Banana Republic and their parent company GAP have been taking it on the chin lately. Yet despite their struggles, for the purposes of this tiny corner of the internet? I’d argue that GAP inc’s brands, especially BR, still seem to hit a sweet spot (if I’m wrong, tell me why: joe@dappered.com). They make solid quality clothing which smartly balances updated styling rooted in the classics. H&M, Zara, and other fast-fashion joints make flimsy quality, super trendy stuff. And while GAP Inc’s brands sure aren’t going to challenge Savile Row any time soon, a lot of us just can’t bring ourselves to call Banana Republic’s quality “fast-fashion” either. It’s better than that. Yet oddly enough, in terms of the big retail picture, that’s also part of why GAP is hurting.
But enough of the armchair retail analysis. On with the sale. Can’t imagine this is directly related to the poor sales numbers, but BR hasn’t run an exclusion free sale in a lonnnnng time. The problem here is that you have to hit a $200 threshold before the 40% BRFOREVER code activates. And that’s no small chunk of change. Still, many of their almost-always-excluded goods are in that upper price point. Which makes this sale tempting. Let’s hop to it.
Finally this thing is on sale. Unlike almost all of their other blazers and sportcoats, this 100% linen shell number has just a partial, butterfly lining in the back. That makes it much, much more comfortable for the warm days to come. Mini-houndstooth pattern. A true slim fit.
Yesssssirrrr. The Traveler Jeans are up for this sale. But at $118, you’re still short of the $200 threshold by $82. Good thing their new, perfect for cool summer nights linen-crew is $89.50. Pretty close to nailing the threshold there if you combine em’, and that would drop the jeans to $70.80 and the sweater to $53.70 respectively. Still a good pile of cash to lay down, but the jeans? They are something else. (You could also buy two pairs of traveler denim in whatever color or colors you’d like, and that’d easily trip the $200 threshold.)
Another item that’s almost always excluded due to the usual fine print. But not today. Italian linen, a warm weather appropriate shade of blue, and a true slim fit. Be warned that it does appear to be fully lined though.
Not bad considering that the shades usually run $98 and are almost always excluded from codes. Shoes are $108 before any sales or codes. Hooray for grey-tone accessories! They kinda go with everything.
Another combo to land the BR Traveler Jeans on a discount, but this time, it’s all spring/summer ready stuff. This “Ice Grey” is a brand new shade for the traveler jean, and should do well until it gets super-hot out. With the discount it drops the jeans to $70.80 and the polos to $29.70 a pop. Don’t like the pocket or piping? Solid options can be found here.
Not a bad price, especially if you give the reviews a look. Word is the leather used on this thing is thick. The real deal. Enough so that it needs to be broken in a bit. Is it gonna be a lifer in terms of construction? Hard to imagine it would be. But if you’re leather-jacket-curious, yet don’t want to shell out for a Schott, then this might be a nice, entry level jacket that can last with some care. Big fan of the moto style collar instead of the more traditional, floppy bomber-style.
Yes it’s still a total splurge, but here’s another combo that proves BR has put everything up for this code. Even their cashmere gets the cut… as long as you trip that $200 balance. A perfect pattern and weight for spring/summer, plus you can wear it all fall and winter long too. Cashmere is spun in Scotland. The socks are just there to tip the balance, since the sweater is $198.
Could be a really good transitional-season blazer. Appears to be fully lined, so wearing it above 80 or 85 degrees could be tough. But in the spring and fall? That texture of the 52% cotton / 48% linen blend would look great. Versatile shade of grey. (Despite BR calling it navy?)
Stocking up on summer-ready pants plus some leather to wrap around your waist. Aiden fit on these 58% linen, 42% cotton pants. Garment dyed for a more broken-in look and feel. Meanwhile, three shades of Italian leather available for that belt, including the cognac shown above, and a very tempting burgundy.
So, this might be a small sign as to why GAP inc is struggling right now. In the description of this sportcoat, under “materials”… all it says is “imported.” Is it linen? Cotton? A wool blend? WHO. KNOWS. If something as critical as fabric makeup is getting lost in the shuffle, then perhaps BR/GAP is a bit overwhelmed with trying to keep up with their fast-fashion competition. Anyway, from here it looks like it could be a cotton pique? Maybe? At least returns are free.
Fully understood that totes and/or floral pattern pocket squares might not be everyone’s thing. Totally get it. But BR’s Italian leather is fantastic stuff. Also, patterns are once again big this season, but not everyone wants to go full-Russel-Westbrook-Shirt. An easy way to work in a little bit of pattern? Wear solids (think white chinos/jeans, white or light blue shirt, blue sportcoat) and add a patterned pocket square in. Done.
Could end up being an awesome, warm-weather wedding suit (or, just an awesome warm weather… suit). But be aware that this one is fully lined. So it won’t be as breezy as some other linen suits. Big fan of that extra ticket pocket.
Ohhhh you thought you could get through a BR post without seeing the Wyatt single monks and the double stripe cotton cardigan eh? Well you thought WRONG. I know. I know. These get mentioned all. the. time. But, the bang for the buck factor really is there. And both are currently on sale (the sweater is final sale, but the shoes are returnable). Add on top the extra 40% off and both hit a hard to resist price.
The Extra 40% off $200+, no-exclusions BR code BRFOREVER ends tomorrow, 5/11/16.
Weekend update: JCF drops the price on those suede boots to under $80 (final sale…
Fall textures. Smoothly suited. Dark and sleek. Etc.
In person with an iconic loafer... in a not so classic shade.
It's autumnal temptation time. Coats. Boots. Blazers. Sweaters. Shoes.
Brooks Brothers also gets in on the "sale's on sale" act.
Sweaters, boots, the occasional suit. It's a 30% off + additional 15% off stacking deal.