Debate: What Is A Banana Republic?

Today James tweeted, "In almost 2 years of reading these blogs, [I] don't think I have seen anyone hype Banana Republic once. That cant be good..."  He makes a great point and while I have mentioned BR every now and then through a highlighted product or two they really fail to get any blog love whatsoever - I would even surmise that I have seen more press for Old Navy.  Many times I have checked out their website looking for cool stuff to share with you guys and have come away completely empty handed, even when BR debuted their own "heritage collection".  You could make the argument that their suiting options are decent, but is it just the lesser of evils?  I am in no means trying to be a hater (hell, I'm all about Gap), I'm just trying to get a handle on this whole thing.  

Anyhow, I've obviously been thinking a lot about this today and this is what I have come up with: Banana Republic exists in a pseudo universe where all men are dressed by women.  Seriously, browse the website and see if you disagree.  I'd love to hear your thoughts.

-L.A.S 


[Editor's Note: Yes, I realize that Gap owns Banana Republic and Old Navy.]

Fall Looks: Bundled Up (Part 1 of 2) - Scarves

[Pictured: Sartorially Inclined's scarves.  100% cashmere grey plaid scarf for keeping it real-real and Manchester United F.C. team scarf for play-play.]

As the leaves around us turn crispier by the minute our minds (and wallets) start to wander towards outerwear.  Instead of talking about the obvious (i.e. jackets, jackets, jackets), I'd like to take some time here at Sartorially Inclined to talk about the other wonderful folks involved in the business of keeping us warm.

There are many men out there who have yet to come to grips with the idea of wearing a scarf.  This is a crying shame and another symptom of an unnecessarily, over the top masculine culture...but since this isn't sociology class, I'll leave that thought for another day.  Not only does the scarf provide a ridiculously simple and worthwhile function, but it looks damn good in the process.  When it comes down to it, the scarf is merely cold weather neckwear, so if you have no problem knotting that tie up in the morning, you should have no qualms about purchasing a new scarf.  An essential for F/W, the scarf can bring even your most monochromatic outfit alive with a shot of color and life.  An essential accessory, that doesn't cost an arm and a leg...count me in.  Here are some options to keep that neck of yours toasty...


Dunderdon Harry Scarf Dot...$40.00

Sartorially Inclined's favorite scarf happens to be this lovely scarf from Dunderdon.  Not only is it uniquely patterned, but two sides for the price of one!  For 40 bucks you can't go wrong.  If you need more proof on how awesome this is check out Conor's take.

L.L. Bean Lambswool Scarf...$39.00

If you read this blog you already know how I feel about black watch plaid.  I just had to include this scarf from L.L Bean, natch.


Banana Republic Wool Plaid Fringe Scarf...$49.50

If you love details as much as I do, you may want to check out Banana Republic's current offerings of scarlves.  I'm really digging the red lining and subtle accents in the pattern. 


Brooks Brothers Country Club Camel Hair Stripe Scarf...$198

For the cost of a new coat you can grab this great ribbed offering from Brooks Brothers.  With a cameo in this month's GQ and more than likely made of better fabric than your overcoat, this may very well be the Cadillac of scarfs.

Martin + Osa University Scarf...$44.50

For a decidedly collegiate feel that is less stuffy and a tad "younger" try something like this Martin + Osa scarf which adds a burst of yellow to your potential doom and gloom F/W color-ways.   

[Bonus]
The Hill-Side Chambray Scarf...Not Yet Available

Thank Ryan for killing it as usual with this exclusive.  If you can't shake that workwear kick, this is your scarf, no question.  Once these hit stores it'll be a feeding frenzy fo' sho'.

p.s. For the GQ treatment on scarves and how to tie check this out.

-L.A.S

The Khaki Shirt

Flannel, chambray and denim workshirts are everywhere this fall and that's not such a bad thing.  Most stylish guys are going to have these shirts/fabrics in heavy rotaion, but there are other options out there.  Recently I've been seeing the khaki, or chino, shirt featured as a cool alternative to the previously mentioned, slightly over-exposed get-ups.  Taking its que more so from militray references, than classic workwear, the khaki shirt is a super clean option as far as fall shirts are concerned.  Lots of brands are ditching epaulets (those often non-functional, button-down shoulder straps) to create a simpler, stream-lined shirt that doesn't overtly announce its history, yet retains it's heritage.  I've compiled options from all the mainstream players so that the price points stay on the low side, but keep in mind that this could mean we have a trend on our hands...

I present to you Sartorially Inclined's Khaki Shirt Primer:

The Gap...$44.50

Head designer Patrick Robinson keeps things casual, classic and most of all, wonderful yet again.  This guy really knows what he is doing and this khaki shirt from the American institution known as The Gap is another affordable classic piece (they keep churning 'em out these days).  Definitely the most casual of the bunch, this shirt would look great thrown on wrinkled, much like your pinpoint oxford.  Leave the tie at home, untuck and maybe even unbutton (undershirts required).

Banana Republic...$79.50

The more expensive older brother of The Gap is getting in on the action as well with a crisper, more dressy option.  The shirt appears to have a higher level of detailing (red thread on the top button), as well, which is always nice when attempting to justify price.  I like this shirt as a dressier option, i.e. tucked in with a rep or knit tie.  I can see this shirt being much more of an iron before you go out as oppose to a tumble dry.  Just keep in mind that when it comes to Banana, price doesn't really reflect quality...

J. Crew...$69.50

The champions of mainstream heritage return with their take on the classic.  Seemingly bucking the khaki color, they instead offer their chino shirt in both a fall friendly gray and bisque (their fancy way of saying "whtie").  If you already own a grey chambray or denim shirt, I would skip this option since unless you plan on being fondled (and you just may) not many people will be able to tell the difference.  On the other hand, if the khaki color is not your speed, this might serve as a great compromise.

There are lots of great options out there so don't feel like you need to wear flannel, chambray or otherwise.  As long as you stay informed there is never a need or reason to be trendy or fashionable...find a shirt that looks great, fits great and, most of all, feels great...I imagine you're likely to find a khaki shirt that is all three...

-L.A.S