Banana Republic

Hit or miss in here and I do love the style that they offer here. Always timeless and classic pieces that never go out of style. The sales racks are «sales» racks meaning even if it’s on sale, it’s still $ 80 but I’ve managed to get things for under $ 30 back there. Not sure if it’ll work here but the Banana Republic Factory Store at Castle Rock will do a student discount. Sales associates seem pretty snobby here, not the friendliest here and don’t acknowledge anybody leaving or coming in. Store is very organized and clean.

Banana Republic and I have a love-​hate relationship.
I love the structured, classic looks they deliver each season — perfect for my conservative work environment. But I hate that the fit of many items don’t suit my body well. I’m small, so XS, 0, and/​or 2 at other stores typically flatter me. Well, depending on the Banana Republic item, the XS and 0 will fit me great everywhere except across the shoulders. Apparently I have wider shoulders than someone my height and waist size. But if I try on a 2, the shoulders look great, but the rest of it makes me look like I’m playing in a bigger person’s closet. Strange, because for the other mass-​produced chains, I’m spot-​on in XS/​0 at Express and 00 at White House Black Market. And the BR pants — I could never quite seem to get the hips and waist to coordinate where I need them to be. The waistband will fit, but then the hips are too baggy and seem lower than my natural hips.
Anyway, the review should really be about this particular store: I love the layout– wooden floors with cleanly displayed clothes on tables and racks, shelves and rods lined up along the walls, all under a light and airy space. It’s not as big as the stores in Denver, but it works. However, I hate how inconsistent the staff can be in terms of attitude. It’s a hit or miss — many of them are darling, but I’ve also had surly, haughty staff, and some altogether ignore me. I blame management — perhaps they treat some employees more favorably than others, and they obviously don’t train much beyond what corporate tells them to do because the inconsistency is quite blatant at this particular Briargate location. The example I have isn’t the only instance I’ve experienced this: just this past Saturday, I kept crossing paths with one male employee who refused to meet my eyes or even acknowledge me even though we were going through the same racks as I took clothes in/​out of the rooms for the Dude to try on. But when we were ringing up with another guy, he couldn’t have been more concerned and caring as he offered up huge smiles. I have seen this with the female staff too.
If I am lucky that something fits here, I will buy it on sale because the MSRP is way too high for being mass produced in China, Vietnam, etc. So this last Saturday, I was able to outfit the Dude in 3 good-​looking pieces for less than $ 85.
The stars I give Banana Republic are for: 1) The ageless yet interesting styles I find at the store don’t scream teeny-​bopper, 2) Great sales prices, and 3) The GOOD and attentive employees deserve a star.