I think I’ve mentioned this before, but I’ve always had a bias against dress shirts because I just never know what size to take in them and I never know how they will fit at the chest. That little gap can be quite annoying. Ever since I bought a couple gingham shirts from J.Crew though that fit beautifully, I’ve been dipping my toe in the water gradually. What better place to start than with a classic – basic white shirt – aka the Essential Boyfriend Shirt from Banana Republic.

Well, the material is thinner than I imagined, but it’s not too thin. I don’t think it’s see through, at least not to me. It fit me everywhere just like I’d want it to fit…all except for the arms. Geez. This is the tough thing with dress shirts or shirts in general. There is zero stretch. If it doesn’t fit you perfectly everywhere, it doesn’t fit you. Apparently yes, I know, my arms are disproportionately large or something, but c’mon. Getting tired of it. Love this shirt but has to go back because my arms are just busting out. Bah.

I’m wearing: Loft Wide Braided Belt, Banana Republic Cotton Pleated Skirt, Tory Burch Julianne Wedges

Well, the hunt for the classic white shirt continues. In the meantime, how the hell do I work down these arms? I wonder if they somehow grew in size recently or I’m just experiencing some terrible luck with my recent purchases.

Get it here from Banana Republic for $59.50.

I popped by Banana Republic at Rockefeller Center yesterday, picked up a couple of things, went to the register…and got everything for the amount I expected to pay for one. Apparently, somehow they are having some unmarketed secret 40% off everything “Pre-Fall” sale for cardholders which was not announced anywhere in the store…so I picked up a couple more things of course. May even go back today for more! The Cotton Pleated Skirt is one that’s been flying below the radar for me; it looks like yet another typical BR skirt, and with all the mixed reviews on sizing and coloring, I’ve been passing on it. Now that it’s $39.99 and an extra 40% off, I’m a-lookin’ at it!

First thing to note is that indeed the color in real life does not reflect the color in the stock photo. Instead of beige-ish, it’s more green.

I’m wearing: Loft Striped Corsage Sweater, Loft Wide Braided Belt, Tory Burch Julianne Wedges

It is significantly cuter than I expected. It’s very light and airy with a great circle/A-line shape. I sized up a size for some length; I think that was the right move as I prefer this skirt to sit more at my hips than waist per the stock photo. The only problem I can foresee with this skirt is that you probably can’t wear it with tights because the skirt (or its lining) is a soft, thin material; it’s not stiff enough to stand on its own and will likely stick to tights as you walk, causing bunching problems, skirt hiking, etc etc. Without tights this will be hard to wear in chillier weather. Regardless, I think this is a great buy and even if I can’t wear it in Fall/Winter, the price and design is great enough that I will keep it for next Spring/Summer (which will be here before you know it!).

Get it here from Banana Republic for $39.99.

Silk ruffle camis. My new obsession (if that hasn’t been obvious). Can’t. Get. Enough. Here comes another one! This time it is the Silk Cascade Ruffle Shell from Banana Republic. I know, I’m branching out at least to another brand for this stuff.

The color is so vibrant, I was afraid maybe it would not to this saturated in real life, but the color in real life is identical to this stock photo. Love it.

I’m wearing: Lands End Canvas Poplin Skirt, J.Crew Cobblestone Bracelet, Tory Burch Julianne Wedges

I read some of the reviews on the Banana Republic site and it seemed a few people complained about the sizing being off. I got my usual size (Small) here, and yeah it fits loosely and it’s not fitted, but isn’t that the whole point of the whole “blouson” billowy top effect? The bottom hem is elastic as well, to reinforce that effect. So…frankly, I like it, and under a cardigan or a blazer, just the ruffles and the bright color shine through, which is what I love most about this top anyway!

I’m wearing: J.Crew Palisades Cardigan, Lands End Canvas Poplin Skirt, J.Crew Cobblestone Bracelet, Tory Burch Julianne Wedges

I also picked up this top in the Sidewalk Gray color, which is a very pretty light gray. I highly recommend this top. I got countless compliments on it today!

Get it here from Banana Republic for $69.50. Kinda steep, I know, but BR has 25%-30% off promos practically every other day!