The Republic: Banana Republic from the Inside Out

Earlier this week we posted about some of our favorite accessories for the season. While we’re on the subject, we thought it was a good time to catch up with stylist Nissa Quanstrom who helped make our April pieces pop. Check out the Q&A below (along with some behind-the-scenes photos) and get Nissa’s take on styling, inspiration, and this summer’s must haves!

Banana Republic: What inspires your styling?
Nissa: I have a love for the natural world and a passion for the created one. I often seek out art, film, architecture, and photography to help inform my current taste. Color palette combos can be found hiking or on urban treks. I try to keep my eyes open and my camera close.

BR: Three must have accessories for women? For men?
Nissa: For women: chunky necklace, low boots, and a slim clutch. For men: a leather messenger, acetate frames and a statement wallet.

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Mix, match and smile — we’ve redefined the three-piece suit, in our favorite stretch sateen. Mix and match the blazer, pant, pencil skirt and shorts for endless outfits. Perfection on the clock — and off.

The Sateen Jacket is versatile with a capital V. Polished perfection paired with any  matching bottom—and utterly modern as a cover to your favorite tees and denim. Super fresh for the season, The Sateen Crop is made for flaunting your favorite summer sandals and flats. Ready, set , shine!

The New Sateen Suit — now available.

On trend for spring — lemon. Lime. A burst of orange. Citrus is always refreshing. We like ours with a twist of khaki. The result? A sophisticated pallette that’s 100 percent fresh.

1. Adding a pop of citrus is a cinch — just buckle into the bright Lizard Skinny Belt. 2. The Sleeveless Safari Blouse in chartreuse is a super cool hue and pairs to perfection with the floral Mirabelle Blooms Pencil Skirt. 3. A fresh squeeze of color on your feet with the Stacey T-Strap Sandal will take you everywhere. 4. The Sunny Days Full Skirt in citron is both flirty and versatile.

Colors us ready for spring.

Spring and summer are on the horizon and bringing with them fresh new trends for one of our favorite accessories — jewelry. We caught up with our senior merchandise manager Robin S. to get her philosophy on accessories, favorite picks from the new collection and a sneak peek at what’s in store for fall.

Banana Republic: What are the top jewelry trends for spring and summer?
Robin S.: We love bright, saturated colors like coral, turquoise, green and yellow to really signal the spring and summer seasons. Mix colors or wear a range of the same color tones together. Another trend is stacking bracelets. Combining bracelets with bright color, leather and pattern creates a custom look that pairs back to a range of outfits. We also continue to love the cleaned up safari look. Tortoise and gold together really compliment khaki apparel and can be worn dressed up for work or casually on the weekend.

BR: What are some of your favorite pieces from the spring and summer BR collection?
RS: I love mixing the Skinny Resin Bangle, Cab Stretch Bracelet, and Resin Stretch Bracelet together — especially the bright pink and turquoise colors. The Tropical Sunset Necklace looks great under a woven for work but also is perfect for a dressy occasion like a wedding or graduation during summer. I love the simplicity of a great link necklace — the Interlock Link Necklace can really be worn with anything. Every woman should own at least one of these!
BR: What is your personal accessories philosophy (pile it on or simple is best)?
RS: During the week I normally wear simple jewelry — stud earrings, a simple necklace, and a few bracelets worn with my watch (as I take jewelry on and off all day trying on new samples.) There are other days, however, that I love to wear a simple white t-shirt with a bold statement necklace or a few pieces layered together (depending on my mood.) I almost always wear something large or colorful when I go out with friends for drinks or dinner. I love using jewelry to make my outfit!

BR: Can you give us a teaser about what jewelry trends we’ll be seeing for fall?
RS: For fall, the trends we love are: pearl, rich fall-appropriate colors like purple and amber tones and tortoise (which carries over from spring and summer.) You will see jewelry get a bit more dressed up as we move into the fall season.

Introducing our mad new collection. Designed exclusively by Banana Republic in collaboration with Mad Men® costume designer Janie Bryant. Inspired by the feminine silhouettes of 1960s style, reinterpreted for today — and refreshed for the season.

Click read more below to see photos from the entire campaign with models David Gandy and Shalom Harlow. Photographed by Tom Munro. The 40-piece country club-inspired collection launches March 1.

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