Banana Republic, not that bad

[phreak]

i came to SF and promptly learned which things not to wear. most threads end up being about how to wear clothes that fit/flatter your build properly. most people on here will never own margiela, dick, gellar; they simply want to dress better than AE/mall brands.

BR will never offer any grail pieces or must haves but, imo, they do offer a good selection of outerwear, shorts, basics that can be had at a very competitive price.

[refinery]

Originally Posted by Suicmez

A lot of people on this forum don't care about price, they care about quality. Some of the best dressed posters here wear some of the most inexpensive clothing, elitism has nothing to do with it. The reason most people here hate on BR is because there are so many better options in that price range, like Uniqlo, JCrew or Gap. Same reason people here hate on Gucci, D&G and the like... its all about the name, and the fact that it's almost lazy.. the designers have gotten lazy because they can fall back on their already established name and people will still buy their pieces, all because of the name. Other designers actually put inspired work into their garments, and it takes a keen eye to see beyond all the BS of labels and marketing to actually find a cool, quality piece. Same reason people buy Bose, they don't have a fucking clue about speakers and the sound quality they offer, they just hear Bose's name, so they think it's the best.

Honestly, I don't find Gap to have better quality, but then again I don't buy enough Gap or BR to make a solid conclusion. I do understand BR isn't the best quality for the price range and agree that JCrew and Uniqlo are much better.

I also do hate Gucci, Prada, D&G, etc. I don't like the style neither the prices and I don't care about how the quality is if it looks hideous.

I'm just finding it funny that people are beating a dead horse for no reason. Don't like BR? Then ok. Leave it be. It's a company that makes clothes, not some vegetarian interest group that causes controversy.

Just the fact that this topic is already on its 10th page baffles me. Can someone really hate people's differing opinions on a CLOTHING STORE that it has to go on for this length? C'mon.

[Helix]

Originally Posted by refinery

Just the fact that this topic is already on its 10th page baffles me. Can someone really hate people's differing opinions on a CLOTHING STORE that it has to go on for this length? C'mon.

You are on a clothing forum wondering why there is a long thread debating the relative merits of a certain brand of clothing.

[helo]

Originally Posted by Helix

You are on a clothing forum wondering why there is a long thread debating the relative merits of a certain brand of clothing.

Haha, very good point.

[DLester]

Originally Posted by refinery

Just the fact that this topic is already on its 10th page baffles me. Can someone really hate people's differing opinions on a CLOTHING STORE that it has to go on for this length? C'mon.

The thread is too long because it is about an unremarkable brand, not because it is about a clothing store.

Originally Posted by Helix

You are on a clothing forum wondering why there is a long thread debating the relative merits of a certain brand of clothing.

lol yes, clothing is a relevant subject for SF -- this isn't the MIT physics department blog.

[db_ggmm]

When a mall brand does something right, even if it's just a single piece, I like to hear about it. I also don't mind a mall thread that clearly explains where better to look. For those who desperately question the existence of these threads on SF, the above is why I appreciate them.

[Ge Fuzz]

Man, I had no idea. I have't been in a BR in probably 3 years. I don't think Ive ever bought or wore anything from them. When I go to the mall I usually avoid BR and every one else, I park at JC Pennies and walk through to where H&M is(right next to pennies), and then I go back out Pennies and drive around to Macy's. I hate walking through the mall but maybe I will next time...or not.

[refinery]

Originally Posted by Helix

You are on a clothing forum wondering why there is a long thread debating the relative merits of a certain brand of clothing.

It's not even debating anymore. It's just bashing about something extremely trivial when it's just people's opinions on something causing such a stir.

[CBrown85]

Originally Posted by Ge Fuzz

Man, I had no idea. I have't been in a BR in probably 3 years. I don't think Ive ever bought or wore anything from them. When I go to the mall I usually avoid BR and every one else, I park at JC Pennies and walk through to where H&M is(right next to pennies), and then I go back out Pennies and drive around to Macy's. I hate walking through the mall but maybe I will next time...or not.

why's this?

[Ge Fuzz]

Originally Posted by CBrown85

why's this?

I dunno. I never liked malls. I only recently started going to the gap and I still feel weird in one. Im weird like that I guess.

[CBrown85]

Yeah I don't like dealing with salespeople. I'd rather shop for stuff online, but you can never tell if it'll fit right or not. Plus when you're out something might catch your eye.

[gilwood]

I got another load of pocket squares from BR. Still can't find underwear that's better than their pima boxer briefs...

[wcarson89]

PSA: BR is having a 40% off two reg. priced items if you are on their email list. I just ordered two pairs of clarks desert boots for $130 shipped

With that being said, I'll contribute to this thread...I like BR's tailored fit and heritage collection but everything else is either ugly or fits weird. I did get a full suit (tailored fit) on final sale for $90 total and after $30 in alterations it fits perfectly.

[ls1dreams]

It's actually even better - you can stack coupons so it's like 40% - 25% - 25% bing cashback AND free shipping.

In the end it's like getting the current products for 66% off.

Unfortunately, I'm having a hard time finding anything I want because:
1. The casual shirt I wanted is sold out of my size
2. The dress shirts that fit me are too tight in the neck

Basically I can only use BR for casual shirts that I can wear with an open collar.

On another note...

What do people think of this messenger bag? With coupons it can be had for about $50:

http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse...scid=713312012

[jarude]

BR is certainly just another mall brand, but not an altogether horrible one. Working there is kinda fun - for a flat-broke student, 50% off at gap / BR is really nice. However, most of the stuff is crap. The basics are fine, but every time we get new stuff its another collection of ugly patterns and shitty colours. The materials aren't that bad - pima tees are nice if a little thin, and the sweater blends are comfy and warm, but the construction is its fatal downfall. At least 3-4 times a week we have people coming in and complaining of shit disintegrating.

Worst part is helping people buy stuff; women will drag their boyfriends in there, have him dress up in that atrocious female-ideal-of-male-fashion and rave about how good he looks. Every single time I've tried to suggest a little more SF-approved - trimmer fits, simple looks with attention to detail - it fails miserably. I feel so bad when people shell out full retail on ugly shit that doesn't fit

Can't argue if the price is right though. We're clearing out a ton of f/w and early s/s stuff right now; blowout prices + employee discount = $10 merino wool sweaters, $15 buttondowns. Add some minor tailoring costs and you have ok stuff on the extreme cheap. Its not terrible if you have an eye for fit and finish, and certainly not the devil its being made out to be... just a little overpriced and mediocre