The new Smocked Skirt from Banana Republic was slightly disappointing. I have the version from a couple seasons ago and it looks adorable and summery because it’s a full A-line skirt, which looks amazing with a tucked-in shirt or belted under a longer tank. I was hoping the ones from this season would be similar, only shorter and even cuter since they’re only 19 1/2 inches.

Black – It is really lacking the A-line shape. It kind of just drapes over your hips. It is also so wrinkly that the pleats have been overpowered by the wrinkles. Even after I ironed the skirt, it still looked a bit sloppy. Still, you can’t really tell with the black, and since it’s so comfortable due to the smocked waist, it’s a keeper. Plus I don’t have any casual black skirts. Love belting this – will really make the color of the belt pop.

I’m wearing: J.Crew Max and Molly Tee, J.Crew Equestrian belt, Gucci Grease Platform Sandals

Taupe Pearl – This one is not a keeper. All the flaws I’ve identified with the black version are impossible to hide with this color. I spent 10 minutes ironing this and it was still wrinkly. I don’t even want to sit down because I don’t want to get up with wrinkles up the wazoo. The shapelessness of the skirt also is impossible to hide here; that combined with the color makes the skirt look dreary. Could be considered okay I guess? But if I had $60 to spare, I’d put it towards all the J.Crew new arrivals I’ve been eyeing.

I’m wearing: J.Crew Slub Cotton Tee, Banana Republic Belt, Gucci Logo Wedges

Sizing wise, I got them in Small. I’m about a size 6 right now and since these are smocked, I figured Small was the way to go. I would probably not purchase these at full price, in black or taupe. Luckily, I scored these when there was a 25% promotion – which, along with Bing 25% cashback – made these quite appealing price-wise. Since Banana Republic is doing these promotions almost on a daily basis, I’d say wait until then and score this in the black. If you can’t wait, get this Smocked Skirt from Banana Republic now for $59.50 here.

I’ve been eyeing the Dahlia wedge from Banana Republic for a while. I’ve always worn flat sandals every spring/summer, and this year I wanted something just as comfortable but with a little more edge and height. It seems the Dahlia wedges fit the bill – lots of rave reviews about comfort, very simple and elegant look, and a huge 4″ heel. Well, I bit the bullet with their recent weekend 25% off promotion, and they arrived today.

Well, I have mixed feelings about the Dahlia wedge. It IS unbelievably comfortable, though understandably with a 4″ heel comes some awkwardness and blockiness in walking, especially if you’re trying to walk quickly. That said, the ball of feet area is very cushioned and the wedges are light. Definitely most comfortable wedge I’ve ever slipped my feet into. Now the not so good stuff…

Yes, the jewels are plastic, and though they are secured on the leather with some kind of metal hook thing into the top piece of leather, the jewels themselves are flimsy. Just as I pulled these out of the shoe box to look at them for the first time, the top jewel just popped off. Looks like not enough glue or maybe dried up glue in there. Thought about exchanging them right then and there, but I realized they are all glued on for every pair I can exchange for, so might as well arm myself with some super glue and deal with it now. Then I looked at the other shoe and it wasn’t in better shape.

Not sure if you can tell, but the bottom jewel has smeared remnants of dried up glue on the lower right hand corner. Does not come off. The middle jewel has a deep scratch. Side of the leather (not pictured) has been scratched with some dirt still remaining, but that came off with a simple pencil eraser so I won’t whine more about it here.

Many women have also raved about how these wedges make their legs look miles long. But I think because of the block of leather right at the top of your ankle, it kind of cuts off the line of your leg. I didn’t even realize it until I took pictures and saw how stumpy my legs look here, as opposed to when I wore pumps or went barefoot in my previous pictures. Maybe it’s just these pictures…not sure. Anyway, here’s my conclusion about these Dahlia wedges – Banana Republic has clearly invested a lot in improving the comfort of their shoes. My last purchase from a few years ago was nowhere near this comfortable, and it was a flat! BUT…with this investment, they perhaps ran out of money to invest in touching up the details because they are not good. Are they still keepers at the price I got them at? Yup. Here are some more IRL pictures.

I’m wearing: J.Crew Favorite Tank, Banana Republic Smocked Skirt (Similar here)

If you’re eyeballing these on the BR site, don’t hesitate to get them when a promotion comes rolling around (and they’re comin’ around pretttty often these days). Meanwhile, they’re $98 here at Banana Republic. Also comes in brown leather with multicolor jewels. I personally think the gray version looks more chic but both are gorgeous!

This Pima Cotton Scoopneck Tee from Banana Republic was a total impulse buy. Now that Spring is coming, I’m hesitant to step out in my standard tank + cardigan + skirt combo, as it’ll likely get pretty uncomfortable wearing a sweater all summer. So I’ve been on the hunt (again) for simple, high quality tees that I can just throw on with skirts/jeans for a casual look, yet be able to layer over it for a dressed up look. I didn’t really have any criteria in mind when I saw this Pima Cotton Scoopneck tee on sale for only $9.99 at Banana Republic online. It’s 91% Pima Cotton, 9% Spandex. Sounds like a super comfy, high quality tee that most likely won’t stretch out easily.

It came today and I am not a fan. First impression is that it’s a cool, breezy fabric, definitely feels high quality, but seems a little too spandex-y and clingy. I had some hopes for it when I threw it on. First thing I realized – you could see every tiny thing on my body through this tee. Granted, I bought it in white, but who doesn’t need a go-to white tee in the spring/summer? So why can’t I find any that do not showcase all the goods?

The tee really felt more like shiny, stretchy spandex rather than pima cotton. Definitely not a girl’s most flattering material in any kind of top. The sizing also runs small. BR’s tanks and tops in “Medium” usually fit me relatively loosely and comfortably, whereas this shirt in medium was skin tight, exacerbating the cling issue. I probably should’ve read reviews on the BR site before purchasing, as many echo the same feedback. Only way it may work is if I tucked it into something and wore my hair down to cover the girls. Then it looks decent. Sorta. If you want to give this a shot, get this tee here on sale for only $9.99.