As much as I love the convenience of online shopping, there’s nothing like walking into a beautifully designed store. Time and again, we see how fashion and interiors go hand in hand, and there’s no better example of that than Banana Republic’s latest pop-up store in NYC’s SoHo (515 Broadway, to be exact). After hearing the hype, Who What Wear Associate Director of Special Projects Kristen Nichols and I stopped by to see this gorgeously designed space and test out the latest fall arrivals. Our verdict: We’d like to move in. To live among the store’s home collection and have access to an endless supply of sophisticated and stylish clothing is all a girl could ask for. Alas, we had to leave when the store closed, but we took home some chic fashion items—a consolation prize we happily accepted. Banana Republic’s fall collection has everything for the new season, cashmere and matching suit sets included. Keep scrolling to shop Kristen’s favorite looks and get a peek at the space.
“I’ve always headed to Banana Republic for great fashion pieces, but the brand just launched a home collection, and all evidence of that is apparent at its SoHo pop-up. In the loft space, tall columns adorn the room alongside travertine coffee tables, bouclé chairs, brass lighting, and plush cream couches—plus a fully stocked bar serving up everything from sparkling water to champagne. The new fall drops just arrived in stores with standout pieces including this camel coat, incredible denim, and the softest cashmere knits. For fall, my wardrobe strategy is to focus on a great base layer and add on from there. A T-shirt and jeans are a great starting point to style with a luxe cashmere coat and boots.” — Kristen Nichols, associate director of special projects
“Heading into fall, I’ve been on the hunt for layering pieces, namely versatile outerwear, suiting that can transition from the office to appointments throughout the city, and dressier pieces for upcoming events on my calendar. I just moved from L.A. to NYC, and Banana Republic has all the luxe pieces my closet is missing that I already know will be go-to items in the coming months—like this perfectly cut top and tailored trousers. The trousers work with a matching blazer, but I also love the idea of taking it a step further by tying a knit sweater around my shoulders.” — Nichols
“It’s one thing to view Banana Republic’s pieces online, but seeing the luxe items up close is another experience entirely. (The fabrics! The silhouettes! The construction!) The clothing and accessories are just as timeless and high-quality as similar items from pricier brands, lending them an investment-worthy quality. In other words, I know they’ll be in my closet for many seasons and many years ahead. This leather maxi dress is a cool, unexpected piece to wear to the ballet on a fall evening, or I could style it with floor-sweeping outerwear and heels for a holiday party.” — Nichols
