By Jennifer Bakken
Banana's latest Edition
Thursday, June 18, 2009
My husband and I had been wondering for month's what was in development behind the "Edition" façade in the San Francisco Centre, and about a month ago we were more than pleasantly surprised by its unveiling. I have not so secretly always been a fan of Banana's jewelry and have been scouring the sale bins/jars/bowls at the stores for about 10 years now. With this, I will tell you that to date much of the jewelry I get the most compliments on are amazing finds that I was able to procure from Banana on its 3rd, 4th or 5th markdown!
Now with the addition of Edition, you don't have to wait for the numerous markdowns to purchase high fashion and seemingly high quality, (for the price – most of the jewelry is under $50), costume jewelry and accessories. The only very unfortunate thing is that most of you will have to wait to see a store go up in your city as according to the manager I spoke with at Edition, the store is very officially a "test" so if it doesn't perform as hoped; the concept goes by-by.
Jack Calhoun, the president of Banana has been quoted as describing the relevancy of the Edition concept as this:
"For our customers today, affordability is paramount and being fashionable is always in style… Edition is the perfect place for women to update their wardrobe with exquisite, limited edition and affordable accessories, especially in today's economy." I couldn't agree with him more and as a wardrobe stylist I am extremely excited to offer to my clients this classy and current alternative to some of the stale comparable pieces that are currently out there. The other cool thing about this store's assortment? It's said that each one will feature limited edition women's handbags and jewelry produced in runs of only 50 to 100 (and no option to buy the pieces online); which is very cool as none of us want to see our bags and jewels on every other woman we run into around town.
The experience within the store is also a distinctive feature worth mentioning. The store itself feels much more like a boutique than any of the other retailers in the centre. The pieces are displayed not in bulk, but tastefully and sparingly within small vignettes that help you pull together a complete look if you'd like. The store also features areas where there's a focus more solely on shoes, handbags, and sunglasses; again all of this tastefully displayed and not a piece out of place. I was there on a busy Saturday and I was there most recently on a not-so-busy Monday afternoon and at both times I felt like the store was abundantly staffed with smart and helpful employees that actually seemed to care about what they do, (helping you find something cute to wear), as well as the tidiness of the store itself.
For an additional sneak peek beyond these images of some of the merch that they have to offer, check out this link on the BR website: bananarepublic.com
And, if you just can't wait until Edition arrives in your city – don't hesitate to call your favorite San Francisco wardrobe stylist as I'd be happy to shopping trip in your honor!
Jennifer Bakken is a San Francisco based wardrobe consultant.
For more information: cabinetdenvie.com.
Now with the addition of Edition, you don't have to wait for the numerous markdowns to purchase high fashion and seemingly high quality, (for the price – most of the jewelry is under $50), costume jewelry and accessories. The only very unfortunate thing is that most of you will have to wait to see a store go up in your city as according to the manager I spoke with at Edition, the store is very officially a "test" so if it doesn't perform as hoped; the concept goes by-by.
Jack Calhoun, the president of Banana has been quoted as describing the relevancy of the Edition concept as this:
"For our customers today, affordability is paramount and being fashionable is always in style… Edition is the perfect place for women to update their wardrobe with exquisite, limited edition and affordable accessories, especially in today's economy." I couldn't agree with him more and as a wardrobe stylist I am extremely excited to offer to my clients this classy and current alternative to some of the stale comparable pieces that are currently out there. The other cool thing about this store's assortment? It's said that each one will feature limited edition women's handbags and jewelry produced in runs of only 50 to 100 (and no option to buy the pieces online); which is very cool as none of us want to see our bags and jewels on every other woman we run into around town.
The experience within the store is also a distinctive feature worth mentioning. The store itself feels much more like a boutique than any of the other retailers in the centre. The pieces are displayed not in bulk, but tastefully and sparingly within small vignettes that help you pull together a complete look if you'd like. The store also features areas where there's a focus more solely on shoes, handbags, and sunglasses; again all of this tastefully displayed and not a piece out of place. I was there on a busy Saturday and I was there most recently on a not-so-busy Monday afternoon and at both times I felt like the store was abundantly staffed with smart and helpful employees that actually seemed to care about what they do, (helping you find something cute to wear), as well as the tidiness of the store itself.
For an additional sneak peek beyond these images of some of the merch that they have to offer, check out this link on the BR website: bananarepublic.com
And, if you just can't wait until Edition arrives in your city – don't hesitate to call your favorite San Francisco wardrobe stylist as I'd be happy to shopping trip in your honor!
Jennifer Bakken is a San Francisco based wardrobe consultant.
For more information: cabinetdenvie.com.
