them seem to stick with that green-gray color, which I absolutely must have in my wardrobe. I love it on you tucked and rolled up. I’m really digging the pockets and details of the shirt.
Complex Cardigans
Thanks! The color certainly goes well with the military inspired theme of the chest pockets and epaulets. :)
Pretty color! Some time ago BR offered another silk shirt that looked to be white but came out to be silver-ish. This one seemed more true to what they have on the website. I got the white one and really like the fit! :)
Oh, good! It fits you too! Do you layer a white tank underneath & tuck it in? If I can find the white after it goes on sale, I might pick it up. I was just a little turned off when I saw everything underneath, but I didn’t give it a chance by styling it.
I LOVE this on you! Great find. I hate voluminous silk blouses too but this looks perfect! RE the fit, my BR chambray shirt was too tight for me across the shoulders in a regular XP so had to exchange for the next size up, S. Darn my broad shoulders!
Wow! I’m surprised the BR chambray was too tight in the shoulder! I’m wondering if they scaled their sizes down a little bit. Hmmm….
Gorgeous! And isn’t it amazing what a little styling can do to improve a piece?
No kidding! As I put this together, I was reminded of your “Make It Work” post. :)
The shirt looks fantastic on you! I’m still hoping I can find a thrifted version that looks as good…
Good luck thrifting! I’m always amazed at people who have good thrifting abilities. I never find anything when I try. :P
me neither.
This one is a keeper! Love how it flatters your frame (after the cuffing and tucking). Would like to see a pop of color with it.. but thats just me! Waiting to see more of it on your blog!
Ahh…yes…I’m imagining a nice pop of red at the neckline (Amrita Singh necklace perhaps?). :)
Love this on you! I’ve got a nice collection of Ann Taylor and LOFT camp shirts now, thanks to their sales!
Excellent! Apparently I missed out on a recent AT Camp Shirt that fit pretty small. Grr!
wow that looks amazing on you Kelly! tucked and cuffed of course ;) I really like the colour too and I like how there isn’t that side dart at the bust. All shirts with those never fit me correctly. I’ll check and see if this is on the Canadian site, although I just placed a huge order :P
Those side darts can make or break a blouse! They’re usually in the wrong spot on me too. :P
I hope you can snag this blouse on sale! Good luck!
Kelly, this whole outfit looks fantastic on you. Although I like your blazer looks, I really like it when you just where a button down shirt and shorts/pants
wear not where
Thank you!! I’m starting to like the basic button down look better and better. I’m sure you’ll see more of it! :)
I love how you threw the pearls in there =)
Thanks Jackie! Pearls and silk just seemed like a natural fit. :)
last season, PLG picked up an AT navy camp shirt for me. very similar. wear it just like you. hahaha. well….sometimes, i do the trendy partial-tuck (business in the front, party in the back! hm…i should start calling it the mullet tuck.)
anyways, i was just saying via twitter that i’m on a button-down kick as well. I wanted chambray, gingham, plaid, silk button ups. still on the hunt for that darn gingham. but i hear H&M has one, just not in @ fashion valley yet.
The mullet tuck! I love it! LOL
Keep me updated on your button down finds! I was just at H&M earlier this week and saw lots of flannel, but no gingham! I hope they get some at FV.
That outfit looks really great on you! Those jeans definitely show some good curves!
Thank you Abby! Paige jeans never let me down. ;)
This shirt looks flawless on you. From the picture it looks like it’s made of a heavier weight silk that drapes very well. Great color choice too.
Thanks Vicky! You’re right, the silk is a pretty substantial weight, which helps with the drape factor. I also like the texture…not shiny or slippery.
Oh I loveee the colour and how you dressed it down with the jeans. It looks fabulous tucked in!
You look great in this blouse!! This color is a unique neutral!!
Do you fold the sleeves before you wear the shirt?
Yes, I do. I prefer to roll my sleeves, which also helps hide the extra length. =)