I had an entirely different post planned for today. I stopped in Banana Republic on the weekend and spotted some timeless, classic pieces at 40% off. I am sure you have noticed, Banana has really upped their game (and prices of course). They are now offering classic wearable beautifully made separates. Can many of us shop there most of the time? Perhaps not, but at 40% off many can. Let’s talk about the BR sale and Slow Fashion-How to Buy Better and Smarter.
As you know currently the garment industry is one of the most polluting in the world. It requires huge quantities of raw materials and generates distressing levels of waste. There are many ethical fashion brands that provide fair wages, use quality materials and natural fibers such as silks, cottons, linen and wool. Eileen Fisher, CP Shades, and many other sustainable fashion, or slow fashion brands come to mind.
How can we shop more sustainably? We can do our best by shopping brands that are working to reduce their carbon footprint. Shop resale outlets, thrift stores, and places like Etsy that offer some sustainable clothing options (not all are however).
HOW DOES BANANA REPUBLIC STACK UP ON SUSTAINABILITY
So how does a huge global mass production brand like Banana Republic stack up? Well let’s say they are working on it. Banana Republic’s environment rating is “It’s A Start” .”The brand does use some eco-friendly materials, including recycled materials, like recycled cotton and nylon. Banana Republic has set a goal to use more sustainable fabrics: for example, it claims that “achieving 100% sustainable cotton by 2023” is 87% completed”. “The brand has also set a science-based target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions generated from its operations and supply chain.”
“Banana Republic received an “A” in the CDP water security questionnaire, and the brand demonstrates leadership in using less water in its supply chain.”
CLASSIC SEPARATES FROM BANANA REPUBLIC
These are selling out fast and I can see why. A couple of things I put in my cart are already gone. If you are interested don’t wait. The pieces I chose can be mixed and matched and create a base for a good capsule wardrobe. Most pieces are made of natural materials (which I tend to favor). I find that I turn to pieces that I can incorporate into multiple outfits.
Banana is really returning to it’s roots and offering more classic lasting pieces. Here are some beautiful options you can buy for yourself now and wear for years. Or you can buy that special Christmas gift now during the friends and family sale (at 40% off).
SHOP THE BR SALE
I believe the items I have featured will be wearable for many seasons to come. If you are interested in shopping better and smarter, you don’t have to throw the baby out with the bathwater. Avoid impulse purchases, but don’t feel bad about the fast fashion items you already own. If they last and you are wearing them regularly that’s great. Think about extending the life cycle of the items you already own and how to properly care for them. I love the sweater skirt and polo. They can be worn together like a dress, or separately with other pieces in this group. The utility pants are to die for. I don’t normally care for fabrics that aren’t natural, but these would be amazing for travel.
Banana has some really beautiful scarves here. Steve honed in on this fabulous leather jacket which of course is not included in the sale. He did actually find this shirt and we purchased it, and I just ordered another color because he thought it was “”soft and comfy”-(translation he won’t wear it if it isn’t). They now have lovely timeless jewelry pieces that could easily be incorporated into the capsule above as well. I can’t wear most of their shoes, but if I could these boots would be in my basket at 40% off. They have some fabulous belts that are 40% off here. I will be sharing the pieces that I purchased in an upcoming post, but I wanted to share them while they are on sale.
To be honest, I started shopping ebay, etsy, poshmark, thred-up and other outlets for financial reasons. We were raising our kids and I didn’t have the disposable income to purchase items from the brands that I coveted. I turned to resale outlets out of necessity. Back then I wasn’t concerned with consumption, consumerism, carbon emissions, resources, climate change or the environmental impact. Over time, I became good at “bargain shopping”. I still enjoy the challenge and appreciate that I am acquiring a more sustainable wardrobe. If I spot an item that I feel is over-priced or out of my reach; I try to resist the urge to spend the necessary dollars and search all of the resale outlets first. It does require patience. In the end my closet will not be such a mess (help Kelsey!)
If you are thinking about shopping more mindfully, you might enjoy the articles below:
Good on You-How Ethical is Banana Republic
Vogue-Sustainability Tips-How to be a Better Shopper
Sustainable Review-Eileen Fisher
I am curious. Are you trying to change your shopping habits? As you age are you thinking more about Slow Fashion-How to Buy Better and Smarter? I am working on it. This blog has been fashion heavy the last couple of weeks. We will be talking decor on Thursday!
Hi Cindy,
I’m a fan of shopping eBay for high end clothing that is new with tags (NWT) and gently worn items due in part to the savings. I also discovered that Patagonia sells used clothing with their label that is returned from customers that get a small amount of money for the exchange. I was able to get a great vest for half of what I would have spent if it had been new. Retired, I have discovered that I don’t need as many clothes as I did when I worked. I stick to things I love and that can be worn with more items in my closet. I appreciate your sharing on where to find good, sustainable clothes.
Karen B.
Hi Karen
I love that many retailers are selling used items. I am a big fan of anything recycled!
Of my travel group of 14, I get many compliments on how I dress. I’m not saying that to brag but because my pieces play well with others. Almost everything I have for a month away, with all kinds of weather, are from the BR family. Either that line, Gap, Athleta., even a couple of Ild Navy. Mix high with low and accessorize. I’m sorry to be away during the sale but it’s actually a good thing so I’m not tempted! I’m with you Cindy, on your philosophy. Thanks for spreading the word.
Hi Cindy! Great post! I love BR because it carries petites. I have been very happy with my purchases. I buy everything on sale. Have a great week!
I just received the skirt and turtleneck in malbec…wonderful quality and great color. I know I will enjoy wearing it for many seasons.
Hi Cindy, I’ve been an eBay seller for 14 years specializing in new excellent condition Eileen Fisher clothing and scarves in natural fabrics and mostly Petite sizes. Her items would sell within 15 minutes of listing, garnering a modest profit and giving my buyers 60% discount off original price. I enjoyed shopping for and interacting with my loyal repeat customers and they trusted my knowledge of the brand, quality, and fit.
Since 2020, sales plummeted and I get 10 or more watchers on every Eileen Fisher listing and buyers expect me to give them 95% or MORE off original price. They send me a snarky message they want that $125-$695 EF item for $10. When (if) my current listings sell, I’m done with eBay. It’s so dismaying women curse me in their messages when I politely decline those offers and do not care about my cost for the inventory. I wear EF because of her commitment to sustainability and natural fabrics. Even EF has drastically cut back on inventory in Petite sizes, so I am buying far less for myself and no longer for resale.
So, I just wanted to remind everyone buying from resale venues: likely this retired senior citizen trying to supplement her fixed retirement income and upcycle sustainable fashion would appreciate consideration and a very modest profit while maintaining a 100% positive feedback score. 🙂 Thank you, Cindy!
Such a good post, Cindy. Buy less, buy ethically, buy well. It’s a mantra I’m happy to chant every day.
During Covid and because we were in Lockdown in our tiny beach house, I learned I needed very little and it was a salient lesson. It’s why I’m now super-strict with my wardrobe, with any purchases and with regular clean-outs.
If I need anything, I always check e-bay first and in fact, if I go through my wardrobe, I can pretty well say that 3/4’s is pre-owned ebay and 1/4 forced new purchases.
I’m 72, I no longer lead a social life as such, am happiest walking the dog on bush and beach, gardening and writing. None of those things require me to spend up, so I dress from my wardrobe, take pics of what works and file. That was another product of Lockdown – I lost confidence in my ability to be elegant. So the wardrobe pics help when I don’t want to think about what to put on.
I do attend classical ballet class for a whole morning, one day a week, and always make sure i have good ballet shoes (ie always purchased new) leotard and skirt (ditto).
And that’s the sum total of a very small, functional wardrobe.
But I LOVE the way you dress and you are such a huge inspiration.
PS: We don’t have a lot of your brands in Australia and once one does the currency conversion PLUS add the postage, it makes a retiree have palpitations!!! Hence secondhand is a super option.
My 90+ year old house has tiny closets as old houses do. They didn’t have so many clothes back then. I was forced to rethink my wardrobe three years ago when my former house burned down in one of our California wildfires. I have been buying better quality (lots of EF) and making “capsules” with colors. I recommend the consignment stores and eBay for less expensive yet quality garments. I have also cut back drastically on shoes. I don’t have room anymore for one-time wear fast fashion footwear.
Happy to see that BR is going back to the type of merchandise that made them great in the first place: classic styles with a bit of fresh detail, made in quality, natural fibers. I wear Petite sizes and it’s rare to find really nice clothing in Petites nowadays since Talbots, Ann Taylor, and Loft have lowered their fabric quality. . When I saw the ribbed merino polo sweater and merino knit skirt in Malbec red in Petites, I bought it on the spot at regular price. A few days later, it went 40% off. The sale notice said no adjustments would be given for prior purchases, so I rebought the sweaters at the sale price and will return the ones I purchased at full price. The skirt fits perfectly and is sold out in Petites, so I am glad I bought it when I first saw it and will keep it. BR went off my radar when they stopped carrying Petite sizes in my local store. If BR keeps offering this improved level of quality in Petite sizes, my purchases will increase exponentially with them!
As the daughter of a mom who grew up during the Depression, the concept of buying quality that holds up and getting use from what we already have was drilled into my brain at an early age. Her generation was reducing, reusing and recycling out of necessity long before it became popular. Therefore, I have some beautiful items I have worn and loved for 20 years. It is increasingly hard to find quality clothing. I like both the styles and the quality I am seeing at Banana Republic currently (although I wish they would get away from so many shiny materials). Another company that seems to be upping its game (and reverting to its roots) is J Crew. Hopefully, the younger generations will learn to appreciate quality and there will be more demand for it moving forward.
Such a great article: honest, thought-provoking, well-researched. I find that I’m custom sewing a lot more of my wardrobe these days, which, if done thoughtfully, can be sustainable. Independent fabric stores like Blackbird, Core Fabrics, and Stone Mountain have been intentional and consistent in carrying beautiful fabric that is ethically sourced, recycled, deadstock, etc. Custom clothes often fit better and can be worn longer–and take longer to create, so the wardrobe grows more slowly. For pattern companies, creating patterns takes longer, so sewing is a bit less susceptible to temporary trends. Learning how to sew wearable garments took some time, but it has paid off.
Excellent post. As 80+ I’ve recycled up cycled for the same reasons others have mentioned for MANY years
Recently I chose closet ckeaneout, placed items in a basket for The Mission. Didn’t get around to it and thought why not see what I can do with a few of those items. I’m thrilled at the creative process and the pure joy I get from this recycling endeavor’. Thanks for sharing
I’ve changed my shopping habits. In the past, I never would have bought second hand but now I buy most of my tops and jackets from consignment or thrift. I look for cashmere or cotton in tops and have had great success in finding quality pieces for less. How they were produced…I have no idea but they are being recycled, not in a landfill, so that is good for the environment.
Cindy,
I have noticed a change in BR for the better over the past 3 years. It is nice to see, with that said their prices have gone up and I think unless you get the pieces on sale are not attainable for many.
I find as I age I wear less and less and less. I have always loved the classics, cashmere sweaters, white shirts, plaid, leather, etc. And that is what I gravitate too.
That said, I like to look to see what the newest “trend is.” More often than not it isn’t for me but it is fun to look. I think people old, young, and all those in between should wear what they like. As for sustainability have you noticed that many stores now have their own “resale” shop, where pre-loved items are sold.
This many not be a popular opinion but if the stores/companies were really interested in sustainability and saving the planet why continue to pump out clothing all year long? Most shops have pre-spring, pre-fall, pre-holiday, pre-summer. What happened to 4 seasons of clothing? Literally every week you can go onto a website and see new just released items. Not to mention that many of these pieces are made in countries were the wages and conditions are not the best.
Thanks for sharing!
Many of us married young out of high school, college or university during the days of frugal living, and times when we were also leaning towards an awareness of Save the Planet, Earth Day, Rachel Carson. My kids who are almost sixty still up cycle gift bags and boxes. They each are in the six figure category of wage. One has saved bridesmaids clothing for her adult daughter to recycle for theater performances.
I’m thrilled they are following my lead.
One of my favorite reads is …oops forgot the title, is about how many cycles it takes from the ground up to process cotton into blue jeans, including human toil.
Thanks for being hunan.
I remember probably 35 years ago, my husband returning from a Seattle clothing mall with a very cool pair of cargo pants. I said wow, I love those pants, where did you get them, and he said Banana Republic. I thought he was joking with the name, which is a disparaging phrase used to describe a small nation with a corrupt government. Nope , he was serious. And he still shops there today, albeit less often. I cannot believe that name still stands, though.
I love this post so much. All items that you featured are absolutely beautiful. The older I get the more I am interested in timeless pieces. I am more comfortable with not following the trend but appreciating my own style. There is freedom in it. As far as quality goes I grew up in Europe and my love for wool, cotton and silk never stopped. These are my go to fabrics. They last forever.
Hi Ilona
I couldn’t agree more.
Thank you Cindy,
I agree with your comments and I think there are many more options available to us now to buy second-hand clothing that is made well. I enjoy shopping my local thrift stores first to see what I can find before buying new. I also find that I don’t require as many outfits as I age, more of a capsule wardrobe works just fine for most days. I do enjoy finding quality dresses for special occasions, but I’ll wear them more often to different events. My kids enjoy buying and selling on eBay and Poshmark too.
Hi Donna
I think you are right that we don’t require as many outfits as we age. Most of my time is spent in workout wear!!
For a long time now I have been an advocate for “buying less and buying better.” Lately I have begun to focus more on a capsule wardrobe. As a retiree I kind of miss dressing for work every day, but I do like focusing on what works for the way we live now — making jeans look chic but not trendy, new ways to wear a basic black dress or slacks, etc. Yo know the drill. Right now I’m looking for a really classic black or navy blazer. And maybe one more white shirt! Thanks for always offering such great style.
Hi Janet
I completely agree with “focusing on what works for me the way we live now”. You couldn’t have stated it better. Good Luck finding that blazer! BR has some good ones!
The link to the 40% off boots goes to jewelry. I did order the utility pants yesterday and they are already on their way! Thanks😉
Hi Wendy
You are going to love those pants! I will fix the boot link thank you!!
Hi Wendy
I fixed the link. Here is the correct one. Thank you!
https://rstyle.me/+F7xvDTtRY73XP5QcT80zxA
I just bought two of those shirts for my husband–thank you, Cindy! I’m not seeing a link to those cute pants, and can’t find them on the BR site. Help! 🙂
Hi Kate
Steve loves his shirt! Here is the link to the pants. I fixed the widget
https://rstyle.me/+C_ar8p9Whwb30zl2xiTk_g
Refined Utility Pants #754552
Totally agree with all of this! Buy less but better. (Same applies to household goods.) Coincidentally just ordered 3 BR dresses on sale to try for a fall wedding, and will be keeping all 3! Pleasantly surprised by the fit and quality.
Hi Sue
Yes they have really upped their game! So glad they worked out for you!
Love this reminder of an old classic! I just purchased 2 shirtdresses for Fall as transition pieces from BR and was impressed, I found mine online at the BR outlet and they are stunning and so versatile in person.
Took the words out of my mouth.
Thanks for the reminder of the sale. I noticed it the other day and LOVE those utility pants, but already have some similar, so no. But I forgot I’ve been waiting for a pair of suede booties to go on sale for over a year! Thanks Pal!!
Hop over and get those boots! Those pants are amazing. I have a similar pair as well but they wrinkle!
Thank you for this important message. We are all responsible for the state of our planet. I am trying to purchase items that are more sustainable, but feel frustrated when they are wrapped in plastic and then mailed in a plastic bag!